The Arsonist

Sparks. Readers who enjoy finely written prose and can tolerate a meandering and slow moving plot are those most likely to enjoy Sue Miller’s novel, The Arsonist. Protagonist Frankie Rowley has returned from Africa where she’s done aid work for a decade and a half. Unsure of what to do next, she joins her parents who have retired to the small community of Pomeroy, New Hampshire, where they had spent many summers. Fear has spread in the community when a pattern of fires indicates arson. While the arson plot meanders, Frankie develops a relationship with Bud Jacobs who left big city journalism to run the local paper. The sparks in their relationship provide the energy in the novel. This novel is satisfying summer reading: relax with a glass of lemonade, enjoy the fine prose, and listen for the fire engines. Rating: Four-star (I like it) Click here to purchase The Arsonist from amazon.com.