Firehorse by Mallory M. O’Connor offers readers a gripping fusion of suspense, mystical intrigue, and environmental awareness. The story follows psychic medium Epiphany Mayall as she is drawn into a labyrinthine mystery involving a stolen talisman, a mystical qilin, and the enigmatic and dangerous Derrick Rarian. Set against the lush but drought-stricken backdrop of Florida, the story weaves themes of personal loss, environmental degradation, and the clash between the supernatural and the material world.

One thing I admired about the book is how it balances intricate plotting with rich character development. Epiphany is not just a psychic on a mission; she’s a multidimensional character grappling with familial tensions, love, and a deep connection to nature. Her granddaughter Maddie, whose burgeoning psychic abilities mirror her grandmother’s, brings a touching layer of generational continuity. For example, Maddie’s visions about the qilin’s importance add depth to the story and highlight the mystical elements. The scenes with her are heartfelt, especially when she offers insights that adults dismiss too quickly—a poignant reminder of the wisdom in youthful intuition.

The book’s environmental commentary is another highlight. The recurring imagery of drought, dying landscapes, and the specter of wildfires serves as both a literal backdrop and a metaphor for the emotional dryness in some characters’ lives. Passages describing the parched Florida terrain are haunting and evocative, as when Epiphany notices the receding lakes and dried mud cracks. These moments ground the story in urgent real-world issues, adding weight to the supernatural elements.

The writing occasionally delves deeply into exposition, particularly when exploring the Chinese zodiac and the qilin’s significance. While these details are fascinating and enrich the story’s mystical elements, they can sometimes slow the narrative’s pace. Similarly, the subplot involving Derrick Rarian and his international escapades, though intriguing, adds layers of complexity that might challenge the reader at times. A slightly tighter pacing in these areas could help maintain the balance between the personal stakes for Marsha and Epiphany and the larger, global intrigue surrounding Rarian’s schemes.

The conclusion ties the threads together in a satisfying way. The resolution is both action-packed and thought-provoking, leaving readers to ponder the balance of power between good and evil, nature and humanity, and the material versus the mystical. The characters’ growth, especially Epiphany’s and Maddie’s, provides an emotional payoff that feels well-earned.

I’d recommend Firehorse to readers who enjoy mysteries infused with mystical elements, fans of character-driven stories, and those with a keen interest in environmental themes. Whether you’re drawn by the psychic sleuthing or the urgent ecological questions, this book has plenty to offer.

Pages: 139