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Nick Heller #4
House on Fire
In New York Times bestselling author Joseph Finder's electrifying new thriller, private investigator Nick Heller infiltrates a powerful wealthy family hiding something sinister.
Nick Heller is at the top of his game when he receives some devastating news: his old army buddy Sean has died of an overdose. Sean, who once saved Nick's life, got addicted to opioids after returning home wounded from war.
Then at Sean's funeral, a stranger approaches Nick with a job, and maybe also a way for Nick to hold someone accountable.
The woman is the daughter of a pharmaceutical kingpin worth billions. Now she wants to become a whistleblower, exposing her father and his company for burying evidence that its biggest money-maker was dangerously addictive. It was a lie that killed hundreds of thousands of people, including Sean.
All Nick has to do is find the document that proves the family knew the drug's dangers. But Nick soon realizes that the sins of the patriarch are just the beginning.
Beneath the surface are barely concealed cabals and conspiracies: a twisting story of family intrigue and lethal corporate machinations. In a deadly game of chess that pits Nick against a family dynasty, against brothers and sisters with schemes of their own, Nick learns how far his enemy is willing to go to protect its name and its wealth.
Nick Heller is at the top of his game when he receives some devastating news: his old army buddy Sean has died of an overdose. Sean, who once saved Nick's life, got addicted to opioids after returning home wounded from war.
Then at Sean's funeral, a stranger approaches Nick with a job, and maybe also a way for Nick to hold someone accountable.
The woman is the daughter of a pharmaceutical kingpin worth billions. Now she wants to become a whistleblower, exposing her father and his company for burying evidence that its biggest money-maker was dangerously addictive. It was a lie that killed hundreds of thousands of people, including Sean.
All Nick has to do is find the document that proves the family knew the drug's dangers. But Nick soon realizes that the sins of the patriarch are just the beginning.
Beneath the surface are barely concealed cabals and conspiracies: a twisting story of family intrigue and lethal corporate machinations. In a deadly game of chess that pits Nick against a family dynasty, against brothers and sisters with schemes of their own, Nick learns how far his enemy is willing to go to protect its name and its wealth.
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First published January 21, 2020
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About the author
Joseph Finder
70 books2,670 followersJoseph Finder is the author of the forthcoming novel JUDGMENT and fourteen other novels, many of them New York Times bestsellers, published in 35 countries around the world. His book HIGH CRIMES was adapted into a movie starring Morgan Freeman and Ashley Judd; PARANOIA was made into the Harrison Ford/Gary Oldman film.
He was born in Chicago, lived in the Philippines, Afghanistan, Washington State, and upstate New York. His novels have won numerous awards, including the Strand Critics award, the Barry Award, and the International Thriller Writers’ Thriller Award for best novel. His first novel, THE MOSCOW CLUB, was named by Publishers Weekly as one of the 10 best spy novels of all time.
He lives with his wife in Boston and Cape Cod, where he roots for the Red Sox and mourns his Golden Retriever rescue dog, Mia. He’s currently trying to convince his wife to get another dog.
He was born in Chicago, lived in the Philippines, Afghanistan, Washington State, and upstate New York. His novels have won numerous awards, including the Strand Critics award, the Barry Award, and the International Thriller Writers’ Thriller Award for best novel. His first novel, THE MOSCOW CLUB, was named by Publishers Weekly as one of the 10 best spy novels of all time.
He lives with his wife in Boston and Cape Cod, where he roots for the Red Sox and mourns his Golden Retriever rescue dog, Mia. He’s currently trying to convince his wife to get another dog.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 484 reviews
February 27, 2020
So famous former Special Forces Operative, wounded soldier and now private detective Nick Heller is back. After returning from war, he had fought against his opioid addiction and lost his close friend Sean. Now he is hired by the heir of Kimball family, a woman who decides to be whistleblower about her family’s business secrets and she claims that her father secretly makes huge profits from oxy and he hid this from regulators. Now it’s time for him to be exposed and she needs help of Nick to solve the problem by bringing out family’s skeletons in the closet.
This family drama and exposing their big secret could help Nick avenge Sean’s death and give him closure he needed for a long time so he accepts the offer, finding himself in a house full of interesting dysfunctional family members. (this reminded me of Knives Out and I wished we had a former Captain America villain, wearing beautiful sweaters and telling people to eat sh**t!) but not only the family members confuse Nick’s mind, but also he finds out there is another investigator involved in this case, his ex-lover Maggie from his Pentagon years they’ve worked together. It’s getting interesting, isn’t it?
Buckle your seatbelts and get ready a twisty, head spinning, heart throbbing, exciting journey takes place at the mountains. Fast paced, entertaining page turner including so much Agatha Christie vibes!
I have to admit, this is my first book of Joseph Finder and my first introduction to his famous character Nick Heller. David Baldacci’s Amos Decker was one of my favorite crime thriller characters but now Nick earned a place in my heart. (Interestingly he reminded me of Karin Slaughter’s Will Trent) I enjoyed moving, stick to the point, neat story-telling and character building. I saw some of the twists before coming but some of them hit me hard. So I guess I have to read the previous books if I don’t get drawn under my tbr torrent.
This book is at my wish list and my second favorite fairy godmother Netgalley team made my wish come true.
So special thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Group Dutton to share this fantastic thriller ARC COPY with me in exchange my honest review. I enjoyed it and looking forward to read the next adventures of Nick Heller.
This family drama and exposing their big secret could help Nick avenge Sean’s death and give him closure he needed for a long time so he accepts the offer, finding himself in a house full of interesting dysfunctional family members. (this reminded me of Knives Out and I wished we had a former Captain America villain, wearing beautiful sweaters and telling people to eat sh**t!) but not only the family members confuse Nick’s mind, but also he finds out there is another investigator involved in this case, his ex-lover Maggie from his Pentagon years they’ve worked together. It’s getting interesting, isn’t it?
Buckle your seatbelts and get ready a twisty, head spinning, heart throbbing, exciting journey takes place at the mountains. Fast paced, entertaining page turner including so much Agatha Christie vibes!
I have to admit, this is my first book of Joseph Finder and my first introduction to his famous character Nick Heller. David Baldacci’s Amos Decker was one of my favorite crime thriller characters but now Nick earned a place in my heart. (Interestingly he reminded me of Karin Slaughter’s Will Trent) I enjoyed moving, stick to the point, neat story-telling and character building. I saw some of the twists before coming but some of them hit me hard. So I guess I have to read the previous books if I don’t get drawn under my tbr torrent.
This book is at my wish list and my second favorite fairy godmother Netgalley team made my wish come true.
So special thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Group Dutton to share this fantastic thriller ARC COPY with me in exchange my honest review. I enjoyed it and looking forward to read the next adventures of Nick Heller.
January 11, 2020
A timely thriller dealing primarily with the opioid crisis and the role of powerful pharmaceutical companies involved.
Nick Heller is a private investigator. Despite the steady income his business provides, he refuses to handle petty divorce cases. Thus, his business isn’t exactly a booming success. But make no mistake… Nick is someone you’d always want on your side. Personally, I’d hire him in a minute! His ship may have just come in when the opportunity arises to locate a very troubling hidden memo from a very powerful drug company. One that may have prevented a highly addictive opioid from being released to the masses. Nick is all over this one! This case hits very close to home for Nick!
Nick Heller is a likable strong lead character about to take on the biggest of drug companies single handed! Go get ‘em Nick!
A quick and easy read with short chapters, I flew through this one in no time at all!
Even though this is the 4th installment in this series, it certainly can read well as a stand-alone. I’ve enjoyed Joseph Finder’s books in the past but in my opinion this is his best to date! Looking forward to his next release!
Thank you NetGalley and Penguin Group Dutton for granting my wish!
Nick Heller is a private investigator. Despite the steady income his business provides, he refuses to handle petty divorce cases. Thus, his business isn’t exactly a booming success. But make no mistake… Nick is someone you’d always want on your side. Personally, I’d hire him in a minute! His ship may have just come in when the opportunity arises to locate a very troubling hidden memo from a very powerful drug company. One that may have prevented a highly addictive opioid from being released to the masses. Nick is all over this one! This case hits very close to home for Nick!
Nick Heller is a likable strong lead character about to take on the biggest of drug companies single handed! Go get ‘em Nick!
A quick and easy read with short chapters, I flew through this one in no time at all!
Even though this is the 4th installment in this series, it certainly can read well as a stand-alone. I’ve enjoyed Joseph Finder’s books in the past but in my opinion this is his best to date! Looking forward to his next release!
Thank you NetGalley and Penguin Group Dutton for granting my wish!
December 26, 2019
First and foremost, a large thank you to NetGalley, Joseph Finder and Penguin Group Dutton for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.
As Joseph Finder returns with a fourth Nick Heller novel, the reader is pulled into the centre of a wonderful story with action that does not dissipate. When Nick Heller learns that an Army buddy of his has died from an overdose, he is stunned and rushes to help however he can. Learning that Oxydone, a nasal inhaler, is likely to blame, Heller heads to the funeral slightly upset that it was a VA prescription that ended his friend’s life so early. After the service, Heller is flagged down by a mysterious woman, Susan ‘Sukie’ Kimball, daughter of billionaire Conrad Kimball. It would seem that Kimball’s pharmaceutical company, which manufactures Oxydone, might have buried studies that showed the addictive nature of the drug, releasing it to an unsuspecting public. When Susan brings Heller to her father’s birthday party, he hopes to find a hard copy of the report and blow Kimball Pharma out of the water. It would seem others are looking for dirt on Kimball, but everything remains smoke and mirrors. Another birthday guest turns up dead and Heller can only wonder if there is a killer trying to silence any information leaks. Determined to find the report, Heller embarks on a mission behind high-security, unsure what else he will uncover. Inching ever close, Heller will have to put himself in harm’s way to get to the truth, but can never be sure it will yield the ultimate prize. Prepared to bring down the House of Kimball, Heller must ensure he is not a casualty in the larger scheme. A nail-biting thriller that will keep the reader enthralled until the final reveal. Recommended to those who love a good thriller, as well as the reader who enjoys plots pulled from the headlines.
I have long enjoyed the work of Joseph Finder, as it pushes the boundaries of the genre in new and exciting ways. Finder has been able to keep his readers intrigued as he touches on social issues in a relatable way with an exciting narrative. Nick Heller remains a great protagonist with this piece, his substantial backstory finding new ways to make it into the narrative. Heller is passionate about protecting the reputation of those close to him, even if he finds himself helpless to their foibles. A trained PI, Heller has numerous ways to get to the bottom of a situation, sometimes sacrificing his own well-being to get the needed information. Gritty and never afraid to rock the boat, Heller finds himself in many situations that push him to the brink. There are others who find themselves influencing the narrative in a variety of ways, helping to push the story along which enriching the overall reading experience. In a piece whose primary focus is drug addiction and overdose, Finder turns to Big Pharma and points the finger there, as many have found themselves hopelessly addicted. Another poignant social issue receives its due here as the reader is pulled to the centre and forced to decide for themselves. Finder has a knack of delivering just what is needed at the perfect moment.
Kudos, Mr. Finder, for another winner. I hope others find this one to be just as exciting.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
As Joseph Finder returns with a fourth Nick Heller novel, the reader is pulled into the centre of a wonderful story with action that does not dissipate. When Nick Heller learns that an Army buddy of his has died from an overdose, he is stunned and rushes to help however he can. Learning that Oxydone, a nasal inhaler, is likely to blame, Heller heads to the funeral slightly upset that it was a VA prescription that ended his friend’s life so early. After the service, Heller is flagged down by a mysterious woman, Susan ‘Sukie’ Kimball, daughter of billionaire Conrad Kimball. It would seem that Kimball’s pharmaceutical company, which manufactures Oxydone, might have buried studies that showed the addictive nature of the drug, releasing it to an unsuspecting public. When Susan brings Heller to her father’s birthday party, he hopes to find a hard copy of the report and blow Kimball Pharma out of the water. It would seem others are looking for dirt on Kimball, but everything remains smoke and mirrors. Another birthday guest turns up dead and Heller can only wonder if there is a killer trying to silence any information leaks. Determined to find the report, Heller embarks on a mission behind high-security, unsure what else he will uncover. Inching ever close, Heller will have to put himself in harm’s way to get to the truth, but can never be sure it will yield the ultimate prize. Prepared to bring down the House of Kimball, Heller must ensure he is not a casualty in the larger scheme. A nail-biting thriller that will keep the reader enthralled until the final reveal. Recommended to those who love a good thriller, as well as the reader who enjoys plots pulled from the headlines.
I have long enjoyed the work of Joseph Finder, as it pushes the boundaries of the genre in new and exciting ways. Finder has been able to keep his readers intrigued as he touches on social issues in a relatable way with an exciting narrative. Nick Heller remains a great protagonist with this piece, his substantial backstory finding new ways to make it into the narrative. Heller is passionate about protecting the reputation of those close to him, even if he finds himself helpless to their foibles. A trained PI, Heller has numerous ways to get to the bottom of a situation, sometimes sacrificing his own well-being to get the needed information. Gritty and never afraid to rock the boat, Heller finds himself in many situations that push him to the brink. There are others who find themselves influencing the narrative in a variety of ways, helping to push the story along which enriching the overall reading experience. In a piece whose primary focus is drug addiction and overdose, Finder turns to Big Pharma and points the finger there, as many have found themselves hopelessly addicted. Another poignant social issue receives its due here as the reader is pulled to the centre and forced to decide for themselves. Finder has a knack of delivering just what is needed at the perfect moment.
Kudos, Mr. Finder, for another winner. I hope others find this one to be just as exciting.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
April 5, 2020
I thought this one of the better Nick Heller until the ending that prevents a higher rating. 7 of 10 stars
February 27, 2022
Joseph Finder House on fire is a notch thriller I really enjoyed this book. Nick Heller is one kick bass private spy character. In Hour on fire Nick Heller receives terrible news that his old army buddy died of an overdoes. At the Funeral he sees a mysterious lady who is a daughter of Kimball pharma Kingpin now turned whistleblower who wants to retrieve long buried drug trial that will expose corporate greed. Followed by deception and action
May 12, 2020
This review can also be found at Carole's Random Life in Books.
I really enjoyed this book. I decided to read this book because it sounded like it would be an exciting mystery thriller. I hadn't read anything written by Joseph Finder before picking up this book but I didn't let that deter me since I am always looking for new authors to try. This is the fourth book in the Nick Heller series but I read it as a stand-alone and it worked well. I thought that the book got off to a very good start and told a very entertaining and exciting story. I am so glad that I took a chance and decided to read this book.
Nick Heller is a private investigator and he once served in the military. When Nick learns of the death of a good friend who once saved his life while in action, he goes to help the family right away. At the funeral, he meets a woman with ties to the company that produces the highly addictive drug which his friend was addicted to and this woman enlists Nick's help in proving that the company knew just how dangerous these drugs really are. Nick is not only dealing with this new client but is also juggling the needs of his nephew and providing support to the family of the friend he lost. I found the mystery to be really well done and quite complex. There were a lot of twists and turns that kept me guessing throughout the book and I couldn't figure out how things would work out until it was revealed in the story. I liked that there was not only a lot of action to keep things interesting but also a lot of more thoughtful investigative work that went into solving this case.
I liked Nick a lot from the start. We learn early on that he is a man that has a strong moral code. He works hard to do a good job and to always do the right thing even when it might cost him money in the end. We get a few glimpses into his past and learn that he is a man that learns from his mistakes and tries to do better in the future. I loved the way that he was able to slip into almost any situation and handle himself in such a way that he was rarely questioned. He was almost always able to see things that others might miss and stayed focused on solving the mystery.
I would recommend this book to fans of mystery thrillers. I thought that this was a really well done and exciting story that kept me guessing until the end. I really enjoyed watching Nick in action and look forward to reading more of this series in the future.
I received a digital review copy of this book from Penguin Group Dutton via NetGalley.
Initial Thoughts
I really enjoyed this book. This is the fourth book in the Nick Heller series but I read it as a stand-alone and it worked perfectly fine. I really liked Nick from the start and loved the story was full of action. There are several situations that Nick is dealing with during the book which I liked. The main mystery was really complex and it kept me guessing until the very end. I would definitely like to read more of this exciting series!
I really enjoyed this book. I decided to read this book because it sounded like it would be an exciting mystery thriller. I hadn't read anything written by Joseph Finder before picking up this book but I didn't let that deter me since I am always looking for new authors to try. This is the fourth book in the Nick Heller series but I read it as a stand-alone and it worked well. I thought that the book got off to a very good start and told a very entertaining and exciting story. I am so glad that I took a chance and decided to read this book.
Nick Heller is a private investigator and he once served in the military. When Nick learns of the death of a good friend who once saved his life while in action, he goes to help the family right away. At the funeral, he meets a woman with ties to the company that produces the highly addictive drug which his friend was addicted to and this woman enlists Nick's help in proving that the company knew just how dangerous these drugs really are. Nick is not only dealing with this new client but is also juggling the needs of his nephew and providing support to the family of the friend he lost. I found the mystery to be really well done and quite complex. There were a lot of twists and turns that kept me guessing throughout the book and I couldn't figure out how things would work out until it was revealed in the story. I liked that there was not only a lot of action to keep things interesting but also a lot of more thoughtful investigative work that went into solving this case.
I liked Nick a lot from the start. We learn early on that he is a man that has a strong moral code. He works hard to do a good job and to always do the right thing even when it might cost him money in the end. We get a few glimpses into his past and learn that he is a man that learns from his mistakes and tries to do better in the future. I loved the way that he was able to slip into almost any situation and handle himself in such a way that he was rarely questioned. He was almost always able to see things that others might miss and stayed focused on solving the mystery.
I would recommend this book to fans of mystery thrillers. I thought that this was a really well done and exciting story that kept me guessing until the end. I really enjoyed watching Nick in action and look forward to reading more of this series in the future.
I received a digital review copy of this book from Penguin Group Dutton via NetGalley.
Initial Thoughts
I really enjoyed this book. This is the fourth book in the Nick Heller series but I read it as a stand-alone and it worked perfectly fine. I really liked Nick from the start and loved the story was full of action. There are several situations that Nick is dealing with during the book which I liked. The main mystery was really complex and it kept me guessing until the very end. I would definitely like to read more of this exciting series!
February 25, 2020
This is another great book from Joseph Finder, 4th in the Heller series. I appreciate his research, the constant conflict, and the emotional tangles that drive this book forward. With a focus on opioids and a highly dysfunctional family, the dynamics get complex and interesting quickly and stay that way throughout the book.
So, what's my beef? Why 4 starts instead of 5? The tiresome, stereotypical Texas villain. Texans are the last minority (approx. 9-10%) of the U.S. population that authors/media/Hollywood feel free to literally villainize. This book is no exception. Finder should have worked harder and thought more about the antagonist. Indeed, if he thinks military men (given Nick's background) are among his book's audience, why slur the state that supplies the second-largest number of military recruits (second only to CA)? And Nick Heller's military background? I don't see any New England state near the top of this list. https://www.cfr.org/article/demograph...
So, what's my beef? Why 4 starts instead of 5? The tiresome, stereotypical Texas villain. Texans are the last minority (approx. 9-10%) of the U.S. population that authors/media/Hollywood feel free to literally villainize. This book is no exception. Finder should have worked harder and thought more about the antagonist. Indeed, if he thinks military men (given Nick's background) are among his book's audience, why slur the state that supplies the second-largest number of military recruits (second only to CA)? And Nick Heller's military background? I don't see any New England state near the top of this list. https://www.cfr.org/article/demograph...
November 29, 2019
Nick Heller is a tough as nails private eye, asked by a rebellious family member to investigate and find hidden test data showing oxycodone is addictive. The family runs Big Pharma, lives in a big mansion, and when there's a murder, it's like the murder mystery weekend in the mountains with everyone and their guests a suspect. Well-written, absorbing, with just enough action to keep it interesting.
July 11, 2020
Finder’s fourth offering in the Nick Heller private spy series has Heller helping Sukie Kimball find the files that will destroy Kimball Pharma’s claim that they did not know that their hugely profitable drug Oxycodone was so addictive. [Finder undoubtedly was inspired by Purdue Pharmaceuticals and its owners, the Sackler family.] Finder has his action-based plot utilize plenty of Heller’s knowledge of spy tradecraft and martial arts. Enjoy!
January 27, 2020
I haven’t read any of the other books in the series, but this book works fine as a standalone. It is an unexceptional thriller that held my interest enough for me to keep reading. There were too many tedious descriptions of Nick Heller breaking into places and/or getting beaten up. Heller seems to have zero personality, so maybe the fight scenes are what his fans are looking for. There is a mild twist at the end, once all of the motives of the various unlikeable characters are sorted out. I received a free copy of this book from the publisher.
January 22, 2020
I intended to finish House on Fire before the New Year and was totally on track to do that but I my best friend decided it was time to break my New Year's tradition of sleeping in and having an impromptu party/double date at my house. Once that happened, I knew that life would resume to normalcy including work and school with Finder's novel being its first victim. Ultimately, I finished House on Fire a week ago. In traditional fashion, I am now finally able to share my thoughts.
So...
Let's go!
House on Fire is Joseph Finder's fourth Nick Heller installment. For those unfamiliar with Nick Heller, you will not get a recap here. Pick up a damn book! Just kidding...
Heller is a bad-ass private eye who runs his own firm that specializes in getting things done. In this title, Heller is hired to expunge secrets about a multi-billion dollar pharmaceutical company that develops a drug that is highly addictive and has caused the deaths of its many users. The catch with this employment opportunity is that the one financing Heller's investigative prowess is the daughter of the company who's hellbent on seeing the demise of the company.
Nick Heller's personal attachment to the case doesn't hurt either. Actually, he has a few personal attachments to seeing this case through... regardless... Heller's a bad-ass and that's all you need to know.
Not convinced?
Fine then...
Let's start by putting aside any reservations one may have of reading House on Fire before any of the other Heller titles. It's OK. I've been a longstanding fan of Finder's work and I've missed a couple here and there including other Heller novels. In the interest of full disclosure, I have read a Heller novel or two, bu that's neither here or there. There's enough backstory that Finder includes without pulling readers from the story at hand.
That's why I love Joseph Finder titles (and the fact that he's tweeted me once... so cool). I digress...
Finder writes novels that are draw readers in with a momentum that never slows long enough for boredom. That's why I thought I would easily finish this novel by New Year's. At 60%, I was well on my way if it had not been for my best friend and the promise of tequila shots.
What I loved most about House on Fire is Nick Heller's honest narrative that accounted for his aging body when faced with situations that require that he go all "Mission Impossible" on someone. Along with the realistic and descriptive fight scenes, Finder's novels are well researched. House on Fire capitalizes on the Opioid crisis that's "ravaging" America.
Sidenote: I placed ravaging in quotes because the crack epidemic was used as a means to incarcerate those who sold the drug as well as abusers of the drug. Once opioids began to kill white Americans, addiction was suddenly something that needed to be treated as opposed to being a tool used to RAVAGE families. That's not what this novel is about... I just saw an opportunity to get on my soapbox. As a black female my family wasn't torn apart due to a my father having a crack addiction or selling it. But a year and a half ago, my ex-boyfriend was a victim of this crisis. It's just unfortunate that a bunch of white people had to die before anyone could see the parallels.
Sorry! Sorry! My sincere apologies.
Joseph Finder remains one of my favorite writers and kept me guessing until the end with House on Fire. Cleverly placed red herrings sent me off in the wrong direction plenty of times. Those unfamiliar with the Nick Heller series do not need to binge read the proceeding novels to feel caught up. It won't hurt but also not necessary. Overall, House on Fire lights a match under the reader to finish the novel like none other. I highly recommend this suspenseful mystery to those looking for an intriguing, fast read that is hard to put down... unless there's tequila involved of course.
Copy provided by Penguin Group via Netgalley
So...
Let's go!
House on Fire is Joseph Finder's fourth Nick Heller installment. For those unfamiliar with Nick Heller, you will not get a recap here. Pick up a damn book! Just kidding...
Heller is a bad-ass private eye who runs his own firm that specializes in getting things done. In this title, Heller is hired to expunge secrets about a multi-billion dollar pharmaceutical company that develops a drug that is highly addictive and has caused the deaths of its many users. The catch with this employment opportunity is that the one financing Heller's investigative prowess is the daughter of the company who's hellbent on seeing the demise of the company.
Nick Heller's personal attachment to the case doesn't hurt either. Actually, he has a few personal attachments to seeing this case through... regardless... Heller's a bad-ass and that's all you need to know.
Not convinced?
Fine then...
Let's start by putting aside any reservations one may have of reading House on Fire before any of the other Heller titles. It's OK. I've been a longstanding fan of Finder's work and I've missed a couple here and there including other Heller novels. In the interest of full disclosure, I have read a Heller novel or two, bu that's neither here or there. There's enough backstory that Finder includes without pulling readers from the story at hand.
That's why I love Joseph Finder titles (and the fact that he's tweeted me once... so cool). I digress...
Finder writes novels that are draw readers in with a momentum that never slows long enough for boredom. That's why I thought I would easily finish this novel by New Year's. At 60%, I was well on my way if it had not been for my best friend and the promise of tequila shots.
What I loved most about House on Fire is Nick Heller's honest narrative that accounted for his aging body when faced with situations that require that he go all "Mission Impossible" on someone. Along with the realistic and descriptive fight scenes, Finder's novels are well researched. House on Fire capitalizes on the Opioid crisis that's "ravaging" America.
Sidenote: I placed ravaging in quotes because the crack epidemic was used as a means to incarcerate those who sold the drug as well as abusers of the drug. Once opioids began to kill white Americans, addiction was suddenly something that needed to be treated as opposed to being a tool used to RAVAGE families. That's not what this novel is about... I just saw an opportunity to get on my soapbox. As a black female my family wasn't torn apart due to a my father having a crack addiction or selling it. But a year and a half ago, my ex-boyfriend was a victim of this crisis. It's just unfortunate that a bunch of white people had to die before anyone could see the parallels.
Sorry! Sorry! My sincere apologies.
Joseph Finder remains one of my favorite writers and kept me guessing until the end with House on Fire. Cleverly placed red herrings sent me off in the wrong direction plenty of times. Those unfamiliar with the Nick Heller series do not need to binge read the proceeding novels to feel caught up. It won't hurt but also not necessary. Overall, House on Fire lights a match under the reader to finish the novel like none other. I highly recommend this suspenseful mystery to those looking for an intriguing, fast read that is hard to put down... unless there's tequila involved of course.
Copy provided by Penguin Group via Netgalley
March 1, 2020
A winner right here! House on Fire is the best of Nick Heller, a fantastic thriller and I can only wish his series will be an annual treat. Love the characters and woah, I didn't see that coming.
January 25, 2020
Love Nick Heller books so much I pre-ordered this one. Good mystery/thriller - I did figure out the ending beforehand - even so, enjoyed the plot and found it interesting and exciting.
December 2, 2019
In this latest Nick Heller detective story, House on Fire (Penguin 2020), Nick, a former Special Forces operative who is now a private investigator, is hired by the heir to a pharmaceutical fortune to expose her father (the owner of the company) as knowing their most popular drug. Oxydone, as a massively addictive opioide pain killer--worse than heroine--and that he hid this from regulators because of the huge profits he would make from its release. Her intention is to blackmail her father into setting up rehab centers for those addicted and help them recover. She tracks Nick down by following him to the funeral of a Special Forces friend who died from an overdose of Oxydone, leaving behind a wife and two children. Nick agrees to take the case and does such a brilliant job of unraveling the clues, he finds out details the daughter had hoped to keep hidden.
xx
As usual with a Joseph Finder novel, the story starts at a speed that requires a seat belt, a shoulder harness, and probably a prayer and never quits. Nick is a moral, hard-working PI who is also extremely clever. It's a joy to watch him uncover clues and then stitch them together to reveal the whole picture. He reminds me a lot of gumshoe detectives like McDonald's Travis McGee and Crais' Elvis Cole. For me, that's huge. I don't love every novel Finder writes but I did love this book as well as every one in the series.
xx
As usual with a Joseph Finder novel, the story starts at a speed that requires a seat belt, a shoulder harness, and probably a prayer and never quits. Nick is a moral, hard-working PI who is also extremely clever. It's a joy to watch him uncover clues and then stitch them together to reveal the whole picture. He reminds me a lot of gumshoe detectives like McDonald's Travis McGee and Crais' Elvis Cole. For me, that's huge. I don't love every novel Finder writes but I did love this book as well as every one in the series.
October 8, 2020
A..B..C..D..E This is a book of connecting the dots and finding the culprit. Started with a different agenda but still maintained the same structure...simple book to read and follow. Some recollections of his past life are presented but other than that, you could pick this book up and read it without reading the previous ones. Did it do its job of distraction of the Covid plight of many--for sure. Entertaining? Well, it is a generic who did it.
January 29, 2020
"And the snake says, 'Yeah, but you knew what I was when you picked me up.'"
This fourth installment of the Nick Heller series has the elite private investigator taking on the rich Kimball family. They own a pharmaceutical company whose main product is an opiate, Oxydone, a nasal inhaler that quickly delivers a powerful dose of the substance. Result - almost instant addiction. In addition, lots of deaths due to overdoses. Nick is hired by one of the Kimball daughters to find evidence to take her family business down -- the hidden clinical study that shows how addictive the drug is and she feels that it should be taken off the market and all the victims compensated. So he's off...NO SPOILERS.
Lots of action and nonstop fight scenes with clever Nick finding all sorts of ways to get the information he wants. He soon has a personal stake in the hunt and ramps up his investigation to even higher levels. It's all quite predictable and a fast read. The narrative is told in the first person POV with Nick integrating himself into the Kimball family and using all sorts of cool spy toys to find out what he wants to know. It gave me a couple of hours of entertainment. I've read two of the other books in the series. I'm sure fans of this type of character and story line will enjoy it.
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group Dutton for this e-book ARC to read and review.
This fourth installment of the Nick Heller series has the elite private investigator taking on the rich Kimball family. They own a pharmaceutical company whose main product is an opiate, Oxydone, a nasal inhaler that quickly delivers a powerful dose of the substance. Result - almost instant addiction. In addition, lots of deaths due to overdoses. Nick is hired by one of the Kimball daughters to find evidence to take her family business down -- the hidden clinical study that shows how addictive the drug is and she feels that it should be taken off the market and all the victims compensated. So he's off...NO SPOILERS.
Lots of action and nonstop fight scenes with clever Nick finding all sorts of ways to get the information he wants. He soon has a personal stake in the hunt and ramps up his investigation to even higher levels. It's all quite predictable and a fast read. The narrative is told in the first person POV with Nick integrating himself into the Kimball family and using all sorts of cool spy toys to find out what he wants to know. It gave me a couple of hours of entertainment. I've read two of the other books in the series. I'm sure fans of this type of character and story line will enjoy it.
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group Dutton for this e-book ARC to read and review.
March 9, 2020
Heller is hired by the daughter of a billionaire Big Pharma magnate – manufacturer of a deadly opioid that is killing people by the hundreds. She claims there is a secret hidden document showing that the company knew from early trials that the drug was addictive. She is outraged and has decided to be the whistle-blower. Heller is supposed to find the documents to enable her to bring down the company and her father. A little far-fetched but I liked the idea.
Unfortunately the story strays into unrelated areas that are not germane to the main story-line. Feel free to skip chapters headed “Seven years ago”.
I was hoping for a very timely thriller about Big Pharma. Overall I was disappointed. I liked it - to a point!
Unfortunately the story strays into unrelated areas that are not germane to the main story-line. Feel free to skip chapters headed “Seven years ago”.
I was hoping for a very timely thriller about Big Pharma. Overall I was disappointed. I liked it - to a point!
January 27, 2020
Usually I find Finder's books to be more readable. This one was okay. The story of the rich pharma family, the problems of opioids, all topical stuff. The Nick Heller character has always been sort of one dimensional, but this novel was more one dimensional than usual. All of the characters, who should have come alive in the pages, or should have been characters one could love or hate or love to hate, not so much. Just didn't care. But it was a quick read, and it was okay. Just disappointing.
December 12, 2019
Boilerplate thriller (very) mildly elevated by a storyline that includes a Succession-like big pharma family, and the opioid crisis plaguing so many today.
February 24, 2020
Ex-Special Forces veterans Sean Lenehan and private intelligence/investigator Nick Heller hold a special bond. While in the service, Sean saved Nick's life so when Sean needed help, Nick sent him to a 3 month rehab to kick an opioid addiction. Sean had been taking Oxydone, a nasal inhaler opiate. Nick drops everything when Sean's wife calls to tell him that Sean is dead of an overdose.
A woman, Sukie Kimball, comes to the funeral. She is daughter of the founder of Kimball Pharma, maker of Oxydone and she says she wants to expose the company. She says there's a study showing how dangerously addictive the drug is and that it never should have gone on the market. Sukie wants Heller to find that document at her father's home in New York. There's an 80th birthday party and Heller will attend under the guise of being Sukie's boyfriend. However, Heller is not the only person there to steal. And that's just his first break-in attempt.
Short chapters, lots of action. At times, I felt like I was reading/watching a spy movie. There's some cool technology involved but I hope those burglary tools don't work that way in real life. The ending of the novel is particularly action packed with unexpected twists revealed.
A woman, Sukie Kimball, comes to the funeral. She is daughter of the founder of Kimball Pharma, maker of Oxydone and she says she wants to expose the company. She says there's a study showing how dangerously addictive the drug is and that it never should have gone on the market. Sukie wants Heller to find that document at her father's home in New York. There's an 80th birthday party and Heller will attend under the guise of being Sukie's boyfriend. However, Heller is not the only person there to steal. And that's just his first break-in attempt.
Short chapters, lots of action. At times, I felt like I was reading/watching a spy movie. There's some cool technology involved but I hope those burglary tools don't work that way in real life. The ending of the novel is particularly action packed with unexpected twists revealed.
December 11, 2020
I did enjoy this book. I was between a three and a four but I gave it the latter because he got me at the end. I had a couple of other suspects and did not figure this one out. One thing, I did not like when he was checking out his best friends wife at his funeral.
April 5, 2020
I have read all the Nick Heller books and I have enjoyed other Finder novels. I didn't care for this one. There were too many threads that never were developed and the ones that were developed I found boring. The big twist did nothing to change my mind. I was on "must finish" mode by then. Hey is you want an author that writes mystery series involving former military operators, I recommend Nick Petrie, Matthew Betley or Jack Carr. They will keep you engaged.
August 4, 2020
I have read, and enjoyed, all of Joseph Finder's books, but this one was not my favorite. A timely, important subject, but I felt that the plot dragged in places. Overall, though, an entertaining read from one of my go-to authors.
January 31, 2020
Usually, JF's books are page-turners but this book was a disappointment!
June 25, 2020
Thriller set in BOSTON/NEW ENGLAND
House of Fire is the fourth book in Joseph Finder’s Nick Heller investigator series. It is the first in the series I have read (although I have read a couple of his other detective/investigator titles). It is a really good thriller…
The background is the opiate crisis in the US. Kimball Pharma is a mega corporation that has grown rich on the proceeds. It is run by old man Kimball and his squabbling family of children – some of whom are more involved in the business than others. Most of them are not very nice. One of Nick Hellers’s friends succumbs to the drug, and he attends the funeral – where he is approached by Sukie, one of the family daughters, and is asked to investigate. She has attended many a funeral as ‘penance’ for her family’s crimes. She wants to access the hidden file of a human trial that demonstrated way back that Oxydone (the Kimball opiate) was addictive and dangerous – a file that has long since been secreted away. She says she wants to use it to blackmail her father into abandoning opiates and moving into less dangerous pastures. Nick is presented as her boyfriend and, in that capacity, attends some family meetings. His search for the file, though, proves to be hard and dangerous – involving travelling to a Caribbean island and being attacked (almost killed) by rogue former Mossad operatives. The picture is pretty murky…
The finale is another meeting in the Kimball family home at which the future of the company is discussed – and several of the participants behave not as you would expect. Unrevealed ambitions come to the fore. The meeting is ongoing when smoke begins to seep through the floor. Hence the House of Fire of the title. All escape, but to a new reality.
House of Fire is fast moving and tense, with many a twist.
Much recommended for those who love a page turner, and aren’t too focussed on character development and believable plots.
House of Fire is the fourth book in Joseph Finder’s Nick Heller investigator series. It is the first in the series I have read (although I have read a couple of his other detective/investigator titles). It is a really good thriller…
The background is the opiate crisis in the US. Kimball Pharma is a mega corporation that has grown rich on the proceeds. It is run by old man Kimball and his squabbling family of children – some of whom are more involved in the business than others. Most of them are not very nice. One of Nick Hellers’s friends succumbs to the drug, and he attends the funeral – where he is approached by Sukie, one of the family daughters, and is asked to investigate. She has attended many a funeral as ‘penance’ for her family’s crimes. She wants to access the hidden file of a human trial that demonstrated way back that Oxydone (the Kimball opiate) was addictive and dangerous – a file that has long since been secreted away. She says she wants to use it to blackmail her father into abandoning opiates and moving into less dangerous pastures. Nick is presented as her boyfriend and, in that capacity, attends some family meetings. His search for the file, though, proves to be hard and dangerous – involving travelling to a Caribbean island and being attacked (almost killed) by rogue former Mossad operatives. The picture is pretty murky…
The finale is another meeting in the Kimball family home at which the future of the company is discussed – and several of the participants behave not as you would expect. Unrevealed ambitions come to the fore. The meeting is ongoing when smoke begins to seep through the floor. Hence the House of Fire of the title. All escape, but to a new reality.
House of Fire is fast moving and tense, with many a twist.
Much recommended for those who love a page turner, and aren’t too focussed on character development and believable plots.
June 11, 2020
I love the Nick Heller series!! In House on Fire Nick's close friend and army cohort, Sean, became addicted to opioids - specifically Oxydone. Even a stint in rehab couldn’t eliminate the cravings. Nick was devastated when he got the call from Sean’s wife that he had died from an overdose.
At the funeral, Nick meets a woman who proposes an interesting job. Sukie Kimball is the daughter of the man responsible for Kimball Pharmaceutical and Oxydone. She explains she attends the funerals of many of those who have died as a result of her family’s product in order “to bear witness to the victims of the drug that made us all rich.” Sukie hires Heller to find and steal the smoking gun that will bankrupt Kimball Pharma and send her dad to prison. The rest is quite a rollercoaster ride!
My favorite lines in the book are where Nick is sharing with Sukie something Sean once said to him: "We get wounded and we heal. The wound repairs itself, right? But we are not the same. We take our scars with us. They make us who we are. And if we can't accept our scars, we haven't really healed."
At the funeral, Nick meets a woman who proposes an interesting job. Sukie Kimball is the daughter of the man responsible for Kimball Pharmaceutical and Oxydone. She explains she attends the funerals of many of those who have died as a result of her family’s product in order “to bear witness to the victims of the drug that made us all rich.” Sukie hires Heller to find and steal the smoking gun that will bankrupt Kimball Pharma and send her dad to prison. The rest is quite a rollercoaster ride!
My favorite lines in the book are where Nick is sharing with Sukie something Sean once said to him: "We get wounded and we heal. The wound repairs itself, right? But we are not the same. We take our scars with us. They make us who we are. And if we can't accept our scars, we haven't really healed."
November 27, 2022
Several times I have found myself reading a fiction novel and a non-fiction book that covered the same subject and sometimes the same details. I found this to be in reading both "House on Fire" and
"The Truth about the Drug Companies" at the same time.
Both books cover the opioid crisis and coverups by drug companies. The drug companies sometimes don't reveal negative results in their drug trials - they bury the trials or use procedures that are weak. "House on Fire" is about overdosing on opioids and the drug company that buried the result of a trial showing how addictive their drug was. It would never have received FDA approval if the truth were known. People are killed attempting to find documents of the buried trial. Nick Heller investigates this company and eventually discovers the truth.
Good read.
"The Truth about the Drug Companies" at the same time.
Both books cover the opioid crisis and coverups by drug companies. The drug companies sometimes don't reveal negative results in their drug trials - they bury the trials or use procedures that are weak. "House on Fire" is about overdosing on opioids and the drug company that buried the result of a trial showing how addictive their drug was. It would never have received FDA approval if the truth were known. People are killed attempting to find documents of the buried trial. Nick Heller investigates this company and eventually discovers the truth.
Good read.
August 17, 2023
This book was interesting, all about family and how they will fuck you over given the chance, or maybe it's just that those that are inclined to fuck people over won't blink an eye about doing it to family either.
I felt bad for Nick on a couple levels. First on how things played out with a person from his past and second on how much he was manipulated and by whom. What makes this even worse is that Nick is going to have to clue in another family member who was fucked over too and in such a way that hopefully the lesson will stick.
I'm glad that the family at the middle of this one got what was coming to them. They deserved it with what they knew and let happen. It's too bad that their real life counter parts couldn't have the same thing happen.
I felt bad for Nick on a couple levels. First on how things played out with a person from his past and second on how much he was manipulated and by whom. What makes this even worse is that Nick is going to have to clue in another family member who was fucked over too and in such a way that hopefully the lesson will stick.
I'm glad that the family at the middle of this one got what was coming to them. They deserved it with what they knew and let happen. It's too bad that their real life counter parts couldn't have the same thing happen.
December 24, 2022
Heller is at a former specialforces brother's wake who had died from an opioid addiction when he was approached by a scion of big pharma.
She hires him to get the goods on her father, ostensibly to shut down the company. He gets involved and suddenly has people after him.
A good book with some intrigue and a bit of action and back stabbing.
She hires him to get the goods on her father, ostensibly to shut down the company. He gets involved and suddenly has people after him.
A good book with some intrigue and a bit of action and back stabbing.
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