This was a strong sixth entry in this series, it had that forensic mystery element that I wanted and glad I was able to read this type of book. The characters worked in this universes and that it continued this story perfectly. I thought Caroline Fardig wrote this perfectly and can’t wait for more from her.

Tried hard to read to the end – but I didn’t finish

This is the first book I have read by this author. I was not familiar with her previous works, so I read reviews on Goodreads and Amazon. All titles have been highly rated, so I assumed this book would match those excellent ratings. Unfortunately, I did not find this to be the case.

The central characters of this novel are Ellie Matthews and her estranged stepfather Marcus Copland. During her younger years, Ellie suffered tremendous physical and emotional abuse at the hands of Marcus. He is vividly drawn as a low life who “replaced women like you would replace a tire. When one got worn out, he’d ditch her and get a new one.”

The main plot revolves around “an apparent” self-administered drug overdose by Marcus. An investigation by Ellie and others discovers this may not be the case. Ellie is not sad to be rid of her stepfather but learns that here is a lot more to this case than originally thought.

Ellie, Nick Baxter, Sheriff Jayne Walsh and about two dozen others are involved in one way or another as the story becomes more and more intricate and convoluted. I eventually resorted to writing down the names of individuals and their relationships to each other as I couldn’t keep all of this straight in my head.

The story is very dark and became so complicated that toward the end of the book, I really didn’t care who had done what to whom. A reviewer of book one in this series wrote that it was “easy to follow”. I certainly would not describe this book with those words. Hopefully others will enjoy this book much more than I did and prove me wrong.

Thank you to Severn River Publishing and Goodreads for providing me with an advanced reader copy for review.

Great book! It is the sixth book in a series that I have not read yet and still couldn't put it down. I need to go back and read the series from the beginning. I loved her Java Jive series and "Sins of the Father" has much more depth to it. Ellie is a great character!

It looks like I am in the minority of readers of Sins Of the Father. I don't mind that as we all see things differently. I thought the novel centered on too many lowlifes and offered no one for the reader to care much about. There were too many characters, especially law enforcement personnel. We have multiple murders over some nine years and I wondered why. A clear, concise murder mystery is not impossible to write and I would encourage author Caroline Fardig to narrow her goals on her next attempt.
Thanks NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

The relative tranquility of Ellie Matthews’s life in Sins of the Father by Caroline Fardig is shattered when her estranged stepfather Marcus resurfaces, pleading for help against an unknown danger. Ellie’s peaceful sanctuary is quickly tainted by an ongoing murder investigation. The victim: Marcus's ex-wife, Katie.

I like Ellie; she is a strong female protagonist. Sins of the Father is the sixth book in this forensic mystery series. I have read some of the other books in this series, but I feel this book can be read as a standalone book.

The story kept me guessing, and the revelations in the book are quite good, some eye-opening and shocking.

I would recommend this author, who has a knack for telling an intriguing story and would recommend this book.

#NetGalley @SvrnRvrPublish

"Sins of the Father" is a gripping and compelling addition to Caroline Fardig's Ellie Matthews series, delivering a thrilling narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats from start to finish.

This book was my introduction to Caroline Fardig's work, and I was immediately drawn into Ellie Matthews's world. The seamless blend of suspense, mystery, and emotional depth made it impossible to put down. In fact, I enjoyed it so much that I went back to the beginning of the series and am already halfway through book two. While "Sins of the Father" can be read as a standalone, I highly recommend starting with book one to fully appreciate the character development and overarching storyline.

Fans of authors like Kendra Elliot, Melinda Leigh, and Lisa Regan will find themselves right at home in Fardig's skillful hands. The intricate plot twists, layered characters, and relentless pacing make this a five-star read for anyone who loves a good mystery.

The synopsis of "Sins of the Father" hints at the complex journey Ellie Matthews embarks on when her past collides with a present-day murder investigation. Fardig deftly navigates themes of family secrets, betrayal, and redemption, keeping readers guessing until the final page. Ellie's determination to uncover the truth, even when faced with danger and uncertainty, makes her a protagonist worth rooting for.

What sets this book apart is Fardig's ability to weave together multiple threads of suspense while delving into the emotional turmoil of her characters. The revelations throughout the story are both shocking and satisfying, culminating in a conclusion that leaves readers wanting more.

In summary, "Sins of the Father" is a standout novel in the Ellie Matthews series, showcasing Caroline Fardig's talent for crafting gripping mysteries with heart. I eagerly anticipate the next installment and recommend this book to anyone craving a captivating read that keeps them guessing until the very end.

Thanks to Ms Fardig, the publisher and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Wow! That's some messed up characters!! Great read!! This book had everything! It had suspense, intrigue, action packed, murder, mystery, serial killers, a fantastic who done it that I didn't see coming, and some crazy twists and turns! The storyline was very interesting and had me glued to my Kindle! I highly recommend reading this book! Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for sharing this book with me!
When the sins of the past come knocking on her door, Ellie Matthews must confront her darkest fears. The relative tranquility of Ellie Matthews’s life is shattered when her estranged stepfather Marcus resurfaces, pleading for help against an unknown danger. Ellie’s peaceful sanctuary is quickly tainted by an ongoing murder investigation. The victim: Marcus's ex-wife, Katie. When investigators set out to question Marcus, he is nowhere to be found. In a jarring twist, Marcus dies in an apparent drug overdose. When Ellie and Detective Baxter search Marcus’s residence after his demise, they find unsettling evidence linking him to a series of murders, including the death of Ellie's own mother. Despite the mounting evidence against Marcus, the case isn’t sitting right with Ellie. Was Marcus a cold-blooded killer, or was he being set up for the perfect crime?!