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Intersection Column | To Catch an Arsonist

Writer's picture: mtlmagazinemtlmagazine

by Lynette Eason


When Jesslyn McCormick was just seven years old, a devastating house fire killed her parents and two younger sisters. Now the fire marshal of Lake City, Jesslyn is determined to find the person who started the fire that robbed her of her family. As the 25th anniversary of her family's deaths approaches, a string of fires—including one at Jesslyn's church—brings up those old feelings and offers new evidence.


Because church fires are considered a hate crime, FBI Special Agent Nathan Carlisle is called in to work with local law enforcement. Nathan has his own past—one he'd prefer not to revisit. And focusing on helping Jesslyn track down the arsonist is a great distraction.


As both the case and the chemistry between Jesslyn and Nathan heat up, memories come flooding in and bump up against Jesslyn’s hopes for the future. And when she comes face-to-face with her worst nightmare, she has to confront her fears and rely on Nathan and her community in order to survive.


I’ve had some diverse experiences, some good, some bad. I’ve traveled a lot, all over the world, and have a variety of people in my life. With that combination, I’ve been able to access resources needed to write the kind of stories that I love to read. The funny thing is, I’ve had people show up in my life who I didn’t know I needed . . . until I needed them. God has been faithful to provide the resources I needed every single time. My background of faith and being raised in a Christian home, believing that God has called me to do the work He has equipped me for, allows me to go forward writing and believing that God will provide what I need to make stories come alive for the readers.


I can’t say there’s a particular thing that sparked the idea behind Serial Burn. Usually the ideas come while I’m watching a movie or reading a book or simply letting my imagination go wild. With this book, I wanted to write a story about an arsonist with a personal motive. I got together with a few writer friends, we hashed out the skeleton of the plot, and then I filled it in as I wrote.


Every novel I write gives me a new appreciation for the first responders who put their lives on the line every day—those who take risks to protect us from individuals who would hurt innocents. Creating people like that requires a lot of research and in the process, I learn about real life heroes on which I can base my characters. And villains too, I suppose.


For Serial Burn, I chose Isaiah 55:8 as a theme verse: “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD.” This verse fits because God knows it all. He can see the past, the present, and the future. And as such, He is the one to trust when things go south. My characters come to realize this in a very personal way, and I loved watching them outwit a killer, face danger, and grow in faith.


I hope readers of Serial Burn will be fully entertained, but I also hope they’ll fall in love with the characters and enjoy the ride. I also hope they’ll be able to connect to some of the life lessons the characters learn. I love hearing from a reader who says a book helped her make a difficult life decision or brought her closer to the Lord.


The best way for me to connect with readers is through my monthly newsletter. It’s a great resource to keep up with new releases and specials, plus you get a free short story if you sign up! Each month, I give away a free read by an author friend, so there are lots of freebies out there! Click here to sign up for my newsletter.


Readers can also visit my website at www.lynetteeason.com. I’m on social media on Facebook at www.facebook.com/lynette.eason and Twitter and Instagram at @lynetteeason.

I look forward to connecting with you!

 

About the Author

Lynette Eason is the USA Today bestselling author of Double Take and Target Acquired, as well as the Extreme Measures, Danger Never Sleeps, Blue Justice, Women of Justice, Deadly Reunions, Hidden Identity, and Elite Guardians series. She is the winner of three ACFW Carol Awards, the Selah Award, and the Inspirational Reader’s Choice Award, among others. She is a graduate of the University of South Carolina and has a master’s degree in education from Converse College. Eason lives in South Carolina with her husband. They have two adult children. Learn more at LynetteEason.com.


 

About the Book

Now the fire marshal of Lake City, Jesslyn McCormick is determined to find the person who started the fire that robbed her of her family when she was just seven years old. As the anniversary of the tragedy approaches, a string of fires brings up old feelings and offers new evidence. When FBI Special Agent Nathan Carlisle is called in to work with local law enforcement, both the case and the chemistry between Jesslyn and Nathan heat up.


 

Did You Know?


Eighty-four percent of Christian teens don’t believe we are born into sin and need a savior. Ninety percent reject absolute moral truths. As Christian parents, we have the responsibility to equip our children with a strong, unwavering faith in Christ. Opportunities present themselves each day to inspire them, whatever their age, to deepen their relationship with God. It is never too late or too early to strengthen their faith journey.


  • MODEL the faith you want your children to have. Our kids look for “proof” in how we live to believe what we teach them. Read the Bible daily—in front of and with your kids. Pray without ceasing; pray in front of and with your children. Use Scripture verses in your teaching moments. Teach them to love and forgive by showing love and forgiveness.

  • INCORPORATE faith in daily routines. Always be kind and respectful to each other. Read Bible stories at bedtime. Ask questions to help you understand what your child is feeling and thinking: What new thing did you learn today? How did Jesus help you today?

  • CREATE a home environment that promotes godly values in fun and practical ways. Have a designated time/place at home for everyone to talk about their day or week. Develop a family mission statement together. Make a family action plan together that includes serving others.


By nurturing a deep love for God and His Word and consistently modeling what it means to live a life of enduring faith, we are equipping our children with a lifelong trust in God.


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