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Who by Fire
Dame Polara spent her childhood picking locks, tailing suspects, and helping her private eye father solve cases. She knows all the tricks of the trade but has long since left the dangers of detective work behind. These days, Dame just wants to play it safe — a steady job at City Hall, adequate care for her aging father, and maybe even a family of her own — but you can't always get what you want. After serving her an eviction notice, Dame's landlord offers an unusual alternative: she can keep her apartment if she digs up dirt on his soon-to-be ex-wife. When Dame’s investigation uncovers a deadly arson conspiracy, she finds herself pulled back into the treacherous world of her father's profession. Now, she must rely on the skills her father taught her if she’s to protect herself and the people she cares about most.
296 pages, Paperback
Published April 20, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
May 27, 2024
This book came to me at the right time. We were in the midst of binge watching the TV series ONLY MURDERS IN THE BUILDING, so the vibe was right. I was already in the mood for escapism and something with full-on entertainment. And with WHO BY FIRE, I got to further that agenda. Here comes a fiery mystery to try to solve (no pun intended).
WHO BY FIRE (named after a Leonard Cohen song) is mystery concerning a serial arsonist. We follow our protagonist Dame Polara (eventual reluctant investigator), who is a bit of a tortured soul. She works at City Hall in a department that works on preserving local historical buildings, but is constantly battling with detractors. Her father, who was once a famed private detective, is now a bit fragile after suffering a stroke. She’s haunted by memories of her mother who died by a hit and run. And she’s been trying to get pregnant through IVF with no such luck. Then to top it off she’s being faced with eviction. In order to keep her apartment, she strikes a deal with her landlord: if she finds proof that his wife is cheating, she’ll be allowed to keep the apartment. Dame has tricks up her sleeve because as a child, her father used to teach her how to operate as a private detective. The case starts off simple enough until it morphs into a series of fires set on historical buildings. An arsonist is at large. And so we begin.
One thing you should be aware of is that WHO BY FIRE is a bit of a slow burn (again, no pun intended). It takes some time before the first arson attack even begins. This is not one of those procedural mysteries that’s just about the case. The detective’s life is on full display. It’s more about character. Yes, there’s twists and turns and yes, the case is the big selling point here. But the novel is also a character study. Dame is determined, strong-willed, and brave, but she’s also stuck, very stuck in life. She’s beginning to feel aimless: what does she want out of life? This question is something that seems to hover over the entire novel. With all of the subsequent actions she takes, what are the driving forces behind them?
The element I loved the most in the novel is the interactions between Dame and her father. Not only do we get their interactions in the present, we also get these poignant flashbacks of when her father would show her the ropes behind his profession. In these flashbacks, Dame is a kid and her father is in the best shape of his life. We see Dame’s fascination with what her father does, but we also see her resentment: why can’t he be a normal father figure? During these sections we also further explore the baggage that causes Dame to be the person she is today. And one pivotal moment that changes both of their worlds forever.
The arson mystery ties the present and the past together in more ways that we initially realize. It’s both a plot-driven and character-driven device and sheds more light on everyone involved.
I will admit that I guessed where it was going. Obviously, not every detail, but I did figure out the culprit and some of the motivations behind the actions. I don’t think everyone will come away figuring it out, so I’m not implying that it’s predictable. With that said, even though my prediction was correct, it was still loads of fun to see if I was right. And to see how the novel would tie it all together. There’s a lot of pieces to fit into place.
I had a good time with this. It reminded me of why I’m drawn to mysteries in the first place: the fun of trying to figure it out before the protagonist does, the colorful characters, the tension, the “what’s going to happen next?” anticipation, the entertainment. But most of all the comfort it brings: that feeling of curling up in bed, sofa (or wherever your joyful reading space) with a juicy mystery as you tune out of real life. For the past two years, I’ve been watching tons of mystery shows, it might be time to prioritize the genre in novel form.
I look forward to Rhyno’s follow-up whenever that may be, and to see where Dame Polara goes next. I’m hoping the mystery ups the stakes even more. So yeah, I’m invested.
WHO BY FIRE (named after a Leonard Cohen song) is mystery concerning a serial arsonist. We follow our protagonist Dame Polara (eventual reluctant investigator), who is a bit of a tortured soul. She works at City Hall in a department that works on preserving local historical buildings, but is constantly battling with detractors. Her father, who was once a famed private detective, is now a bit fragile after suffering a stroke. She’s haunted by memories of her mother who died by a hit and run. And she’s been trying to get pregnant through IVF with no such luck. Then to top it off she’s being faced with eviction. In order to keep her apartment, she strikes a deal with her landlord: if she finds proof that his wife is cheating, she’ll be allowed to keep the apartment. Dame has tricks up her sleeve because as a child, her father used to teach her how to operate as a private detective. The case starts off simple enough until it morphs into a series of fires set on historical buildings. An arsonist is at large. And so we begin.
One thing you should be aware of is that WHO BY FIRE is a bit of a slow burn (again, no pun intended). It takes some time before the first arson attack even begins. This is not one of those procedural mysteries that’s just about the case. The detective’s life is on full display. It’s more about character. Yes, there’s twists and turns and yes, the case is the big selling point here. But the novel is also a character study. Dame is determined, strong-willed, and brave, but she’s also stuck, very stuck in life. She’s beginning to feel aimless: what does she want out of life? This question is something that seems to hover over the entire novel. With all of the subsequent actions she takes, what are the driving forces behind them?
The element I loved the most in the novel is the interactions between Dame and her father. Not only do we get their interactions in the present, we also get these poignant flashbacks of when her father would show her the ropes behind his profession. In these flashbacks, Dame is a kid and her father is in the best shape of his life. We see Dame’s fascination with what her father does, but we also see her resentment: why can’t he be a normal father figure? During these sections we also further explore the baggage that causes Dame to be the person she is today. And one pivotal moment that changes both of their worlds forever.
The arson mystery ties the present and the past together in more ways that we initially realize. It’s both a plot-driven and character-driven device and sheds more light on everyone involved.
I will admit that I guessed where it was going. Obviously, not every detail, but I did figure out the culprit and some of the motivations behind the actions. I don’t think everyone will come away figuring it out, so I’m not implying that it’s predictable. With that said, even though my prediction was correct, it was still loads of fun to see if I was right. And to see how the novel would tie it all together. There’s a lot of pieces to fit into place.
I had a good time with this. It reminded me of why I’m drawn to mysteries in the first place: the fun of trying to figure it out before the protagonist does, the colorful characters, the tension, the “what’s going to happen next?” anticipation, the entertainment. But most of all the comfort it brings: that feeling of curling up in bed, sofa (or wherever your joyful reading space) with a juicy mystery as you tune out of real life. For the past two years, I’ve been watching tons of mystery shows, it might be time to prioritize the genre in novel form.
I look forward to Rhyno’s follow-up whenever that may be, and to see where Dame Polara goes next. I’m hoping the mystery ups the stakes even more. So yeah, I’m invested.
May 5, 2024
A hugely satisfying book. The plotting is exquisite, Dame Polara is rad as hell, and the twists! The twists! I couldn’t recommend this book harder. The countdown for book #2 begins!
January 23, 2025
This might be the best bit of genre fiction I've read in a long time, and I can't wait for the sequel (or the inevitable TV Series!)
May 27, 2025
What a fun read wowwww!!! I love a lil arson, mystery and misdirected alleged adultery!!!!
September 20, 2024
As a Toronto native, I was thrilled to discover Who by Fire by Greg Rhyno. This debut mystery novel is a captivating blend of historical fiction and detective intrigue, set in the heart of my hometown.
Rhyno's writing is both engaging and informative, capturing the unique atmosphere of Toronto's neighbourhoods and landmarks. The mystery plot is well-crafted, with twists and turns that kept me guessing until the very end. The author's attention to detail and his ability to create vivid characters make this book a standout.
I particularly enjoyed the character of Dame, the protagonist. She's a complex and relatable figure who is both tough and vulnerable. Her journey of self-discovery as she navigates the challenges of her personal life and the complexities of the case is fascinating to follow.
While Who by Fire may not be a fast-paced thriller, it's a character-driven mystery that rewards patient readers. The slow-burn approach allows for a deeper exploration of the themes and relationships within the story.
If you're a fan of mystery novels with well-developed characters and a strong sense of place, Who by Fire is a must-read. I can't wait to see what Dame gets up to in the next installment of this promising series.
Rhyno's writing is both engaging and informative, capturing the unique atmosphere of Toronto's neighbourhoods and landmarks. The mystery plot is well-crafted, with twists and turns that kept me guessing until the very end. The author's attention to detail and his ability to create vivid characters make this book a standout.
I particularly enjoyed the character of Dame, the protagonist. She's a complex and relatable figure who is both tough and vulnerable. Her journey of self-discovery as she navigates the challenges of her personal life and the complexities of the case is fascinating to follow.
While Who by Fire may not be a fast-paced thriller, it's a character-driven mystery that rewards patient readers. The slow-burn approach allows for a deeper exploration of the themes and relationships within the story.
If you're a fan of mystery novels with well-developed characters and a strong sense of place, Who by Fire is a must-read. I can't wait to see what Dame gets up to in the next installment of this promising series.
February 2, 2026
الرواية: من قتل بالنار؟: لغز ديم بولدرا.
الكاتب: جريج راينو.
المترجمة: هبة الله الجماع
دار النشر: الكنزي.
عدد الصفحات: 458 على أبجد.
التقييم: ⭐⭐⭐/⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
في قراءة أولى للكاتب جريج راينو، تبدأ الأحداث بديم، والتي تعمل لحماية التراث القديم من المباني والكنائس والمدارس التاريخية، لحفظها من التطور الذي يضيع قيمتها التاريخية، لتقع في مشكلة المنافسة بينها وبين المديرة شارون فيتشر التي تريد تحويل المسرح التاريخي، وفي ذات الوقت اهتمامها بصحة والدها دودج المريض بعد إحدى القضايا حين كان يعمل كمحقق خاص، تزامناً مع محاولة راي مالك العمارة طردها من الشقة بحجة امتلاكه لها، إلا إذا قبل والدها التحقيق حول زوجته آكي والتأكد هل هي تقوم بخيانته أم لا، مع باين معاناة نديم من مشكلة الولادة مع طلاقها من آدم لخيانته مع صديقتها راتشيل.
وافقت ديم على استلام القضية من راي دون أن تخبره بحقيقة توليها للقضية، لتبدأ تحرياتها حول آكي، والتي تزامنت مع ظهور حوادث احتراق المدرسة والكنيسة ثم المسرح التاريخيين، مع ظهور عدة شكوك حول من حولها، انتهاء بمحاولة اقتحام شقتها وإصابة زوج صديقتها، مع مفاجأة ضخمة غيرت حياتها بالكلية.
على الرغم من روعة أحداث الرواية، إلا أن عدم التنسيق الجيد للرواية، والترجمة التي تشبه الترجمة الآلية، مع عدم وضع مشاعر للشخصيات أو تحديد من يتحدث، أفسدا الرواية بشكل كبير وجعلها مملة بشكل لا يطاق، والمشهد الذي كان من المفترض أن يكون حماسياً صار غير مهم بسبب سوء تنسيق الترجمة.
الكاتب: جريج راينو.
المترجمة: هبة الله الجماع
دار النشر: الكنزي.
عدد الصفحات: 458 على أبجد.
التقييم: ⭐⭐⭐/⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
في قراءة أولى للكاتب جريج راينو، تبدأ الأحداث بديم، والتي تعمل لحماية التراث القديم من المباني والكنائس والمدارس التاريخية، لحفظها من التطور الذي يضيع قيمتها التاريخية، لتقع في مشكلة المنافسة بينها وبين المديرة شارون فيتشر التي تريد تحويل المسرح التاريخي، وفي ذات الوقت اهتمامها بصحة والدها دودج المريض بعد إحدى القضايا حين كان يعمل كمحقق خاص، تزامناً مع محاولة راي مالك العمارة طردها من الشقة بحجة امتلاكه لها، إلا إذا قبل والدها التحقيق حول زوجته آكي والتأكد هل هي تقوم بخيانته أم لا، مع باين معاناة نديم من مشكلة الولادة مع طلاقها من آدم لخيانته مع صديقتها راتشيل.
وافقت ديم على استلام القضية من راي دون أن تخبره بحقيقة توليها للقضية، لتبدأ تحرياتها حول آكي، والتي تزامنت مع ظهور حوادث احتراق المدرسة والكنيسة ثم المسرح التاريخيين، مع ظهور عدة شكوك حول من حولها، انتهاء بمحاولة اقتحام شقتها وإصابة زوج صديقتها، مع مفاجأة ضخمة غيرت حياتها بالكلية.
على الرغم من روعة أحداث الرواية، إلا أن عدم التنسيق الجيد للرواية، والترجمة التي تشبه الترجمة الآلية، مع عدم وضع مشاعر للشخصيات أو تحديد من يتحدث، أفسدا الرواية بشكل كبير وجعلها مملة بشكل لا يطاق، والمشهد الذي كان من المفترض أن يكون حماسياً صار غير مهم بسبب سوء تنسيق الترجمة.
July 20, 2025
“Who By Fire” was a mixed bag for me—but not without its charm.
There’s a nostalgic quality to this novel that I appreciated—it reminded me of the cozy crime shows my mom used to watch, like Matlock or Murder, She Wrote. The main character, Dame Polara, has a throwback appeal as a reluctant sleuth with just enough grit to pull you along for the ride.
There’s certainly no shortage of plot here: arson, heritage preservation, personal crises, a strained father-daughter dynamic, and flashes of noir-like mystery. But while the story had plenty of moving parts, I found many of them lacked the emotional depth or complexity to leave a lasting impact. It felt like everything was touched on, but few things were fully explored.
That said, the tone is snappy and the pacing moves quickly—never dull—and I did enjoy the setting and the idea of using crumbling architecture as a metaphor for personal unraveling. It’s a solid start to a series, and fans of lighter, character-driven mysteries will likely enjoy it more than I did.
There’s a nostalgic quality to this novel that I appreciated—it reminded me of the cozy crime shows my mom used to watch, like Matlock or Murder, She Wrote. The main character, Dame Polara, has a throwback appeal as a reluctant sleuth with just enough grit to pull you along for the ride.
There’s certainly no shortage of plot here: arson, heritage preservation, personal crises, a strained father-daughter dynamic, and flashes of noir-like mystery. But while the story had plenty of moving parts, I found many of them lacked the emotional depth or complexity to leave a lasting impact. It felt like everything was touched on, but few things were fully explored.
That said, the tone is snappy and the pacing moves quickly—never dull—and I did enjoy the setting and the idea of using crumbling architecture as a metaphor for personal unraveling. It’s a solid start to a series, and fans of lighter, character-driven mysteries will likely enjoy it more than I did.
April 22, 2024
4-1/2 STAR REVIEW
Dame Polara, still recovering from a divorce and failed IVF treatments, finds an unexpected path to recovery.
As the daughter of a seasoned private investigator, she agrees to investigate her landlord’s wife in lieu of being evicted. What she thought was a simple case of infidelity turns into a much bigger mystery that threatens to drag her deeper into the private eye world.
Author Greg Rhyno combines a witty main character with a complex mystery in Who By Fire. As her case deepens, she discovers a connection to a series of arson events related to her regular job preserving city buildings.
It turns out the culprit is hiding in plain sight, much closer than Dame ever imagined. She must race against time to put the pieces together.
Who By Fire highlights an amateur sleuth who uses skills learned from her father to solve an intricate mystery. ~ Amy for Novels Alive
Dame Polara, still recovering from a divorce and failed IVF treatments, finds an unexpected path to recovery.
As the daughter of a seasoned private investigator, she agrees to investigate her landlord’s wife in lieu of being evicted. What she thought was a simple case of infidelity turns into a much bigger mystery that threatens to drag her deeper into the private eye world.
Author Greg Rhyno combines a witty main character with a complex mystery in Who By Fire. As her case deepens, she discovers a connection to a series of arson events related to her regular job preserving city buildings.
It turns out the culprit is hiding in plain sight, much closer than Dame ever imagined. She must race against time to put the pieces together.
Who By Fire highlights an amateur sleuth who uses skills learned from her father to solve an intricate mystery. ~ Amy for Novels Alive
August 13, 2024
I wasn’t sure if I’d like this book when I read the first chapter. But I got into it very quickly and was pleasantly surprised when I realized I thoroughly enjoyed it.
The setting is in Canada, so it was an unfamiliar place with some things we call by different names in the US. But the descriptions he wrote were able to keep me moving forward. His description: are very through, but don’t bog down the story.
The characters are well developed and relatable, even the bad guys. The dialogue was snappy most of the time, and helped move the plot along. My fav character is probably Meera. Or maybe Aki.
The pacing is well done in this book, and I liked the clues and red herrings. Some tripped me up, some didn’t, and a few I was jokingly saying what if… and then found out at the end I was right.
Overall, a very good read. It’s a traditional mystery by its own merit, and I highly recommend it if you like the kind of stories that were written in the golden era.
The setting is in Canada, so it was an unfamiliar place with some things we call by different names in the US. But the descriptions he wrote were able to keep me moving forward. His description: are very through, but don’t bog down the story.
The characters are well developed and relatable, even the bad guys. The dialogue was snappy most of the time, and helped move the plot along. My fav character is probably Meera. Or maybe Aki.
The pacing is well done in this book, and I liked the clues and red herrings. Some tripped me up, some didn’t, and a few I was jokingly saying what if… and then found out at the end I was right.
Overall, a very good read. It’s a traditional mystery by its own merit, and I highly recommend it if you like the kind of stories that were written in the golden era.
March 3, 2025
I have read a lot of mysteries in my lifetime (Marple and Poirot, Nancy Drew, Hardy Boys, Kay Scarpetta, to name a few), and I could not put this book down! A new mystery favourite.
It is SO well written and enjoyable to read; believable dialogue, and it is clear Mr. Rhyno owns a thesaurus. I loved the descriptive language, and I could really feel the Canadian influence within the references (I mean, Mr. Dressup? 😍). It is obvious an incredible amount of research went into this.
Also for me personally, I love Dodge because he reminds me of my own father, whom I love and miss.
All the twists and turns were fun, and the outcome made sense (I hate when mystery conclusions are something you could not reasonably predict, with characters you have never met), but it was not SO predictable it was not enjoyable.
I cannot wait for the next book. I hope we hear from Gus again though, because fathers have parental rights too.
It is SO well written and enjoyable to read; believable dialogue, and it is clear Mr. Rhyno owns a thesaurus. I loved the descriptive language, and I could really feel the Canadian influence within the references (I mean, Mr. Dressup? 😍). It is obvious an incredible amount of research went into this.
Also for me personally, I love Dodge because he reminds me of my own father, whom I love and miss.
All the twists and turns were fun, and the outcome made sense (I hate when mystery conclusions are something you could not reasonably predict, with characters you have never met), but it was not SO predictable it was not enjoyable.
I cannot wait for the next book. I hope we hear from Gus again though, because fathers have parental rights too.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 17, 2024
This is the sophomore novel from Canadian author @gregrhyno and it is a fun ride! It is very Canadian, very Toronto and I loved being able to image the settings and catch references. I enjoyed the arguments and cases for new verses old buildings, preserving heritage or embracing new. The push and pull between the new and old, heritage buildings or new affordable units is a theme happening across Canada and also especially where I live (Halifax) so that was a super relevant plot point and interesting to read about. Our reluctant detective Dame, is likeable, smart, super real and notices everything. It was a good mystery, in that I did not know what was going on, and it was a real page turner. It was often funny and the writing is sharp and enjoyable, "familiar longing borrow into the sinewy meat of her heart". I would put a TW on fertility issues, as that is a part of it.
April 15, 2024
Great story and set in Toronto! Right away I wanted to know more about the main character and I loved how she reluctantly becomes a PI, then uses skills she'd shelved to navigate an underworld of corruption and crime. I loved how she took risks that paid off, and how all her imperfections helped and hindered along the way. This mystery had the right speed for me - slow burn and lots of details that braid together, sprinkled with clues and amping up the feeling that the no one is free from suspicion. Looking forward to the next installment!
January 14, 2025
This is a mystery thriller set in Toronto. Dame learned a lot from her private investigator dad and when she finds herself being evicted she pretends to offer his services to the landlord in order to stay. Her dad has had a stroke, so she will be doing the work. The story has some great characters, complete with back stories and the mystery plotting is well done. There is romance, humour, some violence, arson and city hall shenanigans. I really enjoyed it and look forward to more adventures with Dame. 4.5/5!
April 19, 2024
I loved Greg's first novel and although this one is a departure in terms of narration and theme, it's no less compelling! Dame Polara is a heroine you can't help but root for and the way her investigative work is situated within her personal support network and ongoing professional challenges with heritage buildings in Toronto makes for an emotional - and suspenseful - journey. Her relationship with her ex-P.I. father was definitely a highlight for me as well. Can't wait for books 2&3!
May 28, 2024
Who By Fire is a slow-burning mystery thriller that ends in fireworks. Rhyno doesn't confine himself with genre conventions, which makes the book unlike so many other mystery novels and great for fans of both genre and literary novels. Both the plotting and the characterization were masterful, with some fantastic twists that were both shocking and well-earned. No tricks, no cheating, just solid writing and a brilliant mystery!
August 3, 2024
I really enjoyed Greg’s debut book because it was set in our hometown and a high school like the one we attended… but there were many aspects of that novel I didn’t relate to (heavy with more obscure music references).
This one, I thoroughly loved! An excellent book, a mystery but not heavy and some really random Cdn TV references like Cucumber Club(!) and Today’s Special that delighted me. Can’t wait to read another Dame Polara book!
This one, I thoroughly loved! An excellent book, a mystery but not heavy and some really random Cdn TV references like Cucumber Club(!) and Today’s Special that delighted me. Can’t wait to read another Dame Polara book!
April 19, 2024
I very rarely find myself compelled to read a book all in one sitting but I could not put this book down. Dame Polara is a kick-ass protagonist caught up in a refreshing and complicated plot that takes place in Toronto. If you are interested in private investigator/mystery novels, get a copy of Who By Fire, it's a very goodread, indeed!
August 24, 2024
Such a perfect August lawn chair read- fast paced plot development, pithy banter, a protagonist you want to root for, and its infused with Toronto ambiance.
Can’t wait to see what Dame gets up to in the next book in the series!
In the meantime, I’m casting the movie. I vote Tatiana Maslany as Dame, Mindy Kaling as Meera, Jared Keeso as Gus and Michael Cera as Lewis.
Can’t wait to see what Dame gets up to in the next book in the series!
In the meantime, I’m casting the movie. I vote Tatiana Maslany as Dame, Mindy Kaling as Meera, Jared Keeso as Gus and Michael Cera as Lewis.
December 16, 2024
This book seems like it's the first in what will be a series featuring Dame Polara who learned all about being a PI from her father but who has not been involved in that life in a long time until she gets pulled into it to try and keep from being evicted. I thought it was a fun mystery with a likeable lead. I would definitely read more books in a series.
April 17, 2024
Loved this book. Dame Polara is a badass, complicated, underdog protagonist and I found myself rooting for her right from the start of the book. I loved all the Canadian references (Cucumber Club - what?!) and the look inside Toronto City Hall. It was a page-turner right to the end.
April 19, 2024
A great read!
Once I started reading I couldn’t put it down!
Will there be a sequel?
Once I started reading I couldn’t put it down!
Will there be a sequel?
June 6, 2024
Enjoyable page turner, centered on Toronto heritage.
March 17, 2025
A great new series. I love the protagonist Dame, and the mystery was good too. Looking forward to number 2.
June 1, 2025
I’m not usually a reader of mysteries, but this one was different from most, and makes me think this is a genre worth exploring further.
August 8, 2025
4.1 - couple chapters that felt a bit dull but I could’ve just been tired lol. Loved how it wrapped up and absolutely got got in the end. YUM
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 24, 2025
I wonderful read! Dame is a fabulously flawed but likeable character! The Toronto setting is so well written. I will be reading every book in this series!
June 5, 2024
3-1/2 stars
February 15, 2025
My mystery reading had somewhat lapsed but I found Who By Fire to be enthralling. dame is a wonderful Character, but the book is populated by intriguing characters. No one is uniformly good or evil and I loved that about this novel. This is not a simplistic mystery; there's lots going on. I enjoyed it thoroughly. Looking forward to the next Dame Polara story!
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews