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The Halpines River Homicides
Sins in the Dark
Homicide detective Chloe Van Belle is still haunted by her previous case, when she’s called to a brutal crime scene…
A grandmother is slaughtered, her daughter shot and clinging to life, and twin toddlers have vanished into the winter night.
The first twenty-four hours are critical to finding the toddlers alive, but Chloe is second-guessed and undermined by her new sergeant, Adriana Ladera, who doesn’t trust or respect her, doesn’t know the community, and discourages work camaraderie.
As Chloe chases leads, the twins’ mother becomes her prime suspect until Chloe discovers a link to the Encounters cult-like church and whispers of a decades-old adoption ring rooted in Halpin River. Chloe struggles to separate her past with the church and her tangled family ties from the case.
Navigating serpentine twists, Chloe won’t rest until she finds the missing children—no matter how deadly it becomes.
Sins in the Dark is a gripping detective thriller filled with shocking twists, chilling cult secrets, and a relentless hunt for justice.
A grandmother is slaughtered, her daughter shot and clinging to life, and twin toddlers have vanished into the winter night.
The first twenty-four hours are critical to finding the toddlers alive, but Chloe is second-guessed and undermined by her new sergeant, Adriana Ladera, who doesn’t trust or respect her, doesn’t know the community, and discourages work camaraderie.
As Chloe chases leads, the twins’ mother becomes her prime suspect until Chloe discovers a link to the Encounters cult-like church and whispers of a decades-old adoption ring rooted in Halpin River. Chloe struggles to separate her past with the church and her tangled family ties from the case.
Navigating serpentine twists, Chloe won’t rest until she finds the missing children—no matter how deadly it becomes.
Sins in the Dark is a gripping detective thriller filled with shocking twists, chilling cult secrets, and a relentless hunt for justice.
- GenresMystery
372 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 17, 2025
About the author
Cobie LaJeanne
2 books59 followersCobie LaJeanne writes palpable psychological fiction with layered characters and storylines that will haunt you for years. As an adoptee with autism, PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder, she is a strong advocate for mental health and the road toward healing. Her work is inspired by events in her life as well as true crime stories, exploring important topics such as familial generational trauma, religious/cult trauma, adoption trauma, and more.
Cobie lives in an RV full-time with her husband and two small girls, traveling the United States. When she isn’t writing, she loves to take French classes, listen to 90s and Y2K music, and experiment with makeup.
Her favorite authors include Loreth Anne White, Karin Slaughter, L.T. Vargus, Tim McBain, and Tana French.
Cobie lives in an RV full-time with her husband and two small girls, traveling the United States. When she isn’t writing, she loves to take French classes, listen to 90s and Y2K music, and experiment with makeup.
Her favorite authors include Loreth Anne White, Karin Slaughter, L.T. Vargus, Tim McBain, and Tana French.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
February 23, 2026
not the cliffhanger 😭 is it september yet?
December 13, 2025
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This was a really promising read and one I was genuinely excited to start, but unfortunately it didn’t quite work for me. While there were moments that briefly hooked my interest, the pacing felt very off overall. Large portions of the book dragged, and for the majority of it I found myself bored rather than compelled to keep reading.
I also didn’t find the writing particularly engaging. It took me well over a week to finish this, which is very unusual for me as I normally read thrillers in two to three days. That alone tells me I wasn’t truly enjoying the experience. Much of the time I felt confused about what was happening, as if parts of the story jumped around without a smooth or clear timeline. This made it difficult to stay immersed or emotionally invested.
Because of this, I didn’t really care about the outcome or feel driven to find out what happened in the end. It’s a real shame, as the premise had so much potential and I went in with high expectations. Sadly, this just wasn’t the gripping read I’d hoped for.
This was a really promising read and one I was genuinely excited to start, but unfortunately it didn’t quite work for me. While there were moments that briefly hooked my interest, the pacing felt very off overall. Large portions of the book dragged, and for the majority of it I found myself bored rather than compelled to keep reading.
I also didn’t find the writing particularly engaging. It took me well over a week to finish this, which is very unusual for me as I normally read thrillers in two to three days. That alone tells me I wasn’t truly enjoying the experience. Much of the time I felt confused about what was happening, as if parts of the story jumped around without a smooth or clear timeline. This made it difficult to stay immersed or emotionally invested.
Because of this, I didn’t really care about the outcome or feel driven to find out what happened in the end. It’s a real shame, as the premise had so much potential and I went in with high expectations. Sadly, this just wasn’t the gripping read I’d hoped for.
December 6, 2025
ARC Read: NetGallery & Tule Publishing
A great mystery thriller. The story revolves around uncovering a secret child trafficking ring and I found myself trying to piece together the puzzle of who was involved. And left me guessing what's going to happen next to this story as it ended on somewhat of a cliffhanger.
A great mystery thriller. The story revolves around uncovering a secret child trafficking ring and I found myself trying to piece together the puzzle of who was involved. And left me guessing what's going to happen next to this story as it ended on somewhat of a cliffhanger.
March 29, 2026
Thank you, NetGalley & Victory Editing, for the eARC of Sins in the Dark! 🩸👃👀 🤫
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 5
If you enjoy crime thrillers and haven’t read anything by Cobie LaJeanne, you’re seriously missing out! This is the second book in the Halpin River series, and I absolutely devoured it. I really enjoyed the first one and this one is written just as well as Blood in the Cradle, so I’m not surprised that I enjoyed this one too. This one had a very different scenario but it still felt familiar in the sense of involving a lot of the same characters and settings.
Keep in mind, there’s lots of graphic content in this one too. If you like Law & Order: SVU, you’re going to looooove these books! I can’t wait for the third one to come out, as this was left on somewhat of a cliffhanger.
All in all, I really enjoyed this novel. Lots of twists and turns just like the first one and I love how it really portrayed Chloe’s character as a detective AND as a person. I appreciated the portrayal of facing past traumas to prevent present evils.
**disclaimer: I received this eARC through NetGalley and am leaving this honest review of my own accord. All thoughts are my own.**
𝔽𝕖𝕖𝕝 𝕗𝕣𝕖𝕖 𝕥𝕠 𝕗𝕠𝕝𝕝𝕠𝕨 𝕞𝕪 𝕓𝕠𝕠𝕜𝕤𝕥𝕒𝕘𝕣𝕒𝕞, 𝕨𝕙𝕖𝕣𝕖 𝕀 𝕙𝕒𝕧𝕖 𝕞𝕪 𝕤𝕥𝕒𝕣 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕤𝕡𝕚𝕔𝕖 𝕣𝕒𝕥𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕤𝕔𝕒𝕝𝕖 𝕖𝕩𝕡𝕝𝕒𝕚𝕟𝕖𝕕, 𝕒𝕞𝕠𝕟𝕘𝕤𝕥 𝕠𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕣 𝕓𝕠𝕠𝕜𝕚𝕤𝕙 𝕥𝕙𝕚𝕟𝕘𝕤. 📚✨ @𝕟𝕖𝕖𝕟𝕨𝕖𝕖𝕟𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕕𝕤
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 5
If you enjoy crime thrillers and haven’t read anything by Cobie LaJeanne, you’re seriously missing out! This is the second book in the Halpin River series, and I absolutely devoured it. I really enjoyed the first one and this one is written just as well as Blood in the Cradle, so I’m not surprised that I enjoyed this one too. This one had a very different scenario but it still felt familiar in the sense of involving a lot of the same characters and settings.
Keep in mind, there’s lots of graphic content in this one too. If you like Law & Order: SVU, you’re going to looooove these books! I can’t wait for the third one to come out, as this was left on somewhat of a cliffhanger.
All in all, I really enjoyed this novel. Lots of twists and turns just like the first one and I love how it really portrayed Chloe’s character as a detective AND as a person. I appreciated the portrayal of facing past traumas to prevent present evils.
**disclaimer: I received this eARC through NetGalley and am leaving this honest review of my own accord. All thoughts are my own.**
𝔽𝕖𝕖𝕝 𝕗𝕣𝕖𝕖 𝕥𝕠 𝕗𝕠𝕝𝕝𝕠𝕨 𝕞𝕪 𝕓𝕠𝕠𝕜𝕤𝕥𝕒𝕘𝕣𝕒𝕞, 𝕨𝕙𝕖𝕣𝕖 𝕀 𝕙𝕒𝕧𝕖 𝕞𝕪 𝕤𝕥𝕒𝕣 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕤𝕡𝕚𝕔𝕖 𝕣𝕒𝕥𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕤𝕔𝕒𝕝𝕖 𝕖𝕩𝕡𝕝𝕒𝕚𝕟𝕖𝕕, 𝕒𝕞𝕠𝕟𝕘𝕤𝕥 𝕠𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕣 𝕓𝕠𝕠𝕜𝕚𝕤𝕙 𝕥𝕙𝕚𝕟𝕘𝕤. 📚✨ @𝕟𝕖𝕖𝕟𝕨𝕖𝕖𝕟𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕕𝕤
December 19, 2025
Objectively speaking this is a decent thriller. But it is very graphic even for the genre which I did not appreciate. There’s also violence which involves children so that was a no go for me as well. If you are not triggered by books and enjoy thrillers give this a go. If you’re sensitive to the material I think this might be a miss. My two cents your mileage may vary.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 17, 2026
📚Sins in the Dark
✍🏻Cobie LaJeanne
Blurb:
Homicide detective Chloe Van Belle is still haunted by her previous case, when she’s called to a brutal crime scene…
A grandmother is slaughtered, her daughter shot and clinging to life, and twin toddlers have vanished into the winter night.
The first twenty-four hours are critical to finding the toddlers alive, but Chloe is second-guessed and undermined by her new sergeant, Adriana Ladera, who doesn’t trust or respect her, doesn’t know the community, and discourages work camaraderie.
As Chloe chases leads, the twins’ mother becomes her prime suspect until Chloe discovers a link to the Encounters cult-like church and whispers of a decades-old adoption ring rooted in Halpin River. Chloe struggles to separate her past with the church and her tangled family ties from the case.
Navigating serpentine twists, Chloe won’t rest until she finds the missing children—no matter how deadly it becomes.
Sins in the Dark is a gripping detective thriller filled with shocking twists, chilling cult secrets, and a relentless hunt for justice.
My Thoughts:
The story follows Chloe Van Belle, a homicide detective based in Halpin River. This installment centers on a shocking and brutal crime: the slaughter of a grandmother, the murder of her daughter, and the chilling disappearance of the daughter’s twin children. This was such a great mystery/thriller and kept me guessing right to the end. This book is filled with layered family secrets, creepy/unsettling crime scenes, and a twist. Chloe finds out the case is connected to a wild cult in the area and fears for the children's lives. I couldn't stop reading I was hooked from the start, gripping twists and turns, interesting characters.. Add this to your TBR.
Thanks NetGalley, Tule Publishing and Author Cobie LaJeanne for the complimentary copy of "Sins in the Dark" I am leaving my voluntary review in appreciation.
#NetGalley
#TulePublishing
#CobieLaJeanne
#SinsintheDark
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
⚠️Trigger Warnings: Gunshot Wounds, Detailed crime scenes, Detailed autopsy, Kidnapping/trafficking of children, Mention of pet death, Graphic scene involving a toddler, Religious imagery
✍🏻Cobie LaJeanne
Blurb:
Homicide detective Chloe Van Belle is still haunted by her previous case, when she’s called to a brutal crime scene…
A grandmother is slaughtered, her daughter shot and clinging to life, and twin toddlers have vanished into the winter night.
The first twenty-four hours are critical to finding the toddlers alive, but Chloe is second-guessed and undermined by her new sergeant, Adriana Ladera, who doesn’t trust or respect her, doesn’t know the community, and discourages work camaraderie.
As Chloe chases leads, the twins’ mother becomes her prime suspect until Chloe discovers a link to the Encounters cult-like church and whispers of a decades-old adoption ring rooted in Halpin River. Chloe struggles to separate her past with the church and her tangled family ties from the case.
Navigating serpentine twists, Chloe won’t rest until she finds the missing children—no matter how deadly it becomes.
Sins in the Dark is a gripping detective thriller filled with shocking twists, chilling cult secrets, and a relentless hunt for justice.
My Thoughts:
The story follows Chloe Van Belle, a homicide detective based in Halpin River. This installment centers on a shocking and brutal crime: the slaughter of a grandmother, the murder of her daughter, and the chilling disappearance of the daughter’s twin children. This was such a great mystery/thriller and kept me guessing right to the end. This book is filled with layered family secrets, creepy/unsettling crime scenes, and a twist. Chloe finds out the case is connected to a wild cult in the area and fears for the children's lives. I couldn't stop reading I was hooked from the start, gripping twists and turns, interesting characters.. Add this to your TBR.
Thanks NetGalley, Tule Publishing and Author Cobie LaJeanne for the complimentary copy of "Sins in the Dark" I am leaving my voluntary review in appreciation.
#NetGalley
#TulePublishing
#CobieLaJeanne
#SinsintheDark
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
⚠️Trigger Warnings: Gunshot Wounds, Detailed crime scenes, Detailed autopsy, Kidnapping/trafficking of children, Mention of pet death, Graphic scene involving a toddler, Religious imagery
January 16, 2026
The second installment in the "Halpin River" series, "Sins in The Dark," is a perfect follow up to the excellent and macabre story of the first.
It delivers exactly what I hoped for in a sequel: depth, momentum, and emotional payoff.
It is, once again, an extremely well-written and cohesive plot that shines through its layered characters and descriptive settings, while steadily escalating tension.
It builds perfectly on the foundation of the first book, while carving out its own dark, unique, and intense identity.
We follow Chloe again, as well as some new character perspectives that are just as equally investing and impactful, and introduce so much to the world of Halpin River.
I love every single one of these characters, new and old, and each character always maintains their own importance in the story.
None of the characters have been left unaffected by the events of the first book, and everything that happens throughout the series continues to stick with them.
Everything is thoughtfully and carefully planned out, deliberate and immersive, while never losing its focus or emotional impact.
The reveal at the end was shocking, unpredictable, and perfectly done.
I can't put these books down.
Each book in the "Halpin River" series has a dark, yet heartfelt narrative worth following more than any series I've ever read before.
You can always tell when a writer cares deeply and emotionally about what they think, do, and write; Cobie LaJeanne is one of those writers.
I can't wait for book 3!!!
It delivers exactly what I hoped for in a sequel: depth, momentum, and emotional payoff.
It is, once again, an extremely well-written and cohesive plot that shines through its layered characters and descriptive settings, while steadily escalating tension.
It builds perfectly on the foundation of the first book, while carving out its own dark, unique, and intense identity.
We follow Chloe again, as well as some new character perspectives that are just as equally investing and impactful, and introduce so much to the world of Halpin River.
I love every single one of these characters, new and old, and each character always maintains their own importance in the story.
None of the characters have been left unaffected by the events of the first book, and everything that happens throughout the series continues to stick with them.
Everything is thoughtfully and carefully planned out, deliberate and immersive, while never losing its focus or emotional impact.
The reveal at the end was shocking, unpredictable, and perfectly done.
I can't put these books down.
Each book in the "Halpin River" series has a dark, yet heartfelt narrative worth following more than any series I've ever read before.
You can always tell when a writer cares deeply and emotionally about what they think, do, and write; Cobie LaJeanne is one of those writers.
I can't wait for book 3!!!
November 21, 2025
From the opening pages, Sins in the Dark grips you with its chilling premise: a brutal crime, missing children, and a detective haunted by her past. Chloe Van Belle is a compelling lead—flawed, resilient, and caught between personal demons and professional duty. Her clash with the aloof Sergeant Adriana Ladera adds tension that feels as sharp as the case itself.
The novel thrives on atmosphere: winter nights, cult whispers, and the shadow of Halpin River’s secrets. Each twist feels serpentine, pulling you deeper into a world where family ties and faith collide with violence and betrayal. The Encounters church and the decades-old adoption ring are particularly haunting, giving the thriller a layered complexity beyond the standard crime procedural.
What makes this story stand out is its balance of relentless pacing with emotional depth. Chloe’s determination to save the twins is not just professional—it’s personal, and that urgency pulses through every chapter.
A dark, atmospheric detective thriller that blends heart, suspense, and shocking revelations.
With thanks to Cobie LaJeanne, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
The novel thrives on atmosphere: winter nights, cult whispers, and the shadow of Halpin River’s secrets. Each twist feels serpentine, pulling you deeper into a world where family ties and faith collide with violence and betrayal. The Encounters church and the decades-old adoption ring are particularly haunting, giving the thriller a layered complexity beyond the standard crime procedural.
What makes this story stand out is its balance of relentless pacing with emotional depth. Chloe’s determination to save the twins is not just professional—it’s personal, and that urgency pulses through every chapter.
A dark, atmospheric detective thriller that blends heart, suspense, and shocking revelations.
With thanks to Cobie LaJeanne, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
December 20, 2025
Sins in the Dark
~The Halpin River Homicides #2 by Cobie LaJeanne
*Sins in the Dark* is a brilliant and well-written mystery that firmly establishes this new series by Cobie LaJeanne as one to watch.
The story follows Chloe Van Belle, a homicide detective based in Halpin River. This instalment centres on a shocking and brutal crime: the slaughter of a grandmother, the murder of her daughter, and the chilling disappearance of the daughter’s twin children. From the outset, the stakes are high and emotionally gripping.
I found this book engaging from the very first page. LaJeanne masterfully weaves suspense and intrigue throughout the story, keeping the reader guessing until the very end. The pacing is excellent, the mystery is cleverly constructed, and the tension never lets up.
Simply brilliant. I highly recommend Sins in the Dark to fans of gripping crime fiction and well-crafted mysteries.
~The Halpin River Homicides #2 by Cobie LaJeanne
*Sins in the Dark* is a brilliant and well-written mystery that firmly establishes this new series by Cobie LaJeanne as one to watch.
The story follows Chloe Van Belle, a homicide detective based in Halpin River. This instalment centres on a shocking and brutal crime: the slaughter of a grandmother, the murder of her daughter, and the chilling disappearance of the daughter’s twin children. From the outset, the stakes are high and emotionally gripping.
I found this book engaging from the very first page. LaJeanne masterfully weaves suspense and intrigue throughout the story, keeping the reader guessing until the very end. The pacing is excellent, the mystery is cleverly constructed, and the tension never lets up.
Simply brilliant. I highly recommend Sins in the Dark to fans of gripping crime fiction and well-crafted mysteries.
December 9, 2025
The second book in the Halpin Rivers series, this was a strong follow up to Blood in the Cradle. The story felt fresh as it didn’t just follow the same plot as the first, but it was familiar at the same time while you’re brought back Chloe’s world. There’s new characters and familiar ones which Colbie is just so good at bringing these characters to life! They feel so real like this could actually be happening somewhere. This is a great read for right now as it takes place around the holidays but it is not a holiday book so can be enjoyed any time! I recommend this book if you’re into high stakes thrillers and creepy cults!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was an awesome addition to the Halpin River Homicides world! As in book one (Cradle), LaJeanne delivered her trademark layered family secrets, creepy/unsettling crime scenes, and a twist is didn't see coming (but that isn't completely out of left field). This novel was a great addition to the Halpin River world that the author established in the first book. I highly recommend and I'm excited to read the next installment to the series! (also has holiday season vibes if you are looking for a holiday thriller)
Review of advance copy
Sins in the Dark is my first book by Cobie LaJeanne and won't be my last. This was such a great mystery/thriller and kept me guessing right to the end. I puzzled over all the clues and the twists kept me on the edge of my seat. The characters are very well written and multidimensional. Now I need to read book 1 so I can check this series out properly. Definitely recommend the author and series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 25, 2025
Cobie brings another thriller masterpiece here, with twists and turns you won’t see coming, complicated people and relationships, and of course, our favorite detective, Chloe! The pace is high, the story intense, and the ending a surprise.
December 25, 2025
Sins in the Dark by Cobie LaJeanne is the second book of The Halpin River Homicides series. I really enjoyed reading this one, it's a great mystery that will have you guessing until the end.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 24, 2025
This book was absolutely captivating—I couldn’t put it down. Sins in the Dark is the second installment in Cobie LaJeanne’s Halpin River Homicides series, and it delivers a gripping, well-paced story that held my attention from start to finish.
The novel follows homicide detective Chloe Van Belle as she searches for missing twin toddlers, Violet and Felix, uncovering a web of disturbing and deeply rooted secrets along the way. The plot weaves together murder investigations, missing children, an illegal adoption ring, and dark family secrets, creating a tense and multilayered narrative.
It’s a compelling thriller that I highly recommend—and one I would gladly revisit.
The novel follows homicide detective Chloe Van Belle as she searches for missing twin toddlers, Violet and Felix, uncovering a web of disturbing and deeply rooted secrets along the way. The plot weaves together murder investigations, missing children, an illegal adoption ring, and dark family secrets, creating a tense and multilayered narrative.
It’s a compelling thriller that I highly recommend—and one I would gladly revisit.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews