Author Talk: Gregory Renz

Gregory Renz draws on his years of experience as a firefighter to bring a hardscrabble authenticity to his novel. He packs the tale with plenty of action and a lot of heart. His firefighting sequences are detailed and thrilling, placing readers right in front of the flames. His prose is clean and, at times, poetic…—Kirkus Reviews

Gregory Renz’s new novel is a triumph of poignancy, compassion and restraint. In it, a man’s regret is transformed to triumph.—Jacquelyn Mitchard, author of the bestselling novel, “The Deep End of the Ocean”

“Beneath the Flames” is an action-packed debut novel with something for every reader: suspense, romance, friendship, forgiveness, family and more. A novel that like its protagonist relentlessly presses on into fiery and controversial terrain where many other writers fear to tread.—Nickolas Butler, author of “The Hearts of Men” and “Little Faith”

“Outstanding! ‘Beneath the Flames’ is an intimate combination of love, race, life as a Milwaukee firefighter from outside the city, and life as an African-American family, all trying to coexist in crazy and chaotic urban and rural environments. This is a MUST READ for anyone in the fire service or anyone wanting to get into the fire service!”—Douglas A. Holton Sr., City of Milwaukee fire chief