The Burnings

Author: Julian Lees Publisher: Constable ISBN: 9781472123114

THIS is Lees’ second book after The Bone Ritual to feature Indonesian cop Ruud Pujasumarta.

Lees is obviously inspired by authors such as Jeffrey Deaver, but sets his story in Jakarta, where Ruud deals with local issues in his quest to find a sadistic killer who enjoys torturing his victims.

In this book, Ruud and his team investigate the death of Australian national Jillian Parker, whose torched car and scorched remains are found at the bottom of a ravine.

Things really heat up when more dead bodies are discovered, each badly mutilated, and with Quranic verses left behind.

It is apparent that they are dealing with a killer who seems to be targeting Christians.

However, Ruud’s biggest problems are that those in power are trying to keep a lid on things, fearing bad publicity for a country already reeling from other terrorist-related incidences.

As Ruud chases down suspects, it slowly becomes clear that the killer is someone close to him, and the police department.

The story is compelling, and Lees gives you a believable ending.

Some parts tend to drag a bit, such as when the writer starts focusing on Ruud’s live-in girlfriend and her issues.

Other than that, it is refreshing to read about a police officer from Indonesia, and his uphill battle to solve cases and bring criminals to justice. – S. Indra Sathiabalan