ORIGINAL SINS is the 2nd novel featuring Riley Fisher. It is a standalone novel that doesn't require the reader to have read Erin Young's early book to get invested in Riley's character.

SUMMARY: Riley Fisher, a police sergeant from a small town has moved to the big leagues. After completing her time at the Academy, she's now a rookie FBI agent. Older than most new agents, Riley struggles with issues of self-esteem and wonders if she's set herself for failure by joining the Bureau.
Her first assignment is in her hometown of Des Moines. She's got a Field Office chief who is a less than welcoming, a partner that may or may not be trustworthy, and family obligations that are pulling her in multiple directions. She's also dealing with the apparent return of the Sin Eater, a serial killer who terrorized the city in the 1990s and a kidnapping plot against Iowa's first female governor. Desperate to prove herself, Riley doesn't have time to settle into her new role before she's deep involved in both investigations.

OVERALL: ORIGINAL SINS is a compelling thriller that captures the reader from the first chapter. Riley is an interesting character trying to overcome both her own self doubts and her complicated history. There are times when Riley's constant questioning of her own decisions become repetitive but the story isn't bogged down by it. It is refreshing to not have the rookie be 'superwoman' or the 'smart outsider detective'. Riley is both headstrong and naive which help to humanize the character instead of a cookie cutter characterization of a female lead.

ORIGINAL SINS is a strong suspenseful story that holds the reader's attention. The story has some obvious red herrings but the ending will not disappoint.

Thanks to NetGalley and Flatiron books for this advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

Pub Date 13 Feb 2024 | Flatiron Books