Book Review: Burn

Reviewed By: Ruth Jordan - RAM

Burn     Amazon US PB Amazon US HC Amazon Canada PB Amazon Canada HC
Sean Doolittle
Class/Genre:   Mystery
October 2003, Ugly Town, 384 pages

In crime fiction it’s always special when you read something fresh. To peruse a unique idea within the parameters the genre allows is more than a treat for the reader. Half way through BURN I realized that this book was more than new, and unique. It is a singular experience. It is a brilliant ride through the politics of the California Entertainment Industry of right now. It is a murder mystery chased down by an unlikely and likeable hero by the name of Andrew Kindler. It is a buddy book and it is a love story.

With sparse and vivid prose Mr. Doolittle transports us to a beach house on the California Coast and from there we unwillingly become entangled with the shadier side of the fitness industry when happily we’d stay deck side with Andrew and his coffee taking in the sunset. In a true caper style we become aware of our hero’s shady past even as we root for him to figure out why everyone is trying to pull him into the “case of the murdered fitness guru”.

BURN sets a spark off within the reader’s imagination from the very beginning and as the book ends you can’t help but hope for the last lick of flames to linger a little longer. With his sophomore outing Mr. Doolittle has fully recognized the promise he showed with DIRT. Plot, characterization, setting, and sheer imagery captured with a minimum of words and a special talent. This is an author to watch.

Ruth Jordan - RAM

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Ruth Jordan - RAM

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