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Sins of the Father
When the sins of the past come knocking on her door, Ellie Matthews must confront her darkest fears.
The relative tranquility of Ellie Matthews’s life is shattered when her estranged stepfather Marcus resurfaces, pleading for help against an unknown danger. Ellie’s peaceful sanctuary is quickly tainted by an ongoing murder investigation. The Marcus's ex-wife, Katie.
When investigators set out to question Marcus, he is nowhere to be found. In a jarring twist, Marcus dies in an apparent drug overdose. When Ellie and Detective Baxter search Marcus’s residence after his demise, they find unsettling evidence linking him to a series of murders, including the death of Ellie's own mother. Despite the mounting evidence against Marcus, the case isn’t sitting right with Ellie. Was Marcus a cold-blooded killer, or was he being set up for the perfect crime?
When the FBI is pulled in to help with the case, Ellie is brought onto the task force to uncover Marcus’s dubious past. It is only after she receives a threat of violence that Ellie realizes that her own family may be the next target. But with every secret exposed, Ellie finds herself further ensnared in a mystery that not only threatens her life, but has her doubting everything she’s ever believed about her past.
From USA Today bestselling author Caroline Fardig comes a How to Get Away With Murder-meets-CSI series nominated for multiple best fiction awards. Sins of the Father is the sixth in a gripping forensic mystery series that will enthrall fans of Melinda Leigh, Kendra Elliot, and Lisa Regan.
________________________
Praise for Caroline Fardig and the Ellie Matthews
"...a favorite thrill ride." —Kings River Life Magazine
"...strongly recommend..." —The Nerdy Girl Express
"...descriptions and details about forensics..." —Collectors of Book Boyfriends and Girlfriends
"...enjoyed it enough to stay up far too late reading it!" —The MOMinars
"Anyone looking for a good book in the crime/mystery genre should look no further than here." —Philly Review
"Ms. Fardig made all the dirty details of collection, processing and assessment of evidence so enjoyable." —Next Book in Your Hand
The relative tranquility of Ellie Matthews’s life is shattered when her estranged stepfather Marcus resurfaces, pleading for help against an unknown danger. Ellie’s peaceful sanctuary is quickly tainted by an ongoing murder investigation. The Marcus's ex-wife, Katie.
When investigators set out to question Marcus, he is nowhere to be found. In a jarring twist, Marcus dies in an apparent drug overdose. When Ellie and Detective Baxter search Marcus’s residence after his demise, they find unsettling evidence linking him to a series of murders, including the death of Ellie's own mother. Despite the mounting evidence against Marcus, the case isn’t sitting right with Ellie. Was Marcus a cold-blooded killer, or was he being set up for the perfect crime?
When the FBI is pulled in to help with the case, Ellie is brought onto the task force to uncover Marcus’s dubious past. It is only after she receives a threat of violence that Ellie realizes that her own family may be the next target. But with every secret exposed, Ellie finds herself further ensnared in a mystery that not only threatens her life, but has her doubting everything she’s ever believed about her past.
From USA Today bestselling author Caroline Fardig comes a How to Get Away With Murder-meets-CSI series nominated for multiple best fiction awards. Sins of the Father is the sixth in a gripping forensic mystery series that will enthrall fans of Melinda Leigh, Kendra Elliot, and Lisa Regan.
________________________
Praise for Caroline Fardig and the Ellie Matthews
"...a favorite thrill ride." —Kings River Life Magazine
"...strongly recommend..." —The Nerdy Girl Express
"...descriptions and details about forensics..." —Collectors of Book Boyfriends and Girlfriends
"...enjoyed it enough to stay up far too late reading it!" —The MOMinars
"Anyone looking for a good book in the crime/mystery genre should look no further than here." —Philly Review
"Ms. Fardig made all the dirty details of collection, processing and assessment of evidence so enjoyable." —Next Book in Your Hand
411 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 21, 2024
42 people are currently reading
878 people want to read
About the author
Caroline Fardig
28 books290 followersCAROLINE FARDIG is the USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR of the Java Jive Mysteries series and the Lizzie Hart Mysteries series. Fardig's BAD MEDICINE was named one of the "Best Books of 2015" by Suspense Magazine. She worked as a schoolteacher, church organist, insurance agent, funeral parlor associate, and stay-at-home mom before she realized that she wanted to be a writer when she grew up. Born and raised in a small town in Indiana, Fardig still lives in that same town with an understanding husband, two sweet kids, two energetic dogs, and one malevolent cat.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
April 2, 2025
Last series of the 6 books and I'm over the hook. I'm going to miss all the characters inside every investigations held. The main character: Ellie Matthews, I'm going to miss your witty remarks, your unforgivable reply when it comes to arguing with Det. Sterling. I'm going to miss how protective Ellie Matthews towards her beloved ones even when she is a weak ass deep inside. I'm going to miss how genius Ellie was, and how she intelligently unravel a crime based on just the proof she processed.
The whole series were like watching CSI + onion glass. It's amazing and worth my time.
The whole series were like watching CSI + onion glass. It's amazing and worth my time.
November 22, 2024
This review originally published in Looking For a Good Book. Rated 4.0 of 5
Ellie Matthews is a criminologist, teaching at a local college and consulting with the FBI and local police. She has had a very tough early life (which perhaps prompted her interest in criminology) but things have finally started to go well for her. But her comfort is disrupted when, while at the college, she is visited by her stepfather, Marcus. but Marcus isn't supposed to be anywhere near Ellie and she asks her T.A. to call the police while she keeps a wary eye on the man.
Marcus begs for her to listen but Ellie doesn't trust a word he has to say. When she is later called to an apparent overdose death and discovers the victim is Marcus, she has conflicting emotions. A search of his home reveals evidence of murders that Marcus may have committed, including that of Ellie's mother.
Ellie tries to recuse herself from the investigation, but she's one of the best at what she does, and she's local, and is kept on the case. It could be easy to follow the apparent evidence and convict the man, post mortem, but something about the overdose, and the evidence in Marcus' home, doesn't sit right with Ellie. She hopes to get to the truth, but someone doesn't want her digging too deep and the more she learns the more danger she puts herself into.
It has been well over three years since I last read anything in the Ellie Matthews series, so I honestly can't say that I remember anything that's happened before (I did go back to reread a couple of older reviews of mine) but what's nice, here, is that author Caroline Fardig manages to keep the reader informed and caught-up with everything we need to know. The savvy reader can also make some educated inferences based on what's said, as well.
Fardig has come a long way since I first discovered her with her cozy mystery/romance Java Jive series. Here the romance takes a deep back seat to the mystery (not at all cozy) and the character. And character is where Fardig really shines. 'Character' is what kept me interested in the Java Jive series and it's what makes Ellie Matthews as engaging as it is. It's great to see a woman of integrity and skill using both, being a role model, and not needing to fall back or rely on a man. Which is not to suggest there are no men in the book ... there is and there is romance - part of the character development, but not integral to the mystery.
As much as I like Ellie, it's the plot here - the mystery - that really engages and keeps me reading. And the personal nature of the victim and the past deaths to Ellie, means that character plays an incredibly tight role in the plot. The methodology (often referred to as 'police procedural') appears to be strong (other than keeping someone so close to the victim on the case). I enjoyed the discovery of evidence and the search for more clues and witnesses.
After the initial visit by Marcus, I never felt the threats to Ellie as strongly as I probably should have, and this would be the reason for a missing star in my rating. But even without this threat, I was fully engaged in the story.
Looking for a good book? Sins of the Father by Caroline Fardig is a well-crafted, character-driven police procedural mystery in the Ellie Matthews series.
I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher, through Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.
Ellie Matthews is a criminologist, teaching at a local college and consulting with the FBI and local police. She has had a very tough early life (which perhaps prompted her interest in criminology) but things have finally started to go well for her. But her comfort is disrupted when, while at the college, she is visited by her stepfather, Marcus. but Marcus isn't supposed to be anywhere near Ellie and she asks her T.A. to call the police while she keeps a wary eye on the man.
Marcus begs for her to listen but Ellie doesn't trust a word he has to say. When she is later called to an apparent overdose death and discovers the victim is Marcus, she has conflicting emotions. A search of his home reveals evidence of murders that Marcus may have committed, including that of Ellie's mother.
Ellie tries to recuse herself from the investigation, but she's one of the best at what she does, and she's local, and is kept on the case. It could be easy to follow the apparent evidence and convict the man, post mortem, but something about the overdose, and the evidence in Marcus' home, doesn't sit right with Ellie. She hopes to get to the truth, but someone doesn't want her digging too deep and the more she learns the more danger she puts herself into.
It has been well over three years since I last read anything in the Ellie Matthews series, so I honestly can't say that I remember anything that's happened before (I did go back to reread a couple of older reviews of mine) but what's nice, here, is that author Caroline Fardig manages to keep the reader informed and caught-up with everything we need to know. The savvy reader can also make some educated inferences based on what's said, as well.
Fardig has come a long way since I first discovered her with her cozy mystery/romance Java Jive series. Here the romance takes a deep back seat to the mystery (not at all cozy) and the character. And character is where Fardig really shines. 'Character' is what kept me interested in the Java Jive series and it's what makes Ellie Matthews as engaging as it is. It's great to see a woman of integrity and skill using both, being a role model, and not needing to fall back or rely on a man. Which is not to suggest there are no men in the book ... there is and there is romance - part of the character development, but not integral to the mystery.
As much as I like Ellie, it's the plot here - the mystery - that really engages and keeps me reading. And the personal nature of the victim and the past deaths to Ellie, means that character plays an incredibly tight role in the plot. The methodology (often referred to as 'police procedural') appears to be strong (other than keeping someone so close to the victim on the case). I enjoyed the discovery of evidence and the search for more clues and witnesses.
After the initial visit by Marcus, I never felt the threats to Ellie as strongly as I probably should have, and this would be the reason for a missing star in my rating. But even without this threat, I was fully engaged in the story.
Looking for a good book? Sins of the Father by Caroline Fardig is a well-crafted, character-driven police procedural mystery in the Ellie Matthews series.
I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher, through Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.
April 18, 2024
“Sins of the Father" is a gripping and compelling addition to Caroline Fardig's Ellie Matthews series, delivering a thrilling narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats from start to finish.
This book was my introduction to Caroline Fardig's work, and I was immediately drawn into Ellie Matthews's world. The seamless blend of suspense, mystery, and emotional depth made it impossible to put down. In fact, I enjoyed it so much that I went back to the beginning of the series and am already halfway through book two. While "Sins of the Father" can be read as a standalone, I highly recommend starting with book one to fully appreciate the character development and overarching storyline.
Fans of authors like Kendra Elliot, Melinda Leigh, and Lisa Regan will find themselves right at home in Fardig's skillful hands. The intricate plot twists, layered characters, and relentless pacing make this a five-star read for anyone who loves a good mystery.
The synopsis of "Sins of the Father" hints at the complex journey Ellie Matthews embarks on when her past collides with a present-day murder investigation. Fardig deftly navigates themes of family secrets, betrayal, and redemption, keeping readers guessing until the final page. Ellie's determination to uncover the truth, even when faced with danger and uncertainty, makes her a protagonist worth rooting for.
What sets this book apart is Fardig's ability to weave together multiple threads of suspense while delving into the emotional turmoil of her characters. The revelations throughout the story are both shocking and satisfying, culminating in a conclusion that leaves readers wanting more.
In summary, "Sins of the Father" is a standout novel in the Ellie Matthews series, showcasing Caroline Fardig's talent for crafting gripping mysteries with heart. I eagerly anticipate the next installment and recommend this book to anyone craving a captivating read that keeps them guessing until the very end.
Thanks to Ms Fardig, the publisher and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This book was my introduction to Caroline Fardig's work, and I was immediately drawn into Ellie Matthews's world. The seamless blend of suspense, mystery, and emotional depth made it impossible to put down. In fact, I enjoyed it so much that I went back to the beginning of the series and am already halfway through book two. While "Sins of the Father" can be read as a standalone, I highly recommend starting with book one to fully appreciate the character development and overarching storyline.
Fans of authors like Kendra Elliot, Melinda Leigh, and Lisa Regan will find themselves right at home in Fardig's skillful hands. The intricate plot twists, layered characters, and relentless pacing make this a five-star read for anyone who loves a good mystery.
The synopsis of "Sins of the Father" hints at the complex journey Ellie Matthews embarks on when her past collides with a present-day murder investigation. Fardig deftly navigates themes of family secrets, betrayal, and redemption, keeping readers guessing until the final page. Ellie's determination to uncover the truth, even when faced with danger and uncertainty, makes her a protagonist worth rooting for.
What sets this book apart is Fardig's ability to weave together multiple threads of suspense while delving into the emotional turmoil of her characters. The revelations throughout the story are both shocking and satisfying, culminating in a conclusion that leaves readers wanting more.
In summary, "Sins of the Father" is a standout novel in the Ellie Matthews series, showcasing Caroline Fardig's talent for crafting gripping mysteries with heart. I eagerly anticipate the next installment and recommend this book to anyone craving a captivating read that keeps them guessing until the very end.
Thanks to Ms Fardig, the publisher and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 11, 2024
I received an ARC through "Severn Publishing" and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
This story begins with Ellie teaching when she receives a visit from her stepfather. Ellie has her TA call Security and when he leaves, Ellie chases him and winds up tackling him. She then waits for the police to arrive. It seems that her father was wanted in the investigation of Ellie's murder. Ellie winds up being taken back to the sheriff's office where her wounds are attended to. A short while later, Ellie and her partner Nick, are sent to the scene of a murder. Once the identity of the body, an ex of Ellie's stepfather, Ellie has to let someone else handle.
As time goes by, Marcus, Ellie's stepfather, is found dead and believed to be a suicide. Marcus had left a note where he confessed to killing all. It's later determined that Marcus was murdered and one of the people that he killed was done by someone else. It was also learned that Marcus's death was not suicide. As a result of these findings, a task force was created to look into the killings of the victims discovered at the scene of Marcus's murder.
It seemed that all of the victims were girl friends of Marcus and each pair of the team members were assigned to look into the deaths of one of the victims. Ellie and Nick were given the job of looking into who killed Marcus. As a result of the investigation, several suspects were identified. In the end, someone else was discovered to be the killer of Marcus.
To discover who was responsible for all of the killings, why it was done and how Ellie finally got closure regarding her mother's murder, then you need to read this book. It is definitely worth your time.
This story begins with Ellie teaching when she receives a visit from her stepfather. Ellie has her TA call Security and when he leaves, Ellie chases him and winds up tackling him. She then waits for the police to arrive. It seems that her father was wanted in the investigation of Ellie's murder. Ellie winds up being taken back to the sheriff's office where her wounds are attended to. A short while later, Ellie and her partner Nick, are sent to the scene of a murder. Once the identity of the body, an ex of Ellie's stepfather, Ellie has to let someone else handle.
As time goes by, Marcus, Ellie's stepfather, is found dead and believed to be a suicide. Marcus had left a note where he confessed to killing all. It's later determined that Marcus was murdered and one of the people that he killed was done by someone else. It was also learned that Marcus's death was not suicide. As a result of these findings, a task force was created to look into the killings of the victims discovered at the scene of Marcus's murder.
It seemed that all of the victims were girl friends of Marcus and each pair of the team members were assigned to look into the deaths of one of the victims. Ellie and Nick were given the job of looking into who killed Marcus. As a result of the investigation, several suspects were identified. In the end, someone else was discovered to be the killer of Marcus.
To discover who was responsible for all of the killings, why it was done and how Ellie finally got closure regarding her mother's murder, then you need to read this book. It is definitely worth your time.
May 19, 2024
Sins of the Father is the sixth book in the Ellie Matthews series. I found it to the most personal for Ellie. The past is not all what she thought it was.
It all starts with the appearance of Marcus, her estranged stepfather. He needs her help, he claims he is in danger. Ellie finds herself looking into the murder of his ex-wife, Kate. The investigators arrive too late to question Marcus, he is dead of an apparent overdose. Did he do it to himself, or did someone murder him? There is evidence that he may have committed other murders, including Ellie's mother. Ellie and her partner, Nick Baxter, help in the investigation. Was her stepfather a serial killer, or has he been set up?
This is definitely a book you won't want to put down once you start. Caroline Fardig has written an excellent addition to the series, fast paced and thrilling. Ellie is a well developed character that grown throughout the series. She is strong, smart and will protect her family. I highly recommend reading this series from the beginning to get the full story on the characters and their relationships.
Thank you to the publisher, Severn River Publishing, for an ARC. The review is my own.
It all starts with the appearance of Marcus, her estranged stepfather. He needs her help, he claims he is in danger. Ellie finds herself looking into the murder of his ex-wife, Kate. The investigators arrive too late to question Marcus, he is dead of an apparent overdose. Did he do it to himself, or did someone murder him? There is evidence that he may have committed other murders, including Ellie's mother. Ellie and her partner, Nick Baxter, help in the investigation. Was her stepfather a serial killer, or has he been set up?
This is definitely a book you won't want to put down once you start. Caroline Fardig has written an excellent addition to the series, fast paced and thrilling. Ellie is a well developed character that grown throughout the series. She is strong, smart and will protect her family. I highly recommend reading this series from the beginning to get the full story on the characters and their relationships.
Thank you to the publisher, Severn River Publishing, for an ARC. The review is my own.
June 16, 2024
Ellie Matthews was back…and so was her sadistic stepfather, who was responsible for her traumatic childhood and a prime murder suspect in her mother’s death. Funny thing was that he swore he never killed anyone and he needed Ellie’s help to prove it. In any other universe, Ellie wouldn’t even have considered helping him, but since he ended up overdosing, the decision was pretty much taken out of her hands. That is until we get to the newest murder victim—a hit-and-run and the stepfather’s ex-wife. Additional clues reveal that Marcus could not have killed her. Now, the team was on a hunt for a serial killer.
The sins of the father have returned and it was bringing Ellie back to people and memories she thought she buried a long time ago.
As always, we get knee-deep into the criminalistics and the investigating, which can be a little long but still enticing. There are several victims and suspects at play here. The read keeps you riveted until the very end. I tell ya, you won’t expect that shocking conclusion.
A great read and a wonderful end to the series!
The sins of the father have returned and it was bringing Ellie back to people and memories she thought she buried a long time ago.
As always, we get knee-deep into the criminalistics and the investigating, which can be a little long but still enticing. There are several victims and suspects at play here. The read keeps you riveted until the very end. I tell ya, you won’t expect that shocking conclusion.
A great read and a wonderful end to the series!
December 27, 2023
Ellie Matthews at her best, even if it involves her father.
Are you familiar with the Ellie Matthews series? If not, Sins of the Father is not the place to get your introduction. This story does an excellent job tying several threads together that have haunted Ellie through the previous five books. Those previous books did an excellent job of getting the reader fully immersed I Ellie’s world, and Sins of the Father takes Ellie’s world even further. Of the six books, this one is by far my favorite because of the way the story unfolds and how well hidden the true murderer is until they expose themselves. I honestly had no idea until the last minute who was responsible for all the mayhem related to Marcus’ life. If you have followed this series from the start, this is a must read. I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher and chose to provide my review.
Are you familiar with the Ellie Matthews series? If not, Sins of the Father is not the place to get your introduction. This story does an excellent job tying several threads together that have haunted Ellie through the previous five books. Those previous books did an excellent job of getting the reader fully immersed I Ellie’s world, and Sins of the Father takes Ellie’s world even further. Of the six books, this one is by far my favorite because of the way the story unfolds and how well hidden the true murderer is until they expose themselves. I honestly had no idea until the last minute who was responsible for all the mayhem related to Marcus’ life. If you have followed this series from the start, this is a must read. I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher and chose to provide my review.
April 15, 2024
After reading five other books in this series, I started reading knowing Ellie's family background. Or so I thought! Wow! So many more details are revealed, and Ellie faces each situation head on. Baxter and the rest of the department, along with the FBI worked furiously on cold case murders of her mother and other women who were tied to her father.
A fast moving plot with so many details (and gruesome murders) that it was impossible to stop reading! Details woven throughout the book culminate in an incredibly fascinating and at the same time horrific conclusion. I am in awe of the author's ability to write such an phenomenal book.
A spectacular series and an extraordinary book! (You must read the series in order to fully understand and appreciate this outstanding book.)
A fast moving plot with so many details (and gruesome murders) that it was impossible to stop reading! Details woven throughout the book culminate in an incredibly fascinating and at the same time horrific conclusion. I am in awe of the author's ability to write such an phenomenal book.
A spectacular series and an extraordinary book! (You must read the series in order to fully understand and appreciate this outstanding book.)
April 21, 2024
The relative tranquility of Ellie Matthews’s life in Sins of the Father by Caroline Fardig is shattered when her estranged stepfather Marcus resurfaces, pleading for help against an unknown danger. Ellie’s peaceful sanctuary is quickly tainted by an ongoing murder investigation. The victim: Marcus's ex-wife, Katie.
I like Ellie; she is a strong female protagonist. Sins of the Father is the sixth book in this forensic mystery series. I have read some of the other books in this series, but I feel this book can be read as a standalone book.
The story kept me guessing, and the revelations in the book are quite good, some eye-opening and shocking.
I would recommend this author, who has a knack for telling an intriguing story and would recommend this book.
#NetGalley @SvrnRvrPublish
I like Ellie; she is a strong female protagonist. Sins of the Father is the sixth book in this forensic mystery series. I have read some of the other books in this series, but I feel this book can be read as a standalone book.
The story kept me guessing, and the revelations in the book are quite good, some eye-opening and shocking.
I would recommend this author, who has a knack for telling an intriguing story and would recommend this book.
#NetGalley @SvrnRvrPublish
May 21, 2024
This sixth installment in the Ellie Matthews series ties up the threads of Ellie’s past that have haunted her. Even though there is plenty of backstory presented in this book, this is not the place to jump into this series. The previous books lay the foundation for what this book reveals. If you’ve followed Ellie’s story from the beginning, this is a must read. The hunt for this murderer forces Ellie to revisit her past with her drug addicted mother and her abusive stepfather. In order to finally find the answers to her mother’s murder and to keep those she loves safe, Ellie will have to dig deep to find the strength to face the shocking truths this investigation reveals.
April 16, 2024
Ellie's life is turned upside down in his superbly written novel. For you forensic lovers, there is plenty of information on the process of finding evidence in a lab situation. So well put. To get the best experience from this book please start at the beginning of this series. As always, Ms. Fardig has written another excellent story that will bring you hours of fantastic entertainment.
Highly Recommended.
Highly Recommended.
May 23, 2024
Great series. This time Ellie has the mis-fortune of seeing her abusive ex step father and all does not go well. She is still not sure that Marcus didn't kill her mother a few years ago. He insists he didn't and that someone is setting him up and threatening him. The next thing Ellie know is Marcus is dead from what seems like a suicide and when it is proved he was murdered it leads Ellie and her team to several murders, the least is who did kill her mother.
May 27, 2024
Ellie Matthews is back into the routine of life, and her boy boyfriend, Detective Baxter, is after being desk bound, back on regular rotation.
At the end of class Marcus, her estranged stepfather, drops in – he is wanted for the murder of her mother. He claims he is in trouble and needs her help, and then his ex-wife is murdered, and when they are looking to interview Marcus they find him dead. First glance it is overdose ….
Not all seems like it is.
At the end of class Marcus, her estranged stepfather, drops in – he is wanted for the murder of her mother. He claims he is in trouble and needs her help, and then his ex-wife is murdered, and when they are looking to interview Marcus they find him dead. First glance it is overdose ….
Not all seems like it is.
May 22, 2024
I think this story was really good and had so many funny moments in it as well as dropped jaw moments. I love the sarcasm from the characters it made the story so much better especially when I was laughing out loud. I don’t want you to think the murder and mystery side to this story was not important or all through the story because it was and its one you don’t want to put down.
May 25, 2024
If you are looking for a story with lots of action, a little bit of romance, a team that works together but uses a lot of sarcasm and a great mystery involving lots of dead people, Sins of the Father is the book for you! It has a great storyline and is well-written, it kept me reading through the night.
I thank Ms. Fardig and her publisher for this ARC.
I thank Ms. Fardig and her publisher for this ARC.
June 20, 2024
This is a fine series! This time trouble arrives when Ellie’s estranged step-father reappears, turning her life upside down. Great storytelling, nicely developed characters, and a nice twisty plot make for a great read. I enjoyed this book and am looking forward to the next in the series. I received a complimentary copy of this book and chose to write a voluntary, unbiased review.
May 7, 2024
Great book! It is the sixth book in a series that I have not read yet and still couldn't put it down. I need to go back and read the series from the beginning. I loved her Java Jive series and "Sins of the Father" has much more depth to it. Ellie is a great character!
June 2, 2024
An unlikely killer
It is always interesting to try to figure out the killer in a murder mystery. This particular story had multiple suspect's. Romance was included as well. I deducted a star for profanity. It did not add to the story. Otherwise this was a good read.
It is always interesting to try to figure out the killer in a murder mystery. This particular story had multiple suspect's. Romance was included as well. I deducted a star for profanity. It did not add to the story. Otherwise this was a good read.
June 14, 2024
No one has mentioned the note at the end..."End of series." I've read each book in the series and always look forward to a new Ellie crime scene investigation. If this, indeed, is the last it wrapped the loose ends up. Thank-you Ms Fardig for a great series!
June 21, 2024
Ellie’s life was well organized and peaceful until it’s totally disrupted. Things from the past seem to appear and there’s an unwanted person and danger arriving with it. Suspenseful, impossible to not get involved in the story from the beginning.
August 15, 2024
Ellie Matthews has always wondered if she would see anyone arrested for her mothers murder. She assumed her sister's father, Marcus, had killed her, but never had proof. Then, once Marcus is found dead at a house where he has been squatting, she finds the proof, along with evidence of a number of other murders. Unfortunately, things at the crime scene aren't adding up, and Ellie quickly thinks the evidence is too good to be true.
There were a number of twists that left me thoroughly enjoying this book. I love all of Caroline Fardig's books and I will say that this series is my favorite. I am so invested in these characters and because of the personal tie this case had to Ellie, made it all the more satisfying to read.
There were a number of twists that left me thoroughly enjoying this book. I love all of Caroline Fardig's books and I will say that this series is my favorite. I am so invested in these characters and because of the personal tie this case had to Ellie, made it all the more satisfying to read.
May 23, 2024
Great Book, Ellie is dealing with her abuser stepfather who comes back to town and wants to see her. We hear what he did to her as a teen and so much of the abuse she endured during her childhood. She does work with the task force which is looking for a serial murderer. Was her stepfather the missing murderer? The characters are great and we get to know them better in this book. Fast paced page turner. Looking forward to many more Ellie Matthew’s books.
October 12, 2024
This is the first book I have read by this author. I was not familiar with her previous works, so I read reviews on Goodreads and Amazon. All titles have been very highly rated, so I assumed this book would have me agreeing with those excellent ratings. Unfortunately this was not the case with this book. I tried hard to read to the end, but I didn't finish.
The central characters of this novel are Ellie Matthews and her estranged stepfather Marcus Copland. During her younger years, Ellie suffered tremendous physical and emotional abuse at the hands of Marcus. He is vividly drawn as a low life who “replaced women like you would replace a tire. When one got worn out, he’d ditch her and get a new one.”
The main plot revolves around “an apparent” self-administered drug overdose by Marcus. An investigation by Ellie and others discovers this may not be the case. Ellie is not sad to be rid of her stepfather but learns that here is a lot more to this case than originally thought.
Ellie, Nick Baxter, Sheriff Jayne Walsh and about two dozen others are involved in one way or another as the story becomes more and more intricate and convoluted. I eventually resorted to writing down the names of individuals and their relationships to each other as I couldn’t keep all of this straight in my head.
The story is very dark and became so complicated that toward the end of the book, I really didn’t care who had done what to whom. A reviewer of book one in this series wrote that it was “easy to follow”. I certainly would not describe this book with those words. Hopefully others will enjoy this book much more than I did and prove me wrong.
Thank you to Severn River Publishing and Goodreads for providing me with an advanced reader copy for review.
The central characters of this novel are Ellie Matthews and her estranged stepfather Marcus Copland. During her younger years, Ellie suffered tremendous physical and emotional abuse at the hands of Marcus. He is vividly drawn as a low life who “replaced women like you would replace a tire. When one got worn out, he’d ditch her and get a new one.”
The main plot revolves around “an apparent” self-administered drug overdose by Marcus. An investigation by Ellie and others discovers this may not be the case. Ellie is not sad to be rid of her stepfather but learns that here is a lot more to this case than originally thought.
Ellie, Nick Baxter, Sheriff Jayne Walsh and about two dozen others are involved in one way or another as the story becomes more and more intricate and convoluted. I eventually resorted to writing down the names of individuals and their relationships to each other as I couldn’t keep all of this straight in my head.
The story is very dark and became so complicated that toward the end of the book, I really didn’t care who had done what to whom. A reviewer of book one in this series wrote that it was “easy to follow”. I certainly would not describe this book with those words. Hopefully others will enjoy this book much more than I did and prove me wrong.
Thank you to Severn River Publishing and Goodreads for providing me with an advanced reader copy for review.
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