What do you think?
Rate this book
Riley Fisher #2
Original Sins
In a brilliant and addictive thriller for fans of Tana French and Liz Moore, FBI rookie Riley Fisher must navigate a brutal serial killer as well as a kidnapping plot against the governor
It's a brutal winter in Des Moines, Iowa, and the city is gripped by fear. A serial attacker known as the Sin Eater is stalking women and has just struck again. It's a tough time and a tough place for Riley Fisher, a former small-town sergeant, to be reporting for duty as an FBI agent on her first assignment.
Teamed with a man she's not sure she can trust and struggling to prove herself - while fighting the pull of her old life and family dramas - Riley is tasked with investigating a vicious death threat against the newly elected female state governor. Gradually, she traces a disturbing connection between this case and the hunt for the Sin Eater. Through snow, ice, violence and lies, Riley Fisher is drawn towards a terrifying revelation.
Erin Young follows up her acclaimed crime debut, The Fields, which has drawn comparisons with Mare of Easttown, Silence of the Lambs and True Detective, with another stunning thriller full of dark menace and suspense.
It's a brutal winter in Des Moines, Iowa, and the city is gripped by fear. A serial attacker known as the Sin Eater is stalking women and has just struck again. It's a tough time and a tough place for Riley Fisher, a former small-town sergeant, to be reporting for duty as an FBI agent on her first assignment.
Teamed with a man she's not sure she can trust and struggling to prove herself - while fighting the pull of her old life and family dramas - Riley is tasked with investigating a vicious death threat against the newly elected female state governor. Gradually, she traces a disturbing connection between this case and the hunt for the Sin Eater. Through snow, ice, violence and lies, Riley Fisher is drawn towards a terrifying revelation.
Erin Young follows up her acclaimed crime debut, The Fields, which has drawn comparisons with Mare of Easttown, Silence of the Lambs and True Detective, with another stunning thriller full of dark menace and suspense.
344 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 13, 2024
80 people are currently reading
8547 people want to read
About the author
Erin Young
4 books361 followersTHE FIELDS was Erin’s debut crime thriller, featuring Sergeant Riley Fisher of Black Hawk County, in the first of a planned series.
THE FIELDS has been published in North America and Canada, the UK, Australia and New Zealand, Germany, Italy, France, the Netherlands and Taiwan.
On publication in 2022, THE FIELDS was a Glamour book of the year, a Times thriller of the month, an Amazon USA pick of the month, and was shortlisted for hardcover of the year at the ITW thriller awards.
Erin was named in Oprah Daily as one of the best emerging female thriller writers of the year. THE FIELDS is in development for TV by the producers of Big Little Lies and City on a Hill.
The sequel, ORIGINAL SINS, will be published in 2024.
Erin lives and writes in Brighton, England. She also writes historical fiction as Robyn Young.
THE FIELDS has been published in North America and Canada, the UK, Australia and New Zealand, Germany, Italy, France, the Netherlands and Taiwan.
On publication in 2022, THE FIELDS was a Glamour book of the year, a Times thriller of the month, an Amazon USA pick of the month, and was shortlisted for hardcover of the year at the ITW thriller awards.
Erin was named in Oprah Daily as one of the best emerging female thriller writers of the year. THE FIELDS is in development for TV by the producers of Big Little Lies and City on a Hill.
The sequel, ORIGINAL SINS, will be published in 2024.
Erin lives and writes in Brighton, England. She also writes historical fiction as Robyn Young.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 297 reviews
June 13, 2023
OK, OK - it's me. But if you can't give yourself five stars, who else will, eh?!
Seriously, I hope you enjoy it. This novel was my lockdown baby, and a tough one to write, but it was great to be back with Riley Fisher in Iowa. This one doesn't have quite so many cornfields (promise!), but it's another deep dive into a dark conspiracy in the heart of the Midwest, with Riley on her first assignment as a rookie agent in the FBI - which (of course) promises to be a bumpy ride...
Thank you to all those who read and reviewed my debut thriller, The Fields. It's much appreciated.
Happy reading,
Erin
Seriously, I hope you enjoy it. This novel was my lockdown baby, and a tough one to write, but it was great to be back with Riley Fisher in Iowa. This one doesn't have quite so many cornfields (promise!), but it's another deep dive into a dark conspiracy in the heart of the Midwest, with Riley on her first assignment as a rookie agent in the FBI - which (of course) promises to be a bumpy ride...
Thank you to all those who read and reviewed my debut thriller, The Fields. It's much appreciated.
Happy reading,
Erin
February 11, 2024
This is book 2 in the Riley Fisher series, but it works well as a standalone. I listened to about half of this one on audiobook and then finished with the physical copy as my patience was running out as the story really got going. The narrator did a good job bringing the story to life. Riley Fisher had worked her way up at her local Sheriff’s office before trading all that in to be a rookie in the FBI. Newly stationed in a small branch she quickly realizes she wasn’t wanted her and only was given the post due to her connection with the governor. But she doesn’t have long to be nervous, there has been a credible threat to the governor and her family and a never caught perp who assaulted women horribly seems to be back. Riley believes there may be a connection between the two of them so is working both cases, but sometimes when you chase a monster you find more than could have imagined. Overall I found the mystery to be interesting. The side story with Kody broke my heart a bit and some of the violence described was pretty awful, but it was a good mystery with a satisfying ending.
March 24, 2024
4.25/5
Original Sins by Erin Young is the second book in the Riley Fisher series, and though I couldn't really remember what happened in the first book, it didn't seem necessary to read this installment. Riley, as usual, throws herself into some majorly dangerous situations but manages to come out on the other side because of her quick wits and general badassery. I love her as an FMC and was completely engrossed in the storyline and seeing her character build up a little more.
The audiobook is narrated by Kate Handford which I thought was interesting because book 1 (The Fields) was narrated by Soneela Nankani. I'm not sure why they made this change, and I will be interested to see who the next installment will be narrated by. I personally love Nankani as a narrator and would have liked to see her back, but I enjoyed Handford's narration all the same and would be just fine if she continued to narrate. Parts of this book reminded me of Open Your Eyes by Heather J. Fitt, and it is downright disturbing. Triggers are there and should be checked, but this was a solid mystery/police procedural, and I can't wait for the series to continue!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Original Sins by Erin Young is the second book in the Riley Fisher series, and though I couldn't really remember what happened in the first book, it didn't seem necessary to read this installment. Riley, as usual, throws herself into some majorly dangerous situations but manages to come out on the other side because of her quick wits and general badassery. I love her as an FMC and was completely engrossed in the storyline and seeing her character build up a little more.
The audiobook is narrated by Kate Handford which I thought was interesting because book 1 (The Fields) was narrated by Soneela Nankani. I'm not sure why they made this change, and I will be interested to see who the next installment will be narrated by. I personally love Nankani as a narrator and would have liked to see her back, but I enjoyed Handford's narration all the same and would be just fine if she continued to narrate. Parts of this book reminded me of Open Your Eyes by Heather J. Fitt, and it is downright disturbing. Triggers are there and should be checked, but this was a solid mystery/police procedural, and I can't wait for the series to continue!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
February 3, 2024
*Read as a standalone*
Riley Fisher, a former small-town sergeant, has taken on a new role as an FBI agent, embarking on her very first assignment. The task at hand: apprehending the notorious Sin Eater, a serial attacker preying on unsuspecting women with his brutal methods. Despite a long period of inactivity, this malicious man has resurfaced, posing the question of how is this aging perpetrator still able to carry out these heinous acts. Is he receiving assistance from an accomplice? The responsibility now falls upon Agent Riley and her new boss to track down the Sin Eater before he strikes again.
Despite containing all the elements that would typically captivate my attention, I found myself unable to fully immerse myself in the narrative. Don't get me wrong, it was still a decent read. I enjoyed how everything came together at the end. However, it didn't wow me.
***Thank you to NetGalley, Erin Young, and Macmillan Audio for graciously sending me the audiobook to review. As always, all thoughts are my own.***
Riley Fisher, a former small-town sergeant, has taken on a new role as an FBI agent, embarking on her very first assignment. The task at hand: apprehending the notorious Sin Eater, a serial attacker preying on unsuspecting women with his brutal methods. Despite a long period of inactivity, this malicious man has resurfaced, posing the question of how is this aging perpetrator still able to carry out these heinous acts. Is he receiving assistance from an accomplice? The responsibility now falls upon Agent Riley and her new boss to track down the Sin Eater before he strikes again.
Despite containing all the elements that would typically captivate my attention, I found myself unable to fully immerse myself in the narrative. Don't get me wrong, it was still a decent read. I enjoyed how everything came together at the end. However, it didn't wow me.
***Thank you to NetGalley, Erin Young, and Macmillan Audio for graciously sending me the audiobook to review. As always, all thoughts are my own.***
June 15, 2023
Let me first start out by saying that as soon as I concluded this book, I immediately ran on over to Amazon to pre-order a copy. I loved this book so darn much I know I will be reading it for years to come as well as wanting this insane cover showcased on my bookshelf.
Original Sins, I absolutely loved the title. Mysterious, sexy, and intimidating... I had to know more.
I read Erin Young's debut, The Fields, last year and fell in love with her writing style. I knew right there I would read everything she publishes to follow. When I saw Original Sins hit the circuit, I knew I just had to have it! I crossed my fingers and prayed to the good ole book fairies.
My prayers were answered and this book delivered!
This is a dark, suspense, crime fiction thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat riddled with anxiety. I can not brag about this book enough but I will tell you that this book is going to break the internet. Don't believe me ? Check out this teaser!
It’s a brutal winter in Des Moines, Iowa, and the city is gripped by fear. A serial attacker known as the Sin Eater is stalking women and has just struck again. It’s a tough time and a tough place for Riley Fisher, a former small-town sergeant, to be reporting for duty as an FBI agent on her first assignment.
Teamed with a man she’s not sure she can trust and struggling to prove herself—while fighting the pull of her old life and family dramas—Riley is tasked with investigating a vicious death threat against the newly elected female state governor. Gradually, she traces a disturbing connection between this case and the hunt for the Sin Eater. Through snow, ice, violence and lies, Riley Fisher is drawn towards a terrifying revelation.
Original Sins, I absolutely loved the title. Mysterious, sexy, and intimidating... I had to know more.
I read Erin Young's debut, The Fields, last year and fell in love with her writing style. I knew right there I would read everything she publishes to follow. When I saw Original Sins hit the circuit, I knew I just had to have it! I crossed my fingers and prayed to the good ole book fairies.
My prayers were answered and this book delivered!
This is a dark, suspense, crime fiction thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat riddled with anxiety. I can not brag about this book enough but I will tell you that this book is going to break the internet. Don't believe me ? Check out this teaser!
It’s a brutal winter in Des Moines, Iowa, and the city is gripped by fear. A serial attacker known as the Sin Eater is stalking women and has just struck again. It’s a tough time and a tough place for Riley Fisher, a former small-town sergeant, to be reporting for duty as an FBI agent on her first assignment.
Teamed with a man she’s not sure she can trust and struggling to prove herself—while fighting the pull of her old life and family dramas—Riley is tasked with investigating a vicious death threat against the newly elected female state governor. Gradually, she traces a disturbing connection between this case and the hunt for the Sin Eater. Through snow, ice, violence and lies, Riley Fisher is drawn towards a terrifying revelation.
February 24, 2024
This is the second installment in the Riley Fisher series set in Iowa. Riley is a newly minted FBI agent who is responsible for ensuring the safety of the governor and her family. At the same time, a serial killer is wreaking havoc. Riley investigates to see if there are any connections. This was disturbing at times and highly suspenseful. Erin Young pulls off an outstanding twist. This is definitely a series to watch. For fans of Karin Slaughter and Joanna Schaffhausen.
Many thanks to Netgalley, Edelweiss, Flatiron Books and Erin Young for my complimentary e-copy ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Many thanks to Netgalley, Edelweiss, Flatiron Books and Erin Young for my complimentary e-copy ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
January 24, 2024
Thank you @flatiron_books for the #gifted books and @netgalley and @macmillan.audio for the complimentary audiobook of Original Sins.
I said I was going to catch up on series this year and this is the second one I tackled this month. As soon as I finished The Fields I dove straight into Original Sins.
What I enjoyed about both. Both books had solid plots that kept me guessing right to the end. With Original Sins I had an inkling, but I was way off on the ‘why’. The pace was great, both are books you can easily just sit and consume big chunks at a time. I liked Riley’s character, she’s not trying to be one of the guys but is more than capable of holding her own.
What made Original Sins a better read for me over The Fields? There is a lot of complicated personal backstory in The Fields. It’s told to you in bits and pieces throughout to help explain the relationship she currently has with her family and friends. It also helped to explain a lot about Riley’s character. No doubt, all this information helps the series move forward, but it distracted me from what was going on in the investigation at times. Added to that we had the murders, politics, small farms vs big-agro… there were almost too many puzzle pieces to put together in The Fields.
With Riley’s backstory out of the way, this allowed Original Sins to shine. It hit the ground running and kept on going straight through to the end. I like that some characters from the previous book made an appearance and I hope to continue to see them if there are more books.
Warning, there are some pretty gruesome descriptions of dead bodies. I was able to handle it so most people probably can.
I said I was going to catch up on series this year and this is the second one I tackled this month. As soon as I finished The Fields I dove straight into Original Sins.
What I enjoyed about both. Both books had solid plots that kept me guessing right to the end. With Original Sins I had an inkling, but I was way off on the ‘why’. The pace was great, both are books you can easily just sit and consume big chunks at a time. I liked Riley’s character, she’s not trying to be one of the guys but is more than capable of holding her own.
What made Original Sins a better read for me over The Fields? There is a lot of complicated personal backstory in The Fields. It’s told to you in bits and pieces throughout to help explain the relationship she currently has with her family and friends. It also helped to explain a lot about Riley’s character. No doubt, all this information helps the series move forward, but it distracted me from what was going on in the investigation at times. Added to that we had the murders, politics, small farms vs big-agro… there were almost too many puzzle pieces to put together in The Fields.
With Riley’s backstory out of the way, this allowed Original Sins to shine. It hit the ground running and kept on going straight through to the end. I like that some characters from the previous book made an appearance and I hope to continue to see them if there are more books.
Warning, there are some pretty gruesome descriptions of dead bodies. I was able to handle it so most people probably can.
March 24, 2024
I liked the characters. 3.5
February 13, 2024
Someone is violently attacking single women in her city - is a newly minted FBI agent up to the job of stopping them?
Riley Fisher is not new to law enforcement; she followed in the heels of her grandfather to rise from patrol officer to an investigator with the rank of sergeant in Cedar Falls, the small Iowa town where she grew up. When her work on an investigation caught the attention of an FBI behavioral analyst, Riley was offered the opportunity to join the FBI. She made the difficult decision to seize the chance to carve out a new life and leave behind the relative safety and security of her job (as well as the not always welcome ties to the family of which she had become the de facto caretaker). She is granted her request to be posted to the resident agency in Des Moines, which is a couple hours away from Cedar Falls….close enough to her family if needed, but far enough away to maintain some measure of independence. Riley soon is questioning her decision, however. Her somewhat cold new boss, Connie Meadows, believes that Riley got the job through having friends in high places, and the other agents with whom she will be working aren’t particularly welcoming either. When the security team of the state’s new female governor, Jess Cook, contact the FBI for help due to a recent alarming threat against Cook’s family, Meadows assigns Riley to accompany a more senior agent, Peter Altman, in looking in to the matter. Given that Cook narrowly escaped an attack by an angry extremist right inside the capitol, no one is taking any chances with this latest threat. Meanwhile, the city is unnerved by a recent spate of violent attacks against women that have yielded no suspects. Veteran Detective Julius “Fogg” Verne of the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigations is leading the investigation into the attacks, and is feeling a tremendous amount of pressure from above and from the city at large. Elements of the most recent crime lead him to believe that these crimes are related to unsolved cases perpetrated years earlier by someone the press had dubbed the Sin Eater, which opens up new paths of investigation as well as heightened concerns. Riley sees some similarities between the threats to Governor Cook and the violent assaults of the Sin Eater, and although her reluctant partner Altman doesn’t give her observations much credence, a task force is formed that has the two FBI agents combining efforts with Fogg. Altman is happy to push Riley away from him and towards Fogg, and since Riley actually finds it a better working partnership she is OK with that. Personal problems continue to pull not only at Riley but at others in the group, threats against the governor ratchet up in intensity, and victims’ families are turning up the heat on the police to find whoever is behind the brutal attacks before someone else falls victim. Riley will need to combat her own questions about her abilities, less than supportive work partners, the ever-present hint of sexism and a healthy dose of office and inter-office politics while battling demons from her past and a family that doesn’t want to let go as she works to solve the two cases.
I was hooked by the underlying mystery from the very beginning, and enjoyed getting to know the character of Riley Fisher. She is at a crossroads in her life and career, and how she negotiates her way through both adds to the enjoyment of a solid thriller. Fogg is another interesting member of the cast, a dedicated officer of the law who has always been able to maintain enough detachment from the evils he sees each day to prevent them from coloring his personal life but is finding it increasingly difficult to do so. The two make a good team, each dedicated to the job and talented at it. The underlying mystery rolls out steadily, has more than a few twists, plenty of potential suspects, and a conclusion that came as a bit of a surprise. I enjoyed reading Original Sins and look forward to another installment of the series (this is the second novel featuring Riley Fisher, the first being The Fields). Readers of Linda Castillo, Lisa Unger and Allison Brennan should give this book a try, as should anyone who would enjoy a strong if flawed female protagonist fighting to make her way in a field still largely dominated by men. Many thanks to NetGalley and Flatiron Books for allowing me access to an advanced reader’s copy of Original Sins in return for my honest review….it was a pleasure to read!
Riley Fisher is not new to law enforcement; she followed in the heels of her grandfather to rise from patrol officer to an investigator with the rank of sergeant in Cedar Falls, the small Iowa town where she grew up. When her work on an investigation caught the attention of an FBI behavioral analyst, Riley was offered the opportunity to join the FBI. She made the difficult decision to seize the chance to carve out a new life and leave behind the relative safety and security of her job (as well as the not always welcome ties to the family of which she had become the de facto caretaker). She is granted her request to be posted to the resident agency in Des Moines, which is a couple hours away from Cedar Falls….close enough to her family if needed, but far enough away to maintain some measure of independence. Riley soon is questioning her decision, however. Her somewhat cold new boss, Connie Meadows, believes that Riley got the job through having friends in high places, and the other agents with whom she will be working aren’t particularly welcoming either. When the security team of the state’s new female governor, Jess Cook, contact the FBI for help due to a recent alarming threat against Cook’s family, Meadows assigns Riley to accompany a more senior agent, Peter Altman, in looking in to the matter. Given that Cook narrowly escaped an attack by an angry extremist right inside the capitol, no one is taking any chances with this latest threat. Meanwhile, the city is unnerved by a recent spate of violent attacks against women that have yielded no suspects. Veteran Detective Julius “Fogg” Verne of the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigations is leading the investigation into the attacks, and is feeling a tremendous amount of pressure from above and from the city at large. Elements of the most recent crime lead him to believe that these crimes are related to unsolved cases perpetrated years earlier by someone the press had dubbed the Sin Eater, which opens up new paths of investigation as well as heightened concerns. Riley sees some similarities between the threats to Governor Cook and the violent assaults of the Sin Eater, and although her reluctant partner Altman doesn’t give her observations much credence, a task force is formed that has the two FBI agents combining efforts with Fogg. Altman is happy to push Riley away from him and towards Fogg, and since Riley actually finds it a better working partnership she is OK with that. Personal problems continue to pull not only at Riley but at others in the group, threats against the governor ratchet up in intensity, and victims’ families are turning up the heat on the police to find whoever is behind the brutal attacks before someone else falls victim. Riley will need to combat her own questions about her abilities, less than supportive work partners, the ever-present hint of sexism and a healthy dose of office and inter-office politics while battling demons from her past and a family that doesn’t want to let go as she works to solve the two cases.
I was hooked by the underlying mystery from the very beginning, and enjoyed getting to know the character of Riley Fisher. She is at a crossroads in her life and career, and how she negotiates her way through both adds to the enjoyment of a solid thriller. Fogg is another interesting member of the cast, a dedicated officer of the law who has always been able to maintain enough detachment from the evils he sees each day to prevent them from coloring his personal life but is finding it increasingly difficult to do so. The two make a good team, each dedicated to the job and talented at it. The underlying mystery rolls out steadily, has more than a few twists, plenty of potential suspects, and a conclusion that came as a bit of a surprise. I enjoyed reading Original Sins and look forward to another installment of the series (this is the second novel featuring Riley Fisher, the first being The Fields). Readers of Linda Castillo, Lisa Unger and Allison Brennan should give this book a try, as should anyone who would enjoy a strong if flawed female protagonist fighting to make her way in a field still largely dominated by men. Many thanks to NetGalley and Flatiron Books for allowing me access to an advanced reader’s copy of Original Sins in return for my honest review….it was a pleasure to read!
January 8, 2024
If you enjoy police and FBI procedurals, this is definitely one to add to your list because it was excellent. The procedural aspect was not overdone, but rather it just flowed as a great thriller/mystery with enjoyable characters.
Newly minted FBI agent Riley Fisher’s first assignment is the investigation of threats against the first female governor of Iowa. Simultaneously, the state is dealing with the return of a brutal serial killer who targets women known as the Sin Eater. Is it possible that the Sin Eater is connected in some way to the threats against the governor?
If you are a fan of serial killer fiction, this is not one to miss. It is unique and even as you start to figure out what is going on, I promise, you will not figure it all out until the very end. Our FMC, Riley, is extremely likeable. As for our other characters, there is no way to tell who you can trust.
It is the second book in a series. While I did read the first book, it had been about two years and I was foggy on the details, however that didn’t impact how much I enjoyed this book. I think this could easily be read independently of the first book, but both are excellent.
The audiobook was really well done, so if you are a fan of audiobooks, this is a great one to check out on audio.
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for a copy of this book. I leave this review
voluntarily.
Newly minted FBI agent Riley Fisher’s first assignment is the investigation of threats against the first female governor of Iowa. Simultaneously, the state is dealing with the return of a brutal serial killer who targets women known as the Sin Eater. Is it possible that the Sin Eater is connected in some way to the threats against the governor?
If you are a fan of serial killer fiction, this is not one to miss. It is unique and even as you start to figure out what is going on, I promise, you will not figure it all out until the very end. Our FMC, Riley, is extremely likeable. As for our other characters, there is no way to tell who you can trust.
It is the second book in a series. While I did read the first book, it had been about two years and I was foggy on the details, however that didn’t impact how much I enjoyed this book. I think this could easily be read independently of the first book, but both are excellent.
The audiobook was really well done, so if you are a fan of audiobooks, this is a great one to check out on audio.
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for a copy of this book. I leave this review
voluntarily.
May 18, 2024
Okay, so I didn't realise when I read the first book that Erin Young is a pseudonym for Robyn Young, who has published several historical fiction novels. I was wondering why the first book felt so advanced for a debut. Now I know.
But the second book in the series. Change of setting, change of role for the protagonist. She now works for the FBI and she's no longer in her small farming community. And I have to say this book lacked atmosphere compared to the first book. The atmosphere of the small farming community was amazing. In this book, there's more atmosphere in the descriptions of her apartment than anything else in the story. That's not to say that the mystery isn't interesting. It is, at least until is starts to build into a huge mess. This plot suffers from making everything too big. When you're writing about a serial attacker, don't blow the plot out into something too big to be believable. It just doesn't work out well in the end, and it didn't in this book. When this spirals out of control it took a gripping plot and turned it into a farce. It wasn't a good choice.
What I did like about this is the message. The author stood up to the challenge of writing about violence against women and didn't flinch. I just felt the message was more powerful when the story was more controlled.
Another thing I need to mention is the lack of police procedure in this book. The protagonist shifted from a stickler for procedure in the first book (well, most of the time) to completely ignoring it in this book. I get it's a thriller and some thrillers need the protagonist to act on impulse. I get it. But at least have one character, even if it's a superior in the FBI, mention that actions have consequences, such as evidence not being admissible if a property is searched illegally.
Still, this series has lots to offer. I hope the next book will bring things down to earth a bit more.
But the second book in the series. Change of setting, change of role for the protagonist. She now works for the FBI and she's no longer in her small farming community. And I have to say this book lacked atmosphere compared to the first book. The atmosphere of the small farming community was amazing. In this book, there's more atmosphere in the descriptions of her apartment than anything else in the story. That's not to say that the mystery isn't interesting. It is, at least until is starts to build into a huge mess. This plot suffers from making everything too big. When you're writing about a serial attacker, don't blow the plot out into something too big to be believable. It just doesn't work out well in the end, and it didn't in this book. When this spirals out of control it took a gripping plot and turned it into a farce. It wasn't a good choice.
What I did like about this is the message. The author stood up to the challenge of writing about violence against women and didn't flinch. I just felt the message was more powerful when the story was more controlled.
Another thing I need to mention is the lack of police procedure in this book. The protagonist shifted from a stickler for procedure in the first book (well, most of the time) to completely ignoring it in this book. I get it's a thriller and some thrillers need the protagonist to act on impulse. I get it. But at least have one character, even if it's a superior in the FBI, mention that actions have consequences, such as evidence not being admissible if a property is searched illegally.
Still, this series has lots to offer. I hope the next book will bring things down to earth a bit more.
January 4, 2024
This was a well written FBI thriller. It’s the second book in the Riley Fisher series. I haven’t read the first one but I was able to follow without any confusion. I’m a sucker for “who can I trust” plots, multiple twists/reveals, and a cohesive ending bringing everything together. I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys FBI thrillers.
Narrator Kate Handford was great!
Thank you to NetGalley, Erin Young, and Macmillan Audio for providing this audio ARC. This review is being shared on NetGalley and Goodreads.
Pub Date 13 Feb 2024
Narrator Kate Handford was great!
Thank you to NetGalley, Erin Young, and Macmillan Audio for providing this audio ARC. This review is being shared on NetGalley and Goodreads.
Pub Date 13 Feb 2024
December 27, 2023
The second outing for Riley Fisher was a really enjoyable novel. I enjoyed The Fields but I think I actually enjoyed this one even more.
We meet Riley Fisher as a new FBI Agent who has been tasked with investigating a threat made against a female governor. At the same time, the Sin Eater serial killer is also haunting the city and when Riley finds what might be a link between the two cases, the danger (and excitement) soon ramps up.
As I say, this was really enjoyable. I like Riley as a character but I think there is so much to develop over the course of this series (which I hope continues) and I am looking forward to seeing where this character goes.
Thanks to Netgalley and Hodder and Stoughton for an ARC in exchange for an honest review
We meet Riley Fisher as a new FBI Agent who has been tasked with investigating a threat made against a female governor. At the same time, the Sin Eater serial killer is also haunting the city and when Riley finds what might be a link between the two cases, the danger (and excitement) soon ramps up.
As I say, this was really enjoyable. I like Riley as a character but I think there is so much to develop over the course of this series (which I hope continues) and I am looking forward to seeing where this character goes.
Thanks to Netgalley and Hodder and Stoughton for an ARC in exchange for an honest review
December 18, 2024
Serial attacks on women, threats to the newly elected female governor, partners who can’t be trusted, a new boss who seems more concerned about her political connections than about her agents are all facing Riley Fisher in her first week as a rookie FBI agent in the Des Moines field office. Riley does what she has done for years as first a patrol officer and then as head of criminal investigations – she follows clues, sees connections, and tries to connect the dots. She ignores her boss’s orders to stay in Des Moines and also doesn’t tell her partner what she is investigating. In doing so she ends up with a lot more on her plate than she was supposed to be involved with. You won’t be able to put this down until you see what Riley has uncovered and how it pertains to the cases she is supposed to be working on. Another great police procedural with a few thriller aspects thrown in to keep you tense.
February 15, 2024
Holy Crap!
Hold on to your hat, the seat of your chair, your loved ones, and if you have one…a weapon!
This one will keep you on the edge of your seat…gasping for air, screaming at the villain(s), and…praying.
Riley Fisher has just moved to small town Iowa to her first position as a newly coined FBI Agent. She’s excited, nervous, and raring to go!
However, one she gets there, she realizes this may not be the case for everyone else there….
The guy she is paired with, her partner, wants NOTHING to do with her…he works alone!
The other guy there seems to be ok, but now she is wary… very wary…
But, no time for that!
A woman has just been BRUTALLY attacked and left for dead.
AND, the new female mayor, and her family, have all been threatened with death!
Riley barely has time to think, never mind anything else… But they are tasked to ‘get to the bottom of this’!
As time goes by, many things are revealed…and we soon start forming a picture in our minds…
But, can any of this be true? Who’s working with who?
Riley is launched into a world of politics, lies, deceit, money… and killing!
And will she, and the FBI, be able to do what they NEED to do…before it’s too late??
Many, many twists and turns in this one! Just when I thought I had it all figured out, I was wrong…again and again…
Also, please note: TRIGGERS:
**** There are multiple scenarios with women being brutally attacked. ****.
If this is something you cannot read, please AVOID this book!
It is very graphic at times. 😮😕
That being said…one of the best books I’ve read in a while. I don’t bite my nails, but I wanted to start…
Thanks to #NetGalley and #MacmillanAudio for an ARC of the audiobook which releases TODAY. (2/13/24)
Of note, this is apparently book #2. I did not know that, and it apparently made no difference…
5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ for me!
#OriginalSins by #ErinYoung and narrated perfectly by #KateHandford.
And, after reading the book…what an absolutely appropriate name!
Feel free to like, follow and friend me on: Goodreads,
IG @ #BookReviews_with_emsr or
My Facebook Book Club @ Book Reviews With Elaine.
Thanks so much for reading!📚⭐️📖
Hold on to your hat, the seat of your chair, your loved ones, and if you have one…a weapon!
This one will keep you on the edge of your seat…gasping for air, screaming at the villain(s), and…praying.
Riley Fisher has just moved to small town Iowa to her first position as a newly coined FBI Agent. She’s excited, nervous, and raring to go!
However, one she gets there, she realizes this may not be the case for everyone else there….
The guy she is paired with, her partner, wants NOTHING to do with her…he works alone!
The other guy there seems to be ok, but now she is wary… very wary…
But, no time for that!
A woman has just been BRUTALLY attacked and left for dead.
AND, the new female mayor, and her family, have all been threatened with death!
Riley barely has time to think, never mind anything else… But they are tasked to ‘get to the bottom of this’!
As time goes by, many things are revealed…and we soon start forming a picture in our minds…
But, can any of this be true? Who’s working with who?
Riley is launched into a world of politics, lies, deceit, money… and killing!
And will she, and the FBI, be able to do what they NEED to do…before it’s too late??
Many, many twists and turns in this one! Just when I thought I had it all figured out, I was wrong…again and again…
Also, please note: TRIGGERS:
**** There are multiple scenarios with women being brutally attacked. ****.
If this is something you cannot read, please AVOID this book!
It is very graphic at times. 😮😕
That being said…one of the best books I’ve read in a while. I don’t bite my nails, but I wanted to start…
Thanks to #NetGalley and #MacmillanAudio for an ARC of the audiobook which releases TODAY. (2/13/24)
Of note, this is apparently book #2. I did not know that, and it apparently made no difference…
5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ for me!
#OriginalSins by #ErinYoung and narrated perfectly by #KateHandford.
And, after reading the book…what an absolutely appropriate name!
Feel free to like, follow and friend me on: Goodreads,
IG @ #BookReviews_with_emsr or
My Facebook Book Club @ Book Reviews With Elaine.
Thanks so much for reading!📚⭐️📖
February 8, 2024
This is the second in the Riley Fisher series, but can be read as a standalone. I listened to the audiobook, thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio. The narration by Kate Handford was great! Overall I thought the plot was really interesting and it was a well written story. Some parts were a little slow for me, but if you love police procedurals, this really is a good one. It is dark and twisty, just as any great thriller should be in my opinion. I liked the character of Riley Fisher, and following along as she lands a new job as a rookie FBI agent in Des Moines, Iowa, just as the hunt for a serial killer is underway. I thought her family dynamics added an interesting layer to the story as well. I look forward to what is to come in the series!
June 20, 2023
SUMMARY
Amid a treacherous winter in Des Moines, Iowa, newly promoted FBI agent Riley Fisher is tasked with assisting in the hunt and capture of a serial killer. The Sin Eater, who has been in hiding for nearly thirty years, has re-emerged, stalking and striking women throughout the city. As with any new job comes new challenges; for rookie Riley, it is no different. While hunting for The Sin Eater, Fisher is bogged down by her demons and those among her colleagues. Riley often considers her Quantico and FBI training, but will this be enough to solve the city's most futile case?
REVIEW
Original Sins by Erin Young is dark, mysterious, and exhilarating! While reading, I kept finding myself unable to put the book down. With just the right amount of foreshadowing, along with the twists and turns, I was hooked! Riley is likable, and her complexities and abilities grip the reader in the best way possible.
Because Riley is such a complex character, I wanted to better understand both her and Kody's innermost thoughts and become gripped by them on a deeper level. I feel through the third-person text, that wasn't achieved. The book would have been much more intimate with a dual first-person point-of-view.
The ending had me longing for more, but I suspect more may come since this is Riley Fisher's second appearance, her first being in that of The Fields by Erin Young, specifically regarding Erin's potential romantic interest, Logan. Though the ending happened as it did, there was a lot of room for potential in Riley's personal life that left the reader wanting more.
Overall, I enjoyed Original Sins by Erin Young.
I am so thankful to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC copy of Original Sins in exchange for my honest review!
Amid a treacherous winter in Des Moines, Iowa, newly promoted FBI agent Riley Fisher is tasked with assisting in the hunt and capture of a serial killer. The Sin Eater, who has been in hiding for nearly thirty years, has re-emerged, stalking and striking women throughout the city. As with any new job comes new challenges; for rookie Riley, it is no different. While hunting for The Sin Eater, Fisher is bogged down by her demons and those among her colleagues. Riley often considers her Quantico and FBI training, but will this be enough to solve the city's most futile case?
REVIEW
Original Sins by Erin Young is dark, mysterious, and exhilarating! While reading, I kept finding myself unable to put the book down. With just the right amount of foreshadowing, along with the twists and turns, I was hooked! Riley is likable, and her complexities and abilities grip the reader in the best way possible.
Because Riley is such a complex character, I wanted to better understand both her and Kody's innermost thoughts and become gripped by them on a deeper level. I feel through the third-person text, that wasn't achieved. The book would have been much more intimate with a dual first-person point-of-view.
The ending had me longing for more, but I suspect more may come since this is Riley Fisher's second appearance, her first being in that of The Fields by Erin Young, specifically regarding Erin's potential romantic interest, Logan. Though the ending happened as it did, there was a lot of room for potential in Riley's personal life that left the reader wanting more.
Overall, I enjoyed Original Sins by Erin Young.
I am so thankful to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC copy of Original Sins in exchange for my honest review!
April 4, 2025
Original Sins is the second book in author Erin Young’s Riley Fisher series and it’ll be the last one I read. This book was a real slog for me, bogged down in the middle with a lot of driving around the dreary state of Iowa in winter, looking for clues for a case that isn’t even Fisher’s to start off with. I’m not sure if it’s the overly descriptive text by Young that I dislike the most; after a while it just seems like filler to reach a pre-determined word-count. That may just be my own peccadillo, since I’m so used to the sparseness of a Michael Connelly for my mystery/thrillers. Or maybe it’s once again a case of 10 pounds of story stuffed into a 5-pound book bag, just like in Young’s first novel, The Fields: way too many characters, some of them mentioned once and then showing up again way later, making you pause to think, “Wait … who is this guy?” I like crime novels with strong female protagonists (Connelly’s Renee Ballard, Lee Goldberg’s Eve Ronin), but Riley is just too wishy-washy for me, even though she’s gotten a new job with the FBI and is a favorite of the recently elected governor of Iowa. Her family problems, her guilt over neglecting her niece, her “will they or won’t they” possible romance with a former co-worker (played out in this book in just one scene) … all collide to give the impression of a character in desperate need of a kick in the butt and a Cher-based “SNAP OUT OF IT!” direct from Moonstruck. It took me forever to finish this book … I guess I just should have walked away from it in the middle. Iowa in the middle of winter isn't a fun place, especially with a sad-sack FBI agent.
January 9, 2024
First off: I received this ARC in a GoodReads Giveaway. Also: there is no relationship between the author and me despite the same surname. My review is my honest opinion and is in no way influenced by having received the free ARC.
I must say I liked the story from the start to the exciting finish. This is the type of novel I enjoy most...crime...serial killer they call The Sin Eater...told with a nod to the female perspective, in this case female FBI Agent Riley Fisher. This is the second in a series (2 so far) of novels with Riley Fisher as the main character. I have not read the first book -- and this worked fine as a stand alone novel.
There is lots of action and excitement told in compelling complete short chapters which is the style of writing I prefer. I think this book would make a great movie or since this is or is planned to be a series possibly a TV or streaming series.
I did find a few grammatical oddities in my opinion but since this an uncorrected advance copy I didn't let this influence me. These will likely be corrected before the final product is released.
I recommend this novel for anyone (especially females) who enjoy reading crime fiction from the female point of view.
I must say I liked the story from the start to the exciting finish. This is the type of novel I enjoy most...crime...serial killer they call The Sin Eater...told with a nod to the female perspective, in this case female FBI Agent Riley Fisher. This is the second in a series (2 so far) of novels with Riley Fisher as the main character. I have not read the first book -- and this worked fine as a stand alone novel.
There is lots of action and excitement told in compelling complete short chapters which is the style of writing I prefer. I think this book would make a great movie or since this is or is planned to be a series possibly a TV or streaming series.
I did find a few grammatical oddities in my opinion but since this an uncorrected advance copy I didn't let this influence me. These will likely be corrected before the final product is released.
I recommend this novel for anyone (especially females) who enjoy reading crime fiction from the female point of view.
October 11, 2023
OK, I'm gonna start by talking about the title cause it's just spot on. It's so mysterious and intriguing!!! I LOVE IT!
This is a dark crime thriller that you keep you on the edge of your seat. It's fast paced and Erin Young's writing style makes it feel as if you're right there with the characters.
The Sin Eater (what a great name!!!!) is attacking women in Des Moine, and the city is gripped by fear. Riley Fisher has just started working as an FBI agent, as in a tough spot after leaving her post as a small-town sargeant to become a rookie again.
She's teamed with people she is not sure she can trust, and is thrown in the middle of a political field that just complicates matters. It's a wild ride.
Erin Young's writing style is wonderful! She masterfully weaves nuanced plotlines, creating a thoughtful exploration of issues that are very real right now. The characters are well developed, the pace is on-point, and you'll really feel as if you're right there with Riley. You'll get the right amount of twists and turns, action and foreshadowing. This was a very enjoyable read!
I'd like to express my gratitude for having received an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
This is a dark crime thriller that you keep you on the edge of your seat. It's fast paced and Erin Young's writing style makes it feel as if you're right there with the characters.
The Sin Eater (what a great name!!!!) is attacking women in Des Moine, and the city is gripped by fear. Riley Fisher has just started working as an FBI agent, as in a tough spot after leaving her post as a small-town sargeant to become a rookie again.
She's teamed with people she is not sure she can trust, and is thrown in the middle of a political field that just complicates matters. It's a wild ride.
Erin Young's writing style is wonderful! She masterfully weaves nuanced plotlines, creating a thoughtful exploration of issues that are very real right now. The characters are well developed, the pace is on-point, and you'll really feel as if you're right there with Riley. You'll get the right amount of twists and turns, action and foreshadowing. This was a very enjoyable read!
I'd like to express my gratitude for having received an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
February 19, 2024
3.5 rounding up. This is a solid procedural with despicable villains and a strong protagonist. My two main nitpicks were that there was no banter or creative cooperation between the MC and anyone she was investigating with and that I really hate reading about the repeated abuse of women. Other than that this was pretty spot on.
Riley Fisher is back and this time is investigating a criminal who brutally abuses women. In parallel, the first female governor is receiving death threats and Riley is tasked with protecting her as well. As possible overlaps in the cases arise, Riley realizes she’s up against someone who will stop at nothing to take what they believe they deserve.
The violence against women in this book is graphic and constant. We see women get knocked around, emotionally abused, raped and more and it’s a lot to handle. It does make you hate the villain but there were times I had to walk away for a bit. It is also a very slow burn in the beginning because there is no chemistry between Riley and the rest of the team. Without that witty banter procedurals fall flat for me. Luckily half way through the investigation really takes off and kept me engaged.
Riley Fisher is back and this time is investigating a criminal who brutally abuses women. In parallel, the first female governor is receiving death threats and Riley is tasked with protecting her as well. As possible overlaps in the cases arise, Riley realizes she’s up against someone who will stop at nothing to take what they believe they deserve.
The violence against women in this book is graphic and constant. We see women get knocked around, emotionally abused, raped and more and it’s a lot to handle. It does make you hate the villain but there were times I had to walk away for a bit. It is also a very slow burn in the beginning because there is no chemistry between Riley and the rest of the team. Without that witty banter procedurals fall flat for me. Luckily half way through the investigation really takes off and kept me engaged.
October 4, 2024
I hadn’t realised when I first picked up this book that it was the second in the series but actually this did not impact my reading experience. If anything it made me keen to go back to book 1 and find all the Easter eggs I may have missed having not read them in order.
I found this book unpredictable at every turn leaving me eager to keep reading and there were some fantastic twists throughout. Young creates characters to hate and characters to route for with ease and I found myself fully immersed in the world she created.
This book is extremely poignant in its message on how mainstream violence against women can become and, while disturbing and graphic, the plot line feels close to a plausible reality in a scary way. A difficult read at times and definitely trigger warnings are appropriate to mention at this point.
The author has a tendency to describe and set the scene excessively at points and I felt the description of cold and snow being drummed into me unnecessarily at times. Other than this I throughly enjoyed this read and will be back to read the first book.
I found this book unpredictable at every turn leaving me eager to keep reading and there were some fantastic twists throughout. Young creates characters to hate and characters to route for with ease and I found myself fully immersed in the world she created.
This book is extremely poignant in its message on how mainstream violence against women can become and, while disturbing and graphic, the plot line feels close to a plausible reality in a scary way. A difficult read at times and definitely trigger warnings are appropriate to mention at this point.
The author has a tendency to describe and set the scene excessively at points and I felt the description of cold and snow being drummed into me unnecessarily at times. Other than this I throughly enjoyed this read and will be back to read the first book.
February 7, 2024
In a brilliant and addictive thriller for fans of Tana French and Liz Moore, FBI rookie Riley Fisher must navigate a brutal serial killer as well as a kidnapping plot against the governor.
Thank you Macmillan Audio & Netgalley for sending me a review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review! I enjoyed this book. I wasn’t sure if I was going to like this book because it dragged in the beginning but once I made it to 60% of the book, it picked up pace and I didn’t want to stop reading this book. I liked the female FBI agent and the female governor. I liked the setting. I liked the religious cult that was in this. I thought they were really interesting. I liked the feminist message that was in here. This is the second book in a series. I haven’t read the first book but I didn’t feel like I was missing any important information by not reading the first book. Now that I’ve read this book, I’m going to read the first book called The Fields.
Thank you Macmillan Audio & Netgalley for sending me a review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review! I enjoyed this book. I wasn’t sure if I was going to like this book because it dragged in the beginning but once I made it to 60% of the book, it picked up pace and I didn’t want to stop reading this book. I liked the female FBI agent and the female governor. I liked the setting. I liked the religious cult that was in this. I thought they were really interesting. I liked the feminist message that was in here. This is the second book in a series. I haven’t read the first book but I didn’t feel like I was missing any important information by not reading the first book. Now that I’ve read this book, I’m going to read the first book called The Fields.
July 24, 2023
Original Sins by Erin Young is genuinely hard for me to review. At its core, it's a detective story about a serial killer. The setting, though, makes it much trickier. If you're sensitive to books set at the height of COVID...this should probably be a firm skip. The pandemic features prominently, as do the other social issues that boiled over in summer 2020. This book feels Very Very Real. This serial killer is targeting women...and that's about all I can say without spoiling a major plot point. Young masterfully weaves together plotlines and creates a nuanced, thoughtful exploration of the the many, many issues that the last presidency and the pandemic brought out into the open. Hard read, good mystery.
Thanks to NetGalley & the publisher for the ARC!
Thanks to NetGalley & the publisher for the ARC!
February 1, 2024
Riley Fisher is a newbie with the FBI, trying to prove her worth in the Des Moines Iowa city. Riley has plenty of experience, but her new "partner" is not convinced. As she steps into the role to protect, and manage the threats being received by the Governor, Riley quickly understands there is another threat that also needs to be managed, the reappearance of the "Sin Eater".
Overall, this was a good book with an interesting story line. It reminds me of running like a law and order episode. There was character development, but enough threads to want you to keep reading future Riley Fisher novels. There were surprises, and some action. The audio quality was good, and the book was easy to listen.
Overall, this was a good book with an interesting story line. It reminds me of running like a law and order episode. There was character development, but enough threads to want you to keep reading future Riley Fisher novels. There were surprises, and some action. The audio quality was good, and the book was easy to listen.
August 7, 2024
Politics and pressure collide for newly-minted FBI agent Riley Fisher when she returns to wintry Des Moines, Iowa just in time to see a long-dormant serial killer emerge once more—but are the new attacks really the work of the Sin Eater she remembers from decades past? And is the brutal killer known for targeting women in the name of a twisted religious obsession the same person who’s now threatening the female governor Riley vowed to protect? The follow up to THE FIELDS is every bit as urgent and surprising, and Erin Young’s thoughtful prose adds sophistication to this adrenaline-fueled thriller. Young has become an auto-buy author for me, and I look forward to seeing what she does next!
February 13, 2025
I loved The Fields so I was excited for this second installment. I was also really in the mood for a police procedural. My library only had this on audio but I think I would’ve liked it more if I got to read it. It felt a little confusing to me over audio, especially since there were a lot of characters so I feel like I missed something which I hate.
But overall I think I got the gist of the story & I did really like it. Erin Young has become an author I enjoy just from this series, & The Fields is one that I remember fondly & really enjoyed. I hope a third book comes out soon because I really like Riley Fisher & the procedural books Erin writes.
4 stars!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
But overall I think I got the gist of the story & I did really like it. Erin Young has become an author I enjoy just from this series, & The Fields is one that I remember fondly & really enjoyed. I hope a third book comes out soon because I really like Riley Fisher & the procedural books Erin writes.
4 stars!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
December 24, 2023
Immersive and gripping, this police procedural podcast is a masterclass in storytelling. With a hard-hitting theme, it seamlessly weaves together intricate plotlines, keeping listeners on the edge of their seats. The pacing is expertly crafted, delivering a relentless momentum that hooks you from the first episode. The engaging dialogue and well-developed characters add depth to the narrative, making each episode a must-listen. A compelling blend of grit and finesse, this podcast sets a high standard for the genre, leaving audiences eagerly awaiting each new installment.
June 20, 2024
An incredible follow up to The Fields. I was absolutely hooked on this deeply layered mystery. I love that we have so many POVs - it’s never confusing and only adds to the suspense. Riley is a fantastic, strong main character and anchors these books. The level of detail in the backstory and interconnected plots makes for a well-constructed thriller that is all-consuming right through to the very end. The political aspects found in book one are here too and so relevant. I love that the author is not afraid to shy away from important issues. I cannot wait for the next book in this series - so good!!
January 18, 2024
I was really intrigued by the plot summary for this, but something about it just didn't work for me. I felt that the protagonist lost some of her spark that was present in book #1 of the series.
Some of the dark scenes were quite graphic (reminiscent of Karin Slaughter's writing).
If you are new to the mystery/thriller genre, you will probably enjoy this more than I did. I felt that it was a bit predictable - though still a good book overall.
Some of the dark scenes were quite graphic (reminiscent of Karin Slaughter's writing).
If you are new to the mystery/thriller genre, you will probably enjoy this more than I did. I felt that it was a bit predictable - though still a good book overall.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 297 reviews