Fire Damage by Kate Medina

Fire Damage by Kate Medina is her first in the series of Dr Jessie Flynn crime novels. Although I read outside of the crime genre I want a book that is different, and as far beyond as possible, the usual crime fiction stories. That is not to say that I have not enjoyed the many that I have read.

The author has studied psychology at university and has an MA in Creative Writing. She has spent five years with the Territorial Army, first as an officer trainee and then as a Troop Commander in the Royal Engineers. All of this experience is very evident in the story. The authenticity is apparent.

This book is different. Psychologist Dr Jessie Flynn has much to do in this book and many avenues to investigate in her attempts to obtain a satisfactory outcome. On a personal level she has matters to consider and then there is the case that is referred to her. Running alongside all of this is a civilian murder investigation.

Her personal issues are told in conjunction with the main threads and enhanced my interest. It is topical and with the Afghan connection bang up to date politically and with world affairs. I like the way she deals with this and it is so integral to the overall value.

This is a damn good read and although I have minor reservations it does not stop me from recommending it. I will not say anymore as it would reveal too much detail and I am not a plot spoiler. Neither do I read what is on the back cover or on the inside fly as there is enough information on the front cover to give the potential reader some hard clues.

The reason why I read Medina’s books is that I was aware of her writing because of the Harrogate Crime Writers Festival. Consequently, I read her first book White Crocodile, set in Cambodia and again there is a military connection. I enjoyed it too, but harrowing and suspense laden.

She has two more books out in this series and my next read could be Scared to Death and then Two Little Girls after a break. Looking at the product details on the publishers website you will find it detailed and you will get an idea of what the stories are. If you want to explore the psychological aspects of trauma and the consequences of it then these books are for you.