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Sarah Woods Mystery #4
A Taste of Sin
Book 4 of the Sarah Woods Mystery Series
Shattered trust, sex tapes, and tainted libations ratchet up the stakes in A Taste of Sin. This fourth installment of the Sarah Woods Mystery Series finds Sarah engrossed in an emotional case involving a dying wife and a husband suspected of speeding her demise. Already ensconced in another case, the budding sleuth must help determine the relationship’s true nature before it reaches a tragic end.
Shattered trust, sex tapes, and tainted libations ratchet up the stakes in A Taste of Sin. This fourth installment of the Sarah Woods Mystery Series finds Sarah engrossed in an emotional case involving a dying wife and a husband suspected of speeding her demise. Already ensconced in another case, the budding sleuth must help determine the relationship’s true nature before it reaches a tragic end.
200 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 30, 2013
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444 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
September 12, 2017
A Taste of Sin is the fourth installment in the Sarah Woods mystery series. I had not read the previous three installments but felt that this did not impact my understanding of the plot or the characters.
Main character, Sarah Woods, is a training private detective and the story opens in a high impact scene including her breaking and entering a private residence and receiving a viscous dog bite as a result. So, she is not the most law-abiding or ethical of citizens, you could say. This promising start soon evolved into another story-line opening and this initial thread just seemed dropped within the narrative.
The primary plot that emerged involved a dying wife requesting for Sarah to establish whether her husband was spiking her drinks with drugs to speed-up her already early demise. The story was further muddied with the involvement of her recently reacquainted high-school friend, Linda, who also gets involved in attempting to solve the case.
I felt like far too much was attempted to be packed into just 175 pages: ideas were proposed and dropped repeatedly only to be picked back up again suddenly tens of pages later and whilst everything separately held interest for me, all combined together it became confusing and half-formed. Nothing was properly concluded and much felt unbelievable. I felt the police shared far too much with civilians, as did Sarah herself, and the plot points all converged together in an uncertain and unbelievable manner.
This story had potential but, for me, I found it poorly executed given the limited page number.
Main character, Sarah Woods, is a training private detective and the story opens in a high impact scene including her breaking and entering a private residence and receiving a viscous dog bite as a result. So, she is not the most law-abiding or ethical of citizens, you could say. This promising start soon evolved into another story-line opening and this initial thread just seemed dropped within the narrative.
The primary plot that emerged involved a dying wife requesting for Sarah to establish whether her husband was spiking her drinks with drugs to speed-up her already early demise. The story was further muddied with the involvement of her recently reacquainted high-school friend, Linda, who also gets involved in attempting to solve the case.
I felt like far too much was attempted to be packed into just 175 pages: ideas were proposed and dropped repeatedly only to be picked back up again suddenly tens of pages later and whilst everything separately held interest for me, all combined together it became confusing and half-formed. Nothing was properly concluded and much felt unbelievable. I felt the police shared far too much with civilians, as did Sarah herself, and the plot points all converged together in an uncertain and unbelievable manner.
This story had potential but, for me, I found it poorly executed given the limited page number.
January 30, 2015
Interesting story, just couple hours of reading.
Not much mystery or thrill. But at least Kindle was mentioned. Some things missed, like Linda meeting the lost brother at the wedding, but asking African American is he the brother of Emily. Sarah walking out of the house without her handbag. Also the cameras in Emily's kitchen never removed.
Not much mystery or thrill. But at least Kindle was mentioned. Some things missed, like Linda meeting the lost brother at the wedding, but asking African American is he the brother of Emily. Sarah walking out of the house without her handbag. Also the cameras in Emily's kitchen never removed.
November 12, 2020
Sarah Woods was getting better and better at this crime-solving stuff. What’s a few dog bites in the process?
In this book, it’s the first time Sarah was the lead in the case. This time, a dying woman wants to know if her husband’s been poisoning her. How could Sarah refuse her request? After all, she was in this for the betterment of society.
It’s easy to get into a Sarah Woods mystery. The answer is never what you’d expect.
In this book, it’s the first time Sarah was the lead in the case. This time, a dying woman wants to know if her husband’s been poisoning her. How could Sarah refuse her request? After all, she was in this for the betterment of society.
It’s easy to get into a Sarah Woods mystery. The answer is never what you’d expect.
May 16, 2013
Sophisticated and Stylish
Sarah Woods enters the house of a rapist to steal sex tapes back for her client. Then, she gets involved with what appears to be an attempted murder on a dying woman. She carouses with friends and keeps her lover in the loop. She jogs when she doesn't have anything better to do, and the story never stops running.
This is an old school mystery with modern sensibility and mannerisms. It's fun. It reads like butter, and there's no wonder the author is a best seller with the Sarah Woods series. A Taste of Sin should be no exception. The storyline is articulate, intricate and smart. All the characters are attractive and interesting. Well, the rapist is not attractive, but when he takes Sarah back to his place and gets her drunk, the moments that follow are so thrilling my Kindle almost imploded.
Nothing leads the reader toward the revelation in the end-- that's another masterpiece in itself. Overall, this is simply excellent writing and the biggest surprise is that the author and her books are not better known. Hello, Netflix? Yes, you. I want this on TV. Now.
Sarah Woods enters the house of a rapist to steal sex tapes back for her client. Then, she gets involved with what appears to be an attempted murder on a dying woman. She carouses with friends and keeps her lover in the loop. She jogs when she doesn't have anything better to do, and the story never stops running.
This is an old school mystery with modern sensibility and mannerisms. It's fun. It reads like butter, and there's no wonder the author is a best seller with the Sarah Woods series. A Taste of Sin should be no exception. The storyline is articulate, intricate and smart. All the characters are attractive and interesting. Well, the rapist is not attractive, but when he takes Sarah back to his place and gets her drunk, the moments that follow are so thrilling my Kindle almost imploded.
Nothing leads the reader toward the revelation in the end-- that's another masterpiece in itself. Overall, this is simply excellent writing and the biggest surprise is that the author and her books are not better known. Hello, Netflix? Yes, you. I want this on TV. Now.
November 13, 2015
I really enjoyed it. It's part of a series but It can be read as a stand alone book.
The story is tell by the main character Sarah and it's well written, a good mystery. It makes me want to keep reading this series and see how the characters develops.
I definitely recommend it.
The story is tell by the main character Sarah and it's well written, a good mystery. It makes me want to keep reading this series and see how the characters develops.
I definitely recommend it.
September 13, 2018
Sarah Woods Mysteries Book 4: A Taste of Sin (24 chapters) — Jennifer L. Jennings Sept. 11-12, 2018
Read as a part of Volume 2 of Sarah Woods Mystery Series.
There was a main plot and a few subplots going on in the story. Sarah is working on two separate cases: a rapist; and a woman who is dying and wants to find her brother.
The first case looks pretty cut and dried, but doesn’t get completely resolved until later in the book. There is foreshadowing that points to this that made me go: hmmm. Nice. In this story, Sarah is gaining a lot more independence, even when Carter (and Max) wants her to step back. Still, she’s becoming stronger and learning more. She has made a lot of changes since the first book and this reflects in the supporting characters that have come and gone.
In the second plot, or sub-plot, Sarah helps out a friend (Emily,) of a friend from high school, (Linda,) find her brother for medical reasons. But Emily is keeping secrets and when Sarah find out the real, she's put in an awkward position. But just as Sarah is figuring out what is going on, a scene caught on tape changes everything, making Sarah question if she should still train as a PI.
There wasn’t much Max in this story.
There were a few punctuation issues. But the story is still staying nice and short and I am happy I could read it in two nights over a five to six our period.
I’m starting to really like this author. She’s becoming my go-to cozy writer.
Three solid stars.
Read as a part of Volume 2 of Sarah Woods Mystery Series.
There was a main plot and a few subplots going on in the story. Sarah is working on two separate cases: a rapist; and a woman who is dying and wants to find her brother.
The first case looks pretty cut and dried, but doesn’t get completely resolved until later in the book. There is foreshadowing that points to this that made me go: hmmm. Nice. In this story, Sarah is gaining a lot more independence, even when Carter (and Max) wants her to step back. Still, she’s becoming stronger and learning more. She has made a lot of changes since the first book and this reflects in the supporting characters that have come and gone.
In the second plot, or sub-plot, Sarah helps out a friend (Emily,) of a friend from high school, (Linda,) find her brother for medical reasons. But Emily is keeping secrets and when Sarah find out the real, she's put in an awkward position. But just as Sarah is figuring out what is going on, a scene caught on tape changes everything, making Sarah question if she should still train as a PI.
There wasn’t much Max in this story.
There were a few punctuation issues. But the story is still staying nice and short and I am happy I could read it in two nights over a five to six our period.
I’m starting to really like this author. She’s becoming my go-to cozy writer.
Three solid stars.
September 18, 2018
This job was way beyond a sleuth in training, getting into a home, and stealing sex tapes for the client. What about the guy who was doing the tapes with these women. Intriguing of what was really the truth.
March 11, 2017
#4 in the Sarah Woods Mysteries.
Sarah is asked by a dying woman to prove that her husband is putting something in her drinks and trying to kill her before her time.
Sarah is asked by a dying woman to prove that her husband is putting something in her drinks and trying to kill her before her time.
May 11, 2023
It read nicely, except for a few missed points already pointed out by others. Was entertaining enough, I just didn’t like the ending left hanging about Emily getting caught.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 26, 2013
A Taste of Sin
Sarah, divorced, sold her massage business, and is now living on her own. Max is her kinda of live in boyfriend, and she is still working with Carter learning her new trade. Working as a PI or learning to be, can be dangerous. When the story starts she is breaking and entering. It is a creep that has been video taping him having sex with women, not always willingly. So when Sara is asked to steal the tapes back, she jumps at the chance to teach the jerk a lesson and hopeful send him to jail. After the job, a old high school, friend Linda and Sarah reconnect and reminisce. Talking about life and things in general, Sarah learns of Linda's very good friend. She is dying of liver failure and her only chances of surviving is finding her brother, who she has had a falling out with 3 yrs prior. When Sarah gets asked to take the case, her big heart, says of course she will help her. The only problem is, there is always more to the story than what appears. It is not a brother that she needs to find but the woman thinks her husband is trying to speed up her dying and poisoning her. As Sarah learns more, only more questions are just unearthed and the mystery deepens!! Can Sarah find out what is wrong before it is to late?
Jennifer Jennings did it again. Pulls you in the story on page one and drags you all the way through until the very end. Then at the end, you go "how the heck did I not see that or even suspect that coming?" I personally am not a mystery reader, but Jennifer caught me with Book 1, and then 2 and 3 and now 4. She is one mystery writer I always recommend for a really great read that keeps you guessing and wanting for more. Please Jennifer keep them coming and PLEASE send me any of the Sarah Woods stories. It is like reminiscing with an old friend. Thanks for the awesome read!! Contains some adult topics but nothing graphic, fine for 16 and up.
complimentary book given for a free review. juliesbookreview.blogspot.com
Sarah, divorced, sold her massage business, and is now living on her own. Max is her kinda of live in boyfriend, and she is still working with Carter learning her new trade. Working as a PI or learning to be, can be dangerous. When the story starts she is breaking and entering. It is a creep that has been video taping him having sex with women, not always willingly. So when Sara is asked to steal the tapes back, she jumps at the chance to teach the jerk a lesson and hopeful send him to jail. After the job, a old high school, friend Linda and Sarah reconnect and reminisce. Talking about life and things in general, Sarah learns of Linda's very good friend. She is dying of liver failure and her only chances of surviving is finding her brother, who she has had a falling out with 3 yrs prior. When Sarah gets asked to take the case, her big heart, says of course she will help her. The only problem is, there is always more to the story than what appears. It is not a brother that she needs to find but the woman thinks her husband is trying to speed up her dying and poisoning her. As Sarah learns more, only more questions are just unearthed and the mystery deepens!! Can Sarah find out what is wrong before it is to late?
Jennifer Jennings did it again. Pulls you in the story on page one and drags you all the way through until the very end. Then at the end, you go "how the heck did I not see that or even suspect that coming?" I personally am not a mystery reader, but Jennifer caught me with Book 1, and then 2 and 3 and now 4. She is one mystery writer I always recommend for a really great read that keeps you guessing and wanting for more. Please Jennifer keep them coming and PLEASE send me any of the Sarah Woods stories. It is like reminiscing with an old friend. Thanks for the awesome read!! Contains some adult topics but nothing graphic, fine for 16 and up.
complimentary book given for a free review. juliesbookreview.blogspot.com
May 29, 2013
A Taste of Sin is the third Sarah Woods mystery I have read, and the best of the lot so far. In earlier books, Sarah was an apprentice detective, still learning the ropes of the job, and dealing with a worn out marriage. In this one, she is doing journeyman detective work, divorced, but in a serious relationship. The main plot is the case of a woman whose failing health is the result of poisoning. The victim hires Sarah to find the culprit. The victim’s best friend suspects the husband, and Sarah pursues this line of inquiry. The best friend’s behavior suggests she may be involved. The victim’s alienated brother is another suspect, as are other characters. In a concurrent subplot, Sarah seeks evidence against a serial rapist in another case. In this one she engages in risky behavior that gets her into a tight spot.
The story moves along at a fast pace, with solid dialogue and good descriptions, suspense building as fresh clues pop up and new suspects appear. As usual, I thought I had this one figured out until the end, when the author pulled a switcheroo that caught me by surprise. I laughed when I realized she had tricked me. Very clever, Jennifer L. Jennings.
Highly recommended.
The story moves along at a fast pace, with solid dialogue and good descriptions, suspense building as fresh clues pop up and new suspects appear. As usual, I thought I had this one figured out until the end, when the author pulled a switcheroo that caught me by surprise. I laughed when I realized she had tricked me. Very clever, Jennifer L. Jennings.
Highly recommended.
June 17, 2013
This story has many of the elements I love. Sarah Woods is an amateur sleuth who has gotten hooked on detecting. She is a well-meaning but flawed person, just like most of us. In this adventure, she is trying to bring down a sleaze ball sexual predator and help a friend of a friend, a woman who is slowly dying. In the latter case, she thinks she is being hired to track down a long-lost brother but soon finds the client has a different agenda.
The twists and turns in this story will give you whiplash in a few places. I was a little dismayed that a therapist is represented as casually revealing that (1) someone is/was her client and (2) he has ‘anxiety issues.’ But I know most authors are not as familiar with these ethical no-no’s as I am, since psychology is my field. And this story is so well told that I quickly forgave Ms. Jennings for this.
I have now read numbers one, two and four of this novella series. They are quick and engaging reads. I somehow missed number three and I am off to correct that oversight right now. Please keep the series coming, Ms. Jennings.
The twists and turns in this story will give you whiplash in a few places. I was a little dismayed that a therapist is represented as casually revealing that (1) someone is/was her client and (2) he has ‘anxiety issues.’ But I know most authors are not as familiar with these ethical no-no’s as I am, since psychology is my field. And this story is so well told that I quickly forgave Ms. Jennings for this.
I have now read numbers one, two and four of this novella series. They are quick and engaging reads. I somehow missed number three and I am off to correct that oversight right now. Please keep the series coming, Ms. Jennings.
February 17, 2014
Sarah Woods is investigating a case where a dying wife is claiming her husband his poisoning her. Yet, Sarah is too emotional about the case to see the clues and the signs that the claims are not adding up. When she comes upon the gruesome surveillance footage, Sarah is only concerned about the dying wife. As Sarah is sucked into the web of lies, secrets and deceit she questions her own abilities to be a private investigator.
March 23, 2015
NICE LITTLE MYSTERY BUT I FIGURED IT OUT EARLY ON IN THIS SHORT BOOK. THIS IS A SERIES AND SUPPOSE TO BE STAND ALONE'S BUT THIS ENDED LEAVING A FEW UN-ANSWERED QUESTIONS, PROBABLY WILL CARRY ON INTO THE NEXT BOOK, I HOPE. I DID HAVE SOME QUESTIONS SO I GUESS YOU HAVE TO WAIT TO FIND OUT IN THE NEXT BOOK.;]
February 1, 2015
'A Taste of Sin' pulled me in from the start and didn't let go. I loved the storyline and how it played out. This is the only book I've read in this series, but it won't be the last. Full of mystery, some unbelievable scenarios and thrilling discoveries. The characters were great. I enjoyed Sarah's personality. She makes a great lead. This book is a great add to your tbr list. Recommended.
February 10, 2015
A woman is dying and seeks help from Sarah woods (an amatueur detective). She suspects her loving and kind (perceived) husband is speeding up her imminent death. IS she right? Well, this was a rather disappointing book. The language, the characters and the plot as it unfolds completely failed to keep the thrill and the suspense going. A been there and done that type book.
February 23, 2015
Good fast read that did not tie me up for days. This is the 4th book in the series and I have not read the other books. This book stands alone pretty well and I enjoyed it. Pretty good storyline even though I kind of had it figured out early on. But it was still interesting and I can see the potential for a "next book".
March 6, 2016
One of the best mystery books I've ever read. I am all praises for the author JL. Though her third book was obvious, this one just kept me awake n even prevented me from taking a cigarette break. Damn good. You couldn't even guess what was goin on until you reach the end. Highly recommended for lovers of suspense/thriller.
January 29, 2015
A TASTE OF SIN!
A FANTASTIC BOOK! LOVED THE CHARACTERS, PLOT AND STOREYLINE! THIS BOOK IS FANTASTIC! LOVED EVERY SECOND OF THIS OF THIS BOOK! I HOPE
YOU WLL TOO! SINCERLY, DIANE GALBURT
A FANTASTIC BOOK! LOVED THE CHARACTERS, PLOT AND STOREYLINE! THIS BOOK IS FANTASTIC! LOVED EVERY SECOND OF THIS OF THIS BOOK! I HOPE
YOU WLL TOO! SINCERLY, DIANE GALBURT
January 31, 2015
An ok read
This is an ok read. Light and relatively simplistic. Nothing special but not disappointing. Characters could use some development and situations could use some depth and a touch of reality.
This is an ok read. Light and relatively simplistic. Nothing special but not disappointing. Characters could use some development and situations could use some depth and a touch of reality.
March 21, 2015
Not my first Sarah Woods book. They do not have to be read in order to be enjoyed. I read book 9 first. I'm thinking I may want to read book 1 just because. Normally, in a mystery, I have it all figured out before the end but not this time.
June 23, 2015
Good book
I love the mystery of thinking you know someone but the ending sucks a little I with it went on with the trail scene those are always the best ones to read and I loved the hidden microphone in the necklace that was clever
I love the mystery of thinking you know someone but the ending sucks a little I with it went on with the trail scene those are always the best ones to read and I loved the hidden microphone in the necklace that was clever
August 26, 2013
I LOVE her books. Sarah Woods is a great main character. just downloaded book 5!
January 16, 2014
Clever plot twist. the criminal gets away.
October 22, 2014
Great book, now to find the rest of the series to read. So many books, so little time. Sigh........
Want to read
January 26, 2015#4 in the Sarah Woods mystery series. I noticed that #3 was to be the last one but there are now at least 13!
February 2, 2015
Enjoyable
For me 3 is a good rating just not great. Characters fine, plot ok and writing well done. I will read some of the others if priced cheaply
For me 3 is a good rating just not great. Characters fine, plot ok and writing well done. I will read some of the others if priced cheaply
February 9, 2015
What's next.
Enjoyed the book. A surprise ending leaving me wanting to read on. I did not read book 1 2 3 but wish I had. So I suppose I will do that.
Enjoyed the book. A surprise ending leaving me wanting to read on. I did not read book 1 2 3 but wish I had. So I suppose I will do that.
February 23, 2015
A Taste of Sin
Lots of twists and turns. Keeps you entertained to the end. I will definitely read more of Sarah Woods adventures!
Lots of twists and turns. Keeps you entertained to the end. I will definitely read more of Sarah Woods adventures!
April 3, 2015
very good
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews