- Format: Kindle Edition
- File Size: 2634 KB
- Print Length: 352 pages
- Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton (6 Feb. 2020)
- Sold by: Amazon Media EU S.à r.l.
- Language: English
- ASIN: B07Q23PGCM
Synopsis
When a development in South London catches fire mid-construction, a close-knit team of fire fighters runs in to save a man spotted at the window.
They come out without a body. They quit the service. They plan never to speak to each other again.
Five years later one of them is set alight at his own wedding. Soon after, a second is found, nothing but a smoking corpse. It appears that someone knows what they did that night. What they chose over their duty. And there are still three men left to burn . . .
Review
The Burning Men is the first book in a new series featuring DI Alex Finn and DC Mattie Paulson. Pacific One, was to be a new development in docklands London, with a high rise office building seat to rival the Shard. One night the building goes up in flames bringing out several teams of fire fighters from across London. First there were Gary Elder, Adesh Kaul, Phil Maddox, Stuart Portbury and Marty Walker, all five left the fire service in the months after this fire. Five years later two are burnt to death, but why and by whom is are the questions facing DI Finn and DC Paulson.
The Burning Men was a gruesome read at times, but I loved the combination of a whodunnit, a gritty thriller and well drawn characters. DI Alex Finn and DC Mattie Paulson are a brilliant new combination of detective partnerships. DI Finn is grieving for his wife, and come back to work too soon, but wants to keep busy. DC Paulson has transferred from another station after a difficult case that has effected her mental health. At first sight they appear polar opposites, but as their relationship develops they see that they are alike in how they deal with social and professional relationships. DI Finn I felt great sympathy for, loosing his wife then going back to a distressing murder case and having to deal with other people’s grief as well as his own. Breaking in a new DC adds to the pressure, especially when she seems to have problems with authority, and is still effected by her last case. They certainly make a dynamic partnership which adds to the drama of the book.
Will Shindler has a fantastic pedigree as a writer having worked on programs like The Bill, so it comes as no surprise that this thriller is brilliantly written with well rounded and believable characters. The plot is complex and intelligent, with many different threads to keep the reader engaged. The constant change of direction, possible lines of investigations and the personal stories of the victims and Detectives keep you on your toes and wanting to read more. The nature of the killings are shocking, and with the possibility of more attacks is on the horizon, the pace and tension of the book increases as does your heart rate.
The Burning Men is a crime thriller that has me in it’s grip from beginning to end. The fast paced and multi faceted plot line, that dealt with the investigation and personal lives of the main characters was a combination that worked well and gave a good balance to the book. Engaging, menacing and totally compelling, I look forward to reading the next DI Finn and DC Paulson thriller.
I’d like to thank Hodder and Stoughton for my copy of The Burning Men in return for my honest review.
