A couple of crazy kids take part in a secret drug experiment in the late sixties and get
married a year later. Each one gains a small “talent” as a result of the experiment, a “talent”
capable of being passed on. A couple of years later their little girl, Charlie, sets her teddy
bear on fire...by looking at it. She’s a very special child with a fiery temper, but her parents
teach her to control her “talent.”
Unfortunately for Charlie and her parents, The Shop (a secret government agency) knows about
Charlie and her powers and wants her, wants her bad. They’ll stop at nothing to gain control of
this little girl, in order to train her destructive talent even further to serve their own
agenda. But Charlie doesn’t want to be The Shop’s ultimate weapon. The Shop’s in for a
surprise...
Dedication:
In memory of Shirley Jackson, who never needed to raise
her voice.
Firstline:
“Daddy, I'm tired,” the little girl in the red pants and the
green blouse said fretfully.
Cast of Characters:
Andrew McGee - Lot Six guinea pig. Charlie’s father.
Charlie McGee - The Firestarter.
John Rainbird - Shop assassin.
Dr. Joseph Wanless - The Lot Six overseer.
Publication States:
Trade HC: Viking Press (1980)
First Info: On CP, “First published in 1980 by The Viking Press.”
Limited HC: Phantasia Press (1980) - True First Edition, 750 copies
Asbestos Bound: Phantasia Press (1980) - 26 lettered copies
Trade PB: Signet (1981)
First Info: On CP, “First Signet Printing, August, 1981. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9”
