A haunting psychological thriller about sibling rivalry, suspicion, and guilt after a house fire nearly kills a young woman’s brother—and leaves everyone questioning what really happened that night.
After storming out during a fight with her younger brother, twenty-seven-year-old climate journalist Ellie Stone returns later to a nightmare: the house in flames and Josh burned beyond recognition. Social media quickly turns the tragedy into a local cause célèbre, blaming Ellie because years earlier she was involved in a blaze that scarred a classmate. Is history repeating itself?
In shock, Ellie can’t recall whether she left a lit cigarette in the house. The police say it’s arson—and at first they suspect her. But then another question emerges: What about the unknown vehicle seen in the driveway as the flames erupted?
The only people sympathetic to Ellie are her brother’s best friend—who soon becomes her romantic partner—and Josh’s girlfriend, who reveals their relationship may not have been what it seemed. As Ellie searches for answers, she uncovers secrets that make her question whom to trust, how to stay safe, and how to reclaim her future.
With razor-sharp precision, Nicole Bokat weaves psychological tension and twisty storytelling into a haunting tale of suspicion, family rivalry, and the thin line between accident and blame.
“A tumultuous narrative that will confound readers’ expectations and keep them guessing.”—Kirkus Reviews
“Bokat reveals the solution to the mystery bit by bit, like a jigsaw puzzle, leaving the full picture obscured until the final piece is finally in place. . . . A tumultuous narrative that will confound readers’ expectations and keep them guessing.”—Kirkus Reviews
“Hang on to your breath because you’ll be holding it the whole time you read Nicole Bokat’s fascinating thriller about love, loyalty, family, and the secrets that could save—or even kill us. Set against a backdrop of a mysterious fire, Bokat introduces characters so real and vivid, you’ll swear they’re beside you. Just extraordinary.”—Caroline Leavitt, New York Times best-selling author of Pictures of You and With or Without You
“Nicole Bokat has once again weaved together scintillating storytelling with gorgeous prose. Will End in Fire is a haunting poetic thriller.”—Judy Batalion, New York Times best-selling author of The Light of Days
“I blazed through Bokat’s fiery, fast-paced new thriller in a single sitting. Navigating the perilous terrain of sibling rivalry, arson, addiction, rape culture, climate change, and a pandemic, the novel’s riveting twists are driven by the questions: Who can Ellie Stone trust? What will it take for her to trust herself? What is the price if she doesn’t? You’ll turn these stunning pages with your heart pounding and your hands on fire.”—Tess Callahan, author of April & Oliver and Dawnland
