Touched by Fire

Appearances are deceiving when it comes to Dr. Lilah Graham, a hardworking, uncompromising genetic researcher who is driven by uncontrollable impulses that even she can't understand. When she suddenly becomes the target of a deranged firebomber--while studying the link between genetic makeup and violent behavior--her tough outer shell begins to crumble and those around her suspect that something is amiss. Dan Merrick, the lead arson investigator assigned to the case, begins to rule out suspects while also developing an interest in Graham, which eventually leads him to the discovery of a startling past she has never mentioned. When her parents' home is set afire and her father is killed, Graham is forced to confront her repressed childhood memories of the death of her twin and her own sexual abuse. The strength of this thriller lies in the complexity of the characters and the energy of the plot, which, while somewhat far-fetched at times, never lets up. (Dec.)