You’ve probably hear of the bestseller The Girl on the Train? This is Paula Hawkin’s latest, A Slow Fire Burning, and it is equally entertaining with its various twists and turns.
Laura is a hot-tempered, troubled loner who ends up in the wrong place at the wrong time. Her typical refrain is, “it wasn’t my fault.” But maybe people hear that too often? They want Laura to accept responsibility. At the same time, they disregard that she has a brain injury due to a childhood incident where she was hit by a car. Unfortunately for Laura, she was last seen with Daniel Sutherland. Now he’s turned up dead.
Miriam recognizes Laura is troubled. It takes trouble to know trouble. Miriam is the first to report Daniel’s death but she hides evidence and isn’t truthful with the police. Miriam knows Daniel’s uncle Theo, whose runaway thriller is actually based on her teenage years. Miriam has tried to bring legal action against Theo but he’s got money, and she doesn’t.
Carla is Theo’s wife, Daniel’s aunt. And she has been grief stricken for 18 years. Her 3 year old son Ben was being minded by Angela (Carla’s sister), and he fell to his death. Angela’s son Daniel was young at the time but whether it was his alcoholic mother or witnessing his cousin’s death, Daniel has always been a handful. Carla has secretly stayed in touch with Daniel.
Irene is Angela’s former neighbour. Turns out Angela died in a freak accident shortly before Daniel. But the police have ruled that death an accident. Also turns out, Laura befriended Irene on the day Angela died. Mm. So many layers.
A Slow Fire Burning is a great muddle of a mystery with revenge, heartbreak, and secrets galore. Great for fans of Little Fires Everywhere and other family dramas, psychological thrillers.