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Sins of the Past
Missing
When the elderly mother of Wyoming police chief John Graham goes missing, he travels to Chicago and pairs up with a savvy female cop to investigate. They discover her disappearance is no accident, and a race against the clock begins.
95 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 2016
386 people are currently reading
1321 people want to read
About the author
Dee Henderson
62 books4,149 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Dee Henderson is the author of 27 non-fiction and fiction titles, including Jesus our Savior and Redeemer, Jesus the Truth and the Life, The Good News Project, Taken and the acclaimed O’MALLEY series. Several titles have appeared on the USA Today Bestseller list; Full Disclosure has also appeared on the New York Times Bestseller list. For details visit: DeeHenderson.com
Dee Henderson is the author of 27 non-fiction and fiction titles, including Jesus our Savior and Redeemer, Jesus the Truth and the Life, The Good News Project, Taken and the acclaimed O’MALLEY series. Several titles have appeared on the USA Today Bestseller list; Full Disclosure has also appeared on the New York Times Bestseller list. For details visit: DeeHenderson.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
October 11, 2016
I thoroughly enjoyed this well-written tale of a sheriff hunting for his missing mom. Lately it has seemed that some of Henderson's books have gotten a bit long winded in parts, and this one doesn't have that issue at all. Every word counts in this fast-paced novella, and I read it all in one gulp.
Published in paperback as part of the Sins of the Past collection.
Published in paperback as part of the Sins of the Past collection.
July 12, 2018
Wow! This is now one of my top favorite Henderson books, and I don't even know why. Maybe it was the mother\son relationship that was very sweet and realistic or the background romance that was so beyond perfect and delightful. Or maybe it was just Henderson's classic style that never fails.
Overal, I very much enjoyed this novella, and highly recommend it!
Recommended for ages 16+ due to mature themes.
Overal, I very much enjoyed this novella, and highly recommend it!
Recommended for ages 16+ due to mature themes.
August 3, 2019
This first outing in the Sins of the Past collection was appropriately thrilling and engaging. The ending was rather surprising, and made this "novella" more convoluted than you'd expect. Far be it from me to spoil the surprise.
October 24, 2018
A missing mother, lots of law enforcement to find her, a slight romance and Dee Henderson's writing it? What’s not to like?
Very good novella that hardly feels like it.
John Graham, police chief for Cheyenne, Wyoming, flies home to Chicago when his mother's retirement village reported there was no sign of Martha Graham in her apartment, and the only thing missing was her keys. Car still in its space and she didn’t have her purse with her. Sharon Noble from Riverside PD, missing persons department was working with Chicago PD and some of John's friends from the FBI to find any and all clues to her disappearance. Scenario after scenario, but no proof and only one person remembers seeing her, but even that turns out to be a dead end.
Well written story which keeps you guessing. You really see Ms. Henderson's detective abilities in this short book. A bit of a surprise ending as well. Very good.
Very good novella that hardly feels like it.
John Graham, police chief for Cheyenne, Wyoming, flies home to Chicago when his mother's retirement village reported there was no sign of Martha Graham in her apartment, and the only thing missing was her keys. Car still in its space and she didn’t have her purse with her. Sharon Noble from Riverside PD, missing persons department was working with Chicago PD and some of John's friends from the FBI to find any and all clues to her disappearance. Scenario after scenario, but no proof and only one person remembers seeing her, but even that turns out to be a dead end.
Well written story which keeps you guessing. You really see Ms. Henderson's detective abilities in this short book. A bit of a surprise ending as well. Very good.
January 25, 2021
I'll admit, my experiences with Dee Henderson's stories haven't been great so far. But - this novella showed me that I might be able to find more of her stories that I like!
This story was never action-packed. It wasn't meant to be - it reminds me more of an old-fashioned detective story. But, because the action wasn't a big part of this story, I was able to enjoy the more subtle parts - like the police procedure, the "puzzle" of the crime, and the character relationships.
And - that romance. It was wonderful. There was nothing "swoon-worthy" about it. It was just two rational people who were forced together and who moved on to romance rationally. :D I'm not kidding - it's the most rational romance I ever remember reading. But, don't get me wrong, it's still sweet. It's a nice break from young, good-looking couples falling head-over-heels for either other at first sight (so, maybe that's dramatized XD). I definitely wouldn't want all romance books to be like this, but it was really enjoyable!
And I loved how I got to follow the natural process of the investigation - rabbit trails and all. It made the story feel much more realistic!
Now, the ending. It was just . . . odd. Not super-believable and very anti-climatic. Add to that that I had easily guessed the villain long ago, even though the MCs were hardly even suspicious . . . *facepalm*
Content: Pretty free of content issues, actually! Except for one major spoiler near the end involving an . But, even then, the issue itself isn't near as pertinent to the plot as is the rift it creates between friends. Of course, you have the mystery and possible violence that you could probably surmise from the back-cover summary. But that's never too disturbing or anything. The romance is extremely clean - I don't remember anything going farther than one hug.
In short? A very enjoyable story, but not an action-packed one. The romance was amazing, and it was fun getting to piece together what happened along with the MCs. The ending threw me for a loop, but not enough for me to take more than one star off.
This story was never action-packed. It wasn't meant to be - it reminds me more of an old-fashioned detective story. But, because the action wasn't a big part of this story, I was able to enjoy the more subtle parts - like the police procedure, the "puzzle" of the crime, and the character relationships.
And - that romance. It was wonderful. There was nothing "swoon-worthy" about it. It was just two rational people who were forced together and who moved on to romance rationally. :D I'm not kidding - it's the most rational romance I ever remember reading. But, don't get me wrong, it's still sweet. It's a nice break from young, good-looking couples falling head-over-heels for either other at first sight (so, maybe that's dramatized XD). I definitely wouldn't want all romance books to be like this, but it was really enjoyable!
And I loved how I got to follow the natural process of the investigation - rabbit trails and all. It made the story feel much more realistic!
Now, the ending. It was just . . . odd. Not super-believable and very anti-climatic. Add to that that I had easily guessed the villain long ago, even though the MCs were hardly even suspicious . . . *facepalm*
Content: Pretty free of content issues, actually! Except for one major spoiler near the end involving an . But, even then, the issue itself isn't near as pertinent to the plot as is the rift it creates between friends. Of course, you have the mystery and possible violence that you could probably surmise from the back-cover summary. But that's never too disturbing or anything. The romance is extremely clean - I don't remember anything going farther than one hug.
In short? A very enjoyable story, but not an action-packed one. The romance was amazing, and it was fun getting to piece together what happened along with the MCs. The ending threw me for a loop, but not enough for me to take more than one star off.
December 6, 2017
This one started off quite well and really pulled me into the story! And, while it definitely is better than the last couple of novels I've read by this author and the basic storyline was interesting... it's still only a 3-star read for me. I don't know which of us changed, but I find that I simply don't enjoy this author's writing style as much as I used to. This novella is still a good read, though! :)
May 2016-- Read in the Sins of the Past collection.
May 2016-- Read in the Sins of the Past collection.
May 10, 2018
3.5 Stars!
Overall I enjoyed this novella. The suspense kept me engaged throughout although I found the plot line a little meh!
I loved John and Sharon and would really like to read more about there teams and careers in future stories.
My favourite was John's faith.
Recommended for those who are looking for a short Christian suspense :).
Overall I enjoyed this novella. The suspense kept me engaged throughout although I found the plot line a little meh!
I loved John and Sharon and would really like to read more about there teams and careers in future stories.
My favourite was John's faith.
Recommended for those who are looking for a short Christian suspense :).
October 23, 2024
1⭐️
It was boring, I didn’t care about the characters, and the ending was kind of stupid. I wanted more from the romance & more faith.
It was boring, I didn’t care about the characters, and the ending was kind of stupid. I wanted more from the romance & more faith.
August 4, 2025
When John Graham, Chief of Police of Wyoming, receives a phone call informing him his mother is missing in Chicago, Illinois, he immediately boards a plane and heads for home. He discovers she has been missing for 2 days even though her purse and her car are at her house. Working closely with Lt. Sharon Noble head of the missing persons division of Riverside PD, they begin a frantic hunt for his mother.
Fast paced and very well written for a novella, Henderson kept my attention from start to finish in one sitting!
Fast paced and very well written for a novella, Henderson kept my attention from start to finish in one sitting!
April 11, 2017
Enjoyed Dee Henderson's novella. I would like to see a little more electricity though between a couple than we're shown here. Can't get the other books, so will have to see why.
March 11, 2021
Another great story. I have been a fan since I first read True Honor. She has grasped the military and first responder ethos. Her romance stories are subtle in the midst of the plot. Poignant, honest, and refreshing.
June 13, 2018
honestly, how do these kinds of books make it past an editor and a publisher? and why do people write such terrible books? and how do these terrible books have over FOUR STARS?
October 23, 2016
Ughhhh
Just. Awful. If you are a fan of Dee Henderson, skip this one. It will make you hesitate to buy another Henderson book ever again. I may never pick another one up for fear it will be like Missing. Missing is a good title. It's missing the action, the mystery, the suspense, and the depth you have come to expect from a Dee Henderson book. It moves at the pace of a tortoise. It is filled with unnecessary, bland conversations and a plethora of useless details. The entire story could have been told as a novella - and been better for it. Don't waste your time.
Just. Awful. If you are a fan of Dee Henderson, skip this one. It will make you hesitate to buy another Henderson book ever again. I may never pick another one up for fear it will be like Missing. Missing is a good title. It's missing the action, the mystery, the suspense, and the depth you have come to expect from a Dee Henderson book. It moves at the pace of a tortoise. It is filled with unnecessary, bland conversations and a plethora of useless details. The entire story could have been told as a novella - and been better for it. Don't waste your time.
November 26, 2016
Great short mystery novella. I hope one (or both) of these characters show up in future books.
May 6, 2020
It was just okay. I read several other reviews, since this was the first book I had read by this author. Something was missing and after I read other reviews I took note that others noticed the same thing. They said that this wasn't the authors typical style of writing. It did seem, like one other person wrote: "it was like a paint by numbers" type of writing.
The story line was pretty weak. I figured out "who done it" about half way through the book. That part of the story was the weakest part. Perhaps the author thought she was being original to come up with that plot. There were too many things that were contrived for the ending to come about so quickly and for things to wrap up. It wasn't very realistic. There is a person whose death is a pretty significant part of the ending of the book; this is not the policeman's mother. Their death doesn't fit with the typical time frame of the disease from which they were suffering. So it was unrealistic.
Being a "novella" it didn't seem like there was enough time for the author to develop the relationship between the main characters. But since the story wasn't all that interesting it may have been a futile effort for the main characters to have been given more time and attention. Oh well. I'll probably read one more book by this author and hope for a more interesting read.
The story line was pretty weak. I figured out "who done it" about half way through the book. That part of the story was the weakest part. Perhaps the author thought she was being original to come up with that plot. There were too many things that were contrived for the ending to come about so quickly and for things to wrap up. It wasn't very realistic. There is a person whose death is a pretty significant part of the ending of the book; this is not the policeman's mother. Their death doesn't fit with the typical time frame of the disease from which they were suffering. So it was unrealistic.
Being a "novella" it didn't seem like there was enough time for the author to develop the relationship between the main characters. But since the story wasn't all that interesting it may have been a futile effort for the main characters to have been given more time and attention. Oh well. I'll probably read one more book by this author and hope for a more interesting read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 22, 2017
I didn't notice that this was a novella. The story draws you in and captures you from the second it starts, until the very end. I just wish there was more to the story (a full novel). (I haven't looked to see if there is a sequel)
When a missing person report comes across Lieutenant Sharon Noble's desk, she takes great care to find her person. Nothing changes when Police Chief John Graham's mother's file crosses her desk. She is determined to find his mother & bring him some closure. The only problem, nobody knows where to start looking because no one knew she was missing. Leaving Lieutenant Noble trying to warm up a freezing cold trail in the great city of Chicago. Chief Graham has a few tricks up his sleeve as he works along side Lieutenant Noble to find his Mother. One of those tricks is to open all his old enemies and shake loose some news. Missing leaves you wondering who has Chief Graham's Mother & if she really could still be alive.
When a missing person report comes across Lieutenant Sharon Noble's desk, she takes great care to find her person. Nothing changes when Police Chief John Graham's mother's file crosses her desk. She is determined to find his mother & bring him some closure. The only problem, nobody knows where to start looking because no one knew she was missing. Leaving Lieutenant Noble trying to warm up a freezing cold trail in the great city of Chicago. Chief Graham has a few tricks up his sleeve as he works along side Lieutenant Noble to find his Mother. One of those tricks is to open all his old enemies and shake loose some news. Missing leaves you wondering who has Chief Graham's Mother & if she really could still be alive.
August 11, 2021
I like police crime stories but this one didn't have a very good plot for why Martha was missing for two days. Seemed anti-climatic. When Martha finally told Sharon what had happened to her for those two days and didn't want her to share it with John, that put her in an awkward position. Eric finally came and confessed and Sharon arrested him. John finally got the answers he was searching for when he went to the jail to see Eric. All this over an affair Eric's mother had with John's father. Martha didn't want John to ever know that part of the deal because she didn't want John to feel less about his father (who had passed away several years ago). Sharon talks with John after he discovers the whole story and they talk about John never telling his mother that he knows why June had to apologize to her. Looks like good ending for Sharon and John as he is moving back to Chicago to be near his mother.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 2, 2016
There's nothing like a good Dee Henderson novel (or novella/short story in this case) to get your heart racing. I figured out who the guilty party was before it was revealed, but the motive was something I definitely could not have predicted! I also really appreciated that the budding romance between John and Sharon was definitely not the focus of the story, but rather a dim background 'hint'.
(I read this as part of the collection Sins of the Past)
(I read this as part of the collection Sins of the Past)
February 25, 2017
This book reminds me more of the style Dee Henderson gave us before her time off. A good mystery/suspense. With strong characters and extremely well done action.
I loved the chemistry between characters. John with his love and devotion to his mother, and the give and take between Chicago cop, Sharon.
The story was good and had me guessing. Though I thought "maybe" on who did it, I didn't know for sure or why. My who was right but my why was very wrong.
Great story!
I loved the chemistry between characters. John with his love and devotion to his mother, and the give and take between Chicago cop, Sharon.
The story was good and had me guessing. Though I thought "maybe" on who did it, I didn't know for sure or why. My who was right but my why was very wrong.
Great story!
January 17, 2018
No one else writes like Dee Henderson. She truly has a gift when it comes to writing. The words flow so smooth and effortlessly. The attention to detail makes me feeling like I'm right there with the characters. Even with the novella, you get a full flushed out story, that doesn't feel hurried. Neither did it end abruptly like some novellas. I loved the first book I read by Dee. Now, almost 20 years later, I'm still loving her work.
June 29, 2020
Dee Henderson is one of my favorite authors. Her books have a reality that comes through in her characters. Her characters are everyday heroes such as. US Federal Marshals, Red Cross Trauma Pschologists, Firemen, P paramedics, FBI agents, Navy Seals and small town Sheriff's. Real people.
Mary Garbarino
Mary Garbarino
June 18, 2021
Overall, good book, but not what I was expecting. It started out a bit suspenseful and I kept thinking it would have some big ending, but it felt rather anticlimactic. The story was more of a drama than an action/suspense novel like I'm used to from Dee Henderson.
I'm a huge fan of The O'Malley series, this just wasn't in the same category as those.
I'm a huge fan of The O'Malley series, this just wasn't in the same category as those.
February 20, 2022
A quick read! A good read. Loved the story plot and the characters the author portrayed in such a meaningful way. How the police force handles these matters on a daily basis is hard to understand. The passion and the teamwork displayed exemplified what is good and right in many police departments. Loved this book!!!
June 5, 2025
As usual, Dee Henderson did not disappoint. She wrote a wonderfully captivating and intriguing mystery. Something else that I've always loved about her books is that she always ties in God and the Bible. If you like a good, clean mystery, then I highly recommend this book and any other book of hers!
March 29, 2019
This is an enjoyable book with great characters and mystery. The story unfolds in a very engaging way. I love that a crime book can be so entertaining while being clean and without graphic violence. Great!
March 28, 2021
I enjoyed this story, as I usually do with anything Dee Henderson writes. The procedural detail enhances the story rather than slows it down. The characters are sympathetic and engaging. And the plot kept me guessing and surprised me at the various twists and turns.
October 21, 2022
I usually enjoy Dee Henderson's writing a lot. Maybe because this was a short story, I don't know, but there was very little story or character development, the ending seemed flat, and I just really didn't appreciate this writing of hers. I recommend her other works, but this story was a disappointment.
December 26, 2022
The plot itself was good. I thought I figured out "whodunnit" and then I thought I was wrong, and then things went in an unexpected direction. I found the interaction between the main characters to be stilted but I'm not sure if that was because they were both police officers.
June 6, 2024
A quick read. This is a novella, so you jump right into the story and it is quickly resolved. I enjoyed trying to figure out what happened but it was a pretty simple "mystery." It's a good story if you only have a short amount of time.
September 4, 2024
Another good read
Dee Henderson always has interesting characters who face hard challenges in life as they seek and find the Lord. The outcomes are always surprising, which I enjoy.
Dee Henderson always has interesting characters who face hard challenges in life as they seek and find the Lord. The outcomes are always surprising, which I enjoy.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews