The Burning Air by Erin Kelly

Published by

Sarah Ann

on

March 20, 2013

I received a copy of The Burning Air for review about a month ago, and I feel bad about letting it sit unread for that long because it was REALLY GOOD! It was a fun and thrilling read.

The synopsis on the book’s back cover made me think it would turn out differently.

Here’s my version of the synopsis:

The upper-class MacBride family has always lived a lavish life. Rowan MacBride, the patriarch of the family, is an administrator at the prominent Saxby Cathedral School in England. His wife, Lydia MacBride, is a magistrate. Their three children—Sophie, Tara, and Felix—have never wanted for anything. And, they’re all receiving a fun, tuition-free education at their father’s school.

I’m going to reveal a few spoilers ahead, so please proceed with caution.

At one point in the book, Lydia dies from cancer, and Rowan and his three adult children head to their family vacation home in the English countryside to mourn Lydia properly, and to scatter her ashes. However, shortly after their arrival, Sophie’s baby daughter goes missing in the care of Felix’s beautiful, but mysterious and mute new girlfriend, Kerry.

As the rest of the story unfolds, it comes to light that a predator has been tracking members of the MacBride family for years. This person is devoted to ruining the lives of everyone in this family as a result of not being accepted into Saxby Cathedral School years ago.

I initially thought this book would be about the troubling life of a middle-aged woman who has a nervous breakdown after her mom dies and learns her husband is cheating on her. But that’s not what it’s about at all. The story unfolds in the most fascinating manner, and is mysterious to the very end. Overall, The Burning Air is a very thrilling and engrossing read, and cleverly written.

Other recent novels by Erin Kelly include:

Last Updated on November 20, 2025 by Sarah Ann

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