Sins of the Father

Erin Solomon Pentalogy #2

by Jen Blood

Sins of the Father finds Erin Solomon continuing her quest to find her father by investigating a convicted murderer's claim of innocence. Her investigation leads her down a path of dark secrets, painful truths, and deadly obsessions, as she struggles to reconcile her memories of her father with the cold, ruthless portrait others paint. When she and fellow reporter "Diggs" Diggins are forced into the northern Maine woods by someone intent on making them pawns in a diabolical game of cat and mouse, it will take everything they have to get out alive, and finally learn the truth about Erin’s father’s past—and the trail of bodies in his wake.

Genres: Mystery, Thriller, Fiction, Mystery Thriller, Suspense, Romance, Ebooks

275 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 23, 2012

About the author

Jen Blood is a professional editor and publishing consultant, and author of the bestselling Erin Solomon Mysteries. She holds an MFA in Creative Writing/Popular Fiction, with writing influences ranging from Emily Bronte to Dennis Lehane, and any number of genres and authors in between. Her work has earned accolades and awards including the AIA Seal of Quality and the B.R.A.G. Medallion for ALL THE BLUE-EYED ANGELS, and honorable mention for Best in Fiction from the New England Book Festival for her second novel, SINS OF THE FATHER. All four of her novels have reached the Amazon Bestseller list in Mystery, Suspense, and Women Sleuths.

Born and raised among the smaller fishing villages of midcoast Maine, Jen's writing is rich with the details and tone of that isolated, occasionally harsh landscape. Today, after spending several years traveling the country, Jen is once again living in midcoast Maine, busily working on the next installment in the Erin Solomon series.

Reviews

[Bev Youngberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second book does not disappoint in any way, shape, or form. You can’t help but fall in love with the key players in this book; Solomon, Diggs and Juarez. And just who in the heck is this J person, what do they have to do with the Payson Church murders?

When you think a question isn’t going to be answered, it is. But it’ll keep your mind active by bringing up other revelations. I’m on to book number 3 because I can’t put these down!

[Elisabeth Zguta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book two of the Erin Solomon Mystery series ramps up the danger and darkness as Erin digs deeper into her father's past. Old murders become connected, and the trail leads to assumptions about her father's implication in the horrific murders. The story is fast paced, and unfolds in a natural manner, introducing colorful characters and twisted motives. All the while, Erin's love interests tag along, with intent to help her, creating an awkward tension in the triangle relationship between herself, Diggs and her Fed. Lots of deep motives are revealed, as the sinister crimes lead down many paths - until Erin and Diggs fall prey.... They learn much about their instincts of survival and their emotional attachment to each other. A great ending, resolutions found for some questions but still more unresolved mysteries. Can't wait to read the next story in this series. Great job Jen Blood.

[H Svinos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another excellent book by Jen Blood, it continues the story of Erin and her quest to find the truth but little does she know what a twisted truth that is.
Nail biting, same narrator as the first butmuch better narration as really has got into the characters now as the first was a bit stilted. We get introduced to Jamie Flint for the first time too.
Already downloaded the 3rd book ready to listen to.

[Jenny Whetzel · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author did a great job with this sequel with adding more danger. And because of this, I am certain that I will be purchasing the next in the series. There were a couple times that I literally could not power down my kindle and go to bed, I just had to know what happened next.

[Ashley Capes · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'd go 4.5 if I could, more tension, deepening and expanding the mystery around Erin's father, great stuff. Real review to follow.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like this one better than the first but that is often the case. As the series progress the characters find their voices as does the story. I am invested in Erin and the answers she seeks.

[Robert · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's rare for the second book in a series to be as good, let alone better, than the first book. The first book gets all the advantages. As readers we want to like the first book, so we go in with a more forgiving attitude. We forgive poorly developed character, plot flaws, and writer's quirks that would otherwise drive us to distraction because we're too busy being willfully seduced by the charms of a new story and all that it promises. Of course it's the second book that suffers for the literary love goggles we use when reading the first book. The second book need not only stand on it's own merits, it needs to do so while maintaining continuity with the first book's world and characters, and without the benefit of having that new "first book" smell. Basically, the second book in a series needs tell an entirely new and compelling story while carrying all of the baggage of the first book and getting none of the leeway. That is a pretty tall order for any work to meet, regardless of the writer, and it explains why so many sophomore entries in a series are considered 'weak sisters'. Now if you've gotten this far and you're wondering how I felt about this book, wonder no more - NONE of what I just wrote applies to "Sins of the Father" (SotF).

SotF is a home-run in it's own right, and not just as the second entry in a series - in that respect it's possibly the best #2 book I've ever had the pleasure to read. I won't go too deep into plot details, but I will touch on some things that Jen did which managed to truly surprise me. The plot was intricate, layered in complexity and as twisted as any good crime/suspense novel's must be, but it avoided the most common pitfalls that afflict the genre and are a trap for even the best writers. With SotF the various plots and subplots are enough to drive one to distraction, but they never became so complicated that the reader is hopelessly entangled. Rather they enmesh in a way that resembled skein of fine yarn (something in the neighborhood of angora I'd suspect), where with a single pull on the center thread the reader can unravel the entire plot quite neatly.

In character development our heroine, Erin Solomon, returns to us only slightly altered from the first novel, and it is a good thing IMO. Erin provides a sense of constancy in the beginning that allows us to join her in her journey in a way that we otherwise wouldn't. At the start of the story she's had little contact with Jack and even less with Diggs, so as she reconnects and interacts with them through the course of the story it gives us a whole other insight into her character, it also serves as a vehicle in the development of both male supporting characters. When we see Diggs and Juarez again we are expecting the same two friendly rivals for Erin's heart who we saw at the end of 'All the Blue-Eyes Angels', what we get is something more substantial, and more rewarding for us as readers. These two men begin the second book strong and finish stronger, in fact there are scenes later in SotF where I'm cheering on Diggs or Jack, even at the expense of Erin. Why? In part, I'm a guy and I can relate to these men, to what they're going through, to what they're experiencing, and to what they're feeling. There are times in SotF that Erin so frustrates me I wanted to strangle her myself - and then Jack or Diggs would make clear the exact same feelings and I'd roar in agreement. To connect with a character in a book is a mark of how well a book is written, but the failing of most authors when writing characters of the opposite sex is a simple one, they don't truly understand how the other half thinks. In this case Jen Blood has not only avoided that common pitfall but managed to create two secondary characters so compelling they could be main characters in novels of their own.

Now, to recap - book #2, Sins of the Father, is amazing. BUY IT NOW. Also, can't wait for the third installment of the series. Oh, and whoever is in charge can put me down for a "Team Diggs" T-Shirt when the merchandising starts.

[John Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is where the story starts to hit its stride. I started reading and promptly forgot everything around me. The expanded cast of characters and the varied locations around Maine all ring true (I've lived here for over 60 years). Just enough was answered to make me feel satisfied, while the tension level and new unanswered questions had me ready to jump into the next book.

[Cristin Grenier · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have fallen in love with the Erin Solomon Pentology. Blood does a great job of pulling you in from page one. I will say that the parts I listened to on Audible had some areas of poor narration but it was still a great story.

The love triangle with Erin, Juarez and Diggs continues. Somehow Blood pulls it off. You find yourself rooting for both men and understanding why Erin has such issues making a choice.

A serial killer with possible ties to Erin's missing father leads them to his hometown to look for clues as to who is killing these innocent women, What they find is an unbelievable and horrifying tale of rape, murder and identity switching. They also come to face with the "hooded man" and finally get to see his face!!

I definitely recommend this whole series for anyone who loves amazing likeable characters and suspense.

[Jagged · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not bad

Not as good as the first one, but sequels rarely are. The twists are still present, but sometimes you're well aware before it's ever confirmed for the characters and that got old.
Some connections together too easily and major elements of the story were rushed. Erin is a disaster and I think considering the first book, her lacking a weapon or any semblance of common sense really ruined her character.
The romance triangle is not done well at all.
Aside from those gripes, I couldn't put this down. Very interesting plot and I'm still eager to see where this is going. I'll be picking up the next one.

[Katherine]

Had to take a break with this one. After enjoying the first book so much, the first but if this one is a bit annoying. Some editing issues keep snagging my attention, and the main character's ridiculous choices were already starting to wear when the POV changed to Suarez and took a turn for the supernatural. Not that I mind a good supernatural mystery/thriller, but I'm just not in the mood right now. Hope to pick this back up soon enough to not have to start all over.

[Lynne Price, RN, MS · Rating 5 out of 5]

Comments

I’ve read 3 of Ms Blood’s books, the short stories didn’t charm me much but once I started with book 1 I was hooked, 2nd book was just as good, Sins of the fathers was excellent, keeps you guessing down to the last minute. I really like the characters though Diggs could use some gumption in the romance department. Sol is a Strong female model, pretty unreasonable a lot of the time, frustrating but keeps you going. Can’t wait to get the next book.

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant! This book kept me reading late into the night. I daren't start reading Southern Cross ( Book 3 ) yet as I need to catch up on my sleep. Great characters and storyline. Terrific build up of tension.

[Sharon Hendrix · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting

I really liked this one. Great characters and a terrific story line. I like the way Jen showed us who was doing what in the sick little experiments that killed so many.
You won’t regret reading this one!

[Anna Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Keeps you reading.

Can't wait for number 3. What is going to happen next? She should be with Diggs! Who is the angel of death?

[Shannie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Action packed! Sol is still annoying but other than that still loved it.

[Diane Puckett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting

Held my attention all the way, there was a little bit down in the middle but maid my way thru.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

They just keep getting better. On to number 3

[Heather Mcmullen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was actually the 5 Book Box Set digital version. Kept me reading until the emd.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed very much. On to the next book.

[Kayleigh Burnham-Woods · Rating 5 out of 5]

Could stop reading so many twists and turns

[Sheila Cohen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I didn't read the first book in the series but that wasn't a problem. I do want to read the rest of them. Great characters and a great mystery.

[Jack · Rating 3 out of 5]

Erin Solomon is still looking for her father. A sadistic serial killer leaves bodies buried in the woods. Thriller with lots of action and some really unpleasant characters.

[Paula Stern · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not an engaging mystery!

[RALPH D. LICASTRO · Rating 4 out of 5]

very wordy and long-winded. The plot is confusing and never gets resolved after two books!

[Pat · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Erin Solomon series and picks up where the previous one (All the Blue Eyed Angels) left off. Kind of.

Erin is sucked into visiting a man imprisoned for raping and killing his daughter. The carrot is that he has information about her father (missing, presumed dead for 10 years). But he won't say anything until she agrees to look into his case. He claims he is innocent and has some compelling evidence.

And so it begins. Coincidentally, five other bodies have been discovered near the Canadian border. The killings all bear similarities to that of the prisoner's daughter. But it seems that Erin's father had some involvement as his fingerprints are at four of the burial sites. Could her father really have been involved with this evil? Erin thinks this is a good place to start her investigation. Wrong.

Diggs tags along and Juarez is called in to help. The tension really ratchets up as Erin and Diggs end up running for their lives from a psychopathic murderer who is not quite what they expected. They also receive help from an unexpected and very mysterious quarter.

None of this helps unravel the truth about who and what Erin's father really is or what secret he is keeping. This was another solid mystery with moments of humour. The characters are further developed and we learn more of their backstories. There is still a lot we don't know and this will presumably be the subject of further books. It is developing into a very enjoyable series.

[Topher Gee · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the second installment of her Erin Solomon series, Jen Blood offers a riveting suspense novel. Whether one has read All the Blue Eyed Angels or is meeting Erin and company for the first time in Sins of the Father, the characters develop and take shape in satisfyingly real ways. Where other authors leave holes, Ms. Blood weaves a coherent fabric that causes the reader to feel the reasons behind the characters' behaviors. Though there were many times that I wished characters would make different decisions than they did, I always saw their actions as consistent with who they were.

The fabric that Ms. Blood has created extends beyond character to incorporate plot. The threads are shown to the reader throughout the story but are pulled together in surprising ways that create an unexpected and nuanced tapestry. Most deliciously, Ms. Blood resolves the major plot elements of Sins of the Father while leaving hanging questions that made me eager for the next adventure.

Without question, Jen Blood has earned a place on my list of must-read authors.

[Tahlia Newland · Rating 4 out of 5]

This second book in the Erin Solomon series is not for the faint-hearted. Significantly grittier than the first, All the Blue Eyed Angels, takes us into the realm of thrillers when Erin's stubbornness nearly gets her and her friend Diggs killed. Personally, I can't say that I actually enjoyed Erin and Digg's forced participation in the murderer's sick games, but it did make for riveting reading and would suit readers of thrillers and suspense.

As with the first in this series I enjoyed Ms Blood's excellent writing immensely, particularly how she handled the different points of view. The main viewpoint is Erin's, written in first person, but we also have Jurez's viewpoint, written in third person. It's an excellent way of keeping the personal nature of the first person, without the limitation of it being the only perspective.

Basically, this is another excellent book in the series. Once again, Ms Blood shows herself to be an author who knows how to write a really good ending. I highly recommend this for those who enjoy mysteries and thrillers.

[Peach · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great follow-up to Jen Blood's debut book "All the Blue-Eyed Angels" and the suspense in this book is more chilling tinged with elements of "Hunger Games". In this book, Erin was still very stubborn and bull-headed in finding out about her father but towards the end she felt remorse and also was inspired to make some transformations in her life. Jen has done a wonderful job molding her key characters. They were mutli-faceted and each experience allowed you to peel the layers and gain more insight into them. There was more angst in the romance area which I enjoyed. Both guys had emotional baggage weighing them but Juarez was more proactive in his affections and his outlook was a shade brighter and therefore, I felt he complemented Erin better. I really liked the part where Juarez listed what he liked about Erin.

[Sherry Ledet]

Sins of the Father is the second book of this series of the Erin Solomon mysteries. The first was All the Blue Eyed Angels and there is a third called Southern Cross. These are so well written I can't wait for Aug.2013 when a fourth book will be out. Erin and her best friend, and sometimes lover, are in search for her past. Sins of the Father continues as she comes to his home town in an attempt to find the man she knew and loved and discovers he is alive and had another name in his past life. She and her friend Diggs find themselves hostages of one of her father's boyhood friends. These books will keep you guessing because another twist is the FBI agent Erin is drawn to in the midst of this frightening episode of her life. If you like a mystery, Jen Blood will have you hooked and you, like I, will be waiting for book 4.