The Fire Did Not Ignite With Burn Out

 Pride, envy, avarice - these are the sparks have set on fire the hearts of all men.

~Dante Alighieri 

I wanted a quick thriller to read last night while trying to stay awake 'til 11 so I could take my son's girlfriend home, and Burn Out appeared to fit the bill.  And although I have a stack of books I need to read, for some reason, I could not find the perfect one ~ does that ever happen to you?

The week before she is to testify at her estranged husband’s trial on drug charges, firefighter Lieutenant Samantha Collins vanishes while combating a warehouse fire, leaving only her helmet behind.

With Sam missing, her mother seeks the help of Florida Omni Search, a nonprofit organization founded by Rachel Scott, whose own daughter, Mallory, disappeared when only three years old. Rachel has worked with law enforcement agencies all over the United States, but she can’t possibly anticipate how terrifying the Sam Collins case will be. Rachel learns of Sam’s husband’s drug operation, and as she digs deeper, not only does the investigator expose Sam’s surprising past, she also uncovers clues that could reveal what happened to her own daughter.

The premise sounded like Burn Out would be a thrilling adventure ride, but what I found was the fire simply did not ignite.  I had the kidnapper pegged early on and did not emotionally connect with either Lt. Samantha Collins, kidnapping victim nor Rachel Scott, the protagonist and woman-in-charge.  I felt that Rachel was too good to be true and Samantha just was not a smart cookie.  All in all the characters in Burn Out simply did not do it for me and the plot was too easily determined. 

I really wanted to like the book - the cover initially captured my attention and was the reason I purchased. The idea of a female firefighter paired with a law enforcement officer/drug trafficker/husband & father sounded like a combination that would make the pages sizzle.  But, if you are looking for a somewhat similar story-line, I would recommend Iris Johansen's Eve Duncan series.

For varied opinions visit Burn Out on Goodreads.

Happy Reading!