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. 

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.