Why a Booktrail?
2000s: There seems to be an arsonist on a small Greek island.
Fire on the Island
What you need to know before your trail
Nick Damigos, a gay FBI agent, arrives on the island just in time to witness the latest fire – there seems to be an arsonist in their midst – and save a beloved truffle-sniffing dog. Hailed as a hero and embraced by the community, Nick finds himself drawn to Takis, a young bartender who becomes his primary suspect, which is a problem because they’re having an affair. Theirs is not the only complicated romance in the community and Takis isn’t the only suspicious character on the island. The priest is an art forger, a young Albanian waiter harbors a secret, the captain of the coast guard station seems to have his own agenda, and the village itself hides a violent history. Nick has to unravel the truth in time to prevent catastrophe, as he comes to terms with his own past trauma. In saving the village, he will go a long way toward saving himself.
Locations
Reset- Greece - Santorini
- A: Vourvoulou harbour
- B: Vourvoulos beach
- C: Limaki Greek restaurant
Travel Guide
Travel to Greece BookTrail style
A long time devotee of the Greek islands, Smith paints the setting with gorgeous color and empathy, ushering in a new romantic thriller with the charm of Zorba the Greek while shedding bright light on the very real challenges of life in contemporary Greece.
Much of the novel is set against the backdrop of the refugee crisis in Greece that has been going on for some time and which still continues today. The island of Santorini is seem as one of Greece’s entry points to Europe and a better life. The novel looks at the reasons they come and the problems they face when on the island. How do those who already live in the harbour, the small town of Vourvoulos cope with so many new inhabitants? The village and island are already struggling given the financial problems of the time. Now, there even seems to be an arsonist setting fire to buildings around town.
Another theme running through the novel is the relationship, political and otherwise, between Turkey and Greece dating back to 1923. Something of huge significance took place at this time and so this has repercussions for the novel’s plot as a whole.
Another theme is the fact that the undercover office in the story is gay. What it means to be gay or anything other than straight is examined here. Sadly, so too is the homophobia and the result of what it means to be an outsider.
BookTrail Boarding Pass: Fire on the Island
Destination/location: Greece, Santorini, Vourvoulos Author/guide: Timothy J Smith Departure Time: 2000s
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