Review: The Burning Girl

DI Tom Thorne returns in Mark Billingham's fourth novel, 'The Burning Girl', and this time, he is faced with a different type of case. Rather than hunting a serial killer, Thorne is up against a vicious contract killer. In the meantime, he agrees to help ex-DCI Carol Chamberlain with a case that is worrying her, a case in which a young schoolgirl was deliberately set on fire. As the cases progress, Thorne discovers that they seem to be linked. However, has he finally met his match?

Once again, Billingham has written an excellent tale. Firstly, he creates some variety for the reader. Rather than yet another serial killer thriller that could start to stretch the reader's credulity (just how many serial killers can operate in London and be investigated by one man?), he enters into the world of organized crime and produces some of his most dangerous villains yet.

Billingham also continues to develop the character of Tom Thorne. His style of writing gives Thorne a real presence and in this novel more than any other, we see him struggle with a conscience and decide whether he can cross a line. By the end, Billingham has taken Thorne to a new level and we see him as a changed man, although it will be interesting to see in the next novel how events have affected him.

The plot is interesting and Billingham includes enough twists to keep the reader happy. The dry wit and humorous comments of the characters add to the atmosphere and the novel feels authentic. The use of multiple points of view is also enjoyable, since he does not overuse the technique and never lets us into the mind of his criminals, making sure that we are firmly placed with the police as they try to solve the crimes.

In his previous novels, Billingham has demonstrated that he has a clear talent for writing and 'The Burning Girls' confirms this. There is no doubt that Mark Billingham should be considered within the upper echelon of crime writers in the UK today. Another highly recommended novel.

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Luke Croll - RAM

Please Note: Books reviewed are usually provided by the publisher, author, or an agent. Reviewers usually get to keep the book.

Book Review: The Burning Girl

Please Note: Books reviewed are usually provided by the publisher, author, or an agent. Reviewers usually get to keep the book.