Rating: 
Summary: Grabs you right away.
Review: "Beyond Recognition" by Ridley Pearson accelerates from the first page, and with the exception of a lull at the midway point moves at a nonstop pace. The lull is caused by a couple of scenes being too drawn out and what I felt a weaker subplot. The story is riveting when the action revolves around the investigation of the Seattle serial arsonist and the interaction between Lou Boldt, Daphne Matthews and their team. The characters (on both sides of the law) are well developed and most credible. Mr. Pearson did a couple of years of research on this one and it shows. It is based on an actual Seattle arson case and the procedural and technical aspects really ring true. Seattle comes to life on every page with wonderful descriptive passages. This is a terrific series and Mr. Pearson is masterful at forensic detail, without making it tedious. Highly recommended.
Rating: 
Summary: Burn, baby, Burn
Review: #4 in the Lou Boldt series is a step backward from #3, No Witnesses, but is still a very quick read and extremely entertaining. My main problems with the novel (without giving away details) is Pearson's constant use of coincidences and uncharacteristic bumbles by usually smart characters in order to move the plot along. Additionally, the climax was bizarre beyond words. I won't give it away, but let's just say that it would seem to me that they could have captured the criminal WITHOUT taking the ridiculously extreme measures they ended up taking. On the up side, it is a joy to watch Pearson's characters' lives change from book to book, and this one served up an even bigger twist on that front (in fact, the human interest held me at least as much as the suspense stuff). I like Lou Boldt and Daphne, that's the real reason why Pearson's suspense novels work for me. A pretty good book, but not Pearson's best.
Rating: 
Summary: BOOK BEST OF ITS KIND
Review: "Beyond Recognition" is the best mystery I have ever read. Believe me, I have read all the popular mystery authors, but I have never read such a powerful, suspenseful book. This is the author's fourth book, and the characters keep developing until you feel as you know them personally. I was amazed at all the twists and turns in the book. Usually I figure out things that will happen in each book I read, but not this one. It will keep you guessing until the last page, trust me. If you are looking for a book that will captivate you, this is the mystery for you. It should be required reading for all mystery addicts! Get this one; you won't be sorry!
Rating:
Summary: Fire investigation in the mainstream!!
Review: Anyone who lives near Seattle knows that this was based loosely on a true story. This book did for arson investigators a great deal. This is how it really is in the real world for us. A MUST READ!!
Rating:
Summary: Twists & Turns Hold Readers Attention
Review: As a firefighter for the past twenty years, I find few police/crime stories with arson as the the crime. The author was well versed on all aspects of the difficulties in solving arson and in this books premise, serial arson. Mr Pearson puts you inside the mind of his main character, homicide detective Lou Boldt and therein lies a treat as the ticking of the clock towards another murder, the politics of big city departments and the possibility of a 'friend' connected with the crimes. Could not put the book down and have sinced sought Mr Pearson's other works
Rating:
Summary: WHOOOOOOM!
Review: Beyond Recognition blows open in a firing inferno. One house after another after another is consumed by sky roaring flames. Sgt. Lou Boldt's job is to find the arsonist/s and restore Seattle, Washington to peace. He becomes involved as a policeman because each fire was set to kill off single moms. The fire departments involved had no clue as to why the fires were started or who might have been involved in setting the fires. Thanks to police psycologist, Daphanie Matthews, and several other faithful policemen like Lts. LaMoia, Neil Bahan and Bernie Lofgrin the arsonist/s are snuffed out. But before that happens, little 12-year-old, Ben Santori plays a key role in sniffing out the criminal/s. Ben was a victim of assaults and abuse by his stepfather and in his(Ben's) attempt to get free of his stepfather he encounters the arsonist who is not much older than himself. Prepare yourself for a lot of suspense, surprise and mystery. Also prepare to learn about the various types of ways fires can be started and how fire marshalls determine exactly where and how fires are started in buildings. You will be amazed at the technical information involved in those types of determinations. So, do read this book which is one in a series of the Boldt/Matthews mysteries.
Rating:
Summary: WHOOOOOOM!
Review: Beyond Recognition blows open in a firing inferno. One house after another after another is consumed by sky roaring flames. Sgt. Lou Boldt's job is to find the arsonist/s and restore Seattle, Washington to peace. He becomes involved as a policeman because each fire was set to kill off single moms. The fire departments involved had no clue as to why the fires were started or who might have been involved in setting the fires. Thanks to police psycologist, Daphanie Matthews, and several other faithful policemen like Lts. LaMoia, Neil Bahan and Bernie Lofgrin the arsonist/s are snuffed out. But before that happens, little 12-year-old, Ben Santori plays a key role in sniffing out the criminal/s. Ben was a victim of assaults and abuse by his stepfather and in his(Ben's) attempt to get free of his stepfather he encounters the arsonist who is not much older than himself. Prepare yourself for a lot of suspense, surprise and mystery. Also prepare to learn about the various types of ways fires can be started and how fire marshalls determine exactly where and how fires are started in buildings. You will be amazed at the technical information involved in those types of determinations. So, do read this book which is one in a series of the Boldt/Matthews mysteries.
Rating:
Summary: Beyond Recogition incinerates bordom leaving no ash!
Review: Beyond Recognition is another Ridley Pearson hit. Like so many of his books, this is about a serial killer, but this one burns his victims leaving no ash! Who would do such a thing and why? How is it done? Will Lou Boult figure it out in time to prevent more deaths? Will Boult's job destroy his family? Pearson poses these questions as readers hold their breath to learn the answers. A thrilling read!
Rating:
Summary: a substitute for caffeine (it'll keep u awake)
Review: beyond recognition is the best book ive read this year and ive started to read a lot too. i liked it better than plum island which says a lot b/c i enjoyed that book too. but this book has more mystery to it and characters that u care for rather than just like. the two years of research he put into this book shows. before reading this book i decided i was only going to buy paperback books but now i cant wait to buy his new one The Pied Piper in hardback.
Rating:
Summary: A HOT read by a consistently strong author.
Review: Great characters in a compelling read. I could see every page! I've read Pearson's last several books and love them all, but this one really turns up the HEAT! I loved the twists, and the relationship between Boldt and his wife. And I CAN'T WAIT to read more about Liz and Lou. I like that quote "Patricia Cornwel could take lessons from Lou Boldt." I totally agree. You can't miss with this one!
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