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The Arsonist's Handbook
A disturbing family business passed down...
At sixteen, Jameson Wills has never known his father. When he finds an old journal in the attic, though, he discovers some malicious truths about the man who disappeared long ago. As he reads about his father's secret addiction to arson, Jameson begins to wonder if the desire to burn is in his blood. But searching for a connection to his father might lead him down a path of no return.
A grief-stricken businessman looking for vengeance...
Pete Andrews' infant son has just died in a fire. When the police deem it the work of an arsonist, Pete decides he will stop at nothing to find justice for his son. But as his sinister past emerges, will he go too far in his quest for revenge?
Two men. One arsonist. Choices that will change their lives forever.
The Arsonist's Handbook is a dark, standalone psychological thriller that will haunt you long after the last page.
At sixteen, Jameson Wills has never known his father. When he finds an old journal in the attic, though, he discovers some malicious truths about the man who disappeared long ago. As he reads about his father's secret addiction to arson, Jameson begins to wonder if the desire to burn is in his blood. But searching for a connection to his father might lead him down a path of no return.
A grief-stricken businessman looking for vengeance...
Pete Andrews' infant son has just died in a fire. When the police deem it the work of an arsonist, Pete decides he will stop at nothing to find justice for his son. But as his sinister past emerges, will he go too far in his quest for revenge?
Two men. One arsonist. Choices that will change their lives forever.
The Arsonist's Handbook is a dark, standalone psychological thriller that will haunt you long after the last page.
208 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 12, 2021
13 people are currently reading
108 people want to read
About the author
L.A. Detwiler
29 books303 followersL.A. Detwiler is the USA TODAY Bestselling thriller author of The Widow Next Door with HarperCollins UK and several other chilling page-turners. Her novel The Diary of a Serial Killer's Daughter was awarded the bronze medal for thrillers by Readers' Favorite and also translated into Polish. Her novels are noted for their dark, emotional depth and realistic portrayals of haunting topics.
During her final year at Mount Aloysius College, she started writing her first fiction novel, Voice of Innocence, which was published in 2015. She has numerous sweet romances published under Lindsay Detwiler. She has also written articles that have appeared in several women’s publications and websites.
L.A. Detwiler is a high school business teacher and writer in her hometown of Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania. She taught high school English for ten years and also was an adjunct professor. She lives in her hometown with her husband, Chad. They have six cats and a Great Dane named Edmund (He appears in all of her current works; her late mastiff, Henry, is in the earlier novels). When she isn't training Edmund or writing, she is usually rewatching Outlander, drinking coffee, or buying makeup.
Connect with L.A. Detwiler on Facebook, Instagram, and Tiktok @ladetwiler
During her final year at Mount Aloysius College, she started writing her first fiction novel, Voice of Innocence, which was published in 2015. She has numerous sweet romances published under Lindsay Detwiler. She has also written articles that have appeared in several women’s publications and websites.
L.A. Detwiler is a high school business teacher and writer in her hometown of Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania. She taught high school English for ten years and also was an adjunct professor. She lives in her hometown with her husband, Chad. They have six cats and a Great Dane named Edmund (He appears in all of her current works; her late mastiff, Henry, is in the earlier novels). When she isn't training Edmund or writing, she is usually rewatching Outlander, drinking coffee, or buying makeup.
Connect with L.A. Detwiler on Facebook, Instagram, and Tiktok @ladetwiler
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
July 3, 2021
What a gripping story with an end that will leave your mind blown! L.A. Detwiler tells the story of a teenager named Jameson Mills. He is a boy looking for a place to belong. He and his mother live alone. He never knew his father. His mother won’t talk about him.
While searching for his hockey stick, Jameson came across a journal. When he opens it, he realizes that it’s an Arsonist’s Handbook. He decides that his father was an arsonist who couldn’t stay around because the need to burn was an all-consuming need. Jameson reads it from cover to cover learning the art of starting a fire. He then decides that at sixteen he needs a path to follow. He will become an arsonist like his father. Arson fires have been burning around his town. He’s sure his father is back, and he wants to make him proud.
After spending the night in the local motel with a prostitute, Pete Andrews is called by his wife who is shrieking at him about where he has been. An arsonist has set fire to his house. Maria, the person he left to babysit, got out safely, but not his son. His newborn son, Tanner, had died in the blaze. This sets Pete on a path of revenge. He will find who killed his son and make them pay.
While searching for his hockey stick, Jameson came across a journal. When he opens it, he realizes that it’s an Arsonist’s Handbook. He decides that his father was an arsonist who couldn’t stay around because the need to burn was an all-consuming need. Jameson reads it from cover to cover learning the art of starting a fire. He then decides that at sixteen he needs a path to follow. He will become an arsonist like his father. Arson fires have been burning around his town. He’s sure his father is back, and he wants to make him proud.
After spending the night in the local motel with a prostitute, Pete Andrews is called by his wife who is shrieking at him about where he has been. An arsonist has set fire to his house. Maria, the person he left to babysit, got out safely, but not his son. His newborn son, Tanner, had died in the blaze. This sets Pete on a path of revenge. He will find who killed his son and make them pay.
June 29, 2021
Jameson Wills is a kid who has grown up in a family where his only company has been his mum after his dad left, he is the kid who sits at the back of the classroom minding his own business and keeping to himself, he is the forgotten one, the ignored one, but he keeps up his grade and is working on his sketches so he can get into a good college, but all he has really ever wanted is to know about his dad, who he was and why he left. Pete Andrews has it all, the job, the house, the car, the wife and the kid he always thought he wanted, but he felt that it was never enough and he then started searching for things in the wrong places.
Jameson is just going through the motions like he does everyday, he isn’t too close to his mum because of all the hours she works at her two jobs and when she is at home, they barely communicate, but on this day, he goes into the attic to get his hockey stick, but instead, he finds a journal and as he reads through it, he realises that it is his fathers and it is not what he expected to read, but it rings true to him in a strange way. Meanwhile, Pete is having breakfast with his wife as she rocks their son, but it isn’t the amicable conversation it used to be, the atmosphere is icy and the distance is palpable, but as she makes sure everything is ready for her business trip but eh way she does it frustrates him and so he decides that he needs some kind of release, so he arranges for someone to look after his kid for a few hours so he can find it. However, when he is finally ready to return home, he finds that he has many missed calls and voicemails from his wife, because this isn’t the norm, he is worried and calls her back, btu when she starts screaming incoherently down the phone at him, demanding to know where he is, he has a feeling that something is definitely wrong.
Pete’s suspicions are confirmed when he returns home to find that there isn’t a home to return to, it is just a smoldering pile of ashes, there are fire crews, ambulances and the police there, but all he can do is try to breathe, hoping that his mind is working overtime and that the worst hasn’t happened, but as he sees the woman who was babysitting his son approach him and burst into tears, his worst fear is realised, his son was in the house and is now dead. As he tries to come to terms with what has happened, he takes the blame upon himself and his wife does the same, she demands to know where he was and why he wasn’t there to save their son, the police want to know the same thing, but he cannot bring himself to say it.
As Jameson reads more of the journal, the days turn into weeks and he begins to realise that his father was an arsonist and as he watches the news, basks in the knowledge that he has come back, but he also feels like he has met with his destiny and that maybe if the same blood runs through his veins as his father, will he be able to something to finally get his attention? As the investigation continues and arson is confirmed, Pete vows to find the arsonist and get his revenge, but will his chequered past come back to haunt him before he can find the one he is searching for? This is a thrilling story with plenty of action, revelations and a lot of fire as the hunt for the arsonist progresses, emotions blaze and walls come crashing down as you are drawn deeper into the arsonists handbook until a fiery conclusion is reached.
Jameson is just going through the motions like he does everyday, he isn’t too close to his mum because of all the hours she works at her two jobs and when she is at home, they barely communicate, but on this day, he goes into the attic to get his hockey stick, but instead, he finds a journal and as he reads through it, he realises that it is his fathers and it is not what he expected to read, but it rings true to him in a strange way. Meanwhile, Pete is having breakfast with his wife as she rocks their son, but it isn’t the amicable conversation it used to be, the atmosphere is icy and the distance is palpable, but as she makes sure everything is ready for her business trip but eh way she does it frustrates him and so he decides that he needs some kind of release, so he arranges for someone to look after his kid for a few hours so he can find it. However, when he is finally ready to return home, he finds that he has many missed calls and voicemails from his wife, because this isn’t the norm, he is worried and calls her back, btu when she starts screaming incoherently down the phone at him, demanding to know where he is, he has a feeling that something is definitely wrong.
Pete’s suspicions are confirmed when he returns home to find that there isn’t a home to return to, it is just a smoldering pile of ashes, there are fire crews, ambulances and the police there, but all he can do is try to breathe, hoping that his mind is working overtime and that the worst hasn’t happened, but as he sees the woman who was babysitting his son approach him and burst into tears, his worst fear is realised, his son was in the house and is now dead. As he tries to come to terms with what has happened, he takes the blame upon himself and his wife does the same, she demands to know where he was and why he wasn’t there to save their son, the police want to know the same thing, but he cannot bring himself to say it.
As Jameson reads more of the journal, the days turn into weeks and he begins to realise that his father was an arsonist and as he watches the news, basks in the knowledge that he has come back, but he also feels like he has met with his destiny and that maybe if the same blood runs through his veins as his father, will he be able to something to finally get his attention? As the investigation continues and arson is confirmed, Pete vows to find the arsonist and get his revenge, but will his chequered past come back to haunt him before he can find the one he is searching for? This is a thrilling story with plenty of action, revelations and a lot of fire as the hunt for the arsonist progresses, emotions blaze and walls come crashing down as you are drawn deeper into the arsonists handbook until a fiery conclusion is reached.
June 30, 2021
Ok this was a new type of novel for me I will gladly say from the start. I had started it reading oh cool a thriller. I got so much more than I bargained for in a good way, honestly, this book was almost impossible to put down I loved this novel and I feel a strong need for more. Even after completing this story it is far from leaving my mind and still is making me think and wonder...
First reading this I getting a feel for sure about the character named Jamieson He had a rough time with his father being out of the picture and his mom working quite a lot. But Jamieson had a darkness in him like I never thought would be so extreme. He loved to burn things and watch what ever it was burn and I mean really burn the more torture the better it was and enjoyable for him. He later reads an old journal which was his fathers and this just fuels his odd obsession with the love of burning things, creatures you name it. i found as I went on Jamieson I felt for at times and other times he wickedly scarred me and made me worry about these things if this is something that could go on in todays world.
Introduce Pete, whom at first seemed like a sweetheart to me, Pete goes thru something very horrid and his mind set is on revenge and nothing more. And the way he progresses and develops truly is even scarier than Jamieson I think
All in all this was a page turning book and it gripped my soul and left me wanting more. And don't even get me started on the ending. It was so shocking for me, I didn't have any inkling to it coming, I feel some of the things could have been for shadowed but this novel was a wild ride of questions and living on your last breath to learn what is happen to next.
Honestly a ride like no other. This body took my body and soul and asked me at the end "wanna go again?" I cant let the thoughts and impact of this novel just go. Its really a imprint made on the reader, and I highly suggest you pick it up and prepare for sleepless nights, and your sanity tested in a good way, this is a novel not to be passed up or forgotten!!
First reading this I getting a feel for sure about the character named Jamieson He had a rough time with his father being out of the picture and his mom working quite a lot. But Jamieson had a darkness in him like I never thought would be so extreme. He loved to burn things and watch what ever it was burn and I mean really burn the more torture the better it was and enjoyable for him. He later reads an old journal which was his fathers and this just fuels his odd obsession with the love of burning things, creatures you name it. i found as I went on Jamieson I felt for at times and other times he wickedly scarred me and made me worry about these things if this is something that could go on in todays world.
Introduce Pete, whom at first seemed like a sweetheart to me, Pete goes thru something very horrid and his mind set is on revenge and nothing more. And the way he progresses and develops truly is even scarier than Jamieson I think
All in all this was a page turning book and it gripped my soul and left me wanting more. And don't even get me started on the ending. It was so shocking for me, I didn't have any inkling to it coming, I feel some of the things could have been for shadowed but this novel was a wild ride of questions and living on your last breath to learn what is happen to next.
Honestly a ride like no other. This body took my body and soul and asked me at the end "wanna go again?" I cant let the thoughts and impact of this novel just go. Its really a imprint made on the reader, and I highly suggest you pick it up and prepare for sleepless nights, and your sanity tested in a good way, this is a novel not to be passed up or forgotten!!
June 25, 2021
The Arsonist’s Handbook by L.A. Detwiler
4 out of 5
The Arsonist’s Handbook starts you on a slow, meandering path through the tortured world of Jameson until the final twist has you rethinking everything. L.A. Detwiler draws you in and gets you slowly addicted to the story, as Jameson becomes addicted to the flame, only to have your world set on fire by the revelations and secrets.
Jameson is a lonely boy that doesn’t feel his mother’s love because she is always working. He mourns the loss of his father that left years before. Jameson finds a journal in the attic that lets him know that he is seen and brings him a connection to the author of the journal unlike he has ever felt with another living being. Jameson tries to make a real life connection to the author by getting the attention of the author by following the rules set out in the journal.
Pete’s marriage is dying. He doesn’t know why. He used to be so in love with his wife. She is beautiful, talented, intelligent, and an amazing mom. Why doesn’t he love her anymore? Why can’t he just walk away? One night while his wife is on a business trip, Pete, needing to feel like a man again, heads a few towns over to have a one-night stand. Tragedy strikes in a way that tears Pete and his life apart. Now he is out for vengeance. He must put it right. When Pete has found his vengeance, is it everything that he hoped it would be?
The slow walk into Jameson’s world took a moment for me to get into the story and realize that I couldn’t stop reading. When I figured out one of the twists, my jaw dropped and I patiently waited for more. L.A. Detwiler builds a story like a Roman aqueduct, strong and long-lasting, then she blows it up with the twists and surprises. I can’t wait to get my hands on another one of her books. Amazing!
4 out of 5
The Arsonist’s Handbook starts you on a slow, meandering path through the tortured world of Jameson until the final twist has you rethinking everything. L.A. Detwiler draws you in and gets you slowly addicted to the story, as Jameson becomes addicted to the flame, only to have your world set on fire by the revelations and secrets.
Jameson is a lonely boy that doesn’t feel his mother’s love because she is always working. He mourns the loss of his father that left years before. Jameson finds a journal in the attic that lets him know that he is seen and brings him a connection to the author of the journal unlike he has ever felt with another living being. Jameson tries to make a real life connection to the author by getting the attention of the author by following the rules set out in the journal.
Pete’s marriage is dying. He doesn’t know why. He used to be so in love with his wife. She is beautiful, talented, intelligent, and an amazing mom. Why doesn’t he love her anymore? Why can’t he just walk away? One night while his wife is on a business trip, Pete, needing to feel like a man again, heads a few towns over to have a one-night stand. Tragedy strikes in a way that tears Pete and his life apart. Now he is out for vengeance. He must put it right. When Pete has found his vengeance, is it everything that he hoped it would be?
The slow walk into Jameson’s world took a moment for me to get into the story and realize that I couldn’t stop reading. When I figured out one of the twists, my jaw dropped and I patiently waited for more. L.A. Detwiler builds a story like a Roman aqueduct, strong and long-lasting, then she blows it up with the twists and surprises. I can’t wait to get my hands on another one of her books. Amazing!
June 28, 2021
When you are a lost soul, but a discovery of a journal may literally set your world on fire and you uncover secrets that should have been buried.
Jamieson is a lonely lost soul, wondering through life with no real feeling of love. His mother is working two jobs to try and keep their head above water which means not mush quality time with her son. Jamieson’s father is absent from an early age but when he finds a hidden journal in the attic which belong to his father he becomes interested in this side of his life, but at the end will this be health or will it awake the monster within.
Pete is wandering along in life, although he has a loving wife and children there is something missing from his world and he becomes fed up with his life and marriage. But, one day can change your whole life and choices you make will haunt him for his whole life.
If you are wanting a light easy read, I would stay away from this book. The way the author draws you into the dark worlds of both characters is a joy to read. This is the first book I have read by this author and was anticipating as usual the questions of will I enjoy the story, writing etc but OMG this was thrilling from the first works written to the last.
I loved the slow burn of the story and my emotions feeling a little sad for the character of Jamieson but as the story delves more into his life you become so invested in trying to discover the twist and turns, I could not put the book down.
I can’t read more books by this author and I would recommend this book as a true thriller and thank you L A Detwiler for captivating book.
Jamieson is a lonely lost soul, wondering through life with no real feeling of love. His mother is working two jobs to try and keep their head above water which means not mush quality time with her son. Jamieson’s father is absent from an early age but when he finds a hidden journal in the attic which belong to his father he becomes interested in this side of his life, but at the end will this be health or will it awake the monster within.
Pete is wandering along in life, although he has a loving wife and children there is something missing from his world and he becomes fed up with his life and marriage. But, one day can change your whole life and choices you make will haunt him for his whole life.
If you are wanting a light easy read, I would stay away from this book. The way the author draws you into the dark worlds of both characters is a joy to read. This is the first book I have read by this author and was anticipating as usual the questions of will I enjoy the story, writing etc but OMG this was thrilling from the first works written to the last.
I loved the slow burn of the story and my emotions feeling a little sad for the character of Jamieson but as the story delves more into his life you become so invested in trying to discover the twist and turns, I could not put the book down.
I can’t read more books by this author and I would recommend this book as a true thriller and thank you L A Detwiler for captivating book.
June 26, 2021
This is a very dark psychological Thriller and one I really enjoyed. I love how deep the author gets into the mind of both Jameson and Pete. The author does an amazing job of opening up their minds and their worlds to us so we can walk in their shoes and experience their thoughts, feelings and drive that makes them behave and react in the way they do.
Jameson is a 16 year old boy who has grown up with his mother. His father left when he was young and Jameson knows little about it. His mother works 2 jobs and has very little time to provide him with emotional support. They are more like strangers than family. When Jameson finds a journal left by his father he discovers his father was an arsonist and awakens a part of him he didn't know existed. Is he destined to be a arsonist like his dad? Will him turning into one bring his dad home?
Pete is a man stuck in a rut. He has a beautiful house, beautiful child and wife but he isn't happy. One night while his wife is away and his son is left with the babysitter disaster strikes and his son dies.
Overwhelmed with grief Pete takes it upon himself to find out who is responsible for his sons death and the fire that destroyed his life.
Is Jameson connected to this fire? Is it Jamesons dad? Can Pete survive the guilt and grief and stay strong enough to get justice for his son?
Jameson is a 16 year old boy who has grown up with his mother. His father left when he was young and Jameson knows little about it. His mother works 2 jobs and has very little time to provide him with emotional support. They are more like strangers than family. When Jameson finds a journal left by his father he discovers his father was an arsonist and awakens a part of him he didn't know existed. Is he destined to be a arsonist like his dad? Will him turning into one bring his dad home?
Pete is a man stuck in a rut. He has a beautiful house, beautiful child and wife but he isn't happy. One night while his wife is away and his son is left with the babysitter disaster strikes and his son dies.
Overwhelmed with grief Pete takes it upon himself to find out who is responsible for his sons death and the fire that destroyed his life.
Is Jameson connected to this fire? Is it Jamesons dad? Can Pete survive the guilt and grief and stay strong enough to get justice for his son?
June 18, 2021
L.A. Dewiler has written a psychological thriller that will stay in your memory long after the last page has turned in your hand. "The Arsonist's Handbook" is not a light read or for the faint of heart. It is a book that takes your mind into a deep place where you can't help but stay until every last word is finished. We all want to know who our parents really are and in this way, we can relate to what drives Jameson Wills to know his own father. At 16, Jameson finds a journal in an attic and discovers a dark truth about his missing father. The journal reveals the two share a dangerous obsession for burning and this helps Jameson feel a real connection to his father. Does this obsession lead to real-world consequences? Is Jameson the person responsible for the death of Pete Andrews’ infant son who has just died in a fire? The police determine the fire was caused by an arsonist and Pete has his energies set on finding one. Was it Jameson? Will Pete find justice? Will Jameson find his father? Too dark to step away from and too good to forget. This is one that you will remember long after you've finished it.
June 26, 2021
So LA Detwiler is a new author to me but I can assure you this will not be my last experience reading anything by the talented Ms. Detwiler again! When I saw the book cover for The Arsonist’s Handbook I was sold, but that blurb drew me in even more and it quickly soared to the top of my TBR list. I immediately dove right in and was hooked in so fast I read this book in one sitting well into the evening and found myself wrapping this up at four am.. Oops lol, NOT SORRY! I had to know how this book would end, I could not sleep until I did, it was that gripping. It beyond lived up to its name of a ‘gripping psychological thriller’ and I even found that it haunted my dreams and thoughts the next day. I won’t be giving you the details of the characters and story because really that would ruin it and you need to dive in and learn those for yourself, but this is one that you do not want to miss if you love dark and twisty books with a a crime thriller background storyline. I will be going to see what else is available and stalking the new releases of Detwiler to come now. I hope we get more of the same kind soon! Such a fab more than five star read!
June 28, 2021
The Arsonist's Handbook: A Gripping Psychological Thriller by L.A. Detwiler is a psychological thriller.
A troubling family enterprise has been passed down. Jameson Wills is sixteen years old and has never met his father. However, when he uncovers an ancient notebook in the attic, he learns some dark secrets about the man who vanished so long ago. As Jameson learns more about his father's hidden arson addiction, he begins to question if they need to burn is in his blood. However, looking for a link to his father might take him down a dead end. A bereft businessman on the hunt for vengeance. Pete Andrews' baby son perished in a house fire. When the police determine that it was the act of an arsonist, Pete vows to do everything it takes to bring his son justice. Will he go too far in his desire for vengeance as his evil background comes to light? Two gentlemen. There was only one arsonist. Choices that will alter their life for the rest of their lives.
I loved this story and the concept of it as well.I loved every page of it. Every chapter was exciting. I can’t wait and read more from this author
A troubling family enterprise has been passed down. Jameson Wills is sixteen years old and has never met his father. However, when he uncovers an ancient notebook in the attic, he learns some dark secrets about the man who vanished so long ago. As Jameson learns more about his father's hidden arson addiction, he begins to question if they need to burn is in his blood. However, looking for a link to his father might take him down a dead end. A bereft businessman on the hunt for vengeance. Pete Andrews' baby son perished in a house fire. When the police determine that it was the act of an arsonist, Pete vows to do everything it takes to bring his son justice. Will he go too far in his desire for vengeance as his evil background comes to light? Two gentlemen. There was only one arsonist. Choices that will alter their life for the rest of their lives.
I loved this story and the concept of it as well.I loved every page of it. Every chapter was exciting. I can’t wait and read more from this author
June 29, 2021
The Arsonist’s Handbook
by L.A. Detwiler
5 out of 5 stars
L.A Detwiler is an author I didn't know existed just a few days ago. Now, this is an author I will never forget. One of the things that I have always loved while finding to be completely eery is the fact that every horror movie came from someone's thoughts. I guess you can say the same for every thriller in the form of writing as well. I was hooked on the Arsonist's Handbook from the first word on the first page. I carried this book with me everywhere, reading as I stood at the counter making my lunches even. I can't honestly put into words the impact this book had. I am notorious for reading a synopsis, deciding the book needs to be read, forgetting the synopsis and being completely surprised by things that were already disclosed on the book's cover. This was no exception. I found myself constantly shook by the way lives were intertwined and the depth of characters. The book was dark, it had twists but through everything, there was deep feeling behind every motive. I could go on and on, but I am so impressed and would highly recommend this 5/5 star read!
by L.A. Detwiler
5 out of 5 stars
L.A Detwiler is an author I didn't know existed just a few days ago. Now, this is an author I will never forget. One of the things that I have always loved while finding to be completely eery is the fact that every horror movie came from someone's thoughts. I guess you can say the same for every thriller in the form of writing as well. I was hooked on the Arsonist's Handbook from the first word on the first page. I carried this book with me everywhere, reading as I stood at the counter making my lunches even. I can't honestly put into words the impact this book had. I am notorious for reading a synopsis, deciding the book needs to be read, forgetting the synopsis and being completely surprised by things that were already disclosed on the book's cover. This was no exception. I found myself constantly shook by the way lives were intertwined and the depth of characters. The book was dark, it had twists but through everything, there was deep feeling behind every motive. I could go on and on, but I am so impressed and would highly recommend this 5/5 star read!
June 29, 2021
4.5 Stars
The Arsonist’s Handbook: A Gripping Psychological Thriller by L.A. Detwiler certainly grabbed my attention from the very first page. Thrillers are definitely one of my go-to reading genres, and with such an intriguing blurb when this showed up on one of my recommended book lists, I certainly couldn’t pass it by.
Even though it is written in a slightly different style to what I am used to- the journal like writing really added to the overall atmosphere the story created. Throw in plenty of intensity, gripping details, unexpected twists and turns ensured that I was completely engrossed, not wanting to put it down until I had read every last word.
This has been a great introduction to L.A. Detwiler’s work, I can’t believe I hadn’t read any of her work before now- I have been missing out and that is something I plan to rectify right away. I can’t wait to explore her other books.
If you like a gripping read that makes you think, throws in unexpected twists and turns, and keeps you guessing- then this is definitely the book for you!
Happy reading!
Thank you, L.A. Detwiler!
The Arsonist’s Handbook: A Gripping Psychological Thriller by L.A. Detwiler certainly grabbed my attention from the very first page. Thrillers are definitely one of my go-to reading genres, and with such an intriguing blurb when this showed up on one of my recommended book lists, I certainly couldn’t pass it by.
Even though it is written in a slightly different style to what I am used to- the journal like writing really added to the overall atmosphere the story created. Throw in plenty of intensity, gripping details, unexpected twists and turns ensured that I was completely engrossed, not wanting to put it down until I had read every last word.
This has been a great introduction to L.A. Detwiler’s work, I can’t believe I hadn’t read any of her work before now- I have been missing out and that is something I plan to rectify right away. I can’t wait to explore her other books.
If you like a gripping read that makes you think, throws in unexpected twists and turns, and keeps you guessing- then this is definitely the book for you!
Happy reading!
Thank you, L.A. Detwiler!
June 30, 2021
The Arsonist’s Handbook by L.A. Detwiler
4 Stars
This is my first book by this author, I got into it pretty quickly and could hardly put it down. The build up throughout had me going crazy wondering how this was all going to end. The writing style was a bit different than I'm used to but caught on pretty quick and then it flowed smoothly.
My feelings towards all the characters were a roller coaster ride. I was never sure whether I liked any of them or even understood them and what they were feeling. Then on the other hand I could find I liked them and then did understand sometimes. It was in all honesty the definition of a hot mess.
I had figured out part of what was happening before the end but the other part was shocking, and totally threw my thoughts of one of the characters totally upside down. I think I wanted more from the ending. Not sure why, I can't explain it but I felt a little let down for some reason. I guess I wanted that jaw dropping twist that just never seemed to come for me.
In saying all of that, I truly did enjoy this story and will absolutely read more from this author!
4 Stars
This is my first book by this author, I got into it pretty quickly and could hardly put it down. The build up throughout had me going crazy wondering how this was all going to end. The writing style was a bit different than I'm used to but caught on pretty quick and then it flowed smoothly.
My feelings towards all the characters were a roller coaster ride. I was never sure whether I liked any of them or even understood them and what they were feeling. Then on the other hand I could find I liked them and then did understand sometimes. It was in all honesty the definition of a hot mess.
I had figured out part of what was happening before the end but the other part was shocking, and totally threw my thoughts of one of the characters totally upside down. I think I wanted more from the ending. Not sure why, I can't explain it but I felt a little let down for some reason. I guess I wanted that jaw dropping twist that just never seemed to come for me.
In saying all of that, I truly did enjoy this story and will absolutely read more from this author!
June 30, 2021
I was gripped by this dark psychological crime thriller by Detwiler. Sixteen year old Jameson Wills has never known his father but is keen to find out about him. However having found an old journal in the attic the things he discovers about his father are very disturbing. Reading the journal he learns that his father had a secret addiction to arson and soon Jameson begins to wonder if he also had the “desire to burn” in his blood. Meanwhile, Pete Andrews is a grief stricken businessman following the death of his infant son in a fire. When he is told by the police that the fire was arson Pete is determined to find justice for his son, but as his sinister past emerges he may go to far looking for revenge. I was hooked from start to finish by this novel and was impressed at how the author made both of the main characters, Jameson and Pete really come alive and allowed the reader to get into their minds. I felt fully immersed in the storyline which was fast paced and flowed well. An entertaining and engaging read and one which stayed with me long after I had turned the last page. Detwiler is a new author to me and I am now keen to read other books by her.
June 28, 2021
This was a read by an author I have never read before, and honestly, I didn’t know what to expect. However, I was hooked from the first page, often find myself missing out on sleep just to read more of this book.
The characters are wonderfully developed and so well thought out that at time this was a hard read just because it was so real. You follow Jameson who is trying to connect to the author of a book he finds in the attic and his journey through several revelations and uncovered secrets.
Then there’s Pete and coming to terms with his marriage falling apart, having an affair, and a great tragedy that turns his world upside down. Will revenge be enough to help him move forward? Or will it send him spiraling down a dark path?
There were so many twists and turns in this book that leave you guessing on how everything might end. It was very easy to get lost in the lives of these characters and become invested in each of their stories. Will anyone come out unscathed? You’ll have to read the book to find out but it is definitely worth it!
The characters are wonderfully developed and so well thought out that at time this was a hard read just because it was so real. You follow Jameson who is trying to connect to the author of a book he finds in the attic and his journey through several revelations and uncovered secrets.
Then there’s Pete and coming to terms with his marriage falling apart, having an affair, and a great tragedy that turns his world upside down. Will revenge be enough to help him move forward? Or will it send him spiraling down a dark path?
There were so many twists and turns in this book that leave you guessing on how everything might end. It was very easy to get lost in the lives of these characters and become invested in each of their stories. Will anyone come out unscathed? You’ll have to read the book to find out but it is definitely worth it!
June 28, 2021
The Arsonist’s Handbook is the first book by L. A. Detwiler that I have read. I will be looking for more books by her. The plotline has plot twists and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat. There were points that I thought I knew which way the story was going to go but then it turned in the opposite direction. The characters are sincere with their description. There were emotions in the main characters that kept me on my toes because of the complex nature of their beings. Jameson was a young man who found a journal that was written by his father. He discovered that his father was an arsonist and he felt like he was taking up his father’s legacy. Then there was Pete, a father of an infant that had recently died in a fire. Since we know there is an arsonist and the two main characters are linked by an arsonist. Will Jameson follow in his Father’s footprints? Will Pete find the monster that killed his son? I highly recommend this book, but I will warn you may get so far into the story that you may forget your surroundings. Be prepared to read this story in one sitting.
June 29, 2021
The Arsonist's Handbook
A Gripping Psychological Thriller
By L.A. Detwiler
☆☆☆☆☆
Let me just say "WOW"! This was not what I was expecting. It was far better. Full length novel into the mind of an arsonist. This story is not intended for those under 18, due to adult content.
Jameson is a 16 year old looking to find his father. During his search, he finds a journal written by his father. Wondering if he is at all like him, Jameson set out with a plan. Could he find his father by the clues he has? Pete Andrews has lost his infant son to a house fire and is out to seek revenge. Will Pete put his son to rest. Family secrets and fire may not mix in this Crime story.
Well L.A. Detwiler has written this thriller and had me reaching for the next page. A true page turner, with family fires to boot. I really felt the pain her characters displayed. So many broken hearts all under the Arsonist's hand. I love a well written thriller. This one is above any I have read. You can be sure I am out to find more from L.A. Detwiler! Well Done L.A. Detwiler! Well Done!!
A Gripping Psychological Thriller
By L.A. Detwiler
☆☆☆☆☆
Let me just say "WOW"! This was not what I was expecting. It was far better. Full length novel into the mind of an arsonist. This story is not intended for those under 18, due to adult content.
Jameson is a 16 year old looking to find his father. During his search, he finds a journal written by his father. Wondering if he is at all like him, Jameson set out with a plan. Could he find his father by the clues he has? Pete Andrews has lost his infant son to a house fire and is out to seek revenge. Will Pete put his son to rest. Family secrets and fire may not mix in this Crime story.
Well L.A. Detwiler has written this thriller and had me reaching for the next page. A true page turner, with family fires to boot. I really felt the pain her characters displayed. So many broken hearts all under the Arsonist's hand. I love a well written thriller. This one is above any I have read. You can be sure I am out to find more from L.A. Detwiler! Well Done L.A. Detwiler! Well Done!!
June 30, 2021
The Arsonist’s Handbook by L.A. Detwiler. This is a very dark book. Its about a kid named Jameson who grows up with his mom because his dad walked out on them. With being a single mom, she works 2 jobs and is home very little to interact with Jameson so he is left to fend for himself quite often. Jameson has a dark burning in his soul and when he finds a journal of his dad's he realizes he has inherited this dark thing. Jameson loves to burn things, building, animals, and later on humans. When Jameson kills one man's son his dad, one of the nicest men in town, vows to find who did it. Pete lived for his son and he is determined with all that is in him to find out who killed his son and make them pay. There is also an arsonist loose in the county close to him and he's wondering if his dad is back. He beings to search for his dad and longs to find him. Will Jameson find his dad and have some answers from his past? Will Pete find out who killed his son and be able to have some peace? This is a very dark, psychological thriller that will keep you turning pages way into the night!
July 1, 2021
Jameson, 16 year old loner living with his single mom, longs for a relationship with his father. When he finds an old notebook in the attic that describes proper way to be an arsonist, Jameson decides to follow in his father's footsteps in the hopes that it will catch his father's attention and he will come back home.
Pete is the victim of an arsonist, losing his young son in a fire. Hell bent on revenge, Pete will stop at nothing to make the arsonist pay. He quickly becomes consumed with finding his version of justice for his son.
Wow...The Arsonist's Handbook is a great read. The characters are likeable, relatable, and real. The emotions from Pete are heart wrenching, and the desire of Jameson to have a relationship with his father is as well. Told from alternating points of view, as well as including chapters from the notebook Jameson finds, this book kept me on the edge of my seat until the last page. I highly recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys a good psychological thriller! The ending was completely unexpected! I can't wait to read more from L.A. Detwiler!
Pete is the victim of an arsonist, losing his young son in a fire. Hell bent on revenge, Pete will stop at nothing to make the arsonist pay. He quickly becomes consumed with finding his version of justice for his son.
Wow...The Arsonist's Handbook is a great read. The characters are likeable, relatable, and real. The emotions from Pete are heart wrenching, and the desire of Jameson to have a relationship with his father is as well. Told from alternating points of view, as well as including chapters from the notebook Jameson finds, this book kept me on the edge of my seat until the last page. I highly recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys a good psychological thriller! The ending was completely unexpected! I can't wait to read more from L.A. Detwiler!
June 18, 2021
This is a very dark and twisted book straight from the get-go. The obsession with fire and burning buildings, cars, and animals is heavy throughout. When 16 year-old Jameson finds a book in his attic detailing his father's addiction to arson, he feels a connection to a man that has long been missing from his life. He is a boy who has grown up wondering what his dad might be like, and imagining who he might be. With this book, he starts to feel a connection to the mystery man, and sets about trying to follow in his pyro footsteps. The desolation of the characters in this book seeps into you; it is the deep ache of knowing yourself to be doomed. The story sometimes blindsides you with shocking events, punctuating the gloom with fresh horror. The writing skillfully conveys a lot of emotion and psychological torment. If this sounds like its up your alley, give it a go.
June 27, 2021
The Arsonist’s Handbook is a psychological thriller by L.A. Detwiler.
I was a little unsure before reading this book, as it’s not usually a genre I pick out, but I’m so glad I did as once I started reading I couldn’t put it down.
This was my first time reading anything by this author, but it won’t be my last. I loved the style of writing that brought this story to life. I thought the journal style of writing was well suited here.
As with a lot of psychological thrillers, this book will keep you guessing throughout….nothing is straightforward and it can mess with your head a little. There is a lot of tragedy and dark times in the story, which can be hard to read at times and certainly makes it a somewhat “heavy” read, but I’m not sure what else a story of this nature could ever be.
This is the type of book you will be thinking about long after finishing it.
I was a little unsure before reading this book, as it’s not usually a genre I pick out, but I’m so glad I did as once I started reading I couldn’t put it down.
This was my first time reading anything by this author, but it won’t be my last. I loved the style of writing that brought this story to life. I thought the journal style of writing was well suited here.
As with a lot of psychological thrillers, this book will keep you guessing throughout….nothing is straightforward and it can mess with your head a little. There is a lot of tragedy and dark times in the story, which can be hard to read at times and certainly makes it a somewhat “heavy” read, but I’m not sure what else a story of this nature could ever be.
This is the type of book you will be thinking about long after finishing it.
September 18, 2021
Moral of this story: Be careful with your journal, especially if you’re a psychopath, because your child might find it and try to emulate the stuff you write about.
The Arsonist’s Handbook is dark. I felt for Jameson, the lost teenager whose mother worked too much and whose father abandoned them long ago. But I also disliked him. He creeped me out. I mean, I get wanting your father’s approval, but… yikes.
We don’t have any characters to love or empathize with. Darkness seems to permeate every nook of the story, seeping into souls and wearing out even the best intentioned characters. We can hope for intervention and an end to the destruction, though these people know that happy endings are for fairy tales.
The audio is well done. The narrator does an excellent job of inhabiting the characters’ personalities.
*I received a free download from a giveaway.*
The Arsonist’s Handbook is dark. I felt for Jameson, the lost teenager whose mother worked too much and whose father abandoned them long ago. But I also disliked him. He creeped me out. I mean, I get wanting your father’s approval, but… yikes.
We don’t have any characters to love or empathize with. Darkness seems to permeate every nook of the story, seeping into souls and wearing out even the best intentioned characters. We can hope for intervention and an end to the destruction, though these people know that happy endings are for fairy tales.
The audio is well done. The narrator does an excellent job of inhabiting the characters’ personalities.
*I received a free download from a giveaway.*
June 21, 2021
The Arsonists Handbook: A Gripping Psychological Thriller by L.A. Detwiler is a book that certainly lives up to its name. I was intrigued by this book from the moment I read the blurb and I had to start it straight away. I wanted to get lost in this story. I honestly didn’t know how this book was ever going to turn out because the author added so many twists and turns that it kept me on the edge of my seat.
This is the first book that I have read by b this author and I thought it was a fantastic read. She knew just what to do to keep you engaged with the story. The book was developed at the right pace, giving you extra details exactly when it was needed. This is a great book that I would highly recommend and I am looking forward to my next read by this author.
This is the first book that I have read by b this author and I thought it was a fantastic read. She knew just what to do to keep you engaged with the story. The book was developed at the right pace, giving you extra details exactly when it was needed. This is a great book that I would highly recommend and I am looking forward to my next read by this author.
June 26, 2021
I was not sure what to expect going into this book but it was a very interesting read. It is a dark focus, filled with a lot of family dysfunction, but held a lot of questions. I related to most of the characters - as a teen with one parent who was never there, as a parent who would do whatever I had to if it kept my kids safe, and as a working parent who always seems to be tired. I do not identify with the arsonist, however (which is a good thing - you can stop dialing the police now). I enjoyed the twists and turns throughout the story and I like how all characters have a flaw, but are trying to make it through life. Some portions I had figured out about midway through the book, but most I did not...until the end. Overall, it was a great piece of work - very well thought out!
June 29, 2021
The Arsonist's Handbook: A Gripping Psychological Thriller by L.A. Detwiler was awesome and consuming. It was in depth, and took you on twists and turns throughout the book. This book triggered some things in my past for me but still kept me reading. When I mean consuming, I mean it isn’t a light read and it takes and pulls you into it. It has emotional ups and downs and is extremely well written. This book didn’t rush into anything, or dump a load of information or on a whimsical thought jump here and there, Detwiler knew what she was doing and was very methodical when she put her plot twist in the story and built up for each climax. I would suggest reading this and reading other books of hers without a doubt.
June 21, 2021
This is a new author for me which I enjoyed from beginning to end. I look forward to reading more from this author in the future. This is a suspenseful thriller that is full of action, fast paced and engaging. The characters bring the story to life. They are relatable and kept me turning pages just waiting to see what would happen next. The twists and turns left me sitting on the edge of my seat. This is a well written story about finding out a father’s secrets and a father that is looking for revenge. What do they both have in common? The same arsonist and life will never be the same for these characters. This is a great story that I really enjoyed. I highly recommend it.
June 28, 2021
I am familiar with this author having read some of her books previously, so I knew I was going to enjoy this one as well. She did not disappoint. It was as interesting and intriguing as I expected it to be. Like most of her books, she slowly draws you into the book but then she gets you hooked, and you don’t want to put it down. And that happened to me again. She has such a way of writing her books with mystery and intrigue and her characters are wonderful. She truly has an amazing knack for telling thrillers. And this one had me hanging on the edge of my seat and left me shocked with the ending. If you are into thrillers then you must read this one.
June 28, 2021
The Arsonist's Handbook: A Gripping Psychological Thriller is one of those books that you think you know what's going to happen, but then the author throws you a new curveball. This book was nothing like I expected, but I have to say that it only made it that much better. It had had me on the edge of my seat and wondering what was going to happen next.
It seemed to me that Jameson and Pete both had rocky histories with their mothers, and both had fathers who were MIA growing up. I thought this would have given them a connection, but I had this story all wrong. It was definitely worth the read!
It seemed to me that Jameson and Pete both had rocky histories with their mothers, and both had fathers who were MIA growing up. I thought this would have given them a connection, but I had this story all wrong. It was definitely worth the read!
June 30, 2021
The Arsonist’s Handbook: A Gripping Psychological Thriller
by L.A. Detwiler
4- stars
I fully enjoyed this story through and through! I loved how the author pulled me in right from the get go, I was intrigued and so captivated.
I loved the dual POV of both Jameson and Pete, it made for a really entertaining read as I got to dive into each of their worlds. I felt as if I had all kinds of suspicions and I enjoyed trying to piece everything together.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author in the future and would absolutely recommend this book to anyone looking for their next thriller read.
by L.A. Detwiler
4- stars
I fully enjoyed this story through and through! I loved how the author pulled me in right from the get go, I was intrigued and so captivated.
I loved the dual POV of both Jameson and Pete, it made for a really entertaining read as I got to dive into each of their worlds. I felt as if I had all kinds of suspicions and I enjoyed trying to piece everything together.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author in the future and would absolutely recommend this book to anyone looking for their next thriller read.
April 24, 2021
This was a really good psychological thriller!
The diary style format used in this book is kind of new to me, but it flowed pretty well. I had figured out a plot point kind of early on and was feeling a bit smug about it, but then Detwiler hits readers with one unexpected twist after another!
The Arsonist's Handbook didn't end at all like I had thought it would. Instead, it was an even better ending than I had imagined.
This is my 5th book by Detwiler (a mix of both her horror and romance), and it is safe to say that I will read anything that her name is attached to.
The diary style format used in this book is kind of new to me, but it flowed pretty well. I had figured out a plot point kind of early on and was feeling a bit smug about it, but then Detwiler hits readers with one unexpected twist after another!
The Arsonist's Handbook didn't end at all like I had thought it would. Instead, it was an even better ending than I had imagined.
This is my 5th book by Detwiler (a mix of both her horror and romance), and it is safe to say that I will read anything that her name is attached to.
June 22, 2021
Wow, this book......I cannot seem to get it out of my mind. The book has 2 main character POVs of Jameson and Pete. Their stories intertwine and it really keeps you thinking and on your toes. The suspense of an arsonist, burning and death..... the words of this book are detailed with every page. Just when I thought the book was wrapping up with the ending, BAM......something else hits you. This book had me hook since the beginning and moments where my jaw dropped completely. This is a very good psychological thriller!
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