Book Readers: Mum's Writings

Book Description

Working 5 miles inside a Los Angeles water tunnel in 1971, Willie Carter was one of 17 men killed in a methane explosion in what became known as the Sylmar Tunnel disaster. Tunnel Visions, a work of faction, blends fact and fiction, weaving together the historical facts of the Sylmar disaster, the current struggle for control over California's diminishing water supply, and a fictional plot to attack Los Angeles' water system. Nick Carter, Willie Carter's son, is a firefighter trained in tunnel rescue operations. His fiance, Cindi, is an ATF Special Agent. On a Sunday in 2014, they are swept up in a massive Homeland Security response to a terror alert in Los Angeles. At the end of Tunnel Visions, when Nick makes a desperate entry into a gas-filled Sylmar Tunnel access shaft in an attempt to save Cindi and prevent an explosion, his past and present are brought together in an unexpected way.

Biography

Kurt Kamm

I live in Malibu CA. I have used my contact with CalFire, Los Angeles County Fire Department, Ventura County Fire Department and the ATF, as well as my experience in several devastating local wildfires to write fact-based firefighter mystery novels. I have attended classes at El Camino Fire Academy and trained in wildland firefighting, arson investigation and hazardous materials response. I am also a graduate of the ATF Citizen's Academy

Each of my novels features a firefighter with a special skill: Wildland / Arson Investigation / Fire Paramedic / HazMat/ Urban Search and Rescue. Each story is told from the viewpoint of the firefighter and involves both his fire specialty and a a personal problem he is battling.

Book Readers Review

Another gripping, exciting, action packed novel from Kurt Kamm. In the book Tunnel Visions Kamm blends fact and fiction. Historical facts of the Sylmar disaster, the current struggle for control over California's diminishing water supply, and a fictional plot to attack Los Angeles' water system are expertly woven together. Nick Carter is a USAR trained firefighter and son of Willie Carter. Carter was one of 17 men killed in a methane explosion in what became known as the Sylmar Tunnel disaster. Nick's fiancée, Cindi, is an ATF Special Agent. On a Sunday in 2014, Nick and Cindi are part of a massive Homeland Security response to a terror alert in Los Angeles. The author writes in the manner of switching from the past to present in alternating chapters. There are two themes in the novel, a mystery and historical details of the actual disaster. At the end of the novel past and present come together in a startling way for Nick.

Tunnel Visions is the second book I have read by this author, Hazardous Material being the first. I found Tunnel Visions to be as compelling as the first book. Once again Kurt has certainly done his homework, exposing a history of water wars that is definitely an eye opener. Californians may not be aware of the water issues and possibly do not give the issue much thought. The background and detail that Kamm writes are almost too fascinating to be true, but true it is. Kurt's background and experience as a firefighter along with his thorough research make the story, characters and their experiences feel more real. The element of romance and personal mystery add spice to the action and drama.

In the two novels I have read of Kurt's I find it difficult to choose a favorite. Having lived in California for over ten years, I can equate with the water issues present. But as most Californians probably, was unaware of the Sylmar disaster or the seriousness of the problem. The historical facts Kamm presents certainly made me pay attention. I find the characters to be well developed and easy to become involved in their lives as presented in the story. Kurt's descriptive writing paints a picture for all to see. The action is 'on the edge of the seat' and the romance 'heart warming'. Well done Kurt and thank you for the opportunity to read your work and express my views. I cannot wait to read more!