The Night Watcher

The wealthy are dying in Manhattan. A serial arsonist is setting their bodies on fire and watching as they burn to death. On the trail of the killer are NYPD Detectives Ben Stack and Rica Lopez. The killer is aware of their presence and calls them to alert them to the killing and to prevent the fire from spreading any further. They desperately must seek the identity of the killer and discover what the victims have in common, if anything. John Lutz is a veteran mystery writer with many previous books published. He has previously won the Edgar for a short story in 1987. The experience is quite evident in both the pacing and the rhythm of the story. Events move seamlessly and inexorably to the conclusion which is both clever and surprising. Ben and Rica, the main protagonists, are engaging. Other characters are well portrayed but lack the emotional depth of these two. The story is rapidly paced. It is a very impressive work and well worthy of the Edgar nomination.