Sin Eater

by Greg Morgan

In the rolling hills of 19th-century Pennsylvania, “Sin Eater” weaves together the lives of two unconventional families, exploring themes of love, redemption, and the weight of secrets across generations. Sin Eater centers on Osborn Roche, neuro-divergent, renowned Civil War photographer who retreats into isolation following his wife's death. He assumes the role of a "sin eater," a person who ritualistically consumes the sins of the deceased, providing him a unique position in society.

Parallel to Osborn's journey is the tale of the Fenn family, particularly Charlotte Fenn, a "weeper" who professionally mourns at funerals. Both find their lives intertwined in ways they never imagined. As they navigate the complexities of family, forbidden love, and long-buried truths, they discover that redemption can come from the most unexpected places. As the plot unfolds, it reveals the intricate connections between the Roche and Fenn families, particularly through Osborn's son Ishmael and Charlotte's granddaughter Dierdre. Their budding romance is complicated by family interference and misunderstandings, leading to years of separation and setting off a chain of events that forces long-buried secrets to surface, challenging the characters to confront their past decisions and their consequences.

Set against the backdrop of a changing America, from the aftermath of the Civil War to the dawn of new technologies like the telephone, "Sin Eater" paints a vivid picture of a society in transition. It delves into the customs and superstitions of the era, particularly the practices of sin eating and professional mourning, using these as lenses through which to explore deeper human experiences of grief, guilt, and redemption.
With rich historical detail and unforgettable characters, "Sin Eater" is a tale of love that defies societal norms, family secrets that span generations, and the healing power of acceptance. As the past and present collide, Charlotte and Osborn must confront their deepest fears and greatest hopes, learning that it's never too late to rewrite your story.

263 pages, Paperback

Published October 30, 2024

About the author

Greg Morgan is an award-winning novelist, film director, producer, and screenwriter. His acclaimed literary trilogy "Weeper," "Collodion," and his new book, "Sin Eater," masterfully weaves historical themes with characters in rare professions, earning widespread critical recognition. These works are available through Amazon and major booksellers worldwide.

Greg Morgan's fascination with America's forgotten death rituals led him to unearth the haunting practice of sin eating—a custom where individuals would ceremonially consume food passed over a corpse, symbolically taking on the deceased's sins. This compelling discovery inspired him to craft "Sin Eater," the third installment in his "Death Shall Have No Dominion" series, weaving together the rich tapestry of 19th-century mourning customs with deeply human stories of love and loss. Morgan's meticulous research into historical practices like professional mourners (weepers) and post-mortem photography brings authenticity to this powerful narrative about grief, redemption, and the lengths people will go to maintain connections with those they've lost.

Morgan's storytelling prowess extends beyond the page to the silver screen, where he has carved a distinguished career spanning several decades. His directorial debut, "17 & Under," earned multiple awards and established him as a compelling new voice in filmmaking. He has since produced numerous successful features while continuing to craft memorable screenplays that showcase his narrative versatility. His latest film, "The Boatman," is currently streaming on Amazon Prime Video.