“Weeping” isan arson investigator’s term, as well as the usual state that befalls a fire’sgrief-stricken survivors. So it’s with some surprise and suspicion that NewYork arson investigator Fritillary “Tilly” Quilter meets the seeminglyunconcerned Faith Browning, whose sister Dorsey has just burned to death intheir family home. When Faith puts in a quick claim without giving theinsurance company a chance to look around, the company calls Tilly. Tilly teamsup with the arson pro Isaak “Ike” Blessing, and together they must sift throughthe ashes to find the truth.

Written by areal-life private eye and fire investigator, Weeping is fueled by technical authority, livelycharacters, and stylish prose.