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Assassins Guild #4
The Sinner
Lies, desperation and an offer she can't refuse send impoverished widow Lady Catherine (Cat) headlong into marriage with the man who killed her husband. Guilt and desire battle within Hughe, Lord Oxley's, soul. When the enigmatic leader of the Assassin's Guild learns that the widow of one of his targets is at the mercy of a cruel man, he does the only thing left in his power to do. He marries her. Then the worst thing happens. He falls in love with her. With more than one person trying to kill him and a family to rescue, Hughe needs the help of all his Assassins Guild friends to stay alive and keep his wife from learning the truth. Because he knows, and dreads, what will happen when she discovers what he did.
244 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 1, 2014
165 people are currently reading
446 people want to read
About the author
C.J. Archer
96 books5,652 followersC.J. Archer is the USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of historical mystery and historical fantasy novels including the GLASS AND STEELE series, the CLEOPATRA FOX MYSTERIES, the MINISTRY OF CURIOSITIES and THE GLASS LIBRARY series.
She has loved history and books for as long as she can remember and feels fortunate that she found a way to combine the two. She has at various times worked as a librarian, IT support person and technical writer but in her heart has always been a fiction writer. She lives in Melbourne, Australia, with her husband, 2 children and Coco the black and white cat.
Subscribe to C.J.'s newsletter to be notified when she releases a new book. Join via her website: www.cjarcher.com
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She has loved history and books for as long as she can remember and feels fortunate that she found a way to combine the two. She has at various times worked as a librarian, IT support person and technical writer but in her heart has always been a fiction writer. She lives in Melbourne, Australia, with her husband, 2 children and Coco the black and white cat.
Subscribe to C.J.'s newsletter to be notified when she releases a new book. Join via her website: www.cjarcher.com
You can follow her on social media to get the latest updates on her books:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/CJArcherAuthorPage
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorcjarc...
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
February 5, 2025
That was such a good series (well I skipped the 3rd one cuz I hate the "loved sister first trope - there is really no way you will write it for me to like it). BUT, every other book was perfect for my mood, and life this week.
I painted my office and these 3 audios kept me motivated and engaged with the story. Sometimes audio can get lost in my head when I'm really busy, but I never once strayed from it.
I painted my office and these 3 audios kept me motivated and engaged with the story. Sometimes audio can get lost in my head when I'm really busy, but I never once strayed from it.
November 9, 2021
It's sad to have these books over. This was the last of the assassin's to have a love story. Hugh, the fake dandy, and leader of the assassin's, finally falls in love instead of making fun of everyone. There was a lot of misinformation and heartache due to it.
I liked this one, but I just wanted everyone to be honest with each other. You just want to shake some characters!
But it was great to see all the characters together. Though I wish we got to see Rafe! His story was definitely my favorite!
I liked this one, but I just wanted everyone to be honest with each other. You just want to shake some characters!
But it was great to see all the characters together. Though I wish we got to see Rafe! His story was definitely my favorite!
February 19, 2017
I took one star off for the editing. I took one star off because the books are categorized as "Medieval" but there is nothing in the stories that would explain why they are "Medieval". Even the language is not medieval: the use of "fiance" and the F word is not from medieval times.
General on the four stories: The stories are okay, with a bit of suspense, lots of misunderstanding, lots of crying by the "strong" heroines. It's too bad the assassins turned soft because of their woman. The best one is the first one, but it all went downhill from there.
Unrealistic: The dowager did not finish packing so she stayed there? And no one ever mentioned it after?
The Charmer has the best romance. The Rebel has the best environment descriptions. The Saint has the best window inside Lord Lynden's heart. The Sinner has the best suspense.
General on the four stories: The stories are okay, with a bit of suspense, lots of misunderstanding, lots of crying by the "strong" heroines. It's too bad the assassins turned soft because of their woman. The best one is the first one, but it all went downhill from there.
Unrealistic: The dowager did not finish packing so she stayed there? And no one ever mentioned it after?
The Charmer has the best romance. The Rebel has the best environment descriptions. The Saint has the best window inside Lord Lynden's heart. The Sinner has the best suspense.
October 12, 2014
I absolutely loved C.J. Archer's Freak House trilogies, and I was a little concerned that I wouldn't be as enamoured with The Sinner because I wouldn't be reading about those characters.
However I shouldn't have worried; Archer writes characters that come alive on the page before you, and very quickly I found myself heavily invested in them and their story.
Great strong female character, subplots a-plenty and a really enjoyable read.
A fantastically well written story that I would happily recommend to anyone - no matter what your genre preferences are.(less)
However I shouldn't have worried; Archer writes characters that come alive on the page before you, and very quickly I found myself heavily invested in them and their story.
Great strong female character, subplots a-plenty and a really enjoyable read.
A fantastically well written story that I would happily recommend to anyone - no matter what your genre preferences are.(less)
December 29, 2020
This is a great example of the saying “better lucky than good.” C. J. Archer is skilled at stringing a mystery together and dropping the right clues at the right time...the problem is that her characters are often too dim to catch them. Hughe is supposed to be this mastermind who leads a group of assassins, yet he repeatedly fails to identify who the real villain is, and it is soooo obvious!!!
And as for Cat...she has ONE witty conversation with Hughe when they first meet, but then spends the rest of the book being as dumb as a door nail, and somehow manages to save the day through sheer luck, but she’s not even smart enough to realize that it was luck. Nor is Hughe, apparently. He sees her as strong and courageous. I did not.
Not only that, but everyone fails to see how dangerous the villains are EVEN AFTER THEY HIT CAT. She never seems to have the appropriate amount of fear of them, which I find just plain stupid. And even after Hughe witnesses this violence, THEY STILL STAY IN THE SAME HOUSE WITH THESE PEOPLE??? Come on...
I had to finish the book because I was already invested in the characters from the rest of the series, but I often found myself walking away in disgust with this one.
And as for Cat...she has ONE witty conversation with Hughe when they first meet, but then spends the rest of the book being as dumb as a door nail, and somehow manages to save the day through sheer luck, but she’s not even smart enough to realize that it was luck. Nor is Hughe, apparently. He sees her as strong and courageous. I did not.
Not only that, but everyone fails to see how dangerous the villains are EVEN AFTER THEY HIT CAT. She never seems to have the appropriate amount of fear of them, which I find just plain stupid. And even after Hughe witnesses this violence, THEY STILL STAY IN THE SAME HOUSE WITH THESE PEOPLE??? Come on...
I had to finish the book because I was already invested in the characters from the rest of the series, but I often found myself walking away in disgust with this one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 14, 2025
4 out of 5 stars – Murder, Marriage, and a Whole Lot of Tension
So... marrying the guy who killed your husband? Bold move, Cat. Not that she knew at the beginning... But somehow, it works—and I was so here for it.
The tension between Cat and Hugh (Lord Oxley, if we’re being proper) was delicious. Their banter, the slow unraveling of trust, and the whole "I sort of hate you but also can't stop thinking about you" vibe? Chef's kiss. I loved watching their relationship develop through all the guilt, secrets, and steamy tension. These two are seriously messed up—and seriously made for each other.
One of my favorite parts was getting the whole gang back together. If you’ve read the first three books in the series, this one feels like a reunion episode where everyone you love shows up and contributes just enough to remind you why you liked them in the first place. It picks up during and after the third book, so it really helps tie everything together nicely.
Why not five stars? Well, the pacing dragged a little in places, and a few of the side characters could’ve had more page time instead of just popping in like, “Hey, remember me?” But overall, The Sinner was a great read. It’s dark, twisty, romantic, and full of that gothic, gas-lamp drama I can’t get enough of.
So... marrying the guy who killed your husband? Bold move, Cat. Not that she knew at the beginning... But somehow, it works—and I was so here for it.
The tension between Cat and Hugh (Lord Oxley, if we’re being proper) was delicious. Their banter, the slow unraveling of trust, and the whole "I sort of hate you but also can't stop thinking about you" vibe? Chef's kiss. I loved watching their relationship develop through all the guilt, secrets, and steamy tension. These two are seriously messed up—and seriously made for each other.
One of my favorite parts was getting the whole gang back together. If you’ve read the first three books in the series, this one feels like a reunion episode where everyone you love shows up and contributes just enough to remind you why you liked them in the first place. It picks up during and after the third book, so it really helps tie everything together nicely.
Why not five stars? Well, the pacing dragged a little in places, and a few of the side characters could’ve had more page time instead of just popping in like, “Hey, remember me?” But overall, The Sinner was a great read. It’s dark, twisty, romantic, and full of that gothic, gas-lamp drama I can’t get enough of.
October 21, 2019
The 4th & final book in The Assassins Guild series, and equally enjoyable.
This book stars Hughe, Lord Oxley & Catherine (Cat) Slade. As well as the other characters from the previous 3 books.
What is different about this book, is that we start off knowing who the villains are from the beginning, and are taken on a journey of discovery, as the two main stars find out about each other.
I’ve thoroughly enjoyed every book in this series and would certainly recommend them.
This book stars Hughe, Lord Oxley & Catherine (Cat) Slade. As well as the other characters from the previous 3 books.
What is different about this book, is that we start off knowing who the villains are from the beginning, and are taken on a journey of discovery, as the two main stars find out about each other.
I’ve thoroughly enjoyed every book in this series and would certainly recommend them.
June 1, 2024
A nice little wrap up to the series. I really enjoy the perspective swaps throughout that allow us into the minds of various characters and the evolution of the mystery. Like all the novels in this series the story is straight forward and you know what you’re getting so it doesn’t disappoint. Romance, conflict, and a little adventure.
January 1, 2026
Last book in the series (4)
I read all 4 books. Each book follows the previous book. I was lost at the end of book 2 and then in book 3 because names were changed and for the same characters . I did skip pages that made me feel they were not important to the plot and could have been left out. All in all I did like the series and will read books that C. J. Archer writes ! I did enjoy the historical references she used!
I read all 4 books. Each book follows the previous book. I was lost at the end of book 2 and then in book 3 because names were changed and for the same characters . I did skip pages that made me feel they were not important to the plot and could have been left out. All in all I did like the series and will read books that C. J. Archer writes ! I did enjoy the historical references she used!
February 19, 2025
This was so good! I love these characters and wish I knew them in real life! Dialog is fast and witty or slow and romantic. And as they have in the other books I’ve listened to, the narrators were amazing.
June 16, 2025
Another great book!
This was the perfect wrap-up for the series. I really enjoyed the way everything ended....leaving me thinking about all the possibilities of what could come next if the series were to be continued.
This was the perfect wrap-up for the series. I really enjoyed the way everything ended....leaving me thinking about all the possibilities of what could come next if the series were to be continued.
October 29, 2022
I am disappointed with this one. Unconvincing romance, unrealistic plot, and out of character actions by Hughe who was supposed to be an intelligent assassin group leader.
January 7, 2024
glad the series are done.
January 14, 2024
** 244 pages I enjoyed this series very much
March 8, 2024
Same as the others
Read
May 11, 20248:33
May 27, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed this series, although I could have done without the explicit sex.
December 11, 2025
Loved this whole series!
May 12, 2024
Done...and by 'done', I mean, with Archer for a while
By this final book, I've been suffering eye-twich level irritations that have made it necessary to make notes as I've gone on the matters that have grated me the worst, just to be able to purge them and move forward with the story, so this review is going to read a little more specific than my reviews typically do these days.
To start off my list of offenses, I would just like to point out that the word "turd" is terrible and childish sounding. To see it OVER AND OVER in this book makes it distractingly cringe-worthy.
If I never read about another "wobbly" mouth part...lip, smile, I don't care if it's a TOOTH...it will be too soon along with anymore overuse of "wicked bow/mouth/lips/smiles" imagery and description.
If I read one more mention of vagabonds too...
Or another "champing at the bit"...
Or, a "thumping" to indicate beating someone up...and if anyone else complains of another "bruised" heart/ANYTHING, I might give them some real bruises to whine about.
Worse yet, the dumbass devices by way of absurdly stupid logic driving the plot somehow reached a new peak around the time of Hughe's attempted poisoning. The unbelievable levels of idiotic thinking and assumptions that Archer continues to foist onto her poor characters makes me feel like I should be defending their honor against her.
Cat's magical ability to fight from horseback with an injured hand no less AND somehow skilled enough to throw a knife she has zero familiarity with true...FROM HORSEBACK, then CATCH a THROWN sword (and nevermind the sheer WEIGHT of a sword for someone who's never trained AND who it has been made annoyingly clear is very small...you know... like a...cat...yes, please groan and roll your eyes with me here) made my eyes roll so far, I am pretty sure I just saw the birth of Christ.
The one bright spot though after suffering all of this for multiple books and series...
Archer did a MUCH better job with continuity and tying all of the books and characters and events/timelines together well as the series has built. FAR better done than the weak excuse for a "series" in the Witch Born duology, even if this book and series wrapped up almost TOO predictably and tidily. Also, her sex scenes have progressively mellowed and gotten far less frequent as well, thankfully. That was not what brought me to her books, nor was it why I kept suffering her sex scenes and overused terminology, phrases and character motivations. It is her, usually, surprisingly well executed murder mysteries, even if this one proved far more predictable on the whodunit front than the last book.
I'm taking an Archer break after this marathon of pain until at least the next Glass Library series book comes out. I can't take anymore of the painful points in her writing for now.
By this final book, I've been suffering eye-twich level irritations that have made it necessary to make notes as I've gone on the matters that have grated me the worst, just to be able to purge them and move forward with the story, so this review is going to read a little more specific than my reviews typically do these days.
To start off my list of offenses, I would just like to point out that the word "turd" is terrible and childish sounding. To see it OVER AND OVER in this book makes it distractingly cringe-worthy.
If I never read about another "wobbly" mouth part...lip, smile, I don't care if it's a TOOTH...it will be too soon along with anymore overuse of "wicked bow/mouth/lips/smiles" imagery and description.
If I read one more mention of vagabonds too...
Or another "champing at the bit"...
Or, a "thumping" to indicate beating someone up...and if anyone else complains of another "bruised" heart/ANYTHING, I might give them some real bruises to whine about.
Worse yet, the dumbass devices by way of absurdly stupid logic driving the plot somehow reached a new peak around the time of Hughe's attempted poisoning. The unbelievable levels of idiotic thinking and assumptions that Archer continues to foist onto her poor characters makes me feel like I should be defending their honor against her.
Cat's magical ability to fight from horseback with an injured hand no less AND somehow skilled enough to throw a knife she has zero familiarity with true...FROM HORSEBACK, then CATCH a THROWN sword (and nevermind the sheer WEIGHT of a sword for someone who's never trained AND who it has been made annoyingly clear is very small...you know... like a...cat...yes, please groan and roll your eyes with me here) made my eyes roll so far, I am pretty sure I just saw the birth of Christ.
The one bright spot though after suffering all of this for multiple books and series...
Archer did a MUCH better job with continuity and tying all of the books and characters and events/timelines together well as the series has built. FAR better done than the weak excuse for a "series" in the Witch Born duology, even if this book and series wrapped up almost TOO predictably and tidily. Also, her sex scenes have progressively mellowed and gotten far less frequent as well, thankfully. That was not what brought me to her books, nor was it why I kept suffering her sex scenes and overused terminology, phrases and character motivations. It is her, usually, surprisingly well executed murder mysteries, even if this one proved far more predictable on the whodunit front than the last book.
I'm taking an Archer break after this marathon of pain until at least the next Glass Library series book comes out. I can't take anymore of the painful points in her writing for now.
October 28, 2015
Lots of great action like the previous books in the series, this conclusion involves the leader of the Assassins Guild, Hughe. His leading lady is Catherine, Cat. Ms. Archer writes passionate, straightforward heroines and I like that. I knew who the villain(s) were from the beginning so a lot of suspense was a result of knowing what the hero and heroine did not know and wanting to warn them. The joy was in how the bad guys got their just reward. This storyline brings up the question of justice and who is authorized to see it carried out.
Hughe and Cat experienced a believable romance but it was not the central theme. Good series over all.
Hughe and Cat experienced a believable romance but it was not the central theme. Good series over all.
November 3, 2014
This book was awesome!! The whole Assassins Guild series was magnificent. Im so glad the books featured the relative characters because I fell in love with them in the first book and was sad when that book ended. But when I picked up book 2 and saw they would continue, it was amazing. Love this series!!!
February 20, 2015
This book contained the most twists and turns in the Assassin's Guild series. It was a definite page turner and though the ending was expected...the events that led to it were definitely not! This is a wonderful series and I recommend reading all of them.
August 25, 2020
Great series
The irony of men assassinating villains the law can't/won't bring to justice then caring for those left behind put into bed circumstances from their deeds is definitely new. Wonderful stories
The irony of men assassinating villains the law can't/won't bring to justice then caring for those left behind put into bed circumstances from their deeds is definitely new. Wonderful stories
March 9, 2022
Amazing story!
I loved finally getting Oxleys story! Him and Cat are perfect for each other and I loved the journey that brought them together. Fraught with lies and mystery but they managed to work it all out in the end. Loved this series!
I loved finally getting Oxleys story! Him and Cat are perfect for each other and I loved the journey that brought them together. Fraught with lies and mystery but they managed to work it all out in the end. Loved this series!
Read
September 25, 2015Good.
July 4, 2016
Hughe is my favorite assassin!!!!
August 27, 2016
Liked it...read it all the wY through in one day
February 17, 2018
Scary
Cat was unlucky to be in n era when their was led respect for woman. Another strong willed lady in a quick moving thriller. Worth reading.
Cat was unlucky to be in n era when their was led respect for woman. Another strong willed lady in a quick moving thriller. Worth reading.
October 14, 2023
now we don’t have enough time to discuss why i always like the leader/ oldest brother in a series like this
June 27, 2016
This book was all right, had some good romance, but it didn't blow me away. A quick read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews