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Becoming Fire

 A first-person true-crime memoir from a woman who ran toward danger—and the truth. Foreword by Detective Lt. Joe Kenda.

BECOMING FIRE

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Becoming Fire Book Cover

Becoming Fire

 In Becoming Fire, Jennifer Clarke Eskew traces the spark that began on a cold day in 1968 in Virginia and follows it through a career spent confronting violence, fear, and the cost of service.

 

It’s not just what happened—it’s what it took.

 

With a foreword by Detective Lt. Joe Kenda, this memoir brings the

human side of the thin blue line into focus.

Detective Lt. Joe Kenda

About the Author

Jennifer Clarke Eskew is a retired law enforcement officer, author, and true crime storyteller whose life has been defined by courage, conviction, and compassion. Her debut memoir, Becoming Fire—featuring a foreword by Detective Lt. Joe Kenda of Homicide Hunter and American Detective—invites readers into the hidden world of those who run toward danger when everyone else runs away.

From her beginnings in a small Virginia farming town to a groundbreaking career in policing, Eskew’s journey has been shaped by a lifelong calling to protect, serve, and seek truth. The spark was lit early—when, as a six-year-old girl, she witnessed the aftermath of a violent crime that nearly took the lives of her family and neighbors. That moment ignited a determination that would carry her through decades of service, countless investigations, and personal sacrifice.

Through Becoming Fire, Jennifer brings a rare, insider’s perspective to the realities of law enforcement—balancing the adrenaline of the job with the emotional toll of bearing witness to humanity at its worst. Her story reveals the heart behind the badge, exploring not just what it takes to stand on the thin blue line, but why some are called to do so.

Today, Jennifer continues her mission beyond the uniform—sharing her experiences through writing, speaking engagements, and advocacy for those who serve. Her voice honors the fallen, uplifts the living, and reminds us that true bravery isn’t the absence of fear—it’s walking through it with purpose.

FAQ’s

Q: “Are you the Jennifer Eskew from the docu-series/podcast?”

A: “No. I’m Jennifer Clarke Eskew, author of Becoming Fire, former [accurate role]. Different person, different work.”

Media/Press

Speaking

Contact

For inquiries or collaborations, feel free to reach out to Jennifer Clarke Eskew 

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