A review by jkjoy_books
Death is in the Details by Heather Sunseri

4.5

 

In “Death is in the Details,” Sunseri crafts a gripping suspense thriller that keeps readers turning pages late into the night. The story follows Faith Day, a forensic photographer who cannot escape the memories of witnessing her mother’s brutal murder years earlier. Faith’s past collides with her present in frightening ways when the man convicted of the crime is inexplicably released from prison.

Soon, a series of arson fires break out in Faith’s small town that eerily echoes her mother’s killing. As the arsonist leaves personal totems in Faith’s own home, it becomes apparent she is intrinsically tied to the new murders. FBI agent Luke Justice is hot on the trail of this serial killer who uses fire to cover up other crimes. Luke senses that Faith holds vital clues to the cracking of the case, given the parallels to her past trauma. However, Faith’s harrowing memories have left deep emotional scars, making her reluctant to reopen the old wounds.

The book’s strength lies in the complex characterization of Faith and Luke. Both are haunted by the elements of their past, which humanizes them and makes their growing partnership throughout the investigation entirely believable and compelling. The arson investigation is expertly plotted with many clever twists surprising the reader. Red herrings and potential suspects abound, so the final reveal of the murderer’s identity lands with a very satisfying shock.

For fans of suspense writers like Lisa Gardner and Laura Griffin, Sunseri delivers a page-turner full of psychological tension and just enough romance simmering under the surface between the two lead characters. Faith’s childhood trauma makes her realistic and very sympathetic, even as her memories may be the only thing that can stop this diabolical criminal before more bodies pile up. I highly recommend this book!