While A Slow Fire Burning by Paula Hawkins captivates with a dark, gripping narrative and well-crafted, intricate characters, some readers find the pacing sluggish and the plot twists predictable. The book excels in atmosphere and psychological depth but may fall short of the suspense heights set by Hawkins' previous works.

Readers who enjoy psychological thrillers and character-driven mysteries will find A Slow Fire Burning by Paula Hawkins compelling. Fans of The Girl on the Train and Gillian Flynn’s Gone Girl will appreciate its suspenseful narrative, flawed characters, and intricate plotting. Ideal for those who savor slow-burning suspense with multiple viewpoints.

A Slow Fire Burning by Paula Hawkins is a contemporary murder mystery set in London, revolving around the investigation of Daniel Sutherland's murder. The plot weaves multiple perspectives and unreliable narrators, exploring family secrets, betrayal, and the influence of wealth and social status. Sensitive topics in the book include domestic abuse, violent deaths, suicide, and alcohol addiction.

Mysterious / Suspenseful / Dark / Unnerving / Emotional

- A Slow Fire Burning by Paula Hawkins explores complex characters and themes of revenge, trauma, and connections, featuring unique perspectives that unfold throughout the novel.
- Paula Hawkins gained international fame with her debut thriller The Girl on the Train, which shares themes of suspense and unreliable narration with A Slow Fire Burning.
- The narrative structure of A Slow Fire Burning intricately weaves together the stories of three women, challenging readers to piece together the connections and motives behind the events.

Paula Hawkins

Adult

Novel

Fiction

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Study Guide

Before You Read

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Overview

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A Slow Fire Burning Summary and Study Guide

Background

A Slow Fire Burning Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Prologue and Chapters 1-8

A Slow Fire Burning Prologue and Chapters 1-8 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 9-18

A Slow Fire Burning Chapters 9-18 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 19-26

A Slow Fire Burning Chapters 19-26 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 27-33

A Slow Fire Burning Chapters 27-33 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 34-39 and Epilogue

A Slow Fire Burning Chapters 34-39 and Epilogue Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

A Slow Fire Burning Character Analysis

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Themes

A Slow Fire Burning Themes

Symbols & Motifs

A Slow Fire Burning Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

A Slow Fire Burning Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

A Slow Fire Burning Essay Topics

A Slow Fire Burning

Before You Read

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