Furnace
A Review by Pam Crompton
In the introductory scene of Furnace, we learn of research being conducted into the
mysteries of human spontaneous combustion (HSC.) Through Rieser's careful study of mythologies, ancient scrolls and documents, including the bible, we are brought to the realization that such deaths can be attributed to an insidious evil that has plagued humankind throughout the ages. Continuing, we learn that malevolence and its minions are alive and well, still stalking us in the present while inspiring disbelief.
When the fiends murder a millionaire's daughter, Larry Croft forms a task force, Probe, to investigate HSC. Although he assembles a team of specialists, they make little progress until they engage a tactile psychic. Shelby, by touching some of the artifacts collected by Probe, discovers startling evidence on an ancient evil. With Marla, a Probe researcher, Shelby leads the task force, together with other law-enforcement agencies, on a voyage of discovery that is both intriguing and terrifying as they close upon a deadly unforeseen reality, an evil with the power to destroy them all.
Rieser is a master story teller, drawing the reader into a world filled with suspense and horror. Even as he does that, he manages to drum up sympathy for a vengeful monster, not an easy thing to accomplish.
Definitely not for the nervous, this nail-biter of a yarn had me eager to turn pages and read the next paralyzing scene as I became enthralled by the twists and turns of the author's ingenious imagination.
