by Alex Kava
First published 2012
A building explodes into flames on a frigid winter night in Washington DC. Special agent Maggie O'Dell arrives to investigate what appears connected to recent fires across the city. This blaze killed someone. Local investigators profile their target as a young white male driven by uncontrolled impulses. Maggie sees something different. The evidence points to a methodical, calculating mind. Reporter Jeffery Cole covers the scene and decides to feature Maggie in his story. He digs into her history, exposing details she wants buried. Her brother Patrick works for a private firefighting company and responds to these blazes as they multiply throughout the city. The arsonist grows bolder with each attack. Maggie's investigation pulls her professional duties into conflict with her personal life. The fires burn closer to home. The killer operates nearer than she suspects.
Genres: mystery, crime, thriller, action
Vibes: fast-paced, suspenseful, thought-provoking
Tropes: enemies-to-lovers, personal-conflict
Setting: Washington DC
Period: Frigid Winter Night
320 pages · Hardcover · Doubleday
Content warnings: violence