Seven years ago, a young lad, Alfie, has too much to drink and staggers home. He’s lost his wallet and can’t get a lift. Stopping at a derelict pub he decides to shelter from the weather and sleep inside for the night.
Unfortunately for him Martin Chadwick decides to burn the pub down that night, killing Alfie.
Martin is tried and convicted for manslaughter, and now he is being released from prison.
There have been threats against Chadwick so his release from prison is supervised by DS Jessica Daniel. In an unorthodox passage from prison Jess talks to Chadwick and finds him strangely humble.
At the same time, Private Detective Andrew Hunter is hired to find out who got a rich man’s daughter pregnant.
What follows is a series of arson attacks and some teenage suicides, but are they all connected, and if so, who is the connection.
During the investigation, Jess Daniels crosses paths with journalists and must rely on help from unexpected allies. At the same time she is dealing with issues in her private life.
The main thread of this story rotates around the arson attacks and the possible connections between them, and maybe the suicides.
Those of you who have read my bio will know that I spent 30 years in the Fire Service with 12 years as a Fire Scene Investigator.
There is a scene in this book which is the best I have ever read when describing events inside a fire.
This is reflective of the whole book, it’s a great story, well researched well written.
There is a great blend between the investigations and the private life of the main character. Jess Daniel has had a turbulent career. For those of you who haven’t read the other books in the series I would highly recommend that you put them straight to the top of your to-read-list.
Right I’m off to read more Kerry Wilkinson.
nigeladamsbookworm 