The Burning

Detective Constable Maeve Kerrigan takes on a challenging case when a serial killer nicknamed "The Burning Man" targets young women in London. As the newest member of the investigative team, Kerrigan must prove herself while pursuing a murderer who burns his victims beyond recognition. The investigation intensifies after the death of Rebecca Haworth, a successful PR executive whose murder bears similarities to The Burning Man's pattern. Kerrigan focuses on this latest victim, sensing there may be more to the case than initially appears. Working alongside her demanding boss DCI Josh Derwent, Kerrigan navigates office politics and her position as a female detective in a male-dominated department. The case forces her to confront both professional and personal challenges as she races to prevent another death. The novel explores themes of identity, appearances, and the masks people wear in their daily lives. Through its police procedural framework, the story examines how social expectations and prejudices can both obscure and reveal the truth.

Readers found this police procedural engaging due to the detailed forensics, realistic female detective protagonist, and steady pacing. Many reviews note the authenticity of the London police procedures and workplace dynamics. Positives: - Complex character development of DC Maeve Kerrigan - Credible investigation techniques and police operations - Strong supporting characters and workplace relationships - Balance of professional and personal storylines Negatives: - Some readers felt the middle section dragged - A few found the romantic subplot unnecessary - Several mentioned predictable elements in the mystery Ratings: Goodreads: 4.04/5 (14,000+ ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (1,200+ ratings) "The police politics and interpersonal dynamics felt authentic - you can tell Casey has done her research" - Goodreads reviewer "Maeve is refreshingly competent without being unrealistic" - Amazon review "The procedural details set this apart from typical detective fiction" - LibraryThing review

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🔍 Author Jane Casey draws from her husband's real-life experience as a criminal defense attorney to create authentic legal details in her novels, including The Burning 🔥 The Burning is the first book in the Maeve Kerrigan series, which has grown to become one of Britain's most successful contemporary crime fiction series 👮‍♀️ The protagonist, Detective Constable Maeve Kerrigan, faces unique challenges as an Irish woman in London's police force, reflecting real-world diversity issues in law enforcement 📚 The novel explores the psychological impact of serial killers on both victims' families and investigating officers, a theme that became central to Casey's subsequent works 🏆 The Burning helped establish Jane Casey as a major voice in crime fiction, leading to her winning the Mary Higgins Clark Award and being shortlisted for the Irish Crime Novel of the Year