Burn

Written by Nevada Barr

Narrated by Joyce Bean

Anna Pigeon, a Ranger with the National Park Service, is newly married but on administrative leave from her job as she recovers from the traumas of the past couple of months. While the physical wounds have healed, the emotional ones are still healing. With her new husband back at work, Anna decides to go and stay with an old friend from the Park Service, Geneva, who works as a singer at the New Orleans Jazz NHP. She isn't in town long before she crosses paths with a tenant of Geneva's, a creepy guy named Jordan. She discovers what seems to be an attempt to place a curse on her—a gruesomely killed pigeon marked with runic symbols; and begins to slowly find traces of very dark doings in the heart of post-Katrina New Orleans. Tied up in all of this is Jordan, who is not at all what he appears to be; a fugitive mother accused of killing her husband and daughters in a fire; and faint whispers of unpleasant goings-on in the heart of the slowly recovering city.

Now it will take all of Anna's skills learned in the untamed outdoors to navigate the urban jungle in which she finds herself, to uncover the threads that connect these seemingly disparate people, and to rescue the most vulnerable of creatures from the most savage of animals.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Brilliance Audio
• Release date: Aug 3, 2010
• ISBN: 9781441893840

Nevada Barr

Nevada Barr is the author of the series of New York Times bestselling novels featuring Anna Pigeon, a law enforcement park ranger. Her novels include Winter Study, Borderline and Burn. She won the Agatha Award for Best First Novel for Track of the Cat. Like her character, Barr worked for the National Park Service as a park ranger before resigning to write full time. She had postings to such parks as Guadalupe Mountains National Park in Texas (where Anna Pigeon was created) and Natchez Trace Parkway in Mississippi. She lives in New Orleans.

Reviews for Burn

[kqueue_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Anna Pigeon is back and she doesn't disappoint. She's on vacation in New Orleans, trying to rest and recover from her two previous brushes with death and finding it hard to simply relax and do nothing. She is staying with her blind friend, Geneva, and becomes suspicious of Geneva's other tenant, a smelly, angry, gutter punk named Jordan who is an apparent pedophile. Anna gets drawn deeper and deeper into the Big Easy's seamiest side of strippers, hookers and sex clubs until all the loose threads come together in a thrilling climax. I prefer Anna in a National Park rather than a big city, but found this book riveting and fast paced and found myself wishing for a friend like Anna.

[empressreece · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

It's been a long time since I read this book but I have read the entire series, up until the most current book and I really like it. I love how the series is set outdoors in the different parks. If you like C.J. Box, then you'll like Barr too.

[jenzbaker · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Anna is in New Orleans on leave trying to recover from her last horrible case and visiting a blind friend. The two women mus break a child sex trafficking ring and catch a pedophile. Unusual for an Anna story as it's set in the city, is darker and more violent. Heartbreaking, disgusting and realistic. Anna's love life complicated and deepens her character.

[rogueheels · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A darker book than usual, but one I couldn't put down. I've enjoyed joining Anna in most of her posts and her vacations are just as riveting.

[terrib_54 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This novel focuses on the child sex trade/slavery and was very hard for me to read due to the topic. Barr's writing seems to be getting more graphic and this one reminded me somewhat of an Andrew Vachss novel. With that said, the writing was exquisite. Barr's descriptive passages of New Orleans are truly beautiful. One passage in particular stands out as it describes the architecture of New Orleans seeming to melt into the landscape; the curving lines, the breaking of what is rigid, the fecundity ... left me with an image I won't soon forget.

[cyderry · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I just logged my 1100th book as read in LibraryThing, I wish it had been better. I am a big fan of Anna Pigeon, Nevada Barr's Heroine who works for the National Park service and moves from park to park in each of her adventures. However, it's hard to identify the City of New Orleans in my mind as a National Park - it's really just Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve - more an historic landmark/area than National Park, IMO and Anna isn't even working there, she's on vacation.The story centers around a woman who is hiding from the law because they suspect her of murdering her husband and children. Anna somehow becomes involved with the woman -posing as a man - who is searching for her children because she believes that they are still alive. They get immersed with child pornography rings and so it goes. Not one of Anna's best.

[katheevz · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

WoW! Quite interesting. I have never read such a book. It was hard to get into at the start because of the way Nevada uses a new chapter to flip between characters. I think my problem was because I let a few days lapse between readings which, made it hard to remember just what was going on. Once I committed myself to reading it, things got much clearer ... and WoW! Did I say that already?This is a great book. I admit I got a bit creeped out in certain parts (like when it described what the children were seen doing). I think it set images in my mind that I'll never get rid of. I'm sure this really happens and that's just too much to swallow.Anyway, WONDERFUL book, Nevada! I definitely give it a thumbs up!

[skinglist · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

The only Nevada Barr book that I truly did not like. Maybe because it wasn't in a national park and she wasn't Ranger Anna? I never grew attached to Jordan/Clare and didn't find myself caring whether or not she got her children back. As someone who loves the religious undercurrent of New Orleans, I did enjoy those parts

[aishaoak · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I hesitated to read this because of lots of reviews gave it a luke warm receipts. I should know better it;s Linda Howard it may not be what you would write but it's pretty damn good. This book stated a little differently from others, it started at the end. the the back story the back to the action. Kinda catching you up but not in a flashback sequence.From this book I learnt a few things I didn't know about the lottery. Jenner won the lotto, now her life is very different ( If i ever won the lotto, I have learnt what to do and what not to do) Anyhoo, flashback to Jenner present day and the story really begins.Personally 1) I would have NEVER let someone steal $50 much less $ 27400 that mother foooo oh ugh *coughs * ahem I meant what I was saying ugh Yeah Jenner has changed somewhat ok a whole lot but wouldn't you?? 2)Her 'love' scenario really smacks of Stockholm syndrome or even hero worship. I would be more pissed before we fell in love but then again people meet and fall 'in love' in some sticky situations doesn't mean they won't last. The female lead kept insisting she wasn't stupid, that she was strong and capable and sometimes that can be annoying.The main characters worked together well, and the relationship that formed was a natural formation from that. I am however dying to know about Adam, since his heart was broken in this book. I think this is a much like her other reads and I think this was definitively a book to read despite what others were saying.I enjoyed this one, the killer was a little too effed up; even for me. I mean really?? That's your solution to your personal problems??? But then again to each their own. Actually no f**k that he soo got what he deserved A**hole.See strong reactions - good book- you go readEnjoy my loves

[magatha_6 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Another winner from Nevada Barr. The subject matter is dark and disturbing, but there's such a brilliant thread of light, hope, and determination that runs through it. The book switches POV between Anna and another character, which is atypical for the series, but it works, and it makes for a vivid, effective story about survival and sheer will.

[timjones_1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I enjoy a good thriller, and I have enjoyed a number of Nevada Barr's previous thrillers about National Park Ranger Anna Pigeon, but I didn't enjoy this one. The National Park setting is incidental, Anna Pigeon is a secondary character, and the case in question is a particularly gruesome one - think "The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo" levels of abuse, only worse.I think the law of diminishing returns might have caught up with Anna Pigeon as a character.

[sharrona_4 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Excellent writing, as always, but the plot was weak, with too many convenient coincidences and an ending that rushed to tie up loose ends. Not very convincing.

[sarielle-2 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I started this book two or three years ago but the first 25% were so slow and boring that I just couldn't finish it. Now I gave it a second chance and after the first few chapters the story was much better. Still, I would like it to be less Jenner introspections and more action. The plot and characters were nice.

[maryloudinon · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Pedophiles, park ranger, actress all get together to keep you in suspense throughout.

[blockbuster1994 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Another entertaining story featuring Anna Pigeon. This woman never has a dull moment. On a mental health break from the National Forest Service, Anna visits a friend in New Orleans. Immediately, she is immersed in life and death child sex trade/trafficking. Instead of the wilderness, Anna is against the inner city element and police corruption.I enjoy Neveda Barr's writing. The dialogue is witty, sometimes to the point of being almost unnatural in its flow and delivery. But that rarely interferes with the story. Barr's love for nature and animals (particularly dogs--my favorite) shines through. I will continue to read the series.

[mchwest · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Oh, what happened to my favorite NPS ranger... now in New Orleans taking a break from her service in the forest and her husband? The last book, BORDERLINE, was almost back to normal, she was in a park on vacation. This book went everywhere and had nothing to do, in my mind, with the NPS, child trafficking and underbelly of NO, I couldn't get through it. Maybe the next one.

[debs913 · Rating: 1 out of 5 stars]

I've always wanted to like Nevada Barr's Anna Pigeon books, but have had a hard time liking her main character. This latest novel did me in. Besides the unlikeable Anna, the prose was trying to hard--too many allegories, too much mood. I gave up and moved on to Ridley Pearson

[lauriehere · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

4-star Review based upon average rating. Once I read this book I will write a proper review,

[whybehave2002 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Bring back our park ranger...this was good but too much city for me...no beautiful visuals to go with the mystery.

[co_coyote · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I guess I have read every one of Nevada Barr's books at one time or another. If you are lookingfor fast reading, enjoyable entertainment, these Anna Pigeon books are great. But this latest bookby Barr trends in the same direction as a few other of her later books, which is to say into thedarkest, most distrubing places in the human experience. This one, for example, deals with pedophilia.I'm not sure where she is going with this series, but I have to think she is losing readers by goingtoo far in this direction.

[talaskat · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Good book. Good characters. Enjoyed it the whole thing!

[cranberrytarts · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I've been disappointed in most of LH's more recent releases, but I was pleasantly surprised with this one. It reminded me quite a bit of All the Queen's Men. Kind of light on the romance and heavy on the storyline, but still oddly satisfying.

I was concerned that the resolution between Jenner and Cael wouldn't be quite satisfactory, but I was pleased with the way it turned out. I felt we got to know both characters and they worked well together.

The storyline was interesting b/c it took place almost exclusively on a cruise ship. The suspense plot didn't contain much mystery - the villain was introduced almost immediately - but it still worked. I'm sure if I thought long enough I could find plenty of holes in the story, but the truth is I was entertained enough that I didn't care.

[glenajo · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Jenner Redwine is an interesting character that grows and develops throughout the book as she moves from her life as a meat packer into the life of a millionaire after winning the lottery. After surviving the tumult created by the winning itself, and the changing attitudes of those around her, Jenner lands in the middle of a plot to sink a cruise ship. Though this is not Howard’s best novel, it is definitely entertaining and suspense filled romance.

[dd196406 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Enjoyed this book. It was a page turner. Linda Howard does not disappoint in this one. Who doesn't like a main character who is rich because she won the lottery?

[cenneidigh · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

The lotto winner who needs to move on and get away from her family who keeps taking advantage of her. The cruise-ship kidnap was good and of course the rest of the romance was sweet. I don't like the violence leads to romance angle.

[sunnysd_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Winning the lottery was exciting enough. But now Jenner Redwine's hostage on a cruise ship with her good behavior the slim lifeline for her one good friend in the world. Intrigue and double-dealing on the high seas, likable main characters and a fast-paced plot make this one of Howard's better efforts of late.

[kayceel_4 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Jenner wins the lottery, loses old friends, then gains a new rich friend (who turns out to be a lovely person). On their way to a hugely expensive charity cruise, Jenner's friend Sydney is kidnapped and held to ensure Jenner's cooperation with a group of people who seem to be spying on the wealthy owner of the cruise ship.Jenner falls - grumpily - for her captor, who slowly seems to be emerging as a good guy. The chemistry between the two somewhat makes up for the far-fetched plot of kidnapper-with-a-heart-old-gold...

[wyvernfriend · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

After Jenner Redwine won the lottery her life changed. Her father ripped her off, her ex tried to sue her for a percentage of her winnings and her friends decide that she's a money sink. She moves and finds herself in the wold of the wealthy and finds a friend in the shy, kind-hearted heiress Sydney Hazlett.They decide to go on a chairty cruise when Sydney is kidnapped on shore and Jenner is kidnapped aboard. They're not sure what their kidnappers want but as time goes on Jenner finds herself attracted to hers!It's pretty predictable but I did enjoy the ride.

[risadabomb_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This was my first Linda Howard novel and it will not be my last. This book was very entertaining. I loved Cael, he was so sexy. Very interesting story line, lots of drama and hot sex scenes. Looking forward to reading more of this author's works.

[amf0001 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I used to so love Linda Howard, but she's really losing it. This book was phoned in, with pages of boring, non essential details. The trouble is that the basic premise was a good one on so many levels. Jenner wins the lottery, the big one, and then everything changes. She loses her friends, her family, her life. And the life she rebuilds isn't so great, despite the money. And then her one true friend is kidnapped, and will be harmed unless she plays along... Now who isn't interested in that?It wasn't that I didn’t believe Larkin, the lunatic villain, he was actually 3 dimensional by Howard's standards. It was that she gave barely any time to the relationship and romance of Cael and Jenner, and totally lacked the intensity of connection that her lovers usually have. Also, virtually no sex scenes, which are frankly usually one of Howard's major strengths.Sadly not a keeper.