Fire Marshals act just like Precinct Detectives. They drive the same Chevy Caprices. They pack the same Smith & Wessons "Nines." And they work the same streets collaring predicate felons.

But every single Fire Marshal is a veteran fire fighter. Each one has done time in an engine or ladder company.

Since one out of every five fires in New York City is intentionally set, these Marshals have seen the devastation of arson first hand. As such, they come to the job with an emotional commitment you rarely see in cops.

FIRST DEGREE BURN begins when an art restorer in Soho is killed while bringing a lost WPA mural back to life.

To break the case, Eddie hooks up with a beautiful art professor from Columbia University and solicits the help of his estranged father, a legendary ex-Chief of Detectives for the NYPD. As he begins to peel back the layers and more people die, Eddie discovers that there's a dirty little secret locked up in that mural. A secret that many would like to see buried. It takes him into a dark chapter in recent American history.

I got my start in the Manhattan DA's office. After that, Investigative Correspondent for ABC News where I spent the better part of the 80's chasing bad people around the world. Finally, after covering Iran-Contra, I hung up my spurs to write fiction.

Now I just chase good people, like you, who read mysteries. If you're looking for a non-stop ride that begins with the flick of a lighter flint, push the button for FIRST DEGREE BURN.

You can sample the first chapter here or log onto our web site at: www.firstdegreeburn.com.

There you can learn more about the book and the world of Fire Marshals. You can also sample the opening to the next Eddie Burke case. It's called: SPONTANEOUS COMBUSTION.

I'd welcome your comments by E-Mail. All the best, PETER LANCE