Sins of the Lines

by Sharhonda Exantus

Everyone has something to hide—and someone has nothing to lose …

Nia Bryant has waited her entire life for this moment—the day when she and her line sisters are revealed as the newest members of Kappa Theta Theta sorority. It’s supposed to be the happiest day of her life … except Nia Bryant is missing …

With no clues left behind except for her abandoned car, Detective Chris Evans and his partner have very little to go on when they receive the assignment. The case makes national headlines, and the detectives know that they only have one chance to get this right. Nia Bryant isn’t your typical victim, and girls like her don’t just disappear—at least not by choice.

But as they start to peel back the layers of her life, they discover that the missing student has secrets of her own—secrets that give several people motive to want her gone. Lies, betrayals, and long buried secrets are unearthed—revealing a twisted crime rooted in revenge that no one saw coming.

Genres: Mystery, Thriller

250 pages, Paperback

Published April 26, 2023

Reviews

[The Bookish Bri · Rating 3 out of 5]

Set on an HBCU campus with a sorority that is getting ready for its annual pledging ceremony, everything is going well until someone goes missing. Nia Bryant, the daughter of a politician, there are many suspects, but it's always someone everyone least expects.

This book kept me intrigued, especially because the first character introduced was someone unknown to the rest of the characters. This murder mystery has a triple POV featuring mainly the detective (Chris) and Nia's best friend (Tori), and the mystery woman (Evie). Together Tori and Chris work together to uncover a secret that's been hidden for years.

Along with the mystery, this book dives into the consequences of one's action when disrespecting the ones, we once loved and how power corrupts humanity. I think the author does a great job of tackling these topics, but the ending for me felt very rushed.

Thank you cocoachapters and the author for sending a gifted copy.

[Angie Holden · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me hooked from the first chapter! The mystery begins right away, leaving the first character unknown. I wasn’t sure how that character was relevant until the very end! Based on college students and the inter workings of sororities, gives he plot plenty of depth and drama. The story is well told through multiple points of view, the victims best friend and the detective tirelessly working the case. As the detective and Nia’s best friend continuously try to uncover the truth with plenty of twists and turns, the loose ends are tied up nicely in the end. The author does an amazing job keeping readers on their toes and completely enthralled in the story. I did not see the ending coming, but absolutely loved the shocking outcome.

[Passion Y · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Sorority Line, Probate Night and 1 Missing Line Sister. Okay, okay. So this book was too good. It was like watching an episode of Will Trent or CSI or something.

⚡️

The secrets people keep and think no one will remember always seems to haunt them eventually. Nia Bryant was missing on probate night. Then secrets came out about her and the people around her. Anyone and everyone connected to those people had secrets as well and it never stopped. Then the truth comes out, and her murder is rooted in revenge. It was a like a waterfall of secrets and betrayal, a domino effect.

One that ends leaving everyone confused, hurt, but with a sense of relief.

An Eye for an Eye 🫣

[Cam Cam Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was good don’t get me wrong but I wanted more twist if that makes any sense but still a good story .

[Kim’s Kindle Reads. · Rating 5 out of 5]

At first I wasn’t sure where this was going but baby …. This was good. Messy as all get out. The twist and secrets that came out were so unpredictable. I loved how it all tied together in the end. I would love to read more from this author !!!

[Kyra · Rating 5 out of 5]

So I am not as technical of a reviewer as some people on here but Babyyyyyyyy. I bought this book yesterday at an urban book festival and just finished it tonight. When I tell you I was on the edge of my seaaatt????!!!! I believe this was this author’s debut book and when I tell y’all I was HOOKED from beginning to end. Yall don’t walk….run and order this book. I was holding my breath trying to read fast to find out what was going to happen next. If you like thriller/murder mystery books definitely check this out. I won’t say too much more because I don’t want to spoil it but I will say this BE CAREFUL HOW YOU TREAT PEOPLE! Lol.

[Reading_Utopia! · Rating 5 out of 5]

SUSPENSEFUL & INTENSE

I just wrapped up the most AMAZING book, and it totally proves why thrillers have my heart! Sins of the Lines is an absolute MUST-READ for all my fellow thriller fans out there! Nia Bryant is living her best life as the new girl in Kappa Theta Theta sorority, but then she goes missing, and the suspense is off the charts! The story unfolds through the perspectives of Evie, Chris, and Tori, and I was on the edge of my seat the entire time! I seriously couldn't put it down; it felt like I was watching a thrilling movie unfold right before my eyes! Why on earth did I wait so long to dive into this incredible debut novel!

[Rachael · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the very beginning I was hooked, who was this mysterious character that opened the book? She was very secretive until the end.

Nia Bryant, daughter of Congressman Dwight Bryant goes missing. She was part of a Sorority function and then disappears. What happened to her has everyone in the community continually guessing. There are so many secrets from Nia's current life to the history with her parents and their friends. This book has you guessing from the very beginning, and at the end all the secrets tie together.

A great suspenseful read.

[Ashia Tremble · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 10/10 — A Must-Read Thriller!

Sins of the Lines was an absolute 10/10 for me! I’m new to the thriller/mystery genre, but this one instantly shot to the top of my list. The plot twist had me on edge — when it finally came, I could’ve thrown my Kindle! The suspense, the pacing, the writing — everything kept me hooked from start to finish. If you’re looking for a book that’ll have your jaw dropping and your heart racing, this is it. Highly recommended!

[Mitzi Ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my gosh! This was a great book!!!
No spoilers here, but the plot twist... I had no idea!
Well-written, flows smoothly, easy read!

[Kim G. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow, I had to get my thoughts. This story left me speechless. The lies and betrayal are something else in this dialogue. What a thriller! The person I thought committed the crime didn't, so I had to go back and reread the first few pages. The hurt this person carried for so many years, I was just so hurt for this person. It is a fantastic book. The author did an excellent job writing this book and kept my interest to the end of the book. Some of the cast characters were straight-up mean and bitter, even the parents. I realized now why I never joined a sorority was too stressful. Anyway, it's a downright good book to read.

Very well done, Sharhonda Exantus. I am looking forward to reading more of her writing.

[Alison · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent mystery, especially for a first-timer! I also liked that it takes place at an HBCU, even if it’s a fictional school. It’s nice to have some diversity in the murder mystery genre. I liked the different perspectives and the twists and turns, as well as the multigenerational aspect. A thoroughly enjoyable murder mystery that I didn’t want to put down. I look forward to reading more from this author.

I received a free review copy. My opinion is purely my own.

[Misty Blackburn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book! It had me at the first page and never disappointed me at all. It kept me guessing all the way through the book. I love Murder mystery books, this one had a twist to it that made it all the better. A must read for anyone who loves murder mysteries!! So if you like James Patterson and John Grisham you will love this!!

[Anniee Bee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hands down the best book I've read in a long time!

[Style and Savings · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you partner @cocoachapters and @the_pharmd_novelist for the gifted copy of Sins Of The Lines by Sharhonda Exantus

This mystery is set on the campus of Magnolia State University (a fictional HBCU). The night before the Kappa Theta Theta induction ceremony, Nia Bryant, a student and sorority pledge goes missing.The investigation becomes national news and secrets from the past are brought to light.

I was originally attracted to this book because it takes place on a college campus.
I cared about all of the main characters and kept reading to find out what happened to Nia and who would have reason to be involved in her disappearance.

As I tried to draw conclusions, I did not see the big twist coming!

Evie really was a victim before she was a villain! I wish she could have gotten revenge that didn’t involve murder or her own death - maybe a white collar/financial crime or a campaign sabotage. After all the wrongs that were done to her, I wish she could have found happiness in the end.

I recommend this book for fans of psychological thrillers and campus life.
I would like to read more stories set at Magnolia State University and the town of Magnolia Springs. Officer Chris Evans and his companion Rosalind the medical examiner should be back on the case in future mysteries.

Please give us more! I’m excited to see what you write next.

[Sage Bloom Cloud · Rating 5 out of 5]

While this isn’t usually my go-to genre for reading, I still enjoyed it. The elements of suspense and investigation were interesting, though I personally would’ve liked some of the themes to be explored a little deeper. That said, I think the intended audience—fans of mystery and thrillers—will be fully satisfied.

The writing is strong, and the plot kept me invested, but some moments felt repetitive and slowed the momentum. I understand that repetition in mysteries can help readers stay on track, but here it occasionally made the story feel stuck. I also wish we had gotten to see more bitterness from Evie earlier on in the book.

There’s no spice in this story, which I didn’t expect going in, but I still looked for chemistry and connection between characters. That’s where I found myself wanting more. Some relationships felt like they were dropped in without enough emotional buildup or context, which made it harder to connect with the cast. But I understand the story has to go on.

One of my favorite things about this book? The twist. I usually pride myself on being able to figure out the ending or guess the killer early on, but this one genuinely surprised me in the best way. If you're a fan of thrillers with secrets, tension, and strong reveals, this is definitely worth the read.

[Randi Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book captured my attention from the first word. It is set on a southern college campus where a student has gone missing. It took me back to my sorority days with all the activities and ceremonies, and the personality clashes that are inevitable when a group of young women are involved. The book is told in alternating chapters by Nia's best friend Tori and Chris, the detective on the case as they frantically try to find her. A few chapters are told by a mysterious woman named Evie. A lot of the people had characters to hide, but good police work and technology prevailed. The characters were well developed, and the plot with all its twists and turns was compelling. These twists left me guessing to the end. I received a copy of this book from Hidden Gems and I thank them for introducing me to this author.

[Jenifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

In sororities you expect catty drama but never murder.
Sorority pledge, Nia, goes missing and is soon found dead. Not just dead but horrifically murdered. The days trying to find her murderer are taxing, stressful, and emotionally draining to say the least. She is the daughter of a congressman which makes it extra intense.
The story is told from several viewpoints but mainly the lead detective on the case and Nia's best friend. The pacing is so fast with new twisted details coming in every minute that you won't want to put it down. Is the most obvious answer the correct answer?
This is the debut novel from Sharhonda Exantus. If the rest of her work is half as good as this she will have a very successful career ahead. Really great read!


(I received a complimentary copy of this book from Hidden Gems)

[Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️ .5 stars! Nia is on the verge of a huge milestone, probate day at Magnolia State University, where she’s set to officially join the prestigious Kappa Theta Theta sorority. Excitement is in the air, and her best friend, Tori can’t wait to celebrate with her.

But when Nia suddenly goes silent, missing calls and texts, concern quickly turns to panic. It’s completely out of character, and when her parents report her missing, detectives Chris Evans and his partner take on the case, but with little to go on, the mystery only deepens.

This story is told in multiple POV's, and I found this storyline both engaging and suspenseful. Although there were moments when the pacing slowed a bit and some parts felt a tad repetitive, the twist at the end made up for it. Overall, I enjoyed this book and would recommend it to anyone who loves a good mystery!

[Shernell · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a slow-burner thriller that was intriguing but also very sad. It shows what happens when people that you trust and love can also betray you. The consequences of those actions can be detrimental. It showed how friendships, especially in a sorority collegiate setting, are meaningful and how communication, accountability, and honesty are essential in relationships. The HBCU college location is very nostalgic for me because I went to an HBCU myself. I also liked the focus on mental health in the story and the strong character development of the male characters in the book. The favorite quotes I selected are great foreshadowing cues that helped make the story move forward and make the anticipation high for the conclusion. I enjoyed the book and would recommend it.

[Shannan Harper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. This book had me hooked from the beginning right until the very end. This was such an enjoyable ride from a new author. It kept me guessing and I could not have enjoyed a book so much. Although I don't dip too far out of romance, I have been getting more into thrillers, and this book falls in line with every one I have enjoyed thus far. It did not read like it was the author's debut book. It was such an enjoyable, fast paced read that I did not want to put down. If the author keeps producing book like this, she will surely have a fan for life.

I received a copy of the book via the Author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review of my own thoughts and opinions.

[DesignatedBookWorm · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was swept up in this whodunit thriller while convalescing in my bed on a rainy evening and could not put it down. Thanks to this book I managed to eat 500 calories over my suggested daily intake (because I needed something to munch on as the story unfolded). All the characters were likable. The entire setting and feel of the campus gave a wholesome vibe. You could tell the students that attended MSU were closed and got along well. That is, until someone comes up missing, which made the whole ordeal creepy. The author did a great job at balancing the hometown feel with chilling terror. I look forward to reading more of her books in the future.

[Cleo Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rounded up to 4 stars, would probably give it 3.75. For a debut indie author novel…congratulations! This was very well done and I can’t wait to follow you on your writing journey. You will only get better with time and on your way to a best selling novelist.

I will say there are not trigger warnings in the book, so if you are sensitive to fertility issues or termination of pregnancy, this may not be the book for you.

A 3 POV book that tells a story about a girl from MSU that goes missing. Tori her best friend, Chris the detective and a mysterious woman named Evie all tell the story as the police try and figure out what happened to Nia.

[Sharmani Jayaram · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nia Bryant had wanted to be one of the new members of the Kappa Theta Theta sorority but goes missing before the celebration day. Tori her friend is worried as Byron who had been her boyfriend had betrayed her and Nia had been devastated. Detective Chris Evans and Cramer his partner have a time uncovering the secrets and the cause of her disappearance and later her death. Lies, betrayal and secrets were behind this brutal crime. A gripping read. I received this book via booksirans and leave a honest review. I recommend this book to other readers.

[Jared · Rating 4 out of 5]

This could change after I sit with my feelings for a little longer. I know this book wasn’t perfect but I flew through it in a day and it kept me really entertained throughout. TBD if I rate it higher but regardless I ate this up in a day. Some ‘duh’ moments regarding the detectives a few times but it didn’t take me out, just a slight eye roll and inner dialogue like, ‘okay why didn’t they check that earlier…’

In terms of how hooked I was it was 5 stars but for some reason I just don’t think I’m willing to give it 5. That could change.

Also, for those that love crime/mystery/thriller books, I will admit I caught on semi early to who I thought did it but the details uncovered later around motive really kept me interested even after ‘guessing’ correctly. So, for me it was still worth it. I know some people don’t like to find out who did it till right at the end… so depending on your preference that piece MIGHT bug you. It was probably second half, but felt early.

[Briitta (Momma_Shligga) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. From the very first page, Sins of the Lines pulls you into a layered, fast-paced mystery full of secrets, betrayal, and unexpected twists. The shifting perspectives between Detective Evans, best friend Tori, and the elusive Evie keep the tension high and the guessing game alive until the final reveal. Set against the vibrant backdrop of an HBCU, this story offers fresh representation in the mystery genre. I flew through it. And that ending? Absolutely jaw-dropping. A must-read for thriller lovers.

[Read & Escape with Nina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed Sins of the Lines. It was nostalgic to my collegiate days with the college exam/class references. I'm usually not into a detective's perspective in a book but the detective, Chris, was quite interesting, smart, and to the point. There wasn't too much legal jargon. We follow different characters, and I think it flowed pretty well considering all the characters mentioned. The chapters were short, huge plus for me, and it was straight to the point. The twist at the end was satisfying. I would highly recommend this book.

[babygirllit (Tish) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed everything about this book. I was glued to every chapter. I read this book in one day, because I needed to know what happened next and who was in the radar of this investigation.

If you like a mystery/suspenseful read, then this is the book for you. Thank me later.

It was well written. The plots were on point. There was character developement. Most of all it was engaging and had me curious throughout the book.

[Verna S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Attention Grabbing!

My daughter highly recommended this book. She said it was the best suspense mystery she'd read all of last year. I gave this book a 5 star review. It was captivating, full of plot twist and mystery. I finished it in two days because I just couldn't put it down. The story was believable, you get sucked right in. I can't wait to read Sharhonda's next novel. I enjoyed this read! I loved it!

[MS. KYM · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 🌟

Very good storyline/plot, with a jaw-dropping twist & turn, every now & then. Straight up to the ending, I was intrigued.
Nonetheless, the character, Tori, rubbed me the wrong way at times (maybe it's the way her Mom & Aunt treated her).

I'd recommend to anyone wanting to read a Suspense tale 👍🏽