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Deer Lake #1-2
Night Sins / Guilty as Sin
“ONE OF THE MOST INTENSE SUSPENSE WRITERS AROUND.” —CHICAGO TRIBUNE
#1 New York Times bestselling author Tami Hoag delivers a double shot of suspense in these two adrenaline-charged classic thrillers offered together in one powerful volume.
NIGHT SINS
A peaceful Minnesota town is about to face its worst nightmare. A young boy disappears and the only clue is a note—taunting and casually cruel. Has a cold-blooded kidnapper struck? Or is this the reawakening of a long-quiet serial killer? For a tough-minded investigator, it’s her first make-or-break case. For a local cop, it’s the fear that big-city evil has come to stalk his small-town home. Together they’ll hunt a madman who knows no bounds and for whom no sin is forbidden.
“Nerve-shattering, explosive entertainment, and should not be missed by anyone who reads for the thrill of it.” —Michael Palmer
GUILTY AS SIN
A psychopath has been playing a twisted game with a terrified Minnesota town. Now a respected member of the community stands accused of a chilling act of evil. But when a second boy vanishes, a frightened public demands to know if the police have caught the wrong man. Is the nightmare continuing…or just beginning? Prosecutor Ellen North believes she has the right man—but that he has an accomplice in the shadows. Ellen suddenly finds herself swept into a cruel contest of wits, a dark game of life and death… with an evil mind as guilty as sin.
“A chilling study of evil that holds the reader until the shocking surprise ending.” —Phillip Margolin
#1 New York Times bestselling author Tami Hoag delivers a double shot of suspense in these two adrenaline-charged classic thrillers offered together in one powerful volume.
NIGHT SINS
A peaceful Minnesota town is about to face its worst nightmare. A young boy disappears and the only clue is a note—taunting and casually cruel. Has a cold-blooded kidnapper struck? Or is this the reawakening of a long-quiet serial killer? For a tough-minded investigator, it’s her first make-or-break case. For a local cop, it’s the fear that big-city evil has come to stalk his small-town home. Together they’ll hunt a madman who knows no bounds and for whom no sin is forbidden.
“Nerve-shattering, explosive entertainment, and should not be missed by anyone who reads for the thrill of it.” —Michael Palmer
GUILTY AS SIN
A psychopath has been playing a twisted game with a terrified Minnesota town. Now a respected member of the community stands accused of a chilling act of evil. But when a second boy vanishes, a frightened public demands to know if the police have caught the wrong man. Is the nightmare continuing…or just beginning? Prosecutor Ellen North believes she has the right man—but that he has an accomplice in the shadows. Ellen suddenly finds herself swept into a cruel contest of wits, a dark game of life and death… with an evil mind as guilty as sin.
“A chilling study of evil that holds the reader until the shocking surprise ending.” —Phillip Margolin
1152 pages, Paperback
First published June 29, 2006
324 people are currently reading
1097 people want to read
About the author
Tami Hoag
100 books6,132 followersTami Hoag is the #1 internationally bestselling author of more than thirty books published in more than thirty languages worldwide, including her latest thrillers—BITTER SEASON, COLD COLD HEART and THE 9TH GIRL. Renowned for combining thrilling plots with character-driven suspense, Hoag first hit the New York Times Bestseller list with NIGHT SINS, and each of her books since has been a bestseller.
She leads a double life in Palm Beach County, Florida where she is also known as a top competitive equestrian in the Olympic discipline of dressage. Other interests include the study of psychology, and mixed martial arts fighting.
Visit her at www.tamihoag.com, Facebook.com/TamiHoag and on Twitter @TamiHoag
She leads a double life in Palm Beach County, Florida where she is also known as a top competitive equestrian in the Olympic discipline of dressage. Other interests include the study of psychology, and mixed martial arts fighting.
Visit her at www.tamihoag.com, Facebook.com/TamiHoag and on Twitter @TamiHoag
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews
August 22, 2009
This book dragged on and on... couldn't wait for it to end.. then found out there was a sequel. Keep the sequel!
April 7, 2019
Guilty pleasure
This a big, old-fashioned melodrama, full of bad dialogue and improbable plot twists. Even so, I still really enjoyed reading it in much the same way that I used to enjoy watching miniseries based on equally overwrought novels back in the day. It may not be art, but it sure was entertaining.
This a big, old-fashioned melodrama, full of bad dialogue and improbable plot twists. Even so, I still really enjoyed reading it in much the same way that I used to enjoy watching miniseries based on equally overwrought novels back in the day. It may not be art, but it sure was entertaining.
January 5, 2009
Tami Hoag is my favorite mystery author. Her characters are very complex, and the places that she writes about are incredibly realistic. Unlike many mystery novelists, Tami Hoag develops new characters with each book. I think that this was the only "series" that she's done. These two books, "Night Sins" and "Guilty as Sin," were the very first two books of her's that I stumbled across. A line of Tami Hoag novels now fills my bookshelf. I'm hooked.
June 4, 2008
Good story and characters. Not predictable...I thought I had it figured out, but I was so wrong.
January 9, 2011
I loved both books and the characters!! It was worth the read/listen! I loved how Night Sins walked right into Guilty As Sin and really enjoyed both book because of it. Tami Hoag did a great job. If you like a great mystery suspense with a little romance throw in I highly recommend these two book to you!! :)
July 13, 2012
Night Sins was my first Tami Hoag book and I could not put it down it held me captive and one of very few books that I have read that had me stumped on who was the bad guy. I couldn't wait till the second book came out.
I Loved Guilty as Sin as much as Night Sins. These two books was my beginning of a long list of Tami Hoag books I have read. She is a Great Author
I Loved Guilty as Sin as much as Night Sins. These two books was my beginning of a long list of Tami Hoag books I have read. She is a Great Author
October 17, 2018
now i am hooked. This was such a great, easy and creative book. i was hooked after the first page.
The characters were easy to fall in love with and follow, along with the story. the author made the mental visions so easy and vivid of the surroundings and the characters actions felt so real.
i would highly recommend this author and this book.
The characters were easy to fall in love with and follow, along with the story. the author made the mental visions so easy and vivid of the surroundings and the characters actions felt so real.
i would highly recommend this author and this book.
March 5, 2011
These stories were very good. I am getting back into reading mysteries. They are hard to put down once you start but its a very good book. I appreciate Desiree putting it on her books that she read. I will read more books by tami hoag in the future.
June 23, 2008
Loved both books! Couldn't put the book down, albeit, as a double book it was quite a pain to tote around.
September 17, 2008
This series was one of the first romantic mysteries I ever read. She got me hooked one reading again after a long abstance.
September 20, 2008
My first time reading Tami Hoag. I found both books interesting, however I seemed to favor Night Sins over Guilty. I would still recommend both books though.
January 27, 2011
I want more!!!!
January 22, 2012
Thrilling!
March 4, 2022
Good storyline, but unneeded sex scenes.
October 17, 2018
I picked up this book expecting it to be a high class mystery novel that I would have to figure out the truth of it before the main characters do, and while a mystery was provided, it's not really the main focus of this novel. Rather, the main focus is the romance between Mitch Holt and Megan O'Maley.
I should have read all the red flags, but I did not realize that this novel was indeed a romance was in the scenario between Megan and Mitch's first meeting, wheares it all goes downhill from there.
Being a little annoyed by that, I was a little bit pissed off by the first half of the book, and how the main two characters couldn't look at each other without thinking about having sex with each other till kingdom come, which didn't help that they argued with each other every five minutes with Mitch Holt almost punching her. Actually, let me be frank and say that Mitch's behavior is so out of bounds, half of his actions include threatening someone that doesn't deserve it and punching someone who does deserve it, which doesn't happen as often as it should. I only started to like Mitch's character in the latter half of the book, so at least I liked him eventually. Tami Hoag might as well have painted "ANGST" in big yellow letters on Mitch's forehead, as most of his actions are motivated by that. That being said, I did enjoy the romance in the latter half of the book, and Megan's character was the most tolerable of the main ensemble's cast, with a huge majority of the males either criminals, are cheating on their wives, or dead.
With that, the actual mystery of the novel is put on the backburner, and it's quiet easy to realize who the kidnapper is since there's really only two characters introduced that have the proper motive or lack of an alibi, and once you figure out who it is, the mystery of the story gets dulled really, really fast. The only time I felt as if the crime was finally escalating is the part where the criminal is finally caught, but once they are, it deescalates really quickly, and the kidnapping is solved as if nothing had happened in the first place.
If you want to read this book and are expecting a good mystery, then you might want to dull your expectations a bit, but if you want a decent romance, then I guess you'll enjoy this book more than I did.
I should have read all the red flags, but I did not realize that this novel was indeed a romance was in the scenario between Megan and Mitch's first meeting, wheares it all goes downhill from there.
Being a little annoyed by that, I was a little bit pissed off by the first half of the book, and how the main two characters couldn't look at each other without thinking about having sex with each other till kingdom come, which didn't help that they argued with each other every five minutes with Mitch Holt almost punching her. Actually, let me be frank and say that Mitch's behavior is so out of bounds, half of his actions include threatening someone that doesn't deserve it and punching someone who does deserve it, which doesn't happen as often as it should. I only started to like Mitch's character in the latter half of the book, so at least I liked him eventually. Tami Hoag might as well have painted "ANGST" in big yellow letters on Mitch's forehead, as most of his actions are motivated by that. That being said, I did enjoy the romance in the latter half of the book, and Megan's character was the most tolerable of the main ensemble's cast, with a huge majority of the males either criminals, are cheating on their wives, or dead.
With that, the actual mystery of the novel is put on the backburner, and it's quiet easy to realize who the kidnapper is since there's really only two characters introduced that have the proper motive or lack of an alibi, and once you figure out who it is, the mystery of the story gets dulled really, really fast. The only time I felt as if the crime was finally escalating is the part where the criminal is finally caught, but once they are, it deescalates really quickly, and the kidnapping is solved as if nothing had happened in the first place.
If you want to read this book and are expecting a good mystery, then you might want to dull your expectations a bit, but if you want a decent romance, then I guess you'll enjoy this book more than I did.
November 8, 2017
Guilty as Sin is a magnificently written follow-up novel to Night Sins, but unlike some sequels this one could stand alone. I would recommend to anyone interested that Night Sins should be read first, because it would give the reader a lot of background and history regarding what happens in the second novel, but Ms. Hoag covers her bases well enough that if Night Sins wasn't read first the reader would still be able to follow along and enjoy.
Ms. Hoag's character development is amazing in this novel as it is in all of her works. Guilty as Sin focuses on Ellen, the assistant district attorney prosecuting a high profile kidnapping case. Ms. Hoag weaves romance into a very suspenseful story as only she can do, and by doing so will catch the hearts of all of us hopeless romantics. This story is also full of twists, turns, and surprises. It keeps you guessing as to who the bad guy is, while it has you rooting for the good guys. It will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very last pages, and will be very hard to put down.
I would recommend this novel to any and all readers as I felt there was something in it for everyone.
Ms. Hoag's character development is amazing in this novel as it is in all of her works. Guilty as Sin focuses on Ellen, the assistant district attorney prosecuting a high profile kidnapping case. Ms. Hoag weaves romance into a very suspenseful story as only she can do, and by doing so will catch the hearts of all of us hopeless romantics. This story is also full of twists, turns, and surprises. It keeps you guessing as to who the bad guy is, while it has you rooting for the good guys. It will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very last pages, and will be very hard to put down.
I would recommend this novel to any and all readers as I felt there was something in it for everyone.
May 29, 2018
The second book slightly better than the first
I should have known from the title this would be more of a Romance than a mystery, but I wasn’t paying close attention. The mystery part involves a young boy that is kidnapped from hockey practice. The kidnapper(s) leave mysterious notes and we later learn they consider all of this a game. The book was written in the 90’s, and felt like it. The main protagonist, Megan O’Malley, is the first female BSA agent to be a field agent (really, is that the 90’s, or the 60’s). So of coarse everyone is watching her, and of coarse she falls madly in love with Sheriff Mitch Holt pretty much on first sight, In that first week, despite her protests that it would ruin her career, the heat wins out, they begin an affair, fall in love and I think get engaged. All in one week. She also solves the crime after nearly getting killed herself. All pretty predictable. The second book had a little more mystery, and a new romance. This one the female prosecutor that becomes involved with the mysterious true crime writer that shows up to cover the case. I probably would give the second book a 3, but the first was barely a two.
I should have known from the title this would be more of a Romance than a mystery, but I wasn’t paying close attention. The mystery part involves a young boy that is kidnapped from hockey practice. The kidnapper(s) leave mysterious notes and we later learn they consider all of this a game. The book was written in the 90’s, and felt like it. The main protagonist, Megan O’Malley, is the first female BSA agent to be a field agent (really, is that the 90’s, or the 60’s). So of coarse everyone is watching her, and of coarse she falls madly in love with Sheriff Mitch Holt pretty much on first sight, In that first week, despite her protests that it would ruin her career, the heat wins out, they begin an affair, fall in love and I think get engaged. All in one week. She also solves the crime after nearly getting killed herself. All pretty predictable. The second book had a little more mystery, and a new romance. This one the female prosecutor that becomes involved with the mysterious true crime writer that shows up to cover the case. I probably would give the second book a 3, but the first was barely a two.
March 24, 2025
Not my favourite Tami book but still overall enjoyed. I agree with some of the other reviews that the pacing of this book at times felt slow. A lot of the preparation for court felt a little too drawn out any I think Josh might’ve come home a bit too early in the story.
Wasn’t a huge fan of Jay Brooks for a large portion of the book. His overt sexuality walked the line of sexual harassment for me so that made me a bit uncomfortable at times.
The ending was ok… I’m glad the accomplice was uncovered and it was satisfying to be right about Wright’s guilt. The twist about Karen Wright was quite unexpected and I’m glad we got a bit of closure for Josh, stepping out of his head to save his sister. I was annoyed that Wright got off the easy way by being killed though. I understand why it couldn’t all be done up in a neat bow but rooting for Ellen the whole book really left me feeling like he didn’t face any justice.
Wasn’t a huge fan of Jay Brooks for a large portion of the book. His overt sexuality walked the line of sexual harassment for me so that made me a bit uncomfortable at times.
The ending was ok… I’m glad the accomplice was uncovered and it was satisfying to be right about Wright’s guilt. The twist about Karen Wright was quite unexpected and I’m glad we got a bit of closure for Josh, stepping out of his head to save his sister. I was annoyed that Wright got off the easy way by being killed though. I understand why it couldn’t all be done up in a neat bow but rooting for Ellen the whole book really left me feeling like he didn’t face any justice.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 17, 2021
Confused
What in the world?! This book ended as if it still had lots more to say. The author spent more time describing the sexual acts between a woman who swore she would never get involved with a fellow officer, but did so after two days. Certainly not enough effort was put into the characters’ personalities. And the weird way it ended put me off of Tami Hoag’s books forever. It was such a disappointment!
What in the world?! This book ended as if it still had lots more to say. The author spent more time describing the sexual acts between a woman who swore she would never get involved with a fellow officer, but did so after two days. Certainly not enough effort was put into the characters’ personalities. And the weird way it ended put me off of Tami Hoag’s books forever. It was such a disappointment!
April 11, 2024
This rather too long novel about a kidnapped schoolby in the US Midwest has been my bedtime reading for a while - it worked to put me to sleep and is quite good in its slow burn twists and turns. But it is only a prequel and I'm not engaged enough toread another 400+ page book to find more answers. The love affair that develops betweentwo cops might satisfy some readers who like such romance in their novels but I found this a distraction,
January 11, 2018
I gotta say, there was too much "romance" and not enough of anything else. And the romance was just them fighting. Ugh. Maybe because this is her first crime/mystery novel, I need to move on to the next one, but I just didn't care about anything in this book and thought the descriptions of the setting were more interesting than the characters.
August 12, 2019
For the most part, I really enjoyed this book. I liked the main characters and the story theme was heartbreaking. I could actually feel everyone's pain. However, the story got wordy at times and that threw me off.
June 12, 2020
Do not read
Horrible
Too long
Boring
#metoo
Doesn’t tie up all of the loose ends
I get that this was written in the 1990s but pushing women into bed with you after they’ve said no repeatedly is not sexy.
Horrible
Too long
Boring
#metoo
Doesn’t tie up all of the loose ends
I get that this was written in the 1990s but pushing women into bed with you after they’ve said no repeatedly is not sexy.
October 6, 2021
The two part book is INCREDIBLY long- it was never ending. I stuck with it because I liked some of the characters and I wanted to know who did it!!
The Jay Brooks character (second book) was kind of creepy and would have been thrown on his rear end in this #MeToo era.
The Jay Brooks character (second book) was kind of creepy and would have been thrown on his rear end in this #MeToo era.
July 17, 2019
Very engrossing. Had no idea who did it until it was disclosed. Didn't like the ending, however, as it seems like there is more to the story but I don't know which book.
December 28, 2019
Good mystery
March 14, 2020
Good book
Read
March 30, 2020I read this book ages ago and loved it.
Read
August 14, 2020Great reads. Kept me wanting more
December 18, 2020
Read both these tales a long time ago. Hoag is an excellent writer. Keeps you interest. Looking forward to more stories from this author.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews