02 Apr Book Review: The Burning by Jane Casey

Crime fiction can sometimes feel predictable, but Jane Casey brings a fresh voice to the genre with The Burning, the first book in her series featuring detective Maeve Kerrigan. It is a police procedural with a strong psychological component, blending a chilling serial killer case with an intimate look at the personal struggles of a young female detective trying to prove herself in a male-dominated field. The novel stands out for its balance between a gripping mystery and well-developed characters, making it an engaging and intense read.

What’s it about?

London is on edge. A brutal serial killer known as The Burning Man is terrorizing the city, attacking women in secluded areas before setting their bodies on fire to destroy evidence. The police are under immense pressure to catch him before he strikes again, and the media frenzy surrounding the case only adds to the urgency. With four victims already dead, the Metropolitan Police are racing against time, desperate for a breakthrough.

Enter Maeve Kerrigan, a young detective constable eager to make her mark in a department that does not always take her seriously. She is determined, sharp, and relentless in her pursuit of justice, but she is also constantly underestimated by her male colleagues, who view her as inexperienced and too soft for the realities of homicide investigation.

When a fifth body is discovered—a woman named Rebecca Haworth—it initially seems like the latest in The Burning Man’s string of murders. But something about the case does not quite fit. Rebecca’s murder is more carefully staged, her injuries suggest a different kind of rage, and certain details do not align with the previous victims. The question arises: is this the work of The Burning Man, or is someone using the serial killer’s methods as a cover for their own crime?

Maeve is assigned to focus on Rebecca’s case, investigating whether she was truly The Burning Man’s latest victim or if her killer is someone much closer to home. As she delves into Rebecca’s life, Maeve uncovers a tangled web of secrets. Rebecca was not just another random victim—she had a complicated past, a history of strained friendships, and a connection to powerful people who may have had something to hide.

Through interviews, forensic evidence, and careful detective work, Maeve starts to piece together the truth. But the deeper she digs, the more dangerous the case becomes. Someone does not want her uncovering Rebecca’s secrets, and as Maeve gets closer to the truth, she realizes that the killer might be watching her too.

The novel alternates between Maeve’s investigation and Rebecca’s perspective in the months leading up to her death. Through Rebecca’s chapters, we see the slow unraveling of her life, her complicated relationships, and the growing sense that she was in danger long before her murder. The dual perspective adds an extra layer of suspense, allowing the reader to understand Rebecca’s fate while Maeve is still racing to uncover it.

The tension builds toward a dramatic and satisfying conclusion, where both the serial killer and Rebecca’s murderer are revealed. The resolution is not just about catching a killer—it is about justice, power, and the psychological cost of working in law enforcement. Maeve emerges from the case with a newfound confidence, proving to herself and her colleagues that she is more than capable of holding her own in a world that constantly doubts her.

What This Chick Thinks

A compelling mix of psychological thriller and police procedural

One of the things that makes The Burning stand out is how it blends a traditional detective novel with deep character exploration. The serial killer storyline is gripping, but the novel is just as much about the people involved—Maeve, her colleagues, Rebecca, and the suspects. The psychological depth adds an extra layer of complexity, making it feel more than just a hunt for a murderer.

A strong but flawed protagonist

Maeve Kerrigan is a fantastic lead. She is ambitious, intelligent, and determined to prove herself, but she is also still figuring things out. She second-guesses herself, struggles with the pressures of being a woman in the police force, and makes mistakes that feel real rather than forced. Her interactions with her colleagues, especially the more dismissive or outright sexist ones, add a realistic touch to her journey.

A case that keeps you guessing

At first, the book feels like it is going to be a straightforward serial killer story, but it quickly becomes something more layered. The idea that Rebecca’s death might be a copycat killing makes the mystery even more intriguing, and as the story unfolds, it keeps throwing new possibilities at you. Just when you think you have it figured out, there is another shift, keeping the suspense high all the way to the end.

A nuanced look at violence against women

Rather than glorifying violence, The Burning takes a thoughtful approach to the topic. The novel does not shy away from the realities of how dangerous the world can be for women, but it also does not rely on graphic descriptions to make its point. The book explores power, control, and the way different people react to fear—whether by fighting back, becoming complicit, or using it for their own gain.

Final Thoughts

The Burning is a strong start to a crime series that promises both intense mysteries and complex character development. It is more than just a whodunit—it is a novel that explores justice, power, and the struggles of a woman trying to make her mark in a male-dominated profession. The blend of serial killer thriller and psychological mystery keeps the tension high, and Maeve Kerrigan is a protagonist worth following into future books.

If you like crime novels that focus as much on character as on the case, this one is well worth picking up. It is gripping, well-paced, and filled with just the right amount of twists to keep you hooked until the very last page.

Rating: 8.5/10

Try it if you like

• The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson – Another crime thriller featuring a strong female protagonist unraveling dark secrets.
• The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides – A psychological thriller with shifting perspectives and an investigation full of unexpected turns.
• Broken Harbor by Tana French – A dark and atmospheric mystery featuring a detective confronting both a case and his own past.