When told by a friend that she saw her dead husband alive and well, and walking around a market town, Haszard agrees to look into the matter. As he makes progress, he realises that there is more to it than merely someone supposedly coming back from the dead.
With another matter also to look into, life becomes full, yet utilising the help of his friends, he discovers a dark secret, but there are people who will stop at nothing and aren't afraid of resorting to murder . . .
This is the third in the Haszard series of crime/mystery/black comedy narratives. Although they run in sequence, it isn't necessary to read them in order.
This story sees the growing relationship between Haszard and Sabrina, along with their friend Ed Loughmann, whose cynical outlook provides much of the humour. It also sees the first proper appearance of Grace, who delivers humour of a lighter nature. Cricket playing, and tea and ale drinking Haszard is quintessentially English non-hero-type character, and although seemingly clever, tends to bumble his way through, often relying on his friends.
As with the second Haszard tale, there is more than one problem for Haszard to deal with, and his problem-solving skills are at their best.
Phoenix from the Flame isn't a whodunit as such; it's a case of Haszard unearthing the truth behind events, and discovering the truth of what's been going on, and attempting to deliver a solution and some justice. The aim of the series is to provide intrigue, suspense and humour, with the reader getting to know the characters.
The Haszard series isn't a traditional crime or detective series, and has been described as refreshing by several critics.