by Cynthia Chow

Details on how to win a copy of A Burning Desire at the end of this post, along with a link to purchase the book where a portion goes to help support KRL.

Initially, the minor cases of arson in Swatara Creek, Pennsylvania seem to be mischievous acts committed by bored teenagers. That doesn’t mean that the relatively new Police Chief Aaron Brubaker isn’t nervous, though, especially since the former chief Daniel “Sticks” Hetrick is no longer available for consultation now that he is a county detective working for the prosecutor. Tensions only increase as prominent businesses are targeted and police officer Flora Vastine begins to receive gifts and notes from the suspected arsonist.

Sticks has enough to keep himself occupied, as his high school nemesis Frank “Bucky” Vogel has returned from military service, and no matter how genial he attempts to appear he still carries an aura of menace. That Sticks is once again dating the woman who shattered the men’s friendship creates an escalating sense of apprehension and anxiety for Anita Bailey, as Vogel bumps into her once too often and she fears his reaction upon learning that she is still with Sticks.

The increasing incidents of arsons incite the residents, some of whom are invested in stopping them and others who are either fascinated by or hope to profit from them. Flora has her own personal drama that is interwoven with her professional life as she becomes the focus of two stalkers, one of whom is an Amish fugitive who surprisingly serves more as an angel of protection than as a force of vengeance.

Viewpoints shift constantly between characters, accelerating the suspense as readers are given glimpses into the minds of the villains as well as the law enforcement officers and unsuspecting innocents. Readers will know far more than Brubaker, Sticks, and Flora, and this heightens the suspense and fear as they venture into very brutal territory against unremorseful and often merciless enemies. Paralleling incidents involving Flora and Sticks have them both unprepared for the inadvisable actions they take, and even with an omniscient viewpoint one does think that they should have known better.

It is a testimony to the author’s skill at creating so many realistic characters with distinct narratives that readers will enjoy following the very fast-moving plot to its dramatic conclusion.

To enter to win a copy of A Burning Desire, simply email KRL at krlcontests@gmail[dot]com by replacing the [dot] with a period, and with the subject line “Burning,” or comment on this article. A winner will be chosen July 12, 2014. U.S. residents only.

Check out other mystery articles, reviews, book giveaways & short stories in our mystery section.

Click on this link to purchase this book & a portion goes to help support KRL!

Cynthia Chow is the branch manager of Kaneohe Public Library on the island of Oahu. She balances a librarian lifestyle of cardigans and hair buns with a passion for motorcycle riding and regrettable tattoos (sorry, Mom).