Burned Bridges

If you enjoy an action-packed and suspenseful crime thriller with a strong main female protagonist, then look no further than Burned Bridges by John Gilstrap. It’s the first novel in a new series featuring former FBI director Irene Rivers. She has moved to West Virginia’s Eastern Panhandle in Jenkins County with her daughter Kelly and nephew Wyatt.

She thought they would be safe on her grandparents’ farm she had inherited. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth.

Troubles start when Wyatt finds a dead body on the property and evidence points to a long-ago murder and cover-up. Powerful individuals will do anything to protect their interests. Soon Irene and her family are targeted by threats and intimidation followed by attacks. Irene’s plans to care for and protect her family becomes harder than anything she’s experienced before now.

Irene had prioritized her career in the past, but she now worries that in saving the country she loves, she may have hurt the family she loved at least as much. She’s courageous, versatile, and trying to do the right thing for Kelly and Wyatt. She always seeks justice versus grandstanding and casting blame. Kelly didn’t want to leave their old house and her friends and is taking a lot of criticism for what Irene did in her role as FBI director. Wyatt likes to read, but isn’t into looking for the symbolism in classics. While he enjoys reading, he is struggling with mathematics. He loves to explore the family property with this dog Ruger. He likes being around other people and listening to what they have to say, but he prefers to not share his opinions.

As in other Gilstrap novels, the first chapter grabbed my attention. It’s chilling, with a scene from 35 years ago. And after shifting to the present day, it is still intense, emotional, and suspenseful. Gilstrap is an excellent storyteller who combines a creative plot with gripping scenes and plenty of action. This kept me engaged throughout the book. As usual, his expertise in weaponry is shown during the action scenes. There are a couple of subplots that add complexity, twists, and depth to the story. The author has weaved another page-turning installment involving corrupt officials, lawbreakers, greed, power, murder, intimidation, blackmail, family, cover-ups, and violence. I thought it was profound how the author depicted both bravery and loyalty throughout the story. The ending was spectacular and provides a thread for the next book in the series.

Overall, this is a powerful, emotional, intense, and riveting novel with great characterization, a solid mystery, and it’s a strong start to the series. Readers familiar with the author’s Jonathan Grave series will remember that Irene is a recurring and supporting character in those novels. Those who like Gilstrap’s novels, crime thrillers, and novels with strong female lead characters will likely enjoy this series.

Kensington Publishing and John Gilstrap provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently set for May 27, 2025.