The Burning Desire

 The Burning Desire

Reviewed By  Nan van Dissel       July 6, 2026

 

Author  Geoff Plunkett

Distributor:      Big Sky Publishing
ISBN:                 9781923514805
Publisher:         Big Sky Publishing
Release Date:   6 July 2026  

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There have been innumerable number of books written about serial killers, but as retired historian and investigative researcher, Geoff Plunkett asserts, serial arsonists have been much neglected. Quite rightly the author of ‘The Burning Desire’ asserts that the general public usually recognises the names of the horrific serial killers, but it rarely does the same for equally monstrous serial arsonists, who have killed in similar numbers. In this book, he details the life and crimes of Australia’s most prolific and dangerous serial arsonist, Gregory Allan Brown and that of Reginal John Little, igniter of the Savoy Private Hotel fire, which led to the death of 15 residents.   

Adopted as a baby, South Australian born Brown was a disruptive student, who moved from school to school until finally at 18 years of age started living independently. Fascinated with fires from a young age, his history of lighting over 500 fires was reported to having started at around the age of 13, but his criminal history didn’t commence until 1982.  Not only does the author chronicle Brown’s offending history, but he also analyses this complex fire-setter’s personality.

Unlike Brown, who had a supportive family, Little from the age of four was placed in a boy’s home; imprisonment was part of his life. His first arson conviction came at the age of 16. However, while Brown appeared to be quite proud of his arsonist efforts, Little never admitted to having lit the Savoy fire.

Geoff Plunkett, with an impressive background in the subject of serial arsonists, having meticulously and thoroughly interviewed 36 perpetrators, makes this book an authoritative work in this field. He clearly presents the evidence which confirms his opinion that Brown is amongst the ‘top five most dangerous serial arsonists ever identified’. On the other hand, he finds John Little, while as dangerous as Brown, is not as sinister nor as evil.

True crime enthusiasts will find this a most comprehensive, well documented book, which should not be missed.

Documentary, History, Non Fiction