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mapally's review against another edition
4.0
I loved this latest book. I find Maggie O'Dell to be a very likable and believable character in this series. She has issues just like all of us do, but she works hard to do right by all in her life.
With the ending of this book I can't wait for the next one to come out!
Another great contribution to the series...
With the ending of this book I can't wait for the next one to come out!
Another great contribution to the series...
emmebean's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
jannenemarie's review against another edition
5.0
I really enjoyed this book. The characters seem so developed and likeable. I like how her brother plays a bigger role in these last couple of books.
laurenjodi's review against another edition
4.0
Fireproof
3.5 Stars
A serial arsonist is active in the D.C. area and Agent Maggie O'Dell and her partner, R. J. Tully, are hot on his trail. Unfortunately, a ratings hungry journalist also takes an interest in Maggie, and is not above using her personal and professional lives to further his career even if it exposes her to a killer.
The plot is fast paced, and the investigation into the arson cases and the possible serial killer connection keep the pages turning. That said, there isn't much in the way of character development and the book ends on a semi-cliffhanger.
The most common complaints about this series are 1) Maggie fails to learn and grow as an individual, and second, she never actually does any profiling even though she is an FBI profiler. Anyone expecting differently in this installment is bound to be disappointed. Maggie's personal life is stagnating and her professional skills are limited to chasing suspects, visiting the medical examiner and discussing the case with her colleagues.
Nevertheless, Kava's writing style is very engaging and she has a way of presenting characters that evokes an emotional response in the reader whether it is empathy or sympathy, fear or anger. Moreover, the details of the arson case and the question of whether the human fatalities were intended or accidental are very compelling.
Overall, fans of the series will enjoy this one, but readers in it for insight or growth in Maggie's character, or that of Tully, Julia, Ben or Gwen, will end up being frustrated. The open ending may also be an irritant for some, but for me the hook is baited and it will be interesting to see how it plays out in the next book.
3.5 Stars
A serial arsonist is active in the D.C. area and Agent Maggie O'Dell and her partner, R. J. Tully, are hot on his trail. Unfortunately, a ratings hungry journalist also takes an interest in Maggie, and is not above using her personal and professional lives to further his career even if it exposes her to a killer.
The plot is fast paced, and the investigation into the arson cases and the possible serial killer connection keep the pages turning. That said, there isn't much in the way of character development and the book ends on a semi-cliffhanger.
The most common complaints about this series are 1) Maggie fails to learn and grow as an individual, and second, she never actually does any profiling even though she is an FBI profiler. Anyone expecting differently in this installment is bound to be disappointed. Maggie's personal life is stagnating and her professional skills are limited to chasing suspects, visiting the medical examiner and discussing the case with her colleagues.
Nevertheless, Kava's writing style is very engaging and she has a way of presenting characters that evokes an emotional response in the reader whether it is empathy or sympathy, fear or anger. Moreover, the details of the arson case and the question of whether the human fatalities were intended or accidental are very compelling.
Overall, fans of the series will enjoy this one, but readers in it for insight or growth in Maggie's character, or that of Tully, Julia, Ben or Gwen, will end up being frustrated. The open ending may also be an irritant for some, but for me the hook is baited and it will be interesting to see how it plays out in the next book.
colleenlh's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
drew5287's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
jonetta's review against another edition
3.0
Maggie O'Dell and R. J. Tully are assigned to a serial arsonist case that suddenly deviates from pattern. What was once viewed as nuisance arson events changed when a body was found at the scene of the last fire. Exacerbating the investigation is a cable TV news reporter covering the blazes.
First, what I liked about the story. It was nicely paced and intriguing with the investigation moving at a good clip and moving forward progressively. Maggie, Tully and Julia Racine worked really well as a team. I also enjoyed Maggie's half brother, Patrick (yes, the author corrected the relationship), having a major presence in the story. I also liked that there was more definition to Maggie's relationship with her "friend" Ben. But, that was an area I also found troublesome.
Now, for my issues. I'm going to sound like a broken record as, again, we don't see Maggie doing a lot of profiling in this story, behaving more like a detective. While her relationship with Ben was better defined, I cry foul on the direction chosen. It's just inconceivable for two people of this age and it's the example for all the areas where Maggie just stands still. Lastly, I've grown weary of the unsatisfying endings of this series. Two cases, connected and disconnected; one poorly resolved, one left dangling. Every story shouldn't end this way.
This was a pretty good story until the very end so it was worth my time reading it, even if I'd figured out the probable perpetrator(s). There's one book left in the series (if you disregard the spinoffs) and I think that will signal my end with this character as there's no way she'll achieve the growth I'd hoped for since the first book. 3.5 stars
First, what I liked about the story. It was nicely paced and intriguing with the investigation moving at a good clip and moving forward progressively. Maggie, Tully and Julia Racine worked really well as a team. I also enjoyed Maggie's half brother, Patrick (yes, the author corrected the relationship), having a major presence in the story. I also liked that there was more definition to Maggie's relationship with her "friend" Ben. But, that was an area I also found troublesome.
Now, for my issues. I'm going to sound like a broken record as, again, we don't see Maggie doing a lot of profiling in this story, behaving more like a detective. While her relationship with Ben was better defined, I cry foul on the direction chosen. It's just inconceivable for two people of this age and it's the example for all the areas where Maggie just stands still. Lastly, I've grown weary of the unsatisfying endings of this series. Two cases, connected and disconnected; one poorly resolved, one left dangling. Every story shouldn't end this way.
This was a pretty good story until the very end so it was worth my time reading it, even if I'd figured out the probable perpetrator(s). There's one book left in the series (if you disregard the spinoffs) and I think that will signal my end with this character as there's no way she'll achieve the growth I'd hoped for since the first book. 3.5 stars