Sinners

by Sarah Haluwa

Genres: Romance

199 pages, Paperback

Published September 23, 2023

Reviews

[Ingabo A.K · Rating 4 out of 5]

These short stories are well thought of, well written and my encounter with this author is promising.
All the stories are from women's perspective. Some are to hold on to men, or get into a circle of influence using sex, and some to get a break from a marriage that isn't quiet what it is. Whatever it is, as you read these stories, motivation behind human behavior remains the same - self preservation!

[Nelliey Makena · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all, Sarah Haluwa is who she thinks she is!
All the stories had me hooked and the women in these stories felt real and like someone we know.
Diana’s story was my favorite where “The Orgasm was icing on the cake” because wow! Everyone needs a Geoff in their lives 😂 - I couldn’t help the cheeky giggles throughout this story.
Sarah’s story telling and writing style are both smooth and engaging that makes this title a perfect “get-out-of-a-slump” pick.
Looking forward to reading more from Sarah.
Solid 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

[Brenda Frenjo · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book begins with a compelling and engaging start. The author's impeccable sense of humor will have readers laughing out loud throughout. I appreciate the versatility of the stories, which vividly portray the everyday experiences of Kenyans. However, I felt that some of the stories ended too abruptly, and a few characters made rather foolish and rushed decisions. I guess that's what makes the beauty of the book, as it depicts the everyday experiences. Overall, I would rate it 3.5 out of 5.

[Evelyn Bella (there WILL be spoilers) · Rating 2 out of 5]

The Bellah story was my favorite and not for the obvious reason. The title of this is very apt.

[Fred · Rating 2 out of 5]

It's not my side of the playing field here, but well, I got a sweet giveaway. I like the idea of character driven short stories. They are a lot, though, for a 193-page book. Something with short stories, some stories will be a miss some a hit and sinners is no exception, some stories had absolutely nothing going on for them, some very predictable(most) and others you wish Sara Wrote a whole novel instead of the short version because they were such a tease and good.
Sex plays a key role in the stories, and I’m not always one to read smut, like I said, wrong side of the playing field. I don’t know how to feel about the erotica nature of the book, sex is present in ALL the stories.
One thing that I never liked was the lack of description. The author can vividly describe sex but can not describe the characters, especially the female characters, and funny enough, those are the main characters. I cannot put the images in my head at all, it makes the sex scenes (and they are a lot) not really a turn on because I have no clue how these character looks like, the description for the female protagonists is second to non. For example, the first story, the only thing I know about Nancy, is that she was very H*rny, and that’s all, I can't paint a mental picture of how she looks like
Verdict: 2.5 stars for me, mix bag of stories all with a main theme, IMMORALITY which is nicely put out from the point of view of the SINNERS. though i found myself going through a loop of sex stories after the first 2 i got the pattern of how each story unfolds.

[Catherine Mukora · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very light and breezy read.
The stories were funny, salacious, scandalous and shocking, but a little one dimensional. I would have liked a little more uniqueness.
The writing style was great, and the flow of the stories was good!

[Val Nyokabi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ten short stories about desire, self preservation and expectation. Some are a bit out there but a number are quite relatable - perhaps the author was driven by real life experience? I liked the no holds barred about what women expect (as they should) from sex. Desire. Orgasms. Safety. Interesting title choice considering the subject. Recommend for light reading.

[Gesare · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Lord! Sinners is the kind of book that grabs you by the throat and doesn’t let go. I devoured every page like a guilty pleasure I didn’t want to end🙈. Sarah Haluwa writes sin so well, I was almost rooting for the bad decisions! This is a dangerous read and I would 1000% definitely recommend.

[Millie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written stories of babes and their sex lives😎…

Is fiction but isn’t it a true representation of what’s happening on the ground?

Would definitely recommend!!! 💯

[Wangu · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice quick read. The stories were interesting and quite funny. My favourite was Lydia’s. Also worth mentioning that it’s PG18 😝.

[Diana · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! It’s funny, witty, and easy to read. Sinners is a compilation of short stories that are both lighthearted and relatable. I found myself laughing out loud at several parts, Sarah Haluwa’s joke delivery is simply phenomenal. I loved it and would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a quick, entertaining read.

[Ms.Doreene · Rating 1 out of 5]

I picked this book because of its eye-catching cover, promising myself a delightful read. But the disappointment? Let’s just say it can't be contained in a mere paragraph! It was a wasted sin, just like the title suggests.

[Kevin Isaac · Rating 2 out of 5]

What Joan Thatiah's books should have been, yet still far from what I would call good writing

[Sharon Chepkorir · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wueh ! Nairobi !

[Lady_Wira · Rating 3 out of 5]

In Sinners, Sarah Haluwa takes us on a whirlwind journey through the lives of ten women, each caught up in their own version of sin. With equal parts steam and sass, this collection of short stories is designed to keep you glued to the pages—and maybe even a little hot under the collar. It’s a bold and unapologetic exploration of desire, power, and the sometimes chaotic mess of chasing after what you want.

From the outset, Sinners promises to be an exhilarating ride. Haluwa expertly crafts relatable characters with each story that feel like they could be your next-door neighbour, best friend, or even you.

A Glimpse into the Stories:

Nancy: Ever been in a situation where the anticipation is far better than the reality? Nancy can relate. She’s ready to dive headfirst into an affair full of promise, but the real-life encounter falls disappointingly short of what was hinted at in her chats.
Chantel: Power can be seductive, but it comes at a steep cost. Chantel craves it but soon realizes that the price might just leave her emptier than before.
Judy: A single mother and entrepreneur, Judy’s heart needs mending. Unfortunately, she crosses paths with a conman who not only takes advantage of her, but also leaves her broke in more ways than one.
Zarah: In a marriage that’s been sexless for six years, Zarah turns to witchcraft in a desperate bid to reignite the flame with her husband. Things start looking up, but the spell eventually fizzles out, leaving her where she started.
Habiba: Habiba loves the good life, and she has a sponsor who pays for it. But the sponsor’s financial support can’t quite match her bedroom expectations. Enter the broke boyfriend, who might not have money, but definitely knows how to finish what the sponsor can’t.
Lindah: She adores her husband, but he’s not exactly satisfying her between the sheets. Her ill-advised fling with Nick offers nothing but disappointment, and she quickly retreats back to the safety of her marriage.
June: A picture-perfect suburban life with a powerful lawyer husband and three kids doesn’t shield June from heartbreak. She discovers that her “ideal” husband has been getting intimate with her sister, and she crafts a revenge plan that’s as devious as it is satisfying.
Diana: At 40, Diana’s sex life has gone stale—until she meets Geoff, a 24-year-old student who brings her fantasies to life. Her self-doubt melts away under his touch, and she finally gets the pleasure she’s been longing for.
Cate: As her best friend’s wedding approaches, Cate’s maid of honour duties take an unexpected twist when the groom makes a move on her. It’s wrong, but Cate can’t resist—and she ensures her friend knows exactly what went down.
Bella: When Bella’s sugar daddy bails, she’s left scrambling to maintain her lifestyle. She becomes an escort, and soon encounters a client who gives her the ultimate test: can she handle what she’s asked for? Spoiler: not every “blessing” is one you want to receive.
What Sinners Does Well:

Sarah Haluwa has an impressive ability to weave these stories together in a way that keeps you hooked. Each tale is relatable, reflecting real-world situations—though perhaps with a bit of extra spice. From dead-end marriages and affairs to conmen and forbidden desires, Haluwa captures the complexities of womanhood in a raw and unfiltered way. What I found particularly engaging is that even though these women are labelled as “sinners,” they remain deeply human. They are flawed, but also fierce in their pursuit of happiness, love, or just a good orgasm. Haluwa doesn’t judge them for their choices, and neither will the reader.

Another high point is the humour and relatability. Yes, the stories are scandalous, but they also make you laugh and sometimes sigh in sympathy. And let’s face it—who doesn’t love a bit of juicy drama mixed with steamy encounters?

The Not-So-Great:

While it is undeniably fun and engaging, there are moments where the stories feel somewhat repetitive. With each woman navigating similar challenges around sex, love, and betrayal, some of the plots begin to blur together. After reading a few, you might find yourself predicting the outcomes, which can take away from the excitement.

Another minor gripe is the lack of emotional depth in some characters. Given the book’s shorter length, it’s understandable that not every story can be fleshed out in detail. However, I found myself wanting more insight into the character’s motivations and feelings, especially during pivotal moments.

Final Thoughts:

This is the kind of book you’d want to take on vacation or read when you need an entertaining escape. The stories are quick, fun, and steamy enough to make you blush. But beneath the heat, there’s also a layer of commentary about women, their desires, and the often-complicated path to fulfilling them.

For anyone looking for a light, daring, and cheeky read, Sinners will deliver exactly what the title promises—and maybe a little extra. Just be prepared for a rollercoaster of emotions and a lot of “WTF” moments along the way.

[Christine Wambiru · Rating 4 out of 5]

A brutally honest and deeply Kenyan exploration of women’s lives, choices, and desires.

Sarah Haluwa’s Sinners is a searing collection of short stories that lifts the veil off the private lives of women — their pain, pleasure, choices, and the societal judgment they constantly navigate. Every story resonated with me. It wasn’t just fiction; it felt like reading stories of women I know, or even parts of myself I’ve seen reflected in the world around me.

What stands out most is the range of women Haluwa portrays — different ages, stages, and states of womanhood. They are not always heroic. Sometimes, they’re contradictory. But they are always real.

Take Nancy, for instance. She broke up with a man who truly knew how to pleasure her, and that loss sends her spiraling into a search for sexual satisfaction. Her experience reminded me of the very real challenges single women face in navigating their sex lives. The spectrum of male partners — from Roy, the attentive lover, to Max, who is so caught up in performance anxiety he forgets about pleasure — is one many women will recognize. I even found myself nodding when Haluwa touched on that (very Kenyan) theory that men should masturbate before sex just to “prepare.” It’s small details like that which root these stories firmly in our cultural context.

Then there’s the story of the woman in an abusive marriage. Not physically abusive — but emotionally destructive. Her husband cheated repeatedly, and yet society, including her own mother, insisted that wasn’t enough reason to leave. That line — “If he hasn’t laid a finger on you, then he’s a good man” — made me sick. It exposed the emotional blindness in our communities and how women are taught to normalize betrayal and internalize pain in silence.

But Haluwa doesn’t stop there — she complicates things, even for readers like me. There’s the story of the woman who was married to a man who listened, who pleased her, who catered to her needs… and yet she grew bored. I found myself wondering: Isn’t that the dream? Don’t we long for men who center our pleasure? But then again, maybe that story challenges our expectations. Maybe we’ve internalized relationships as something to survive, not to enjoy. So when joy arrives freely, we question its authenticity.

One story that cut deep for me was about the woman who planned to hook up with a governor to access the soft life. That storyline is painfully familiar in Kenyan society. We know this reality — women (especially Gen Zs) raised with the belief that their ultimate success or happiness comes from finding a rich man. They don’t always have room to dream for themselves. Meanwhile, the rich married men who create these “opportunities” move without shame or consequences.

I’ve even heard stories of prominent leaders having personal advisers who demand sex before women can get access to the “main guy.” Just like in the story. And it always leaves me wondering — how do these men get aroused in such transactional encounters? The woman doesn’t even like you; she’s enduring it for a goal. That particular story captured how grim and soulless these exchanges can be. I genuinely feared that she might still be discarded after sleeping with the advisor — that she’d give so much of herself and still walk away with nothing. But in this case, she got what she came for. And while the lack of respect she received afterward was obvious, the irony is — she won. Because that was the game. The resources are there, and if no one’s trying to stop the system, why not benefit from it?

What made this story more tragic and real was the fear she carried about judgment. How people would drag her if she ended up in the blogs — criticizing her looks, her intentions, her body, her choices. It’s exhausting. Women carry the weight of morality while the men, who build these exploitative systems, go unbothered and unnamed.

[Catherine · Rating 1 out of 5]

I picked up Sinners from the African writers section at the Sarit Centre bookshop, intrigued by a synopsis that hinted at depth, complexity, and transgression. What I got instead was a deeply disappointing read that feels both underdeveloped and misleadingly packaged.

The writing comes across as immature, almost like a teenage attempt at fiction after skimming a few Mills & Boon novels — except even Mills & Boon understands the importance of character, tension, and emotional stakes. Here, the book substitutes those fundamentals with prolonged, explicit descriptions of sex and kissing, seemingly mistaking repetition for substance. The scenes go on, but the characters go nowhere.

There is virtually no character development. We’re told nothing meaningful about who these people are, what shapes them, or why their choices matter. As a result, the intimacy feels hollow and mechanical rather than provocative or emotionally charged. It’s difficult to care about characters who exist only as bodies in motion, not as fully imagined people.

To be clear, erotic fiction is a legitimate and respectable genre when written with intention. The problem with Sinners isn’t that it’s explicit — it’s that it masquerades as something else. Branding it as a layered or literary work when it functions almost entirely as smut feels disingenuous. If the book had been marketed honestly as erotica, expectations might have aligned better. As it stands, it promises depth and delivers none.

Ultimately, Sinners reads less like a bold exploration of desire and more like an unedited indulgence, leaving the reader with pages of explicit content and very little else to take away.

[Bookmark Bliss with Fay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whew😅. I did not see this one coming🙌🏾.
I caved to peer pressure from my book club group chat just to see what the hype was about, and let’s just say, I was not ready!🤭. I paused my current read and ended up devouring Sinners by Sarah Haluwa in one sitting🫠.

It's a scandalous collection of short stories that felt like sipping tea so hot it might be illegal🔥😂. It started off a bit smutty, but soon, I was completely hooked on the chaos, honesty, and humour😂🤌🏾.
I had loud reactions, visceral responses, and literal jaw drops, and still, I couldn’t look away🫣.

While the stories aren’t based on true events, they ring uncomfortably true. Told from a female POV, Haluwa explores the messy, often unspoken realities around sex and desire in modern Kenyan society - with a refreshing dose of wit and unflinching boldness.

Think: casual sex, sex work, infidelity, class divides, marital dissatisfaction, the wealth chase, age gap dynamics, transactional intimacy, you name it! She tackles it all and somehow makes it entertainingly thought-provoking.

If you’re in a reading slump and don’t mind explicit content, Sinners might just jolt you right back to life🤣.

[Faith Barorot · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book so much.

One because I was shocked at every story, every page bringing its own surprise. Don’t even get me started on the endings! But mostly, the stories are from the perspective of women, trying to chase after their own desires and wants (primarily sex and money). I loved that it was written by and for women.

[Esther Mboche · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a fun and easy read. The stories felt easy and a little predictable, but I love how June and Cate's stories surprised me with their endings. I liked the author's style and look forward to seeing more of her work.

[Njoki Muriithi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked this book to help with my reading slump and I am glad I did! It was a breezy read with short and funny stories. A guilty pleasure as all the stories are scandolous but mixed so perfectly in the humor. I have enjoyed reading this! Well done Sarah!

[Donna Wangechi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Being the first time to read Sarah Haluwa book, I am in love with her writing.

Such a page turner wow!

I am soon going to look for her books. Loved the short stories, some were funny, others sad. But it portrayed life as it is.

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sinners was such an interesting book. It’s pretty fast paced and a good pick if you’re trying to get over a reading slump. The main theme is on women exploring their sexuality. The book does go into detail, especially with the erotica scenes, which weren’t my cup of tea. Overall, an engaging read.

[Charitah · Rating 1 out of 5]

Sarah Haluwa is honestly a terrible writer. This Sinners book is complete nonsense. Why would anyone spend two to three whole pages describing a single kissing or sex scene? It’s excessive, unnecessary, and adds nothing to the story. I wouldn’t recommend it.

[Racheal Mwatela · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book you have to be open minded to read. It has alot of sexual stories but when you analyse it in depth, it touches alot on society issues and how sex is used for personal gains for most.
Loved it!

[Wangari · Rating 2 out of 5]

My book club’s pick of the month. Definitely not something I would pick up on my own. It’s a very meh book, well written but the stories read as very tabloidesque. I would definitely not pick it up again but it was a nice enough experience. Read it in one sitting (if that counts for anything)

[Nyambura · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author delves the topic of "sinners" in a manner that is so normal. Life is not linear.

[Mitchelle Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

The commentary was something else😂😂😂🙌🙌🙌.

[Pendo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I honestly loved it, being her first book, she is a great writer...It was a page turner, read it so fast lol... I love me a spicy book and this was it.

[Gladys · Rating 4 out of 5]

Her storytelling and writing skills are great.