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DI Matthew Adams #2

Sins of the Father

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What if you’d been accused of one of the worst crimes imaginable?

Detective Inspector Matthew Adams is slowly picking up the pieces from a case that nearly cost him the lives of his entire family and his own sanity too. On the surface, he seems to be moving on, but he drinks to forget – and when he closes his eyes, the nightmares still come.

But the past is the past – or is it? Because the evil Patrick Sullivan might be out of the picture, but there’s somebody who is just as intent on making Matthew’s life hell, and they’re doing it in the cruelest way possible.

When Matthew finds himself accused of a horrific and violent crime, will his family stand by him? And will he even be around to help when his new enemy goes after them as well?

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First published February 26, 2017

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About the author

Sheryl Browne

38 books885 followers
Hi, I’m Sheryl Browne writing psychological thriller. My latest psychological thriller MY LOVING HUSBAND is published by fabulous BOOKOUTURE. A member of the Crime Writers’ Association and the Romantic Novelists’ Association, I have several books published and two short stories in Birmingham City University anthologies, where I completed my MA in Creative Writing. I live in Worcestershire with my partner and a variety of disabled dogs. According to readers of my thrillers, I also apparently make an excellent psychopath. ;) Follow my @Bookouture Mailing List and grab a FREE short: https://t.co/bIigwwALCs
𝘼 𝙣𝙚𝙬 𝙝𝙤𝙢𝙚. 𝘼 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙬𝙞𝙛𝙚. 𝘼 𝙨𝙚𝙘𝙧𝙚𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙘𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙠𝙞𝙡𝙡…
MY LOVING HUSBANDCan I really trust the man I married?
Do I Really Know You?She's the friend you trust with your life. But can she trust you with hers?
The InviteKaitlin has been looking forward to her engagement party for weeks, but as the champagne corks pop, her dream party soon becomes her worst nightmare…
The Liar's ChildI’ll do anything to protect my daughter…
My Husband's GirlfriendShe told my little boy a secret and now he’s gone…
The Second WifeSHE MADE HER BED. YOU'LL LIE IN IT.
The AffairYou trusted her. You shouldn't have.
The BabysitterShe's perfect. Too Perfect.
After She's GoneHe's killed your child and kidnapped your wife. What would YOU do?
Sins of the Father - What if you’d been accused of one of the worst crimes imaginable?
Deadly Intent - Tormented to the edge of sanity …
The Rest of My Life - “You can’t run away from commitment forever … “ Two damaged hearts, a sizzling sexual connection. Can love find a way to bring Adam and Sienna together?
Learning to LoveSometimes help comes from the most unlikely places …
Somebody to LoveSigh with contentment, scream with frustration. At times you will weep.
Warrant for Love - Blackmail, lies, adultery, heartache. Three love stories wrapped up in one sexiliciously hilarious package.
A Little Bit of MadnessWhite Knight in Blue rescues The Harbour Rest Home.


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5 stars
211 (57%)
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101 (27%)
3 stars
44 (12%)
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7 (1%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
Profile Image for Petra.
820 reviews92 followers
March 29, 2017
This is the second book in the DI Matthew Adams series and continues about 3 years after the events of After she's Gone. While not a hundred percent necessary, I think readers would get more out of this if the books were read in order. It would make it easier to understand the characters' relationships and what they have gone through before.
Matthew and his family have tried to move on, but somebody connected to their past is plotting some serious revenge. Matthew finds himself a wanted man and his family are once again put in danger.
What an emotionally exhausting thrill ride! Sheryl Browne continues to let readers look deep into the minds of her characters, but couples it with a bit more action this time. This really had everything. From heartfelt emotions to gripping suspense and even the odd bit of humour and 'aaaaw'-moment. It didn't even matter that it was obvious who the villain was. It's a book that can't really be classified in one genre, and it's done so well. There are bits of police procedural, psychological thriller, and hints of women's fiction with plenty of feelings. Ms. Browne is very skilled at creating loveable characters that are easy to root for but at the same time, she manages to construct nasty, broken characters you'll love to hate. But all her characters come across as credible. I love all of them, although Matthew is occasionally slightly grating with his constant doubts. His teenage niece Ashley is a really intriguing character and it was nice to get more of her mother, Matthew's sister, in this instalment. I'm not really sure where this series could go after this - luckily I'm not a writer - but I'm really hoping Ms. Browne isn't done with Matthew, his family, and his work colleagues yet.
Thanks once again to Choc-Lit for providing me with an ARC.
Profile Image for Linda Strong.
3,878 reviews1,709 followers
July 17, 2017
After I finished the first book in this series, AFTER SHE'S GONE... I could not wait to start this second one. This was like riding a roller coaster, hanging on and screaming.

This book takes place 3 years after the ordeal they dealt with in the first book. You could read this as a stand-alone... but I highly suggest you start with the first book.

In this go around, Matthew has been set up. Someone, somehow managed to drug him, then brought in a working girl for some photos. He wakes up in a hotel room... he is covered with blood, and blood is splattered everywhere. He has very hazy memories .. but where did the blood come from?

He learns that the photos have been sent to his family, his boss, and to the newspapers. Someone is intent on making Matthew's life a living nightmare, and they’re doing it in the cruelest way possible. He can't prove he wasn't with another woman .. and he can't prove that he didn't hurt her .. or worse.

Will his family believe in him? Will his colleagues, those people closest to him? And who wants to see him suffer and possibly lose everything he has?

This gripping psychological thriller will keep you turning the pages even when you think you can’t take any more!

Many thanks to the author / Choc Lit / Netgalley for the digital copy. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
Profile Image for Rachel Gilbey.
3,363 reviews570 followers
March 27, 2017
I've barely taken a breath for the entirety of the second half of this book, it has completely had me hooked, and I feel as though Sheryl Browne has completely bamboozled me with what I thought I knew and how it turned out.

This is the sequel to After She's Gone and although in theory it could be read as a standalone, I really think it would be best if you read the wonderful first book first, partly as its brilliant, and partly because it had been over a years since I read it, and I found it hard to re-connect to the characters at first, although things came back to me slowly. For that reason I can't fully judge how much this does work as a standalone.

I have nothing but armfuls of compassion for the incredibly unlucky DI Matthew Adams, so seems to have a knack of being in the wrong place at the wrong time, with horrific consequences, not just for himself but for the entirety of his family.

We are introduced to the villain of the book very early on, and showed some things from both points of view, but the author was really careful in only giving us snapshots into the world of crazy! This person is cruel, calculated and seems determined to destroy Matthew.

Matthew also suffers from what appears to be crippling asthma, as a mild asthma sufferer myself, I am amazed at just how bad his condition is, but also amazed how often he didn't seem to know where his inhaler was. I make sure mine is always with me, and I barely need it thankfully.

I may though have made one vital mistake reading this book, I was at home alone, and kept thinking I could hear sounds in the house, which just added to the atmosphere of the read, but has left me jumpy as anything, and I am dreading going to bed as I have a feeling this will have an affect of my sleep or dreams! However this should just be seen as a compliment as to just how good this book is, in that it was making me feel that way.

Sins of the Father is a brilliantly crafted story, that ramps up the intensity as the book goes along, culminating in a thrilling finale and kept me guessing to the last few pages. The book is a pleasure to read at all times (well as much as a pleasure as being scared witless at points, and seeing horrible things happen to people can be), and really does justice to the continuation of the DI Matthew Adams story.

Thank you so much to Choc Lit and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
262 reviews1 follower
June 4, 2017
This is the second book in the series and I have to admit I haven't read the first one, something I will have to rectify!

DI Matthew Adams is accused of committing an awful crime, he attempts to prove his innocence hoping his family will stand by him in the meantime.


The book starts off at a reasonable pace leading to a second-half which was so intense I literally couldn't put it down. Sheryl Browne certainly knows how to write a thriller, loved it.

Amazing book and a well deserved 5 stars.

Profile Image for Sue Wallace .
7,401 reviews139 followers
May 27, 2017
Sins of the father by Sheryl Browne.
Mathew, Beckham and Ashley are slowly getting over their ordeal with Patrick. But there is more to come will he have what it takes to get through it?
This was an unputdownable read. I love Mathew he's my favourite character. Can't wait to read more in this series. Love to see what he would get up to next. This is a must read and I would highly recommend this book. Tbc on fb.
Profile Image for Jackie Roche.
538 reviews19 followers
April 6, 2017
I would like to thank NetGalley and Choc Lit for giving me the opportunity to read this which I voluntarily reviewed.
"After She's Gone", the first book in this series was great and I thoroughly enjoyed it. This, to me, was even better, probably because I knew some of the characters and it felt like I was meeting up with old friends.
Although this can be read as a stand alone thriller, I think you would enjoy it more if you read book 1 first.
The story starts 3 years later. Matthew wakes up in a strange hotel room, covered in blood and with no idea how he got there.
This book has everything you want in a thriller. It pulls you along at a cracking pace with great dialogue and more twists and turns than a fair ground ride.
If you're looking for a new author of crime thrillers Sheryl Browne is the one for you. I definitely recommend this.
Profile Image for Julie Smith.
437 reviews5 followers
June 3, 2017
The blurb:

What if you’d been accused of one of the worst crimes imaginable?

Detective Inspector Matthew Adams is slowly picking up the pieces from a case that nearly cost him the lives of his entire family and his own sanity too. On the surface, he seems to be moving on, but he drinks to forget and when he closes his eyes, the nightmares still come.

But the past is the past or is it? Because the evil Patrick Sullivan might be out of the picture, but there’s somebody who is just as intent on making Matthew’s life hell, and they’re doing it in the cruellest way possible.

When Matthew finds himself accused of a horrific and violent crime, will his family stand by him? And will he even be around to help when his new enemy goes after them as well?

Oh my god this book has left me breathless and shaking. I absolutely loved it! I was petrified for DI Matthew Adams - for his sanity and his family. Wow! 5 great big stars
Profile Image for Shell Baker.
631 reviews21 followers
March 23, 2017
Just when I thought Sheryl Browne’s writing couldn't get any better she goes and does just that! Having read After She's Gone which blew me away. Sheryl then goes and pulls this corker of a story out the bag. Blowing me away for a second time…..what can I say but I freaking loved it.

In this story we catch up with Detective Inspector Matthew Adams who is slowly picking up the pieces from a case that nearly cost him the lives of his entire family. Patrick Sullivan might be out the picture but there is somebody else that wants to make Matthew’s life hell. But he finds himself accused of an horrific crime, will his family stand by him? And will he be around to help when his enemy goes after them has well.

OMG what a pulse racing roller coaster read this is. One minute I am on the edge of my seat then I am taken on a whirlwind of emotions going through all the feelings that Matthew is going through. I really felt has if I was part of the story. I have to say I really do have a soft spot for Matthew he doesn't seem to have much luck but he is a really lovely guy.

I am loving this dark side of Sheryl, and she certainly knows how to write a gritty engaging story that's for sure…. With a story that will have you hooked from start to finish. I cannot wait for the third book in the series.

This is a must read for fans of Gangland. Which I highly recommend giving it 5 well deserved stars.
Profile Image for Alison Taylor-Muhl.
247 reviews6 followers
June 2, 2017
Sins of the Father is the sequel to After She’s Gone, and in my opinion, it would be sensible to read that book first, as this book starts 3-years after the last book ends. We find DI Adams and his family trying to rebuild their lives following the catalogue of horrors they all suffered at the hands of the vile Patrick Sullivan. Obviously, that isn’t going to happen and we see the family – once again, subjected to a series of terrifying events.

I said in my review for ‘After She’s Gone’, that I really liked Ashley – my feelings for her have grown throughout this novel and I am expecting big things from her as she continues to grow in confidence and self-acceptance.

I am unsure as to how much further the Patrick Sullivan plot can be taken – I will be interested to see if and indeed how, the author continues down this route or if she changes tack completely.

My musings aside, this really is a story of ruthless revenge which, kept me turning the pages eagerly.
Profile Image for Joanna Lambert.
Author 6 books42 followers
March 22, 2017
Hand on heart I can’t say I’ve ever read a bad book from Sheryl Browne. In fact her writing just gets better and better.

In After She’s Gone we were introduced to DI Matthew Adams. We learnt how he’d suffered as a boy, being bullied and much worse, by Patrick Sullivan. The reason for such hatred? Because his father was a policeman. Sullivan was someone who matured into a hardened criminal; a psychopath intent on destroying Matthew in the cruellest most painful way possible – by targeting his family. I loved Matthew for his honesty, his bravery in the face of great danger and the way - given the stressful situations he was often put in - he coped with his asthma. For me he was the perfect hero.

Sins of the Father finds him caught up in yet another nightmare when he wakes up in a hotel room covered in blood and can’t remember how he got there. A body is discovered and Matthew finds himself on the run as he battles to prove his innocence. Who would do this and why do certain aspects of this murder trigger echoes from the past? Then his young daughter is kidnapped. This brings him face to face with the killer where an even more brutal fate awaits him.

I’m not going to give anything else way, only to say I became so immersed in this book that I stayed up until 1.20 in the morning to finish it - and I don't do that very often!

This story is a page turning white knuckle ride which left me even more smitten with DI Adams. I now eagerly await the next book in the series.

All in all an exciting and gripping five star sequel.
131 reviews2 followers
June 4, 2017
Really enjoyable book. Even though this wasn't the first in the series I feel that I caught up easily and could be read on its own.
Profile Image for Andrea.
Author 3 books29 followers
May 29, 2017
A rip-roaring, fast paced thriller that puts Detective Inspector Matthew Adams and his family straight into the heart of a living nightmare and it's personal. This book shook me up, threw me about and took me on a roller-coaster ride from the start. My only downside is that this is the first book by Sheryl Browne that I've read and despite the author re-capping throughout, ideally, I should have read book one first. Thankfully, the characterisation was excellent and I was able to enjoy it as a stand-alone.

Many thanks to TBC and the author who provided me with this ARC. I chose to read it and give a voluntary and unbiased review.

Profile Image for Sue Kitt.
456 reviews17 followers
May 15, 2017
Having recently read After She’s Gone, I was so happy to be able to read Sins of the Father, book two in the DI Matthew Adams series, which takes place three years after the events.
Detective Inspector Matthew Adams and his family are slowly picking up the pieces from a case that nearly cost them their lives at the hand of the evil and twisted Patrick Sullivan.
Just as life is getting back to normal, along comes another evil and twisted being, Ashley, Matthew and Becky’s foster daughters college friend, Jasmine.
I connected so emotionally with Matthew and his family, so much so that I almost stopped breathing at times and as much as I want lots more from the Adams family, I am not sure I can handle the tension. Please let them be happy, they so deserve it.
Brilliant story and so well written, I just love this author. Fast paced and terrifyingly gripping, a real page turner.
I do think After She’s Gone should be read first and I can highly recommend this fantastic series.
Profile Image for Booklover BEV.
1,731 reviews52 followers
March 9, 2017
fantasic book had me gripped from start to finish the second in the DI matthew adams and you wont be dissapointed loved it
Profile Image for Lainy.
1,984 reviews72 followers
March 24, 2017
Time taken to read - < than 1 day

Pages - 329

Publisher - Death by Choclit

Blurb from Goodreads

What if you’d been accused of one of the worst crimes imaginable?

Detective Inspector Matthew Adams is slowly picking up the pieces from a case that nearly cost him the lives of his entire family and his own sanity too. On the surface, he seems to be moving on, but he drinks to forget – and when he closes his eyes, the nightmares still come.

But the past is the past – or is it? Because the evil Patrick Sullivan might be out of the picture, but there’s somebody who is just as intent on making Matthew’s life hell, and they’re doing it in the cruelest way possible.

When Matthew finds himself accused of a horrific and violent crime, will his family stand by him? And will he even be around to help when his new enemy goes after them as well?



My Review

DI Matthew Adams is slowly recovering from his last case that almost cost him his family and his life. Now he faces possibly the worst time of his life, as a police officer he is accused of a horrendous crime, doubted by those closest to him Matthew does what he can to protect his family.

This is book two in a series, whilst this can be read as a standalone I would advise reading the first as it gives you much better insight into the relationships and what they characters have already endured. Ooft this is a hard hitting book, it covers many subjects that can be hard hitting for some readers, abuse, rape, enforced drug use, kidnap, murder and that's just scratching the surface. There are many dimensions to this story, relationships and the strain and strength after something so horrific is unleashed upon one family.

I had questions from the previous book about Ashley and her imaginary friend which I felt I got a bit more clarification this time round although it is a very small part of the book. This book looks at the other side of false accusations, both as the victim and perpetrator which is usual and different. As second in the series you are always at risk of losing something especially if the first has been action packed, not so in this case. At times I felt myself holding my breath getting through some scenes, action packed, horrific and the tension rising as the scenes got darker. 4/5 for me this time, thanks to Netgalley for sending me a copy to review, all opinions are my own. I look forward to the next in the series and what the future holds for the Adams.

Profile Image for J.B (Debbie).
407 reviews9 followers
March 25, 2017
Its not necessary to have read the first book but hand on heart I can highly recommend it. Why deny yourself a great book!

This book sees our heroic character once again fighting not only for his life but his sanity too. Adams has never really got over the trauma of his run in with psychopath Patrick Sullivan and is trying his best to hold things together although nightmares still haunt him, with sleep providing him with no respite from the memories. However, he doesn't get a chance to heal as once again he's thrown headlong into a situation of horrific proportions and being forced once more to save those he loves while saving himself and trying not to lose the good person he is, despite being wrongfully accused of a terrible crime. There's a new psychopath in town, and she's hellbent on revenge and bringing Matthew to his knees. Can the love of his family be Matthew's salvation? Will it be enough to bring him back from the brink of self destruction? Or, is this a situation that he can find no way out of?

Once you read one Sheryl Browne book then you have no choice to keep reading more because they are so damn good! Sheryl did not disappoint with Sins of the Father. Good grief what a book! I'm a little bit tired today because I sat up until 2.30am to finish it! So, when my boss asks me why I look so exhausted today I'm going to blame Sheryl! This book has it all................suspense, thrills, jaw dropping moments and OH EM GEE moments! The characters are all so well formed and engaging and what a villain Sheryl has created in Jasmine! At one end of the scale you have this mad woman who will not rest until she has broken Matthew, and then at the other the sweet innocence of baby Mia who is simply adorable! Jasmine's cruelty made the hairs on the back of my neck stand up and Mia had me all gushingly broody!

With an intriguing story line the book threw in one or two surprises and unlike a lot of thrillers was in no way predictable. Very cleverly written and very face paced, hardly giving the reader a moment to catch their breath before the next surprise. Although Jasmine is a thoroughly hateful person, I was intrigued by how her mind works. What makes her tick and what drives her? Her blood lust and need for revenge is all consuming, affecting everyone in Matthew's life.

What an amazing story that had my heart racing. If you want to get on with your every day life then don't pick up this book because you will literally be glued to it from start to finish. A highly recommended read with WOW factor!
Profile Image for Kelly (purplebookstand).
426 reviews11 followers
June 3, 2017
Sins of The Father

The second in Browne's DI Matthew Adams series and they're getting better and better! This could work as a standalone but you would be truly missing out if you didn't pick up After She's Gone first, both on background information and a dang good book!

Matthew is picking up the pieces left behind from his previous case. The case that almost cost him his and his family's lives. As things seem to be heading kind of in the right direction, Matthew is accused of heinous crimes and his life falls apart once again. Did he commit the crimes? Is he guilty? Who can help him?

I loved this book. It's a fast paced page turner that I really couldn't put down! I'm emotionally invested, I feel like I need to be there to comfort Becky and Ashley, to stop Matthew from making rash decisions...and to remind him to always keep an inhaler in his pocket!! The characters are brilliantly credible, and as well as feeling endeared to some, I felt true repulsion and hatred to others. I loved the roller coaster ride this book took me on, both emotionally and with the fact there are twists and turns galore in this gritty read. I, for one cannot wait for book three...hint hint Sheryl Browne! ;-) In the meantime I'll catch my breath!

Five big fat shiny stars for Sins of The Father!
134 reviews4 followers
June 4, 2017
What a real chiller to follow on from After She's Gone, Sheryl Browne has delivered a real edge of the seat thriller. Just how much is a person supposed to endure?, when DI Matthew Adams wakes up covered in blood, his family are about to be pulled into another nightmare , he finds himself fighting to prove his innocence when a body is found, but things really start to look pretty grim for the family when it appears someone from his past is out to cause him and them as much pain as possible, another twisted psycho emerges from the darkness out for revenge. Superbly written , great plotline, Sins of the Father will keep you turning 'just one more ' page as the story unfolds, I went through a rainbow of emotions reading this, you just want the family to find peace, after all they have been through, but now I am wondering what Sheryl Browne has in store for Matthew and his family if we are to be treated to a 3rd book in the series.
281 reviews8 followers
June 5, 2017
How much more can one man take? Yet again we are thrown into the chaotic life of Matthew and his long-suffering wife Rebecca. This book could be read as a standalone, but it would be beneficial to read the first instalment as a lot of the events in this story refers back to book 1. This book hit the ground running. We are thrust into the action from page one and it doesn't stop until the final page. I enjoyed this, as I did the first and would highly recommend this book and it's author.
728 reviews11 followers
March 23, 2017
Detective Matthew Adams and his family are returning to some semblance of normality after a horrendous encounter with a psychopath. Then their world's turned upside down when Matthew is accused of several crimes and he can't remember what happened. Fantastic read.
Profile Image for Geeta.
276 reviews2 followers
July 15, 2017
Matthew Adams is once again haunted by Patrick Sullivan, a nasty individual with a vendetta.
Matthew has to clear his name and save his family.
A really enjoyable read, fast paced and left me gripped by the storyline. I enjoyed the first book too.
Profile Image for Diane Hogg.
202 reviews12 followers
March 5, 2017
Description
DI Matthew Adams is slowly picking up the pieces after a case that nearly cost him and his family their lives and sanity. On the surface it looks to be that DI Adams is moving on, but he drinks to forget but when he closes his eyes the nightmares still come.
The past is the past or is it? Patrick Sullivan may be out of the picture but someone is intent on making Mathews life hell in the cruelest way possible.
Matthew finds himself accused of a heinous and violent crime, will his family stand by him? And will he even be around to help when his new enemy goes after them all as well?

My Review
Wow what a rollercoaster, the ups the downs, gripping my seat willing DI Adams and his family to be safe. A family complete, DI Adams, Becky, Ashley and daughter Mia, whats the worst that can happen after all they have previously been through. More much more, the story full of twists and unbelievable tension.
There is an agenda, one person wants to destroy DI Adams. But who? Sullivan is gone. Jasmine holds the plan, a crime which can't be erased. There for all to see, one wrong move and the plan is set in motion. DI Adams can't see a way out. His life in turmoil, his family and career hang in the balance, the events unfold, physical and mental torture are never-ending.
The story holds you in its grasp, willing you to read on, there is laughter and tears but above all a despicable horror at how one person can truly hold on to his family.
I would highly recommend reading both of Sheryl Browne's books, not for the faint hearted, it will take you to new heights, adrenaline will pump through your veins, fast paced heart wrenching storylines which will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Can't wait for the next book Sheryl Browne.
65 reviews13 followers
April 30, 2017
Wow... now that was scary. The deep-in-your-head, can't look away even though you know what's coming (or so you think) kind of scary. If you don't mind a story that threatens to churn through in your dreams... this one is for you. I received this book from eBook Discovery. This is my honest review.
870 reviews26 followers
May 16, 2017
I haven't read the first book, but I certainly will now. This was a really fast-paced, roller coaster of a story. Ms Browne allows her villain to sink to the very depths of depravity. A truly evil, despicable character, who provides an excellent example of the nature over nurture argument. You have to keep your wits about you with this speedy story and, no spoilers, I found the ending highly satisfactory. I recommend this book and am pleased to give it 5 stars
Profile Image for Els .
2,276 reviews52 followers
March 11, 2017
I absolutely loved the book. It is hard, emotional, disgusting but oh so beautiful
Profile Image for Ann Cooper.
392 reviews15 followers
February 28, 2017
Just when you think it can't get any better...it does! This was yet another late night read because I simply could not put it down.

We're back with Matthew and Becky and another fraught and tense situation. I really could not see any way out for Matthew this time around and was getting very worried!

If you haven't read After She's Gone, read that first and then this one. This is a stand alone, but you'll miss a lot of details (and an incredibly good book!).

Thank you to Choc Lit and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Kath.
3,083 reviews
August 28, 2017
Blimey, remind me never to upset this author if this is what she does to her characters! Having survived the events of book one, After She's Gone, which is well worth (but not essential) reading before this book, you'd have thought that DI Matthew Adams would be due a break. A nice bit of white collar crime, the odd spot of fraud, a bit of respite to allow him to enjoy his new family but no, Ms Browne puts him right back into the mix once again. This time he is being very cleverly set up for a multitude of interconnected, some of them quite heinous, crimes. Give the man (and his family) a break will you, although that said, it would be a bit of a boring book if the author did this to be honest so, yeah, he's fair game and anything goes and here, anything is pretty much everything!
Having got pretty much back on track after the events of the last book, with the evil Sullivan finally gone from their lives, three years later, the Adams family are at a wedding when they bump into one of Matthew's niece's friends Jasmine. The initial meeting is uncomfortable enough but the events in the car park mean that Matthew is reluctantly forced to accompany her home for her safety. Next thing, Matthew wakes up in a strange hotel room with blood on his hands and little recollection of what happened. Then a video appears online making his situation even more shocking and he even starts to doubt himself. As things slowly start coming back, it appears evident that he has to try and get to the bottom of things himself before he can face the authorities. And so begins a really rather frenetic roller coaster ride which kept me completely rapt throughout and left me totally satisfied at its conclusion.
Boy did I love this book. I thought the series opener was brilliant and I was wondering how on earth the author would manage to even match it let alone top it, but top it she well and truly did. Poor Matthew, just as things were starting to go good for him, Becky, their daughter Mia and niece Ashley someone rears up, intent on taking all from him. Hitting him every which way, undermining his job, his marriage, his family and his liberty in oh so deliciously evil ways and, for the majority of the book, for no discernible reason. Well, I say that, with hindsight there were quite a few clues that I obviously missed. Some great sleight of hand by the author there, well done! In my defense, I must have got so emotionally involved in what was happening to the lovely Matthew that it all just passed me by really! I did start to cotton on eventually but it wasn't until just before all was revealed and the true nature of Jasmine was uncovered.
All in all, a cracking follow up book to a series opener that I also really enjoyed. I have book three all lined up and ready to go but I think i need a little more time to recover before I see what the author does to Matthew next time.
Profile Image for Marsha Keeper Bookshelf.
4,290 reviews88 followers
February 28, 2017
Reviewed at Keeper Bookshelf

Even after tragedy and the actions of a madman have touched one’s life – life does move on, simply differently than it might have been. For Matthew and his family things may have settled after the death of the vile Patrick Sullivan, but they certainly aren’t perfect. They’ve been blessed with a daughter, Mia, a sweet toddler and their niece, Ashley is settling in to the drama of the teen years but Ashley will always be more adult than teen, she’s been through too much in her young life to not be considered grown at this point. Matthew and Becky have not fared so well. Matthew’s inability to talk to anyone about what’s happened, not even to Becky is affecting not only his marriage but his career as well. His need to protect his family from any possible danger, even himself, will be the downfall to his marriage if he doesn’t change.

Attending a wedding should be a joyous occasion, not the prelude that it will be for the Adams family. Life will never again be what it was before this day is ended.

If you’ve read After She’s Gone and believed that the ultimate evil was embodied in Patrick Sullivan – you are very mistaken. I’ve used the words “chillingly brilliant” to describe this story to a friend – and I stand by those words. Matthew does what the good guys do, he saw a situation and stepped in to do the right thing… not knowing it was all a trap and he has just crossed over the threshold of his own personal hell. If there is ever a character who is the precise description of evil incarnate it is Jasmine. This woman has not a shred of human left in her. She is cold, calculating, ruthless, totally bat-crap crazy and she has an agenda, one that will deliver devastation to one family. Matthew will have everything stripped from him – his family, his career, his sanity as slowly, consistently, unendingly one horrific event after another is done to him, his family and his friends. Jasmine does not do subtle. She will mentally and physically torture Matthew and his family beyond what one believes a mind can handle. There will be reviews, I’m sure, that will give you every tiny detail of what is done to Matthew, Becky, Ashley, and Mia – but you won’t find that here. Sins of the Father is one of those stories that if you know too much going in to it you will not get the absolutely terrifying effect of the story flowing over you as the decent into madness and pain gains momentum.

I wars captivated by this story. Of how one human could possibly be so despicable without any feeling of doing something wrong, how every torture was justified in a truly sick mind is truly beyond me. I’m certain such people exist in our world, I hope to never meet one. Sins of the Father is difficult to walk away from until you’ve finished the last line. Just when you cannot imagine anything worse that can be done to this man – you are proven wrong. You will feel during this one. Tears will flow at times, although they may be tears of anguish or pity, or even sadness at how anyone could endure what this family will face. By the ending when everything is revealed (although you may guess some of it before then) you will have been through such an emotional wringer, have witnessed a truly chilling artwork of writing and discovered that you have the capability of utterly hating a fictional character with every part of your being. That says a lot.

On a slightly light note in the midst of this frightening review … I saw what you did there Sheryl *grin* In the middle of being frightened out of my skull I found myself bursting out in surprised chuckles when I read sweet Mia’s baby pronunciation of her favorite sweet treat… “choclit”. *glances up at the publishing house information and chuckles once again* I do not know if that was meant or just happened. But I noticed, and in the middle of all this I smiled and that mattered to me. So… well done.

If you are looking for a Mystery Thriller that will scare the socks off you, get your heart pounding and the emotions on their highest level – then have I got a book you should be reading. I would highly recommend Sins of the Father to any reader who enjoys a good mystery, and isn’t afraid to look evil right in the eye. Chillingly brilliant, so fast paced you’ll get whiplash and a look into the devious mind of someone who is truly evil and crazy with not one redeeming quality left in them… that all equals one pretty amazing, completely captivating story.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*
Profile Image for Alison.
878 reviews68 followers
March 17, 2017
After reading the first book in this series ‘After She’s Gone’ and rating it one of my favourites of 2016 I was full of anticipation for this one. Could it possibly live up to my previous ravings, keep me in suspense, fulfil the emotional void etc … well the short answer to that is “Hell Yeah!!”

DI Matthew Adams is back, take a deep breath and delve in to see what extraordinary circumstances he finds himself in this time. I would heartily recommend you read these books in order to get the fullest enjoyment but if you can’t this one has enough recaps to ensure you are kept in the loop and know what is going on.

After the horrifying events previously that very nearly wrecked Matt and his family, caused by an evil monster Sullivan I thought possibly this would be a slightly calmer read but within pages Matt is in desperate trouble again.

Following a brawl between a lad and a girl during a wedding reception that Matt and wife Becky are attending things rapidly decline. Matt finds himself the centre of an internet/newspaper scandal. Is he innocent or are the clues all pointing towards him being guilty? Can Rebecca believe in him totally and love him unconditionally (again) or will this rip his entire family apart. Foster daughter Ashley and toddler daughter Mia are his life now after Sullivan caused the death of another daughter Lily.

Will Matt be forced to choose between himself, Becky or his children? Who is it that is creating so much trouble for him and will his former cop friend Steve be able to solve the mystery?

I read this with a mixture of anger, hope, sadness and a growing love for Matthew. I felt utter despair and was trying to get to the end faster so I could fathom out how he would fare. Things sure look bleak … a story of utter devotion. How far would you go to either get revenge or protect those you love?

Ashley is growing up and has matured into a loyal ‘daughter’ .. Mia is just too cute for words. Some of her sayings really lightened the mood. Becky is made of strong stuff, not sure I could tolerate as much as her if I was in her situation.

So to sum up another blinder from Sheryl .. make some time, lock the doors, ignore everyone and disappear into the world of Sin! Fast-paced, full of tension and a fair amount of ewwww moments, rats in case anyone is wondering!!

Thanks to Netgalley, Choc Lit and of course Sheryl for my copy which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
Profile Image for Suze.
1,884 reviews1,298 followers
March 20, 2017
DI Matthew Adams and his wife Becky have been through a lot together. Matthew's archenemy Patrick Sullivan took so much from them and even though the man is dead Matthew's nightmares won't stop. After three years he's still reliving all the things that have been done to him and his family. Together with Matthew's niece Ashley and their young daughter Mia Matthew and Becky are trying to find happiness again. However, the past has never been entirely put behind them and an old ghost won't stop until Matthew had suffered as much as possible. Will he and his family manage to survive another terrible ordeal?

Sins of the Father isn't an easy read. It's incredibly shocking and I constantly had tears in my eyes when I read about what's being done to Matthew. He's a good man with enemies that are both powerful and crazy. Matthew loves his family and keeping them safe is the most important thing in the world for him, but unfortunately it's something he isn't very successful at. There's so much heartache and there are plenty of horrors he has to go through, but Matthew's strong love is what keeps him going. He's an admirable person with a big heart and he's a great husband, father and cop.

Matthew and Becky have a strong relationship. Even after their numerous past misfortunes they're still very much in love and I loved that about them. Being with Matthew isn't easy for Becky, but there's plenty of affection and support in their home and they are amazing parents. Matthew doesn't talk about his feelings though and he doesn't want to bother anyone. Due to everything that has been done to his family because of him, Matthew feels worthless and my heart ached for him. He's a wonderful father and brother and his connection with his family is impressive. They truly deserve to be happy, but unfortunately fate has something different in store for them and reading about it sometimes literally took my breath away.

Sins of the Father is a gripping disturbing thriller and you need to have a strong stomach to be able to read this story. I was seriously scared when I read this book and Sheryl Browne managed to keep me on the edge of my seat from beginning to end. Her story is unpredictable and filled with unexpected twists and turns. It's a gruesome, but emotional read, that's both surprising and really good. Sheryl Browne's descriptive, realistic and energetic writing always manages to hit me like a ton of bricks and that's exactly what I enjoy so much about her stories.
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