cannabis-farming, PTSD, arson, arson-investigators, MMIW, MMIP, Oregon, indigenous-people, Native American, firefighters, fire, anger-issues, friendship, friction, frustration, rural, relationships, relatives, revenge, revenge-killings, NamVets, contemporary, murder, attempted-murder, law-enforcement, riveting, thriller, suspense, suspicion, investigations, investigators*****

I hope you don't mind knowing who the arsonist is at the very beginning, because the suspense and twistiness come from the two opponents doing their best to keep each other from winning. Kinton Brulee has enough experience in the Fire Service and has recently been promoted to the job of Oregon state deputy fire-marshal, a division of the Oregon state police. Her determination and expertise are pitted against a disabled NamVet who torched the cannabis barn and shot the owner. Lots of personal issues, including that of her being Lakota and a female with a disabled child. I learned a lot about the fire service and also about the legal and logistical problems of growing the stuff. For instance, I had no idea how much of a drain on water resources this crop was. The book was riveting.
I requested and received a temporary EARC from Black Rose Writing via NetGalley. Thank you!

Kinton is young, smart, dedicated and Native American. She is also recently promoted. Those factors don't sit well with some people. Shortly after her promotion, there is a major fire at a hemp farm near her home. She starts to investigate and finds potential witnesses, some more helpful than others, and evidence that the fire might not have been accidental.

Despite being threatened, Kinton continues to investigate and makes some people angry and vindictive toward her. Despite pressure and threats, she is tenacious in pressing forward, continuing to gather evidence and to interview people.

Although I had to push myself through the first few pages of the book I'm happy that I did. The book is a great read, full of suspense, frustration, and ultimately success for Kinton and the truth.

Although I liked the concept I struggled a bit with this one. Kept my interest enough to see through the end, but the sexisms, racisms, etc. got tiresome after awhile. Sadly too much in the real world.

An unusual look at fire crimes. We get to know and follow the perpetrator as well as the investigator. Interesting facts about native American activities. Many nail-biting moments. Thanks to the publisher for providing a copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary.