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The Sinner
EVERY SAINT HAS A PAST
To the unsuspecting eye Dee Stephens has a perfect life as the vicar's wife: a devoted marriage to her charismatic husband Reverend Vincent, an adoring congregation and a beautiful daughter.
EVERY SINNER HAS A FUTURE
But beneath the surface, Dee is suffocating. Vincent is in control, and he knows her every sin. Desperate, Dee escapes into a heady affair with Cal, an old schoolmate.
EVERY CONFESSION HAS A PRICE
But is Cal the saviour she thinks he is? What dark secrets does he harbour? And to what lengths will Vincent go to when he uncovers the truth?
To the unsuspecting eye Dee Stephens has a perfect life as the vicar's wife: a devoted marriage to her charismatic husband Reverend Vincent, an adoring congregation and a beautiful daughter.
EVERY SINNER HAS A FUTURE
But beneath the surface, Dee is suffocating. Vincent is in control, and he knows her every sin. Desperate, Dee escapes into a heady affair with Cal, an old schoolmate.
EVERY CONFESSION HAS A PRICE
But is Cal the saviour she thinks he is? What dark secrets does he harbour? And to what lengths will Vincent go to when he uncovers the truth?
447 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 16, 2022
12 people are currently reading
313 people want to read
About the author
Caroline England
21 books198 followersCWA Dagger shortlisted Caroline England is known as the ‘Duchess of dark domestic noir’. Her psychological suspense thrillers are BENEATH THE SKIN, the top ten ebook bestseller MY HUSBAND'S LIES, BETRAY HER, TRUTH GAMES, THE SINNER, THE STRANGER BESIDE ME and THE RETURN OF FRANKIE WHITTLE. BEHIND HER SMILE hits the shelves on 27 Novembery 2025.
Caroline also pens gothic-tinged psychological thrillers as CE Rose. Stand alone THE HOUSE OF HIDDEN SECRETS was followed by THE HOUSE ON THE WATER'S EDGE, THE SHADOWS OF RUTHERFORD HOUSE and THE ATTIC AT WILTON PLACE.
Both CE and Caroline write multi-layered, dark and edgy ‘domestic suspense’ stories that delve into complicated relationships, secrets and the moral grey area.
Drawing on her days as a divorce and professional indemnity lawyer, she loves to create ordinary, relatable characters who get caught up in extraordinary situations, pressures, dilemmas or crime. She admits to a slight obsession with the human psyche, what goes on behind closed doors and beneath people’s façades. She also enjoys performing a literary sleight of hand in her novels and hopefully surprising her readers!
Website: https://carolineenglandauthor.co.uk
Twitter: https://twitter.com/CazEngland
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CazEngland1/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cazengland1/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cazengland1
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caroline-...
AmazonUK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/~/e/B009UQC1YS
Caroline also pens gothic-tinged psychological thrillers as CE Rose. Stand alone THE HOUSE OF HIDDEN SECRETS was followed by THE HOUSE ON THE WATER'S EDGE, THE SHADOWS OF RUTHERFORD HOUSE and THE ATTIC AT WILTON PLACE.
Both CE and Caroline write multi-layered, dark and edgy ‘domestic suspense’ stories that delve into complicated relationships, secrets and the moral grey area.
Drawing on her days as a divorce and professional indemnity lawyer, she loves to create ordinary, relatable characters who get caught up in extraordinary situations, pressures, dilemmas or crime. She admits to a slight obsession with the human psyche, what goes on behind closed doors and beneath people’s façades. She also enjoys performing a literary sleight of hand in her novels and hopefully surprising her readers!
Website: https://carolineenglandauthor.co.uk
Twitter: https://twitter.com/CazEngland
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CazEngland1/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cazengland1/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cazengland1
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caroline-...
AmazonUK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/~/e/B009UQC1YS
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews
August 28, 2022
THE SINNER is a slow-burning psychological thriller/suspense novel by bestselling author Caroline England. Having read and enjoyed three other novels from this author, I was anxious to start this novel. This slow-paced gripping novel covers the traumatic past of one woman and how she deals with her secret past. I couldn’t put it down.
Her Novels Include:
Beneath the Skin (2017)
My Husband's Lies (2018)
Betray Her (2019)
Truth Games (2020)
The Sinner (2022)
It would appear that Cordelia (Dee) Stephens has it all: married to the vicar, Reverend Vincent and a teenage daughter, Abbey. Dee married her older husband when she became pregnant, but now she finds herself unhappy and feels suffocated in the marriage. She has no one she can confide in, not in contact with her father or brother, her husband is too busy with his parishioners, her warren mother-in-law lives with them and is one big pain. Dee’s sister, Mari is there for her, but has her own problems with her pregnant girlfriend, Britt.
Vincent is so controlling, and knows her every sin. Desperate, Dee escapes taking a long walk, but ends up getting hit by a car. While not really hurt, Dee accepts a ride from a stranger, who turns out to be an old schoolmate. His name is Cal Rafferty, a paramedic, and soon they enter into a heady affair.
But not everything is as it seems! What secrets is Cal hiding?
This novel is told from the perspective of three main characters, Dee, Cal and Mari.
The author releases information on a need-to-know-basis, and the plot builds slowly with intensity until all the pieces fit together in this gripping read.
Many thanks to the author, and The Book Club Reviewer Request Group (FB) for my digital copy.
Her Novels Include:
Beneath the Skin (2017)
My Husband's Lies (2018)
Betray Her (2019)
Truth Games (2020)
The Sinner (2022)
It would appear that Cordelia (Dee) Stephens has it all: married to the vicar, Reverend Vincent and a teenage daughter, Abbey. Dee married her older husband when she became pregnant, but now she finds herself unhappy and feels suffocated in the marriage. She has no one she can confide in, not in contact with her father or brother, her husband is too busy with his parishioners, her warren mother-in-law lives with them and is one big pain. Dee’s sister, Mari is there for her, but has her own problems with her pregnant girlfriend, Britt.
Vincent is so controlling, and knows her every sin. Desperate, Dee escapes taking a long walk, but ends up getting hit by a car. While not really hurt, Dee accepts a ride from a stranger, who turns out to be an old schoolmate. His name is Cal Rafferty, a paramedic, and soon they enter into a heady affair.
But not everything is as it seems! What secrets is Cal hiding?
This novel is told from the perspective of three main characters, Dee, Cal and Mari.
The author releases information on a need-to-know-basis, and the plot builds slowly with intensity until all the pieces fit together in this gripping read.
Many thanks to the author, and The Book Club Reviewer Request Group (FB) for my digital copy.
September 5, 2022
Unfortunately I didn't finish the book.
I found it really difficult to follow and found the religious aspect a little too intense. So unfortunately I stopped reading.
I do however feel that this book has lots of promise and maybe I will pick it up again and give it another try. So For that reason I gave 2☆
I love Caroline England's books and look forward to her next book!
I found it really difficult to follow and found the religious aspect a little too intense. So unfortunately I stopped reading.
I do however feel that this book has lots of promise and maybe I will pick it up again and give it another try. So For that reason I gave 2☆
I love Caroline England's books and look forward to her next book!
June 16, 2022
I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review as part of the book tour hosted by the author.
The Sinner is the first book by this author that I've had the pleasure of reading and I will definitely be checking out her other books!
This slow burn domestic noir is layered with secrets, intrigue and opens your eyes to what can go on in seemingly perfect lives. Dee has been married to her husband Vincent (a local reverand) after falling in love with him and getting pregnant unexpectedly at 16 years of age. Vincent is older than Dee and devoted to his church and community. On the outside their marriage is perfect but Dee feels suffocated and is desperately unhappy. Her relationship with her teenage daughter is fractured and she's never gotten over the loss of her baby son years ago. Dee is desperate for her family to notice her needs and longs for adventure. After nearly being run over, Dee is thrust in the path of an old childhood friend, Cal who makes her feel things she's not felt in years. But is Cal who he says he is and what secrets is he hiding? What secrets is her husband hiding? And what has she herself got to hide? This is a great slow burn of a read that leaves you on the edge anticipating the puzzle piece of how everything slots together and anticipating the truth being outed. I definitely recommend this is you enjoy slow burn, domestic noirs!
The Sinner is the first book by this author that I've had the pleasure of reading and I will definitely be checking out her other books!
This slow burn domestic noir is layered with secrets, intrigue and opens your eyes to what can go on in seemingly perfect lives. Dee has been married to her husband Vincent (a local reverand) after falling in love with him and getting pregnant unexpectedly at 16 years of age. Vincent is older than Dee and devoted to his church and community. On the outside their marriage is perfect but Dee feels suffocated and is desperately unhappy. Her relationship with her teenage daughter is fractured and she's never gotten over the loss of her baby son years ago. Dee is desperate for her family to notice her needs and longs for adventure. After nearly being run over, Dee is thrust in the path of an old childhood friend, Cal who makes her feel things she's not felt in years. But is Cal who he says he is and what secrets is he hiding? What secrets is her husband hiding? And what has she herself got to hide? This is a great slow burn of a read that leaves you on the edge anticipating the puzzle piece of how everything slots together and anticipating the truth being outed. I definitely recommend this is you enjoy slow burn, domestic noirs!
June 5, 2022
I’ve read most of this authors books and this is definitely my favourite. A very emotional domestic noir with some really good characterisations this is a slow burner that had me quickly engaged just waiting for ‘something’ to happen. A proper twisted psychological thriller where almost no one is quite who you think they are, and almost everyone is hiding something! Told from the perspective of three main characters, Dee, Calvin and Mari, this is a gripping read.
Briefly, Dee Stephens married her seemingly perfect, older husband Reverend Vincent when she became pregnant. To the outside world she has a perfect life but she is desperately unhappy, estranged from her father, she hasn’t seen her brother for years, her husband is more interested in his parishioners than her, her mother-in-law lives with them and is constantly demeaning her and her daughter seems to hate her. Only her sister is her saviour but Mari has problems of her own with her demanding, and pregnant girlfriend. Then along come Cal…
There are so many revelations (sorry biblical reference unintended) with lots of twists and turns most of which I didn’t see coming and a brilliant ending. A tale of simmering family resentment and hidden secrets that come to a head with shocking consequences. A fabulous read ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Briefly, Dee Stephens married her seemingly perfect, older husband Reverend Vincent when she became pregnant. To the outside world she has a perfect life but she is desperately unhappy, estranged from her father, she hasn’t seen her brother for years, her husband is more interested in his parishioners than her, her mother-in-law lives with them and is constantly demeaning her and her daughter seems to hate her. Only her sister is her saviour but Mari has problems of her own with her demanding, and pregnant girlfriend. Then along come Cal…
There are so many revelations (sorry biblical reference unintended) with lots of twists and turns most of which I didn’t see coming and a brilliant ending. A tale of simmering family resentment and hidden secrets that come to a head with shocking consequences. A fabulous read ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
June 17, 2022
I read the book over the afternoon, and I was completely mind-freaked about this domestic noir thriller.
This is one of the best books where Dee Dee seemed to have everything with her vicar husband Vincent, a loving congregation, and a sweet daughter.
But nobody knew she had an interfering, dominating MIL and the daughter hated and snubbed her at every point. Little did Dee Dee realize how much her husband abused her emotionally, keeping her under his absolute control.
The only one with whom she could be herself was her sister Mari.
Cal did enter her life and with whom, she had an illicit affair. And they were all connected. And how!! Wicked. Wicked. Wicked.
Mind-freaked. Book hangover. Racing heart. Gasps of vengeance.
The book gave me a terrific cardio workout as each reveal caused me go - Huh, what did I read?
More often that not, I kept thinking this author had to have a dark, evil mind to deliberate such a plotline.
Abuse, grooming, death, infidelity were weaved in so smoothly that I was completely in awe. Not a single trigger. And every single subplot was so well thought of.
The author excelled in this book with her writing, the way she linked up all the tiny subplots which nobody, including me, would think about. That gave it an extra twinge of thrill over and above what each chapter revealed.
The book that appeared to be just a family drama went on to the darker realm gradually where each exposé caused me to gasp.
This was one piece of wicked story where the final reveal was so explosive that my heart that sought vengeance was extremely satisfied.
And I loved every moment of it. I was truly ensnared by the book.
This is one of the best books where Dee Dee seemed to have everything with her vicar husband Vincent, a loving congregation, and a sweet daughter.
But nobody knew she had an interfering, dominating MIL and the daughter hated and snubbed her at every point. Little did Dee Dee realize how much her husband abused her emotionally, keeping her under his absolute control.
The only one with whom she could be herself was her sister Mari.
Cal did enter her life and with whom, she had an illicit affair. And they were all connected. And how!! Wicked. Wicked. Wicked.
Mind-freaked. Book hangover. Racing heart. Gasps of vengeance.
The book gave me a terrific cardio workout as each reveal caused me go - Huh, what did I read?
More often that not, I kept thinking this author had to have a dark, evil mind to deliberate such a plotline.
Abuse, grooming, death, infidelity were weaved in so smoothly that I was completely in awe. Not a single trigger. And every single subplot was so well thought of.
The author excelled in this book with her writing, the way she linked up all the tiny subplots which nobody, including me, would think about. That gave it an extra twinge of thrill over and above what each chapter revealed.
The book that appeared to be just a family drama went on to the darker realm gradually where each exposé caused me to gasp.
This was one piece of wicked story where the final reveal was so explosive that my heart that sought vengeance was extremely satisfied.
And I loved every moment of it. I was truly ensnared by the book.
May 1, 2022
Cordelia ‘Dee dee’ stephens has a perfect life as the vicars wife a devoted marriage to her charismatic husband reverend Vincent and a beautiful daughter Abbey and an adoring congregation but Dee Dee feels like she’s suffocating and Vincent is in control knowing her every sin but Dee Dee gets into a heady affair with Calvin Rafferty an old school mate but is he who he says he is and what secrets is her husband keeping from her
It was a bit slow starting but it ended up being an enjoyable read
Thank you NetGalley and Little Brown Book Group Uk
I just reviewed The Sinner by Caroline England. #TheSinner #NetGalley
It was a bit slow starting but it ended up being an enjoyable read
Thank you NetGalley and Little Brown Book Group Uk
I just reviewed The Sinner by Caroline England. #TheSinner #NetGalley
June 30, 2022
Most people would look at Dee Stephens and assume that her life is really quite perfect. Married to the Reverend Vincent, a man so very admired by his parishioners, living the ideal life with a teenage daughter. What could possibly be wrong with that?
Dee is unhappy though. Her husband's outward persona is very different to the Vincent that she deals with behind closed doors and her daughter hardly seems to tolerate her. Add an overbearing mother in law into the mix and Dee considers herself to be little more than someone there to unblock the downstairs loo and ensure that snacks are available at all times.
When, one day, she can bear no more, she makes her escape. Taking a long walk, but this ends in her getting hit by a car, and whilst she's not really injured, it's a real turning point in her life. Rescued and delivered home by knight-in-shining-armour Cal, her head is turned and they embark on a passionate affair.
I had a bad feeling about Cal, right from the start, and it becomes clear that he's not entirely truthful about many things. As the story progresses we learn so much about Dee, Vincent and about Cal. Secrets are exposed and the long-term effects of those, and distant memories are shattering and emotional at times.
Caroline England builds her story slowly and gradually. The reader learns a lot about the characters, making judgements (that often change) and seeds are sown expertly for what follows.
This is not just a story about marriage and infidelity. It's a tense and at times, shocking novel that delivers some jaw dropping moments. The depth of detail into family relationships is excellent, and the intensity of the plot line adds so much.
Gripping and unexpected, this a an excellent psychological thriller.
Dee is unhappy though. Her husband's outward persona is very different to the Vincent that she deals with behind closed doors and her daughter hardly seems to tolerate her. Add an overbearing mother in law into the mix and Dee considers herself to be little more than someone there to unblock the downstairs loo and ensure that snacks are available at all times.
When, one day, she can bear no more, she makes her escape. Taking a long walk, but this ends in her getting hit by a car, and whilst she's not really injured, it's a real turning point in her life. Rescued and delivered home by knight-in-shining-armour Cal, her head is turned and they embark on a passionate affair.
I had a bad feeling about Cal, right from the start, and it becomes clear that he's not entirely truthful about many things. As the story progresses we learn so much about Dee, Vincent and about Cal. Secrets are exposed and the long-term effects of those, and distant memories are shattering and emotional at times.
Caroline England builds her story slowly and gradually. The reader learns a lot about the characters, making judgements (that often change) and seeds are sown expertly for what follows.
This is not just a story about marriage and infidelity. It's a tense and at times, shocking novel that delivers some jaw dropping moments. The depth of detail into family relationships is excellent, and the intensity of the plot line adds so much.
Gripping and unexpected, this a an excellent psychological thriller.
June 16, 2022
I look forward to this author’s books so much; every one is better than the last and this is a phenomenal read!
Outsiders may consider Dee Stephens to have an almost perfect life; with an adoring husband, their beautiful daughter and a tight-knit community, but she is really under the thumb of her controlling husband. Dee seems to have very little say in her own life – or does she?
Looking back at my review of Caroline’s previous novel, I thought she had reached her pinnacle – how wrong was I? This is an author who continues to get better and better with each book she writes and this one is awesome! I started off wondering who The Sinner would be and what was the sin – boy, was I naive. With her trademark sleight of hand, I was led deeper and deeper into the labyrinth and then began to unravel my thoughts and find my way out and, trust me, it was quite a journey! There is so much packed into these pages – an extraordinary cast of characters, years of deception in one form or another and secrets and lies abound. A very hard book to put down as there is always something new cropping up creating a desperation to find out what happens next! Baffling and bewildering at times, this is a rich, rewarding read and one I most definitely recommend. The Sinner easily commands all five sparkling stars!
Outsiders may consider Dee Stephens to have an almost perfect life; with an adoring husband, their beautiful daughter and a tight-knit community, but she is really under the thumb of her controlling husband. Dee seems to have very little say in her own life – or does she?
Looking back at my review of Caroline’s previous novel, I thought she had reached her pinnacle – how wrong was I? This is an author who continues to get better and better with each book she writes and this one is awesome! I started off wondering who The Sinner would be and what was the sin – boy, was I naive. With her trademark sleight of hand, I was led deeper and deeper into the labyrinth and then began to unravel my thoughts and find my way out and, trust me, it was quite a journey! There is so much packed into these pages – an extraordinary cast of characters, years of deception in one form or another and secrets and lies abound. A very hard book to put down as there is always something new cropping up creating a desperation to find out what happens next! Baffling and bewildering at times, this is a rich, rewarding read and one I most definitely recommend. The Sinner easily commands all five sparkling stars!
June 15, 2022
This is a gripping thriller that I really enjoyed.
Dee looks happy to those around her but deep down she’s unhappy as the wife of a dominant vicar.
A chance meeting with a man from her past soon grows into something more serious, but can Dee cope with the secrets and lies?
Her sister Mari is also dealing with problems at home but when they need each other, they drop everything to help the other.
This book has some great characters that really pull you into their story.
A great thriller with family at it’s heart.
Thanks to Little Brown Book Group and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
Dee looks happy to those around her but deep down she’s unhappy as the wife of a dominant vicar.
A chance meeting with a man from her past soon grows into something more serious, but can Dee cope with the secrets and lies?
Her sister Mari is also dealing with problems at home but when they need each other, they drop everything to help the other.
This book has some great characters that really pull you into their story.
A great thriller with family at it’s heart.
Thanks to Little Brown Book Group and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
June 16, 2022
OMG, what a tense read! Dee's life seems so perfect with her wonderful vicar husband but we can see the sinister undertones right from the start. As the layers of a perfect marriage start to unpeel Dee has an affair with Cal, but is he really her saviour or does he also have a guilty secret? An incredibly twisty thriller, with lots of secrets, lies and menace. Highly recommended.
June 20, 2022
Be sure your sins will find you out….
This is the story of two sisters Cordelia/Dee Dee and Marianna/Mari there is also a third narrator Calvin who knew them from childhood. A slow burn that nonetheless captivates you entirely.
Mari had been married to Reverend Vincent since she was a young girl. Obsessed with him once she now feels she is held in captivity and invisible. With their daughter Abbey being a daddy’s girl, she is an outsider in her own family. Relegated to toilet flushing and catering to her husband’s every whim she is treated worse than a servant.
During a gathering at the vicarage she just walks out but ends up being involved in a hit and run. When Calvin steps in to save the day they end up embarking in an affair.
Then there is the story of Mari and her partner Britt, they are having problems in their relationship and are about to have a baby which is widening the gap between them.
Dee Dee’s husband Vincent and his mother Harriet were two of the most sanctimonious, hypocritical, god awful characters I’ve ever had the pleasure to read. I have always felt that religion has a darker side that works really well in thrillers and here Caroline uses it with aplomb.
I have tried to avoid the threads of the plot as this is one where the most enjoyment comes from seeing it unfold for yourself, how the stories connect and the importance of certain characters. I loved the twists and the complete full circle turn that was cleverly taken but for me it was the authenticity of a married mother feeling invisible and the wickedness of those preaching virtue that held my undivided attention.
This is the story of two sisters Cordelia/Dee Dee and Marianna/Mari there is also a third narrator Calvin who knew them from childhood. A slow burn that nonetheless captivates you entirely.
Mari had been married to Reverend Vincent since she was a young girl. Obsessed with him once she now feels she is held in captivity and invisible. With their daughter Abbey being a daddy’s girl, she is an outsider in her own family. Relegated to toilet flushing and catering to her husband’s every whim she is treated worse than a servant.
During a gathering at the vicarage she just walks out but ends up being involved in a hit and run. When Calvin steps in to save the day they end up embarking in an affair.
Then there is the story of Mari and her partner Britt, they are having problems in their relationship and are about to have a baby which is widening the gap between them.
Dee Dee’s husband Vincent and his mother Harriet were two of the most sanctimonious, hypocritical, god awful characters I’ve ever had the pleasure to read. I have always felt that religion has a darker side that works really well in thrillers and here Caroline uses it with aplomb.
I have tried to avoid the threads of the plot as this is one where the most enjoyment comes from seeing it unfold for yourself, how the stories connect and the importance of certain characters. I loved the twists and the complete full circle turn that was cleverly taken but for me it was the authenticity of a married mother feeling invisible and the wickedness of those preaching virtue that held my undivided attention.
June 20, 2022
4.25-4.5⭐️
This is a standalone psychological thriller.
I think I’ve read one of this authors books before, tricky as she writes under a few names. I squeezed this into to my packed reading schedule as it came highly recommended from Daniel mcBreakneck.
The story is about Cordelia (Dee) who is the wife of the charismatic vicar. His congregation adores him, but Dee is suffocating.
There are 3 POV, Dee is the one who I engaged with most. There’s some characters who will really get under your skin and rile you. I enjoyed seeing a character name that I recognised from a book group.
It’s a slow start as we get to know the main characters, it’s easy reading. The revelations as they start to unfold leave you with various reactions from empathy to anger. It’s got a good complex plot,
I love how it all finally unfolds and comes together.
The ending is brilliant, my score would have been higher except that I found the start slow, it kept my interest but I need a book to keep me riveted throughout for a 5⭐️
It’s one that I would recommend.
I had an arc copy
This is a standalone psychological thriller.
I think I’ve read one of this authors books before, tricky as she writes under a few names. I squeezed this into to my packed reading schedule as it came highly recommended from Daniel mcBreakneck.
The story is about Cordelia (Dee) who is the wife of the charismatic vicar. His congregation adores him, but Dee is suffocating.
There are 3 POV, Dee is the one who I engaged with most. There’s some characters who will really get under your skin and rile you. I enjoyed seeing a character name that I recognised from a book group.
It’s a slow start as we get to know the main characters, it’s easy reading. The revelations as they start to unfold leave you with various reactions from empathy to anger. It’s got a good complex plot,
I love how it all finally unfolds and comes together.
The ending is brilliant, my score would have been higher except that I found the start slow, it kept my interest but I need a book to keep me riveted throughout for a 5⭐️
It’s one that I would recommend.
I had an arc copy
June 16, 2022
On the surface, Cordelia Stephens has it all: married to the charismatic vicar, Reverend Vincent, with a teenaged daughter, Abbey.
But behind closed doors, Dee’s husband is controlling and his mother, who also lives with them, takes his side.
Dee is lonely. She hasn’t seen her father or brother for years, and her sister, Mari, who is supportive, is about to have a baby and has her own problems. Dee turns to an old school friend, Calvin, for comfort and they embark on an affair.
But Calvin seems to be lying to her and Dee doesn’t know if she can trust him. And what will happen if her husband finds out she is cheating on him?
A well-written, perfectly plotted psychological thriller with a steady build-up of tension all the way through until the fantastic ending! Clever and compelling! Loved it!
But behind closed doors, Dee’s husband is controlling and his mother, who also lives with them, takes his side.
Dee is lonely. She hasn’t seen her father or brother for years, and her sister, Mari, who is supportive, is about to have a baby and has her own problems. Dee turns to an old school friend, Calvin, for comfort and they embark on an affair.
But Calvin seems to be lying to her and Dee doesn’t know if she can trust him. And what will happen if her husband finds out she is cheating on him?
A well-written, perfectly plotted psychological thriller with a steady build-up of tension all the way through until the fantastic ending! Clever and compelling! Loved it!
August 25, 2022
I am all about the title of a book - and who is The Sinner? This book dragged for maybe 30 minutes - but wow did it suck me in, hold my attention and desperate to figure out of all the sinners, which one did the title reference?
Dee married her crush 15 years ago - an older man, an inspiring local pastor; their relationship began when Dee was 16. They married upon her pregnancy - and Dee has been Vincent's servant since. Struggling with her relationship with their daughter, Dee seeks escape from the swarm surrounding her husband, the constant negativity of her mother-in-law.
Cal has known Dee since they were children - his crush has not lessened in the years. Their relationship blooms as they continue to run into each other.
Mari struggles with her partner's pregnancy - Britt's flirtatious personality, narcissistic behavior leaves Mari insecure and deflated.
This family drama sucked me in - I enjoyed these characters. Realistic, humanity and vulnerability of each. Very well done.
Dee married her crush 15 years ago - an older man, an inspiring local pastor; their relationship began when Dee was 16. They married upon her pregnancy - and Dee has been Vincent's servant since. Struggling with her relationship with their daughter, Dee seeks escape from the swarm surrounding her husband, the constant negativity of her mother-in-law.
Cal has known Dee since they were children - his crush has not lessened in the years. Their relationship blooms as they continue to run into each other.
Mari struggles with her partner's pregnancy - Britt's flirtatious personality, narcissistic behavior leaves Mari insecure and deflated.
This family drama sucked me in - I enjoyed these characters. Realistic, humanity and vulnerability of each. Very well done.
June 23, 2022
I have been a fan of Caroline’s work for a little while now. I have read and loved every book that she has written to date. When I heard that Caroline was due to release another book, I knew that I had to grab a copy as soon as I was able and then read it as soon as I possibly could. Caroline’s new book is called ‘The Sinner’ and it was released on 16th June 2022. It’s another cracker of a read, which I thoroughly enjoyed but more about that in a bit.
It took me no time at all to get into ‘The Sinner’. The cover on its own is rather eye catching and the synopsis certainly enticed me in. After that the book seemed to have me in its grasp and it developed a sort of hold over me and it was a hold that I didn’t want to break. As soon as I started reading I knew that I was reading something special. The characters and their storylines intrigued me and I was interested to see in which direction the story was going to take them. To say that reading ‘The Sinner’ became extremely addictive is a bit like saying that I like eating cake – a massive understatement. I had my own theories as to what was going to happen so of course I had to keep reading to see if I was on the right track or if I had wandered down the wrong path entirely. The more of the book that I read, the more I wanted to read and the quicker the pages seemed to turn. The pages were turning that quickly at one point that the page numbers became a blur. All too quickly I reached the end of ‘The Sinner’. I found ‘The Sinner’ to be a gripping read, which certainly kept me guessing and which kept me on the edge of my seat throughout.
‘The Sinner’ is superbly written but then I have come to expect nothing less from Caroline England. She has one of those writing styles that is easy to get used to and easy to get along with. Caroline certainly knows how to grab the reader’s attention and draw them into what proves to be one hell of a story. For me the story hit the ground running and maintained a fairly gentle pace throughout, which suits the tale that Caroline is telling. Reading ‘The Sinner’ felt like being on a scary and unpredictable rollercoaster ride with more twists and turns to it than you would find on a ‘Snakes & Ladders’ board. I love the way in which Caroline makes the reader feel as though they are part of the story themselves and at the heart of the action.
In short, I thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘The Sinner’ and I would recommend it to other readers. I will certainly be reading more of Caroline’s work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.
It took me no time at all to get into ‘The Sinner’. The cover on its own is rather eye catching and the synopsis certainly enticed me in. After that the book seemed to have me in its grasp and it developed a sort of hold over me and it was a hold that I didn’t want to break. As soon as I started reading I knew that I was reading something special. The characters and their storylines intrigued me and I was interested to see in which direction the story was going to take them. To say that reading ‘The Sinner’ became extremely addictive is a bit like saying that I like eating cake – a massive understatement. I had my own theories as to what was going to happen so of course I had to keep reading to see if I was on the right track or if I had wandered down the wrong path entirely. The more of the book that I read, the more I wanted to read and the quicker the pages seemed to turn. The pages were turning that quickly at one point that the page numbers became a blur. All too quickly I reached the end of ‘The Sinner’. I found ‘The Sinner’ to be a gripping read, which certainly kept me guessing and which kept me on the edge of my seat throughout.
‘The Sinner’ is superbly written but then I have come to expect nothing less from Caroline England. She has one of those writing styles that is easy to get used to and easy to get along with. Caroline certainly knows how to grab the reader’s attention and draw them into what proves to be one hell of a story. For me the story hit the ground running and maintained a fairly gentle pace throughout, which suits the tale that Caroline is telling. Reading ‘The Sinner’ felt like being on a scary and unpredictable rollercoaster ride with more twists and turns to it than you would find on a ‘Snakes & Ladders’ board. I love the way in which Caroline makes the reader feel as though they are part of the story themselves and at the heart of the action.
In short, I thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘The Sinner’ and I would recommend it to other readers. I will certainly be reading more of Caroline’s work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.
June 30, 2022
Life is not perfect in the vicarage.
My goodness me, The Sinner is a corker of a read. It’s so cleverly plotted and crafted that Caroline England trips up her readers time and again, making The Sinner such a compelling, interesting and exciting read.
It’s hard to say too much about the plot for fear of spoiling the read for others, but it is based on so many carefully layered psychological aspects from deception, to control and guilt that mean it is perfectly titled. By the end of the book my mind was reeling with trying to decide just who is the biggest sinner in the story.
Indeed, almost every character here could be said to be a sinner of some kind so that reading The Sinner makes the reader realise just how we all have the potential to commit a sin. Caroline England presents these aspects with such skill that by the end of the book I’d have been willing to climb into the pages and commit a few myself.
Britt and Vincent in particular created strong emotions in me. I loathed them both. Cordelia (Dee) garnered my greatest sympathy and I found echoes of Shakespeare in her family with her father perhaps (or not!) more sinned against than sinning, and three siblings with complicated personal lives. Here we have a vivid cast of people who can be their own worst enemies and yet are fascinating and mesmerising. As their lives were uncovered I found myself embroiled in their stories and increasingly hooked into the narrative. I really did find this story completely compelling.
With interesting characters and a twisty and entertaining plot, The Sinner is a really good read, but add in the themes of marriage, family, control, guilt, adultery, relationships and all the psychological aspects they weave into the narrative and The Sinner becomes quite fabulous. I think Caroline England is honing her craft and becoming an author to watch. The Sinner is, in fact, a real winner!
My goodness me, The Sinner is a corker of a read. It’s so cleverly plotted and crafted that Caroline England trips up her readers time and again, making The Sinner such a compelling, interesting and exciting read.
It’s hard to say too much about the plot for fear of spoiling the read for others, but it is based on so many carefully layered psychological aspects from deception, to control and guilt that mean it is perfectly titled. By the end of the book my mind was reeling with trying to decide just who is the biggest sinner in the story.
Indeed, almost every character here could be said to be a sinner of some kind so that reading The Sinner makes the reader realise just how we all have the potential to commit a sin. Caroline England presents these aspects with such skill that by the end of the book I’d have been willing to climb into the pages and commit a few myself.
Britt and Vincent in particular created strong emotions in me. I loathed them both. Cordelia (Dee) garnered my greatest sympathy and I found echoes of Shakespeare in her family with her father perhaps (or not!) more sinned against than sinning, and three siblings with complicated personal lives. Here we have a vivid cast of people who can be their own worst enemies and yet are fascinating and mesmerising. As their lives were uncovered I found myself embroiled in their stories and increasingly hooked into the narrative. I really did find this story completely compelling.
With interesting characters and a twisty and entertaining plot, The Sinner is a really good read, but add in the themes of marriage, family, control, guilt, adultery, relationships and all the psychological aspects they weave into the narrative and The Sinner becomes quite fabulous. I think Caroline England is honing her craft and becoming an author to watch. The Sinner is, in fact, a real winner!
June 27, 2022
Dee Stephens is the vicar's wife. She's married to Vincent and they have a teenage daughter, Abbey. To all intents and purposes her life is good but behind the façade Dee is unhappy. A chance meeting with Cal, who remembers Dee from school, sets in motion a passionate affair. Dee narrates her own strands of the story and we also hear from her sister, Mari, and Cal, both in the third person.
What I really enjoy about Caroline England's writing is the way she gets to the heart of human emotions, human desires, and complicated and intricate family dynamics. Whilst Dee feels she should be grateful for what she has got, she is unfulfilled and stifled, not only by Vincent but by her mother-in-law, Harriet, and even by Abbey, who adores her father to the detriment of her mother. These tangled relationships make for a brilliant and twisty read.
I'd call The Sinner a cross between a psychological thriller and a domestic noir, with more emphasis on the latter. I do love a good domestic noir and England really excels at them. There are several unexpected developments in this story, especially in the second half, and they really did take me by surprise, settled as I was into the complex and messy lives of Dee and Mari. The reason for Mari's presence in the story didn't really become clear until much later but I enjoyed her strand in its own right and even more so when everything slotted into place.
I really liked how the author wove the Christian calendar into the story, taking us from New Year's Eve to Easter, and provided a juxtaposition of religion and sin, illustrating how even the most pious can have something to hide. I thought The Sinner was a fabulous read, with short chapters that kept me turning the pages as quickly as I could, and well-written and interesting characters.
What I really enjoy about Caroline England's writing is the way she gets to the heart of human emotions, human desires, and complicated and intricate family dynamics. Whilst Dee feels she should be grateful for what she has got, she is unfulfilled and stifled, not only by Vincent but by her mother-in-law, Harriet, and even by Abbey, who adores her father to the detriment of her mother. These tangled relationships make for a brilliant and twisty read.
I'd call The Sinner a cross between a psychological thriller and a domestic noir, with more emphasis on the latter. I do love a good domestic noir and England really excels at them. There are several unexpected developments in this story, especially in the second half, and they really did take me by surprise, settled as I was into the complex and messy lives of Dee and Mari. The reason for Mari's presence in the story didn't really become clear until much later but I enjoyed her strand in its own right and even more so when everything slotted into place.
I really liked how the author wove the Christian calendar into the story, taking us from New Year's Eve to Easter, and provided a juxtaposition of religion and sin, illustrating how even the most pious can have something to hide. I thought The Sinner was a fabulous read, with short chapters that kept me turning the pages as quickly as I could, and well-written and interesting characters.
June 16, 2022
WOW! If twisty psychological thrillers with plenty of jaw dropping moments are your kind of story, then you will love The Sinner!
There are some intriguing characters throughout this story and interesting relationship dynamics.
Dee is a likeable character and one you can’t help but feel for, more so as the story progresses. I could almost feel how oppressed she feels within her marriage, especially whilst dealing with unimaginable grief, a disrespecting daughter, and a controlling mother-in-law. My heart went out to her. Obviously, I don’t condone infidelity, but I can understand how she found herself drawn to Cal. He’s an intriguing character. There was obviously more to him than meets the eye and I was keen to learn his story.
I love the relationship Dee shares with her sister, Mari. I enjoyed Mari’s perspective on things and would never have guessed where her story would lead.
I loved the suspense throughout this book. The tension builds with each chapter. It’s an extremely difficult book to put down as I was desperate to find out where it was all going to end. And what an ending! Phenomenal! I LOVED it!
**Many thanks to the author and publisher for my ARC**
There are some intriguing characters throughout this story and interesting relationship dynamics.
Dee is a likeable character and one you can’t help but feel for, more so as the story progresses. I could almost feel how oppressed she feels within her marriage, especially whilst dealing with unimaginable grief, a disrespecting daughter, and a controlling mother-in-law. My heart went out to her. Obviously, I don’t condone infidelity, but I can understand how she found herself drawn to Cal. He’s an intriguing character. There was obviously more to him than meets the eye and I was keen to learn his story.
I love the relationship Dee shares with her sister, Mari. I enjoyed Mari’s perspective on things and would never have guessed where her story would lead.
I loved the suspense throughout this book. The tension builds with each chapter. It’s an extremely difficult book to put down as I was desperate to find out where it was all going to end. And what an ending! Phenomenal! I LOVED it!
**Many thanks to the author and publisher for my ARC**
June 21, 2022
Some books take a while to get into - not so with The Sinner. I was hooked by the end of page one. I instantly connected with Caroline's main protagonist, Dee, and was rooting for her all the way through.
I love books that take you on a journey full of twists and turns. Just when we think we know what's going on, Caroline takes us down a completely different path, with revelation after revelation.
There are characters you hate, characters you feel sorry for and characters you'd like to sit and talk to. Caroline makes them all real for us.
An ending can sometimes fall flat after we've been taken on a rollercoaster ride of a journey - this is not the case with The Sinner. It's a highly apt ending and we're left wanting more from Caroline England.
I love books that take you on a journey full of twists and turns. Just when we think we know what's going on, Caroline takes us down a completely different path, with revelation after revelation.
There are characters you hate, characters you feel sorry for and characters you'd like to sit and talk to. Caroline makes them all real for us.
An ending can sometimes fall flat after we've been taken on a rollercoaster ride of a journey - this is not the case with The Sinner. It's a highly apt ending and we're left wanting more from Caroline England.
June 10, 2022
A real slow burn of a novel, told from differing viewpoints you spend a long time getting to know the characters and learning that something isn’t right, before it all build to a head at the end. No one is likeable in this but that makes it more believable. A cracking read 4.5*
February 26, 2024
This was just ok! It started off slowly and then a lot happened in a short space of time. It had the potential to be great but I don’t know why the author didn’t have Vincent find out what was going on behind his back and then rake revenge! Although he was clearly abusive, I just felt there was something massively missing!
August 20, 2022
I really enjoyed this book, certain characters causing me frustration, some I liked, some I took a great aversion to. A brilliantly written story that certainly stirred up the emotions. Thanks to TBC for giving me the opportunity to read this book.
August 27, 2022
Rating: 4.5 Stars
Caroline England’s latest novel The Sinner is a dark, twisted and terrifying chiller that will keep readers up all night.
Dee Stephens leads a life most people would envy. She seems to have it all: a devoted husband, a beautiful daughter and the love, respect and admiration of an entire congregation. The vicar’s wife appears to lead a charmed life, but behind closed doors it’s a completely different story. Her husband Vincent is not the saint most people make him out to be: he is cruel, controlling and capable of making her life hell because he knows every single one of her secrets. Dee feels as if she is trapped in a prison from which she cannot escape, but there is light at the end of the tunnel when she meets her old school friend, Cal. Finally, Dee has somebody she can confide in and be herself with and when temptation proves too hard to resist, she embarks on a passionate affair with Cal. But is Cal her knight in shining armour? Or has Dee jumped from the frying pan into the fire by trusting him with her heart?
Cal is not the saviour Dee thinks he is. He has plenty of skeletons in his closet which he has gone to great lengths to keep hidden. Why has he reconnected with Dee? Was it a mere coincidence? Or did he have a sinister reason for coming back into her life? As his affair with Dee intensifies, little does Cal realize that Reverend Vincent is a dangerous man who won’t take being crossed lightly.
Vincent’s congregation might worship the ground he walks on, but far from loving and respecting his wife, he has spent years belittling Dee and chipping away at her self-confidence. What will he do once he finds out that she has been having an affair with Cal? Vincent certainly will not take this lying down -especially because he has far too much to lose should the truth about the monster within emerge.
Dee, Vincent and Cal are tangled up in a twisted web of lies, secrets and deception. The three of them need to tread carefully and watch out because you never know just what is around the corner…
Caroline England’s The Sinner is domestic noir at its most chilling, A nail-biting and heart-pounding thriller, The Sinner is a creepy, intense and complex tale that explores toxic relationships, dysfunctional families and devastating secrets full of spine-tingling shocks and revelations that will leave readers with their jaws on the floor reeling from all the twists and turns.
Caroline England is a master storyteller who knows how to keep her readers gripped from beginning to end and with The Sinner she continues to cement her standing as one of the leading lights of domestic noir.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Caroline England’s latest novel The Sinner is a dark, twisted and terrifying chiller that will keep readers up all night.
Dee Stephens leads a life most people would envy. She seems to have it all: a devoted husband, a beautiful daughter and the love, respect and admiration of an entire congregation. The vicar’s wife appears to lead a charmed life, but behind closed doors it’s a completely different story. Her husband Vincent is not the saint most people make him out to be: he is cruel, controlling and capable of making her life hell because he knows every single one of her secrets. Dee feels as if she is trapped in a prison from which she cannot escape, but there is light at the end of the tunnel when she meets her old school friend, Cal. Finally, Dee has somebody she can confide in and be herself with and when temptation proves too hard to resist, she embarks on a passionate affair with Cal. But is Cal her knight in shining armour? Or has Dee jumped from the frying pan into the fire by trusting him with her heart?
Cal is not the saviour Dee thinks he is. He has plenty of skeletons in his closet which he has gone to great lengths to keep hidden. Why has he reconnected with Dee? Was it a mere coincidence? Or did he have a sinister reason for coming back into her life? As his affair with Dee intensifies, little does Cal realize that Reverend Vincent is a dangerous man who won’t take being crossed lightly.
Vincent’s congregation might worship the ground he walks on, but far from loving and respecting his wife, he has spent years belittling Dee and chipping away at her self-confidence. What will he do once he finds out that she has been having an affair with Cal? Vincent certainly will not take this lying down -especially because he has far too much to lose should the truth about the monster within emerge.
Dee, Vincent and Cal are tangled up in a twisted web of lies, secrets and deception. The three of them need to tread carefully and watch out because you never know just what is around the corner…
Caroline England’s The Sinner is domestic noir at its most chilling, A nail-biting and heart-pounding thriller, The Sinner is a creepy, intense and complex tale that explores toxic relationships, dysfunctional families and devastating secrets full of spine-tingling shocks and revelations that will leave readers with their jaws on the floor reeling from all the twists and turns.
Caroline England is a master storyteller who knows how to keep her readers gripped from beginning to end and with The Sinner she continues to cement her standing as one of the leading lights of domestic noir.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
June 21, 2022
Caroline England really is the queen of twisty domestic noir and opens The Sinner with a deliciously dark prologue that gives nothing away but craftily hints at what lies ahead. This might be a slow burning novel but that doesn't make it any less addictive; I picked it up intending to just read a few chapters but ended up reading almost the whole book in a single sitting.
The story is told from the perspective of three characters; Cordelia (Dee) and Mariana (Mari), who are sisters, and Cal who appears in Dee's life in a moment of need. Dee is the likeable main protagonist and despite the choices she makes, is easy to empathise with. However, she is a rather frustrating, passive figure at first and obviously controlled by her unctuous husband, Vincent and scornful mother-in-law, Harriet, as well as by the intrusive demands that come from being the wife of a vicar. Her transformation over the course of the book was undoubtedly one of the highlights for me. Vincent is a fascinating character – Caroline England cleverly introduces so many little question marks about him without revealing whether we are right to be suspicious or have been wrong-footed until near the very end of the novel.
Meanwhile, Mari initially appears to be the more settled sister; she is a psychotherapist and in an apparently stable relationship but huge changes lie ahead which result in a different side to her coming to the fore. The supportive relationship between the sisters is touching and authentic, and I enjoyed the subtle similarities that emerge between them. They both acknowledge how much they have changed since they were children and as the storyline progresses, it becomes evident how the actions of their parents continues to have an impact on their lives. The exploration of parent-child relationships is an intriguing topic throughout but perhaps the most striking themes are chronic grief and insidious manipulation. Cal is arguably the most puzzling character; he's a far more sympathetic figure than Vincent and yet it's clear almost from the start that he isn't being honest with Dee. I was never quite sure whether he could be trusted – some of his secrets might be excusable omissions but others are much darker...
This is a classic tale of lives that seem near-perfect from the outside actually hiding dark secrets and Caroline England deftly drip-feeds various revelations throughout the book, some of which I managed to guess thanks to the clues scattered like bread crumbs to follow, and others that shocked me, yet made perfect sense. With its perceptive characterisation and compulsive, intelligent plot, The Sinner is domestic noir of the highest calibre. Highly recommended.
The story is told from the perspective of three characters; Cordelia (Dee) and Mariana (Mari), who are sisters, and Cal who appears in Dee's life in a moment of need. Dee is the likeable main protagonist and despite the choices she makes, is easy to empathise with. However, she is a rather frustrating, passive figure at first and obviously controlled by her unctuous husband, Vincent and scornful mother-in-law, Harriet, as well as by the intrusive demands that come from being the wife of a vicar. Her transformation over the course of the book was undoubtedly one of the highlights for me. Vincent is a fascinating character – Caroline England cleverly introduces so many little question marks about him without revealing whether we are right to be suspicious or have been wrong-footed until near the very end of the novel.
Meanwhile, Mari initially appears to be the more settled sister; she is a psychotherapist and in an apparently stable relationship but huge changes lie ahead which result in a different side to her coming to the fore. The supportive relationship between the sisters is touching and authentic, and I enjoyed the subtle similarities that emerge between them. They both acknowledge how much they have changed since they were children and as the storyline progresses, it becomes evident how the actions of their parents continues to have an impact on their lives. The exploration of parent-child relationships is an intriguing topic throughout but perhaps the most striking themes are chronic grief and insidious manipulation. Cal is arguably the most puzzling character; he's a far more sympathetic figure than Vincent and yet it's clear almost from the start that he isn't being honest with Dee. I was never quite sure whether he could be trusted – some of his secrets might be excusable omissions but others are much darker...
This is a classic tale of lives that seem near-perfect from the outside actually hiding dark secrets and Caroline England deftly drip-feeds various revelations throughout the book, some of which I managed to guess thanks to the clues scattered like bread crumbs to follow, and others that shocked me, yet made perfect sense. With its perceptive characterisation and compulsive, intelligent plot, The Sinner is domestic noir of the highest calibre. Highly recommended.
June 21, 2022
Caroline England is one of my favourite authors. Every book I have read that she has written has managed to tick every box to make them the perfect read for me.
The Sinner is a psychological thriller that has a cover that makes you stop in your tracks and a synopsis that makes you want to read it right there and then. Dee is a woman with a perfect life, or so it seems. Beneath the surface she is struggling. She bumps into Cal, literally, from her schooldays and they hit it off straight away...but how far will her husband go to keep what's his?
I wanted to read this from the minute I knew it was being published and the author has not let me down at all. From the start I was invested in Dee and her sister Mari, both holding secrets that are slowly crippling them. In fact every character in this book is created so well. All so authentic, Caroline England has made sure that they could be someone you would meet on the street. Every single one have their own unique part to play, they have strengths and weaknesses that people have. Even down to Abbey, Dee's daughter, a typical teen.
It is a story that isn't just a light read, there are serious and sensitive issues brought up. I will say that I feel Caroline England has dealt with them as carefully as possible within the storyline.
I started reading and before long I was almost 'away with the fairies', sat there for as long as I could, reading as much as possible. I think I read about 300 pages in one sitting! This is a story that is so well written. I felt for Dee as the story unfolded, my heart broke as things began to come to light. Her mother in law is a character that I visualised. She reminded me of a mother in law I used to have! Living through their children and as flawed as they come. I could empathise with Dee on that score, for sure.
A story that is so absorbing and with so many secrets to unravel as well as the twists throughout. At one point I had to almost pick myself up from the floor! I could never have guessed it at all, such an unexpected twist, or three!
I was with both Dee and Mari throughout and by the end, well, I was cheering them on wholeheartedly and grinning, until the very end and now I say no more! If you want to find out why, just pick this book up and read it. A belter of a psychological thriller well done Caroline!
The Sinner is a psychological thriller that has a cover that makes you stop in your tracks and a synopsis that makes you want to read it right there and then. Dee is a woman with a perfect life, or so it seems. Beneath the surface she is struggling. She bumps into Cal, literally, from her schooldays and they hit it off straight away...but how far will her husband go to keep what's his?
I wanted to read this from the minute I knew it was being published and the author has not let me down at all. From the start I was invested in Dee and her sister Mari, both holding secrets that are slowly crippling them. In fact every character in this book is created so well. All so authentic, Caroline England has made sure that they could be someone you would meet on the street. Every single one have their own unique part to play, they have strengths and weaknesses that people have. Even down to Abbey, Dee's daughter, a typical teen.
It is a story that isn't just a light read, there are serious and sensitive issues brought up. I will say that I feel Caroline England has dealt with them as carefully as possible within the storyline.
I started reading and before long I was almost 'away with the fairies', sat there for as long as I could, reading as much as possible. I think I read about 300 pages in one sitting! This is a story that is so well written. I felt for Dee as the story unfolded, my heart broke as things began to come to light. Her mother in law is a character that I visualised. She reminded me of a mother in law I used to have! Living through their children and as flawed as they come. I could empathise with Dee on that score, for sure.
A story that is so absorbing and with so many secrets to unravel as well as the twists throughout. At one point I had to almost pick myself up from the floor! I could never have guessed it at all, such an unexpected twist, or three!
I was with both Dee and Mari throughout and by the end, well, I was cheering them on wholeheartedly and grinning, until the very end and now I say no more! If you want to find out why, just pick this book up and read it. A belter of a psychological thriller well done Caroline!
April 23, 2023
From the outside looking in, Dee Stephens lives a good life as the vicar’s wife. Reverend Vincent is a charming, charismatic leader. The people of his parish adore him, and he seems to adore Dee. Despite the headaches that come from living with his scornful mother and their rebellious teenage daughter Abbey, Dee seems satisfied with her marriage and the supportive role she plays to her doting (controlling) husband. At least, at first.
Told from the point of view of Dee, her sister Mariana, and her lover Calvin, “The Sinner” is full of toxic relationships and dysfunctional family dynamics. Secrets simmer beneath the surface and hide the true feelings and motivations of all the characters. Nothing is completely as it seems. Nobody is either, making it a delicious read. Cleverly written twists will turn you on your head a few times before the stunning truth is revealed. Even the prologue leads to a hidden surprise you won’t see coming.
Fast paced, edgy, and addictive, “The Sinner” by Caroline England is a twisty and dark domestic noir that doesn’t disappoint – not even for a sentence. Shorter chapters make it feel like a quick read while the vivid, well-developed characters that England is known for make the book impossible to put down. Although “The Sinner” is long by thriller standards at 447 pages, the storyline, characters, and pace carry you from the first page to the last before you realize it.
I love all of Caroline England’s books, but “The Sinner” is probably my new favorite. Dark and intense, yet sexy and seductive at times, it’s a character driven story that’s so well written, it doesn’t feel written at all. I hated to see it end. Caroline England always does that to me, though. She writes books that I don’t want to put down, even after a brilliant conclusion. I want more, more, more. Take “The Sinner” to the beach with you this summer. You’ll see exactly what I mean.
Thank you to Caroline England for the honor of participating in this blog tour.
Thank you to Caroline England and Piatkus Publishing for the complementary ARC of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Told from the point of view of Dee, her sister Mariana, and her lover Calvin, “The Sinner” is full of toxic relationships and dysfunctional family dynamics. Secrets simmer beneath the surface and hide the true feelings and motivations of all the characters. Nothing is completely as it seems. Nobody is either, making it a delicious read. Cleverly written twists will turn you on your head a few times before the stunning truth is revealed. Even the prologue leads to a hidden surprise you won’t see coming.
Fast paced, edgy, and addictive, “The Sinner” by Caroline England is a twisty and dark domestic noir that doesn’t disappoint – not even for a sentence. Shorter chapters make it feel like a quick read while the vivid, well-developed characters that England is known for make the book impossible to put down. Although “The Sinner” is long by thriller standards at 447 pages, the storyline, characters, and pace carry you from the first page to the last before you realize it.
I love all of Caroline England’s books, but “The Sinner” is probably my new favorite. Dark and intense, yet sexy and seductive at times, it’s a character driven story that’s so well written, it doesn’t feel written at all. I hated to see it end. Caroline England always does that to me, though. She writes books that I don’t want to put down, even after a brilliant conclusion. I want more, more, more. Take “The Sinner” to the beach with you this summer. You’ll see exactly what I mean.
Thank you to Caroline England for the honor of participating in this blog tour.
Thank you to Caroline England and Piatkus Publishing for the complementary ARC of the book in exchange for an honest review.
June 16, 2022
I have read a few books by this author and they have been all good solid reads. This one however knocked the ball out of the park for me. It's a bit of a slow burn in comparison to many, but that's what makes it all the more delicious. It means that you savour every moment you have with it. As the characters are introduced and develop. As the story builds up. As the peak is reached and it all comes tumbling down... but I get ahead of myself again...
Dee has it all. Wife of a popular local vicar who she is devoted to, mother of a beautiful daughter. In fact, the only thorn in her side is an overbearing mother-in-law. But she manages that quite well. But it's all a facade. She is like a swan. Majestically calm and coping on the surface, but dip underneath and you'll see her legs frantically working to keep her afloat. Her daughter favours her husband, her m-i-l is getting worse, and her estrangement from most of her own family is getting harder to bear.
This all comes to a head when a chance meeting has her reconnecting with an old schoolfriend, Cal. Initially he's just lending an ear to her woes and outpourings but soon, well, it becomes more. But is he really the saviour he purports to be, of does he have an ulterior motive?
Oooo, this was deliciously dark, and very character driven. And the characters were all so well drawn, easy to believe in and connect to. I especially likes Dee's relationship with her sister, Mari, and the side of things that was going on in her life. Talk about tugging on the old emotions!
Along with the characters, we have a whole bunch of secrets, lies and duplicitous behaviour going on. The half of which I never saw coming. Who knew? So shocking! But also, so believable. Sorry for being so oblique but, spoilers... Bottom line is that I was left reeling but wholly satisfied.
The author was already on my watch list and I am already hanging for her next offering. My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
Dee has it all. Wife of a popular local vicar who she is devoted to, mother of a beautiful daughter. In fact, the only thorn in her side is an overbearing mother-in-law. But she manages that quite well. But it's all a facade. She is like a swan. Majestically calm and coping on the surface, but dip underneath and you'll see her legs frantically working to keep her afloat. Her daughter favours her husband, her m-i-l is getting worse, and her estrangement from most of her own family is getting harder to bear.
This all comes to a head when a chance meeting has her reconnecting with an old schoolfriend, Cal. Initially he's just lending an ear to her woes and outpourings but soon, well, it becomes more. But is he really the saviour he purports to be, of does he have an ulterior motive?
Oooo, this was deliciously dark, and very character driven. And the characters were all so well drawn, easy to believe in and connect to. I especially likes Dee's relationship with her sister, Mari, and the side of things that was going on in her life. Talk about tugging on the old emotions!
Along with the characters, we have a whole bunch of secrets, lies and duplicitous behaviour going on. The half of which I never saw coming. Who knew? So shocking! But also, so believable. Sorry for being so oblique but, spoilers... Bottom line is that I was left reeling but wholly satisfied.
The author was already on my watch list and I am already hanging for her next offering. My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
June 19, 2022
I really enjoy Caroline England’s writing and The Sinner sounded really intriguing. I think one of Caroline’s real writing strengths is her characters. They always feel like real people and they are characters who you want to go on a journey with.
We meet Dee, who on the surface appears to be the perfect vicar’s wife, and mother to their daughter, Chloe. But there is a darkness to Dee’s relationship with her husband. Soon Dee meets a former childhood friend, Cal, and they begin a passionate affair. To Dee, Cal seems like her saviour from her marriage. But what isn’t Cal telling her, is he really as good as he seems?
I thought Caroline England did a brilliant job of creating tension around Dee’s affair with Cal. This builds and builds throughout the novel and I could feel it simmering away. I kept wondering what would happen if Dee’s husband, Vincent, would find out. This isn’t a particularly fast paced book, but I liked the short chapters and Caroline England kept me reading on, I really wanted to know what was going to happen to Dee next.
There are some heartbreaking reveals as Caroline England moves the plot along as we get to learn more about Dee and Vincent’s past. I also liked how Caroline England explored the relationship between Dee’s sister, Mari and her partner Britt. There are tensions in Mari and Britt’s relationship as well and this really adds to the darkness that there is in the book. There is real tension as the book reaches its finale, especially as Dee begins to find out things about her husband she never knew before. It made me wonder what else he was keeping secret from her. There is an absolutely brilliant ending that I thought Caroline delivered really well.
The characters are what really draw you into Caroline England’s books. She really gets to know them well and you feel as though they are real people who you want to find more about. I really enjoyed reading The Sinner and I flew through it. Fans of character-driven psychological thrillers, you need to pick this book up.
We meet Dee, who on the surface appears to be the perfect vicar’s wife, and mother to their daughter, Chloe. But there is a darkness to Dee’s relationship with her husband. Soon Dee meets a former childhood friend, Cal, and they begin a passionate affair. To Dee, Cal seems like her saviour from her marriage. But what isn’t Cal telling her, is he really as good as he seems?
I thought Caroline England did a brilliant job of creating tension around Dee’s affair with Cal. This builds and builds throughout the novel and I could feel it simmering away. I kept wondering what would happen if Dee’s husband, Vincent, would find out. This isn’t a particularly fast paced book, but I liked the short chapters and Caroline England kept me reading on, I really wanted to know what was going to happen to Dee next.
There are some heartbreaking reveals as Caroline England moves the plot along as we get to learn more about Dee and Vincent’s past. I also liked how Caroline England explored the relationship between Dee’s sister, Mari and her partner Britt. There are tensions in Mari and Britt’s relationship as well and this really adds to the darkness that there is in the book. There is real tension as the book reaches its finale, especially as Dee begins to find out things about her husband she never knew before. It made me wonder what else he was keeping secret from her. There is an absolutely brilliant ending that I thought Caroline delivered really well.
The characters are what really draw you into Caroline England’s books. She really gets to know them well and you feel as though they are real people who you want to find more about. I really enjoyed reading The Sinner and I flew through it. Fans of character-driven psychological thrillers, you need to pick this book up.
June 17, 2022
My thanks to Little, Brown Book Group U.K. Piatkus for an eARC via NetGalley of ‘The Sinner’ by Caroline England in exchange for an honest review.
This I s a domestic noir/psychological thriller set in Didsbury, Manchester. Its protagonist is Cordelia (Dee Dee). She is married to the charismatic Reverend Vincent Stephens and appears to be the perfect vicar’s wife. Yet regular readers of domestic suspense are aware that the apparent ‘perfect life’ is rarely so, and especially in a novel titled ‘The Sinner’.
As things stand Dee Dee’s life revolves around Vincent. She also has a turbulent relationship with Abby, their sulky fifteen year-old daughter. Then there’s Harriet, her mother-in-law, who dotes on her son and finds ways to make Dee Dee feel inadequate.
England slowly draws back the curtain not only on Dee Dee’s life but includes other perspectives: Dee Dee’s older sister, Mariana, a psychologist whose wife is just about to give birth. Then there is Cal, a paramedic who had a crush on Dee Dee back during their school days. When events bring them together, it throws a harsh light on Dee Dee’s marriage. Things happen that I won’t say more about given they equate to spoilers, though again a novel entitled ‘The Sinner’ suggests temptation is lurking in the wings.
Caroline England increased the tension at a measured pace and while there were twists I felt that they were revealed in an organic way rather than being ‘twists for twists sake’. I also liked her use of the Anglican liturgical year as a framework for the narrative.
Overall, this proved an engaging read and I felt that Caroline England was clearly a confident author, skilled in creating relatable characters and multilayered suspense fiction. I can imagine her novels proving popular with reading groups. While this was my first experience of Caroline England’s writing, I expect that I will be seeking out her earlier works as well as upcoming projects.
This I s a domestic noir/psychological thriller set in Didsbury, Manchester. Its protagonist is Cordelia (Dee Dee). She is married to the charismatic Reverend Vincent Stephens and appears to be the perfect vicar’s wife. Yet regular readers of domestic suspense are aware that the apparent ‘perfect life’ is rarely so, and especially in a novel titled ‘The Sinner’.
As things stand Dee Dee’s life revolves around Vincent. She also has a turbulent relationship with Abby, their sulky fifteen year-old daughter. Then there’s Harriet, her mother-in-law, who dotes on her son and finds ways to make Dee Dee feel inadequate.
England slowly draws back the curtain not only on Dee Dee’s life but includes other perspectives: Dee Dee’s older sister, Mariana, a psychologist whose wife is just about to give birth. Then there is Cal, a paramedic who had a crush on Dee Dee back during their school days. When events bring them together, it throws a harsh light on Dee Dee’s marriage. Things happen that I won’t say more about given they equate to spoilers, though again a novel entitled ‘The Sinner’ suggests temptation is lurking in the wings.
Caroline England increased the tension at a measured pace and while there were twists I felt that they were revealed in an organic way rather than being ‘twists for twists sake’. I also liked her use of the Anglican liturgical year as a framework for the narrative.
Overall, this proved an engaging read and I felt that Caroline England was clearly a confident author, skilled in creating relatable characters and multilayered suspense fiction. I can imagine her novels proving popular with reading groups. While this was my first experience of Caroline England’s writing, I expect that I will be seeking out her earlier works as well as upcoming projects.
June 23, 2022
I am already a big fan on Caroline's books and have been looking forward to this from the moment I saw the cover.
Boy was I not disappointed, what a twisted path Caroline leads us along.
The main plot follows Dee Dee and Vincent. Vincent is the local priest, and is vivacious, loved by his parishioners, and laps up the attention he gets in return.
Personally, I couldn't stand him, from the get go. I thought he was a slimey creep who treated his wife like crap and a small child.
Dee Dee has to live with her mother in law, bad enough at the best of times, but hasn't quire loosened the apron strings of her darling son, and he can do no wrong. Then there's Abbey, a surly typical teenager, who feels overprotected by her mum.
The rest of the cast of characters each has their own place in the book, all important and rounded enough that you care for their outcomes.
Everything is thrown when Cal comes along and gives Dee Dee the kind of attention she's been missing for a long time.
You get hooked on the story from the very beginning. As it reaches the last third and the various storylines reach their conclusions you're frequently left reeling as the author laughs when she takes you on another blind alley.
The main theme throughout this is betrayal, all along, so many secrets and lies, not least between family, but its ultimately the love of family that wins out. The love between siblings one that is strongest of all. Being a sister, the relationship is portrayed perfectly.
An intricately worked clever plot with loveable and despicable characters in equal measure. A gripping read.
Boy was I not disappointed, what a twisted path Caroline leads us along.
The main plot follows Dee Dee and Vincent. Vincent is the local priest, and is vivacious, loved by his parishioners, and laps up the attention he gets in return.
Personally, I couldn't stand him, from the get go. I thought he was a slimey creep who treated his wife like crap and a small child.
Dee Dee has to live with her mother in law, bad enough at the best of times, but hasn't quire loosened the apron strings of her darling son, and he can do no wrong. Then there's Abbey, a surly typical teenager, who feels overprotected by her mum.
The rest of the cast of characters each has their own place in the book, all important and rounded enough that you care for their outcomes.
Everything is thrown when Cal comes along and gives Dee Dee the kind of attention she's been missing for a long time.
You get hooked on the story from the very beginning. As it reaches the last third and the various storylines reach their conclusions you're frequently left reeling as the author laughs when she takes you on another blind alley.
The main theme throughout this is betrayal, all along, so many secrets and lies, not least between family, but its ultimately the love of family that wins out. The love between siblings one that is strongest of all. Being a sister, the relationship is portrayed perfectly.
An intricately worked clever plot with loveable and despicable characters in equal measure. A gripping read.
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