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James Strait has put his violent past behind him and settled happily into his new small-town life. Then someone bombs his home, kills the woman he loves, and frames him for the crimes. His plan to hunt down and inflict revenge on those responsible is sidetracked by a mysterious homeless girl who comes seeking protection from her violent stepfather. In order to save the girl and himself, Strait must navigate an underworld of vicious neo-Nazis, drug cartel fugitives, pedophiles, and an enigmatic forensics expert with a concealed agenda that might include helping Strait or killing him.

340 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 15, 2019

19 people are currently reading
318 people want to read

About the author

John Eidswick

4 books44 followers
I have published three novels in the James Strait mystery series: the Rabbit Skinners, When Moths Burn, and A Hole in the Head. I am also the author of the historical fantasy The Language of Bears.

You can receive updates at my Facebook Author's page https://www.facebook.com/JEidswick/?m... and can also read about my travails and joys with self-publishing, life in Japan, etc. at my blog:

https://eidswick.blog/

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5 stars
35 (53%)
4 stars
19 (28%)
3 stars
9 (13%)
2 stars
2 (3%)
1 star
1 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
3 reviews
December 22, 2019
A great fast paced thriller/mystery that is hard to stop reading. The book is just as good as the first one in the series and I can’t wait for Eidswick to write the next although I think the main character, Strait, needs a good long vacation as he’s had a pretty tough time; I am not sure how much punishment a single person can withstand.

This book pairs Strait with a wonderfully smart sidekick whose own backstory adds to the excitement of Strait’s predicament. While Strait is clearly in charge of solving the case his younger partner is the one really keeping things together. The two make a great team even though Strait may not see themselves as equals.
2 reviews
March 25, 2020
I much enjoyed this second entry in the James Strait series and returning to the community of Pine River, Arizona. The story is engrossing all the way through and well-blended with its setting. I hope to see more books in the series, but as another reviewer has expressed, I hope Mr Strait can catch a few breaks, lest he expire before the series has run its course!
30 reviews1 follower
September 10, 2020
WOW Can this guy write or what!!

Superb plot, story, dialog, action. Couldn't put it down, hated that it ended. Can't wait for more! Get this book and take a hell of a ride.
33 reviews2 followers
January 2, 2020
Loved this book!!!

The characters are well developed, the story line is both gripping and fascinating and I couldn’t get enough of the gruff, but lovable James Strait. If it tells you how much I loved this book, I stayed up all night reading it. I also can’t say enough good things about The Rabbit Skinners. Please keep writing Mr. Eidswick! I’ll keep buying your books.
Profile Image for reneeNaDaCherry.
2,447 reviews1 follower
January 18, 2020
When Moths Burn (James Strait Mysteries Book 2)

Without a doubt this was a one-click pre-order item for me. This author has an engaging and imaginative mind full of stories that are unique and plot-filled. James Strait, a former FBI agent, is on a journey to find out who plotted to set him up as a hunted terrorist. And find out he does as you take a journey through the suspenseful twists that lead to finding out one thing. The true culprit/s. I think the character, Amanda, showed a lot of grit to be such a young and tortured victim. And this go round, Jessie was in need of help. Good karma was there to get her out of a serious situation. Great 📖. I would recommend it to others.

Looking forward to that next one (Book
# 3). Keep writing and I'll keep reading the series.
Profile Image for Anita.
63 reviews94 followers
August 17, 2020
This was differently intriguing.

I left off midread and need to add it again to my kindle.

I have been looking all over for a hard copy.

What I did read I liked.

Now that I know where to look I will need to start over.

Covid is making me forgetful.

Profile Image for Vier (Ri).
81 reviews22 followers
March 30, 2020
◾️ Thriller winner
◾️ Great narrative and plot development
◾️ Nerve-wracking plot twists
◾️ Raised awareness for Meniere’s disease
Profile Image for Billy Buttons.
Author 19 books193 followers
May 22, 2020
A WISHING SHELF BOOK REVIEW
20th May 2020
TITLE: When Moths Burn
AUTHOR: John Eidswick
Star Rating: 4.5

‘A twisting thriller populated by memorable characters. Highly recommended.’ The Wishing Shelf

REVIEW
I do enjoy a good thriller. I like them fast-paced, populated by strong, interesting characters, and, of course, it must have a twisting plot and a killer of an ending. I’m delighted to say When Moths Burn by John Eidswick pretty much ticked every box.
So, let’s begin by discussing the plot. Basically, it follows James Strait, a former FBI man living in Arizona. When his home is bombed and a person’s killed, he is framed for the crime. And, from there on, it’s all ‘thriller’!
The hero of the story, James, is an interesting character, perfectly cast as a strong man trying to navigate his way through a twisting and turning plot. He’s very bright but also vulnerable – important with any hero – and he’s open-minded and up for facing a tough challenge.
The writing style works well for this genre. It’s pacey but, also, the author allows the story to progress. The author keeps the focus on the plot, keeps things moving and, most importantly, keeps surprising the reader whenever he can. The story is sort of like a pan of water sitting on a hob. Soon, you know it’s going to bubble over! In many ways, the writing style reminded me of Suzanne Collins’ work. Short, sharp, powerful paragraphing, keeping things moving; keeping the reader immersed in the story.
So, which book is this similar too? Well, it reminded me a little of Lee Child who wrote the Jack Reacher books. The slow burn of the plot, the strong characters. The solitary hero battling to do the right thing.
To sum up, I would recommend this novel to anybody who enjoys an electrifying thriller with a strong element of suspense. But, also – and this is where this book is different to many thrillers – there’s also a strong ‘human’ element to it in the form of a street girl he is trying to protect. In a way, this is two books – and both happen to be very, very good.
Enjoy!

A ‘Wishing Shelf’ Book Review
www.thewsa.co.uk
25 reviews
January 19, 2022
Another FANTASTIC book with excellent characters and storyline!

I could hardly put this book down to eat or sleep! JOHN EIDSEICK has a wonderful way of putting a story together! Can hardly wait for the next book in this series! THANKS


Profile Image for Karen Wrobel.
498 reviews7 followers
December 19, 2020
This was a goodreads giveaway. A crunchy Jack Reacher clone. With vertigo. And a serious anger problem. The main character is a former FBI agent who marches in ‘defund the police’ protests and works in a co-op, but can turn on a dime and beat the ever loving crap out of someone, dispensing his own personal brand of vigilante justice. He’s a peach. The writing was ok, but another run past an editor wouldn’t have gone amiss. Didn’t love this.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews

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