Bestselling author and famed podcaster Andrew Klavan is back with the third entry in his Cameron Winter series. A unique character, to say the least, Cam is a former spy who is now working as an English professor in Washington, D.C. He also possesses an uncommon gift that he refers to as “a strange habit of mind” --- the ability to think about a crime scene and place himself inside of it, eerily visualizing everything as it happened.

In THE HOUSE OF LOVE AND DEATH, Cam sees a news report about a multiple murder that took place at a mansion in the town of Maidenvale, just outside of Chicago. The fire rescue team arrived at the residence, which was aflame, and one at a time pulled out three adults and one teen, all of whom were dead. The problem is that the father, mother, live-in nanny and teenage daughter were all shot to death prior to the fire being set. Outside the home, the rescue team found the seven-year-old son, who escaped unscathed. When they asked him if anyone else was inside, he answered in what must have been a disoriented manner: “Everyone.”

"Cameron Winter is a terrific protagonist, such a complex and determined character. It is easy to follow along with him straight to the conclusion of this fiery and unpredictable thriller."

Cam is instantly drawn to the case, and his unique ability allows him to briefly glimpse inside the mansion. He wastes no time jumping into his car and driving all the way there. Upon arrival, he is shown the crime scene as he identifies himself as an author who is seeking a fresh case to write about for his next book.

Unfortunately, Cam is not welcomed by everyone in Maidenvale. Especially not local Inspector Roland Strange, who threatens him and demands that he leave town at once. Of course, Cam does not heed this warning, especially since he feels confident that the lead suspect the police are chasing is Mateo, the Hispanic boyfriend of the teen girl who died. To top it off, witnesses saw the two of them arguing not long before the shootings and fire took place.

Much to his dismay, Cam lingers in Maidenvale long enough to see the police find the lifeless body of Mateo, who had been encamped and hiding out. He also had no face left, and next to him was a rifle. It appears to be a slam dunk that both the suspected killer and the murder weapon were found in one fell swoop. However, the situation still does not feel right to Cam. He reluctantly returns to D.C. but cannot get this case out of his mind.

There are some great passages with Cam’s psychologist, Margaret Whitaker, that allows us to glimpse into his darkest times as a spy. It provides much insight into him and supports his reason for not letting go when he believes in his hunches. This is part of what sends him back to Illinois and the scene of the crime in search of more answers. What he proceeds to slowly uncover is a house and a family in turmoil.

Klavan has long been heralded as a brilliant plotter, and he is in fine form in THE HOUSE OF LOVE AND DEATH. Cameron Winter is a terrific protagonist, such a complex and determined character. It is easy to follow along with him straight to the conclusion of this fiery and unpredictable thriller.