Burn Patterns

To her clients and colleagues, Iris is a therapist in a city psychology practice. But to the police and fire services, she is the Fire Lady – a profiler of arsonists.

After a troubled young man burns down her office, Iris just wants a quiet life. But her peace is shattered when a bomb goes off at a local school. Called in to help, Iris meets James, delusional and dangerous, and Chuck, a lone investigator tracking a serial arsonist he calls Zorro. As public attacks become more orchestrated and brazen, Iris is soon embroiled in the investigation – as a profiler and as a suspect, and in serious doubt about her own sanity.

PRAISE FOR THE BOOK

‘Momentum is sustained most of all by the voice of Iris: wry, witty, self-deprecating and one of the most original to sound in Australian fiction for a while. Fine as this novel is, one hopes that Elliott will bring Iris back for more.’ Weekend Australian

‘Burn Patterns keeps you guessing and you’ll need to resist the urge to skip ahead. The suspense-building will be worth the effort.’ Courier Mail

‘… This new book by the gifted and experienced Ron Elliott is a worthy addition to the collection. Elliott is a scriptwriter and director, and his skills and experience show in the complexity of the characters, the fast pace of the plot, and the cinematic quality of the writing.’ Sydney Morning Herald