The Sins We Inherit: A Mafia Legacy In Blood

by Carlo J. Emanuele, Shawn A. Dressler (Editor)

2025 American Writing Awards - WINNER - Fiction (Mystery/Suspense)
2025 AWA Finalist - Best Debut Fiction Novel

Finalist in the 2025 BestThrillers Book Award
“The Sins We Inherit is one of the year's best thrillers” — BestThrillers

2025 GOLD MEDAL WINNER FICTION - LITERARY TITAN
★★★★★ “5 stars… a bruising, heartfelt story about family, legacy, and the ways the past refuses to stay buried.” — Literary Titan

Kirkus Reviews — “A compelling yarn filled with drama, crime, and contemplations of identity.”

Milwaukee. Mafia. Family. Redemption.
Costantino “Cost” Caduto Jr. thought he’d escaped his family’s criminal legacy. But when his grandfather Tiger, the man who held it all together, suddenly dies, Cost is dragged back into a city simmering with tension, betrayal, and unfinished business.

Now, standing at the crossroads of who he was and who he might become, Cost must confront everything he left

A family fractured by power, grief, and long-held secrets

A dangerous power vacuum that threatens to pull everyone under

The one person he’s always tried to keep safe, his daughter, now watching his every move

Set against the backdrop of Milwaukee’s underworld, The Sins We Inherit is a gripping tale of legacy, loyalty, and the price of silence. As old allegiances unravel and new threats emerge, Cost must decide whether walking away was ever truly an option, or if some bloodlines run too deep to outrun.

Perfect for fans of atmospheric crime fiction, morally complex protagonists, and slow-burning suspense with heart.

260 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 15, 2025

Reviews

[Caydee P · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a longtime fan of crime stories, this book pulled me in from the get-go. Set in Milwaukee, the city itself pulsed with its own personality, almost like a silent character lurking in the background. The way the author captured its energy—gritty, alive, and layered—made every scene feel immersive and real. I felt like I could smell the coffee at Anodyne Coffee Roasters!

The writing was strong and full of emotion. Every character choice, felt grounded in something deeper. There was loyalty, power, fear, and survival—and you could feel all of it on the page. The tension and emotion simmered throughout the story, and there were moments that genuinely caught me off guard.

I’m already eager to see what the author writes next. If there’s more coming, especially a continuation of this story, I’ll be first in line.

[Jessica Traiber · Rating 5 out of 5]

It broke me in the best way.

This book isn’t afraid to show how pain passes through generations—and how love can either break the cycle or get buried under it. The scenes between Cost and his daughter undid me. You can feel how badly he wants to do right by her, even as everything else pulls him under. If you’ve ever loved someone who didn’t know how to love themselves, this will hit hard. Beautiful and brutal all at once.

[Marcus Norville · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Honest and Gritty Debut That Stays With You!

The Sins We Inherit is a powerful debut that feels like watching a movie—the words put you right in each scene. Beyond the gripping crime story, what stood out most was how Emanuele redefines strength—not as holding everything in, but as owning your struggles and growing from them. Honest, gritty, and heartfelt, this book is about family, legacy, and redemption. Truly proud of the author for putting something so real and impactful into the world

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book and was immediately drawn to the characters, especially Cost. The way the author portrayed his internal conflicts felt authentic and kept me invested in his story. The narrative was full of twists and turns that kept me guessing, and I especially loved how the historical and nostalgic mentions of Milwaukee were woven into the plot—it added such a unique and personal touch.

One of my favorite aspects of the book was getting to see events unfold from several different characters’ perspectives. It gave the story extra depth and made it even more engaging. If anything, I only wish the book had been a little longer so I could have spent more time connecting with the characters and their journeys. Overall, it’s a compelling read from a talented local author, and I’m excited to see what they write next.

[Ashley Roeder · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of those books that pulls you in and you want to not get up until you have finished. The ones where you neglect everything else because you are so engulfed in the story that is playing out through the pages. The family drama, the truth, the raw honesty and gut wrenching emotion. You can tell so much heart was put into the story and developing the characters and making this book meaningful.

[Amelio · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book hits like a gut punch — gritty, personal, and layered with real emotion. Cost is the kind of character that stays with you: proud, flawed, and trying like hell to make things right in a world that doesn’t forgive. The Milwaukee backdrop feels alive, and the tension between loyalty and legacy is masterfully done. If you liked The Sopranos or Animal Kingdom, this belongs on your shelf. Can’t wait for Book 2.

[Andrea Sierra · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one hit deep.”

I didn’t expect to get so emotional reading this. Yeah, there’s crime and tension, but what really got me was how real Cost felt. The way he pushes people away even though he clearly just wants love and peace… it broke my heart. It’s not loud or fast-paced—it builds, slowly, and before you know it, you’re all in. I’ve never read a book that showed how heavy family stuff can be—especially for men—so honestly. I’ll be thinking about this one for a while.

[Book Reviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Carlo J. Emanuele’s The Sins We Inherit is a bruising, heartfelt story about family, legacy, and the ways the past refuses to stay buried. The novel follows Costantino “Cost” Caduto II as he returns to his family’s orbit after the death of his grandfather, Tiger, a man whose shadow looms over Milwaukee’s underworld and over Cost’s own conflicted heart. The book moves through wakes, eulogies, burials, backyard feasts, and street confrontations, blending the intimacy of family drama with the sharp edges of a crime saga. It’s about fathers and daughters, fathers and sons, and the ways love can be messy, protective, and even dangerous.

Right from the opening pages, where Cost stands at Tiger’s wake, worn down and haunted, I felt pulled into the smoke-filled rooms and tight-lipped exchanges that define this world. The writing is cinematic without being overstuffed; little details like the smell of cigar smoke or the scrape of pews in a church make the world feel alive. At times, though, the heaviness of description slows things down, especially in the funeral chapters, but I didn’t mind lingering there. It felt true to the weight of grief, and it set the stage for the power struggles that follow.

I also appreciated how Emanuele balances the personal with the criminal. Cost isn’t just an heir to a mafia empire, he’s a divorced father trying to stay close to his daughter, Maddy, even as she slips through his fingers. The moment when she addresses him as “Dad” at the wake, only to retreat into the crowd, struck me with particular force. That small interaction captured more distance and heartbreak than any shouting match could. Later, when Frank Vistoso tries to assert himself at the altar during Tiger’s funeral, it’s not just a clash of egos; it’s a reminder that Cost can never fully escape this world, no matter how much he wants to. I found myself rooting for him, even when I suspected he wouldn’t get the peace he craved.

What I didn’t expect was how much heart the book carries in its quieter moments. A favorite scene of mine was the repast after the funeral, with sausage sizzling on the grill and cousins arguing over poker. The food, the noise, the laughter, it all felt warm and familiar, and it reminded me that this story isn’t only about violence and legacy, but also about belonging. I could almost smell the garlic bread and hear Sinatra crackling on the speaker. It’s those scenes, where love and menace share the same table, that give the book its punch.

The Sins We Inherit left me thoughtful and stirred. It’s not just a mob tale, it’s a story about trying to be better for the people you love, even when the past won’t let you. I’d recommend this book to readers who enjoy crime dramas with a human center, especially fans of The Sopranos or Dennis Lehane. But I’d also recommend it to anyone who’s ever wrestled with family expectations, or who’s wondered how much of our lives are chosen versus inherited. It’s a dark, gripping read, but underneath the gunmetal, there’s a father’s love beating strong.

[Mrutyunjaya Sahu · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Sins We Inherit: A Mafia Legacy In Blood by Carlo J. Emanuele

Carlo J. Emanuele’s The Sins We Inherit: A Mafia Legacy In Blood is a gritty, emotionally charged exploration of family's, loyalty, and the inescapable pull of legacy. Set against the brooding streets of Milwaukee, this novel reimagines the classic mafia narrative with startling intimacy and moral depth, focusing less on glamour and more on the human cost of inherited power.

At the heart of the story is Costantino “Cost” Caduto Jr., a man who has spent years trying to carve out a life free from the shadow of organized crime. Yet, when his grandfather—known to all as Tiger—dies unexpectedly, Cost finds himself pulled back into a world he thought he’d left behind. Milwaukee, in Emanuele’s hands, is not just a setting but a living, breathing presence: a city teetering between decay and rebirth, where every corner seems haunted by secrets, debts, and ghosts of the past.

Emanuele paints the Caduto family with remarkable nuance. They are not archetypes of crime fiction but fully realized people caught between love, duty, and the corrosive effects of silence. The relationships—particularly between Cost and his daughter—add a tenderness that contrasts powerfully with the violence simmering beneath the surface. His daughter’s watchful presence serves as both his moral compass and his greatest vulnerability, reminding readers that redemption in this world often comes at a devastating price.

One of the novel’s greatest strengths lies in its moral complexity. Cost is not the typical antihero; he is weary, introspective, and painfully aware of the moral rot that power breeds. The narrative constantly poses difficult questions: Can a man ever truly escape his family’s sins? Is walking away an act of courage or betrayal? And when blood is the tie that binds, does redemption mean breaking free—or taking responsibility?

Emanuele’s prose is taut yet poetic, rich with cinematic detail. Every scene feels textured—the smell of rain-soaked asphalt, the metallic tang of danger, the quiet moments of reflection before the storm. The pacing is deliberate, allowing tension to build organically as Cost navigates a dangerous web of shifting alliances and old vendettas. By the time the story reaches its climax, readers are as entangled in the family’s fate as Cost himself.

What truly elevates The Sins We Inherit is its emotional intelligence. Beneath the crime and suspense lies a meditation on identity—how the choices of one generation ripple into the next, shaping destinies long after the guns are put away. It’s a story about fathers and sons, about cycles of violence and the fragile hope of redemption.

Powerful, introspective, and cinematic, The Sins We Inherit is more than just a mafia thriller—it’s a modern tragedy about bloodlines, morality, and the ghosts we carry. Carlo J. Emanuele delivers a novel as haunting as it is unforgettable.

[Peter Sierra · Rating 5 out of 5]

A MUST READ for readers looking for a raw and original story that intertwines the pursiut of redemption with organized crime.

It begins at a funeral where the author draws you in by painting with vivid descriptions of atmosphere, mood, and character builds. From there, each scene, setting, location, and relationship is introduced in a way that makes you feel like you’re in the room. The narrating style makes you feel like you know exactly how the characters are feeling. There’s loss, failure, and heartbreak. A story with deep love and intense hatred. There’s humor and violence. Patience and strategy. There’s revenge and a version of redemption that will leave you shocked when you get to the end.

Another great highlight throughout is how well the heart of Milwaukee is captured by using real locations and characteristics that are unique to the city. If you’re familiar with Milwaukee you will appreciate how it ties into the essence of the story. If you are not familiar with Milwaukee, you will get an authentic introduction from reading this book.

The Sins We Inherit is not just another mob tale. It’s about a man that wants to protect the people he loves and grow from past mistakes. It’s an impressive debut novel and I highly recomend it to everyone looking for something original. You will not be disappointed!

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Sins We Inherit follows Costantino “Cost” Caduto Jr., a man who believes he has left behind the shadow of his family’s criminal past in Milwaukee. However, when his grandfather Tiger, the powerful figure who kept their world in order, dies suddenly, Cost is drawn back into the city’s dark underbelly. What begins as a reluctant return soon becomes a reckoning with buried secrets, fractured loyalties, and the heavy weight of legacy. The story blends family drama with crime fiction, exploring how deeply one’s roots can shape their destiny.

The emotional depth behind the crime narrative is particularly intriguing. While the book is rich in tension and suspense, it never loses sight of the humanity within its characters. Cost is portrayed not as a simple hero or villain but as a man wrestling with identity, grief, and redemption. The writing is atmospheric, capturing the grit of Milwaukee while maintaining a sense of melancholy and reflection. The pacing is deliberate, allowing readers to sit with the moral complexity of each choice.

The Sins We Inherit is a story that lingers, asking whether one can truly escape the past or if the ties of blood and history always find a way back. With its compelling characters and powerful themes, this book delivers both heart and tension, making it a memorable and rewarding read.

[Manoj · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Sins We Inherit is one of those rare thrillers that grabs you from the first page and doesn’t let go—not just because of the mystery, but because of the emotion behind it. As someone who reads a lot of crime fiction, I was blown away by how layered and human this story is.

The suspense is razor-sharp, the pacing tight, and every twist feels earned rather than forced. But what truly makes this book stand out is the emotional depth.

Cost, the protagonist, is a man haunted by his past and the mistakes that keep echoing through his life. His relationship with his daughter, Maddy, is the beating heart of the story—messy, painful, and utterly real. Their dynamic added so much weight to the plot that I often found myself more invested in their emotional journey than even the central mystery (and that’s saying something).

The writing itself is vivid and cinematic—I could picture every scene clearly, from the shadowy corners of Cost’s world to the quieter, more intimate moments between father and daughter.

In the end, The Sins We Inherit isn’t just a thriller—it’s a moving story about family, forgiveness, and the heavy price of secrets. It left me both breathless and heartbroken, and I haven’t stopped thinking about it since I turned the last page.

A must-read for anyone who loves crime fiction with real emotional depth.

[Prashant Singh · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Sins We Inherit by Carlo J. Emanuele in Blood opens with a funeral, but the deeper loss being mourned is an era of power and identity. The story centers on Costantino “Cost” Caduto II, a man who has spent years trying to distance himself from his family’s long-standing ties to the Milwaukee underworld. Instead of glamorizing the mafia, the book focuses on how legacy can feel like a weight that never loosens.

Cost is not a stereotypical crime figure. He is weary, emotionally guarded, and trying to reconnect with a daughter who has grown up at a distance from him. After the death of his grandfather, Tiger Caduto, the old crew watches to see whether Cost will return to the world he left. Those tensions play out quietly—through glances at a wake, pressure-filled conversations, and unspoken expectations.

The writing feels intimate, raw, and grounded in the complexity of family relationships. Scenes such as Cost giving the eulogy, or the subtle shifts between him and his daughter, are powerful not because of loud action, but because of what is left unsaid. This is not just a story about crime; it’s a story about identity, regret, and inheritance.

Readers who enjoy thoughtful, character-driven crime dramas like The Sopranos or A Most Violent Year will find this especially compelling. It asks a difficult question: Can you ever truly walk away from the world that shaped you?

[readerkd · Rating 5 out of 5]

What personally attracted me the most in The Sins We Inherit is that it is an emotional piece of writing with the exclusion that it is a highly psychological one. Not only is it a crime thriller it is also the interpretation of the object of guilt and love in man light.

The man emerges the sensitive aspect of the book since he is the protagonist and he suffers at the hands of his past on his daughter, Maddy and letters. Their dialogue is so consistently oppressed in one another as to give way to so little and solutions of preposterous suffering.

The plot is also spectacular. Flashback also helps in the fact that the writer shows the information not to draw just the depth of feeling and moral tints. And every discovery Preferable and every diversion. The manner in which it is movie like and most well written makes you forget the reality of the world of Cost. Whether in the creation of the mystery no human part is lost.

And the last, and not the least it is not only the matter concerning secrets discovery, but the cost. Markedly, few thrillers can make one think and not feel in solitude, and this is in large measure. Very sweet, dainty and witty.

[Megha Bhatia · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone who devours crime novels, I can confidently say The Sins We Inherit stands out from the crowd.
The suspense is sharp, the pacing relentless, and the character work top-notch. From the first chapter, I was pulled into Cost’s troubled world, feeling the weight of his choices and the secrets that haunt him.

The mystery itself is well-crafted, with enough twists to keep even seasoned thriller fans guessing. But what elevates this book above the rest is the emotional undercurrent running through it—particularly Cost’s relationship with his daughter, Maddy.

The tension between them adds a deeply human element to the story, reminding me that even the most hardened characters are driven by love and regret.

The writing is vivid and cinematic, making it easy to visualize every scene. I also appreciated how the flashbacks filled in the emotional and moral layers of the story.

This isn’t just a thriller, it’s a character-driven exploration of guilt, redemption, and the cost of secrets.

[Neetu Singh · Rating 4 out of 5]

The amazing blend of emotional storytelling with psychological depth is the most appreciable thing about "The Sins We Inherit"!
It’s not just a crime thriller but a study of how guilt and love shape human behavior.

The main character, Cost, is a man haunted by his past, and his relationship with his daughter, Maddy, becomes the emotional core of the book. Their scenes together are beautifully restrained, filled with tension and quiet heartbreak.

The narrative is impressive.
The author has used flashbacks not just to reveal information, but to layer emotional and moral complexity.
Every twist felt earned and every revelation made all sense.
The writing is clear and cinematic, so much so that it pulls you right into Cost’s world. Even when the mystery thickened, the story never lost the sight of its humanity🤞
It doesn't just uncover secrets but also makes one understand the price of them.

A rare thriller that makes you think as much as it makes you feel.

In short...subtle, intelligent and deeply moving!

[Deepak Bhandari · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Sins We Inherit moved me in ways I didn’t expect.
I picked it up thinking I’d get a good thriller, but what I found was a deeply emotional story about family, loss, and forgiveness. The bond between Cost and his daughter, Maddy, is beautifully written—so full of love, regret, and unspoken pain. Their relationship felt incredibly real, with moments that made me stop and reflect on my own family. The arguments they have, the guilt they carry, and the small moments of understanding between them brought tears to my eyes more than once.

The flashbacks were my favorite part because they gave depth to their characters and helped me understand why they made the choices they did.

I loved how the author wove emotion into a suspenseful plot without losing the heart of the story.

It’s not just a crime thriller, it’s a touching story about the things that shape us and the power of forgiveness. Truly unforgettable.

[Rohan Jethloja · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Sins We Inherit isn’t just a thriller—it’s a mirror that makes you reflect on your own life, choices, and relationships.

I expected a gripping mystery, and while the book absolutely delivers on suspense and tension, what truly caught me off guard was its emotional weight. Cost’s relationship with his daughter, Maddy, is the heart of the story—tender, flawed, and achingly real. Every argument between them feels like a wound reopening, and every moment of understanding feels like quiet healing.

I found myself pausing to think about how our past mistakes shape the people we love. The author balances crime and emotion so effortlessly that neither overshadows the other. The pacing is sharp, yet the storytelling feels deeply human and introspective.

By the final chapter, I wasn’t just invested in the mystery—I was emotionally undone.

The Sins We Inherit lingers long after the last page, a haunting blend of guilt, love, and redemption.

[Roshan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Sins We Inherit made me remember that despite the amount of darkness that the story contains, there will never be nothing not to hope. It is a thriller, and it is a very tense one, but there is a pleasant tale of mending broken relationships. The agony subjects the ill and hurt and estranged Cost and his daughter, but it is the love that is enkindled between them.

I loved the way their relationship developed, and was not pompous, but rather normal, emotional, life-affirming.
The hint, in itself, makes me absolutely addicted but the emotions it elicits will be my greatest recollection of it. The author is also sensitive and honest in his text and tells the reader how human beings can be guilty of years and redeem.

At the end of it, I was not only wondering who had done what, I was wondering how forgiveness transforms people. It is a tragic, but beautiful story that makes you depressed and numb at the same time.

[Brijesh Singh · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book reminded me that even in stories full of darkness, there’s always room for hope.
It’s a gripping thriller, big yes, but beneath the suspense is a tender story about healing broken bonds. The characters are flawed, hurt and distant, yet their love for each other managed to shine quietly through the pain!
I loved how their connection grew, not through big dramatic gestures, but through small, emotional moments that felt true to life.
The mystery itself kept me all and all hooked, but what I’ll remember most are the feelings it stirred (may be because I'm myself a father of two beautiful daughters and what more to life than loving them to the core). The author has written with empathy and honesty, showing how people can carry guilt for years yet still find redemption.

By the end, I wasn’t just thinking about who did what but also about how forgiveness changes people. It’s a story that hurts and heals, at the same time, and gives you hope all at once.

[Maneka Gupta · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t usually read thrillers, but The Sins We Inherit completely won me over.

I picked it up after hearing good things, and I’m so glad I did. From the very first chapter, I was pulled into Cost’s world and his complicated relationship with his daughter, Maddy.

The writing made it easy to imagine every scene—the tension, the emotions, even the quiet moments. I liked how the story balanced suspense with real human feelings.

The characters didn’t feel like fictional people; they felt like someone you could actually meet. I also loved the flashbacks—they helped me understand what shaped them and why they made certain choices.

The book made me think about forgiveness, family, and how our past never really leaves us. It’s not just about crime or mystery—it’s about love and redemption.
I didn’t expect to enjoy it so much, but now I’m recommending it to all my friends.

[Bhagya · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Sins We Inherit is one of those books that stays with you long after you finish it. I started it thinking it was a regular crime story, but it turned out to be so much more.
The relationship between Cost and his daughter, Maddy, touched me deeply. Their arguments, silences, and small moments of care felt so real.

The story shows how love and regret can exist together, and how forgiveness isn’t always easy but always worth it.

The mystery part is strong too, with twists that kept me turning the pages. But what I loved most was how emotional it was. The writing is simple yet powerful, and the flashbacks helped me understand the characters better. It made me think about how our choices affect the people we love.

This isn’t just a thriller—it’s a story about family, mistakes, and second chances. Beautifully written and truly unforgettable.

[Rumpa Roy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Sins We Inherit left me emotionally wrecked—in the best possible way.

I went in expecting a fast-paced mafia thriller, but what I found was a story drenched in heartbreak, guilt, and quiet redemption. Cost’s struggle to reconnect with his daughter, Maddy, broke me. Their relationship felt raw, real, and painfully human. The author doesn’t rely on melodrama—every emotion is subtle but hits hard.

I loved the way small gestures, like a shared silence or a hesitant glance, spoke louder than words.

Even amidst crime and danger, there’s tenderness and vulnerability. This isn’t just a thriller, it’s a story about second chances and the hope that love can survive even after betrayal.

I closed the book with tears in my eyes and warmth in my heart. It’s rare to find such depth in this genre. Absolutely unforgettable.

[Drishty Vij · Rating 5 out of 5]

The kind of book that stays with you long after you finish reading it. It has action, secrets, and twists, but what touched me most was the relationship between Cost and his daughter, Maddy. Cost is not perfect, he has a painful past and has made mistakes. But you can feel how much he wants to fix things and be a better father. Their scenes together felt very real. Sometimes they don’t even need to talk much, their silence shows their feelings.

The story moves at a good speed, and every chapter made me want to know what happens next.

I loved how the author used memories to show what happened before and why Cost is the way he is. The writing is clear and easy to follow, and I could picture every moment in my mind.

This book is not just a crime story it’s about family, guilt, love and hope. A wonderful read that touched my heart.

[Noornain Quadri · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Sins We Inherit completely took over my heart.

I started reading it for the thriller element, but what really pulled me in was the emotional bond between Cost and his daughter, Maddy. Their relationship felt so real- full of love, pain, and unspoken understanding.

The way the author described their arguments, memories, and guilt made me stop and think about my own family. Every flashback helped me see why they acted the way they did, and I could feel their struggle to forgive and move on. It’s not just a crime story—it’s about family, loss, and the weight of our past. I cried in some parts and smiled in others.

The writing is beautiful and simple, but it hits deep. I could almost see the scenes happening around me. I finished it in two days and wished there were more pages.

[Shabaz Khan · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone who reads a lot of thrillers, The Sins We Inherit impressed me right from the start. The pacing is perfect—fast enough to keep me hooked, but detailed enough to make me care about the characters.

The twists and turns kept me guessing until the very end. I loved how the author built tension without overdoing it. The setting felt real, especially the scenes in Milwaukee; it gave the story a gritty, believable background. I expected action, but I didn’t expect to feel so connected to the father and daughter.

The author’s descriptions made every moment come alive like a movie in my head. Even halfway through, I knew it was something special.

I’m definitely waiting for the next book in this series!

[Simonti Ghosh · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love thrillers, and The Sins We Inherit instantly became one of my favorites.

It’s full of secrets, tension, and unexpected turns, but what makes it special is the emotion behind the mystery. Cost isn’t just a detective—he’s a father trying to make things right with his daughter, Maddy. Their bond adds real heart to the story. You feel his pain, guilt, and hope in every scene.

The author does an amazing job balancing suspense with emotion. It’s not just about solving a crime; it’s about facing the truth and finding forgiveness. I loved the pacing—it kept me hooked till the end, but I also found myself slowing down to take in the emotional parts.

If you enjoy thrillers with depth and heart, this one is a must-read.

[Lingam · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone who reads a lot of crime fiction, The Sins We Inherit genuinely surprised me. It’s not just about solving a mystery, it’s about living with the consequences of one.

The mafia backdrop adds grit and intensity, but the emotional tension between Cost and Maddy gives the story its pulse.

The pacing was perfect: tight enough to keep you on edge but slow enough to let you absorb the emotional undercurrents. The writing style is sharp, vivid, and surprisingly poetic.

You can almost see the scenes unfolding like a movie. For fans of dark thrillers with a heart, this one stands out. It’s both brutal and beautiful.

[Thor Misko · Rating 5 out of 5]

I devoured The Sins We Inherit in just two days—it pulled me in right from the start. The pacing is flawless, the characters are layered and compelling, and the ending delivered a true twist that left me on the edge of my seat. It’s the perfect mix of suspense, emotion, and drama. I haven’t read a fictional story in a long time, and this book reminded me how much fun it is to get lost in one. I’m already looking forward to the next in the series! And for anyone familiar with the Greater Milwaukee area, the local references throughout make it an even more engaging read.

[Chithu · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book broke me in the best way possible.
I went in expecting a standard crime story, but what I got was a raw and emotional journey about love, guilt, and forgiveness.

The bond between Cost and Maddy hit so close to home—it felt like watching a father and daughter heal in real time. Their silences, their regrets, the things left unsaid… all of it felt painfully real. I cried more than once while reading.

It’s rare to find a thriller that makes your heart race and ache at the same time, but The Sins We Inherit does exactly that.