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A Perception of Sin
When only DNA can expose a terrible lie.
This dark tale of forbidden sex, loneliness and love begins in modern-day London, with a suicide bomb attack aboard an underground train. During the subsequent forensic investigation, DNA taken from one of the adult victims is flagged up as a match to a Cold Case blood sample, collected 25 years before.
From the horrors of Bergen-Belsen, to the darkness of violent death, this Cold Case will not only re-open old wounds, but create its own set of chilling consequences.
This dark tale of forbidden sex, loneliness and love begins in modern-day London, with a suicide bomb attack aboard an underground train. During the subsequent forensic investigation, DNA taken from one of the adult victims is flagged up as a match to a Cold Case blood sample, collected 25 years before.
From the horrors of Bergen-Belsen, to the darkness of violent death, this Cold Case will not only re-open old wounds, but create its own set of chilling consequences.
- GenresLiterary FictionMystery
308 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 14, 2015
16 people are currently reading
90 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
August 11, 2019
3.5 stars
What did I just read? This was a random selection from the depths of my kindle & I have no idea where or when I picked it up (seriously beginning to wonder if I download books in my sleep). Despite the fact it's a bit outside my wheelhouse, the story lines & unusual format delivered an intriguing read that kept me guessing to the end.
It's one of those books that defies genre & is difficult to describe. It begins in present day with a bombing on the London Underground but that's just the tip of the iceberg. In the second chapter the story does a u-turn & switches to 1931 where we begin to follow a completely different character from childhood to the horrors of Bergen-Belsen. Huh?
My first thought was oh, it's a collection of short stories. Cool. But as I kept reading I realized it's all cleverly connected. Some of the narratives run for a chapter, others are longer. But in each one, at least one of the characters is connected to someone in a previous story. Eventually all the strands are pulled together, ending with an epilogue that brings it full circle.
I've never read anything like it & I mean that in a good way. The title is well chosen. Many of the characters find themselves at a crossroad of sorts. They're presented with a moral dilemma & must make a choice. For readers who see in black & white, some of their decisions are obviously wrong. But as you get to know them, it's easy to empathize with their actions. The line between right & wrong blurs & it becomes difficult to judge them as harshly as they might deserve.
Time & circumstances can alter our perception of a crime. If a soldier in wartime kills a member of the opposing army, is it murder? If a poor woman steals food so her child can eat, is she as guilty as a rich kid who shoplifts for kicks?
Whichever side you come down on, the story makes you keenly aware that a snap decision can result in repercussions that last for decades & ripple out to affect the lives of many. Love, loss, joy, grief & humour....you'll find all of it here. This was a thought provoking read & the author has an intriguing way of telling a story that kept me turning the pages.
What did I just read? This was a random selection from the depths of my kindle & I have no idea where or when I picked it up (seriously beginning to wonder if I download books in my sleep). Despite the fact it's a bit outside my wheelhouse, the story lines & unusual format delivered an intriguing read that kept me guessing to the end.
It's one of those books that defies genre & is difficult to describe. It begins in present day with a bombing on the London Underground but that's just the tip of the iceberg. In the second chapter the story does a u-turn & switches to 1931 where we begin to follow a completely different character from childhood to the horrors of Bergen-Belsen. Huh?
My first thought was oh, it's a collection of short stories. Cool. But as I kept reading I realized it's all cleverly connected. Some of the narratives run for a chapter, others are longer. But in each one, at least one of the characters is connected to someone in a previous story. Eventually all the strands are pulled together, ending with an epilogue that brings it full circle.
I've never read anything like it & I mean that in a good way. The title is well chosen. Many of the characters find themselves at a crossroad of sorts. They're presented with a moral dilemma & must make a choice. For readers who see in black & white, some of their decisions are obviously wrong. But as you get to know them, it's easy to empathize with their actions. The line between right & wrong blurs & it becomes difficult to judge them as harshly as they might deserve.
Time & circumstances can alter our perception of a crime. If a soldier in wartime kills a member of the opposing army, is it murder? If a poor woman steals food so her child can eat, is she as guilty as a rich kid who shoplifts for kicks?
Whichever side you come down on, the story makes you keenly aware that a snap decision can result in repercussions that last for decades & ripple out to affect the lives of many. Love, loss, joy, grief & humour....you'll find all of it here. This was a thought provoking read & the author has an intriguing way of telling a story that kept me turning the pages.
January 6, 2016
This is one of the most beautifully written books I have read in recent years. Each character is captivating and integral to this cleverly crafted novel. Cromwell will make you question your own values whilst resetting your moral compass...
February 16, 2017
A moving literary piece, Juliette Cromwell’s A Perception of Sin takes the reader on a roller-coaster emotional ride.
A lovely and innocent young woman, who carries a secret that even she is unaware of, is brutally murdered and becomes the source of an outpouring of love and pain for so many of the lives she’s touched. The ordeal of two families is inextricably woven together when the girl’s DNA sample reveals an unbelievable detail from twenty-four years prior. From there, we begin a journey dating back from the D-day invasion of Normandy and the Nazi war camps to modern-day England.
Our characters are richly developed: a homely woman whose best companion is an equally homely dog; grandparents who have known lost love, longing, and the atrocities of war; a woman who selfishly only sees her own needs at the peril of others and ultimately herself; and a young, lost college student who experiences his own tragedy.
Cromwell carries us deep into the cesspool of sin and the effects and unexpected consequences of our characters’ weaknesses. She manages to clearly portray how basic human need and desire, driving us blindly, is often the undoing of otherwise well-meaning humans. Clamoring for what is not ours to the point that our behavior is beyond objectionable is so clearly defined in this masterfully written novel, that it causes us to pause for introspection and personal inventory.
A story that stays with you for days after completion, this wonderfully crafted work digs deeply into human emotion. Is it perfect? No, it isn’t, but it is still a wonderful read despite a few flaws. Mostly, and despite usually great prose, there were spots in this novel that were marred with poor editing and proofreading. Smooth writing for several chapters would abruptly turn to a smattering of typos and punctuation errors along with the usage of a few incorrect words. But in the end, I can’t help but to give this otherwise brilliantly crafted story a five-star rating! The plot, the characters, and the raw emotion they produced make it easy for this reader to overlook a few flaws! Bravo, Juliette Cromwell! I anxiously await your next story!
A lovely and innocent young woman, who carries a secret that even she is unaware of, is brutally murdered and becomes the source of an outpouring of love and pain for so many of the lives she’s touched. The ordeal of two families is inextricably woven together when the girl’s DNA sample reveals an unbelievable detail from twenty-four years prior. From there, we begin a journey dating back from the D-day invasion of Normandy and the Nazi war camps to modern-day England.
Our characters are richly developed: a homely woman whose best companion is an equally homely dog; grandparents who have known lost love, longing, and the atrocities of war; a woman who selfishly only sees her own needs at the peril of others and ultimately herself; and a young, lost college student who experiences his own tragedy.
Cromwell carries us deep into the cesspool of sin and the effects and unexpected consequences of our characters’ weaknesses. She manages to clearly portray how basic human need and desire, driving us blindly, is often the undoing of otherwise well-meaning humans. Clamoring for what is not ours to the point that our behavior is beyond objectionable is so clearly defined in this masterfully written novel, that it causes us to pause for introspection and personal inventory.
A story that stays with you for days after completion, this wonderfully crafted work digs deeply into human emotion. Is it perfect? No, it isn’t, but it is still a wonderful read despite a few flaws. Mostly, and despite usually great prose, there were spots in this novel that were marred with poor editing and proofreading. Smooth writing for several chapters would abruptly turn to a smattering of typos and punctuation errors along with the usage of a few incorrect words. But in the end, I can’t help but to give this otherwise brilliantly crafted story a five-star rating! The plot, the characters, and the raw emotion they produced make it easy for this reader to overlook a few flaws! Bravo, Juliette Cromwell! I anxiously await your next story!
February 12, 2017
stop what you are reading and read this! a beautifully written book that unwinds as the plot thickens. gripping from cover to cover. my only criticism, i will never be able to read this book again or meet these characters for the first time. my best read of 2016
January 20, 2016
A Perception of Sin . . . as soon as I heard that intriguing title I knew I wanted to find out more. I have to say I was not disappointed. Juliet Cromwell leads us into a world so clearly and vividly described that it is hard not to feel that we are really there in the thick of it all. The characters are brought to life with clarity and once I started reading I knew that I didn’t want to stop. I highly recommend this book as an excellent read.
August 29, 2016
Wow
A brilliantly written pyschological patchwork of different people's lives and their effect on each other. Starting off in the 1930s and ending up in present day, this heart-breaking story grips you from the first page. I couldn't put it down! One of the best stories I've read this year. A well deserved five stars.
A brilliantly written pyschological patchwork of different people's lives and their effect on each other. Starting off in the 1930s and ending up in present day, this heart-breaking story grips you from the first page. I couldn't put it down! One of the best stories I've read this year. A well deserved five stars.
May 26, 2017
Review originally published at: http://www.lomeraniel.com/audiobookre...
I received a copy of this book in audio format from the narrator in exchange for an honest review.
After an explosion on an underground train in London, the authorities find that one of the victims' DNA samples corresponds to a kidnapped baby several years before. A baby that never came back to her mother after being abducted. The case is reopened and old wounds start bleeding again. This is the drama of two families interconnected by a crime committed in the name of love.
The book starts with the bombing but quickly goes back in time to the stolen baby's grandparents, and how life was for them. The other family is also presented, giving a rich background for the story at hand. The characters are very well developed and depicted, and despite being many of them, it is easy to identify them and each of them have a unique personality. The book is beautifully written but it is also heartbreaking in a bitter way. The facts and the actions done by the characters are hard and irreversible, and one thinks how things could go so terribly wrong. This is a book that will not leave anyone indifferent.
Towards the end I already suspected how things were going to end but that did not affect my interest in the story. I was in fact hooked to it and could not stop listening until the very end. This is a very dark story, have this in mind if you decide to go for this book.
I found the rhythm a bit slow at times, which did not bother me especially, but I do not really understand why we get the grandparents' picture. It is not just how they worked as a couple but also their dramas and traumas from their youth. It is like Cromwell wanted to write two different books in one: one about a homosexual soldier at the end of WWII and one about a kidnapped child. It is true that this gave a richer background to the main story, but I do not think that the stolen baby story was influenced by this.
The book is entirely written in third person, except for one of the characters towards the end of the book. I was expecting some kind of justification for this, but after finishing the book I could not find any. Maybe Cromwell had a good reason for this and I was not able to grasp it. I think it would have worked better in third person, since it felt a bit strange and it broke the rhythm for me.
At the end of the book there is an appendix, which is in fact a completely different and unrelated story. I just do not get when writers use the appendix to present or add other works. Anyway, I did not enjoy this short story. It was just too dark and too religious for me and after reading the main story I had enough suffering.
I loved how Cathy Conneff poured all her feelings into the narration of this book. The words and the emotion she transmitted gave me goosebumps more than once. I missed some different voices for the characters though. It was weird hearing Edward moaning like a girl, or his father with the same voice as his mother. It also made some dialogs confusing at times, since it was difficult to know who was talking. The audio production was mostly correct but the audio edits were sometimes a bit noticeable, with variations in volume and tone. Around 5 hours 15 minutes 15 seconds there is a repeated sentence.
This was a really good book, but hard, tragic and heartwrenching. I strongly recommend it, but beware of the dark feelings it may awake in you. Do not expect a happy ending.
Book: 4 stars.
Narration: 3.5 stars.
I received a copy of this book in audio format from the narrator in exchange for an honest review.
After an explosion on an underground train in London, the authorities find that one of the victims' DNA samples corresponds to a kidnapped baby several years before. A baby that never came back to her mother after being abducted. The case is reopened and old wounds start bleeding again. This is the drama of two families interconnected by a crime committed in the name of love.
The book starts with the bombing but quickly goes back in time to the stolen baby's grandparents, and how life was for them. The other family is also presented, giving a rich background for the story at hand. The characters are very well developed and depicted, and despite being many of them, it is easy to identify them and each of them have a unique personality. The book is beautifully written but it is also heartbreaking in a bitter way. The facts and the actions done by the characters are hard and irreversible, and one thinks how things could go so terribly wrong. This is a book that will not leave anyone indifferent.
Towards the end I already suspected how things were going to end but that did not affect my interest in the story. I was in fact hooked to it and could not stop listening until the very end. This is a very dark story, have this in mind if you decide to go for this book.
I found the rhythm a bit slow at times, which did not bother me especially, but I do not really understand why we get the grandparents' picture. It is not just how they worked as a couple but also their dramas and traumas from their youth. It is like Cromwell wanted to write two different books in one: one about a homosexual soldier at the end of WWII and one about a kidnapped child. It is true that this gave a richer background to the main story, but I do not think that the stolen baby story was influenced by this.
The book is entirely written in third person, except for one of the characters towards the end of the book. I was expecting some kind of justification for this, but after finishing the book I could not find any. Maybe Cromwell had a good reason for this and I was not able to grasp it. I think it would have worked better in third person, since it felt a bit strange and it broke the rhythm for me.
At the end of the book there is an appendix, which is in fact a completely different and unrelated story. I just do not get when writers use the appendix to present or add other works. Anyway, I did not enjoy this short story. It was just too dark and too religious for me and after reading the main story I had enough suffering.
I loved how Cathy Conneff poured all her feelings into the narration of this book. The words and the emotion she transmitted gave me goosebumps more than once. I missed some different voices for the characters though. It was weird hearing Edward moaning like a girl, or his father with the same voice as his mother. It also made some dialogs confusing at times, since it was difficult to know who was talking. The audio production was mostly correct but the audio edits were sometimes a bit noticeable, with variations in volume and tone. Around 5 hours 15 minutes 15 seconds there is a repeated sentence.
This was a really good book, but hard, tragic and heartwrenching. I strongly recommend it, but beware of the dark feelings it may awake in you. Do not expect a happy ending.
Book: 4 stars.
Narration: 3.5 stars.
November 10, 2018
Audible assigned this book in the LGBT Romance shelf, bu tit really isn't. One of the many entertaining stories features a forbidden love plot that is heartbreaking, but the rest of the story is a, well, I can't even describe it right now.
I'm stunned, literally stunned and shaken by Juliet Cromwell's beautifully written tale of sorrow, loss, tragedy and unimaginable horrors. It's been a few hours now since I finished the book, and I'm still shaken. It's unexpected and shocking, yet, sadly, not at the same time when the the brain manages to cope (or not) with trauma is considered.
I know I'm being evasive, but I really can't be any more specific and not give anything away. And because each story is winds and then unravels together, it's impossible to detail one without altering the whole. Now I understand why so many reviews describe the overall effect of the book rather than describe the stories themselves.
I think that reactions to the book will have a lot to do with readers' own perceptions of sin and beliefs. I, for one, may never be the same after reading it.
I'm stunned, literally stunned and shaken by Juliet Cromwell's beautifully written tale of sorrow, loss, tragedy and unimaginable horrors. It's been a few hours now since I finished the book, and I'm still shaken. It's unexpected and shocking, yet, sadly, not at the same time when the the brain manages to cope (or not) with trauma is considered.
I know I'm being evasive, but I really can't be any more specific and not give anything away. And because each story is winds and then unravels together, it's impossible to detail one without altering the whole. Now I understand why so many reviews describe the overall effect of the book rather than describe the stories themselves.
I think that reactions to the book will have a lot to do with readers' own perceptions of sin and beliefs. I, for one, may never be the same after reading it.
September 2, 2017
On meeting the author walking the Camino de Santiago I decided to buy this book, and wow, it has certainly changed my views. I concur with previous reviewers when they state it is not an easy read. This is not chick lit, it takes time for the story to kick in but the effort is all the more satisfyingly! So, if you are looking for something different, emotionally challenging and a book that will stay with you for a very long time then A Perception of Sin is it.
I award this book a well deserved 5 stars, not an award I give very often, for pure brilliance, character development and story line and will eagerly await a second novel from Cromwell.
I award this book a well deserved 5 stars, not an award I give very often, for pure brilliance, character development and story line and will eagerly await a second novel from Cromwell.
June 7, 2018
I waded my way through this sometimes very well written book unable to enjoy the structure and constant changing of POV. The needless gore and sometimes ludicrous storyline annoyed me. I thought I had finished the book and then a new section with a new POV popped up. I couldnt be bothered reading it since it didnt add to the book as far as I could see. A good developmental editor could have made this into a great book. All the elements are there, but for me, it doesnt work in this order or format which is a pity because it's almost a brilliant book.
June 19, 2017
This is a riveting tale of lives spanning three generations, lives touched by tragedy, deception, denial, and greed. Cromwell has woven the lives and the sins of the characters with skill and talent.
This book gives us insight into human nature and human frailty. It is a tale of revenge and of karma for the character's misdeeds. I am hard to surprise, but the ending surprised me. A great read!
This book gives us insight into human nature and human frailty. It is a tale of revenge and of karma for the character's misdeeds. I am hard to surprise, but the ending surprised me. A great read!
May 6, 2017
This was a tough book to read. It was difficult to keep all the characters straight to begin with, but it all came together for me eventually. I did like the way all the story lines intertwined and came together. The story was heartbreaking at times. It shows how someone's choices can affect so many others' lives. It was a good book, but dark and sad.
August 10, 2018
Was really impressed with this book, after a confusing start it developed into a real page turner. The story was very cleverly woven in to layers of believable characters’ lives. However, I found the ending very disappointing, especially final chapter which seemed totally out of step from tone and style of rest of book.
February 9, 2019
Oh my! The errors,not just in spelling,syntax,continuity,but,in character development/overflow,made this a very difficult read.However, I know there are those who will be able to look beyond those and,perhaps,even enjoy this VERY dark look at relationships and pitfalls.
August 11, 2017
It was ok, went on a bit though
September 1, 2017
Intriging
Definitely didn't see the ending, well written
First time reading this author and would definitely read more of her works
Definitely didn't see the ending, well written
First time reading this author and would definitely read more of her works
October 6, 2017
Brilliant
Heartbreaking and yet you can not stop turning the pages to find out what's going to happen next. Highly recommend
Heartbreaking and yet you can not stop turning the pages to find out what's going to happen next. Highly recommend
November 29, 2017
Interesting reading, the story was original
January 21, 2018
Full review to follow
August 10, 2016
I thoroughly enjoyed this book- it took me a while to be pulled in and understand how the characters and their different situations were interwoven but I found myself engrossed and it made a lasting impression and has stayed with me as a good book should. An excellent holiday read that had me turning pages and empathising with many of the key characters in turn.
A Perception of Sin is an excellent title as the story has you questioning your own interpretation of 'sin' throughout. It is a deep exploration of loss, its far reaching impact on others and the ripple effect created by selfish actions. There were elements of every character I could identify with at times and as their stories unfolded the honesty of the writing challenged my own ideas about what I might do in the same situations.
Well worth persevering to 'get into' and gripping to the final chapter which adds depth and a further dimension to the story.
I look forward to another read as thought provoking
A Perception of Sin is an excellent title as the story has you questioning your own interpretation of 'sin' throughout. It is a deep exploration of loss, its far reaching impact on others and the ripple effect created by selfish actions. There were elements of every character I could identify with at times and as their stories unfolded the honesty of the writing challenged my own ideas about what I might do in the same situations.
Well worth persevering to 'get into' and gripping to the final chapter which adds depth and a further dimension to the story.
I look forward to another read as thought provoking
October 15, 2016
Omg
I literally couldn't put it down. Amazing first book, I can't wait to read more. The characters had a depth that most writers never manage to convey. I cried with empathy, was uncomfortable when things took a bizarre twist, and ultimately feel like I've been on a journey through the characters lives, absolutely brilliant, well done
I literally couldn't put it down. Amazing first book, I can't wait to read more. The characters had a depth that most writers never manage to convey. I cried with empathy, was uncomfortable when things took a bizarre twist, and ultimately feel like I've been on a journey through the characters lives, absolutely brilliant, well done
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews