Member Reviews
Serial Burn is another incredible addition to the Lake City Heroes series and I was hooked from page one,
Jesslyn’s desire to honor her family and the way she faces her fears is admirable. The way her character is written is so realistic and relatable, and Eason does an incredible job of incorporating little things that, as someone who’s experienced a house fire, make Jesslyn’s history more credible (not in a triggering way).
The way Andrew supports Jesslyn as she investigates the fires, protecting her while respecting her wishes, are real-life husband goals and makes him one of my favorite MMCs yet.
With signature plot twists and heart-pounding suspense, Serial Burn is a can’t-miss book for those who enjoy romantic suspense.
Serial Burn is the third book in the Lake City Heroes series but could absolutely be enjoyed as a standalone in you have not yet read those books yet.
Every time I pick up a book by Lynette Eason, I know without a doubt that I'm in for a story that is going to keep me at the edge of my seat from start to finish. This one was certainly no exception. Jesslyn has dedicated her entire life and career as a fire marshal to tracking down the arsonist responsible for the death of her family when she was a young child. After a series of fires seem like they are related, it seems like the secrets of her past are closer than ever. I don't want to give too much away, but there were definitely a whole lot of secrets coming to light in this story...so many twists and turns to keep me guessing. And of course, I adored the romance between Jesslyn and Nathan... while I definitely feel like the suspense took center stage, these two had great chemistry and I loved seeing their story play out as well. If you love Christian romantic suspense, this is absolutely one you'll want to check out!
(Note: There are a few mentions of suicide, which could be triggering for some readers.)
**ARC received via Netgalley for consideration. All opinions are my own.
I love this type of book and Eason is a master writer of intense suspense. I love series with overlapping characters. The characters are interesting and likeable. They're very driven by pasts that haunt them and yearn for resolution and forgiveness.
There were layers to the mystery of who was behind the devastation happening all around Jess. While I guessed at part of it, other parts took me by complete surprise although it was still very believable. I like when that happens. It keeps it interesting right to the end.
This was a great suspenseful read. I'd highly recommend it and the other books in the series. Thank you to Revell for providing me with a free e-copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
How do you catch an arsonist who leaves nothing but smoke and silence in their wake?
Lynette Eason ignites the pages with Serial Burn, a wildfire of suspense, faith, and second chances that had me hooked. This isn’t your average hunt-for-the-arsonist thriller—it’s a blazing reminder that sometimes the hardest flames to fight are the ones inside us.
Jesslyn McCormick doesn’t just know fire—she’s lived through it. Lake City’s fire marshal carries more than just a badge; she carries the weight of a blaze that shattered her world twenty-five years ago. When a string of fires rattles her community—including one too close to home at her church—the past crackles to life in a way she can’t ignore.
Enter FBI Special Agent Nathan Carlisle, a man with his own scorch marks. Nathan’s steady faith becomes the anchor Jesslyn didn’t realize she needed. His reminder that “God knew what was going to happen. It didn’t take Him by surprise” feels less like a platitude and more like a lifeline tossed into rough waters.
The chemistry between Jesslyn and Nathan is the slow, steady kind that burns long after the flames die down. Watching Jesslyn wrestle with God in the aftermath of her pain -- her honest question: “Why didn’t He stop it?”—hits like a backdraft because we’ve all been there, standing in the ashes wondering why the rescue didn’t come.
Eason expertly crafts mysteries, weaving puzzles that play with your head. Every twist was like trying to outrun a fire line—you never know when it’ll shift direction.
But what really makes Serial Burn unforgettable is its heart. It’s about redemption, forgiveness, and learning to step out of the ashes without smelling like smoke. Nathan’s quiet words to Eli, “The issue isn’t you forgiving yourself, but accepting the forgiveness that God offers you,” will stay with me.
If you’re craving a story that lights up your faith while keeping you guessing, Serial Burn is your match. Eason delivers a firestorm of suspense wrapped in faith that smolders long after the final page.
I received a digital ARC of this book from the publisher, Revell, and NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review nor paid to do so. This is my honest and unbiased review. My thoughts and opinions expressed in this book review are my own. My review focuses on the writing and story’s content, ensuring transparency and reliability.
Just. So. Good.
Lynette Eason does it again with another edge-of-your-seat romantic suspense read. I always need to clear my calendar when I start one, because I never want to stop for life. Serial Burn is the third book in the Lake City Heroes series. It can be a stand-alone but these series are always just a little better when you read them in order and invest in the characters and friendships. In this book we get to know Jesslyn and Nathan, and watch the sparks fly while they try to catch an arsonist. Who may or may not be the arsonist that killed Jesslyn’s family when she was a child. Who may be trying to kill her.
The twists and turns kept me guessing. The romance was sweet and felt genuine with complications in both of their pasts making them both unsure if starting a relationship is a good idea. Loved the secondary story where Nathan helps and finds healing with his brother.
If you’re looking for great suspense, look no further than the Lake City Heroes series, or any Lynette Eason book. I’m eagerly waiting for the next book in the series!!
I received a complementary copy of this book from the author and publisher and NetGalley. I was not asked to leave a positive review. My opinions are completely my own.
This was a good read. I liked the law enforcement characters and that each of our mains had pains in their pasts to overcome. There was a good sideline of family in this read. This Christian romantic suspense had a mystery that I didn’t fully solve. It kept us guessing and the web was woven tight. I enjoyed the action and danger. 4.5 stars rounded up to 5.
I received an eARC of this book through NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
The latest book in the Lake City Heroes series is one that held me enthralled from the first page until the satisfying conclusion. I was sympathetic with Jesslyn McCormick and her intense desire to find the arsonist who killed her entire family when she was a young girl. As a fire marshal, Jesslyn is adamant about tracking down the arsonist who wreaked such havoc in her young life and is certain that the new fires being set around the town all relate to the perp who killed her family. Along with FBI special agent Nathan Carlisle, Jesslyn faces insurmountable odds and increasing danger as the fires keep getting more and more personal and the threat to her is obvious. Calling on their friends in Lake City to help keep Jesslyn safe, Nathan finds himself attracted to her but she is not ready for a relationship and avoids his advances. The romance progresses methodically, but the suspense continues to build as Jesslyn is getting closer to discovering the truth about her father’s past and the fire that led to the destruction of her family. I really enjoyed the head-spinning twists and the complex plot that included clues from the past woven into the current events. The suspense was compelling and the characters were dynamic and realistically flawed. With faith as a firm foundation and part of the story, this was an enjoyable and entertaining clean read with multiple layers and a fast-moving plot that was believable and satisfyingly puzzling, with clues that led me to keep guessing until the final reveal. Although this is the third book in a series, it can definitely be read and enjoyed as a standalone.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell as part of the advance review team for the author. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16th CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”
Serial Burn is another great book by Lynette Eason. Jesslyn McCormick lost her family to an arson when she was seven years old. Now, she's the fire marshal of Lake City, and she is determined to find the person responsible for killing them.
FBI Special Agent Nathan Carlisle is assigned to a case of a string of fires in Lake City believed to be a hate crime. Nathan has his own baggage concerning fires and works to get through the memories of a deadly fire from his past as he works with Jess to catch the arsonist who seems to be targeted by him or her.
With secrets being brought out about Jess' family and Jess and Nathan trying to stay alive, the twists and turns in this book will keep you turning pages. And that ending! Wow! Blew me away.
I don’t think I’ve ever been disappointed by a Lynette Eason book. Serial Burn kept me intrigued and engaged from start to finish. I enjoyed the characters, pacing, and plot. It was a great read.
The third installment of the Lake City Heroes series does not disappoint. Eason brings to life Jesslyn and Nathan's stories through this captivating tale of tracking who is responsible for the arson fires ravaging this small town.
Jesslyn McCormick is a top notch fire marshal on a quest to find justice for her family killed a quarter of a century earlier in a deadly house fire and who is responsible for the recent crazy fires breaking out across town.
Nathan Carlisle is an FBI Special Agent tasked with teaming up with local law to uncover who just burned down a local church.
Both Jesslyn and Nathan find themselves having to navigate their difficult pasts. Will they let their dysfunction overcome or will they learn to trust and rely on God to guide them down the right path?
If you're a fan of this series or of Lynette Eason you will enjoy this story. The author does a great job navigating some difficult topics and the struggle to find grace and forgiveness.
Thank you to the publisher and author for the opportunity to review this novel. All opinions are my own.
The 3rd story in this series is another exciting one! This one is about Jesslyn and Nathan. The story keeps unfolding more interesting facts as you go! You might be surprised about who dunnit in the end!!
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the advance e-copy of this book! All opinions expressed are entirely my own.
“But, over the past twenty years, I’ve come to realize he was simply a flawed man. A hurting man who overcame a lot and had more to overcome. A man in need of forgiveness and redemption like every other soul on this planet.”
Although Lynette Eason’s Serial Burn features exciting action and a slow-burning romance, that line resonated with me. Family wounds run deep for both Jesslyn and Nathan the main characters of the story. I know this quote was about a specific person, but I could see its relevancy to another close family member of the two main characters. Yep, that sounds cryptic, but for the sake of not giving up the goods on this amazing story, I won’t say what person. Jesslyn and Nathan’s painful discoveries about the past fueled their intense conflict, stemming from a lack of forgiveness, even though neither was at fault. They were just biproducts of other family members actions. Again family secrets run deep in this one. I couldn’t figure out who was the bad guy. So grab this story and see if you can figure out who’s to blame before it’s too late! Such a great mystery!
I was given a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher. All words are my own.
“There are a lot of questions that only God can answer.”
Jesslyn definitely has a lot of questions when an arsonist keeps targeting her and the buildings she is connected with.
Ms. Eason takes us on a thrilling and puzzling ride to find the person behind these crimes. Fire Marshal Jesslyn digs deep into her personal tragedy of 20 years ago to ferret out clues. FBI agent Nathan is along to protect her. But he has secrets of his own that may quench any romantic sparks about to ignite.
Full of excitement, danger and family drama, this story focuses on two hurting people who try to keep their eyes on God and His purposes. There is an excellent explanation of forgiveness which ties into the reason Jesus came to redeem us.
Do not miss this wonderfully human story of loss, love and faith.
*A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Revell Publishing through Interviews and Reviews and via NetGalley. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.*
A captivating, fast-paced thriller from beginning to end! Full of danger, suspense, drama, and romance plus twists and turns that kept me guessing and also took me by surprise. Difficult subject matter is handled with grace and very well written. The characters are enduring making you wish you were apart of their friend group. The story drives home the points of God’s grace, forgiveness, healing, and redemption. This book encompasses all aspects of a fabulous story.
Fire Marshal Jesslyn McClintock has focused her entire life and career are capturing the arsonist who killed her family when she was a little girl. As the 20th anniversary approaches, her emotional speech sets off a chain of events that has her racing to discover who is behind the danger. Her investigation leads her to uncover secrets long hidden making her question her own life.
FBI agent Nate Carlisle had his future shaped by a tragic event from his childhood that he doesn’t share with anyone. As danger presses in on Jesslyn, he finds himself forced to confront a past he would rather leave buried.
This book captivated me and it was extremely difficult to put down yet I never wanted it to end. While this entire series is fantastic, this has been my favorite book! It is a must read!
I was given a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are completely my own.
Serial Burn by Lynette Eason – Action-packed, mystery, and intrigue with a little romance
Serial Burn by Lynette Eason is the third book in the Lake City Heroes series. This novel is action packed from beginning to end. Characters from two earlier books are included, but it works well as a stand-alone book.
It has been twenty years since Jesslyn McCormick lost her parents and sister in an arson fire. She has made a public vow to find out who murdered her family. As a Fire Marshal, Jesslyn is dedicated to help bring justice to those who lives have been impacted by arson.
When a local church has been set on fire Jesslyn has been assigned to the investigation. Because a church was attacked it is considered a hate crime and FBI Special Agent Nathan Carlisle has been assigned to work this case. Will they be able to find out who started this fire and stop them before more people are endangered and damage is done? When more fires are started in Lake City evidence indicates it is the work of a serial arsonist. When Jesslyn has some close calls at fire scenes, she is concerned that she is being targeted by the arsonist.
This book has lots of action, suspense, and mystery throughout the story. Both main characters, Jesslyn and Nathan, have some serious issues from their individual lives that they are trying to work through. The cases they are working on are bringing those issues to the forefront. There is attraction between the two main characters, but they realize that for now that is something that will be put on hold.
I really liked the support network of friends that were part of their lives. Friends that were introduced to readers in the first two novels of this series. I liked how Jesslyn and Nathan were able to build a relationship and begin to trust one another. Faith was a part of the story. I would have like to have seen it play a bigger part. Perhaps in the form of examining their thoughts and actions compared to what the Bible says how a believer should respond. Or a friend who is a solid and very caring Christian speaking truth to them.
There were some heavy emotions and situations in this book. In addition to those who perished in fires, there was adultery, guilt, anger, resentment, unforgiveness, and thoughts about self-harm.
Overall, I liked the book and enjoyed the suspense and whodunit. I appreciated the supportive friendships the characters had. If you enjoy mystery, suspense, and whodunit novels, you may want to read Serial Burn by Lynette Eason.
I would like to thank Revell Publishers and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a complimentary copy of Serial Burn by Lynette Eason. I was under no obligation to give a favorable review. Serial Burn will be released on January 21, 2025.
Serial Burn by Lynette Eason is the 3rd book in the Lake City Heroes series. Fire marshal Jesslyn McCormick wrestles with grief from the death of her parents in a fire many years ago, and her latest arson cases may have a connection to her past. Eason puts Jesslyn in constant danger and FBI Special Agent Nathan Carlisle is there to protect her and solve the arsons. Add in the cast of Lake City Heroes from your previous books, and Eason has created a page-turner that will have you asking when the next book in the series will be released.
Serial Burn is another action packed installment in the Lake City Heroes series. Jesslyn and Nathan team up to investigate several fires in Lake City, and in between harrowing experiences, they share their backstories and learn to trust each other. The action never stops as they pursue the arsonist, and Jess and Nathan rely on their friend network to help them in their investigation. I loved the friend circle dynamic. In each book so far, the friends are always willing to drop everything and help the friend who needs it at a moment's notice, no questions asked. And Nathan is willing to face his greatest fear in order to ensure Jess's safety. Their love story is a bright spot in the midst of the darkness of hunting for a killer. Lynette Eason delivers another great story. Can't wait for book four!
"Serial Burn" is a Christian romantic suspense. While it's the 3rd book in a series, it works as a standalone. Jesslyn has dedicated her life to solving the arson that killed her family and to solve other arsons so people can have justice. As a child, Nathan made a foolish mistake which resulted in a fire that caused the death of his friend. While they shared an understanding of the grief that arson can cause, Jesslyn felt like she must solve her family's murder before she can have a future of her own.
The main characters were likable, capable people who reacted realistically to events. Jesslyn and Nathan worked well together and supported each other. The suspense remained high due to a serial arsonist setting buildings on fire even when people were inside. Someone was also attempting to kill Jesslyn. Nathan's brother struggled with accepting God's forgiveness of his guilt. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this exciting story.
This book grabbed me from the first sentences and didn't let go until the last word. Full of suspense, great characters, and surprises, I was up late turning page after page. Craftly worded, this story touches on mental illness and self harm with hope at it's heart. Themes are: forgiveness, emotional and mental healing, and dealing appropriately with grief. I particularly enjoyed how sensitive the author was in dealing with issues close to many of our hearts. The story was intriguing. Mrs. Eason has outdone herself in the third of the Lake Heroes Series. I'm already desiring book 4!
Intense thought-provoking suspense story with wonderful characters and sinister criminals. Read this story and try to figure out who is evil and who I smiled good in a race against time. This book was provided by author Lynette Eason and her publisher through Netgalley for me to read. The opinions expressed here are my own personal thoughts. Definitely worth the read.