A fire that flashes 1100 feet into the atmosphere claims its first victim. From the meager remains found, forensics is able to determine the general age and sex of the victim. She is identified as a divorced mother whose child was with his father at the time of the fire.

The police department is clueless and combines their energies with the Arson Task Force. The first challenge is to determine the identity of the accelerant used to start the blaze. The local labs cannot do so and outside help is sought while Lou and his team focus on the victims.

While Lou is investigating the victims and the arson squad is mired down by the accelerant, Daphne discovers Emily, a pseudo physic who may know something about the crime. She works in concert with twelve-year-old Ben. Using a walkie-talkie, Ben relays information he gleans while examining clues found in the mark's car to Emily during her consults. Through curiosity and a desire to please Emily, Ben becomes trapped in the back of a camper that belongs to one of Emily's new clients. Ben eventually witnesses what he perceives to be a drug deal and escapes with the money, inadvertently leaving his wallet behind. This act begins to draw the threads of this complex plot together.

Beyond Recognition is an absorbing and compelling read with very diverse, multi-dimensional characters. Ridley Pearson utilizes these aspects by exploring every facet of these well-defined people. Conflicts exist on many levels and pulsating tension is sustained throughout this evenly paced book. In places the writing is ponderous, but it is a small price to pay for the enjoyment of this chilling, complex thriller.

--Thea Davis