Fireproof – Maggie O’Dell #10 – Alex Kava
Book 6 for the year was the latest Maggie O’Dell novel I’ve read — Fireproof. This is book #10 in Alex Kava’s excellent series, and over the course of these books, Maggie has faced just about everything: serial killers, teenage suicide bombers, even exposure to the Ebola virus. Along the way, she’s also learned about her father’s affair and discovered she has a stepbrother.
The Story
In Fireproof, Maggie — along with her partner R.J. Tully and D.C. homicide detective Janet Racine — is on the trail of a serial arsonist. She’s still dealing with lingering effects from a head wound sustained in her last case (Hotwire), but the investigation quickly becomes more than just arson when the body of a brutally beaten man is found behind a dumpster near one of the fires.
Is the arsonist also the killer? Maggie doesn’t think so.
As the fires grow in number and deadliness, the team can hardly keep up — but investigative reporter Jeffrey Cole and his cameraman Samantha Ramirez always seem to be on the scene first. Jeffrey’s curiosity isn’t limited to the case; he begins digging into Maggie’s personal life, and soon the investigation seems to be headed straight toward her.
Final Thoughts
When I read a book, I don’t tend to overanalyze. My questions are simple:
- Did I like the characters?
- Was the action fast-paced?
- Did the suspense build?
- Did the story hold my interest?
- Did I enjoy the ride?
For Fireproof, the answer to all of these is a resounding yes. While there’s less profiling than in some earlier books, it’s still a gripping, well-paced story. The ending hints at a possible sequel, but for me that was just icing on an already satisfying thriller.
I’ve always enjoyed Maggie’s mix of strength, vulnerability, and determination as she faces both dangerous criminals and her own personal demons (including her complicated relationship with her mother). The great thing about this series is that you don’t have to read the books in order to enjoy them — so feel free to jump in here, then go back and catch up on Maggie’s life.
