Book excerpt: This is a story about the crime of arson and the search for one particular arsonist, who set a series of fires in churches of different denominations. The search tears apart a small community in New England. When the arsonist is exposed, the inquiry extends to his psychology, his motivation, his purpose. Is there a logical explanation for abhorrent behavior? It is a story about the community affected by the arson and how it reacts. And the members of that community whose lives are damaged. One of them is a psychiatrist, and his patients are drawn into the web. It is a story about how people destroy themselves. It is a story about group hysteria, prejudice and generosity, courage and resilience. About human nature.