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Riley Sullivan #1
Deadly Sins
Private investigator Riley Sullivan is a woman on a mission - to find the missing wife of a man she once loved. To do so, she must come back to a city full of unfinished business and a life she left behind. Stuck between two men - the suspect and lead homicide detective - Riley is catapulted into an intense serial homicide investigation, a case like the sleepy Heights neighborhood of Little Rock has never seen. Needing assistance, Riley teams up with her friend Cooper Deagnan, a former Little Rock police detective turned private investigator. Riley and Cooper quickly realize this is no ordinary missing person's case.Riley finds as the body count rises, so does her suspicion of a man she once loved. Riley must battle her own emotional demons to untangle the web of lies created by the residents of Little Rock's most upscale neighborhood, find a serial killer, and keep herself from becoming the final victim.
322 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 3, 2018
721 people are currently reading
416 people want to read
About the author
Stacy M. Jones
47 books147 followersStacy M. Jones is a criminologist turned crime novelist whose thrillers pulse with a realism that only decades working with law enforcement can bring. That firsthand experience fuels her fiction, stories rooted in authentic criminal psychology, human complexity, and high-stakes emotion.
Since 2018, Stacy has written four series, ranging from gritty FBI thrillers and hard-boiled private eye mysteries to her lighter paranormal cozy series. Her series include the completed cozy paranormal Harper & Hattie Magical Mystery Series, the completed hard-boiled PI Riley Sullivan Mystery Series, the FBI Agent Kate Walsh Thriller Series and the new Connor Fitzgerald Thriller series.
Stacy holds master’s degrees in forensic psychology and journalism and for now calls Little Rock, Arkansas home,though her storytelling always carries a trace of her upstate New York roots.
To join Stacy's Mystery Readers Club & access her Starter Library, which includes three novellas - "Harper's Folly", "The 1922 Club Murder" and "The Curators" - hit subscribe at http://www.stacymjones.com/
Since 2018, Stacy has written four series, ranging from gritty FBI thrillers and hard-boiled private eye mysteries to her lighter paranormal cozy series. Her series include the completed cozy paranormal Harper & Hattie Magical Mystery Series, the completed hard-boiled PI Riley Sullivan Mystery Series, the FBI Agent Kate Walsh Thriller Series and the new Connor Fitzgerald Thriller series.
Stacy holds master’s degrees in forensic psychology and journalism and for now calls Little Rock, Arkansas home,though her storytelling always carries a trace of her upstate New York roots.
To join Stacy's Mystery Readers Club & access her Starter Library, which includes three novellas - "Harper's Folly", "The 1922 Club Murder" and "The Curators" - hit subscribe at http://www.stacymjones.com/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
July 20, 2020
Fast paced and engaging
Good story. There are elements of intrigue, suspense, action and romance. As the story unfolds it is clear that people are keeping secrets and that things are not necessarily what they seem. Sections of betrayal and hints of crazy this story was moving from cover to cover. I did figure out the end game before the end, but still enjoyed the path of the book getting there!
Good story. There are elements of intrigue, suspense, action and romance. As the story unfolds it is clear that people are keeping secrets and that things are not necessarily what they seem. Sections of betrayal and hints of crazy this story was moving from cover to cover. I did figure out the end game before the end, but still enjoyed the path of the book getting there!
August 12, 2018
I did like this book. It had a good storyline and the characters were good as well. Although, they just didn't grow that close to me as I wished. However, Private Investigator, Riley is cool and I did feel like she could hold her own as a main leading character. The romance between she and Detective Luke Morgan did bring a nice tough to the story. It was not overpowering that it took away from the case. The other guy in the story, Cooper is good as well. He and Riley as a professional relationship worked well together.
Despite, everything, I really did like this book. It is just a shame that I didn't like it more. Yet, underneath the layers there is a really good story here. Additionally, I might have experienced a lukewarm welcome with my first book from this author but there was enough good things about this book that I enjoyed that I would read another book by this author.
Despite, everything, I really did like this book. It is just a shame that I didn't like it more. Yet, underneath the layers there is a really good story here. Additionally, I might have experienced a lukewarm welcome with my first book from this author but there was enough good things about this book that I enjoyed that I would read another book by this author.
August 6, 2018
A friend of mine who went to high school with the author shared a copy with me. It had all the elements of a page turning crime novel. I will definitely pass it along to my friends.
January 1, 2019
Had me on my toes
Excellent book. Didn't want to put down. Had me on my toes the entire time. Can't wait to read more books by Jones.
Excellent book. Didn't want to put down. Had me on my toes the entire time. Can't wait to read more books by Jones.
November 11, 2018
I literally savored this book like a sea salt caramel! Honestly, I didn’t want it to end. I have the proverbial book hangover, but I’m eager for the release of THE BONE HARVEST in 2019. This book takes place in Little Rock which is near and dear to my heart. I especially love the neighborhoods of Hillcrest and The Heights. I loved having a visual of the streets, communities, and local references. Even if you don’t live in Little Rock, this is a superb mystery that keeps you on your toes and the booked tucked in your purse wherever you go! You’ll relate to Riley and her life choices. Truly a great read!! Pick it up!
August 10, 2018
I love mysteries and love those that are as much about the characters as the story line. I love this book because it certainly fills that bill. I ordered it because It was mentioned in our local newspaper but I read it because I couldn’t put it down. The heroine is tough, lovable, and loving. Her romantic interest is the same and if Ms. Jones continues to write about Riley and Luke and their friends and cohorts, I think she may have a best-selling series on her hands. And, of course, if you’re from Little Rock, Arkansas, it is even more fun!
July 26, 2018
Couldn’t read this fast enough!
This book had everything I like - interesting characters including a feisty yet vulnerable heroine, a twisted plot that kept me guessing and up to the last minute suspense.
This book had everything I like - interesting characters including a feisty yet vulnerable heroine, a twisted plot that kept me guessing and up to the last minute suspense.
July 21, 2018
Outstanding Mystery Novel ~ Excellent Read!
Outstanding job Stacy. I couldn't put the book down. I loved all the twists and turns you had throughout the book. Excellent read ~ I will make sure I recommend your book to family and friends that love a good mystery novel. Congratulations on a job well done. PS I just loved how you incorporated some hometown and family names through the book! Looking forward to your next publication.
Outstanding job Stacy. I couldn't put the book down. I loved all the twists and turns you had throughout the book. Excellent read ~ I will make sure I recommend your book to family and friends that love a good mystery novel. Congratulations on a job well done. PS I just loved how you incorporated some hometown and family names through the book! Looking forward to your next publication.
June 23, 2018
A friend gave me this book. She's a new author & it was fantastic. It's been a long time since I found a book I just couldn't put down. Great characters and twists and turns that keep me engaged. I had to know what happened next. I had my Kindle in hand literally as I was feeding my daughter. Hoping this is a series!!
January 25, 2022
I really enjoyed this book! A really interesting mystery which was well written and I could follow along with the logic of each revelation and reveal.
I loved Riley as a character, she had her insecurities but she didn't let them slow her down, she was proactive and an active participant in progressing the story - too often a protagonist is meant to be a driving force for the story, but then their actions never have any direct affect on the progression of the plot. I liked the slow exposition of her character, details of her past and her personality quirks were delivered slowly and mentioned in passing - we only find out that she had an ex husband and a little sister when we're past half way through the book - and I enjoyed that, those characters and relationships had no bearing on the mystery at hand so their introduction were great as extra depth into Riley.
I quite enjoyed having the chapters switching perspectives between the 3 investigators - I wasn't convinced at first of the switching between 1st and 3rd person, but as it was Riley's story, I ended up liking that all of her chapters were 1st person. While I can't speak too much to their personalities coming through, through their inner dialog, I never lost track of who's POV we were currently reading or who was saying what.
The "romance" in the book wasn't entirely for me, with little to no build up before the characters abruptly got together, but that was fine as it wasn't the first time they were meeting, that had a history, they already had their firsts, this was the continuation of a well established relationship where they already knew each other well. The characters seemed to have well defined histories which were explored through their dynamics and interactions.
The story had a lot of twists and turns which I did predict - how much of it was well foreshadowed or I just guessed based on similar narratives I honestly can not tell you - but I was still on the edge of my seat and surprised by the final reveal, a plot twist that I was satisfied with.
This was my first Stacy Jones story that I've ever read and I am extremely looking forward to reading the rest of the Riley Sullivan mysteries, and other books by Stacy.
I loved Riley as a character, she had her insecurities but she didn't let them slow her down, she was proactive and an active participant in progressing the story - too often a protagonist is meant to be a driving force for the story, but then their actions never have any direct affect on the progression of the plot. I liked the slow exposition of her character, details of her past and her personality quirks were delivered slowly and mentioned in passing - we only find out that she had an ex husband and a little sister when we're past half way through the book - and I enjoyed that, those characters and relationships had no bearing on the mystery at hand so their introduction were great as extra depth into Riley.
I quite enjoyed having the chapters switching perspectives between the 3 investigators - I wasn't convinced at first of the switching between 1st and 3rd person, but as it was Riley's story, I ended up liking that all of her chapters were 1st person. While I can't speak too much to their personalities coming through, through their inner dialog, I never lost track of who's POV we were currently reading or who was saying what.
The "romance" in the book wasn't entirely for me, with little to no build up before the characters abruptly got together, but that was fine as it wasn't the first time they were meeting, that had a history, they already had their firsts, this was the continuation of a well established relationship where they already knew each other well. The characters seemed to have well defined histories which were explored through their dynamics and interactions.
The story had a lot of twists and turns which I did predict - how much of it was well foreshadowed or I just guessed based on similar narratives I honestly can not tell you - but I was still on the edge of my seat and surprised by the final reveal, a plot twist that I was satisfied with.
This was my first Stacy Jones story that I've ever read and I am extremely looking forward to reading the rest of the Riley Sullivan mysteries, and other books by Stacy.
August 22, 2018
Very Good Plot & Characters
This book has a well-thought-out plot to which the author added interesting and relevant subplots. The multiple serial murders are believable, because of the culprit(s)’ motives, malevolence, and personalities. I guessed one of the well-hidden culprits, but due to the many twists, it took me a while to get the other. Well done, Stacy Jones!
The strong, intelligent protagonist is well-written and likable, as are other major characters. The setting was different and interesting, because this is the first book I’ve read that takes place in Little Rock, Arkansas. There was some romance, but it didn’t overwhelm the murder mystery. Sometimes the personal drama involving protagonist and ex-boyfriend was OTT as to be melodramatic.
The author needs a good copy editor, because there are many errors in grammar, spelling and homonyms.
This book has a well-thought-out plot to which the author added interesting and relevant subplots. The multiple serial murders are believable, because of the culprit(s)’ motives, malevolence, and personalities. I guessed one of the well-hidden culprits, but due to the many twists, it took me a while to get the other. Well done, Stacy Jones!
The strong, intelligent protagonist is well-written and likable, as are other major characters. The setting was different and interesting, because this is the first book I’ve read that takes place in Little Rock, Arkansas. There was some romance, but it didn’t overwhelm the murder mystery. Sometimes the personal drama involving protagonist and ex-boyfriend was OTT as to be melodramatic.
The author needs a good copy editor, because there are many errors in grammar, spelling and homonyms.
August 10, 2020
DEADLY SINS is a riveting mystery to start off a series!
DEADLY SINS is an intriguing mystery that has more red herrings than a well-stocked lake. Just when I think I am sure of the killer’s identity; the author adds another twist to the story. I like the way that Riley, Cooper, and Luke work as a team investigating the crimes even though Riley and Luke have been estranged for a couple of years. Will a romance be rekindled?
This book pulled me in from the first page and held my interest until the end. Kudos to Stacy M. Jones for writing a fabulous story free of vulgar language, explicit sex, and graphic violence. I plan to download and begin reading the second book in the RILEY SULLIVAN MYSTERY SERIES as soon as I finish posting this review.
DEADLY SINS is an intriguing mystery that has more red herrings than a well-stocked lake. Just when I think I am sure of the killer’s identity; the author adds another twist to the story. I like the way that Riley, Cooper, and Luke work as a team investigating the crimes even though Riley and Luke have been estranged for a couple of years. Will a romance be rekindled?
This book pulled me in from the first page and held my interest until the end. Kudos to Stacy M. Jones for writing a fabulous story free of vulgar language, explicit sex, and graphic violence. I plan to download and begin reading the second book in the RILEY SULLIVAN MYSTERY SERIES as soon as I finish posting this review.
September 18, 2020
This is a very good story with well drawn characters. The murder mystery itself kept your interest and had enough action to keep the pages turning. The romance between Riley and Luke had it’s rocky moments mostly because Riley didn’t communicate and basically ran away. I personally found that irritating. The romance didn’t overshadow the murder investigation, which I appreciated.
There were some editing issues that pulled me out of the story occasionally. Missing words, words out of sequence or the wrong word used on occasion. This wasn’t excessive but I did find it distracting and think that an editor or proofreader should have caught them. I did enjoy the story though and will continue with the series.
There were some editing issues that pulled me out of the story occasionally. Missing words, words out of sequence or the wrong word used on occasion. This wasn’t excessive but I did find it distracting and think that an editor or proofreader should have caught them. I did enjoy the story though and will continue with the series.
November 2, 2020
Again,again,Stacy Jones had you standing on your toes in this murder mystery story of a woman ,Riley,who was in love with this man and know they say he committed murder! How could she have been in love with a murderer? Riley,believes he didn't do it but as time goes on,she starts to have her doubts!! This is a really excellent drama murder mystery story of Riley who is a detective,and her ex wants her to prove he is innocent! Can she do it? This is the first of a series,but can be read alone. The characters in this story,they come to life for you as you can you help her with this most difficult investigation ! Trying to not be the cop first it's hard when your feelings are so over the place!! A very much of a read!! Enjoy as I did and I do if all her books!
June 11, 2021
This is the first in a series about Private Eye, Riley Sullivan..Riley is living in New York and has a great job there, but when she is contacted by her ex-boyfriend, George, she goes to Little Rock, AR to help find his missing wife.
Yep, the missing wife is the one that George left Riley for. When she gets there, she teams up with local, P.I. Cooper as he is licensed in that state. But, she is finding more then she could imagine.
Luke is a detective and the only one that Riley ever loved, but she ran from him to New York.
Now, she comes back and is thrown into the missing women case. There is just more then one women missing, and the missing women keep coming back to her client, George.
Great book not to be missed!
Yep, the missing wife is the one that George left Riley for. When she gets there, she teams up with local, P.I. Cooper as he is licensed in that state. But, she is finding more then she could imagine.
Luke is a detective and the only one that Riley ever loved, but she ran from him to New York.
Now, she comes back and is thrown into the missing women case. There is just more then one women missing, and the missing women keep coming back to her client, George.
Great book not to be missed!
November 13, 2020
Solid 4****
Happened by chance to land on this, new to me, author. I enjoy reading crime fiction, the puzzle to figure out. This one has a pretty good mystery to it (I had half the equation figured out about half way through). Liked the way the main characters seemed to gel into a cohesive team. It will be interesting to see how this team continues. Best part, no cliffhanger.
Happened by chance to land on this, new to me, author. I enjoy reading crime fiction, the puzzle to figure out. This one has a pretty good mystery to it (I had half the equation figured out about half way through). Liked the way the main characters seemed to gel into a cohesive team. It will be interesting to see how this team continues. Best part, no cliffhanger.
January 27, 2021
I told myself that for the 2021 challenge I was going to read at least 5 new (to me) authors and Stacy M Jones is a new to me author.
I really enjoyed this first book of the series! Its filled with great characters, evil characters, mystery, action, murder, and everything in between.
I'm looking forward to the rest of this series.
#Riley #Cooper #Luke #George #Maime #DeadlySins #EnjoyedIt!
I really enjoyed this first book of the series! Its filled with great characters, evil characters, mystery, action, murder, and everything in between.
I'm looking forward to the rest of this series.
#Riley #Cooper #Luke #George #Maime #DeadlySins #EnjoyedIt!
September 15, 2021
Shoulda/Could been so much better
There was a great twist that I wasn't expecting, but for the most part everything else was figured out early on. The reason for my rating as well as not moving in with this author/series is the Riley was awfullllll. I hated her from the beginning and she did not get any better throughout the book. She was childish, withheld evidence pertinent to the investigation and overall just too stupid to live.
There was a great twist that I wasn't expecting, but for the most part everything else was figured out early on. The reason for my rating as well as not moving in with this author/series is the Riley was awfullllll. I hated her from the beginning and she did not get any better throughout the book. She was childish, withheld evidence pertinent to the investigation and overall just too stupid to live.
April 22, 2025
Holds your interest
Clear writing, but not artful. The story is a bit convoluted and turns too much on the irrational conduct of psychos. The characters are interesting, but the police, private eye, press collaboration is exaggerated. The complex sequences about sexual relations and interracial affection is more woke than necessary. I am not anti-woke, but don't see what this added to the story line. There are good exchanges between principal characters.
Clear writing, but not artful. The story is a bit convoluted and turns too much on the irrational conduct of psychos. The characters are interesting, but the police, private eye, press collaboration is exaggerated. The complex sequences about sexual relations and interracial affection is more woke than necessary. I am not anti-woke, but don't see what this added to the story line. There are good exchanges between principal characters.
February 3, 2026
This book was pretty good. I would recommend it
Spoilers!!!!
This book starts with Riley who’s living in New York she previously lived in Arkansas and she works as a PI. She gets a call from her ex George, but he needs her help so she comes back to Arkansas to try and prove his innocence because his wife is missing and they think that he did it. While she’s there, she runs in to her ex Luke who is a detective in Little Rock and he’s working on a case right now. There are women who are showing up in the river that are dead and it is all somehow linking back to George, but he is still saying that he is innocent, so Riley is trying to approve that. Her and Luke get back together during the book. Cooper is also a private investigator and he’s having to work with Riley because she doesn’t have the right to be able to work in Arkansas and like help George so they’re having to use his license essentially so they’re both trying to help prove his innocence but stuff keeps stacking up and it’s George and they just end up, not thinking that anymore as women that are all like linked to George since he was very unfaithful throughout his marriage well then towards the and George goes to Riley‘s in the morning and it’s like hey they have found Mimi, which is his wife that they’re looking for, but we have to go now and so if she goes with him, which I would say this is the only thing in the book that I didn’t like because it was very choppy like why would she go with him when she knows that there’s like something suspicious about him and she’s like well where is Luke and George says that he already called Luke and that he told him to come and that everything‘s fine just get in the car and like she just gets in voluntarily like it just was very dumb and a big hole that I would say in the book. So then they go essentially do this cabin and George is trying to trade essentially Riley for mamie. In the end, they end up figuring out that it was a reporter that was working with Mimi to help with all the bodies and everything like that and it was because they were out to get George because he was a cheater and had and had supposedly raped a girl that this one dude Ben was dating and Ben was the one that was working with Manie during this whole process and them to we’re working together and we’re gonna kill Riley next
Spoilers!!!!
This book starts with Riley who’s living in New York she previously lived in Arkansas and she works as a PI. She gets a call from her ex George, but he needs her help so she comes back to Arkansas to try and prove his innocence because his wife is missing and they think that he did it. While she’s there, she runs in to her ex Luke who is a detective in Little Rock and he’s working on a case right now. There are women who are showing up in the river that are dead and it is all somehow linking back to George, but he is still saying that he is innocent, so Riley is trying to approve that. Her and Luke get back together during the book. Cooper is also a private investigator and he’s having to work with Riley because she doesn’t have the right to be able to work in Arkansas and like help George so they’re having to use his license essentially so they’re both trying to help prove his innocence but stuff keeps stacking up and it’s George and they just end up, not thinking that anymore as women that are all like linked to George since he was very unfaithful throughout his marriage well then towards the and George goes to Riley‘s in the morning and it’s like hey they have found Mimi, which is his wife that they’re looking for, but we have to go now and so if she goes with him, which I would say this is the only thing in the book that I didn’t like because it was very choppy like why would she go with him when she knows that there’s like something suspicious about him and she’s like well where is Luke and George says that he already called Luke and that he told him to come and that everything‘s fine just get in the car and like she just gets in voluntarily like it just was very dumb and a big hole that I would say in the book. So then they go essentially do this cabin and George is trying to trade essentially Riley for mamie. In the end, they end up figuring out that it was a reporter that was working with Mimi to help with all the bodies and everything like that and it was because they were out to get George because he was a cheater and had and had supposedly raped a girl that this one dude Ben was dating and Ben was the one that was working with Manie during this whole process and them to we’re working together and we’re gonna kill Riley next
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 6, 2019
Felt like this deserved more than 3 but less than 4 stars. I did like the book and it kept moving along. But it did feel like a debut novel. Too many things included that just seemed like too much. Didn’t feel like characters where fleshed our as much as they could have been. I noticed a second in the series coming out this fall — will give this author another chance!
August 11, 2019
The author reformatted this book. There are no grammatical errors, that I found, as mentioned in other reviews. It is quite the mystery that I only partially figured in the last chapter because the murderer had help that I didn't guess. There is only one swear word near the end. I received a copy from the author. This is my voluntary, honest review.
July 6, 2020
I really enjoyed the three main characters - Riley (PI with journalism background), Luke (Cop, boyfriend) and Cooper (co-PI, ex-cop).
Conversations between the three about the case are realistic and the relationships develop well. The main suspect (ex-boyfriend) is also a strong character but a sleaze - and so I really didn't want him to be totally innocent. lol
Good story
Conversations between the three about the case are realistic and the relationships develop well. The main suspect (ex-boyfriend) is also a strong character but a sleaze - and so I really didn't want him to be totally innocent. lol
Good story
January 23, 2021
Predictable but enjoyable
I’m not usually able to figure out who the bad guy/guys is this early in a book, but it was pretty obvious in this one. Didn’t have all the connections but pretty much nailed it early on. It’s kind of deterring me from reading the next book in the series. I did enjoy it though. Just not as much as if the end hadn’t been so obvious.
I’m not usually able to figure out who the bad guy/guys is this early in a book, but it was pretty obvious in this one. Didn’t have all the connections but pretty much nailed it early on. It’s kind of deterring me from reading the next book in the series. I did enjoy it though. Just not as much as if the end hadn’t been so obvious.
May 9, 2021
Poorly written and totally unbelievable, especially Riley's relationship with George and how the dirty cop was handled. I am reading the second book in this series, THE BONE HARVEST, only because I have it checked out from the library, but I don't hold out any hopes that it will be any better than this one.
June 12, 2020
There’s good character development in this first of the series book. I was surprised at the ending, but found some of the story line to be predictable. Nevertheless, I enjoyed the read and will be reading the second book in the series.
June 14, 2020
Good, not great
I knew who was behind the killings much earlier than I would have liked, but the story was good, main characters were interesting. I would read book 2, just because it is a quick read. I think it’s worth recommending.
I knew who was behind the killings much earlier than I would have liked, but the story was good, main characters were interesting. I would read book 2, just because it is a quick read. I think it’s worth recommending.
October 16, 2020
Hm. Hm.
The set up was fine but somehow the “voices” of the characters didn’t quite sync up in my brain. Maybe the next installment will have better pacing and less “muddle”, more indicia of who’s speaking/thinking/acting when a new chapter starts.
The set up was fine but somehow the “voices” of the characters didn’t quite sync up in my brain. Maybe the next installment will have better pacing and less “muddle”, more indicia of who’s speaking/thinking/acting when a new chapter starts.
July 11, 2023
Excellent
So much going on with Riley. Women are turning up in the Arkansas River strangled. All have connections to an ex boyfriend of hers. Strong characters great story line. Keeps you on the edge not the ending I was expecting at all.
So much going on with Riley. Women are turning up in the Arkansas River strangled. All have connections to an ex boyfriend of hers. Strong characters great story line. Keeps you on the edge not the ending I was expecting at all.
February 21, 2025
Hometown Girl
I enjoyed this read! Being from Little Rock may have upped my rating a bit, but not terribly so! I enjoyed reading a mystery located in our state capital! The book was an easy fast read that one can enjoy regardless of where you’re from!
I enjoyed this read! Being from Little Rock may have upped my rating a bit, but not terribly so! I enjoyed reading a mystery located in our state capital! The book was an easy fast read that one can enjoy regardless of where you’re from!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews