Black Hills / Chasing Fire

Childhood friendships forged in the rugged landscape of South Dakota's Black Hills take on deeper meaning as Cooper Sullivan and Lil Chance navigate the complexities of love, ambition, and danger in their adult lives. What began as summer adventures between a city boy visiting his grandparents' ranch and the neighboring girl who dreams of protecting wildlife evolves into something profound when a deadly threat emerges from their shared past. Meanwhile, smoke jumper Rowan Tripp faces her own battles against nature's most destructive force, parachuting into wildfire zones where split-second decisions mean the difference between life and death, and where workplace tensions can prove just as combustible as the flames she fights.

Nick Podehl delivers both stories with remarkable range, seamlessly transitioning between the intimate moments of rekindled romance and the heart-pounding sequences of survival and suspense. His portrayal captures the distinct voices of characters from different worlds while maintaining the emotional authenticity that defines Roberts' storytelling. The audio format particularly enhances the tension-filled scenes, whether tracking a predator through wilderness terrain or descending into a fire zone, as Podehl's measured pacing allows listeners to feel the weight of each critical moment. The nearly seventeen-hour runtime flows effortlessly, making this collection an immersive experience that showcases both the natural beauty and inherent dangers of America's untamed landscapes.