REVIEW | A Slow Fire Burning by Paula Hawkins

by Samantha Herbst

It’s probably unfair to compare an author’s smash-hit debut novel with all of her subsequent work. But when said author is Paula Hawkins, and said debut is The Girl on the Train, it’s incredibly difficult not to have high hopes for any new instalments.

Were I to judge A Slow Fire Burning on it’s own merit, I’d say that it ticked most of the thriller/murder mystery boxes for me. This is a slow-build whodunnit with flawed protagonists and a fairly simple book-to-TV-esque plotline that weaves together the lives of a handful of characters. It’s also peppered with dropped hints and seemingly inconsequential tidbits that keep you guessing.

Some overarching themes this book touches on include systemic patriarchy, misogyny, fat phobia, ableism, trauma, motherhood and child loss. All this, but in a show-don’t-tell way that’s not overtly pretentious (and there only if you’re looking for it, to be honest). This book is still for anyone who just wants an entertaining read without the social commentary.

In true Hawkins style, all loose ends are very neatly tied up and you’re left wondering whether you would have behaved differently if you were dealt the same blow as some of the characters. I’d imagine that this would make for some great book club discussions and, if you’re inspired to do just that, here’s a reading guide courtesy of Penguin Random House.

Admittedly, I spent much of the book wondering if the big reveal was going to be a let down for me, but Hawkins came through (like I knew she would)  with a particularly kick-ass “gotcha” moment right at the end. This countered the slow pace of the novel for me, redeemed the book overall.

One small idiosyncracy that I loved about A Slow Fire Burning is the real-life London setting. While the plotline remains fictional, Hawkins’ characters all operate on or near the section of Regent’s Canal that cuts through parts of London. There’s even a map at the beginning that I wish I had remembered while reading (although it’s not integral to the story). 

A simple, quick and entertaining read, A Slow Fire Burning should be your next book club pick. 

Does it live up to The Girl On the Train? Nah, I don’t think so. Emily Blunt will not be headlining a book-to-TV spin on this. That said, I would 100% watch a Netflix limited series of this instalment and can imagine Workin’ Moms’ Aviva Mongillo (Juniper) as Laura, Kathy Bates as Miriam, and Love Actually’s Heike Makatsh as Carla.

What might make this read better?

I love a good audiobook, though admittedly I do most of my nonfiction via audible. However, if you’re short of time and would like to get some reading in while cooking, cleaning or commuting, I would recommend the audiobook. Narrated by Rosamund Pike it’s bound to be… *chef’s kiss*.

All in all, A Slow Fire Burning is a 3.5/5 for me, though I remain a Paula Hawkins fangirl till the end.

Keen to give it a read? 

Here’s where you can find it, and here’s the blurb:

What is wrong with you?'

Laura has spent most of her life being judged. She's seen as hot-tempered, troubled, a loner. Some even call her dangerous.

 Miriam knows that just because Laura is witnessed leaving the scene of a horrific murder with blood on her clothes, that doesn't mean she's a killer. Bitter experience has taught her how easy it is to get caught in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Carla is reeling from the brutal murder of her nephew. She trusts no one: good people are capable of terrible deeds. But how far will she go to find peace?

Innocent or guilty, everyone is damaged. Some are damaged enough to kill.

Look what you started.

** We received a copy of A Slow Fire Burning from Penguin Random House in exchange for an honest review.