Top critical review
3.0 out of 5 starsArson and Murder
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on October 31, 2020
When I first read Mary Burtons book, I accepted that she doesn't really create all that much romance. So if that's what you want, this read not is for you.
Too short in my opinion and while it was a very attentive read, it didn’t leave me completely satisfied hence why 3 stars instead of higher which I so wanted to give. Its been quiet some time since I read a book cantered on Arson so that alone probably added to the intrigue. Characters held my curiosity and same with the crimes. I’ve always liked getting the POV of more than a few characters which was great to get. And even though it was easy enough to figure out the “whodunit” it didn’t spoil the story which had ripples of some tension and suspension. In truth I’ve always been more into the process of the investigation and what it unearths and how pieces fit together in any given book with law enforcement solving crimes.
Elijah Weston is released from prison after serving 10 years for a college fire. His the first suspect when a structure fire occurs with one casualty. Montana Detective Gideon Bailey is lead on the case and is joined by homicide detective Joan Mason who is on suspension from her job in Philadelphia. What I didn’t like and was reason rated lower - Spoiler, [although Gideon was shown to do his bit, it was like there was more focus put on Joan and I certainly didn’t like her doing things without keeping Gideon in the loop] At least I got to know Gideon (unlike the two-male protagonist of the two previous books) Cousins Kyle and Nate added that bit more interest and the character that jumped out at me the most was Elijah. He had a strong presence. Too cool and charming which was at odds for someone who spend 10 years in prison. Cleaver with great insight and no doubt a dark side.
“Near You” out April 2021, I hope will tie up dangling threads with part of me hoping my thinking of one character being nothing more than a cunning manipulate dangerous individual with an agenda is wrong
