The Protector (O'Malley #4) [Paperback]

Dee Henderson (Author)

Book Description

Series: O'Malley Series | Publication Date: October 3, 2001

Jack O'Malley is a fireman who is fearless when it comes to facing an inferno. But when an arsonist begins targeting his district, his shift, and his friends, Jack faces the ultimate challenge: protecting the one lady who witnessed the arsonist ... Book number four in the O'Malley series brings back Jack O'Malley from The Truth Seeker in a page-turning thriller. It's Christmas. And in this time of celebration, Cassie Ellis has found the real meaning of Christmas; Jack is still searching to understand. Who is Jesus? On that answer rests his hope that someone greater than he is in control of a situation spiraling into terror.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

In The Protector, a fast-paced thriller about firefighters and faith from award-winning novelist Dee Henderson, firefighter Jack O'Malley is hot on the trail of a serial arsonist. The criminal paints murals of flames on the walls of the buildings he burns, and leaves popcorn scattered at the scene of his blazes. Sidelined firefighter Cassie Ellis, who is haunted by disabilities from her entrapment in a past fire, is the only eyewitness. She's attracted to Jack, but deeper questions about his lack of Christian faith may put a damper on their relationship. When Cassie and Jack hunt for the perpetrator together, it's a sure-fire recipe for suspense and romance. Although this is the fourth installment in the O'Malley series, The Protector reads well as a standalone title. The nonstop drama will keep readers on the edge of their seats . --Cindy Crosby

From Publishers Weekly

Henderson has steadily built a name for herself with the O'Malley series, and this fourth installment delivers a familiar tale of Christian redemption set against a suspenseful backdrop and sprinkled with loving family ties. The book may win some new readers; one of the most innovative elements of the series is that because every book focuses on a different member of the large O'Malley clan, each novel works reasonably well as stand-alone fiction. This one highlights veteran firefighter Jack O'Malley (the "protector" of the title) as he tries to catch an arsonist whose crimes are escalating in severity. As Jack searches for the criminal, he also initiates a relationship with a burn victim, comes to terms with a sister's impending death from cancer and wrestles for the first time with serious questions of faith. The novel is occasionally intriguing: a couple of the theological conversations are insightful and probing, and the behind-the-scenes approach to firefighting is truly interesting. But Henderson's terse, choppy writing style is too heavy on dialogue and short on descriptive narration, to the point of confusing the reader. This style seems more suited to a mystery-of-the-week teleplay than a sustained, character-driven crime novel. The early theological depth is compromised in the concluding pages by simplistic ruminations on the flames of hell that await unbelievers. Although Jack's eventual conversion has been telegraphed from the beginning, it is disappointing that it comes mostly because he wants to avoid yet another fire.

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 350 pages
• Publisher: Multnomah Books (October 3, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1576738469
• ISBN-13: 978-1576738467
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.2 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.7 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (45 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #558,632 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Dee Henderson is the author of 14 best-selling novels, including the acclaimed O'Malley series and the Uncommon Heroes series. As a leader in the inspirational romantic suspense category, her books have won or been nominated for several prestigious industry awards, including the RWA's RITA Award, the Christy Award, the ECPA Gold Medallion, the Holt Medallion, the National Readers' Choice Award, and the Golden Quill. Dee is a lifelong resident of Illinois and is active online. Visit her at www.deehenderson.com.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars 4th book of the O'Malley Series., March 27, 2002

By 

Priscilla Stafford (Yokohama, Japan) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Protector (O'Malley #4) (Paperback)

Dee Henderson is probably... no, not probably but she IS my favorite Christian writer!! This book is the fourth of the O'Malley series. The O'Malley family consists of seven brothers and sister, three boys and four girls. Since they were little they had been in the same orphanage and when they got out of the orphanage, they decided to 'adopt' each other, taking the name O'Malley as their family name. They all have very important jobs, Marcus is a U.S. Marshal, Kate a negotiator for hostage situations, botched-up robberies, etc., Jennifer is a doctor, Jack a fireman, Rachel a trauma psychologist, and Lisa is a forensic pathologist. This story is about Jack O'Malley, the protector.

The story begins with Fireman Jack O'Malley finding out that he has an arsonist on his hands. The person's identity is a mystery but he leaves his signature of popcorn at the fire site and hateful words on walls. Who is this person? Jack O'Malley must find out because he fears that whoever the person is... the person is escalating. And not only that, sidelined firefighter Cassie Ellis is afraid she has seen the arsonist. And she's afraid that it's someone she knows. Jack is determined to protect Cassie who to his surprise he begins to fall in love with. Can they solve the mystery before the arsonist goes to far? And can Jack trust God with the kind of faith Cassie has?

Terrific story, I just love the O'Malley series! By far, Kate O'Malley has always been my favorite character but ever since I read this book, I find Jack O'Malley to be a fun character, too. Unfortunately though, the book doesn't have as much romance in it as the other books, which was a bit disappointing for me. Another difference from the rest of the books which is good is that "The Protector" is highly suspenseful. You'll never guess who the arsonist is! Throughout the whole book I was guessing and trying to figure out but my answer was completely different from the conclusion of the story. The book also lets you have a glimpse at Rachel O'Malley getting closer to Christ and also her growing romance with Cole. I can't wait till "The Healer" comes out in July 2002. I also want to read more about Stephen, who isn't mentioned very much in any of the books. I'm curious to read about him. Also for Jennifer's story of how she fights cancer. My suggestion to you if you've never read any of Dee Henderson's books is to read first "Danger in the Shadows", then on to the O'Malley series. The Uncommon Heroes Series is also pretty great.

The first in the O'Malley series is "The Negotiator" in which the main character is Jack's sister, Kate O'Malley. The next in the O'Malley series is "The Guardian" in which the main character is Marcus O'Malley, the oldest of the O'Malley's. This is also another great book! Then after that there is "The Truth-Seeker" with Lisa O'Malley. Other books by Dee Henderson is "Danger in the Shadows" (written before "The Negotiator" whose main character is Dave Richman's sister, Sara) and "True Devotion" and "True Valor" of the Uncommon Heroes Series. Don't miss any of these books!

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Dee Henderson does it again!, October 26, 2001

By 

"friendsbookstop" - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Protector (O'Malley #4) (Paperback)

With an ongoing series, there usually comes a book that is good, but not as good as the rest. Not so with Dee Henderson's O'MALLEY series. Each book brings us a different "family" member, yet each can stand alone with it's characters and story -and they all are great reads! Jack, the firefighter brother, is the central character of THE PROTECTOR. As in each of the O'Malley books, there is a mystery to solve (I was surprised at whodoneit!) as well as self discovery for the characters. Ms. Henderson writes characters that you can believe exist, that you can identify with as they struggle, and rejoice with as they find answers.

I really enjoyed meeting not only Jack and his friends in this book, but also Rachel, the subject of the next O'Malley book. Plus, we got up to date on the other family memebers...if you haven't read any thing from Dee Henderson - start now. If you have keep at it! THE PROCTECTOR won't let you down!

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A riviting addition to the series., February 24, 2004

By 

Detra Fitch (USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Protector (O'Malley #4) (Paperback)

Jack O'Malley was a fireman who had seen it all! Or so he thought. An arsonist began targeting his district and his shift. Each fire set by the arsonist had messages. Each message escalated in intensity. It was obvious the firebug knew things about how a fire operated that the untrained public would not know. The possibility of the arsonist being someone he knew hurt!

Cassie Ellis had been a firefighter until she was hurt during a rescue operation. He faith in Jesus got her through the trauma of being severely burned. When she saw the arsonist, she became the obvious person to work the crowds at the fires in hopes of spotting him.

Jack and Cassie become closer than they ever had before. Jack began helping Cassie's thoughts of her scars. Cassie began helping Jack believe.

***** A riveting addition to the series! Each book of the O'Malley series is a story in itself. Each book tells the story of one of the unique O'Malley family. This novel, like all the ones before, are full of action, suspense, and a touch of Faith. Dee Henderson's magical pen combines the allure of Thrillers, Romances, and Christian books to make one of the best series I have ever read! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

Reviewed by Detra Fitch of Huntress Reviews.