Torch by Lin Anderson

Torch is the second in a thriller series starring Glasgow-based forensic scientist Rhona Macleod. Her 20 titles in this series helped invigorate the tartan-noir genre, along with Alex Gray and Peter May. These offer complex characters, along with the grit of forensics to keep the pages turning.

Rhona is investigating arsons in Glasgow, when similar fires begin in Edinburgh. A homeless girl living in a makeshift shelter with her dog was attacked and left in an intentional fire. Jaz, a friend who sells street papers, takes care of her dog and begins digging for answers.

Rhona stays in a friend's flat in Edinburgh as the large New Year's party Hogmanay approaches. Many of the fires involve addicts who overdosed before being set afire, and from the taunting letters received by police, the firestarters' excitement is only increasing. She is paired with combative city Chief Fire Investigator Severino MacRae, an gruff alcoholic whose marriage is breaking up, so we can cut him a little slack. He has no interest in her help, but she is determined, and they learn to rely on each other. Jaz helps the team explore the homeless population as the fires continue to be set. The team is aware they are being watched by the arsonist, who has a personal grudge to exercise, prowling around Rhona undetected.

There is also the question of the son she gave up for adoption seventeen years ago. Liam is ready to meet Rhona, even under these tense circumstances.

There are new characters, and the old crew make cameos. Although they find common ground, Severino is unprofessional to the point of unbelievability. His personal problems do take him off the case for a while, but Rhona is more than qualified and has back up in Glasgow. I find this series tight, exciting, and fast-paced, with compassion for the characters. Readers have complained that the killing of two dogs is the most grievous. I like dogs too, but this is a thriller about forensics and arson - never mind the victims who overdose on fireworks accelerant before being set alight, or the arsonist who gets sexually excited by it all. I admit this series is not for everyone, but the writing is solid, and I think as a thriller reader, you can handle it.

For fans of Patricia Cornwall and Ian Rankin, recommended.

My other reviews of Lin Anderson:

Driftnet (Rhona MacLeod #1)

2004 / Tradeback / 272 pages