Stalking a Fire
I’ve come to really enjoy Liz Milliron’s books. Since I’m up to date on her two other series for the moment, I’m hoping to really dig into the Laurel Highlands Mysteries this year. Thus, I prioritized Heaven Has No Rage, the second novel in the series, this month.
This series features Pennsylvania State Trooper Jim Duncan and Assistant Public Defender Sally Castle. They are flirting at starting a relationship, although in the months since the previous book ended, things have been a little awkward between them.
It’s now the middle of February, and Jim responds to a call in the middle of the night. A local ski resort has had a fire. Sadly, there’s a dead body in the burned-out chalet. Evidence appears to show that the victim didn’t die in the fire. Who was he? How did he die?
Meanwhile, Sally has started getting some weird notes. They are mildly threatening. Does she have a stalker?
This book does a great job of referencing the previous book without spoiling anything. Considering how much Jim and Sally’s relationship was impacted by the last book’s ending, that’s especially impressive. You could jump in here if you wanted without worry, although you’ll appreciate this book most if you’ve read them in order.
Since these books are more police procedural/traditional, we start right out with the mystery. I did find one of the mysteries better than the other, but I was still drawn in for the climax of both, reading as quickly as I could to see how everything was going to play out. And I was enjoying the book the entire way through.
There is a strong emphasis on the growing relationship between Jim and Sally, and I’m here for it. The issue in their relationship felt natural, and I was glad they made some progress on it before the end of the book.
It helps that I really like both of them. They are solid characters you want to see happy. We get to know a some supporting characters from Jim’s life, and I like them as well. And the suspects are intriguing.
As I said, this is more in the traditional vein than the cozy tradition, so keep that in mind when you pick it up. The book still keeps the violence, language, etc. to a minimum.
I’m looking forward to watching these characters continue to grow as the series progresses. Heaven Has No Rage is a good second entry that will help hook fans.
Plan more visits with the rest of the Laurel Highlands Mysteries.
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