INTO THE INFERNO

New York: Ballantine Books, 2003. First Edition. . Hardcover. Fine/Very Good. Emerson, the award-winning author of two mystery series (Thomas Black, private detective, and Mac Fontana, fire fighter sleuth), has produced a stand-alone mystery that makes use of his knowledge and experience as a Seattle firefighter with current concerns about biological and chemical contaminants at scenes of emergencies. Six months after a deadly highway crash involving two tractor trailers, one carrying in its cargo a small, innocuous package, firefighters who responded to the emergency scene begin falling victim to a disease that drives them crazy, then leaves them brain dead. Jim Swopes, one of the firefighters, learns he has only a week to live to find answers and perhaps an antidote before he becomes a victim. First Edition, First Printing (with complete numberline). About 6 1/2 x 9 1/2 inches, 342 pages quarter-bound in black cloth over red paper-covered boards with black lettering on spine. The dustjacket's front panel shows a red, orange and black fire-scene background with firefighter and author/title lettering silhouetted against flames. Back panel show photo of Emerson and five blurbs for his prize-winning "Vertical Burn." Top edge of text shows a half-dozen pen-point sized stains (not foxing), o/w text and boards are clean, unmarked and complete, no tears, creases or bumped corners. Not remaindered. DJ shows only very minor edgewear, no tearing, chipping or creasing. Not price-clipped. A collectable copy.