Review: Incendiary by Chris Redding

Title: Incendiary
Author: Chris Redding
Pages: 290
Publisher: Sinful Moments Press
Release Date: April 5, 2011

Chelsea James, captain of her local first aid squad, is trying to keep the organization afloat, but someone is sabotaging her. The squad is her father’s legacy and she feels responsible to keep it going. Jake Sweeney, back in town after a decade, is investigating the arsons he was accused of long ago. When they start again Chelsea and Jake must join forces to defeat their mutual enemy. Jake would like to rekindle what they had before he left town, but his departure left Chelsea hurt and bewildered. To begin again, she must learn to trust him. Her life could depend on it.

My Thoughts: Incendiary centered around Chelsea and the ordeals she faced in trying to keep the local first aid squad she is the captain of from being replaced, overcoming the tension between her and her older brother Brad, and having to deal with the feelings that arise when her ex-boyfriend Jake returns after 10 years.

There was a lot going on that I wouldn't have minded if the book were longer, if only to have more details and background. I think that there was so much more to learn about the history the characters shared, but all we got were glimpses. As a result I didn't feel like I really knew the characters or understood the emotional connections they had with each other. At the same time, I think there were too many events happening right after another that made the story seem unrealistic.

Also, there was an arsonist in the town 10 years ago who was never caught, and then suddenly fires start occurring around town when Chelsea's ex-boyfriend comes back. I think from the beginning it was pretty obvious who the arsonist was, and I believe the readers are suppose to know, but it made me wonder why it wasn't so obvious to the characters. Especially since there were other people investigating this person. To me, that aspect wasn't as mysterious or thrilling as it could have been.

All in all, I think readers who are interested in reading Incendiary should read it if they are looking for a quick, easy read where everything is pretty much resolved in the end.

Rating: 2.5 out of 5 stars

Thanks to the author and Goodreads for the book!