The Ghost Ship Fire: A Mother's Search for Answers

On December 2, 2016, a raging fire ripped through an old warehouse in Oakland, California, killing 36 young people. Colleen Dolan stood outside. Her 33-year-old daughter, a well-known San Francisco electronic musician known as Cherushii, and many of her musician friends were missing. Were they trapped inside?

Colleen's story weaves its way through the terrifying events of that December night and her devastating loss, piecing together the gripping story behind the media headlines. It moves to the high-profile criminal trial that finally began two years later and captured the nation with tales of horrifying death at an off-the-grid artists' collective.

As the media circled, families of the victims who just wanted answers and justice were exposed to circus-like courtroom drama. Colleen took detailed notes at the trial. To counter the hysteria, she learned to address the TV news cameras and wrote articles for several San Francisco Bay Area newspapers.

Colleen's story reflects the public's fascination with tragedy and the crippling effect this has in prolonging private grief. Her struggle with big questions about her daughter's death will help other bereaved parents understand they are not alone in their search for answers.

A poignant, hard-hitting real-life tale of tragedy and accountability. - Kirkus Reviews

© 2025 Red Penguin Books (Audiobook): 9781637778128

Release date

Audiobook: 12 November 2025