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Playing with Fire
An unsolved mystery ignites a deadly game of chess in this scorching thriller from New York Times bestselling author Mary Burton.
A year after the infamous arsonist Nero was found dead in one of his latest fires, journalist Darcy Sampson receives a tip that the body found at the scene wasn't Nero at all. Determined to solve the case, Darcy heads to her small hometown in Virginia to track Michael Gannon, an arsonist investigator who refuses to believe that Nero is dead.
But when a new series of fires in the area have a remarkable resemblance to the arsonist's previous work, Darcy and Gannon are in a race against time to put a stop to Nero once and for all.
But Nero is ready and waiting for them, and he intends on teaching both Gannon and Darcy one last, fatal lesson.
Previously published as The Arsonist
A year after the infamous arsonist Nero was found dead in one of his latest fires, journalist Darcy Sampson receives a tip that the body found at the scene wasn't Nero at all. Determined to solve the case, Darcy heads to her small hometown in Virginia to track Michael Gannon, an arsonist investigator who refuses to believe that Nero is dead.
But when a new series of fires in the area have a remarkable resemblance to the arsonist's previous work, Darcy and Gannon are in a race against time to put a stop to Nero once and for all.
But Nero is ready and waiting for them, and he intends on teaching both Gannon and Darcy one last, fatal lesson.
Previously published as The Arsonist
205 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 1, 2006
53 people are currently reading
382 people want to read
About the author
Mary Burton
68 books4,061 followersMary Burton, whose latest novel is THE LIES I TOLD, loves writing suspense, getting to know her characters, keeping up with law enforcement and forensic procedure, morning walks, baking, and tiny dachshunds. She also enjoys hunting down serial killers, which she does in her New York Times and USA Today bestselling novels. Library Journal has compared her work to that of Lisa Jackson and Lisa Gardner, and Fresh Fiction likened her writing to that of James Patterson.
Mary is routinely featured among the top ten writers in Amazon’s Author Rankings for romantic suspense, thriller and mystery. Upon publication, her novels, including NEVER LOOK BACK and BURN YOU TWICE, consistently rank high on the Kindle eBooks Store Bestseller List. Her novels CUT AND RUN and YOU'RE NOT SAFE were nominated for the Romance Writers of America’s RITA Award for Romantic Suspense.
A Richmond native, Mary is the author of forty-five published novels and five novellas as Mary Burton and as Mary Ellen Taylor.
A member of International Thriller Writers, Sisters in Crime, Mystery Writers of America, Novelists, Inc., and Romance Writers of America, Mary is known for creating multiple suspense stories connected by characters and/or place.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
May 22, 2022
As an earlier work by Mary Burton, this book has a lot of problems. There are timing inconsistencies, the romance felt rushed, and it was, overall, disjointed. It just didn't flow. I've also read elements of this plot before. In other words, it just didn't grab me and make me care, but it did turn out to be a good Romantic-Suspense, in some spots at least.
Darcy Sampson has been contacted by the sister of Nero, an arsonist who set fires in DC and died in his last one. The sister claims her brother is not Nero. As a journalist, this could be an explosive story. Maybe even Pulitzer worthy. Only problem - no proof. Her boss gives her one week to follow this lead and see if it goes anywhere. Her first step is to pick the brain of the arson investigator, Michael Gannon. He left DC after that last fire and happened to relocate to Darcy's small hometown in Virginia where he reinvented himself as a builder of custom motorcycles. Darcy finds things with her family are not much different than when she left.
Michael Gannon left DC believing in his gut that Nero was still alive. The case took so much from him that leaving and becoming someone else was his way to survive. Now the fires are happening again, and a smart and sexy reporter is putting words to his greatest fear - Nero isn't dead.
Previously published as The Arsonist 3-Stars
My thanks to HQ Digital, Publisher, and Mary Burton, author, for providing a complimentary digital Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this novel via NetGalley. This is my fair, honest and personal review. All opinions are mine alone and were not biased in any way.
Darcy Sampson has been contacted by the sister of Nero, an arsonist who set fires in DC and died in his last one. The sister claims her brother is not Nero. As a journalist, this could be an explosive story. Maybe even Pulitzer worthy. Only problem - no proof. Her boss gives her one week to follow this lead and see if it goes anywhere. Her first step is to pick the brain of the arson investigator, Michael Gannon. He left DC after that last fire and happened to relocate to Darcy's small hometown in Virginia where he reinvented himself as a builder of custom motorcycles. Darcy finds things with her family are not much different than when she left.
Michael Gannon left DC believing in his gut that Nero was still alive. The case took so much from him that leaving and becoming someone else was his way to survive. Now the fires are happening again, and a smart and sexy reporter is putting words to his greatest fear - Nero isn't dead.
Previously published as The Arsonist 3-Stars
My thanks to HQ Digital, Publisher, and Mary Burton, author, for providing a complimentary digital Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this novel via NetGalley. This is my fair, honest and personal review. All opinions are mine alone and were not biased in any way.
May 31, 2022
What a fireball thriller! I’ve read and enjoyed many of the author’s stories in past and couldn’t miss the opportunity to read this one either.
A killer that was assumed to be dead a year ago, seems to come back to life in the new, more settled small town.
The characters connected right from the start and while this book is quite short, maybe half of what I’m used to read, it made for a good story overall. I had my theories proven in the end, although it was clear who the arsonist was early in the story. But that didn’t take from my enjoyment one bit.
Looking forward to read more soon by the author.
Very grateful for my review copy
A killer that was assumed to be dead a year ago, seems to come back to life in the new, more settled small town.
The characters connected right from the start and while this book is quite short, maybe half of what I’m used to read, it made for a good story overall. I had my theories proven in the end, although it was clear who the arsonist was early in the story. But that didn’t take from my enjoyment one bit.
Looking forward to read more soon by the author.
Very grateful for my review copy
May 11, 2022
If you have read books by Mary Burton before, then you might have read this when it was first published under the title The Arsonist. This is a reissue with a spiffy cover, and you might want to catch some of the other ones too.
It’s what I would call a fast-paced romance thriller. The relationship between the ex-arson investigator Gannon and the reporter Darcy is a slow burner – pun totally intended – and in a way the attraction builds in intensity. Like a ember emerging into an all consuming flame. The emotional parallels of desire and destruction move alongside each other, which is actually quite accurate for the portrayal of one intent on igniting the world around him.
The arsonist plays a game of chess and is willing to do anything to get Gannon off his heels after a long twisted game of fire, destruction and even death. His death is a convenient closure, is it not? But the pull of the flame is powerful and soon it becomes evident that Nero is back from the dead.
You get crime, thriller and a bit of mutual attraction – all for the price of one with this read.
It’s what I would call a fast-paced romance thriller. The relationship between the ex-arson investigator Gannon and the reporter Darcy is a slow burner – pun totally intended – and in a way the attraction builds in intensity. Like a ember emerging into an all consuming flame. The emotional parallels of desire and destruction move alongside each other, which is actually quite accurate for the portrayal of one intent on igniting the world around him.
The arsonist plays a game of chess and is willing to do anything to get Gannon off his heels after a long twisted game of fire, destruction and even death. His death is a convenient closure, is it not? But the pull of the flame is powerful and soon it becomes evident that Nero is back from the dead.
You get crime, thriller and a bit of mutual attraction – all for the price of one with this read.
April 10, 2022
Another fast paced thriller. I enjoyed the characters and the back and forth between reporter Darcy and retired arson investigator Gannon. A quick read, and a stand alone. This was a good Sunday morning novel.
Full disclosure- I received a copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Full disclosure- I received a copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
April 21, 2022
This was a new to me author that I finally got to reading. I loved the serial arsonist and the stories that followed. The romance aspect could have not been present and the book would have still been good. But I did like that we had multiple characters with multiple issues to overcome and also this overall story of arson.
May 20, 2022
Playing with Fire is a thriller that will have you turning pages as fast as you can to find out what happens next. There’s a serial arsonist, that a year earlier, supposedly died in one of his own fires. A newspaper woman and the original Arson Investigator don’t believe the serial arsonist is dead. As the arsonist starts setting fires again, Darcy and Gannon are on the chase. Can they find the arsonist before they become one of his victims?
Mary Burton is a master of writing exciting thrillers that will keep you on the edge of your seat as the action is non-stop.
Thank you to #netgalley and #HQ for allowing me to read the eARC of this book. All opinions expressed above are my own..
Mary Burton is a master of writing exciting thrillers that will keep you on the edge of your seat as the action is non-stop.
Thank you to #netgalley and #HQ for allowing me to read the eARC of this book. All opinions expressed above are my own..
May 4, 2022
An entertaining romantic suspense even if the suspense takes the back set. It kept me entertained and interested till the end. The characters are fleshed out and the story will well plotted.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
May 6, 2022
Wow wow wow what a book I loved it!!! Advanced warning don’t start this book unless you have the time to sit and read it in one go which I could have happily done if life hadn’t got in the way.
Darcy a reporter and Gannon an arsonist investigator pair up to help solve a series of arsonist attacks. Both Darcy and Gannon believe this to be the work of a previous arsonist Nero however many believe this to not be true as they were lead to believe that Nero had died in a fire of his own making the previous year ago.
Many believe this new arsonist to be a copycat however Darcy and Gannon are not convinced and believe that the original Nero is the one behind these fires. The unlikely pair team up and will stop at nothing to find out who is behind these attacks once and for all.
Nero is unsurprised and quick to realise that Gannon was onto him as this is exactly what he had been expecting and hoping for however Nero is mystified when he realises that Gannon the reporter hating investigator has teamed up with none other than a reporter herself in the form of Darcy. Nero is determined not to let this throw him off scent and alters his plan to try and bring both Darcy and Gannon down.
I loved every single word of this book it was one of those I couldn’t wait to get to the end as I just wanted to know more and to read on however when I finished I was gutted I had. I did work out who was behind the fires and who this Nero person was I picked it up just before the half way point however that didn’t stop me enjoying the rest of the book and I was really pleased to discover I had been right.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for an advance copy of this book in exchange for this review.
Darcy a reporter and Gannon an arsonist investigator pair up to help solve a series of arsonist attacks. Both Darcy and Gannon believe this to be the work of a previous arsonist Nero however many believe this to not be true as they were lead to believe that Nero had died in a fire of his own making the previous year ago.
Many believe this new arsonist to be a copycat however Darcy and Gannon are not convinced and believe that the original Nero is the one behind these fires. The unlikely pair team up and will stop at nothing to find out who is behind these attacks once and for all.
Nero is unsurprised and quick to realise that Gannon was onto him as this is exactly what he had been expecting and hoping for however Nero is mystified when he realises that Gannon the reporter hating investigator has teamed up with none other than a reporter herself in the form of Darcy. Nero is determined not to let this throw him off scent and alters his plan to try and bring both Darcy and Gannon down.
I loved every single word of this book it was one of those I couldn’t wait to get to the end as I just wanted to know more and to read on however when I finished I was gutted I had. I did work out who was behind the fires and who this Nero person was I picked it up just before the half way point however that didn’t stop me enjoying the rest of the book and I was really pleased to discover I had been right.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for an advance copy of this book in exchange for this review.
May 20, 2022
Read his full review on Rosepoint Publishing.
A firebug is terrorizing the Washington, D.C. area. Michael Gannon is an investigator whose primary mission is to apprehend the perpetrator.
Nine fires and twelve people dead later, the man is identified only by the name “Nero”. However, in one of the fire scenes, a man found in a fetal position with evidence of the accelerants used on many of the fires leads the coroner to surmise the firebug has been caught in one of his own fires.
The issue with the current string of arsons is a reporter who discloses confidential investigation information to help spark interest in his bylines. The arsonist realizes that the investigation may be getting too close and stops to let the dust clear.
Darcy Sampson is a reporter who decides to leave the DC area and go back to her hometown. Michael Gannon has retired and chooses her hometown. They meet at the strange scene of a fire in her hometown.
Nero, the arsonist, misses the fires and the competition between him and Gannon. He happens to choose the same small town for his next fire. The competition is on for another incredible run. Can the newspaper reporter and Gannon become successful in stopping the arsonist? This is a fast-paced and gripping novel. Recommended! 4.5 stars – CE Williams
We received a complimentary review copy of this book from the author and publisher through NetGalley that in no way influenced this review. These are his honest opinions.
A firebug is terrorizing the Washington, D.C. area. Michael Gannon is an investigator whose primary mission is to apprehend the perpetrator.
Nine fires and twelve people dead later, the man is identified only by the name “Nero”. However, in one of the fire scenes, a man found in a fetal position with evidence of the accelerants used on many of the fires leads the coroner to surmise the firebug has been caught in one of his own fires.
The issue with the current string of arsons is a reporter who discloses confidential investigation information to help spark interest in his bylines. The arsonist realizes that the investigation may be getting too close and stops to let the dust clear.
Darcy Sampson is a reporter who decides to leave the DC area and go back to her hometown. Michael Gannon has retired and chooses her hometown. They meet at the strange scene of a fire in her hometown.
Nero, the arsonist, misses the fires and the competition between him and Gannon. He happens to choose the same small town for his next fire. The competition is on for another incredible run. Can the newspaper reporter and Gannon become successful in stopping the arsonist? This is a fast-paced and gripping novel. Recommended! 4.5 stars – CE Williams
We received a complimentary review copy of this book from the author and publisher through NetGalley that in no way influenced this review. These are his honest opinions.
May 6, 2022
Playing With Fire is the story of 'Nero' an arsonist and the deadly havoc he has wrought. After the reported death of the arsonist, one year later, Darcy Sampson receives a tip that the body found at the scene wasn't 'Nero.' Excited and determined to be the one to solve what she believes is the mystery of 'Nero." Darcy returns to her hometown in Virginia to track Michael Gannon, an arsonist investigator who refuses to believe that Nero is dead.
Soon after arriving at her family's restaurant/bar she overhears a conversation about several fires in the area. No one seems to think they are related, but Darcy has fires on her mind and tries to ask questions without drawing attention to herself. She needs to find Gannon and find out what he knows. But 'Nero' is closer than they know. As Darcy and Gannon work together to prove they are on the right track, Nero has plans of his own involving Darcy and Gannon.
This was a fast afternoon read. I enjoy all of Mary Burton's books. They are entertaining with great characters. The stories are well written and keep the reader turning the pages.
I received an ARC from NetGalley for an unbiased review.
Soon after arriving at her family's restaurant/bar she overhears a conversation about several fires in the area. No one seems to think they are related, but Darcy has fires on her mind and tries to ask questions without drawing attention to herself. She needs to find Gannon and find out what he knows. But 'Nero' is closer than they know. As Darcy and Gannon work together to prove they are on the right track, Nero has plans of his own involving Darcy and Gannon.
This was a fast afternoon read. I enjoy all of Mary Burton's books. They are entertaining with great characters. The stories are well written and keep the reader turning the pages.
I received an ARC from NetGalley for an unbiased review.
April 29, 2022
Playing With Fire is fast-paced and suspense-filled. The author did an excellent job with the two main characters, Darcy and Gannon. Both of them have detailed and eventful backgrounds which means that the reader comes to care about them from the moment they appear on the page. The duo have great chemistry from the get-go and it was fun to watch the beginning of their romance. Both have their own insecurities which made them more relatable. Darcy in particular had more than one problem to deal with and I was completely sucked into all the family drama that she had to cope with along with trying to investigate the Nero fires.
I enjoyed the action and suspense and it ratcheted up a lot as the story progressed. The suspense and sense of danger the fires created made the story quite exciting and one I couldn't put down. The story concluded in a way I wasn't expecting but loved. It left me with a tingly, nervous feeling imagining what might happen next!
I voluntarily reviewed a copy provided by the publisher.
I enjoyed the action and suspense and it ratcheted up a lot as the story progressed. The suspense and sense of danger the fires created made the story quite exciting and one I couldn't put down. The story concluded in a way I wasn't expecting but loved. It left me with a tingly, nervous feeling imagining what might happen next!
I voluntarily reviewed a copy provided by the publisher.
April 6, 2022
I knew this would be a quick read, even if it is a republishing of a 2008 title. This author had the ability to suck readers in then, just as she does now, and I wasn’t disappointed. Darcy and Gannon are both looking for something. One wants a story, the other wants peace. But can either of them get what they want?
While I was pretty certain of my suspicions early on, this tale was no less engaging and kept me wondering about things like Darcy’s fractured family, her and Gannon’s possibility at something more than co-investigators, and whether or not the puzzle will be solved by the end. Add in a shallow, spineless snake of an ex and a conniving coworker and we have a book that just keeps giving on the emotions. When it all came to a head, I had to wonder how it would work out, and the ending was actually pretty masterful. So now I have some more questions and maybe some answers will come our way in another book? We can always hope.
While I was pretty certain of my suspicions early on, this tale was no less engaging and kept me wondering about things like Darcy’s fractured family, her and Gannon’s possibility at something more than co-investigators, and whether or not the puzzle will be solved by the end. Add in a shallow, spineless snake of an ex and a conniving coworker and we have a book that just keeps giving on the emotions. When it all came to a head, I had to wonder how it would work out, and the ending was actually pretty masterful. So now I have some more questions and maybe some answers will come our way in another book? We can always hope.
April 16, 2022
Nero has been setting fires in the Washington, DC area for months when he is found dead/ burned inside a building. Did he make a mistake?
Michael Gannon is an arson investigator who has been chasing Nero. After Nero’s death, Gannon moved to Preston Springs, VA and now owns a motorcycle shop. Darcy Sampson is a reporter looking back into the Nero story a year later. She’s from Preston Springs and plans to get an interview with Gannon to find out what he knows. When fires start happening in Preston Springs, Gannon and Darcy investigate. Is Nero still alive? If not, who is setting these fires and what’s their motive.
This book was ok but some of the love scenes were a little cheesy. I’ve read a few books by this author and they have all been pretty good so I will hope the next is better.
Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
Michael Gannon is an arson investigator who has been chasing Nero. After Nero’s death, Gannon moved to Preston Springs, VA and now owns a motorcycle shop. Darcy Sampson is a reporter looking back into the Nero story a year later. She’s from Preston Springs and plans to get an interview with Gannon to find out what he knows. When fires start happening in Preston Springs, Gannon and Darcy investigate. Is Nero still alive? If not, who is setting these fires and what’s their motive.
This book was ok but some of the love scenes were a little cheesy. I’ve read a few books by this author and they have all been pretty good so I will hope the next is better.
Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
April 23, 2022
Playing With Fire
by Mary Burton
Pub Date 06 May 2022
HQ, HQ Digital
General Fiction (Adult) | Mystery & Thrillers
I am reviewing a copy of Playing With Fire through HQ and Netgalley:
A year following the death of the infamous arsonist Nero who was found dead one of his latest fires, journalist Darcy Sampson receives a tip that the body found at the scene wasn't Nero at all. Darcy heads to her small hometown in Virginia to track Michael Gannon, an arsonist investigator who refuses to believe that Nero is dead, in determination to follow the case.
After a series of new fires in the area in the area have a remarkable resemblance to the arsonist's previous work, Darcy and Gannon are in a race against time to put a stop to Nero once and for all.
But Nero is ready and waiting for them, and he intends on teaching both Gannon and Darcy one last, fatal lesson.
I give Playing With Fire five out of five stars!
Happy Reading!
by Mary Burton
Pub Date 06 May 2022
HQ, HQ Digital
General Fiction (Adult) | Mystery & Thrillers
I am reviewing a copy of Playing With Fire through HQ and Netgalley:
A year following the death of the infamous arsonist Nero who was found dead one of his latest fires, journalist Darcy Sampson receives a tip that the body found at the scene wasn't Nero at all. Darcy heads to her small hometown in Virginia to track Michael Gannon, an arsonist investigator who refuses to believe that Nero is dead, in determination to follow the case.
After a series of new fires in the area in the area have a remarkable resemblance to the arsonist's previous work, Darcy and Gannon are in a race against time to put a stop to Nero once and for all.
But Nero is ready and waiting for them, and he intends on teaching both Gannon and Darcy one last, fatal lesson.
I give Playing With Fire five out of five stars!
Happy Reading!
April 25, 2022
This is my second book from Mary Burton that I have had the honor of reading in exchange for an honest review. (Thank you NetGalley)
This one Playing With Fire, was absolutely lit (wink wink). I definitely had a hard time putting it down, extremely fast paced, and packed full of details. It did not let me down! I was constantly left wondering who Nero was, and if they could catch him before the next fire was set. (It wasn't obvious, until it was, when it was supposed to be) I thoroughly enjoyed this read!
I have a feeling Mary Burton is going to be an auto-buy author for me! Her stories are fast paced, page turners, and have a little bit of spice to them! It's the best of all worlds in my opinion. I absolutely love thrillers/suspenseful books, and don't mind some spicy romance every now and then. And I find Mary Burton knows how to balance the two extremely well, enough to not take away from the original story at hand.
This one Playing With Fire, was absolutely lit (wink wink). I definitely had a hard time putting it down, extremely fast paced, and packed full of details. It did not let me down! I was constantly left wondering who Nero was, and if they could catch him before the next fire was set. (It wasn't obvious, until it was, when it was supposed to be) I thoroughly enjoyed this read!
I have a feeling Mary Burton is going to be an auto-buy author for me! Her stories are fast paced, page turners, and have a little bit of spice to them! It's the best of all worlds in my opinion. I absolutely love thrillers/suspenseful books, and don't mind some spicy romance every now and then. And I find Mary Burton knows how to balance the two extremely well, enough to not take away from the original story at hand.
April 8, 2022
An arsonist stays one step ahead of arson investigator, Michael Gannon, and then is trapped in one of his own fires.
Gannon quits the department and moves to a small town, but is clearly not convinced that Nero, the serial arsonist, is actually dead.
Darcy, a journalist, gets information that the body discovered was not Nero, and finds out that Gannon is living in her home town, and goes there to interview him and share her discovery.
A 'copycat' Nero starts fires in the small town, and Gannon and Darcy work together to track him down before people start dying.
Loved this book, it was fast paced, had a bit of everything, romance, suspense and thrills. I read it in a day, as I was hooked from the first chapter.
I am a great fan of Mary Burton's books.
Thanks to the publishers and Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read this ARC.
Gannon quits the department and moves to a small town, but is clearly not convinced that Nero, the serial arsonist, is actually dead.
Darcy, a journalist, gets information that the body discovered was not Nero, and finds out that Gannon is living in her home town, and goes there to interview him and share her discovery.
A 'copycat' Nero starts fires in the small town, and Gannon and Darcy work together to track him down before people start dying.
Loved this book, it was fast paced, had a bit of everything, romance, suspense and thrills. I read it in a day, as I was hooked from the first chapter.
I am a great fan of Mary Burton's books.
Thanks to the publishers and Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read this ARC.
April 19, 2022
would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this very quick book
nero is the arsonist and there is nothing he likes more than watching his fires dance, but the police and their investigator are getting close
gannon is getting very close to discovering who is nero but before he can there is one more fire and a dead body with evidence that this was nero.....only gannon is unconvinced about it all
darcy is a reporter and looking for that next big storyline....she has uncovered what she think will win her a Pulitzer, but first she has to go undercover at home pretending she has been sacked so she can get closer to gannon and see if she can unearth the truth about nero...
its a quick read that wont tax your brain..one to read inbetween the heavier books that can bog you down...
nero is the arsonist and there is nothing he likes more than watching his fires dance, but the police and their investigator are getting close
gannon is getting very close to discovering who is nero but before he can there is one more fire and a dead body with evidence that this was nero.....only gannon is unconvinced about it all
darcy is a reporter and looking for that next big storyline....she has uncovered what she think will win her a Pulitzer, but first she has to go undercover at home pretending she has been sacked so she can get closer to gannon and see if she can unearth the truth about nero...
its a quick read that wont tax your brain..one to read inbetween the heavier books that can bog you down...
May 26, 2023
I've read a fair few Mary Burton books before and am always gripped. Her books have a great story to them with a mix of thriller, danger and romance. This was the same mix. A serial arsonist thought to have been dead until a spate of fires start ringing alarm bells in Gannon the ex arson investigator involved in the first spate years earlier. Darcy a reporter tasked in investigating a new lead comes back to her childhood home and is tasked with talking to Gannon. The story develops well the cat and mouse game intermixed with a blooming relationship was brilliant, and I was happy reading until it ended. Abruptly. The story ends over two chapters and an epilogue. It was rushed and felt like someone opened a box and spilled everything out at once. Overall I enjoyed the book but felt the ending lacked the style I usually read in Burton's work.
April 21, 2022
Journalist Darcy Sampson returns to her hometown of Preston Springs, VA, in search of a story. Nero, the arsonist who plaque Washington DC a year, was believed to have died in his last fire. Darcy has evidence that Nero is still alive, and she wants to speak with former arson investigator Michael Gannon. Conveniently, Gannon is not located in Preston Springs and runs a motorcycle shop that is across the street from the Sampson family diner. While in pursuit of the truth, Darcy gets caught up in family drama, a romance with Gannon, and the search for the person who is setting fires around Preston Springs. Has Nero returned? Or is the new arsonist a copycat?
I've read a number of Mary Burton's romantic suspense novels, and I have to say this PLAYING WITH FIRE was not one of my favorite. The story was interesting, but the plot was simplistic. The novel was heavy on the romance and light on the suspense. Overall, the novel is a quick read.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
I've read a number of Mary Burton's romantic suspense novels, and I have to say this PLAYING WITH FIRE was not one of my favorite. The story was interesting, but the plot was simplistic. The novel was heavy on the romance and light on the suspense. Overall, the novel is a quick read.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
April 7, 2022
Playing with Fire by Mary Burton is a chilling thriller. A deadly arsonist who set numerous fires in the DC area is presumed dead. Arson investigator Michael Gannon who has been trying to catch this arsonist in DC believes Nero is still alive despite the evidence left behind, but he moves on. Darcy Sampson, a journalist, does some investigating and comes to believe Nero isn't dead. She travels to find Gannon and fires start again in the area. I loved the suspense in this book. The storyline is believable. Both characters, Darcy and Gannon are strong, determined and likable. I very much enjoy Mary Burton's writing style.
I received an ARC and this is my honest review.
I received an ARC and this is my honest review.
April 26, 2022
The arsonist Nero has been found burned beyond recognition at a fire, case closed. Or is it? Arson investigator Michael Gannon isn’t convinced but no one is interested in what he has to say. He has retired is now the owner of a motorcycle shop. Reporter Darcy Sampson receives a phone call that causes her to track down Gannon and see if he has any information on the case. When fires resembling the previous Nero fires start to occur near where Gannon now lives he is even more sure that Nero is alive. This is a fast paced book with suspense and romance. Can’t wait for the next book by this author. Thank you to net galley for an advanced readers copy.
May 5, 2022
Gannon is an ex-arson investigator; Darcy is a journalist looking for her big story. When she receives a tip suggesting the infamous arsonist Nero may not have died the previous year, she is determined to get to the truth. There is an instant attraction between the couple but conflict too. Their connection puts them on the arsonist's radar as he plots to bring them down.
I like how the setting and the action scenes intensify the suspense. I also enjoyed the developing relationship between the two investigators and how this made them vulnerable to the antagonist. Well-paced romantic suspense that keeps you absorbed until the end.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
I like how the setting and the action scenes intensify the suspense. I also enjoyed the developing relationship between the two investigators and how this made them vulnerable to the antagonist. Well-paced romantic suspense that keeps you absorbed until the end.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
May 24, 2022
Fabulous read! So the one thing I love about this author’s book is that they don’t drag out. No drama, no angst, but a veritable thriller.
What did I like? Darcy and Gannon just clicked well. Once the chemistry started they were adults about it and made concessions for each other. Their combined efforts saved a bunch of lives as they hunted down the arsonist together. A winning duo!
Would I recommend or buy?? I’ve bought many books by this author and loved them all. Her books suck you in and give you a thrill. Loved it !! Five stars!
I received a complimentary copy to read and voluntarily left a review!
What did I like? Darcy and Gannon just clicked well. Once the chemistry started they were adults about it and made concessions for each other. Their combined efforts saved a bunch of lives as they hunted down the arsonist together. A winning duo!
Would I recommend or buy?? I’ve bought many books by this author and loved them all. Her books suck you in and give you a thrill. Loved it !! Five stars!
I received a complimentary copy to read and voluntarily left a review!
April 24, 2022
A Fiery four-star read. This was a great story, I loved the charactrs and the developments, it just lacked a little at parts, almost like the author took their time and wrote so well for 90% of the story, but then glossed over a couple of really important scenes, and that pulled it down. Darcy and Gannon are well done and pull you into the story, making you feel the heat. Nero will keep you guessing as well, I like how they played that storyline. Mary Burton is one of those authors you know will give you a gripping story and keep you guessing.
May 10, 2022
Though I remember reading Play With Fire previously under a different name, I enjoyed reading it again.
The main characters are Darcy and Gannon who work together to find out what is going on with the fires going on in their town. Darcy is a journalist and Gannon is a retired arson investigator. They start working together to find out who the arsonist is.
A nice romantic suspense that will keep you entertained.
Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
The main characters are Darcy and Gannon who work together to find out what is going on with the fires going on in their town. Darcy is a journalist and Gannon is a retired arson investigator. They start working together to find out who the arsonist is.
A nice romantic suspense that will keep you entertained.
Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
July 24, 2024
Sent in my book subscription box as my “thriller” for the month but it was more like a romance. There was a background story of a fire investigator and journalist trying to find an arsonist, but I felt like the focus was more the budding romance between them. Maybe the author intended it to be the other way round, but that’s not how it came across to me. Nevertheless, I enjoyed it and it was an easy read that I got through in just one evening.
May 21, 2022
I love Mary Burton books and was pleased to get this copy from NetGalley. This is a short book, 15 chapters, but pretty fast paced and filed with lots of twist and turns. I could see this turned into a longer novel if the author so desired.. More on Gannon's background, more on Darcy's life as a child. Just more. All in all I did enjoy it
May 27, 2022
A year after the death of a serial arsonist, journalist Darcy Sampson has reason to doubt that the body found at that fire was indeed the arsonist named Nero. A series of new fires seem to mirror Nero's work. Is there a copycat at work or has Nero surfaced to continue his work ?
This is a fast paced thriller with engaging characters and an engrossing story, which I recommend.
This is a fast paced thriller with engaging characters and an engrossing story, which I recommend.
October 10, 2023
Same old same old
Over the last few years I have read Mary Burton from time to time. Now stuck at home with a positive Covid text I read 4 of her books one after the other and it was like back when I was 18 and into Mills and Boom and I realised these were the same. Different names, different locations different circumstances but the format was always the same. Boring
Over the last few years I have read Mary Burton from time to time. Now stuck at home with a positive Covid text I read 4 of her books one after the other and it was like back when I was 18 and into Mills and Boom and I realised these were the same. Different names, different locations different circumstances but the format was always the same. Boring
May 6, 2022
Reporter Darcy Sampson and arson investigator Michael Gannon are on the hunt for the criminal known as Nero.
This was another great page turner from the talented Mary Burton.
Thank you to NetGalley and HQ Books for providing a copy of this book for review.
This was another great page turner from the talented Mary Burton.
Thank you to NetGalley and HQ Books for providing a copy of this book for review.
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