Kerosene

Tinder, Friction, spark, Fuel, Flashpoint, Flame, Blaze ... Ashes. The chapter headings reflect the narrative shape of Chris Wooding's novel, Kerosene, and the emotional state of the book's protagonist. Shy, awkward Cal is fascinated by fire, its intense flame helps to calm his angst. But when he meets Abby things start to get out of hand. Wooding writes with convincing insight into teen culture, drawing on his knowledge language and the contemporary music scene. The early chapters are particularly lively but I was disappointed with the ending which was rather too neat and unbelievable. A gritty exploration of criminal motive turns into a sentimental love story. And would a policeman really turn a blind eye to arson because the perpetrator reminds him of his dead son?