5.0 out of 5 stars
A great action-packed mystery, March 11, 2011
This review is from: Five Fingered Firebugs (Paperback)
In his third book, Five Fingered Firebugs, author Chris Forman once again brings to life his resourceful insurance investigator, Maria Hart. This time the keen-eyed, tough-talking, no-nonsense Ms. Hart helps the police solve a pair of mysteries.
In the first story, Mr. Forman immediately draws the reader into the devious criminal activities of his antagonists as they start a fire in a popular department store in downtown Chicago. The fire sets off a small, homemade explosive device, creating havoc inside the store. The reader quickly learns the fire and resulting explosion are merely distractions meant to divert attention away from the real goal of the criminals, which is to steal clothes and jewelry from the store. Unfortunately, as they continue to reap the rewards of their sinister plan, the bad guys become much bolder, setting more fires in other locations, placing a greater number of innocent lives at risk.
As a former police officer, I was instantly fascinated with the concept of shoplifters using fire as a means to accomplish their ends. I was impressed with Mr. Forman's knowledge of this unique approach to a common, long-standing form of larceny. This is a good action-packed mystery you won't want to put down.
In the somewhat shorter second story, Maria Hart is on vacation, visiting relatives in Alabama, when a dead body is discovered in the house across the street. True to her inquisitive nature, Maria immediately involves herself in the case, assisting the Montgomery Police Department in tracking down the culprit. This is a good story to read on a rainy day, and with all the twists and turns, Forman keeps you guessing until the end.
And, by the way, don't forget to check out the deliciously enticing recipes Chris Forman included on the last few pages of the book.
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