Burn Up: The Secrets of Mylin – Book II

At Burning Man, a motorcycle accident has left one man dead and another seriously injured. A stunt gone wrong is how the local media is writing this up. But Detectives Qigiq and Kandy know better. The path of death and destruction that has led them here began with another motorcycle accident that led to a young woman named Mylin. Mylin is a chess piece in a much bigger game involving organized crime, human trafficking, and family. The aftermath of the preceding book has her father dead, one brother arrested and injured, and another scampering for his freedom. Mylin’s brother, Shen, has now assumed the mantle of power in his immediate family and is looking to defy all expectations and make his mark. The first step to keep the orchestra/courtesan group active is to stay free and begin the task of eliminating key witnesses. Mylin’s brother is still answering to an even more powerful uncle who is counting on him to preserve the business and exude never-shown strength.

Mylin is faced with seemingly insurmountable problems with immigration status for herself and the other girls in the orchestra. Qigiq and Kandy are dealing with the fall-out from the Burning Man festival when they are called to another dead body, the method of death turning out to be related to a government sting operation. Qigiq and Kandy are told to cease their investigation but defy the order based on exigent circumstances. Bodies of the influential and wealthy are piling up, the connections are hard to ignore, and the detectives have a problem with authority. Mylin has also gone missing since Burning Man, turning up only when trouble arises. Mylin is torn by duty to family, but her relationship with Shen can best be described as strained. She wants to keep playing her violin and pleasing audiences, and she has a chance with a friend of a friend looking to host a fusion concert of heavy metal and orchestral music. The specter of Shen finding her is haunting. Who will emerge unscathed in this blistering tale of mystery?

Burn Up: The Secrets of Mylin is a worthy sequel to its predecessor. The action is omnipresent, and the reader is gripped by tense fingers with every change in narration and tone. The reader finds themselves at the heart of the action from page one yet doesn’t lack a roadmap to guide them. The backstory is subtly provided throughout. The character additions to this series are compelling and vivid. The reader’s feelings vary with each chapter from fear to black humor to nervousness and then short relief. When the book ends, a cautious satisfaction prevails. When’s the next one? Joe Klingler has hit the right notes in this continuation of the Mylin series. An excellent blend of mystery and thriller.