POINT OF ORIGIN

In the seventh installment of Ferrendelli’s mystery series, a seasoned investigative journalist once again finds herself in a perilous situation—and this time, it’s more personal than ever.

Journalist Samantha Church juggles the demands of her job at a Denver-area newspaper with the challenges of single motherhood. As she digs deeper into an investigation of a series of fires, she navigates tense interviews with firefighting officials, police, and traumatized survivors, all while trying to manage her daughter’s growing grief over the loss of her best friend in one of the blazes. The emotional toll on both mother and child adds an extra layer of urgency to Sam’s search for answers as each disaster hits closer to home. With every fire, the stakes rise, bringing her closer to the elusive arsonist whose trail of destruction is anything but random. What initially appears to be a series of tragic house fires quickly leads Sam to a more complex situation that threatens many more lives. Ferrendelli blends fast-paced action with moments of quiet reflection, creating a compelling balance between the intense pressure of the investigation and the emotional difficulties that Sam faces at home. The protagonist’s struggle to maintain her integrity while pursuing the truth highlights the ethical dilemmas that investigative journalists face, especially when loved ones are at risk. The dialogue is sharp and realistic, particularly in the newsroom, where the tension between personal and professional boundaries comes to the fore. Sam’s interactions with colleagues and sources feel authentic, grounding the story in the real-world challenges of reporting, as when the fire department’s public information officer speaks with the reporter early on: “Nothing about this part of my job is ever easy, especially when it involves children.”

A compelling and layered crime thriller and a heartfelt exploration of how far a person will go to protect those they love.