THE GIRLS IN THE FIRE

4 stars out of 5

When I read the first book in this series last year, I noted that the star of the show, the very flawed Detective Harlow Durant, was carrying way too much baggage for my liking - even though I very much enjoyed the book. Well, it's ditto for this one; I'm still not a big Harlow fan, but despite that it's another good story well worth reading. That's due in no small part to the fact that I love her partner Lucas, who pretty much has her number (and takes "supportive" to a whole 'nother level). Happily, they make quite a few joint appearances here.

The dynamic duo get sent to Saranac Lake in upstate New York (not far from their home base), where a woman's body has been found; it's so badly burned that it's impossible to tell whether the victim is male or female. Not far away in a wilderness area, efforts are under way to find a presumed serial killer of several people, with those efforts being led by a nemesis of Harlow. Of course, the two bump heads, but Harlow insists she has no interest in sticking her nose in his case (and means it, although she has no reservations about digging in her heels should the two cases be related in any way).

Finally, the crispy dead woman is identified, but a motive remains elusive. Not long thereafter, another body turns up with the same M.O. Could it be that a serial killer is on the loose here as well? Could all the murders be somehow connected, and is it possible they're looking for the same serial killer?

Amid all this, Harlow's past comes out of hiding; as the daughter of an imprisoned serial killer and a nasty woman who's a mother only because she gave birth, Harlow has been forced to pull up stakes when the media and local folks get wind of her background. Worse, if that's possible, she's been dogged by her estranged mother, who tends to find her at the worst possible moment.

As a result of the serial killer angle, Harlow's current case triggers all sorts of childhood nightmares, many of which are laid out in interspersed chapters that let readers know what's going on in her head. I know I should be more sympathetic, but honestly, I grew a bit weary of those background checks (i.e., you're a stellar detective, Harlow, so get on with your life already). In reality, though, that may prove difficult - Harlow herself, it appears, has become a target.

The rest you'll just have to read for yourself, and series fans should know there's a twist at the end that no doubt will carry over into the next book. I'll be waiting, but for now I'll thank the publisher, via NetGalley, for the opportunity to read and review a pre-release copy of this one.

The Girls in the Fire by Dea Poirier (Bookouture, March 2022); 313 pp.