Burn Marks - Couverture rigide

The story is as active as any Marlowe ever encountered: sluggings, murders attempted, murders achieved, a very scary pursuit by night in a derelict building. Warshawski survives, narrowly, to tell the story in a sharp-tongued, sardonic first person . . . She is also wonderful company and a rich discovery awaiting those who have yet to meet her. (The Los Angeles Times Book Review)

With the creation of V.I. Warshawski, Sara Paretsky did more than anyone to change the face of contemporary women's fiction. (Express on Sunday)

It's hard not to get caught up in her passion . . . Snappy dialogue, tight plotting and realistic situations make Paretsky's unapologetically politicised thrillers a pleasure to read, whatever your viewpoint. (Daily Mail)

The thing about Sara Paretsky is, she's tough . . . she doesn't flinch from examining old social injustices others might find too shameful (and too painful) to dig up (New York Times)

Some crime series grow stale over time, but there's no sign of fatigue here. This is partly because the recurring characters continue to develop and engage the reader, and partly because of the moral intelligence that informs the writing. (Spectator)

Paretsky has been putting her private investigator through her paces since 1982, changing perceptions of women in crime fiction through the creation of a fiercely independent female detective. She keeps her brand of politicised noir fresh by responding to issues - social, cultural and political as well as gender - in contemporary life . . . Paretsky is firing on all cylinders (Metro)

Someone knocking on the door at 3 A.M. is never  good news. For V.I. Warshawski, the bad news  arrives in the form of her wacky, unwelcome aunt Elena.  The fire that has just burned down a sleazy  SRO hotel has brought Elena to  V.I.'s doorstep. Uncovering an arsonist  -- and the secrets hidden behind Elena's boozy  smile -- will send V.I. into the  seedy world of Chicago's homeless... into the Windy  City's backroom deals and bedroom politics, where  new schemers and old cronies team up to get V.I.  off the case -- by hook, by crook, or by  homocide.

From the Paperback edition.