Book Review: Serial Burn (Lake City Heroes, #3) by Elizabeth Goddard
When I first picked up Serial Burn, I was immediately drawn to the premise: a fire marshal seeking justice for her family amid a wave of arson in her hometown. Elizabeth Goddard has a knack for weaving suspense with emotional depth, and having enjoyed prior entries in the Lake City Heroes series, I was eager to dive into Jesslyn McCormick’s heart-wrenching quest for answers. However, what I found was a mixed bag that ultimately left me wanting more.
At its core, Serial Burn explores themes of trauma, retribution, and the complex nature of faith. Jesslyn, now 27, is haunted by the loss of her family in a devastating fire set by her father’s lover. As the anniversary of the tragedy approaches, a series of church fires, including one at her own place of worship, stirs up not just memories but a renewed determination to uncover the truth. Enter FBI Special Agent Nathan Carlisle, who arrives as both a professional ally and a potential romantic interest.
Goddard does an admirable job of depicting the emotional weight both characters carry. Jesslyn’s obsession with her family’s killer is palpable and understandable, and Nathan’s own past—the trauma of being involved in a childhood accident that claimed his friend’s life—adds layers to their relationship. That said, I felt the romance between them sometimes felt forced and poorly timed against the backdrop of her chilling investigation. Their chemistry was hindered by an overemphasis on dialogue that, at times, felt overly contemporary and not in sync with the tone of their circumstances.
The book’s pacing also left something to be desired. While I often appreciate tightly woven suspense, I found myself guessing the identity of the arsonist rather early on—around the halfway mark—and I wasn’t surprised by the reveal. This lowered my overall engagement with the story; I found myself wishing for twists that would invigorate the plot rather than follow a predictable trajectory.
Despite these critiques, there were moments that highlighted Goddard’s talent. The emotional tension between Jesslyn and Nathan simmered with potential, and a few quotes struck a chord with me, like Jesslyn reflecting on how "something wasn’t luck, but God." It reminded me of the struggle between divine belief and personal tragedy, which resonates deeply in Christian fiction.
Overall, I would recommend Serial Burn to readers who enjoy suspenseful Christian fiction infused with themes of personal redemption and communal support. However, newcomers to the series might find it more beneficial to binge-read the first two books to fully appreciate the dynamics at play. While this installment didn’t quite meet my expectations, I still feel drawn to see how Goddard wraps things up in the anticipated fourth book.
In the end, while Serial Burn didn’t ignite the same spark for me as its predecessors, it still remains a gripping testament to healing and the fragility of justice. If you’re a fan of character-driven suspense with a Christian perspective, this book might still find a cozy place on your reading list.
Happy reading!
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