Jillian Ross is an investigative reporter for an alternative newspaper in Dallas. She has been quite successful in her career due to her determination to research difficult stories, presenting both sides and taking a stand. Lately, there has been political tension between two minorities, Blacks, and Latinos. When Jillian hears of a political rally being staged in rather dangerous Little Mexico, she smells an important story.

Her boss tries to discourage her from attending, as does her childhood friend, now a fire inspector, Ash McGraw. Jillian, accompanied by her best friend, photographer Randi Smith, takes off for Little Mexico. Randi is reluctant to go, citing her responsibilities as a single mother, but Jillian prevails.

Shortly after their arrival at the scene of the rally, Jillian and Randi realize there are protesters in attendance. Tempers flare, and soon they are in the midst of a full-scale riot. Some of the rioters are armed and Randi is hit by stray bullets and killed. Jillian is devastated, blaming herself for her friend’s death. Ash, having been in a similar situation where his friend died in his arms, tries to help Jillian by asking for her input in a serial arson investigation as well as suggesting counseling to help her deal with her grief and guilt.

Initially, I was quite put off by Torch. I am not fond of books with multiple plots, even though I realize with the possible exception of police procedurals, multiple plots usually merge at some point in the book. In addition, I disliked the method (or lack thereof) the author uses for shifting from one scenario to another. There was no new chapter, break in the chapter or anything to suggest a change of focus beyond a new paragraph.

However, both plots were intriguing and I was quickly caught up in the action of both stories. It soon became obvious how the two plots were related. As is the case with many thrillers, the reader is privy to information unknown to the main characters.

I am an admitted information junkie, so I love books that give elaborate detail about a subject with which I have little familiarity. After having read Torch, I feel fairly knowledgeable about fire origins, what makes an inspector suspect arson, what the remnants of a fire can tell about its cause, and details about whether a victim died as a result of a fire or smoke, or was already dead when the fire started.

The characters are well drawn. Jillian and Ash, although not without their flaws are likeable. Even the villain deserves some compassion. It is clear that he has had some major crises in his life that have made him bitter toward his fellow man, yet he does show some positive feelings toward others.

Ms. Mills does a commendable job of fitting all the pieces into the puzzle. All the seemingly unimportant little events that happen make it possible for subsequent events to happen logically. Ms. Mills delayed my Christmas preparations somewhat, but I didn’t mind a bit. I was thoroughly entertained by her efforts.

--Andy Plonka