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Boldt & Matthews #4
Beyond Recognition
There’s a homicidal arsonist loose in Seattle. Single mothers are being killed in fires that burn hotter than experts have ever seen. Somehow, the children are spared. Why?
For Seattle Police Sergeant Lou Boldt and the department’s psychologist, Daphne Matthews, the High Temperature Accelerant fires challenge their every resource. The fuel used in these deadly fires is as much a mystery as the identity of the arsonist who sets them.
A Seattle fire marshal reveals to Boldt that ominous quotations have been sent to him before each of the fires. Is the fire marshal, whose past is suddenly in question, more involved than anyone wants to believe?
Based on two years of research that included interviews with firefighters, tours of secret government labs, and the help of an Apollo astronaut, Beyond Recognition combines Ridley Pearson’s signature use of high-tech forensics with breathless pacing and complex characters to bring to the page a most compelling, challenging, and satisfying novel.
For Seattle Police Sergeant Lou Boldt and the department’s psychologist, Daphne Matthews, the High Temperature Accelerant fires challenge their every resource. The fuel used in these deadly fires is as much a mystery as the identity of the arsonist who sets them.
A Seattle fire marshal reveals to Boldt that ominous quotations have been sent to him before each of the fires. Is the fire marshal, whose past is suddenly in question, more involved than anyone wants to believe?
Based on two years of research that included interviews with firefighters, tours of secret government labs, and the help of an Apollo astronaut, Beyond Recognition combines Ridley Pearson’s signature use of high-tech forensics with breathless pacing and complex characters to bring to the page a most compelling, challenging, and satisfying novel.
676 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 1, 1997
80 people are currently reading
493 people want to read
About the author
Ridley Pearson
187 books2,106 followersRidley Pearson is the author of more than fifty novels, including the New York Times bestseller Killer Weekend; the Lou Boldt crime series; and many books for young readers, including the award-winning children's novels Peter and the Starcatchers, Peter and the Shadow Thieves, and Peter and the Secret of Rundoon, which he cowrote with Dave Barry. Pearson lives with his wife and two daughters, dividing their time between Missouri and Idaho.
Also writes Chris Klick mysteries as Wendell McCall.
Also writes Chris Klick mysteries as Wendell McCall.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews
May 12, 2019
Hmm. I don't think this series is for me. I found parts of the book interesting but I really disliked how Boldt and Matthews seemed to tap dance up to the line of being in love with each other and nearly carrying it too far - when Boldt is married, with two children, and Matthews is engaged. If those parts had been cut, I think it would have made for a stronger book. The arson/arsonist parts were very interesting.
July 8, 2010
Veteran homicide detective Lou Boldt is called onto the scene of a house fire, where the flames had been so fearsome that none of the firefighters had ever experienced anything like it. In tandem with profiler Daphne Matthews, Boldt is determined to smoke out the vicious arsonist, who strikes again a few days later. Within this scenario, author Pearson spins out a riveting subplot. Ben Santoro, the twelve year old victim of a sadistic stepfather, has found a safe haven in the home of psychic Emily Richland, and in the course of their friendship, both become involved with arsonist. Finally, the intense attraction that Boldt and Matthews feel for each other is compounded when Boldt suspects that his wife, whom he also loves, is having an affair.
Starting with practically no hard evidence, Boldt obstinately pursues clues to the identity of the killer, who uses rocket fuel to create his infernos. Little by little the tension builds, and the final third of the book is so suspenseful that it is difficult to put down. The denouement in Ben's story is a satisfying one, but the reader is left hanging in the final scenes between Boldt and his wife, his behavior toward her having been appallingly distant. He's a great cop, but he could use some help with his own character.
Starting with practically no hard evidence, Boldt obstinately pursues clues to the identity of the killer, who uses rocket fuel to create his infernos. Little by little the tension builds, and the final third of the book is so suspenseful that it is difficult to put down. The denouement in Ben's story is a satisfying one, but the reader is left hanging in the final scenes between Boldt and his wife, his behavior toward her having been appallingly distant. He's a great cop, but he could use some help with his own character.
May 7, 2017
Lou Boldt and Daphne Matthews were on a quest to find a serial arsonist and with the help of a little boy name Ben they were able to bring the arsonist down. Dale Hull excellent storytelling made my heart race during the final action scenes.
May 3, 2019
It is very interesting to see how the clues add up to reveal the bad guy. I was disappointed at the end of the big story, but the most important one was between Boldt and his wife.
October 5, 2020
This was an ok police procedural mystery for me.
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February 1, 2013Beyond Recognition, by Ridley Pearson. A. Part of the Lew Bolt series.
This is my first Ridley Pearson, but definitely not the last. Sergeant Bolt is afraid of fires. He therefore isn’t thrilled when he is placed, as a homicide specialist, to work with the arson unit because the fires appear to have homicide as the central focus. No one can figure out what the materials are that are setting the fires, but whatever they are, they burn so fast and so intensely that they destroy almost all evidence. In the first fire/murder, only part of a bone is left. Characters involved include a boy who has been raised by a drunken and sadistic stepfather after his mother left home, a psychologist assigned to the police who is in love with Lew Bolt, his wife, Liz, who wants him home more of the time, and a psychic. This is a very good and very scarey book. There are twists and turns and red herrings. Ultimately it wasn’t easy to figure out who set the fires and why.
Beyond Recognition, by Ridley Pearson, a-minus, Narrated by Dale Hull, Produced by Brilliance audio, Downloaded from audible.com.
Lew Bolt is assigned to investigate a group of fires, which always include one homicide, usually a woman. The fire burns so cleanly that there are very few traces left of body or evidence of how the fire is set. In fact, the fuel for the fire burns so cleanly that there come to be suspicions that it military grade rocket fuel. But where would anyone get access to such fuel? And a fire inspector seems too closely connected. He is the one that gets the note which precedes each fire. And a ten-year-old boy turns up who had a close encounter with the arsonist. They must protect him as he is the best witness they have for identifying anyone. Lew Bolt and Daphne Matthews are again very closely connected in the investigation, and it is also clear that there is some attraction still between them, particularly on Daphne’s part. But Liz’s cancer has returned. An emotionally charged thriller.
This is my first Ridley Pearson, but definitely not the last. Sergeant Bolt is afraid of fires. He therefore isn’t thrilled when he is placed, as a homicide specialist, to work with the arson unit because the fires appear to have homicide as the central focus. No one can figure out what the materials are that are setting the fires, but whatever they are, they burn so fast and so intensely that they destroy almost all evidence. In the first fire/murder, only part of a bone is left. Characters involved include a boy who has been raised by a drunken and sadistic stepfather after his mother left home, a psychologist assigned to the police who is in love with Lew Bolt, his wife, Liz, who wants him home more of the time, and a psychic. This is a very good and very scarey book. There are twists and turns and red herrings. Ultimately it wasn’t easy to figure out who set the fires and why.
Beyond Recognition, by Ridley Pearson, a-minus, Narrated by Dale Hull, Produced by Brilliance audio, Downloaded from audible.com.
Lew Bolt is assigned to investigate a group of fires, which always include one homicide, usually a woman. The fire burns so cleanly that there are very few traces left of body or evidence of how the fire is set. In fact, the fuel for the fire burns so cleanly that there come to be suspicions that it military grade rocket fuel. But where would anyone get access to such fuel? And a fire inspector seems too closely connected. He is the one that gets the note which precedes each fire. And a ten-year-old boy turns up who had a close encounter with the arsonist. They must protect him as he is the best witness they have for identifying anyone. Lew Bolt and Daphne Matthews are again very closely connected in the investigation, and it is also clear that there is some attraction still between them, particularly on Daphne’s part. But Liz’s cancer has returned. An emotionally charged thriller.
August 28, 2012
This was an excellent police procedural. Although my 2012 sensibilities found some of the writing almost anachronistic in terms of the technology (the book was written in 1998, pagers were still in use, cell phones and laptops were still new, DNA wasn't even mentioned in the evidence gathering), it was still a gripping read.
The main protagonist is a very human, very believable detective. Lou Boldt is good at what he does as a detective sergeant, but he is struggling with some very relate-able issues: he and his wife are rebuilding their marriage after infidelity on both sides, they have two small children, one an infant daughter, and his wife makes a great deal more money than he does and resents that he won't take a desk job in order to spend more time with her and the children since she provides better for the family than he does.
As the tension in the case builds, the narrative surrounding Boldt's private life runs on a parallel and equally wrenching track. He is tracking a very clever arsonist, one who leaves little evidence behind, especially in the fires themselves. His capable team is stumped from the get-go: even the identification of the accelerant is a mystery, and the inadequacies and struggle at work to get a handle on the case translate to even more tension and struggle at home, especially when the arsonist targets Boldt's home and family.
A very enjoyable read, a satisfying conclusion and a likable, human character good at what he does.
The main protagonist is a very human, very believable detective. Lou Boldt is good at what he does as a detective sergeant, but he is struggling with some very relate-able issues: he and his wife are rebuilding their marriage after infidelity on both sides, they have two small children, one an infant daughter, and his wife makes a great deal more money than he does and resents that he won't take a desk job in order to spend more time with her and the children since she provides better for the family than he does.
As the tension in the case builds, the narrative surrounding Boldt's private life runs on a parallel and equally wrenching track. He is tracking a very clever arsonist, one who leaves little evidence behind, especially in the fires themselves. His capable team is stumped from the get-go: even the identification of the accelerant is a mystery, and the inadequacies and struggle at work to get a handle on the case translate to even more tension and struggle at home, especially when the arsonist targets Boldt's home and family.
A very enjoyable read, a satisfying conclusion and a likable, human character good at what he does.
October 1, 2014
In this genre, for me, there is John Sandford and there is everybody else. Ridley Pearson's Lou Boldt/Daphne Matthews series is really the only one that truly stands along side the Prey books.
I've recently given the series a re-read and if you have the chance, I highly recommend them.
Pearson creates a very human, very likable cop in his main character Lou Boldt. He's not the badass hero who always saves the day. He's the tireless worker who plugs away at a case until it submits to him. The interplay between him and Daphne Matthews is flawless. Add in some other great characters like LaMoia, Bobbie Gaynes and Showswitz and you've always got some fun in store.
The best part of these books is the combination of the case in conjunction with the humanity of the characters. They are real, flawed and doing their best in a world and setting where that's not always enough.
I highly recommend starting at the beginning of this series and reading it though. The series starts in the days when a fax machine was a big deal and cell phones were unheard of and advances along with the times. Once you put that aside, it's great reading though. Check them out.
I've recently given the series a re-read and if you have the chance, I highly recommend them.
Pearson creates a very human, very likable cop in his main character Lou Boldt. He's not the badass hero who always saves the day. He's the tireless worker who plugs away at a case until it submits to him. The interplay between him and Daphne Matthews is flawless. Add in some other great characters like LaMoia, Bobbie Gaynes and Showswitz and you've always got some fun in store.
The best part of these books is the combination of the case in conjunction with the humanity of the characters. They are real, flawed and doing their best in a world and setting where that's not always enough.
I highly recommend starting at the beginning of this series and reading it though. The series starts in the days when a fax machine was a big deal and cell phones were unheard of and advances along with the times. Once you put that aside, it's great reading though. Check them out.
June 8, 2013
I listened to this book on a long road trip. Unfortunately, it was an abridged version, and perhaps that is why I can't give it more than 2 stars. It was very disjointed and skipped around too much. The narrator read it so fast in the beginning that it was hard to listen to. I think that I might read the book and see if I change my rating.
June 4, 2010
This is a good Lou Boldt by Pearson. It is fast paced, technical, and a book that gets you involved in the characters and events.
J. Robert Ewbank author "John Wesley, Natural Man, and the 'Isms'"
J. Robert Ewbank author "John Wesley, Natural Man, and the 'Isms'"
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July 2, 2012Very engrossing mystery. Loved the technical description about fire, arson, accelerators. I learned a lot. Boldt and Matthews are interesting characters. I enjoy reading about their relationship and personal lives almost as much as the central mystery.
June 25, 2016
Exciting and thrilling. I was a little lost in some of the subplot because I haven't read the other books in this series, but I still enjoyed the main plot and the characters.
August 1, 2018
Took a little while to finish this one because I packed it for both of my July vacations figuring what's better for hot summer beach reads than arson investigations? A continuation of the Boldt/Matthews series by Ridley Pearson, this finds cop Lou Boldt and forensic profiler Daphne Matthews trying to track down the person or group of persons responsible for burning homes in the Seattle area using a method that causes the homes to burn extremely hot and leave the remains of those who lived there charred beyond recognition (hence the title). The main plotline also forces the two protagonists to confront some building issues in their personal lives, odd considering the arson plotline but Pearson makes it work.
I've enjoyed the series thus far and look forward to the others in the series. I know I haven't read them in order, but I don't feel that Pearson spoiled anything from the earlier books in this one, except perhaps the background of the storylines involving Boldt and Matthews' personal lives. Overall, an excellent read that kept me intrigued the whole time, but could be put down if needed and picked right back up again without needing a refresher.
I've enjoyed the series thus far and look forward to the others in the series. I know I haven't read them in order, but I don't feel that Pearson spoiled anything from the earlier books in this one, except perhaps the background of the storylines involving Boldt and Matthews' personal lives. Overall, an excellent read that kept me intrigued the whole time, but could be put down if needed and picked right back up again without needing a refresher.
August 27, 2025
I read this, and most of Ridley Pearson's novels, long ago after getting hooked reading Undercurrents.
There are certainly other crime writers that I would rate above him, but I was very much influenced by his high quality of "Forensic" science. His books were being published at what seemed to be the beginning of the explosion of crime stories that were now incorporating this detailed portion of the investigation and the leads that this new science generated.
He was/is very good at introducing these intriguing details, and he also placed this series and his recurring detective Lou Boldt, here in Seattle where I live. Being able to visualize scene locations and more was always cool.
Although I fell off of his wagon back then, I've jumped on board again, enjoying his "Killer" series. I recommend him to anyone looking for a new crime writer to dive into.
There are certainly other crime writers that I would rate above him, but I was very much influenced by his high quality of "Forensic" science. His books were being published at what seemed to be the beginning of the explosion of crime stories that were now incorporating this detailed portion of the investigation and the leads that this new science generated.
He was/is very good at introducing these intriguing details, and he also placed this series and his recurring detective Lou Boldt, here in Seattle where I live. Being able to visualize scene locations and more was always cool.
Although I fell off of his wagon back then, I've jumped on board again, enjoying his "Killer" series. I recommend him to anyone looking for a new crime writer to dive into.
January 21, 2017
I like Ridley Pearson's books, have read several, and have read other books in the Lou Boldt series. However, this book seemed to me to be a manual for an arsonist, giving lots of clues to a would-be arsonist, as well as police and fire procedures showing how to catch one. That part was interesting. The constant self-analyzing occurring between the two main characters became a little irritating, tho. It seems that two highly educated police investigators would not be so wound up in their own personal feelings, especially since one of them is a psychologist. It seemed a little too introspective for a crime novel. Overall, I would recommend this book and others by Pearson, he's one of the top writers in this genre.
June 24, 2019
Read the Kindle or a hardcopy. Skip the Audible version.
I read a hard copy of this book years ago, and this time I listened to the Audible book. I often re-read this series, because Lou Boldt is a down-to-earth cop whom I like following as he investigates. I have yet to warm to Daphne Matthews, and in this book, because pulls a TSTL stunt. This time around, I had difficulties suspending disbelief about Ben’s crazy escapades—especially when he skitched (portmanteau of "skate" and "hitch") a truck.
Suggest you pass on the Audiobook and stick to Kindle or hardcopy, because the narrator doesn’t make an effort to voice women. This is an older recording from 2008, so perhaps—I’m guessing here—time and trends probably changed how actors voiced parts.
I read a hard copy of this book years ago, and this time I listened to the Audible book. I often re-read this series, because Lou Boldt is a down-to-earth cop whom I like following as he investigates. I have yet to warm to Daphne Matthews, and in this book, because pulls a TSTL stunt. This time around, I had difficulties suspending disbelief about Ben’s crazy escapades—especially when he skitched (portmanteau of "skate" and "hitch") a truck.
Suggest you pass on the Audiobook and stick to Kindle or hardcopy, because the narrator doesn’t make an effort to voice women. This is an older recording from 2008, so perhaps—I’m guessing here—time and trends probably changed how actors voiced parts.
May 15, 2017
Maybe the worst, in its procedural aspects, of anything I've read lately.
Plot was good. Didn't much like the two main characters. The suspense came mainly from wondering what the police were going to overlook, forget, or just generally screw up next.
And it isn't a first book, so I can't look forward to course corrections in future books, I think.
Plot was good. Didn't much like the two main characters. The suspense came mainly from wondering what the police were going to overlook, forget, or just generally screw up next.
And it isn't a first book, so I can't look forward to course corrections in future books, I think.
December 21, 2021
This is the newest of the Lou Bolt (Seattle police mysteries) series and is excellent except it leaves the reader hanging with a series plot element totally dependant on the next on the series. I don't mind a series that builds but I do mind waiting a year or a year and a half to 'finish' a story line. (reviewed in 1996)
January 24, 2019
The arson mystery was good. But there was too much "drama" for me. The author needs to decide if he is writing a murder mystery or a philosophical family saga. (Does every detective have to have personal crises and/or extramarital attractions to partners?)
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September 11, 2021I did not like or admire the main character. He was suppose to be a great detective but he did not like his job and was suspicious of his wife and was constantly depressed. I do not think the writer has spent much time with police or their work.
September 11, 2021
Read this 20+ years ago and liked it so much I read it multiple times. Set in Seattle about a detective I think who is tracking a serial arsonist. Liked how challenging it was for the detective to find the guy. Felt like finding a needle in a haystack
November 25, 2023
Uma história de investigação sobre um Incendiário, contudo o processo foi em segundo plano devido a tensão entre os protagonistas Boldt e Matthews.
É difícil se encontrar em uma caçada quando a dupla principal fica discutindo se comete adultério ou não.
É difícil se encontrar em uma caçada quando a dupla principal fica discutindo se comete adultério ou não.
December 16, 2024
12-16-2024: I didn’t even realize I had this book, wasn’t sure if I wanted to read it since it was written 28 years ago, but I’m glad I did. The plot was very interesting and the characters were engaging and it moved quickly.
February 2, 2019
Lots of twists and turns in this thriller about a serial arsonist. What makes it especially intriguing are the personal relationships --Ben and Emily, Ben and Daphne, Lou and Elizabeth.
August 31, 2019
Good detective novel......deceivingly surprising criminal.
November 21, 2020
Great series!
December 25, 2020
The book was very slow in the beginning, took me a while to get into it. Plot finally picked up in the last quarter - wish it could have been that way the entire time.
January 15, 2021
I like this series. Good story lines. Enough character development without getting too boring with the details.
May 30, 2021
Read in 1997. Boldt novels are always entertaining and good mysteries.
July 9, 2021
Best one of the series so far.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews