Five by Five—Author’s work in firefighting inspires mystery debut

Wendy Gee

By Max Bowen

As an admin volunteer at the Charleston Fire Department, Wendy Gee had a front row seat to the hustle and the intrigue common in firefighters’ line of work and has turned her stories from the station into her debut novel, the first in the Carolina Crossfire series.

In “Fleet Landing” (June 10, 2025), ATF Special Agent Cooper “Coop” Bellamy is forced to work with tenacious TV reporter Sydney Quinn as fires ravage the city. Quinn, whose pursuit of justice puts her on a collision course with a sinister figure known only as the Falcon, uncovers a decades-old conspiracy.

In this interview, Gee talks about how her work in firefighting inspired the story, and the blend of reality and fiction that comprises it. She talks about being a debut author and gives us a peek at her future books.


What inspired you to turn what you saw at your volunteer job into a book?
Simply put, the people. Professional firefighters with all of their specialties: fighting fires, driving the big rigs, investigating fires, safety and planning, educating the public, smoke alarm installation, EMTs, responding to traffic accidents, and so forth. Their job is exciting, dangerous, and an unequivocal public service. I wanted to honor them.

How much does the book reflect your work and how much is fiction?
“Fleet Landing” is largely based on several real-world events which provide a foundation for the fictionalized amalgam. Sort of a “What If” storyline that has enough realism to meet the reader’s expectations. Yet a tangle of truths to protect privacy and legal considerations.

What went into creating the mystery in this story?
I wanted to write from the heads and hearts of my three co-protagonists, and my personal/education/work background was void of any of that knowledge (firefighting, TV journalism, and police operations and investigations). I love researching and had a blast learning from many professionals who were willing to teach me in those key areas. I continue to workshop with the pros so my work remains relevant.

This is your debut novel. How does it feel to have this book out there?
Over the moon! (Yes, an exclamation point, to my editor’s chagrin). I’m bursting with gratitude and excitement.

Will there be another book?
Yes (please). The pandemic put a big hurt on my (then) publisher. They couldn’t move forward with my debut, but recommend my current publisher. In that interim, I crafted four more manuscripts which are in various stages of editing for future publication in the Carolina Crossfire mystery series. Book 2 (Side Hustle) features Sydney on a hunt for a prolific cybercriminal. Book 3 (The Pineapple) features Dino with a look back at his first felony arrest and how that influenced his law enforcement career. Books 4 and 5 (Smell Test and Yard Dog) are nearing final drafts. 

A son’s book honors his parents’ legacy

By Max Bowen

Glenn Hileman’s debut book, “A Yellow House in the Mountains,” we’re introduced to Lyle and Marylin Hileman, who were tragically killed in the East Troublesome Fire, which consumed more than 193,000 acres and over 400 homes on Oct. 21, 2020.

The novel traces Lyle and Marylin’s relationship from their high-school sweetheart days through their decades-long marriage. In this interview, Glenn talks about his parents, how he chronicled their story in this book, and some of the lessons they shared over the years.

Learn more about the book, which will be released March 1, at www.yellowhouseinthemountains.com

I’m sorry to hear about your parents. Would you mind telling us about them?
Lyle and Marylin met in high school. They had little in common but Lyle was determined to win Marylin's affection. Pregnancy led to a shotgun wedding. Eventually, they shared five children and against all odds remained together for 65 years. Lyle was a troubled teenager, however, Marylin was his motivation to improve. Providing for a family of seven would require hard work, which Lyle embraced. He dreamed of creating a setting for gathering his family and friends. Together, he and Marylin put all they had into acquiring, developing and building on a property near Rocky Mountain National Park. They retired to their mountain paradise and were pleased to see their dream realized as there was a continual revolving door of visitors.


I read that they were married for 68 years, which is amazing. What, in your opinion, helped them to stay together for so long?
Marylin was brought up in a religious home and wanted the structure of faith to be a part of her life. Lyle had little formal religious exposure but his love for Marylin drew him to appreciate the values faith would play in overcoming adversity. Together, they also shared a desire to overcome those who suggested their relationship would never work. Getting married so young cast many doubts as to the longevity of the relationship. However, it was fuel to the couple as they were determined to stay together. Their shared vision for family helped align them on key decisions.They respected one another and celebrated their accomplishments, both individual and collective.


In writing this book, did you speak with other family members for stories or insight? What did you learn?
Yes. My siblings each played a role in sharing stories. Some I'd heard before, but others, for the first time. As the book took shape, I sent my family advanced copies with encouragement to help me refine and improve the work. In addition to my siblings, my children and extended family were very involved in the process.


What were some of the life lessons your parents shared?
Lyle was the poster child for hard work! He also had a passion to do things "perfectly." He would never settle and pushed others to do their very best. Marylin taught by example how to love and show compassion. She loved to serve others and was always looking to brighten others' days. Both Lyle and Marylin understood and taught the value of family relationships. Much of their lives were spent bringing family together. They celebrated family gatherings and even after their passing, their vision for a gathering place remains a primary focus.

What do you hope readers take from this book?
I hope readers will relate to the story and find inspiration in the potential for change and refinement. Lyle and Marylin's lives are examples of doing your best, learning from mistakes and continuing on. They were humble and yet extraordinary in their desire to be of service to their family and community.

Citywide Comic Spotlight—Dark Spaces: Wildfire

Writer: Scott Snyder

Artist: Hayden Sherman

Publisher: IDW Publishing


I’m a big fan of Scott Snyder’s comics, so hearing that he was involved in this series is all I need to know.

Set during the historic Arroyo Fire, a crew of women from an inmate firefighting program are risking everything when a new recruit, a white-collar convict, discovers they’re mere miles from her crooked former boss’ mansion. She proposes they abandon their duties and hunt for riches under the cover of smoke and ash, a shot at a score that would change their lives…one way or another.

It was the cast of characters that hooked me the most. Snyder’s work has always featured a cast so real, you’d swear it’s a true story. Such is the case with “Wildfire.” The women in this firefighting unit have such reality and depth to them and it’s their struggle for a better life that really got to me. Even if they serve their sentences, what will await them afterward? But a score that could set them up for several lifetimes, who wouldn’t risk that?

The story had some great twists which I honestly didn’t see coming. I had intended to just read one issue and come back to it later, but before I knew it I had downloaded the entire series and was eagerly checking it out.

Alongside the gripping story is the artwork of Hayden Sherman. It’s downright trippy at times, and the mood of each scene really jumps off the page. Whether it’s looking back at each characters’ past, the time spent fighting the fire, or the more mellow scenes, I was really drawn in by Sherman’s art. He’s got a real gift for capturing the feelings portrayed by the story.

“Dark Spaces: Wildfire” is a real pleasure to read, and I plan to do so again. Something tells me that you will too.

Author ties in numerous genres in new book

In this episode, author Nancy Burke and I talk about her new book, “Only the Women are Burning” (Apprentice House Press, Oct. 1). One of the unique aspects of this book is how it blends elements of mystery, science-fiction, domestic fiction, fabulism, and feminist literature and we look at how it all came together. 

Nancy talks about her friend and why the book was dedicated to her and the cause she's supporting with a portion of the proceeds.