Review: Accident...or Arson?
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 05 31, 2011
Sadie McGregor lost her parents and brother in a fire, and subsequently lived with her uncle's family, Joe and Hannah McGregor, from age seven.  It was Joe's influence along with the death of her family that influenced her to become a firefighter...and later a fire investigator. The fire that took her family has haunted her for years and puts her trust in God in jeopardy. In fact, she's bitter and guilt-ridden.Sadie was called to the Emerald Point, Missouri, fire due to staff coverages.  It's also her hometown.  The fire scene included a fatality, Larrissa Ingram, a college student from a well-respected family.Initially misidentified by Police Chief Quinn Harrington at the scene, the sparks of romance hit the Police Chief upon introduction to Sadie.  Though strong-willed and opinionated, she is an accurate fire investigator-and that special someone whom Quinn hadn't met since the loss of his wife.  However, her first impression of Quinn was that he was a klutz.  Sadie's wit and ability to banter back and forth with Quinn makes for a fun read amidst the tragedy.As a forensics show enthusiast,  I found that Anne Patrick, in her book, Fire and Ash, goes into great, minute detail of the fire investigation, that puts you on the scent of a perpetrator.  Her unique ability to incorporate multiple plots to throw you off course makes the pages fly by to connect the dots. The suspense builds as Sadie's life is endangered.  Someone wants her quieted, but who?The scenes are what I would expect in a fire investigation-dangerous, thorough and highly accurate.  The personal interaction with those involved with the investigation are incorporated well and very real.  The suspense and physical danger, along with the smoking romance, add the great touches to this novel to keep you intrigued.  Though I found the romance a bit hasty, I am well aware that many people can and do find their life mate in a very short time period.The relationship between Sadie and her uncle and aunt's family was touching, personal and delightful. Faith and trust in God flow through the pages, but their relationship with Him comes natural in their lives, except for Sadie.This is definitely a book I'd recommend for those who thrive on mystery and suspense, with a simmering of romance!This book was provided by Anne Patrick in exchange for my honest review.  No monetary compensation was exchanged for my review.