When Matches Burn

by M.E Mullen

Ten years ago Della Jones fled Belclaire, Louisiana, desperate to outrun the fire that nearly destroyed her. Now she’s back. Her mother has been murdered. Her sister is missing. And the town she tried to forget is ready to make her the villain all over again.

Haunted by guilt and hunted by suspicion, Del is forced to confront the ghosts she left behind, including the man she once loved, now the lead detective on the case. As she digs into her family's secrets, she uncovers something far more sinister than she imagined. Her sister was hiding something. So was her mother. And Belclaire? It’s been burying more than just bodies.

374 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 1, 2025

About the author

M.E Mullen writes dark, twisty stories about complicated women, secrets, and rabbit-hole mysteries. Her debut psychological thriller, When Matches Burn, has been praised for its gripping plot, haunting atmosphere, and razor-sharp voice.

Born and raised in Pennsylvania, M.E draws inspiration from Southern Gothic landscapes, generational trauma, and the human condition.

When she’s not writing, M.E can be found drinking too much coffee, plotting her next twist, or talking to her cats like they’re coworkers.

Reviews

[Reyna Moody · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an Arc book and the book cover and description caught my eye. It’s a type of book I normally read and I found myself indulged to find what happened. So I would say it’s fast paced and keeps you intrigued. The multiple plot twists were unpredictable too, I would of never guessed. Overall a very good read!

[Kristine Caro · Rating 5 out of 5]

To be honest, the way this book was going, I completely believed that it was something supernatural. The suspicious, yet creepy notes left behind, seeing and hearing voices, it was hard to believe anyone in this book. After every chapter, I had a different suspect and a reason why they could have done it, but I never suspected the one who did it. I did not see that twist, but after getting to it, it completely made sense as to why.

The writing was amazing in this book, it made me feel like it was happening to me. I do not blame Della for wanting to get away from the place and people she grew up with. When Della gets a call with news that her mother has been murdered and her younger sister is missing, she has no choice but to return after 10 years of being away. She doesn't think she would be much help, seeing as she hasn't seen or talked to her family in that time. As soon as she's back, strange things start to happen, and at the same time, she starts remembering things that had happened to her years before, which she always thought were dreams or hallucinations.

This was such a great read, it is on my top list of the year for thrillers. I can't wait to read more from this author. If you can trick me into believing I know who did it and what's going on, then it is a high rating from me.

[Myranda · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's a slow burn thriller that left my jaw on the floor. The small town where everyone knows everyone and their business, the characters are built wonderfully, and you get a bit of that Cajun Crazy too. It made me homesick for Louisiana. I may have even looked at Google Maps to see if Belclaire was an actual town. There was a moment or two when I thought the story felt it was dragging but overall as a debut novel, this author did a great job!

Full review on my website on 9.9.25.
www.mommodeloading.com

[Glenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

First, thank you to Stonehouse & Co Books for allowing me to read this arc. Second congratulations to M.E. Mullen on a fantastic book. I know people say reviews should include what the books about, but that’s what the synopsis is for. This book is a 10 out of 10. My favorite book of the year. It’s fast past, great character development, great setting, no filler details, the writing just flows. The ending… Wow, I mean just Wow!!! This is a MUST read for all thriller fans.

[Jennifer Zeutschel · Rating 5 out of 5]

incredible story! just when I thought I had it figured out there was another twist I didn't see coming with suspense until the very end!! the detail in the writing really made you feel like you were in Del's head!

[DeeDee Angelo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!!! What a fantastic story filled with suspense! This was an ARC sent to me and I LOVED every second of the book! This is DEFINITELY an author that will be in my reading rotation!!!

[Kim Finazzo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow what a great book. This murder mystery really had me on my toes. When you think it’s one person it turns out to be someone else. Lots of interesting twists.