Book Review -- "Burning Man"

     First of all, I want to thank everyone who responded to the prayer request I posted yesterday.  Thanks be to God, the storms predicted for my area weren't as forecasted.  We did have a tremendous amount of rain, but no tornadoes.
     Today, I am reviewing the first book in a new series.  The book is entitled "Burning Man" and the author is Alan Russell.  "Burning Man" introduces us to the characters of Detective Michael Gideon and his canine partner Sirius.
     As the book begins, Gideon and Sirius are on the trail of a serial killer.  The pair have to chase the killer into a forest fire.  Sirius attacks the killer, but is wounded.  Gideon apprehends the killer, but now, fire is all around them.  Gideon forces the killer to help him carry Sirius out of the fire.  In the process, Gideon and the killer are severely burned.
     Several months later, Gideon has undergone many surgeries but still has many burn scars.  Sirius has healed, but he is not cleared for regular duty.  Since the pair are now heroes, the mayor creates a Special Cases Squad with two members.  Gideon and Sirius are given cases that are high profile to solve.
     While Gideon's body is damaged, his mind may have the longest way to go to be healed.  Gideon is still grieving the loss of his wife a few years earlier, and he suffers PTSD from the fire.  Most nights, Gideon dreams of being burned up.  He is awakened each time from his nightmares by Sirius forcing him awake.
     The main mysteries to be solved in this first book of the series involve a young man who is found crucified in a city park and a newborn baby that is found dead.  It is up to Gideon and Sirius to apprehend the culprits.
     I really enjoyed this first book.  Gideon is a great, complex character, and Sirius is an awesome police dog and friend.  I am currently reading the second book in the series.  A third book is scheduled for release this year.
     This book is fairly intense, especially the fire scenes.  Some readers of the blog may not like this style of suspense mystery as the dialogue is what you would expect in a police novel dealing with gruesome crimes.  Those who like good mysteries and those who like dogs will really enjoy this mystery-suspense novel.