Open Flame

The acclaimed author of Bath Haus returns with a queer homage to Rear Window, a twisted novel of obsession and secrets set in an affluent neighborhood.

Years ago, former lawyer Kate Baker’s life burst spectacularly into flame. Now she diligently avoids sobriety as an alley binner—scavenging bottles and cans for cash. But she can't bring herself to stop watching the familiar homes of Ninth Avenue in Guilford Hill.

Hughes Lee-Jensen recently moved into his dream home on Ninth Ave. With his emotionally distant husband away on business, freelance journalist Hughes finds himself drawn to his very handsome (and very married) next door neighbor, Luke.

Luke and Serena Henstridge are Ninth Ave's newest arrivals. Their modern mansion is at odds with the rest of the street's historic homes, complete with picture windows offering an intimate portal into the enviable life at Number Twenty-Two—a view neither Kate nor Hughes can pull themselves away from.

When the unthinkable happens and the Henstridge’s darling only child goes missing from Number Twenty-Two, Hughes’s and Kate’s dangerous obsessions catch up with them—and now two voyeurs face the same questions: how did a child vanish while they were both looking? And who else is watching? Open Flame is a mesmerizing fever dream fueled by unreliable narratives, patient secrets, and a climactic fire so intense, no one it touches will ever be the same.

Standard and Primary covers are widely available through general retailers. They often have higher print runs and can be cheaper, especially during sales.

In contrast, Direct Market (DM) and variant covers are primarily sold in comic shops. DM editions tend to have more limited availability and may be more valuable to collectors.

The main differences lie in artwork style, availability, price, and collector appeal. Ultimately, the choice between standard and variant covers depends on personal preference, budget, and individual collecting goals.

Comic book enthusiasts have various formats to choose from when collecting their favorite stories.
Here's a brief overview of the main types:

Omnibus

• Large, hardcover collections
• Usually contain complete runs or extensive story arcs
• Typically 800-1000+ pages
• Higher price point, often €100-€150

Oversized Hardcover (OHC)

• Similar dimensions to omnibus, but thinner
• Collect shorter runs or story arcs
• Usually 300-600 pages
• Priced between €30-€50

Hardcover (HC)

• Standard-sized hardcover books
• Collect 6-12 issues typically
• Similar dimensions to single issues, but with a hard cover
• Priced around €25-€35

Trade Paperback (TP)

• Softcover collections
• Standard comic book size
• Usually collect 4-6 issues
• Most affordable option, typically €15-€25

Other Formats

• Absolute Editions: Oversized, deluxe hardcovers (mainly DC Comics)
• Compendiums: Massive paperback collections
• Graphic Novels (OGN/GN): Original stories not previously released as single issues

The choice between these formats often depends on personal preference, budget, and collecting goals. Omnibus and OHC editions offer larger artwork and more content but at a higher price, while TPs provide a more affordable way to collect complete story arcs