What Burns Within

by Sandra Ruttan

Book Overview

Child abductions, arson, and rapes. Three series of very different crimes are terrorizing the city. But the evidence suggests that they might all somehow be related. This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Mass Market Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0843960744
• ISBN13: 9780843960747
• Release Date: January 2008
• Publisher: Leisure Books
• Length: 355 Pages
• Weight: 0.39 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 4.3" x 6.8"

Customer Reviews

Ruttan excels

Ruttan excels at writing a crime procedural that twists and turns and is a page-turner. What I love most about her is characters are full of integrity, but she also livens things up with complicated sub-characters who act as villains and propel the action forward. It's also peppered through with social commentary as the characters interact with each other. This is a great read for anyone who loves meaty crime fiction. Ruttan is a master at her craft.

A thrilling race/read ...

Arsons, rapes, an alleged rape, child abductions, murders, the bureaucratic politics within police and fire administrations and the various personalities that can either inhibit problem (and crime) solving or enhance it are intertwined (and very tidily so) in Sandra Ruttan's fast-paced thriller, What Burns Within. There are a lot of characters and relationships (father-son, ex-boyfriend/girlfriend/lovers which make the read all the more interesting). As background to the above is a mysterious case (something brutal enough for the referential teasers to enhance the overall intrigue of the story and personal dynamics between the main players - Nolan, Hart & Tain). The author uses clever hooks at the end of each transition between scenes that keep the reader engaged and wanting more (especially so in the last 40 pages which you will read without pause). Are all the crimes related? What's religion got to do with it? Sometimes the harmless whackos you see on trains, in parks and at bazaars, say, aren't so harmless. If you think that's a tease, start reading What Burns Within and you'll quickly find yourself teased (and racing) to the gripping conclusion. And then you'll still want more. Fortunately, we'll get it ... in November of this year ... The Frailty of Flesh ... book two in the Nolan, Hart & Tain series ... and the title is more than hook enough for this reader.

Ms Ruttan is off to a great start

This book is a wonderful first entry in a new series. Full of action and great characters the story flows to a very logical conclusion that is not at all easy to guess. Keeps the reader wondering - excellent book!

Outstanding Police Procedural!

What Burns Within by Sandra Ruttan marks the debut of a police procedural series, one that is a must-read for anyone who appreciates the genre. The reader follows RCMP Constables Tain, Hart and Nolan through the investigation of three difficult cases, until the officers discover their cases converge. Tain, Hart and Nolan are three officers who "share a common tendency toward insubordination and independence." They were split up due to fall-out from a difficult case. Now, the Vancouver officers have tough new cases. Tain is dealing with child abduction cases in which young girls have been snatched off the street. Ashlyn Hart works arson fires, until the body of one of the abducted girls is discovered in a fire. And, Craig Nolan is handling the investigation into a serial rapist. Despite their supervisor's attempt to keep them apart, the three investigators discover common links in the cases. Suddenly, they're in the middle of a case that could blow up for the Vancouver RCMP. Ruttan has created three strong-willed characters, strong officers with a dedication to their job, and an unwillingness to deal with fools. They may share that trait, but Ruttan has given them distinct personalities and backgrounds. She skillfully handles the minor characters as well, from Sergeant Daly to key witnesses, and the abducted girls. The cases are fascinating in this excellent police procedural. What Burns Within is an outstanding debut for a new series. Fans will be waiting for the November release of the follow-up, The Frailty of Flesh.

Burning Hot!

Pardon the pun. Three cops with a common bad case in their past. Three cases. Arson, rape, child abduction. The cases start to seemingly come together. The novel moves along briskly until about halfway through. Then it gets faster. I couldn't put it down from that point. This is Ms Ruttan's second novel, the first in a new series. It's even better than the first. I'm happily looking forward to the second at the end of the year. If you like a good thriller, you can't go wrong with this one. Buy it. It's well worth the price.