Melting Point

In Presley, Oklahoma, a suburb of Oklahoma City, the fire department answers a warehouse fire when a shot is fired from behind at the firefighters killing Dan Lozano. He is the fourth firefighter murdered in three months by a serial killer. Detective in charge Kiley Russell interviews firefighter Collier McClain, who witnessed the incident and learns he had a grudge against the latest victim; Lozano slept with his ex-fiancée. When fire inspector Teresa Spencer goes on maternity leave, Collier replaces her, which means he will work closely with Kiley on trying to sop the serial killer targeting firefighters. As they work together, they begin to fall in love, but both know their first duty is to uncover the murderer before someone else dies. The second Hot Zone tale (see BURNING LOVE) is an action-packed romantic suspense starring two likable heroes. Fans will appreciate the metamorphosis of the lead couple that begins with a rocky confrontational start, but eventually evolves into mutual trust and respect and ultimately a blazing love with toothbrushes serving as the symbol. The who-done-it is cleverly devised so that readers like the cop wonder if Collier could be a psychopath. This is a fine work by a top author who's always worth reading. Harriet Klausner