Superheat by MB Wood
This is my review of Superheat by MB Wood
Introduction
Daniel Serrano Robles is a chemical engineer specializing in combustion systems who takes a job at Schirmerling Tire and Rubber in Akron, Ohio. He warns his new boss, Ben Hodges, that the superheater for boiler #3 is too weakened to continue to use. Daniel also discovers a secret meth lab which, unknown to Daniel, is run by the Captain of Security of STR, Patrick O’Brien. Daniel is fired for his warnings and decides to head to California with his girlfriend Carol. His past follows him when O’Brien frames him for the meth lab and Hodges frames him for negligence when the boiler inevitably explodes. Even Carol deserts him. The only person who could help Daniel with his problems is Nancy Benet, who Daniel recently met in California and she wants to begin a relationship with him.
Summary
The things that I liked the most about this novel were the historical touches added for the 1969/1970 setting (Kent State) and making the protagonist an engineer which made the technical details important. The writing is crisp and the descriptions help the reader understand the setting. There are four aspects of the novel that could have been improved. First, Daniel is not sympathetic enough. He appears to be a contentious and competent engineer, but there is nothing else about him that leads the reader to want him to succeed as the protagonist. He does not act, he reacts to the situations. He is only redeemed by Nancy’s actions.
The second point is that Nancy should have been introduced in one of the first three chapters. She is just too important to the story to introduce her halfway through the novel. Chapters with her alone in California could have built up into her first meeting with Daniel, which would have enhanced the narrative. Thirdly, where was O’Brien? He should have been a constant threat to Daniel throughout the novel. Maybe, two more scenes where he almost catches him would have ratcheted up the suspense enough. Lastly, there were a total of ten viewpoint characters. That’s way too many. Daniel, Nancy, and O’Brien are enough, maybe add detective Grueden for variety.
There wasn’t enough time in the viewpoint of characters’ heads to develop their motivations. Fewer viewpoint characters would have increased the reader’s investment in the character’s plight.
Recommendation
This novel has a few strengths to recommend it. It is clear that the author has the necessary command of the description of the setting and the ability to drive the action to completion. Some structural and motivational choices detracted from the narrative, which makes me more intrigued by reading the author’s next novel.
Links
This is the link to the Goodreads page of Superheat by MB Wood.
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22456118-superheat
This is the link to my review of Somethin’ for Nuthin’ by M. T. Bass. Cleveland. Albert and Waxy fail their Intro to Philosophy midterm and run off to Alaska to seek their fortune. It is a similar book; combining mystery and thriller.