The Sin Eater

Thomas Berrington #3

by David Penny

Moorish Spain, 1484, and no one is innocent.In 1484, amidst the tumultuous backdrop of Granada, Andalusia, English expatriate Thomas Berrington has taken residence in the beleaguered city. Once again, he is drawn into unravelling a spate of enigmatic fatalities.

Alongside his ally, Jorge, a eunuch from the palace, Thomas embarks on a quest for truth, navigating through distractions orchestrated by the ruling powers. As the investigation deepens, Thomas's personal world begins to unravel, and the Spanish authorities demand his services anew.

The closer Thomas and Jorge get to identifying the culprit, the more they and their loved ones become targets. With time running against them, they must expose the sin eater to protect those they hold dear from becoming the next victims.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Mystery, Fiction, Historical Mystery, Crime

394 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 11, 2016

About the author

Born in London in 1950, David Penny began writing at a tender age after moving to Mid Wales. Initially obsessed with all things science-fiction he read avidly and wrote even more. His first publications came at the age of seventeen in small fanzines. At the age of twenty-three a short story was accepted by Galaxy magazine – his first payment for writing. This was followed by appearances in the UK magazine Vertex. At the age of 24 his first novel, The Sunset People, was accepted for publication by Robert Hale and David was taken on by the Leslie Flood Literary Agency. Three other science fiction novels followed: Starchant, Out of Time and Sunshine 43.

David enjoyed a dissipated and wasteful (but not wasted) youth, doing little other than writing, growing his hair (a pursuit sadly no longer available to him) and following an alternative lifestyle. Into such an idyllic existence real life rudely interrupted, and David spent the next 35+ years in a variety of jobs, eventually running his own software company.
As the years wore on he missed writing more and more, and eventually returned to it.

The Red Hill is his first novel in 35 years and introduces the surgeon-detective Thomas Berrington.

Reviews

[Jane Gibbens · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well written as were the first two but now that I have gained the knowledge of life there at that time I found this third book less gripping, and the story the least believable of the three so far. Good enough for me to read it steadily and finish it but not to make me read the next in the series.

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just returned to Granada, Thomas Berrington is once again on the trail of a killer. While he's trying to figure out what connects the victims, his personal life is beset by unforeseen chaos, power is once again changing hands in the palace, and the Spanish demand he participate in negotiations he wants to play no part in.

I had my suspicions about the killer from quite early on, but the mystery nevertheless kept me hooked.

[Richard Myers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

Thomas Berrington can’t seem to get away from people being murdered and he can’t stop trying to investigate those murders. Think of Columbo on tv and you have Thomas Berrington. A great set of books and I have just bought the fourth book in the series.

[June Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good read with the characters well-established by now. Although it was easy to see who the 'sin eater' was fairly early on, the enjoyable part was how Thomas et al pursued the killer whilst dealing with all the background politics of a Granada in turmoil.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

1484 Grenada. Berrington has returned only to be thrust into a murder inquiry, but this will not be the last body to be discovered.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have seen the average rating for this book and do not agree. I loved it. I have not read the earlier Thomas Berrington books but I intend to do so very soon. I admit, I figured out who the killer was well before it was revealed in the book but there where a few twists and turns that added further interest.

[Barry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful historical mystery of Moorish Spain. Thomas Berrington is a fantastic well drawn character.

[gj indieBRAG · Rating 5 out of 5]

We are proud to announce that THE SIN EATER by David Penny is a B.R.A.G.Medallion Honoree. This tells a reader that this book is well worth their time and money!

[Shereen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Regardless of the fact that very little in these series are correct about the practice of Islam and a lot of wrong facts showing little understanding of it, even though the series take place in islamic Andalusia and more care should have been given to better understand the belief of those people and how they practice it, especially regarding relationships,
but the books in this series are breath-taking and I cannot put them down until they're finished.
No boredom there at all, interesting depiction of places, characters and events. Great mystery. If I have another concern about them, it would only be that little justification and very few details are given for the motives of the murderers. I wait till the end to know the killer's detailed story, but then it's only a little reference to it and nothing more.
Still, a very good read :)

[David Clarke · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third in the excellent Thomas Berrington series and by now that the characters are firmly established and familiar. David Penny paints a detailed picture of Moorish Spain and the conflicts between the diminishing power of the Moors and the increasingly strong Spanish powers. With this as a backdrop, the life and troubles of Thomas play out as his skills as a doctor are in constant demand and he, against his will, is drawn into yet another murder mystery. I must say I rumbled the culprit fairly early on and it was a little surprising that Thomas didn't too. However this didn't detract from a well-told story that keeps you wanting ot turn the pages. I'd recommend buying the eBook box set as excellent value. I have book four in the series lined up to read soon.

[Peter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read, best so far.

In the third instalment of the series, Thomas Berrington is back in his home in Granada but instead of resuming his life as a doctor, he once again has to apply his many talents to find and overcome a serial killer, who is claiming the life's of wealthy inhabitants of the city.
The cast of characters remain from the previous two books and benefit from this in becoming more developed and nuanced.
The plot is clearer and the read very fast moving and although I guessed the identity of the killer early on in the book, it did not detract from the story.
I look forward to book 4 and heartily recommend the series to anyone who has not yet read David Penny.

[PeterK B · Rating 3 out of 5]

What a letdown! Book 2 was well worth a five star rating but this one pales by comparison. Thomas is back home (in Granada, Spain, still under the control of the Moors) and begins investigating a murder immediately, but after that, nothing much happens for a long time. A LONG time. Then another murder and nothing much happens for a while.

Eventually, by the last third of the content, the book does does become exciting. While I did not love this one, the series is worth reading in order due to the character development.

[Michael Gray · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thomas und Jorge kommen, nachdem sie beim spanischen Königpaar waren, zurück nach Gharnatah. Jorge macht sich gleich zum Palast um seinen Dienst im Harem wieder auf zunehmen. Thomas möchte sich noch nicht auf den Heimweg machen da er Helena nicht begegnen will. Er trifft einen befreundeten Arzt der ihm von einem Toten erzählt, der möglicherweise ermordet wurde. Während der Untersuchung des Falles geschieht ein weiter Mord.
Wieder ein spannender Krimi mit Thomas und Jorge. An einigen Stellen zieht sich die Geschichte ein wenig in die Länge, dennoch hat es Spaß gemacht das Buch zu lesen.

[Cindy Woods · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another hit!

Yes, another very good book in this very well written series with its mid 1480's history of the political strife between Spain and Qurtuba unfolds as Sultan Mohammed has been taken captive by the Spanish and power in the palace of Moor has been struggling.
Thomas Herrington is, once again, embroiled in the investigation of the murders of powerful men.
All written and researched, I recommend to readers of historical fiction.

[Kira Schlesinger · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was good. I liked the characters in this one and the murder was less gruesome than that in the previous book, which was a bit too much for me at times. Penny is a good enough author that I am now working on my fourth in the series. It may sound like faint praise, but I'm actually pretty picky. My only gripe with the characters is that I wish Thomas was a bit younger to make his great sword skills seem more plausible.

[Michelle Mackey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Like history?

This is a detective story set in an era not frequently visited by novel writers. I found all the characters interesting and enjoyed their development though the previous books till now. If you enjoy history and a good who "done it" you can while away a few hours in good company.

[Donald · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book! As usual Dr. Berrington cannot stand to have unanswered questions nor can he read his women both of which lead him into most if not all of his escapades! History combined with mystery plus known historical characters such as King Ferdinand & Queen Isabella prior to the coming of Columbus to their court. A very good read!

[Yesh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Immaculate as always. Penny’s world-building was strong and I felt that when the sections lulled they were then pulled into a greater situation by the end of the chapter. The twist of a female killer was actually surprising. FOR FUCKS SAKE HELEANA SHOULD’VE DIED BRO AINT NO WAY THOMAS SHOULD BE PRIORITIZING HER OVER LUBNA💀

[James Gilmartin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thomas Berrington is getting better

If you enjoyed Red Hill and Bonebreaker you will love The Sin Eater. Berrington can't catch a break between the women in his life and a murderer on the loose.

[Andy Plonka · Rating 4 out of 5]

I used to hate historical fiction because my knowledge of history was so poor, but with books like this one I can learn history as I go. I learned a great deal about Moorish Spain as well as enjoying an entertaining mystery.

[avril phelps · Rating 3 out of 5]

Perhaps a bit mean of an update. I loved the first in the series, enjoyed this one but not as much as the first. However, I still recommend it. The protagonist is really likeable and you feel you know him so makes you want to keep on reading the series.

[Matthew McDarby · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just recently discovered Dave Penny & the Thomas Berrington mystery series. I love historical mysteries & I have to say so far I love these. The Red Hill pulled me into the world really easy & his historical factual accuracy & character development is pretty good. Book three was good but had a lot going on outside the main story for my taste. Which seemed a little different from the first two books. Also I have to admit through my eyes the culprit was obvious. I’m not going to spoil anything I’ll let everyone judge for themselves. But good solid book, good story, & since I can’t give a 3 1/2 I went with 4. I’m going to continue with the series & enjoy the rest of the journey.

[Morris-Ken Hines · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed greatly

I am so happy about Luba and Thomas with his son it could not have turned out better. Jorge had come along way since his first adventure with Thomas. I can't help to wonder what will happen when the Spanish take the city.

[Rodger E Graham]

Excellent as always.

Another excellent adventure and mystery based in late 1400s. A period of time I had given little thought to until I started this series of books and now I can't wait to read the next one. Read one and you will be hooked too.

[andrea diaz]

Another excellent Thomas Barrington mystery

I love this series so much. It is historically accurate fast-paced murder mystery. And I love the fact that there are so many books in the series.

[Glyn Evans · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good read by david penny , this time thomas and jorges are chasing a serial killer.(no spoilers).Some people think this is the weakest in the series so far i tend to disagree.So go buy the book and travel back to spain in the late 1400s, and ENJOY.

[William N. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Strange

One of the strangest criminals I have ever heard of. Well, actually, I had never heard of such a perversion before reading about it here. Now, I will set about forgetting any such thing can happen.

[Michael Thomasson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty good story...

[Jane · Rating 2 out of 5]

The villain here was way too obvious, way to early in the story.

[georgina f bjelajac · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great series

Moving on to number 4 have enjoyed everyone. They do need to be read in sequence to make them understandable.