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Evan Buckley #3
Sins of the Father
Fifty years of guilt. Answers that do more harm than good. A child who might never have existed.
Fifty years ago Frank Hanna made a mistake. He’s never forgiven himself. Nor has anybody else for that matter. Now the time has come to atone for his sins, and there’s only one person he can trust . . .
Wise-cracking, street-smart private-eye Evan Buckley has had some tough cases in his time. Looking for somebody who might never have existed may well be the toughest, peeling back fifty years of lies and deceit to uncover the tragic story hidden underneath. Trouble is, not everybody likes a happy ending and some very nasty people are out to make sure he doesn’t succeed.
To make matters worse, Evan’s own past is back to bite him with a vengeance, as his nemesis, Carl Hendricks, feeds his festering hatred from his prison cell, and sets a killer with a bow and a grudge on Evan's tail.
414 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 4, 2018
1136 people are currently reading
406 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
May 15, 2018
The Amazon book page describes Sins Of The Father by James Harper as a mystery suspense thriller. There is a lot of mystery and suspense to please any fan of these genres. As far as a thriller, I had mixed feelings. There are so many stories in the novel I became confused. Sins is book three of a four-part Evan Buckley Thriller Series and although James Harper fans can read it as a stand-alone novel I constantly had the feeling that there was something from previous novels that I should have known. I could tell that there were going to be some situations that would not be resolved in this novel. I am unwilling to make a time commitment to read every novel in a series in order completely understand every situation so I usually don’t read novels which are part of a series. Also, clever authors frequently make some novels in a series low-priced and trap me into paying if I want to get a complete story.
One main story involves Hugh McIntyre and Lisa Stanton. Lisa has been a bad girl with Hugh and when her husband, Kevin, found out about the affair, he killed himself. Lisa doesn’t seem particularly sorry about the suicide. She is becoming increasingly sorry as she realizes Hugh is with her for the money. She has all the money she wants or needs from daddy Frank Hanna. Gambling addict Hugh knows this and needs a lot of money to pay off Russian mobster loan sharks. Lisa doesn’t want to contribute more money. Frank hates Hugh and won’t contribute. It would be better if Frank died. Luckily for everyone except Frank, he will die of a terminal illness within one year. Before he dies, Frank wants to find an heir to his fortune other than Lisa, even if that heir is illegitimate. He knows there is such an heir but must hire Evan Buckley, P.I., to find him or her. Hugh will oppose this.
The above would be a good novel by itself. Once Frank hires Evan, another story emerges. Evan has lost his wife, Sarah. He presumes she is dead even though a body has never been found. Carl Hendricks probably killed Sarah and buried her in some underground location. Evan has lots of evidence to believe this. Evan himself was confined on Carl’s farm in an underground location. Marked for death, Evan managed to escape. This novel is unclear on those details; this is Book 3. Carl, in jail, is working through Floyd Gray, a person who haunts and oversees the Hendrick farm. His main idea is to lure Buckley to the farm and kill him after a fun time filled with torture. The lures will be a series of notes left on Evan’s cars along with mysterious text messages that hint either where Sarah lives or where her body is buried. This could also be a novel by itself and I found efforts to link these stories together resulted in characters and situations hard to follow.
Character backstories and name changes confuse things further. The search for an heir who was adopted or abducted soon after birth results in lengthy passages devoted to identification problems. Russian mobsters trying to collect money are a side story. A mysterious omniscient character (named Crow) with a foul-mouthed bird (a crow) which might be Crow’s wife jumps in and out of the story to resolve knotty issues. Floyd’s carnivorous, malevolent dog, trained to eat humans, complements Floyd, whose favorite assassin weapon is a bow and arrow. Action scenes are well described, graphic, creative, and unbelievable.
In sum, there is too much in the novel. One unifying theme, humor, offers entertainment but is still swamped by all the moving story parts. The dialogue between Evan and Detective Guillory is great. There is clever wordplay and sarcasm. The reader never knows what the actual relationship is or might develop into. Many of the dialogues are by phone and readers may wonder what Guillory is doing while on the phone with Evan. There are no sexual situations outside of reader imagined contributions. Despite liking the novel overall, I gave it only three-plus Amazon stars because I had to work too hard to figure out what was going on. Because I like the author’s writing style, I will read more James Harper novels, but only those not in a series.
One main story involves Hugh McIntyre and Lisa Stanton. Lisa has been a bad girl with Hugh and when her husband, Kevin, found out about the affair, he killed himself. Lisa doesn’t seem particularly sorry about the suicide. She is becoming increasingly sorry as she realizes Hugh is with her for the money. She has all the money she wants or needs from daddy Frank Hanna. Gambling addict Hugh knows this and needs a lot of money to pay off Russian mobster loan sharks. Lisa doesn’t want to contribute more money. Frank hates Hugh and won’t contribute. It would be better if Frank died. Luckily for everyone except Frank, he will die of a terminal illness within one year. Before he dies, Frank wants to find an heir to his fortune other than Lisa, even if that heir is illegitimate. He knows there is such an heir but must hire Evan Buckley, P.I., to find him or her. Hugh will oppose this.
The above would be a good novel by itself. Once Frank hires Evan, another story emerges. Evan has lost his wife, Sarah. He presumes she is dead even though a body has never been found. Carl Hendricks probably killed Sarah and buried her in some underground location. Evan has lots of evidence to believe this. Evan himself was confined on Carl’s farm in an underground location. Marked for death, Evan managed to escape. This novel is unclear on those details; this is Book 3. Carl, in jail, is working through Floyd Gray, a person who haunts and oversees the Hendrick farm. His main idea is to lure Buckley to the farm and kill him after a fun time filled with torture. The lures will be a series of notes left on Evan’s cars along with mysterious text messages that hint either where Sarah lives or where her body is buried. This could also be a novel by itself and I found efforts to link these stories together resulted in characters and situations hard to follow.
Character backstories and name changes confuse things further. The search for an heir who was adopted or abducted soon after birth results in lengthy passages devoted to identification problems. Russian mobsters trying to collect money are a side story. A mysterious omniscient character (named Crow) with a foul-mouthed bird (a crow) which might be Crow’s wife jumps in and out of the story to resolve knotty issues. Floyd’s carnivorous, malevolent dog, trained to eat humans, complements Floyd, whose favorite assassin weapon is a bow and arrow. Action scenes are well described, graphic, creative, and unbelievable.
In sum, there is too much in the novel. One unifying theme, humor, offers entertainment but is still swamped by all the moving story parts. The dialogue between Evan and Detective Guillory is great. There is clever wordplay and sarcasm. The reader never knows what the actual relationship is or might develop into. Many of the dialogues are by phone and readers may wonder what Guillory is doing while on the phone with Evan. There are no sexual situations outside of reader imagined contributions. Despite liking the novel overall, I gave it only three-plus Amazon stars because I had to work too hard to figure out what was going on. Because I like the author’s writing style, I will read more James Harper novels, but only those not in a series.
April 2, 2023
Bad To The Bones, #1 - Read a couple of freebies by this author and dug this book out of my library. This is an interesting and immersing, this intense read is difficult to put down. Good characters that are easy to either like or dislike. The story lines are interesting. There are twists, turns and misdirects that keep the pages flipping to the end. It is too easy to turn this review into a book report. Never mind Ryder at the beginning, the book just gets better with each page read. 5*
Kentucky Vice, #2 - OK, I should have stopped with the first book, this one is rather silly. Some real good characters, good story lines but not much realism, lots of hollywood-style tripe. Instead of immersing myself in the dramatic scenes, I was laughing myself silly. This is still a fun read but it is labeled a thriller, falls short by a long shot. The author acts a bit like the Nutjob that brings the story to the end, explaining everything while running through a gamut of emotions, from normal to a raving lunatic. NO, ole James isn't a lunatic, but he lost a grip on his writing style and went plumb silly with events, dialog and moving from drama to slapstick comedy and Cozy-style genres. Read it for entertainment knowing that the last part of the book forgot the style and genre of the beginning. Just because KV is so funny and there are two worthy female characters, this gets four stars. Else, two stars would be being nice. 4*
Sins of the Father, #3 - Seems like the women are "lemon-sucker" lipped whiners and the male characters are raving lunatics wanting to hurt or kill someone, common types for the last two books. The beginning of this story is a bit hollywood-style silliness but improves as the story goes on. The noose is not removed, which is idiotic, but the story had to continue. Interesting story lines blending the new and foundation. Violence, bloody but not detailed gory. This takes place not long after the previous story ends. Touch of romance. Serendipitous end to a sad case. That is Grandfather, not grandfather. 4*
Once Bitten, #17 - Since the last book of this series I read was Sins of the Father, #3, I lost a lot of the foundation and was confused by some of the references to the past. That aside, this is still an interesting story with good story lines. The misdirections were not as convincing about which criminal(s) turned to law. In previous books, the misdirections were more successful. Although from Sins, I received the impression that Crow would join the regular cast of characters, I wished I had read the other books. Too many "what happened" questions. While not what I would call a standalone, Once Bitten is still an interesting story. 4*
Never Go Back, #18 - An interesting read with plenty of jawing between the two not partners as they search for a missing American student studying in England. A lot of happenings, good, bad and ugly, made for a good read as the present mingles with the past. 4*
See No Evil - With this bit on the wordy side story, I was confused by some of Evan's ramblings and some of his references to the past. I lost a lot of the foundation not reading the books between Sins of the Father and Once Bitten. That aside, this is still an interesting story with good story lines. I like the misdirection and the obvious is steady changing. I did not get the killer, but found the activities of this person of interest. Compared to the first three books, the writing style has improved for the better. 4*
Fallen Angel - It's an OK, short read. No surprises, an old story retold by others. 3*
A Rock And A Hard Place - This is a better short story than Fallen Angel. Interesting with a good story line. 4*
Kentucky Vice, #2 - OK, I should have stopped with the first book, this one is rather silly. Some real good characters, good story lines but not much realism, lots of hollywood-style tripe. Instead of immersing myself in the dramatic scenes, I was laughing myself silly. This is still a fun read but it is labeled a thriller, falls short by a long shot. The author acts a bit like the Nutjob that brings the story to the end, explaining everything while running through a gamut of emotions, from normal to a raving lunatic. NO, ole James isn't a lunatic, but he lost a grip on his writing style and went plumb silly with events, dialog and moving from drama to slapstick comedy and Cozy-style genres. Read it for entertainment knowing that the last part of the book forgot the style and genre of the beginning. Just because KV is so funny and there are two worthy female characters, this gets four stars. Else, two stars would be being nice. 4*
Sins of the Father, #3 - Seems like the women are "lemon-sucker" lipped whiners and the male characters are raving lunatics wanting to hurt or kill someone, common types for the last two books. The beginning of this story is a bit hollywood-style silliness but improves as the story goes on. The noose is not removed, which is idiotic, but the story had to continue. Interesting story lines blending the new and foundation. Violence, bloody but not detailed gory. This takes place not long after the previous story ends. Touch of romance. Serendipitous end to a sad case. That is Grandfather, not grandfather. 4*
Once Bitten, #17 - Since the last book of this series I read was Sins of the Father, #3, I lost a lot of the foundation and was confused by some of the references to the past. That aside, this is still an interesting story with good story lines. The misdirections were not as convincing about which criminal(s) turned to law. In previous books, the misdirections were more successful. Although from Sins, I received the impression that Crow would join the regular cast of characters, I wished I had read the other books. Too many "what happened" questions. While not what I would call a standalone, Once Bitten is still an interesting story. 4*
Never Go Back, #18 - An interesting read with plenty of jawing between the two not partners as they search for a missing American student studying in England. A lot of happenings, good, bad and ugly, made for a good read as the present mingles with the past. 4*
See No Evil - With this bit on the wordy side story, I was confused by some of Evan's ramblings and some of his references to the past. I lost a lot of the foundation not reading the books between Sins of the Father and Once Bitten. That aside, this is still an interesting story with good story lines. I like the misdirection and the obvious is steady changing. I did not get the killer, but found the activities of this person of interest. Compared to the first three books, the writing style has improved for the better. 4*
Fallen Angel - It's an OK, short read. No surprises, an old story retold by others. 3*
A Rock And A Hard Place - This is a better short story than Fallen Angel. Interesting with a good story line. 4*
February 27, 2018
This story continues Evan Buckley’s life and work as a Private Investigator. He is asked by an elderly and highly successful business man called Frank Hanna, to look into an event from his past. He is going to die soon and wants to make amends for something he did in his youth which he now regrets.
The events took place about 50 years ago and involves a relationship Frank had with a possible illegal Mexican girl that was not approved of by his parents. Franks’ father made it quite clear it was not allowed to continue and took events into his own hands to ensure that was the case. All Frank knew was that the girl had a baby, but has no birth details, names or addresses.
The book is very aptly named ‘The Sins of The Father’ as it covers the reactions of more than one generation and shows how relationships have changed over time and what is acceptable now and what was then.
The story has loads of separate threads to keep your interest and make you think. The involvement of an older Private Investigator also adds to the intrigue. Add in the problem messages Evan has been getting, ever since the first book in the series, relating to the disappearance of his wife 5 years before.
Matters are ramped up considerably and makes for an interesting read. This brings you much closer to what happened with Evans’ wife and the people behind the messages and notes he has received. We follow Evan trying to track the breadcrumbs left from 50 years ago, to connect through generations of families to find this possible heir.
A fantastic read which I would highly recommend. If you’ve read any other books in this series, this one fills in lots of extra information on Evan and Guillory, and brings so much more into the mix.
I was given an ARC copy of this book by the author and I can confirm I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
The events took place about 50 years ago and involves a relationship Frank had with a possible illegal Mexican girl that was not approved of by his parents. Franks’ father made it quite clear it was not allowed to continue and took events into his own hands to ensure that was the case. All Frank knew was that the girl had a baby, but has no birth details, names or addresses.
The book is very aptly named ‘The Sins of The Father’ as it covers the reactions of more than one generation and shows how relationships have changed over time and what is acceptable now and what was then.
The story has loads of separate threads to keep your interest and make you think. The involvement of an older Private Investigator also adds to the intrigue. Add in the problem messages Evan has been getting, ever since the first book in the series, relating to the disappearance of his wife 5 years before.
Matters are ramped up considerably and makes for an interesting read. This brings you much closer to what happened with Evans’ wife and the people behind the messages and notes he has received. We follow Evan trying to track the breadcrumbs left from 50 years ago, to connect through generations of families to find this possible heir.
A fantastic read which I would highly recommend. If you’ve read any other books in this series, this one fills in lots of extra information on Evan and Guillory, and brings so much more into the mix.
I was given an ARC copy of this book by the author and I can confirm I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
October 10, 2021
Sins of the Father is a crime thriller worthy of Walter White. There, I said it. I’ll also add that Evan Buckley is not the sharpest tool in the shed. He’s tone-deaf when it comes to women. And often, the investigator lets his emotions get in the way instead of doing the sensible thing. Good thing he has that cop, Kate Guillory, to keep him in line.
Despite his shortcomings, Evan is dogged when it comes to solving a mystery. And he has a big heart. Sure, he takes risks. But isn’t that what literary PIs are supposed to do? Sometimes, though, I wish he’d think first before leaping into the festering maw of the unknown. I mean, seriously. You could poke your eye out.
All of the characters in this book are well defined. And their motives are clear. But, though the story’s driving force is a direct path, there’s nothing straight about it when it comes to the twists and turns Evan must navigate to get to the truth. And as they say, the truth ain’t pretty.
If you enjoy edge-of-your-seat thrillers with an outstanding cast of characters, check out Sins of the Father. You won’t be sorry.
November 4, 2024
It's possible to read “Sins of the Father”, third in the 'Evan Buckley Thrillers' series, as a stand-alone but I wouldn't recommend it.
The novel draws heavily on Evan's continuing investigation into the disappearance of his wife five years before. There were no leads at the time but Evan is convinced that, finally, he is on the right track.
This time around he is hired by a terminally ill man, Frank Hanna, to find his son who was abducted as a small child several decades before.
It proves a challenging task with a surprising outcome.
Meanwhile, Evan's arch enemy (or rather one of many enemies), Hugh McIntyre, who lives with Frank Hanna's daughter, is plotting to guarantee his rightful due. He's got plenty of incentive if he wants to keeps his fingers attached.
For some reason it took me over a week to finish the book. There's nothing wrong with it but I found it difficult to stay interested. That said, the final chapters more than made up for any qualms I may have had earlier.
3.5 Stars, raised to 4 Stars.
The novel draws heavily on Evan's continuing investigation into the disappearance of his wife five years before. There were no leads at the time but Evan is convinced that, finally, he is on the right track.
This time around he is hired by a terminally ill man, Frank Hanna, to find his son who was abducted as a small child several decades before.
It proves a challenging task with a surprising outcome.
Meanwhile, Evan's arch enemy (or rather one of many enemies), Hugh McIntyre, who lives with Frank Hanna's daughter, is plotting to guarantee his rightful due. He's got plenty of incentive if he wants to keeps his fingers attached.
For some reason it took me over a week to finish the book. There's nothing wrong with it but I found it difficult to stay interested. That said, the final chapters more than made up for any qualms I may have had earlier.
3.5 Stars, raised to 4 Stars.
May 22, 2018
Occasionally, I start off reading a series with Book #2. In this case, it was Book #3.
There were many, many reference to the names of characters who apparently inhabited one or both of the previous books. There a few clues scattered around for some of them, but mostly, they were words with no meaning.
On the other hand, this is a rip-roaring thriller with a truly scary bad guy as a main character, and a few others whose back-stories suggested they were in the same league he was in. Evan Buckley, a PI, and central good guy, is no Jason Bourne, but he is no pushover, either. Throw in a fifty-year-old mystery; a Russian crime group who are very good at motivating debtors who are slow to pay up; a missing wife; a multi-millionaire with less than a year to live, whose son-in-law is determined to identify and kill a missing heir who might inherit a fortune; – and I bought the first two books in the series so I could start at the beginning.
There were many, many reference to the names of characters who apparently inhabited one or both of the previous books. There a few clues scattered around for some of them, but mostly, they were words with no meaning.
On the other hand, this is a rip-roaring thriller with a truly scary bad guy as a main character, and a few others whose back-stories suggested they were in the same league he was in. Evan Buckley, a PI, and central good guy, is no Jason Bourne, but he is no pushover, either. Throw in a fifty-year-old mystery; a Russian crime group who are very good at motivating debtors who are slow to pay up; a missing wife; a multi-millionaire with less than a year to live, whose son-in-law is determined to identify and kill a missing heir who might inherit a fortune; – and I bought the first two books in the series so I could start at the beginning.
August 9, 2024
Kindle Unlimited
Sins of the Father is the third in the Evan Buckley series, and a fast, compelling read. This father is wealthy - and dying of pancreatic cancer- Frank Hannah, whose only heir is a weak woman controlled by a compulsive gambler already heavily in debt to a Russian gangster. They will not be able to sustain his businesses and his legacy will quickly die. But 50 years ago 19-year-old old Frank joined the service at his father's insistence and abandoned his 16-year-old pregnant Mexican girlfriend. Evan's job is to find out if there is an heir in that line. With complications in his own life and the difficulties of tracing an illegal immigrant family from so long ago, Evan has his work cut out for him. But with the help of Detective Kate Guillory and a little luck, Evan has a start. Hopefully, he also has speed - he must be faster than cancer and the Russian mob who would kill a dying man to speed up his payoff.
REVIEWED on August 9, 2024, at Goodreads, AmazonSmile, and BookBub. Not available at B&N or Kobo. .
Sins of the Father is the third in the Evan Buckley series, and a fast, compelling read. This father is wealthy - and dying of pancreatic cancer- Frank Hannah, whose only heir is a weak woman controlled by a compulsive gambler already heavily in debt to a Russian gangster. They will not be able to sustain his businesses and his legacy will quickly die. But 50 years ago 19-year-old old Frank joined the service at his father's insistence and abandoned his 16-year-old pregnant Mexican girlfriend. Evan's job is to find out if there is an heir in that line. With complications in his own life and the difficulties of tracing an illegal immigrant family from so long ago, Evan has his work cut out for him. But with the help of Detective Kate Guillory and a little luck, Evan has a start. Hopefully, he also has speed - he must be faster than cancer and the Russian mob who would kill a dying man to speed up his payoff.
REVIEWED on August 9, 2024, at Goodreads, AmazonSmile, and BookBub. Not available at B&N or Kobo. .
February 7, 2018
Sins of the Father
By James Harper
Review by Larry Sells
Sins of the Father moves at a rapid pace, with the main character, Evan Buckley needing to solve two mysteries to save his life and the lives of the people he loves. Evan earns his living as a detective.
One day, he gets a customer named Frank Hanna, who leads Evan on a dark mystery, one could lead him to riches or to his death. Another darker mystery haunts Evan and could haunt him to his deathbed.
James Harper wrote a suspenseful novel that keeps the reader reading until the last word. If this was coffee, I wouldn’t spill a drop. It’s delightful the way Harper placed Sins of the Father together. I would recommend it. It’s a great read.
By James Harper
Review by Larry Sells
Sins of the Father moves at a rapid pace, with the main character, Evan Buckley needing to solve two mysteries to save his life and the lives of the people he loves. Evan earns his living as a detective.
One day, he gets a customer named Frank Hanna, who leads Evan on a dark mystery, one could lead him to riches or to his death. Another darker mystery haunts Evan and could haunt him to his deathbed.
James Harper wrote a suspenseful novel that keeps the reader reading until the last word. If this was coffee, I wouldn’t spill a drop. It’s delightful the way Harper placed Sins of the Father together. I would recommend it. It’s a great read.
December 27, 2020
Another great book 8n the Evan Buckley series. Yes he infuriates me and why oh why does he do such daft things but he’s a loveable character who wants to do right and is hounded by dreams of his missing wife. Guillory is a great foil for his character and what would he do without her? The thing is the story is always developing with little twists and turns and then you’re gripped and just have to know how it pans out. These are multi faceted reads and whilst you don’t need to read the series it helps you to enjoy the tale if you know what’s happened before. I love the way the author uses people from all walks of life and makes them all believable. I really rout for Evan and Kate. A sign of a great book when you care about the characters!
June 14, 2018
Sins of The Father: A Mystery Suspense Thriller (Evan Buckley Thrillers Book 3) is a real page turner, nonstop action from the very first page. The plotting is tight with more twists and turns then a sidewinder. The dialog is crisp and fast paced. The characters so lifelike that the suspension of disbelief is a snap. This is a story that could happen in real life. James Harper is a master of the thriller/Suspense genre. I will be reading the other books in this series and rereading this one again when it comes up in the series because I will be starting with book 1 next. This book is a must read for anyone who loves a suspense thriller with plenty of blood, guts, and gore.
July 1, 2021
SINS OF FATHER. by James Harper.
Evan wasn’t to blame, Hanna, says about the son in law,. Another matter I want your help with, please investigate for me. I was a coward back then at eighteen and let my father handle it. Also, watch out for the low life his daughter was with, he has gambling debts. The people he owes might prove a problem. McIntyre had an agenda, of his own, a deadly one. As for Lisa he would dump her if not for the money.
Will Evan find the answer for Hanna. Was the right decision made so many years ago. Interesting plot, with twist and turns, people having their own agenda, for good or bad. Given ARC for my voluntary review and my honest opinion.
Evan wasn’t to blame, Hanna, says about the son in law,. Another matter I want your help with, please investigate for me. I was a coward back then at eighteen and let my father handle it. Also, watch out for the low life his daughter was with, he has gambling debts. The people he owes might prove a problem. McIntyre had an agenda, of his own, a deadly one. As for Lisa he would dump her if not for the money.
Will Evan find the answer for Hanna. Was the right decision made so many years ago. Interesting plot, with twist and turns, people having their own agenda, for good or bad. Given ARC for my voluntary review and my honest opinion.
October 13, 2023
A Real Page Turner of Suspense
Superb. Book 3 has me thinking Harper is getting better book after book. It’s not a derogatory statement in of itself. More factual really. So what’s going on? Harper takes you on a ride in a Corvette and ignores all the traffic signs as he does. You’ll love the excursions into your nightmares about dark, musty, gawd-awful smelly holes in the ground, filthy water, a date with Kate that Evan screws-up, and a missing Gina! Bad guys galore, subplots blowing up on you as he hauls you through his “hell” that he’s painted from the very beginning in Chapter 1. No more words. Just get in the car and scream in delight!
Superb. Book 3 has me thinking Harper is getting better book after book. It’s not a derogatory statement in of itself. More factual really. So what’s going on? Harper takes you on a ride in a Corvette and ignores all the traffic signs as he does. You’ll love the excursions into your nightmares about dark, musty, gawd-awful smelly holes in the ground, filthy water, a date with Kate that Evan screws-up, and a missing Gina! Bad guys galore, subplots blowing up on you as he hauls you through his “hell” that he’s painted from the very beginning in Chapter 1. No more words. Just get in the car and scream in delight!
February 7, 2018
Fifty years ago, Frank Hanna made a mistake. Now it is time to pay the piper and come clean about it. There is only one person he trusts, Evan Buckley. Not an easy case for Evan. The more he digs into this case, the more he finds out not everyone wants what happened so long in the past brought up into the present. Then there is also Carl Hendricks, he is in prison but that doesn't stop him from coming after Evan. Can Evan get the outcome that will make Frank forgive himself? What about just staying alive? I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.
February 9, 2021
A Freight Train Roaring About Town...So Many Criminals So Little Time
I wondered after the first Evan Buckley book...could Harper sustain story lines to keep you on the edge of the chair. Well in this one he did. So many people with bad agendas. You kept wondering who would end up doing what to whom...and who would live. On top of that the punches keep coming, Evan tracking elusive people while trying to stay alive. Harper delivered a killer (pun) novel. No he does not find all answers but it is a great read.
I wondered after the first Evan Buckley book...could Harper sustain story lines to keep you on the edge of the chair. Well in this one he did. So many people with bad agendas. You kept wondering who would end up doing what to whom...and who would live. On top of that the punches keep coming, Evan tracking elusive people while trying to stay alive. Harper delivered a killer (pun) novel. No he does not find all answers but it is a great read.
June 2, 2021
When I read James Harper's first book, my thought was that he had potential to be a good writer, even though there were enough problems with clunky phrasing and such to keep me from awarding more than three stars.
The second book demonstrated that my anticipation was well placed. There was a lot of improvement.
And here, in "Sins Of The Father", there is even more improvement, enough to warrant a fourth star.
Tightly plotted, with more than a few unexpected sideways twists to keep things, well, interesting.
I'm really looking forward to the next book!
The second book demonstrated that my anticipation was well placed. There was a lot of improvement.
And here, in "Sins Of The Father", there is even more improvement, enough to warrant a fourth star.
Tightly plotted, with more than a few unexpected sideways twists to keep things, well, interesting.
I'm really looking forward to the next book!
October 6, 2021
I loved this story
After reading the first in the series, I wanted to get to the next. Harper has done another excellent job of keeping me entertained and making it hard for me to get my work done. I really like the way he sets up the suspense and makes me want to continue reading. My imagination goes crazy trying to think of where the story is going. I can anticipate some things, but it is always another revelation when he reveals that part of the action. I certainly recommend this book and others written by Jack Harper.
After reading the first in the series, I wanted to get to the next. Harper has done another excellent job of keeping me entertained and making it hard for me to get my work done. I really like the way he sets up the suspense and makes me want to continue reading. My imagination goes crazy trying to think of where the story is going. I can anticipate some things, but it is always another revelation when he reveals that part of the action. I certainly recommend this book and others written by Jack Harper.
February 12, 2022
More ups and downs with action plus.
There are several fight scenes, but the fight that happens about 3/4 of the way in the book is the fight of all fights. The author did a great job of putting all of the story lines together so there was flow, that made for great reading. Evan has so much going through his mind it is a wonder he can figure out anything. It takes all the characters in the book to keep him straight. The author works all the characters in just right for the stories to blend together. Read and enjoy.
There are several fight scenes, but the fight that happens about 3/4 of the way in the book is the fight of all fights. The author did a great job of putting all of the story lines together so there was flow, that made for great reading. Evan has so much going through his mind it is a wonder he can figure out anything. It takes all the characters in the book to keep him straight. The author works all the characters in just right for the stories to blend together. Read and enjoy.
July 25, 2022
Man’s Inhumanity to Man
This age-old theme jumps out at the reader. Author James Harper tells a tragic story of four generations impacted by a single action of cruelty. This action and the reactions that follow create a tangle of threads that Private Investigator Evan Buckley must unravel to find the truth. He was hired to track down an illegitimate child born many years earlier. It is not a pretty story. Many lives were irreparably damaged before retribution is finally made to the only surviving heir of a pharmaceutical giant.
This age-old theme jumps out at the reader. Author James Harper tells a tragic story of four generations impacted by a single action of cruelty. This action and the reactions that follow create a tangle of threads that Private Investigator Evan Buckley must unravel to find the truth. He was hired to track down an illegitimate child born many years earlier. It is not a pretty story. Many lives were irreparably damaged before retribution is finally made to the only surviving heir of a pharmaceutical giant.
February 6, 2018
With a great storyline and characters that will call at you, this is the kind of book you want to grab when you are in sheer need of a heart-stopping thriller.
Mr Harper has the very scarce ability to create characters with depth and all the greys of real people, and his plot is perfectly done. This is my first book by the author, and let me tell you this. I WILL check the previous ones in this series.
Mr Harper has the very scarce ability to create characters with depth and all the greys of real people, and his plot is perfectly done. This is my first book by the author, and let me tell you this. I WILL check the previous ones in this series.
February 14, 2018
This is a thrilling and suspenseful story. Evan is an interesting and confident man, he's capable and cool, and very likable. The story starts off slowly and builds up the suspense as it goes grabbing your attention and drawing you in. I enjoyed the storyline and the characters. I highly recommend it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. This is my honest and voluntary opinion of it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. This is my honest and voluntary opinion of it.
August 2, 2021
Sins Of The Father: An Evan Buckley Crime Thriller
A remarkable book worth reading, a great thriller film of twists and turns through out the book keeping me alert throughout. Intellectually written with feelings and edge of the seat drama. The more you read the more you cannot put the book down.
The series is very connected with history and information pertaining to the stories involved and the other books of the series.
A remarkable book worth reading, a great thriller film of twists and turns through out the book keeping me alert throughout. Intellectually written with feelings and edge of the seat drama. The more you read the more you cannot put the book down.
The series is very connected with history and information pertaining to the stories involved and the other books of the series.
April 24, 2022
A cracking follow on.
It is necessary to read this as a follow on in order to understand what is happening. The main plot has Evan searching for a long list heir. A convoluted story in itself but running alongside is Evan's continuing quest to find out what happened to his wife.
Intermingling these plots makes for a cracking thriller. Gutsy and humorous, making for a good few hours reading.
It is necessary to read this as a follow on in order to understand what is happening. The main plot has Evan searching for a long list heir. A convoluted story in itself but running alongside is Evan's continuing quest to find out what happened to his wife.
Intermingling these plots makes for a cracking thriller. Gutsy and humorous, making for a good few hours reading.
July 3, 2024
Unacceptable use of descriptive word
A great crime thriller, full of surprises and had trouble putting it down!!! I gave the book four stars because, as a parent of a mentally challenged young man, I was deeply disturbed by the use of "retard!" To describe someone using this word is so outdated and unacceptable! I am actually having a hard time writing this! Just typing this word makes me sick at my stomach.. I expect a higher class of descriptive language than this.
A great crime thriller, full of surprises and had trouble putting it down!!! I gave the book four stars because, as a parent of a mentally challenged young man, I was deeply disturbed by the use of "retard!" To describe someone using this word is so outdated and unacceptable! I am actually having a hard time writing this! Just typing this word makes me sick at my stomach.. I expect a higher class of descriptive language than this.
March 13, 2018
Not the usual good story
Evil incarnate.
A Private Investigator assigned to trace the illegitimate child he fathered with a wealthy family's precious daughter.
He must face the evil that this man did which lived after him but changed into someone fine and beautiful, caring and good right through. The prayers of her mother were heard by the Father.
Evil incarnate.
A Private Investigator assigned to trace the illegitimate child he fathered with a wealthy family's precious daughter.
He must face the evil that this man did which lived after him but changed into someone fine and beautiful, caring and good right through. The prayers of her mother were heard by the Father.
June 30, 2018
Trying to Make it Right
This is a very, very well written story. This author has taken great effort to present details and wording to make this story of great quality. The characters are very well defined and right from the start the reader is in the thick of the story. Great flow, very good plot. Great Read for all who enjoy reading mysteries. Great job...
This is a very, very well written story. This author has taken great effort to present details and wording to make this story of great quality. The characters are very well defined and right from the start the reader is in the thick of the story. Great flow, very good plot. Great Read for all who enjoy reading mysteries. Great job...
April 17, 2019
Book 3 & still a fun read
I accidentally skipped book 2 in this series but hardly noticed, only a couple of references that didn't add up. Reading book 1 is more important.
The background story is still progressing very slowly but as before the main story keeps you reading with plenty of action & twists & turns to keep things interesting.
Will need to go back & read book 2 now
I accidentally skipped book 2 in this series but hardly noticed, only a couple of references that didn't add up. Reading book 1 is more important.
The background story is still progressing very slowly but as before the main story keeps you reading with plenty of action & twists & turns to keep things interesting.
Will need to go back & read book 2 now
February 11, 2022
They're getting better.
The first one was my least favorite and this one I really liked, so maybe I'm getting used to the way the stories go. They are quick reads.
There's some action. Definitely still a little ineptitude for Evan and it's starting to grow on me that he isn't particularly cocky.
The first one was my least favorite and this one I really liked, so maybe I'm getting used to the way the stories go. They are quick reads.
There's some action. Definitely still a little ineptitude for Evan and it's starting to grow on me that he isn't particularly cocky.
December 23, 2022
The search is on
When a multi-millionaire hires Evan Buckley to find a woman who he impregnated years earlier as a possible heir, the search leads him to strange people, gangsters, and reminders of his own past. Introduces his first meeting with Crow, who becomes his friend in later books. Great story, plot, and characters. Not to be missed.
When a multi-millionaire hires Evan Buckley to find a woman who he impregnated years earlier as a possible heir, the search leads him to strange people, gangsters, and reminders of his own past. Introduces his first meeting with Crow, who becomes his friend in later books. Great story, plot, and characters. Not to be missed.
February 14, 2018
James Harper has given me a series of books that leave me waiting for the next. He puts together twisted plots, gory incidents, humor, and anticipation for the next mess Evan Buckley WILL get into. I received an ARC in return for a fair and honest review. I am so lucky!!!
March 7, 2018
Sorry
I am going to try this book again. It could not hold my interest and I kept getting characters confused. This is the first time I've read James Harper but I will put up for awhile and try again.
I am going to try this book again. It could not hold my interest and I kept getting characters confused. This is the first time I've read James Harper but I will put up for awhile and try again.
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