An inexplicable plague of deadly fire threatens America's cities and towns in this epic tale of supernatural terror from an acclaimed Grand Master of horror and suspense From Baltimore, Maryland, to San Jose, California, to Homer, Alaska, a rash of devastating and unexplained fires is bringing untold death and destruction to the United States. Unexpectedly and inexplicably, giant fireballs are erupting out of nowhere in private houses, apartment buildings, businesses, malls, and hospitals, incinerating everything and everyone in the vicinity. These are not accidents; every conflagration is of a frighteningly suspicious nature. There is no pattern, there is no warning, and there is no mercy as the body count rapidly soars.   For California security expert Carter Milne, the plague is a nightmare that threatens to unravel her world when it strikes too close to home. For reporter William Ridour, it's the story of a lifetime. Fireman Frank Vickery sees it as an abomination, and FBI agents McPherson and Bethune suspect it's the realization of the government's worst terrorist fears. But the truth these citizens pursue, the horror that now unites them, is something far more terrible, with roots in very dark and poisonous soil--and it's leading them beyond the borders of normal human experience into a realm of pure preternatural evil.