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Ozarks Mysteries #3
The Wages of Sin
“The Elsie Arnold series deserves to run and run.”— Alex Marwood, author of The Wicked Girls and The Killer Next Door
In rural McCown County, Missouri, a young pregnant woman is found beaten to death in a trailer park. The only witness to the murder is Ivy, her six-year-old daughter, who points to her mom’s boyfriend—father of the unborn child. County prosecutor Madeleine Thompson promises the community justice, and in the Ozarks, that can only mean one thing: a death sentence.
When Madeleine’s first choice for co-counsel declines to try a death penalty case, she is forced to turn to assistant prosecutor Elsie Arnold. Elsie is reluctant to join forces with her frosty boss, but the road to conviction seems smooth—until unexpected facts about the victim arise, and the testimony of the lone eyewitness Ivy becomes increasingly crucial. Against Elsie’s advice, Madeleine brings in the state attorney general’s office to assist them, while cutthroat trial attorney Claire O’Hara joins the defense.
Elsie will not let the power of prosecution—of seeking justice—be wrested from her without a fight. She wants to win the case, and to avenge the death of the mother and her unborn child. But as the trial nears, Elsie begins to harbor doubts about the death penalty itself. Meanwhile, the child Ivy is in greater danger than anyone knows.
“Unflinching and gritty.” — Library Journal
In rural McCown County, Missouri, a young pregnant woman is found beaten to death in a trailer park. The only witness to the murder is Ivy, her six-year-old daughter, who points to her mom’s boyfriend—father of the unborn child. County prosecutor Madeleine Thompson promises the community justice, and in the Ozarks, that can only mean one thing: a death sentence.
When Madeleine’s first choice for co-counsel declines to try a death penalty case, she is forced to turn to assistant prosecutor Elsie Arnold. Elsie is reluctant to join forces with her frosty boss, but the road to conviction seems smooth—until unexpected facts about the victim arise, and the testimony of the lone eyewitness Ivy becomes increasingly crucial. Against Elsie’s advice, Madeleine brings in the state attorney general’s office to assist them, while cutthroat trial attorney Claire O’Hara joins the defense.
Elsie will not let the power of prosecution—of seeking justice—be wrested from her without a fight. She wants to win the case, and to avenge the death of the mother and her unborn child. But as the trial nears, Elsie begins to harbor doubts about the death penalty itself. Meanwhile, the child Ivy is in greater danger than anyone knows.
“Unflinching and gritty.” — Library Journal
321 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 26, 2016
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May 23, 2024
After enjoying some of her collaborative work, I turned to Nancy Allen’s own writing to see how well she handles legal thrillers. I devoured the first few novels and hoped to see the same calibre with this book. I was not disappointed, as it proved just as addictive, while tackling many legal and social matters. Allen sets her stories in the Missouri Ozarks, where the rules do not follow the mainstream, while also presenting unique perspectives in the law. Allen delivers a stellar piece that is sure to have the reader hooked from the opening sentences.
The Missouri Ozarks are nothing like many places in the United States. What some might call backwards, the region is home to many people who have found religion and lost all sense of the outside world. In rural McCown County, the locals are shocked when a pregnant woman’s body is discovered at a trailer park. There is a witness, but it is the woman’s six-year-old daughter, Ivy. Young Ivy points to her mother’s boyfriend, who happens to be the unborn baby’s father as well. While the buzz gains momentum county prosecutor Madeleine Thompson promises them justice, which can only be interpreted as a death sentence.
Scrambling for a second chair, Madeleine’s first choice to help her refuses to work on a death penalty case. She’s forced to turn to a newer and less experienced Elsie Arnold. While Elise wants as much experience as she can get, she’s concerned about her boss and working with her. Reluctantly, Elsie agrees and begins tackling the numerous angles to getting ready for court. The case appears to be a slam-dunk, until Elsie looks into the life of the victim and the reluctance of Ivy to share what she knows. Against Elsie’s advice, Madeleine forges ahead and brings in some legal giants in the Attorney-General’s office, which creates a circus for all involved. When the defence hires cutthroat trial attorney, Claire O’Hara, Elsie can only wonder what will happen next.
Elsie is ready for an intense prosecution in this case, sure that justice will have to prevail. She is determined to win this case, even if Ivy is really out of sorts. The death of a mother and her unborn child will fuel Elise to ensure that no loopholes are left open for the defence. With the evidence mounting, Elsie begin to wonder if the death penalty is the right way to go, a crack in the prosecution that could lead to a less effective case. All the while Ivy is in great danger and no one is paying any attention. Allen dazzles with this, the most intense of the series so far.
Nancy Allen’s solo work has shown me just how strong her writing style can be, as well as how much I enjoy it. Allen engages the reader and leaves them wondering what they might find with this series. The narrative contrasts the strength of the law and the weakness of predictability with some backwards thinking the Missouri Ozarks has to offer, both done thoroughly and yet respectfully. The legal matters become clear plot points, as the narrative gains speed, culminating in a case that will leave the reader to wonder what is coming next. Characters make the story even better, especially Elsie Arnold, whose backstory is further enriched with some personal moments in the story.
Plot points help add a flavour to the story, ensuring that the surprises are constant. Allen advances things with strong twists and numerous aspects that are sure to keep the reader engaged. Dealing again with some highly controversial subject matter and legal conundrums, the story takes on a life of its own. I have devoured these books and have one more to complete those that have been published to date. Bring it on!
Kudos Madam Allen, for handling many a thorny issue.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
The Missouri Ozarks are nothing like many places in the United States. What some might call backwards, the region is home to many people who have found religion and lost all sense of the outside world. In rural McCown County, the locals are shocked when a pregnant woman’s body is discovered at a trailer park. There is a witness, but it is the woman’s six-year-old daughter, Ivy. Young Ivy points to her mother’s boyfriend, who happens to be the unborn baby’s father as well. While the buzz gains momentum county prosecutor Madeleine Thompson promises them justice, which can only be interpreted as a death sentence.
Scrambling for a second chair, Madeleine’s first choice to help her refuses to work on a death penalty case. She’s forced to turn to a newer and less experienced Elsie Arnold. While Elise wants as much experience as she can get, she’s concerned about her boss and working with her. Reluctantly, Elsie agrees and begins tackling the numerous angles to getting ready for court. The case appears to be a slam-dunk, until Elsie looks into the life of the victim and the reluctance of Ivy to share what she knows. Against Elsie’s advice, Madeleine forges ahead and brings in some legal giants in the Attorney-General’s office, which creates a circus for all involved. When the defence hires cutthroat trial attorney, Claire O’Hara, Elsie can only wonder what will happen next.
Elsie is ready for an intense prosecution in this case, sure that justice will have to prevail. She is determined to win this case, even if Ivy is really out of sorts. The death of a mother and her unborn child will fuel Elise to ensure that no loopholes are left open for the defence. With the evidence mounting, Elsie begin to wonder if the death penalty is the right way to go, a crack in the prosecution that could lead to a less effective case. All the while Ivy is in great danger and no one is paying any attention. Allen dazzles with this, the most intense of the series so far.
Nancy Allen’s solo work has shown me just how strong her writing style can be, as well as how much I enjoy it. Allen engages the reader and leaves them wondering what they might find with this series. The narrative contrasts the strength of the law and the weakness of predictability with some backwards thinking the Missouri Ozarks has to offer, both done thoroughly and yet respectfully. The legal matters become clear plot points, as the narrative gains speed, culminating in a case that will leave the reader to wonder what is coming next. Characters make the story even better, especially Elsie Arnold, whose backstory is further enriched with some personal moments in the story.
Plot points help add a flavour to the story, ensuring that the surprises are constant. Allen advances things with strong twists and numerous aspects that are sure to keep the reader engaged. Dealing again with some highly controversial subject matter and legal conundrums, the story takes on a life of its own. I have devoured these books and have one more to complete those that have been published to date. Bring it on!
Kudos Madam Allen, for handling many a thorny issue.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
April 27, 2016
This thought provoking novel provides a look at the legal system in a rural Ozark county. It is not so much a thriller as it is an exploration of personalities and court proceedings.
The plot centers around the death of a pregnant woman and unborn child. She had been beaten to death by her boyfriend, high on drugs. Witness to the murder was the woman's six year old child, Ivy. When the man confesses to the murder, a conviction seems secure. The county prosecutor decides to go for the death penalty. When her first choice as co-counsel declines to participate, she turns to assistant prosecutor Elsie Arnold. The two do not have a friendly relationship and their personalities flare as the case moves forward.
I like a novel that, while being a good novel on legal procedure, also gives me much to think about. The major issue in this novel is the death penalty. The prosecutor views this crime as so horrible that the death penalty is appropriate. It's still in place in Missouri. Her first choice for co-counsel is totally opposed to such punishment and refuses to work on the case. That aspect of the novel made me think again of my own view on the death penalty.
Another issue the novel highlighted was the responsibility of the police in cases of domestic abuse. There had been previous police calls to this couple because of violence yet no action had been taken. That made me think about the whole issue of domestic abuse and how effective the police are in preventing further harm to battered women.
And yet another issue concerned the relationships between the residents in the county. Some had lived their whole lives there and many alliances had been formed protecting those breaking the law. That can pose a serious problem in the legal system when individuals charged with convicting or defending a person have long standing ties to the accused.
I enjoyed reading this novel set in the rural south. The characters were well developed. My favorite was Ivy, a girl who had seen way too much of life at her tender age. Still, she was a survivor. The setting was well done. As a northerner, I was a little shocked at the behavior and language of some of the characters. I trust Allen has given us a realistic view of life in that area.
I recommend this novel to those who enjoy being taken through a legal procedure including court drama. There is a little suspense but the majority of the novel deals with personalities and how young Ivy is handled. The main characters are all women so I am not so sure if men would like reading this novel.
I received a complimentary egalley of this book through Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours for the purpose of an independent and honest review.
The plot centers around the death of a pregnant woman and unborn child. She had been beaten to death by her boyfriend, high on drugs. Witness to the murder was the woman's six year old child, Ivy. When the man confesses to the murder, a conviction seems secure. The county prosecutor decides to go for the death penalty. When her first choice as co-counsel declines to participate, she turns to assistant prosecutor Elsie Arnold. The two do not have a friendly relationship and their personalities flare as the case moves forward.
I like a novel that, while being a good novel on legal procedure, also gives me much to think about. The major issue in this novel is the death penalty. The prosecutor views this crime as so horrible that the death penalty is appropriate. It's still in place in Missouri. Her first choice for co-counsel is totally opposed to such punishment and refuses to work on the case. That aspect of the novel made me think again of my own view on the death penalty.
Another issue the novel highlighted was the responsibility of the police in cases of domestic abuse. There had been previous police calls to this couple because of violence yet no action had been taken. That made me think about the whole issue of domestic abuse and how effective the police are in preventing further harm to battered women.
And yet another issue concerned the relationships between the residents in the county. Some had lived their whole lives there and many alliances had been formed protecting those breaking the law. That can pose a serious problem in the legal system when individuals charged with convicting or defending a person have long standing ties to the accused.
I enjoyed reading this novel set in the rural south. The characters were well developed. My favorite was Ivy, a girl who had seen way too much of life at her tender age. Still, she was a survivor. The setting was well done. As a northerner, I was a little shocked at the behavior and language of some of the characters. I trust Allen has given us a realistic view of life in that area.
I recommend this novel to those who enjoy being taken through a legal procedure including court drama. There is a little suspense but the majority of the novel deals with personalities and how young Ivy is handled. The main characters are all women so I am not so sure if men would like reading this novel.
I received a complimentary egalley of this book through Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours for the purpose of an independent and honest review.
April 12, 2016
I have been a fan of Nancy Allen since her first book in the Ozark Mystery series...A Code of the Hills. She is an excellent writer who understands the court system first hand. And she is a realist. And James Patterson obviously noticed what a great author she is as well because she is his latest co-author. Already looking forward to that book.
The Wages of Sin is the third book in the Ozarks Mystery series. And it is another winner from Ms. Allen. It has some fabulous twists and turns at the end that left me breathless as I was racing toward the conclusion!
Elsie Arnold is a smart lawyer who does not take any crap from anyone. And author Allen has surrounded her with an interesting cast of characters including her boss Madeleine and boyfriend Detective Ashlock. All of the characters were fleshed out more in this latest book and they are all very multidimensional. I found that I was much more sympathetic to all of them. And my heart broke for the tiny victim Ivy...what a horrid life she had endured. And was continuing to endure.
The Ozarks drug and poverty issues are once again front and center in this latest book from Nancy Allen. She had a front seat view during her time as an Assistant Prosecutor and as the Assistant Missouri Attorney General. I feel like I am right there in the midst of the action.
The Wages of Sin is a great read and I highly recommend the Ozarks Mystery series by author Nancy Allen.
The Wages of Sin is the third book in the Ozarks Mystery series. And it is another winner from Ms. Allen. It has some fabulous twists and turns at the end that left me breathless as I was racing toward the conclusion!
Elsie Arnold is a smart lawyer who does not take any crap from anyone. And author Allen has surrounded her with an interesting cast of characters including her boss Madeleine and boyfriend Detective Ashlock. All of the characters were fleshed out more in this latest book and they are all very multidimensional. I found that I was much more sympathetic to all of them. And my heart broke for the tiny victim Ivy...what a horrid life she had endured. And was continuing to endure.
The Ozarks drug and poverty issues are once again front and center in this latest book from Nancy Allen. She had a front seat view during her time as an Assistant Prosecutor and as the Assistant Missouri Attorney General. I feel like I am right there in the midst of the action.
The Wages of Sin is a great read and I highly recommend the Ozarks Mystery series by author Nancy Allen.
September 6, 2025
Oh dear. In my search for the next 'John Grisham', I stumbled upon Ms. Allen’s novel. To be fair, the storyline held promise—but unfortunately, that’s where the praise comes to a screeching halt.
Two major issues completely ruined the experience for me. First, while I can tolerate the occasional bit of low-grade swearing, this book is saturated with coarse, often gratuitous language—almost entirely from the protagonist. It’s relentless, and when the profanity starts crossing into blasphemy, my tolerance disappears entirely.
Second—and oddly just as irritating—the main character seems to be fuelled solely by Diet Coke. Page after page, can after can, she’s constantly guzzling the stuff. Frankly, I’m amazed she could stand up, let alone prosecute crimes. At this rate, she must be suffering from an aspartame overdose—or at the very least, caffeine intoxication.
A shame, really, as the plot had potential. But for me, it was completely drowned out by the language and the soda.
Farewell Ms Allen. I offer a kind 2 stars.
Two major issues completely ruined the experience for me. First, while I can tolerate the occasional bit of low-grade swearing, this book is saturated with coarse, often gratuitous language—almost entirely from the protagonist. It’s relentless, and when the profanity starts crossing into blasphemy, my tolerance disappears entirely.
Second—and oddly just as irritating—the main character seems to be fuelled solely by Diet Coke. Page after page, can after can, she’s constantly guzzling the stuff. Frankly, I’m amazed she could stand up, let alone prosecute crimes. At this rate, she must be suffering from an aspartame overdose—or at the very least, caffeine intoxication.
A shame, really, as the plot had potential. But for me, it was completely drowned out by the language and the soda.
Farewell Ms Allen. I offer a kind 2 stars.
May 27, 2016
In The Wages Of Sin, the third book in the Ozarks Mysteries Series, author Nancy Allen once again draws upon her professional legal experience to weave a riveting legal thriller that captivates the reader's attention from beginning to end. Set in the small town of Barton, Missouri, in the heart of the Ozarks, the reader follows Assistant Prosecutor Elsie Arnold as she aggressively pursues and brings to trial a death penalty murder case against a man who allegedly killed his eight month pregnant girlfriend and their unborn child.
The author transports the reader into the small Ozark town of Barton with its close-knit townspeople and its many dark secrets. As McCown County Prosecutor Madeleine Thompson and Assistant Prosecutor Elsie Arnold prepare to bring the case of the State of Missouri v. Larry Paul to trial, their rocky working relationship is a big problem, and issues arise during their investigation of the murder suspect and victim, leaving one little six year old girl to help them get justice, even though danger lurks around the corner.
The Wages Of Sin is a fast-paced, multi-layered, gripping, and complex story that has a great mixture of intrigue, romance, violence, and enough suspenseful twists and turns, and richly descriptive courtroom drama that will leave the reader breathless. The reader is taken on one hell of an emotional roller coaster ride as they follow Elsie on her difficult journey, she is determined to seek justice in a convincing and brutally honest style where no one is left unscathed.
If you are a fan of legal thrillers, then I would highly recommend reading the Ozarks Mysteries Series!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author / publisher via Edelweiss in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Partners In Crime Virtual Book Tours.
http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot...
The author transports the reader into the small Ozark town of Barton with its close-knit townspeople and its many dark secrets. As McCown County Prosecutor Madeleine Thompson and Assistant Prosecutor Elsie Arnold prepare to bring the case of the State of Missouri v. Larry Paul to trial, their rocky working relationship is a big problem, and issues arise during their investigation of the murder suspect and victim, leaving one little six year old girl to help them get justice, even though danger lurks around the corner.
The Wages Of Sin is a fast-paced, multi-layered, gripping, and complex story that has a great mixture of intrigue, romance, violence, and enough suspenseful twists and turns, and richly descriptive courtroom drama that will leave the reader breathless. The reader is taken on one hell of an emotional roller coaster ride as they follow Elsie on her difficult journey, she is determined to seek justice in a convincing and brutally honest style where no one is left unscathed.
If you are a fan of legal thrillers, then I would highly recommend reading the Ozarks Mysteries Series!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author / publisher via Edelweiss in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Partners In Crime Virtual Book Tours.
http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot...
October 5, 2016
A young pregnant mother, Jesse Dent is murdered and the police pretty much knew who did it.....a meth dealer named Larry Paul. They have him in custody and are going to charge him. But an aggressive defense attorney is planning to say there are no reliable witnesses. Elsie Arnold, the assistant DA has been assigned the case by her boss, Madeline Thompson. Madeline is not an easy person to work with and Elsie is not comfortable with the situation. It is a death penalty case so there is much on the table. it now appears that there is a witness....the murdered woman's 6 year old daughter , Ivy , who witnessed the murder.
Can the prosecution protect the witness and how reliable will she be ? In the background is Larry's partner , Bruce Stout and his mother , Nell who is determined that the one witness disappear. This fast paced story keeps the action going a rapid clip.
What may start out at a measured pace easily becomes a page turner . This is the third in Nancy Allen's ' Ozark Mystery ' series! The site of this story is in Barton, Missouri , the heart of the Ozarks.
Can the prosecution protect the witness and how reliable will she be ? In the background is Larry's partner , Bruce Stout and his mother , Nell who is determined that the one witness disappear. This fast paced story keeps the action going a rapid clip.
What may start out at a measured pace easily becomes a page turner . This is the third in Nancy Allen's ' Ozark Mystery ' series! The site of this story is in Barton, Missouri , the heart of the Ozarks.
June 30, 2016
Elsie Arnold is back—full force! Fortified by mac-n-cheese and diet Coke, she gives the court what it needs. And Nancy Allen gives us what we need! Just in time for summer reading with an edge but not too difficult to pick up by the pool, on a plane, or wherever you choose to take the time. In true Ozark’s color the characters unfold as Elsie does her job with a child witness of horrific domestic abuse and murder. If you liked Allen’s first two Elsie accounts, you won’t be disappointed with this one. After all, the third’s usually a charm, and this one is definitely Allen’s best!
May 26, 2016
My Thoughts **contains possible spoilers!**:
I like author Nancy Allen, she’s a good storyteller whose writing style makes the subject matter easy to understand. But even though The Wages of Sin can stand on its own, I think I would have benefited from reading books 1 and 2 before this one. I had a hard time connecting with Elsie and found her to be one-dimensional and perhaps not very good at her job. She forgot to interview the single most important person in her case – the eyewitness. What kind of prosecutor puts this interview off for several days, especially when your only witness is a child? She does recover from this mistake, but it just struck me as odd.
The reader knows from the beginning who is responsible for the murders and there are no big surprises during trial, so this isn’t a typical mystery. The verdict is assured, not because the prosecution is so good, but because the defense has other priorities in mind. The final chapters are exciting, and the ending is satisfying, finally bringing justice for the senseless murder of a pregnant woman and her unborn child.
I enjoyed the passages written from Ivy’s perspective and was dismayed to think about how much this six year old has seen in her short life that she should never have been exposed to at any age. It would be nice to see her make an appearance in a later book as a young adult and see how her life turns out. This is one girl who can overcome a tragic childhood and become a successful adult!
I like author Nancy Allen, she’s a good storyteller whose writing style makes the subject matter easy to understand. But even though The Wages of Sin can stand on its own, I think I would have benefited from reading books 1 and 2 before this one. I had a hard time connecting with Elsie and found her to be one-dimensional and perhaps not very good at her job. She forgot to interview the single most important person in her case – the eyewitness. What kind of prosecutor puts this interview off for several days, especially when your only witness is a child? She does recover from this mistake, but it just struck me as odd.
The reader knows from the beginning who is responsible for the murders and there are no big surprises during trial, so this isn’t a typical mystery. The verdict is assured, not because the prosecution is so good, but because the defense has other priorities in mind. The final chapters are exciting, and the ending is satisfying, finally bringing justice for the senseless murder of a pregnant woman and her unborn child.
I enjoyed the passages written from Ivy’s perspective and was dismayed to think about how much this six year old has seen in her short life that she should never have been exposed to at any age. It would be nice to see her make an appearance in a later book as a young adult and see how her life turns out. This is one girl who can overcome a tragic childhood and become a successful adult!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 24, 2016
How credible is a 6-year-old witness to a crime? Certainly that question has been a concern in the past and will continue to be so in the future but, in the case of Ivy's mother's boyfriend and the murder of her mother, it's really critical because the stakes of conviction are so high. Can...or should...a prosecutor seek the death penalty based on that small child's testimony even when the man confesses? After all, we all know confessions are frequently false for a variety of reasons.
There are many people who do not believe the death penalty is just or effective but many others who truly do believe it's sometimes necessary because of the nature and/or the heinousness of the crime. I won't get into my own opinion but I was captivated in The Wages of Sin by the zeal of both Madeleine and Elsie to carry this prosecution to it's farthest reaches although their reasons may not be entirely altruistic.
There are other threads in this story, such as domestic violence and the effects of poverty and, together with the central issue of the death penalty, Nancy Allen has provided the reader with much to contemplate. At the same time, her characters and the Ozarks setting are as compelling as any I've seen in a while and I'm glad to have "discovered" this fine author.
There are many people who do not believe the death penalty is just or effective but many others who truly do believe it's sometimes necessary because of the nature and/or the heinousness of the crime. I won't get into my own opinion but I was captivated in The Wages of Sin by the zeal of both Madeleine and Elsie to carry this prosecution to it's farthest reaches although their reasons may not be entirely altruistic.
There are other threads in this story, such as domestic violence and the effects of poverty and, together with the central issue of the death penalty, Nancy Allen has provided the reader with much to contemplate. At the same time, her characters and the Ozarks setting are as compelling as any I've seen in a while and I'm glad to have "discovered" this fine author.
February 7, 2020
This was a slow read. They spent an awful lot of time on descriptions of what the lawyer was wearing and how she was feeling, but really took a long time getting to the bulk of the story.
I could not believe how violent this particular book opens. It really gets to you. But then you realize the author was a lawyer and probably saw crimes like this all the time. That really gets to you!
The story was enjoyable and the copy I managed to get is actually signed, so it felt like I was quite connected to the author.
If you like mysteries solved by sassy lawyers and their friends, then this is a good read for you!
I could not believe how violent this particular book opens. It really gets to you. But then you realize the author was a lawyer and probably saw crimes like this all the time. That really gets to you!
The story was enjoyable and the copy I managed to get is actually signed, so it felt like I was quite connected to the author.
If you like mysteries solved by sassy lawyers and their friends, then this is a good read for you!
February 14, 2017
I loved this book. I was reading it at the same time as John Grisham's book "The Whistler". Nancy Allen's writing won out. I couldn't put it down. I was getting bored with John Grisham 's book. So please do yourself a favor and read this book. I just recently found out Nancy Allen is cowriting a book with James Patterson also. So more books to come in the future. YAY.
April 27, 2016
Wow! Awesome read!
May 28, 2016
They just keep getting better and better, loved it! The characters are brought to life so vividly, and Elsie can always make me laugh in the midst of all the drama. Highly recommend!
December 27, 2016
A legal thriller with seemingly realistic legal procedures, perhaps a bit slow moving, a bit too much female angst for my tastes.
November 10, 2017
I really am irritated with the main character in this series. She is so unprofessional.
April 29, 2023
good ending
There isn’t a single likable character in this book. Elsie comes close- she has issues and attitudes that made her character unsympathetic and yet sympathetic because everyone treated her with disrespect in spite of her credibility
Ivy has been raised in a crappy life by druggies and low life’s yet has the ‘smarts’ to protect herself the best she can.
The others are pretty deplorable in their actions and personalities.
The criminal element is everywhere but the big players are very vaguely referred to until they come into play at the finale.
In the final analysis I’m glad I continued to read to the end. You could even call it a ‘sort of happy ending’
There isn’t a single likable character in this book. Elsie comes close- she has issues and attitudes that made her character unsympathetic and yet sympathetic because everyone treated her with disrespect in spite of her credibility
Ivy has been raised in a crappy life by druggies and low life’s yet has the ‘smarts’ to protect herself the best she can.
The others are pretty deplorable in their actions and personalities.
The criminal element is everywhere but the big players are very vaguely referred to until they come into play at the finale.
In the final analysis I’m glad I continued to read to the end. You could even call it a ‘sort of happy ending’
November 5, 2019
Liked the story plot, very inventive story idea 8 month pregnant woman beaten to death, etc., and the ending, I expected different. Some side plots didn't get wrapped up with bugged me.Ivy being teased with the box left for her at school. Elise had wrote a to do list,With what her mother and her bf had, Ivy needed a test? But it was never done or mentioned again? The weird vibe that the pastor gave off, when Elise was in the room with him and Ivy, and something didn't seem right? I wish the author had tied up those sub plots.
July 14, 2023
Title of book deceiving
I thought "Wages of Sin" would a Christian book. It is not! The language and story line very offence to me. It's a shame to have such an interesting plot only to interject such foul language. It wasn't necessary. Homosexuality, social sex, drugs, murder, and all manners of social impropriety is all in this book. The more I read the worse it got. I do not recommend this book. It is garbage in my book.
I thought "Wages of Sin" would a Christian book. It is not! The language and story line very offence to me. It's a shame to have such an interesting plot only to interject such foul language. It wasn't necessary. Homosexuality, social sex, drugs, murder, and all manners of social impropriety is all in this book. The more I read the worse it got. I do not recommend this book. It is garbage in my book.
December 16, 2020
More Elsie, Please
Enjoyed this book a lot . We don't often have a hero working in the District Attorney's office. Elsie was a first for me in that job. Well written tight story that that has a crime and goes pretty straight to the trial and then has a wham bam ending that makes the hair on the back of your neck rise. I will be continuing this series.
Enjoyed this book a lot . We don't often have a hero working in the District Attorney's office. Elsie was a first for me in that job. Well written tight story that that has a crime and goes pretty straight to the trial and then has a wham bam ending that makes the hair on the back of your neck rise. I will be continuing this series.
February 6, 2017
Definitely the ozarks
Subject matter rang true. Elsie is very flawed. No resolution to lack of services for abused women which is typical Ozarks that I knew. Good page turner but end was too quick.
Subject matter rang true. Elsie is very flawed. No resolution to lack of services for abused women which is typical Ozarks that I knew. Good page turner but end was too quick.
March 15, 2018
Another good book.
If you've read any of Nancy Allen's book then you know their as ways a page turned you never know till the end you the real bad guys are. If you haven't tried one of her books your missing a very good book.
If you've read any of Nancy Allen's book then you know their as ways a page turned you never know till the end you the real bad guys are. If you haven't tried one of her books your missing a very good book.
September 22, 2019
Outstanding Book!,
Love Elsie, the prosecutor , the real person she is. Hope to see Ivy in a future book. The 6 year old had spunk and some good lines,. Ivy’s Mom was killed by her boyfriend and yet she is a survivor. Looking forward to other books in the series, thanks!!
Love Elsie, the prosecutor , the real person she is. Hope to see Ivy in a future book. The 6 year old had spunk and some good lines,. Ivy’s Mom was killed by her boyfriend and yet she is a survivor. Looking forward to other books in the series, thanks!!
April 18, 2024
I enjoy Nancy Allen's writing style and her character Elsie, the assistance prosecuting attorney. This time Elsie finds herself prosecuting a man for bludgeoning his pregnant girlfriend to death in their trailer, while the girlfriends little 6 year old, Ivy, watch from outside.
October 24, 2025
There’s one more book in this series and none of my libraries carry it. And ya know what, I’m glad. I’m officially done. The FMC is the most unlikable woman ever. The crime and plot is good and keeps my interest. I just can’t stand the MC.
August 9, 2017
I liked this book better then book #2, I love the plots that Nancy Allen, the trouble the Ozarks have. this is a good read.
September 30, 2017
Great read
Great story line. Kept my interest. Believable characters. Anxious to read more by this author. I really enjoyed this book
Great story line. Kept my interest. Believable characters. Anxious to read more by this author. I really enjoyed this book
June 17, 2019
The little girl is a wonderful character. ❤️
October 14, 2023
This book turned out better than I expected. In the beginning, I was not so sure. After a few chapters I was hooked and could not put it down. Give it a try and I will read more from this author.
August 22, 2024
"The Wages of Sin" is the second Ozarks Mysteries trade paperbacks I've picked up at the Winona, Miss., library. Nancy Allen's doing a pretty good job.
December 22, 2024
never met a nancy allen book i didn’t like
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