cover image Into The Fire

Into The Fire

Irene Hannon. Revell, $18.99 trade paper (400p) ISBN 978-0-8007-4188-4

In this sizzling series opener, Hannon (All Our Tomorrows) pits a calculating arsonist against tenacious fire investigator Bri Tucker for a dangerous game of cat-and-mouse. When Bri and ATF agent Marc Davis are called to investigate a fatal fire at the home of retired arson investigator Les Kavanaugh, they find no evidence of foul play. But Bri’s not convinced that a man who “knew all the fire hazards and would have taken pains to eliminate them” has died in an accidental blaze, and her misgivings grow when the victim’s daughter hands over what appears to be Kavanaugh’s coded list of other suspicious fires. To complicate matters, Bri’s being stalked by former coworker Travis Holmes. As sections from the arsonist’s perspective alternate with those following the investigation, sparks fly between Bri and Marc. There’s not much time to focus on the budding romance, however, as Travis’s petty, mean-spirited pranks soon give way to the arsonist’s more dangerous machinations. As the situation grows darker, Bri and Marc draw strength from their faith as they race to uncover the arsonist’s identity before it’s too late. Hannon’s knack for balancing slow-burning romance with creeping danger results in a narrative that crackles with suspense all the way through its surprising conclusion. Fans will be eager for the follow-up. (Oct.)