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The author of 15 other novels, including six in the Sticks Hetrick series, J. R. Lindermuth is a retired newspaper editor who now serves as librarian of his county historical society, assisting patrons with genealogy and research. His short stories and articles have been published in a variety of magazines. He is a member of International Thriller Writers and currently serves as vice president of the Short Mystery Fiction Society.
Reviewed by Dr. Karen Hutchins Pirnot for Readers' Favorite
J.R. Lindermuth weaves a sophisticated tale in A Burning Desire about the various characters in Swatara, Pennsylvania, most of whom have their own set of secrets. There have been several instances of arson and, although the fires appear minor, they are now escalating. To make matters worse, a body is found at the scene of the latest fire and that has local authorities scratching their heads and looking for answers. We have cousins Wally and Bucky, a strange pair of locals who are diametrically opposite one another. Wally is a social misfit who wants a girlfriend and Bucky is an ex-military cop who can have any woman he wants. When Bucky and a neighbor find out Wally's long-hidden secret, they set out to make the best of it for themselves. Local law enforcement Daniel "Sticks" Hetrick and his partner Flora go from one clue to another, hoping to put together the pieces of a puzzle that is becoming far too complex. Flora has a stalker and Hetrick has a citizen with a grudge from the past.
J.R. Lindermuth's latest mystery, A Burning Desire, may well be his best yet. Although A Burning Desire has its share of mystery and intrigue, I particularly loved Lindermuth's characterizations. He makes his characters both homey and clever. Law enforcement seems to creep up unnoticed to solve the crimes while the perpetrators gradually fall because of their fatal character flaws. This is one of those mystery novels that just sneaks up on you with a simple plot that is carried through in a highly sophisticated manner. You just can't help but love having the author prod you along as you jump into the story to help solve the crime!
