Into the Fire

Barely tolerating the funeral proceedings of his estranged father who he refers to by his first name of Melvin, Jason Boyer is not in mourning. Having lost his mother at the age of five when his younger brother Eric was just two, all Jason really knows of his father is wealth, power, and corruption, a man who remained an emotional stranger to both of his sons. Although Jason acquired a business degree from his Harvard education, he’s never had to use it because of the ample stipends he’s received from his father’s provisions to his sons.

Told in first person by Jason Boyer, we learn that Jason assumes his life will continue within its current allotted framework so that he and his wife of three years can continue their “idle rich” existence in perhaps a bit more lavishness from his father’s estate with the bulk of it going to a worldwide assistance foundation his father originated. However, when the will is revealed, Jason becomes “the heir” of the bulk of Melvin’s incredible wealth. The fury Jason experiences at the prospect of continuing in the footsteps of his father is intense. How dare his father put him in the position of carrying on as his father had? The man Jason disrespects, resents, and barely knew . . .

Jason’s first reactions are to refuse to accept it, to give it all away, to redirect it back to the foundation—anything but to keep it. However, his wife Katie is deeply in love with the prospect of spending all that money and the status it will incur. His “little” brother Eric thinks it’s just wonderful that his big brother is now the boss, and Melvin’s shrewd attorney is anxious to get on with things just the way they’ve always been.

Shortly after it’s discovered that Melvin’s car accident may not have been one, and as Jason begins the clean up of the intricacies of corruption within his father’s little empire, more murders occur.

While I have never hobnobbed with the wealthy, I’ve known a few rich people. They come in all sizes, shapes, colors, and kinds. Some are generous, others are remarkably tight. Some are ordinary people, others are arrogant and obnoxious. Jason is likable because he makes no bones about enjoying his inherited stipend. But he questions the value of his life constantly, wondering what his purpose really is. His character’s perceptions of his family, his life, the people who surround him, are fascinating and humorous and often insightful. When he gains his father’s wealth, he is afraid of becoming Melvin because of who he sees him as being.

During one of his investigations into his father’s mansion, he discovers something in his father’s bedside table drawer that begins to erode a bit of his perceptions.

This is another well-written mystery with interesting characters, some of whom are developed well but all of whom stay true to themselves. The novel presents a mini-study of mostly purposeless people who are glutted with a lust for money and power. It’s not a “happy” story, although in the beginning Jason’s humorous accounts and witty sidebars into his mind are very entertaining. But as the corruption is discovered, Jason gets a truer look at who he has always been, and the despair which envelops him as the story progresses feels painful and real. One incident in the final pages seemed to occur a tad too easy, and then it was a quick journey to the hopeful ending. I never enjoy that moment when it feels like someone begins to pull the curtain on a story with a quick solution, but this plot element was going to happen anyway, so it wasn’t too disturbing.

This is an excellent first novel from Paul Robertson, a compelling story which requires serious page turning. The voice created for Jason Boyer is unique and appealing when it could’ve been just as easy to hate the guy. Well done.

Father, I would ask your continued inspiration for Paul Robertson. Help him to write those stories you have for him to tell. Encourage him along the way and as he delights in you, may he experience the desires of his heart. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.