After the Fire

Inspector Tom Reynolds #6

by Jo Spain

Nobody was supposed to get out alive.

On a Dublin city street, packed with afternoon shoppers, a young woman appears, naked, traumatised and bearing burn marks.

Tom Reynolds, now Chief Superintendent, is no longer head of the murder squad. But when it transpires the woman escaped from a house fire started deliberately and that there are more victims, Tom is sucked in. What begins as a straightforward case of arson, soon becomes something much more sinister.

The people in that house never wanted to be there in the first place. Now more of them are missing. Tom is faced with a ticking clock as he tries to locate the others and as he does, a terrifying spider's web of domestic and international crime unfolds.

And not everybody will survive the fall-out.

Genres: Crime, Audiobook, Mystery, Thriller, Fiction, Ireland, Procedural

384 pages, Paperback

First published June 25, 2020

About the author

Jo Spain is the author of the bestselling Inspector Tom Reynolds series and several international No. 1 bestselling standalone novels. Her first book, With Our Blessing, was a finalist in the 2015 Richard and Judy Search for a Bestseller.
Jo, a graduate of Trinity College Dublin, writes TV screenplays full-time. Her first crime series was broadcast on RTE in 2018 and she's currently involved in a number of TV developments including adaptations of her own novels. In 2021, she co-wrote Harry Wild, starring Jane Seymour, with the Emmy award-winning David Logan (airing 2022).
Jo lives in Dublin with her husband and four young children. In her spare time (she has four children, there is no spare time really) she likes to read. Her favourite authors include Pierre Lemaitre, Jo Nesbo, Liane Moriarty, Fred Vargas and Jodi Picoult. She also watches TV obsessively.
Jo thinks up her plots on long runs in the woods. Her husband sleeps with one eye open.

Reviews

[Lit with Leigh · Rating 3 out of 5]

Writing: lazy/5 | Plot: 3/5 | Ending: 4/5

SYNOPSIS

Two bodies are found after a fire at a seemingly picturesque home. As newly appointed DCI Laura Lennon and Chief Inspector Superintendent Tom Reynolds dig into the case, they realize there's much more than meets the eye.

MY OPINION

Bringing back the writing | plot | ending review format. I missed it. Anyways. I've read all but book #2 (lol) in this series. I was a lil suspicious when I saw how short this book was, because the others tend to be on the longer side. My suspicions that Spain slapped this one together to meet contractual agreements were confirmed by the lazy ass writing and the author's note saying Reynolds was taking a sabbatical LOL. It really felt like she just wanted to get to the end. There was none of the usual suspense as the pieces of the puzzle came together. It was very: bad guy commits crime. bad guy caught. we happy. Peep this example of her "point a-z" writing:

And he’d said nothing to Orla, just held her hand silently all the way to the police station. An officer arrived and the two of them were led to a small room, where Nina was sitting. Orla grabbed her daughter and hugged her tightly. John watched with a lump in his throat. It was Nina’s birthday today, not that this was the time to celebrate it. Nina started to cry. John walked around the table and put his arms around her.

This could've been an emotional scene, but I felt bum-rushed through it. On the other hand, because the writing was so... concise, for lack of a better word, it was one of her better endings LOL. She really wrapped it up tightly without so much as a ICYMI catch-up epilogue. So, point for that I guess??

The writing also held back the plot from being great. What I've enjoyed about this series is how Spain injects historical realism. I've learned about Magdalena Laundries, old psych wards, and even a bit about Ireland's history with gay marriage. This was also a good "learning opportunity" with the sex trafficking ting, but the "point a-z" writing made it feel like Hawaii Five-O.

Be warned: there's mafia in this. Mafias from different area codes lol. Usually I dock major points for this, but it was an integral part of the case. I tend to absolutely hate it when it comes outta left field just for a lil razzle dazzle, but in this case, I don't think there was a different angle to take that would've made as much sense. I didn't care for it, but at least it wasn't mafia for funsies type of vibes.

Anyways. Not much to say about this one. Tres average. I hope her sabbatical will reignite the passion to write her cheeks off again. And maybe stop with the fat-shaming jokes. Haven't read a book in this series without one... or two... or three... or.... you get the picture.

PROS AND CONS

Pros: the characters continue to move forward in life, joe finally got what he deserved lol (maybe a lil harsh? idk)

Cons: lazy writing, felt very rushed, no suspense, plot fell flat because of uninspired writing and storytelling

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another excellent addition to one of my favourite detective series.

[Mario · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m afraid that for me the Tom Reynold’s series is fast running out of steam. None of the subsequent stories come close to the excellent first book, With our Blessing, and I feel this is another step on a gradual decline.

The story itself is ok and interesting enough. Somehow though I never felt emotionally involved or gripped, despite the subject matter centring around human trafficking, which should have lent itself to exactly that.

What was most disappointing though was that there was no real development of the characters we have come to know nor their relationships, with virtually no back story to supplement the police procedural. Tom Reynolds took yet another step towards perfection which grated on me a bit. He must be close to sainthood by now.

So it was ok, if a little dull and just about scraped three stars. There were no loose ends left to tie up which maybe means this will be the last we see of Tom and regretfully a little of me hopes that is the case.

[Cathy Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

After having a quick catch up with his daughter Maria, a junior doctor, Chief Superintendent Tom Reynolds was about the leave the hospital where Maria worked, when he overheard snippets of a conversation between two porters. A naked and distressed young woman covered with burn marks and signs of smoke inhalation, was seen walking through the city centre and had been brought to the hospital.

The murder squad soon discover that the woman escaped from a house fire where there were no other survivors and it was apparent the fire was no accident. Although Tom is no longer heading the murder squad, he is drawn in to the investigation. Initially it seems like a clear case of arson, but as more is uncovered the investigation takes on much darker implications with murder, a missing baby and people trafficking.

It seems the house, in an up and coming area near to the Dublin International Financial Services Centre, was hiding a dark secret and the girl in the hospital was too scared to talk. Another girl connected to the incident was hiding out at her parents’ house.

What I enjoy most about this series, apart from Jo Spain’s wonderful storytelling, are the characters. Tom Reynolds is a regular, happy family man with no hang ups. Characters continue to develop and the rest of the cast are very well portrayed and likeable. Except for the one bad penny that turns up again.

The plot is intriguing, well thought through with twists and drama threaded through the police procedural aspect. Unraveling the mystery of the house fire survivor, who is scared and traumatised, and connecting her to other incidents, the murder squad open the door to a dark and dangerous world.
As with the rest of the stories in the Tom Reynolds series, Jo Spain’s writing is assured and easy to read with relevant issues at the forefront.

Aoife McMahon has narrated the whole series and done a brilliant job of bring the characters to life, giving them all distinct voices and personalities.

[Áine Toner · Rating 5 out of 5]

A young woman is walking, naked, through Dublin city centre. Some are staring, others taking video and pictures but the woman walks on, not noticing the kerfuffle she’s causing. The police, with Tom Reynolds now Chief Superintendent, learn that the woman escaped from a house fire, started deliberately and where not everyone was able to flee. It seems like arson, pure and simple, but we know from Jo’s writing that things are never as clear cut. The team are faced with missing persons and one particular missing person that places a deadline of sorts on their investigation. I have read all of Jo’s books and I love this series. I held my breath in places when the team were trying to untangle the truth and dodge the red herrings. Another clever, detailed read that shows a real understanding of police procedures but also an awareness of how people work together, differing personalities and characters. Wonderful. Please write more soon, Jo.

[Liz Barnsley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always really enjoy the Tom Reynolds series and this is no exception- I think the reason they appeal to me, as well as the fact that the characters are brilliantly portrayed, is that the mystery elements never fail to be highly intriguing, with strong psychological thriller tones mixed into the procedural.

After The Fire is twisty and compelling, our usual suspect investigators have a lot of work on their hands to get to the truth and as ever Jo Spain writes with that immersive, addictive style that keeps the reader glued to the pages throughout.

Very good indeed. I recommend the whole series.

[Lavins · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was one boring book. So forget about 16 olds being trafficated for sex and labor, all that matters and the only question that everyone is asking is where is the baby (a baby born as a result of rape or something similar). People dead...that;s okay. Girls being drugged and sold for sex...that's okay. But where is the baby.....Yeah okay..

[Gillian McCallum · Rating 5 out of 5]

Couldn’t put it down.

I love the Tom Reynolds books, I can never put them down. If you haven’t read them I would read them all in order first before buying this book.

[Kevin Mullier · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a bad book at all but have to lower its stars as its not as brilliant as some of her other stuff.

[Ann-Marie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Slightly disappointed. Not at all as good as the previous ones.

[Sonia Cristina · Rating 2 out of 5]

JO SPAIN e os seus livros da série TOM REYNOLDS são o meu equivalente em livros de "comfort food". Admito que não são excelentes obras no género thriller/policial mas os personagens são dos mais queridos que já encontrei e a escrita é simples e agradável. No entanto, em AFTER THE FIRE, nem estes 2 aspetos foram suficientes para proporcionar o conforto que procurava. O tema - tráfico de mulheres para prostituição - é uma coisa terrível e não consegui apreciar quase nada nesta leitura😔.

[Mary Crawford · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Laura Lennon is the lead on this new crime novel. Although Tom Reynolds is supposed on holiday he is happy to help where he can. This is a good procedural story with a modern real life crime basis. Nothing is straight forward and there are a few side stories. Good read

[Corey Burke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not sure what I’ll do with myself now that I’ve finished this series 😭

[Little miss Jackie vampire · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm a big fan of Tom Reynolds and I have enjoyed all the books in this series. I love them more so because they are authentic in the language used as in terms such as: the Gardaí and Garda stations. however, this book lost some stars because of the word police being used more than usual, I felt this was a change compared to all the other books in this series. However, Jo Spain did not disappoint with her hard hitting story it had me gripped from start to finish and I will look forward to more books in this series.

[Gerrard Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5. Nothing else to say. Not 'cause it's bad, but it just wasn't an absolute gripper of a read. Ok looks like I said more so 'nuff said now.

Well one more thing. Something that irked me a little. The old "and then she spilled the beans" kind of lines to end a chapter, only to be revealed early in the next chapter. for God almighty sake if you're going to tell us then just tell us! Cast aside the annoying false dramatic pauses and just tell the damn story!

Like I said: 3.5. Nothing else to say.

Would read the actor again tho. Damn it I did it again!

3.5. Nothing else to say.

[Catherine Woodman · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this, and it made me think that I really should go back and read the rest of them. The book opens with a fire and two people found dead in the burnt out house. The underlying crime is human trafficking, which is rampant in real life as well as in crime dramas, and Tom Reynolds is a likeable boss who heads up a largely good team.

[Marian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful! I love all these books. They are so down to earth and realistic. This one is about people trafficking, a fire, a missing baby, 3 deaths - it is very exciting. I do recommend it.

[Pgchuis · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an interesting, logical read, with the author cleverly managing both to promote Tom and allow him to get involved in the case. There were lots of twists and turns and misdirection. It could perhaps have benefitted from the final solution being more clearly explained at the end (I think I understand who was responsible for what).

A strong instalment in this series.

[Tiger · Rating 3 out of 5]

#6 in Spain's very good Tom Reynolds Irish series, this one left me wanting more. An young woman is found wandering away from a house fire, naked and incoherent. Reynolds, now a Chief Superintendent, and his protege, Laura Lennon discover that the house was under the control of organized crime and some very bad people are behind a lot of very bad things. I love this series, but this book seemed to lack any "Wow" factor.

[Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. So glad I recently discovered this author. Almost all caught up on her books.

[Emma Taylor · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was ok… I’m still undecided on Jo Spain’s books, always a good storyline but the writing style feels slow at times so the book drags. A good ending however!

[Teresa Westwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series of books. Entertaining, tense and enjoyable.

[Susan Devaney]

enjoyable read.

[coffeeandlakes · Rating 4 out of 5]

The 6th book in the ‘Inspector Tom Reynolds’ series and I’m excited again :) The story starts with a bang - a young woman is walking naked around Dublin city centre. People are busy staring, recording & talking about her but perhaps, too scared to try and help? Finally, a few kind elderly ladies took charge, stopped her to help and called the authorities. It was soon revealed that she had just escaped a house fire and was in a daze when she was finally brought in to the hospital. Two bodies was found in the house that burned down and she is not talking. What is she afraid of and who is the killer? But more importantly, why?

In other news, DCI Tom Reynolds is now the Chief Superintendent! Wohooo 👏🙌

I find it really interesting how Tom was roped into this case. Hah! This is why confidentiality is such a big topic throughout our medical training. No ‘corridor conversations’ about patients!

Back to the book, I loved this (a bit more than book 5 but not as much as the first 4)! I’d say it’s just as good as a standalone but reading it in order makes it all the more enjoyable. I was annoyed, intrigued and very tense at times and finished this in a day. Yep, I listened to the audiobook all day long at a speed of 1.85x and did nothing else !🙈

[David Shepherd · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read kept me interested throughout the book.

[Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars. I seem to utilise the same adjective for every one of Jo Spain's books - 'effortless'. Each book is so well written. The style is so relatable, the plot so well constructed and the sub-plots so interesting. The Inspector Tom Reynolds series has been so enjoyable, and this story is no different. A slight change of the guard with Tom sharing the limelight with his successor but that to was crafted without any slippage in the series. Unfortunately this was the last of the series (to date), and whilst the stand-alones are also excellent, I eagerly await the return of Tom Reynolds and co.

[Penny · Rating 4 out of 5]

A slightly more reluctant four than I have given to any of the others in this series. Tom Reynolds is now promoted to Chief Superintendent, Laura is in charge of the case, but Tom is there to help and rapidly takes the lead in reality if not in name. The plot is timely and tight but I didn't feel as drawn in as I had by the earlier books. There's a part of me that keeps asking - will this series go on after Reynold's promotion? And a part of me that thinks that when the chief investigator is butting in rather than running the show, the stories are never so good. However, I'm prepared to wait for one more to test out my theory better! But who knows if this is the last?

[Áine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honestly this is my favourite Irish series at the moment and I wanted to savour every paragraph but I couldn't because it was too good! Perfectly compact as a standalone don't let that put you off (but did I mention it's a great series?). I'd love to think the Garda are as dynamic as they come across here though.

[Kath · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good read from the Tom Reynolds stable as the team has to track down a killer with links to the organised crime people trafficking racket. Explores some dark issues but always with an injection of humour to relieve the tension from time to time. Nicely paced with an unexpected twist at the end.

[D.J. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to this book while making a cake and was swept up into this complex story of just how complex and multi layered a crime can be.