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Crimson Falls
Original Sin
What drives a man to become a killer?
When Dr. Meredith Bowen gets the opportunity to interview Duane Tolloch, a man convicted of committing multiple murders between 1965 and 1967, all she can think about is the needed boost this assignment will give to her career. A seasoned psychiatrist, she is no stranger to the darker regions of the human mind, but as Tolloch relates his tale of a "town curse" and a cycle of abuse that goes back before he was even born, his story shakes Meredith's preconceived notions about the nature of the human psyche, as well as her faith in science, to the core.
Was Tolloch simply a man who chose the wrong path, or did his abusive childhood create the monster he grew up to be?
Or could the theory of the town curse actually be true?
When Dr. Meredith Bowen gets the opportunity to interview Duane Tolloch, a man convicted of committing multiple murders between 1965 and 1967, all she can think about is the needed boost this assignment will give to her career. A seasoned psychiatrist, she is no stranger to the darker regions of the human mind, but as Tolloch relates his tale of a "town curse" and a cycle of abuse that goes back before he was even born, his story shakes Meredith's preconceived notions about the nature of the human psyche, as well as her faith in science, to the core.
Was Tolloch simply a man who chose the wrong path, or did his abusive childhood create the monster he grew up to be?
Or could the theory of the town curse actually be true?
79 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 11, 2019
70 people are currently reading
234 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
March 12, 2019
This is my first read of a story by Greta Cribbs and she does a great job of character and world building, especially from the view of the killer. What really makes someone a serial killer?
The Original Sin is the first installment in the Crimson Falls series. This is short, but spine chilling tale about a serial killer who believes the town's curse is ultimately at fault for everything he has done. After all, everything happened on Founders Day, October 13 -- Crimson Falls is a town that brings out the worst in people.
Dr. Meredith Bowen has been given the opportunity to interview Duane Tolloch, a man convicted of committing multiple murders between 1965 and 1967. The entire interview takes place at the Fallsview Hospital for the Criminally Insane. Steadily, the story unfolds as we get into the mind of a serial killer and see how he developed into the man he is. At the end you may not know whether to feel sorry for Duane or feel he got what he deserved -- or maybe he's right, it's not his fault the town really is cursed -- or maybe it's Eve's fault.
Five stars for this installment and start of the Crimson Falls series. I did receive an advance copy from the author and this is my honest review.
The Original Sin is the first installment in the Crimson Falls series. This is short, but spine chilling tale about a serial killer who believes the town's curse is ultimately at fault for everything he has done. After all, everything happened on Founders Day, October 13 -- Crimson Falls is a town that brings out the worst in people.
Dr. Meredith Bowen has been given the opportunity to interview Duane Tolloch, a man convicted of committing multiple murders between 1965 and 1967. The entire interview takes place at the Fallsview Hospital for the Criminally Insane. Steadily, the story unfolds as we get into the mind of a serial killer and see how he developed into the man he is. At the end you may not know whether to feel sorry for Duane or feel he got what he deserved -- or maybe he's right, it's not his fault the town really is cursed -- or maybe it's Eve's fault.
Five stars for this installment and start of the Crimson Falls series. I did receive an advance copy from the author and this is my honest review.
March 8, 2019
I loved this book. Oh wow!!!!!!!!!!! This was a suspense thriller that you didn't anticipate what Duane Tolloch was capable of by suffering the abuse from his mother for coming out a male when he was born. His story to Dr. Meredith Bowen as you on the edge. How could a mother abuse her child like that. But that one fateful day October 13th was it a curse or was Duane's mentality from growing up abused. It was a page turner, I could not put down. It gave me chills. Thank you for an amazing book Greta. 5 star plus!!!!
April 20, 2019
This was my first book by this author, and wow it was a good one. What makes a serial killer? Are we a product of our enviroment, some will say yes some will say no. This book kept me turning the page to find out what was coming next. I would certainly recommend this book to others.
March 9, 2019
This is the first book the Series and it draws you in and keeps you!!! I kept wanting to turn the pages. The stories told by Duane are hard to picture but draw you in at the same point. Can’t wait for the rest of the Series!!!! 5 plus stars !!!!
March 8, 2019
Original Sin is a deep dive into the mind of a serial killer. Wicked. Tense. And expertly exposed.
March 10, 2019
What a mind trip! This takes us deep into the mind of a serial killer and tries to explain the why's. Could someone who did something so horrible actually be a victim himself? Pretty messed up stuff. It sure makes you wonder!
March 11, 2019
I love everything about Crimson Falls!
In this episode we find a serial killer who seems to blame everyone but himself.
Nature or Nurture, what is your opinion?
In this episode we find a serial killer who seems to blame everyone but himself.
Nature or Nurture, what is your opinion?
December 19, 2021
For a Novella, Original Sin was well developed & executed. It was interesting, tying in the supernatural & genetics. But, it was anticlimactic to have the punch line be the title because as the psych expert repeatedly said, x doesn't always result in y. There isn't a direct correlation, original sin doesn't always assert itself, so that undermines the entire story, IMO.
Original sin, ancestral & generational abuse, dysfunctional social structures perpetuate crime, no question, but why make some short references only in passing to why it might not always be the case? Might societal &/or supernatural influences also possibly influence criminal outcome?
It just seems like a half-story. The pathology is clearly illustrated, but the other questions raised in the very story are not. We know "why" they have done it, but even as the questions were put out there, there was not the slightest answer as to "why not", except sex education & sexual openness changed things somewhat, according to the story. But these abuses & crimes continue now having those resources.
A stronger story might have mentioned if the other couple of adults in the child's life had had slightly more influence...or something...it may have been different. Not to the point of reaching beyond a Novella, but balancing the narrative slightly, in respect to the abused that do not become abusers. That was alluded to in the story, but there was no support for it. So people will continue to believe those that don't become abusers are just somehow "lucky" or able to pull off some superhuman psychological effort.
The story was horrific & entertaining enough, but as someone that has lived with the effects of severe abuse, it offended me that the story 1st implied the murderer had a choice & ended by basically there is no choice. Other influences were not noted enough to make this a more complete little story. It only would have taken a few well-placed sentences. What if he had had a friend, what it there had been more involved adults, etc. These points are worth worth mentioning in short lamentation to answer why often "why not"?
Original sin, ancestral & generational abuse, dysfunctional social structures perpetuate crime, no question, but why make some short references only in passing to why it might not always be the case? Might societal &/or supernatural influences also possibly influence criminal outcome?
It just seems like a half-story. The pathology is clearly illustrated, but the other questions raised in the very story are not. We know "why" they have done it, but even as the questions were put out there, there was not the slightest answer as to "why not", except sex education & sexual openness changed things somewhat, according to the story. But these abuses & crimes continue now having those resources.
A stronger story might have mentioned if the other couple of adults in the child's life had had slightly more influence...or something...it may have been different. Not to the point of reaching beyond a Novella, but balancing the narrative slightly, in respect to the abused that do not become abusers. That was alluded to in the story, but there was no support for it. So people will continue to believe those that don't become abusers are just somehow "lucky" or able to pull off some superhuman psychological effort.
The story was horrific & entertaining enough, but as someone that has lived with the effects of severe abuse, it offended me that the story 1st implied the murderer had a choice & ended by basically there is no choice. Other influences were not noted enough to make this a more complete little story. It only would have taken a few well-placed sentences. What if he had had a friend, what it there had been more involved adults, etc. These points are worth worth mentioning in short lamentation to answer why often "why not"?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 7, 2019
Wow the books centering around Crimson Falls do not disappoint. This one is a recount of how one came to be a killer on the dreaded day and it's a good one. This twist starts with a condemned man being interviewed. Recounting his crimes he also tells his mother's story. This isn't the same as the other stories it's so much more tragic in it's own way. When it comes down to it it's more like the making of a killer. A life of physical abuse from a woman bitter with her own past is blamed for his behavior but can it be that simple? I haven't read this author before but pen to paper this author is a slam dunk read and it definitely is a read to remember. The story brings to mind the question of the original sin and leaves you to ponder that equation.
April 14, 2019
Original Sin is the first installment of A Crimson Falls Novella series, and Greta Cribbs does an amazing job starting it all off! It's short memorizing almost scary look into a serial murderers mind of how he became the killer he was. Was it because of Crimson Falls curse?! Or maybe his childhood?! Dr. Meredith Bowen is the lucky person who Duane Tolloch is telling his story too, so she can understand why he committed multiple murders between 1965-1967. His story was tragic, and yet, many peoples stories are tragic which doesn't make them murderers. And that's what makes this story such a mind screw, because I didn't know whether I felt for Duane or hated him. Finally, is the title the real reason why?! Who the hell knows?! HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
April 6, 2019
Extremely interesting. This is the first book i have read from this writer and the first from the Crimson Falls Series. I can honestly say that it was intense interesting and far different than what i normally read. Strange things happen on October 13th in Crimson Falls. This book is about one specific person that was born and raised in this town. He personally tells you what he went through living there and why the things happened. Gripping intense interesting. On the edge of your seat waiting to see what is going to happen next. I have to say that i did enjoy this book and cant wait to read more from this series.
April 12, 2019
I was enraptured by this story. To be listening to a Serial Killer tell his story and feel empathy for him at the same time was very unsettling to say the least. But, wasn’t that the point?
Greta Cribbs delivers a very precise story about psychiatrist Meredith Bowen going to interview Serial Killer Duane Tolloch with a film crew in tow. He is at a Hospital for the Criminally Insane since murdering 3 college students.
But, as he tells his story you begin to wonder if he is a product of his upbringing? Or, was it that he was conceived on October 13th in Crimson Falls?
Wonderfully written. Fabulous Characters. Story not to be missed!
Greta Cribbs delivers a very precise story about psychiatrist Meredith Bowen going to interview Serial Killer Duane Tolloch with a film crew in tow. He is at a Hospital for the Criminally Insane since murdering 3 college students.
But, as he tells his story you begin to wonder if he is a product of his upbringing? Or, was it that he was conceived on October 13th in Crimson Falls?
Wonderfully written. Fabulous Characters. Story not to be missed!
September 23, 2020
This story was interesting, and set in a different time period (which was actually really awesome) and the way this story unfolded was all through flashbacks. I really liked the pro female theme that our main character had throughout. Love seeing women empower and support women. This story wasn’t overly exciting, but it did make me think. This story definitely poses some heavy questions regarding morality and accountability and I very much enjoyed that. The way this was presented was entertaining and very well written. Quick read! #originalsin #gretacribbs #crimsonfalls #crimsonfalls8 #novella #katyapproved #psychology #read #bookstagram #booklover #bookstagrammer #bookreview
July 27, 2023
“Nothing about my life has ever been convenient.”
Set in Crimson Falls, 1975.
Duane Tulloch is a mental patient; Dr. Meredith Bowen is the psychiatrist called upon to interview Duane.
Duane tells the story of what really happened, starting with his mother’s sexual assault in 1945.
He endured a difficult relationship with his mother. The horrible physical abuse only served to further ostracize him in the small town.
Duane is a very interesting narrative MC. It’s impossible not to have at least some sympathy for him.
Why he killed is compelling.
A lot of food for thought in this one.
“My pride in having accomplished that feat had blinded me to the fact that I had turned into someone so much worse.”
Set in Crimson Falls, 1975.
Duane Tulloch is a mental patient; Dr. Meredith Bowen is the psychiatrist called upon to interview Duane.
Duane tells the story of what really happened, starting with his mother’s sexual assault in 1945.
He endured a difficult relationship with his mother. The horrible physical abuse only served to further ostracize him in the small town.
Duane is a very interesting narrative MC. It’s impossible not to have at least some sympathy for him.
Why he killed is compelling.
A lot of food for thought in this one.
“My pride in having accomplished that feat had blinded me to the fact that I had turned into someone so much worse.”
April 16, 2019
A different type of read.
This novella is different then the rest of the Crimson Falls Novellas. This one makes you think. A psychiatrist goes and interviews a killer from Crimson Falls. He killed 3 girls from college then his mother. It makes you think as to what happened to make someone do something like that. Does it stem from something in their childhood? Definitely recommend.
This novella is different then the rest of the Crimson Falls Novellas. This one makes you think. A psychiatrist goes and interviews a killer from Crimson Falls. He killed 3 girls from college then his mother. It makes you think as to what happened to make someone do something like that. Does it stem from something in their childhood? Definitely recommend.
June 9, 2023
Not the best
I seriously thought I was gonna be able to get through this in one seating but I was wrong. 79 pages almost seemed too long. I wouldn’t recommend any one waste their time on this. Don’t get me wrong it wasn’t the worst book I read but it certainly wasn’t the best either.
I seriously thought I was gonna be able to get through this in one seating but I was wrong. 79 pages almost seemed too long. I wouldn’t recommend any one waste their time on this. Don’t get me wrong it wasn’t the worst book I read but it certainly wasn’t the best either.
June 25, 2023
This is the first in the timeline of this series but it seems to have set the tone for the other ones. While this isn't the first Crimson Falls book I have read, I believe it shows where these superstitions of this cursed town have come from. I love stories that delve into the minds of psychopaths. And I love the nod to Psycho in this book. Great addition to the series!
April 21, 2019
Interesting view from a killer
Great introduction into Crimson Falls and the sign of the times when innocence was valued and taken for granted. Such a great story yet chilling and sad. Makes you wonder what really makes a killer do what they do and why.
Great introduction into Crimson Falls and the sign of the times when innocence was valued and taken for granted. Such a great story yet chilling and sad. Makes you wonder what really makes a killer do what they do and why.
January 23, 2026
I recommend reading this book first before the others. It makes the timeline a little more sense as to what originally happened in the town. The writers style is very good and I liked the story even though it wasn't much of a thriller. It will make you think though.
April 3, 2019
Original Sin grabbed me from the beginning and would not let me go. This story was gripping, I could not put the book down. Duane Tolloch's voice stayed with me long after I finished reading.
April 15, 2019
Well done!
Interesting story. One we have heard many times before but with a definitive twist. He did not blame his mother. Great take on it. Well written and interesting.
Interesting story. One we have heard many times before but with a definitive twist. He did not blame his mother. Great take on it. Well written and interesting.
April 22, 2019
Delving into the mind of the killer was a thrill! Is it the town curse, or the fault of his upbringing that caused Tolloch to become the person he was? Started this book on Saturday morning, and finished by that evening...I didn't want to put it down!
April 29, 2019
Such a great book! The characters really resonated and it had me hooked!!!
May 28, 2021
Just So So
I didn’t enjoy this book half as much as I did the other books in this series. I didn’t really perk up until Meredith interviewed Duane. That was kinda creepy.
I didn’t enjoy this book half as much as I did the other books in this series. I didn’t really perk up until Meredith interviewed Duane. That was kinda creepy.
September 21, 2023
I really enjoyed this book kept me wanting more and I did want more lol the book cutoff to fast giving it a not so great ending. I give it 3.5
January 18, 2025
Good
Book was a little slow but not too bad. I think it needed more depth but overall not too bad.
Book was a little slow but not too bad. I think it needed more depth but overall not too bad.
December 29, 2024
WASTE OF TIME! There was no plot,story or reason for the book
July 10, 2022
This is the first book in a series of Crimson Falls novellas. In this episode, Dr. Meredith Bowen, a psychiatrist, interviews Duane Tolloch, a man convicted of multiple murders. Dr Bowen questions Tolloch for details about his abusive childhood as she investigates what drove him to commit multiple murders. I did not find this novella to be as suspenseful and interesting as some of the other books in the Crimson Falls series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews