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Possum Gap #1
Free From Sin
FREE FROM SIN is a gripping psychological crime thriller/mystery story about the intertwining lives of three unlikely women in the hills of Kentucky, and the explosive results when a troubled teenager has her day of reckoning.
Sheriff Sadie Mills navigates the challenges of single motherhood while solving crimes in the rural community of Possum Gap, Kentucky. The recent trailer shootings in her jurisdiction have her on edge, and the new coroner, a Yankee transplant from the east coast, is still adjusting to life in the wilderness when all hell breaks loose. Cases stemming from an out-of-control hillbilly clan, sex trafficking, and a murder in the nearby Amish community collide, and Sheriff Mills finds herself in a race to stop a serial killer before they strike again.
Lucinda Coblentz is a devoted wife, mother, and member of a strict religious order. Her kind and generous ways make her the perfect target of a master manipulator and has put her beloved family in grave danger. Can she make matters right before it’s too late?
Sheriff Sadie Mills navigates the challenges of single motherhood while solving crimes in the rural community of Possum Gap, Kentucky. The recent trailer shootings in her jurisdiction have her on edge, and the new coroner, a Yankee transplant from the east coast, is still adjusting to life in the wilderness when all hell breaks loose. Cases stemming from an out-of-control hillbilly clan, sex trafficking, and a murder in the nearby Amish community collide, and Sheriff Mills finds herself in a race to stop a serial killer before they strike again.
Lucinda Coblentz is a devoted wife, mother, and member of a strict religious order. Her kind and generous ways make her the perfect target of a master manipulator and has put her beloved family in grave danger. Can she make matters right before it’s too late?
298 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 22, 2022
748 people are currently reading
7844 people want to read
About the author
Karen Ann Hopkins
43 books1,410 followersYou can visit Karen Ann Hopkins at her website: www.karenannhopkinsfiction.com.
"I loved joining Rose and Noah during their journey in the Temptation series by Karen Hopkins."-Katie McGarry, acclaimed YA author
Karen Ann Hopkins resides in northern Kentucky with her family on a farm that boasts a menagerie of horses, goats, sheep, peacocks, chickens, ducks, rabbits, pigs, dogs, and cats. Karen rescues and fosters a variety of pets and farm animals, but she also finds time to give riding lessons, coach a youth equestrian drill team, and of course, write. She was inspired to create her first book, Temptation, by the Amish community she lives in. The experiential knowledge she gained through her interactions with her neighbors drove her to create the story of the star-crossed lovers, Rose and Noah.
Karen grew up about a mile from Lake Ontario in Upstate New York. She was bitten by the horse bug at the age of five, and after diligently taking riding lessons for several years, she was rewarded with her first horse at the age of eleven. The feisty horse's name was Lady, a Quarter Horse-Thoroughbred cross, who became Karen's steadfast companion. Through the years, the constant force in her life was horses. Eventually, Karen found her place as a riding instructor herself. Before accepting her fate in the barnyard, she worked a short stint as a paralegal, traveled abroad, and guided tourists on horseback riding tours in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee.
Karen is currently working on her two interconnecting mystery/crime fiction series, Serenity's Plain Secrets and Possum Gap, along with several new projects.
To learn more about Karen and her books, please visit her website.
"I loved joining Rose and Noah during their journey in the Temptation series by Karen Hopkins."-Katie McGarry, acclaimed YA author
Karen Ann Hopkins resides in northern Kentucky with her family on a farm that boasts a menagerie of horses, goats, sheep, peacocks, chickens, ducks, rabbits, pigs, dogs, and cats. Karen rescues and fosters a variety of pets and farm animals, but she also finds time to give riding lessons, coach a youth equestrian drill team, and of course, write. She was inspired to create her first book, Temptation, by the Amish community she lives in. The experiential knowledge she gained through her interactions with her neighbors drove her to create the story of the star-crossed lovers, Rose and Noah.
Karen grew up about a mile from Lake Ontario in Upstate New York. She was bitten by the horse bug at the age of five, and after diligently taking riding lessons for several years, she was rewarded with her first horse at the age of eleven. The feisty horse's name was Lady, a Quarter Horse-Thoroughbred cross, who became Karen's steadfast companion. Through the years, the constant force in her life was horses. Eventually, Karen found her place as a riding instructor herself. Before accepting her fate in the barnyard, she worked a short stint as a paralegal, traveled abroad, and guided tourists on horseback riding tours in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee.
Karen is currently working on her two interconnecting mystery/crime fiction series, Serenity's Plain Secrets and Possum Gap, along with several new projects.
To learn more about Karen and her books, please visit her website.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews
February 7, 2022
That was a very ‘put together’ story but then the author, whom I had never heard of, has written many books all of which are quite highly rated. It wasn’t exciting per se but there was a sense of impending doom.
In the small town of Possum Creek, Kentucky, a skinny teenage girl, Charlie, is admiring Goliath, the large horse hooked to an Amish buggy. Lucinda is kind to her and offers her a bottle of water and some food. But before she can eat it her pimp, Dillon, drags her away, throws her in his car and roars off. Some days later there is a bloodbath in the trailer home being used by Dillon for drug deals and pr*stitution. Charlie escapes through the window with the clothes on her back and no shoes. Five miles later she holes up in an Amish barn belonging to….Lucinda and her husband James and their three children.
Lucinda argues the case for letting Charlie stay until she has regained some weight and her cut feet are healed. They pretend she is Lucinda’s cousin from Ohio. But Charlie doesn’t speak or act very Amish - because of course she’s not. In fact she’s had a nasty abusive life before Dillon got his hooks into her for more abuse. The trouble stars when 21 year old Marvin, the Bishop’s son, and of an age where many Amish men are looking for partners, takes a shine to her.
Things go steadily downhill from there with devastating and deadly consequences. This was a rather sad story and you couldn’t help but wonder if things couldn’t have ended better. The characters were vividly drawn. Lucinda’s family were so lovely. While Charlie turned out to be not a very good person I couldn’t help feeling sorry for her, for the very poor start she had in life but her story was never going to end well. Sadie Miller, the Possum Creek Sheriff was a compassionate and professional character who ran her small department well. The ending was rather dramatic and sad.
Overall this a well written and very good story. If you’ve ever enjoyed one of Linda Castillo’s Kate Burkholder books you should enjoy this character driven drama. Many thanks to BookSirens for the much appreciated arc which I reviewed voluntarily and honestly.
In the small town of Possum Creek, Kentucky, a skinny teenage girl, Charlie, is admiring Goliath, the large horse hooked to an Amish buggy. Lucinda is kind to her and offers her a bottle of water and some food. But before she can eat it her pimp, Dillon, drags her away, throws her in his car and roars off. Some days later there is a bloodbath in the trailer home being used by Dillon for drug deals and pr*stitution. Charlie escapes through the window with the clothes on her back and no shoes. Five miles later she holes up in an Amish barn belonging to….Lucinda and her husband James and their three children.
Lucinda argues the case for letting Charlie stay until she has regained some weight and her cut feet are healed. They pretend she is Lucinda’s cousin from Ohio. But Charlie doesn’t speak or act very Amish - because of course she’s not. In fact she’s had a nasty abusive life before Dillon got his hooks into her for more abuse. The trouble stars when 21 year old Marvin, the Bishop’s son, and of an age where many Amish men are looking for partners, takes a shine to her.
Things go steadily downhill from there with devastating and deadly consequences. This was a rather sad story and you couldn’t help but wonder if things couldn’t have ended better. The characters were vividly drawn. Lucinda’s family were so lovely. While Charlie turned out to be not a very good person I couldn’t help feeling sorry for her, for the very poor start she had in life but her story was never going to end well. Sadie Miller, the Possum Creek Sheriff was a compassionate and professional character who ran her small department well. The ending was rather dramatic and sad.
Overall this a well written and very good story. If you’ve ever enjoyed one of Linda Castillo’s Kate Burkholder books you should enjoy this character driven drama. Many thanks to BookSirens for the much appreciated arc which I reviewed voluntarily and honestly.
March 2, 2022
This book starts off slowly but finally picks up halfway through, and it’s a heck of a ride! I wasn’t sure what would happen but I was so scared of what might happen, and I’m thankful it didn’t turn out the way I was anticipating!
I liked the multiple narrators. This was a really good thriller and my first experience with any Amish fiction and this author.
I received this book in a Goodreads giveaway, and this is my honest opinion.
I liked the multiple narrators. This was a really good thriller and my first experience with any Amish fiction and this author.
I received this book in a Goodreads giveaway, and this is my honest opinion.
March 2, 2022
Free From Sin by Karen Ann Hopkins was a thrilling, and captivating read. It follows the lives of three women: Charlie, Lucinda and Sadie.
This book kept me on the edge of my seat. I loved that we had multiple points of views and how the story flowed seamlessly as each character was introduced and their lives intertwined.
This book was very well-written and it was amazing to see how the author intertwined the lives of these women who have different backgrounds. Charlie is a prostitute, Lucinda is a Amish mother, and Sadie was the woman in charge of investigating the shooting that lead Charlie to Lucinda.
The author also addresses sensitive topics in a thoughtful manner and shows how circumstances can affect one’s life.
Rating: 4/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
This book kept me on the edge of my seat. I loved that we had multiple points of views and how the story flowed seamlessly as each character was introduced and their lives intertwined.
This book was very well-written and it was amazing to see how the author intertwined the lives of these women who have different backgrounds. Charlie is a prostitute, Lucinda is a Amish mother, and Sadie was the woman in charge of investigating the shooting that lead Charlie to Lucinda.
The author also addresses sensitive topics in a thoughtful manner and shows how circumstances can affect one’s life.
Rating: 4/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
March 24, 2022
Small town Murders
Sadie is the sheriff in Possum Creek, a small town where usually not much happens. Lucinda is a Amish wife, taking care of her family, when she sees a young woman being abused she reaches out to help her. Things start getting out of hand.
Sadie is the sheriff in Possum Creek, a small town where usually not much happens. Lucinda is a Amish wife, taking care of her family, when she sees a young woman being abused she reaches out to help her. Things start getting out of hand.
March 15, 2022
Possum Gap
Small town in Kentucky. Lots of drama, adventure, and murder. This book was a good read and will hold your attention.
Small town in Kentucky. Lots of drama, adventure, and murder. This book was a good read and will hold your attention.
November 4, 2024
This was a good little mystery/thriller. I enjoyed the way the Amish community was wrapped into the mystery. The multiple POVs were also well done.
4⭐️
4⭐️
February 9, 2022
This book follows the lives of 3 women; Charlie, Lucinda and Sadie.
Charlie is a prostitute that was picked up by her pimp, Dillon, when she was very young. When a shooting rocked her trailer while Dillon and her friend were inside, Charlie escaped before police arrived. After running through the woods for miles, she found herself in an Amish community where she would meet Lucinda, an Amish wife and mother.
Lucinda had met Charlie a few days earlier at the local market. Charlie was pale, skinny and looked hungry. When Lucinda offered Charlie some pies, Dillon had grabbed Charlie and threw her back in the car. Lucinda was worried about the girl and later found Charlie hiding in her barn.
Sadie is the local sheriff that is investigating the trailer shooting and believes there was another person inside that had escaped before she arrived.
While Sadie is questioning the town, she crosses paths with another investigator that is looking for a missing child, Charlie Baker, that might’ve been involved in a murder years ago.
This book was a very slow mystery but I really enjoyed the multiple POV’s from each woman. At the beginning, I was rooting for Charlie to live a normal life but near the end I was against Charlie and her actions.
I loved the characters and how they all came together in the end.
Charlie is a prostitute that was picked up by her pimp, Dillon, when she was very young. When a shooting rocked her trailer while Dillon and her friend were inside, Charlie escaped before police arrived. After running through the woods for miles, she found herself in an Amish community where she would meet Lucinda, an Amish wife and mother.
Lucinda had met Charlie a few days earlier at the local market. Charlie was pale, skinny and looked hungry. When Lucinda offered Charlie some pies, Dillon had grabbed Charlie and threw her back in the car. Lucinda was worried about the girl and later found Charlie hiding in her barn.
Sadie is the local sheriff that is investigating the trailer shooting and believes there was another person inside that had escaped before she arrived.
While Sadie is questioning the town, she crosses paths with another investigator that is looking for a missing child, Charlie Baker, that might’ve been involved in a murder years ago.
This book was a very slow mystery but I really enjoyed the multiple POV’s from each woman. At the beginning, I was rooting for Charlie to live a normal life but near the end I was against Charlie and her actions.
I loved the characters and how they all came together in the end.
February 23, 2022
I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the FREE FROM SIN by Karen Ann Hopkins Blog Tour hosted
by Rockstar Book Tours.
A thrilling mystery read that will keep you up at night, yearning for more!
This book was an absolute thrill. It was compelling and the cliffhangers enthralled me. I am not one who likes learning literature or mentioning it, but the foreshadowing in every chapter ending was so good!
FREE FROM SIN is a gripping psychological crime thriller/mystery story about the intertwining
lives of three unlikely women in the hills of Kentucky, and the explosive results when a troubled
teenager has her day of reckoning.
I loved reading the different POV's of Charlie., Lucinda and and Sadie. The POV's gave different viewpoints of the plot and the story taking place, and it was really interesting to see how the plot was laid out from the different characters.
I think my favorite POV was both Charlie's and Sadie's. Their POV's were interesting and thriller. But I think my favorite character was mostly Lucinda because she was so nice and I just loved her character!
You should read this if you are into mysteries and thrillers!
by Rockstar Book Tours.
A thrilling mystery read that will keep you up at night, yearning for more!
This book was an absolute thrill. It was compelling and the cliffhangers enthralled me. I am not one who likes learning literature or mentioning it, but the foreshadowing in every chapter ending was so good!
FREE FROM SIN is a gripping psychological crime thriller/mystery story about the intertwining
lives of three unlikely women in the hills of Kentucky, and the explosive results when a troubled
teenager has her day of reckoning.
I loved reading the different POV's of Charlie., Lucinda and and Sadie. The POV's gave different viewpoints of the plot and the story taking place, and it was really interesting to see how the plot was laid out from the different characters.
I think my favorite POV was both Charlie's and Sadie's. Their POV's were interesting and thriller. But I think my favorite character was mostly Lucinda because she was so nice and I just loved her character!
You should read this if you are into mysteries and thrillers!
February 9, 2022
Let me start by saying boy am I glad there’s going to be a part two and that Karen Hopkins mentioned it because I was going to be ✨mad✨ if there wasn’t.
I loved this book. It kept me on edge every second, especially with some chapters ending with foreshadowing. I loved every characters perspective; Lucinda, Charlie and Sadie’s. I love how throughout the story we got a bit of a backstory on Charlie, without it being pushed into the story, it perfectly flowed with the storyline.
Lucinda,being the once rebellious teenager now a full-time Amish mother, falls prey to Charlie and it PERFECTLY flowed together, especially with how she puts Charlie into the community. Sadie being the sheriff was just an AMAZING element to the story, especially towards the end of the book. I loved how the setting helped out perfectly with the plot of the storyline.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I loved this book. It kept me on edge every second, especially with some chapters ending with foreshadowing. I loved every characters perspective; Lucinda, Charlie and Sadie’s. I love how throughout the story we got a bit of a backstory on Charlie, without it being pushed into the story, it perfectly flowed with the storyline.
Lucinda,being the once rebellious teenager now a full-time Amish mother, falls prey to Charlie and it PERFECTLY flowed together, especially with how she puts Charlie into the community. Sadie being the sheriff was just an AMAZING element to the story, especially towards the end of the book. I loved how the setting helped out perfectly with the plot of the storyline.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 27, 2022
When I first started this book, I thought it was going to be a bust as I hate books told from different points of view. In fact, I often avoid a book written in this manner. However, the story managed to drag me in. I loved the location, the hills of Kentucky, and was surprised to realize there were Amish communities in Kentucky. Being from the foothills of North Carolina, I can't believe I hadn't run across this fact before. In fact, there are nearly 8000 Amish in the state of Kentucky.
I loved the pacing of the story and was back and forth about my feelings for Charlie. The story was so compeling that I managed to complete it in several hours and I'm already looking forward to the next story in this series and checking out her Serenity's Plain Secrets series.
I loved the pacing of the story and was back and forth about my feelings for Charlie. The story was so compeling that I managed to complete it in several hours and I'm already looking forward to the next story in this series and checking out her Serenity's Plain Secrets series.
February 17, 2022
This is a must read for all thriller lovers. The author has a way of captivating the reader and drawing you in right from the very start. I really enjoyed that the story was told from 3 character's perspectives. They were all very different women but I loved them each in their own way. The plot was very well developed and I was on the edge of my seat the entire second half of the book. Lucinda was definitely my favorite and I would love to read more about her, but I'm happy to hear there will be another book with Sadie and Russo and can't wait to read it! Thank you to the author and Book sirens from whom I received an advanced review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 15, 2022
This book gives voice to the saying, 'no good deed goes unpunished.' The lives of three very different women from different backgrounds are intertwined in this story. The book was well written and dealt with different cultures as well as timely topics such as human trafficking without being overly weighed down in any one area. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading about relationships and their impact, positive and negative.
I received an arc of this book and voluntarily provided a review.
I received an arc of this book and voluntarily provided a review.
April 25, 2022
What a gripping and intense read! This book is suspenseful and plays mind-games with you from beginning to end. So many twists and turns to keep you guessing. The author stayed true to the location and true to the dynamics of such vastly different walks of life and the women who walk those walks. Living not that far from "Amish Country" myself, the setting, characters and motives were truly believable. I look forward to reading many more of this series!!
I received an advance review copy for free from BookSirens and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free from BookSirens and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 27, 2022
This was an interesting book this was my first exposure to this author but it wont be the last - especially since there is going to be a next chapter.
The characters were very well written and developed and the POV were not confusing and worked.
I liked the setting - Amish to be honest that is what attracted me to the book in the first place.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The characters were very well written and developed and the POV were not confusing and worked.
I liked the setting - Amish to be honest that is what attracted me to the book in the first place.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 23, 2022
Possum Gap is a small town in Kentucky. It has Amish and non-Amish people living there. Sheriff Sadie Mills and her sixteen-year-old daughter Chole live there. There are 3 main characters in the story, that happen just by chance to meet on the street. When multiple murders happen, these three characters' lives are about to collide with an explosive ending. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
February 28, 2022
Thriller
This was an interesting read. It is always good to read about the way things are in different areas of the country while enjoying an interesting read. The story was good and moved fairly quickly. You started out thinking one thing and then you had to adjust as you continued to read. A good read.
This was an interesting read. It is always good to read about the way things are in different areas of the country while enjoying an interesting read. The story was good and moved fairly quickly. You started out thinking one thing and then you had to adjust as you continued to read. A good read.
April 20, 2022
I won this book in a goodreads giveaway. This book is wonderful and I read it in a day. The story is fast-paced and there’s a twist in the middle that makes you keep reading until you see it resolved. I look forward to reading Sadie and Russo’s next cast in Possum Gap. Thank you to goodreads and the publisher for my copy!
February 22, 2022
Great "Possum Gap" start!
Wonderful story by a great author! Love the start of a new series by Karen. I have thoughrly enjoyed all here novels. Waiting for the next ones! Highly recommend her writings!
Wonderful story by a great author! Love the start of a new series by Karen. I have thoughrly enjoyed all here novels. Waiting for the next ones! Highly recommend her writings!
May 21, 2022
I absolutely love a good thriller and this book had me on the edge of my seat! About halfway through the book, I thought I solved 1 of the crimes. Then Mrs. Hopkins, gives another intriguing clue and I find out I am wrong. A really enjoyable read!
May 22, 2022
5 star+
Karen Ann Hopkins has always been one of my favorite Authors. There's never once been a book I've read by her that I didn't absolutely love. Looking forward to continuing on with this series.
Karen Ann Hopkins has always been one of my favorite Authors. There's never once been a book I've read by her that I didn't absolutely love. Looking forward to continuing on with this series.
June 16, 2022
Yay!
I'm so happy that my favorite writer started a new series! I already love Sadie, and can't wait to see what becomes of her. I feel a connection between her Russo, but is will it be romantic or friendship? I can't wait to find out!
I'm so happy that my favorite writer started a new series! I already love Sadie, and can't wait to see what becomes of her. I feel a connection between her Russo, but is will it be romantic or friendship? I can't wait to find out!
March 2, 2022
What a great read. Confident female sheriff in a small Kentucky town. I look forward to the next book in this series. I won this kindle copy in a Goodreads contest.
March 26, 2022
Well written and entertaining& informative. Thank you for selecting me as a winner . Karen
March 30, 2022
A great read and I liked all the characters. The setting was very unique. I liked the different storyline happening and felt it kept me very engaged. Will have to read more from the author.
April 7, 2022
Good mystery, I liked the characters and look forward to reading more! Come on book 2!
April 30, 2022
Couldn't put it down
An absolute page turner. Lots of unexpected twists and turns. I did not see the ending coming. You must read!!
An absolute page turner. Lots of unexpected twists and turns. I did not see the ending coming. You must read!!
June 2, 2022
This book kept me guessing. I’d say it was medium paced. Not quite a page turner, but a good read overall.
June 21, 2022
This book was one of the author’s best, with some surprising twists and turns!
February 17, 2025
“People were suffering everywhere just in different ways.”
“It would be so easy to end it right here. This was as good a place as any to die. Eventually, we all stop breathing. What difference does it make when it happens?”
A small town mystery/thriller from the eyes of three characters—a sheriff, an Amish woman, and a teen forced into prostitution. The three women’s lives collide when a homicide rocks the town of Possum Gap, Kentucky.
“It would be so easy to end it right here. This was as good a place as any to die. Eventually, we all stop breathing. What difference does it make when it happens?”
A small town mystery/thriller from the eyes of three characters—a sheriff, an Amish woman, and a teen forced into prostitution. The three women’s lives collide when a homicide rocks the town of Possum Gap, Kentucky.
November 21, 2022
Possum Gap
Lots of redneck, southern, hilljack ideas, stirred with lots of drugs and poverty, whipped into multiple murders, sex trafficking and topped off with some Amish and Englishers!
True adventure!! Female strong characters, Sadie Sheriff is an awesome force in this story!!
I cannot wait to read the 2nd book in this series!!
I have a new favorite author!!
Lots of redneck, southern, hilljack ideas, stirred with lots of drugs and poverty, whipped into multiple murders, sex trafficking and topped off with some Amish and Englishers!
True adventure!! Female strong characters, Sadie Sheriff is an awesome force in this story!!
I cannot wait to read the 2nd book in this series!!
I have a new favorite author!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews