JoAnn Ross
Blaze (2005)
Author: JoAnn Ross
Genre: Romance (Suspense)
Plot Summary:
Tess Gannon is a fire cop. There have been a string of arsons in the small town of Somersett, North Carolina and it's her job to stop the one responsible. She lost her finacee, Danny, in a tragic fire two years ago and has been bent on finding out the truth of that blaze ever since. Gage O'Halloran, a ATF special agent, thinks he already has the answer: Randolph Griffith, a.k.a. The Flamemaster. Gage arrested Griffith three years ago, but now The Flamemaster's handiwork is firing up in the sleepy Southern town. The local newspaper has even received letters from him claiming responsibility. Tess can't stand Gage. He's arrogant, pushy, a know-it-all, and damned good looking. Together they must find the arsonist. In the process, they'll find each other. SPOILER: The murderer/arsonist turns out to be Tess's best friend, Bailey, who was sexually abused as a child. While taking a tour of San Quentin prison, she accidentally meets the original Flamemaster and develops a split personality with a need to burn.
Geographical Setting: Somersett, South Carolina
Time Period: Contemporary (2005)
Appeal Characteristics:
The hero and heroine in this novel carry it immensely, thus characterization is very important. Tess Gannon and Gage O'Halloran are both tough as nails, driven, smart, efficient in their work, but only human. They can bleed. They can love. And in the same room, they slam together like magnets. The storyline is the perfect mix of a blooming romance between heart-broken lovers and the race to stop a murderer before he strikes again. The pace is blazing with twists, turns, and intrigue in every chapter. The reader will find it near impossible to put the book down.
Read-alikes: If you liked this novel but want more 'on the page' action, check out Password: Death by Cindy Ziperman. Both books are extremely similar, just exchange the arsonist for a rich serial killer and intensify the violence and sexual content. If Ross's romantic and suspenseful writing style was enjoyable, the reader might like one of her other books, perhaps Magnolia Moon. There are many romantic suspense novels concerning arson and fires, so if the storyline grabbed you try Trial by Fire by Terri Blackstock or Blue Smoke by Nora Roberts. Lastly, if pyromania in the south tickled your fancy, read Heat of the Moment by Jessica Hall.
Red Flags: Strong sexual content, adult language, and violence
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