An Arsonist's Guide : to Writers' Homes in New England

It was never young Sam Pulsifer's intention to torch an American landmark: the whole business of burning down the Emily Dickinson house was simply a tragic accident. So after ten years in prison, Sam is determined to put the past behind him.

He finishes college and settles down with a career, a family and a home in a nice new development, his low-profile life chugging along beautifully—until the homes of other famous writers start to go up in smoke. As the number one suspect, Sam realises that finding the real culprit is the only way to clear his name. But sometimes, he finds, there's a terrible price to pay for the truth.

Praise for An Arsonist's Guide :

'Wildly, unpredictably funny...as cheerfully oddball as its title.'

New York Times

'What makes An Arsonist's Guide such an engaging and wildly original work is the captivating voice of Sam Pulsifer.'

Bookpage

'Philosophical and deeply funny.'

Time Out New York

'Funny, profound...a seductive book with a payoff on every page.'

People

'Clarke's novel sizzles.'

Washington Post Book World

'Hilarious.'

Philadelphia Inquirer

'A hilarious tale...wacky and wildly imaginative.'

Chicago Tribune

'Enormously funny.'

Chicago Sun Times