The Beautiful Burn: A Novel

“If you haven't read Jaworowski yet, you should start right now.”—Lisa Scottoline

Edgar Award nominee Ken Jaworowski delivers a gripping thriller set in a forgotten Rust Belt town about three ordinary people who must each face the past they fled—or risk watching their dreams burn

Locksburg, PA—a small town left behind by the world, filled with people just trying to survive.

Jamie fled home when he was a teenager after a crime born of good intentions went horribly wrong. When his brother winds up in danger, Jamie finds himself driving back to a place he swore he’d never see again, even though returning might end with a bullet to the chest or a long sentence in a cell.

Sandra’s an eighty-four-year-old resident at Hillview Living Center, and she’s never felt more stuck. But when an old flame checks in, the two of them can’t help but reminisce about the mischief of days gone by. All too aware of her ticking clock, Sandra plans their escape.

Father Marc is the newest priest assigned to the Locksburg church, where he oversees a parish of people slowly losing faith. Which makes sense to him, since he doesn’t believe in God. When a young girl gives a troubling confession, Marc must weigh his vow of silence against speaking up to save the child’s life.

As the three strangers’ lives begin to collide, they are forced to make a choice: confront the fears they’ve spent years burying or let the life they want go up in flames. With razor-sharp twists and heartfelt moments, The Beautiful Burn builds to a finale that lingers long after the final page.