Death under the Big Top
It is 1944, and WWII still rages. All the more reason for massive excitement to sweep through the area when the circus comes to town. Evelyn is a war widow, but has found a new, happy home with her brother, his wife, and two children. All of them are excited to go to the circus together. Right before they leave, Evelyn is called to come work her waitress job.
While at work, someone notices a large plume of smoke, it is coming from the direction of the massive circus tent.
Hank, a circus clown, is inside the tent when he sees the fire. He gets to work trying to help the thousands of people attempting to leave. As chaos breaks out, people are trampled by the panicking crowd. One brave man helps toss people down where Hank gets them the rest of the way out. Before they can finish, the fire takes over, and Hanks loses consciousness.
Later when Hank comes to, he catches sight of Evelyn, the waitress he made a connection with at the diner. She is desperately trying to find her family, and Hank jumps in to help her. Before the search ends, they will journey to the hospital, the school, and all the other places where both the living and the dead have been taken.
Once again, Evelyn’s world crumbles. At the same time, a mystery surrounds the location of her nephew. Additionally, who is Hank? She has only known him a couple of days, yet he has joined her search, and works like he is a family member.
The war time-period, along with the panic after the fire, is portrayed vividly. This is a tragic story, all the more so since it is based on a real incident. Both Hank and Evelyn question God about the fire.
As the story goes on, the mysteries become very exciting, and provide an uplifting, happy ending to the tale. Because of the subject matter, I would caution against this book for younger readers. This clean, five-star book will be enjoyed by those who like historical, or well-written fiction.
Thank you, Barbour Books, for providing Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, “When the Flames Ravaged,” by Rhonda Dragomir, for the purpose of review. I have not been compensated in any other manner. All opinions expressed are my own, and I was not required, or influenced, to give anything but an honest appraisal.
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