Psychiatrist Dr. Jack Caleb is jogging in Chicago's Lincoln Park when he hears some chanting. When he goes in the direction of the noise he observes a cultist mob about to burn a police car with the cop inside the vehicle. His presence puts a halt to the festivities and the wannabe arsonists flee the scene. Later on, the officer's partner Arlette Banks is found dead, a victim of a stoning. The Chicago police department assigns John Thinnes to investigate the case, which circumstantially point towards the cult.

However, the case becomes more complicated when members of the cult begin to die in what appears to be a series of arson fires. Soon, evidence surfaces that makes the prime suspect appear to be Dr. Morgan, a close friend of Jack. To prove his buddy, who he wants a closer relationship with, is innocent, Jack sets in motion a plan that, if it fails, will leave him and John burnt to a crisp

The third Thinnes-Caleb investigation, INCENDIARY DESIGNS, is a well-designed tale. The story line is obviously crisp and fast-paced. The secondary characters and the lead duo strengthen the plot. However, what makes Michael Allen Dymmoch's novel so good is the best tour of Chicago since Bueller needed a day off. This is a wonderful series that is worth reading.

Harriet Klausner

(The numerical rating above is an ineradicable default setting within the page. This reviewer does nort employ numerical ratings.)