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Series #1
Sins of Our Fathers
Attorney Elizabeth Campbell turned her back on her silver spoon upbringing and finds emotional fulfillment in her work at a nonprofit legal clinic, much to the dismay of her parents. Her propensity for bending the law, as well as uttering a few choice phrases, makes her pairing with a Catholic priest to investigate the case of a simple man with an IQ of a child, who confessed to a brutal killing, a challenge. But solving a gruesome murder is not even her greatest trial—it’s her growing attraction to sexy but cranky Detective Grace Donovan who is hell-bent on keeping her client in prison. While chasing a mystery that found its way from the concentration camps of WWII to an abandoned Catholic school, Elizabeth and Grace struggle to set personal boundaries, as their relationship slowly evolves from one of hostility to indifference, to something neither wishes to define.
264 pages, Paperback
Published March 14, 2017
8 people are currently reading
181 people want to read
About the author
A. Rose Mathieu
2 books21 followersA. Rose Mathieu has been a practicing attorney in California for more than twenty years and finds her most rewarding work to be with working with underserved populations. By challenging laws and bringing suits for those with too small of a voice, she has changed legislation for the better. She has always enjoyed writing as an outlet, particularly crafting mysteries with comic relief. Her first try in writing began in fifth grade with a short story that won her the top award in the state. To fill her mother’s dream of seeing her write, A. Rose picked up the pen again and began to write as an adult with her life experiences.
A. Rose lives with her wife of nearly twenty years and their two children, spending weekends dividing and conquering a very busy school and sports schedule.
A. Rose lives with her wife of nearly twenty years and their two children, spending weekends dividing and conquering a very busy school and sports schedule.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
April 2, 2019
Extraordinary debut!
First and foremost its well deserving of Ms.Mathieu for taking the risk with both the topic and subject matters which were all interwoven both in the well told storylines and plot twists from the first page to the very last -- which to me & other interested readers needed all this information because it sure was one glorious tale. It might easily be one of the best books so far that i have read this year (2017) This story involved:- little romance but lots of action,very suspenseful,a lot of Gov't corruption,brutal & graphic serial killings,great chemistry & connection with characters,then there was that great energy between those two leading ladies (Elizabeth & Grace) who were so very devoted to their crafts (jobs) but then on one hand so different in personalities and yet so absolutely equals when they put their minds and facts together. The author did take her time in drawing each character out - even their backstories were cleverly crafted -- plus all the scenes were set and you as readers felt the story as much as see it and as you read along prickling to the chemistry between each characters was just dynamic it really jumps off these pages. There is also rage,good dialogue,good editing,agonizing loss,conflicting and controversial stuff between the Catholic Church and their priests,betrayal,retelling of past actions & sufferings,heartbreaking,lots of past drama,well researched information by the author,fast-paced,believable moments that will stay with some readers long after the last chapter ends. Recommended to everyone!
First and foremost its well deserving of Ms.Mathieu for taking the risk with both the topic and subject matters which were all interwoven both in the well told storylines and plot twists from the first page to the very last -- which to me & other interested readers needed all this information because it sure was one glorious tale. It might easily be one of the best books so far that i have read this year (2017) This story involved:- little romance but lots of action,very suspenseful,a lot of Gov't corruption,brutal & graphic serial killings,great chemistry & connection with characters,then there was that great energy between those two leading ladies (Elizabeth & Grace) who were so very devoted to their crafts (jobs) but then on one hand so different in personalities and yet so absolutely equals when they put their minds and facts together. The author did take her time in drawing each character out - even their backstories were cleverly crafted -- plus all the scenes were set and you as readers felt the story as much as see it and as you read along prickling to the chemistry between each characters was just dynamic it really jumps off these pages. There is also rage,good dialogue,good editing,agonizing loss,conflicting and controversial stuff between the Catholic Church and their priests,betrayal,retelling of past actions & sufferings,heartbreaking,lots of past drama,well researched information by the author,fast-paced,believable moments that will stay with some readers long after the last chapter ends. Recommended to everyone!
March 4, 2017
There has been a lot of debut novels, from Bold Strokes Books authors, coming out this month. This was the best of the bunch and by far the best written. I was surprised this was a debut book, as Mathieu seems like a seasoned author already. This is an exciting mystery that I really enjoyed, and am hopeful there will be a sequel soon.
The story is about Elizabeth, a lawyer who takes cases for people that can normally not afford an attorney. The Mayor is trying to prove he is running a transparent office, asks organizations, like Elizabeth's, to look over previous cases for just convictions. When Elizabeth reads the case of a low IQ man, put away for a priests murder, the case does not sit right with her. The more she looks into the case, the more people warn her to stay out of it. Elizabeth can't let this go, with a possible innocent man in prison. Can this case cost her her job, or even worse her life?
The mystery of this book is really well done. The ways the clues unfold, and the story unwinds, is just so well written. Everything makes sense and all the pieces come together well. While it was not hard to guess correctly who the murderer is, the mystery is still well done and exciting. This is the kind of good mystery book that I love, and will remember for a long time.
I cannot really say this is a romance. While there is a potential for Elizabeth, we are at the absolute beginning stages. The book ended with a possibility for a sequel. I really hope there will be, and we will get to see a relationship form. I hope Mathieu will take the opportunity to develop the character of Detective Grace more. We really don't know much about her character yet, and I look forward to connect to her. Elizabeth on the other hand, is a well fleshed out, extremely likeable character. I absolutely want more adventures with her.
I really enjoyed this book, and highly recommend this to mystery fans. I'm keeping everything crossed for a book 2, and will absolutely read anything by Mathieu's, that she writes.
An ARC was given to me by BSB, for a honest review.
The story is about Elizabeth, a lawyer who takes cases for people that can normally not afford an attorney. The Mayor is trying to prove he is running a transparent office, asks organizations, like Elizabeth's, to look over previous cases for just convictions. When Elizabeth reads the case of a low IQ man, put away for a priests murder, the case does not sit right with her. The more she looks into the case, the more people warn her to stay out of it. Elizabeth can't let this go, with a possible innocent man in prison. Can this case cost her her job, or even worse her life?
The mystery of this book is really well done. The ways the clues unfold, and the story unwinds, is just so well written. Everything makes sense and all the pieces come together well. While it was not hard to guess correctly who the murderer is, the mystery is still well done and exciting. This is the kind of good mystery book that I love, and will remember for a long time.
I cannot really say this is a romance. While there is a potential for Elizabeth, we are at the absolute beginning stages. The book ended with a possibility for a sequel. I really hope there will be, and we will get to see a relationship form. I hope Mathieu will take the opportunity to develop the character of Detective Grace more. We really don't know much about her character yet, and I look forward to connect to her. Elizabeth on the other hand, is a well fleshed out, extremely likeable character. I absolutely want more adventures with her.
I really enjoyed this book, and highly recommend this to mystery fans. I'm keeping everything crossed for a book 2, and will absolutely read anything by Mathieu's, that she writes.
An ARC was given to me by BSB, for a honest review.
November 19, 2018
My first by Ms.Mathieu and I was blown away. What captivated me the most was the portrayal of attorney Elizabeth Campbell the lyrics butcher, owner of a backpack filled with heavy duty flashlights, bolt cutters, and a crowbar, a hardworking/compassionate attorney, a lesbian and drove like a Nascar racer.
When Elizabeth was asked by her supervisor to review some cases, she came across an interesting one and decided to pursue it. That was where all hell broke loose as Elizabeth began to investigate and uncovering a plot that was even more sinister than she first suspected.
Along the investigation, she had a hate to hatred association with a hot/stubborn/moody female detective, got a Catholic priest as her confidant/breaking and entering partner, watched her hoity - toity parents had an unexpected attitude adjustment.
If you're looking for romance, there wasn't any but every scene where Elizabeth and Grace were in together, your finger might go to the top right corner and bookmarked the page.. That's what I did. Ms.Mathieu did put her readers out of misery with an explosive scene involving the hs. Can't tell you where, you'll just have to find out.
I truly love Elizabeth, she is imperfectly perfect and I hope that you'll fall even a tiny little bit with her when you read this highly recommended book.
When Elizabeth was asked by her supervisor to review some cases, she came across an interesting one and decided to pursue it. That was where all hell broke loose as Elizabeth began to investigate and uncovering a plot that was even more sinister than she first suspected.
Along the investigation, she had a hate to hatred association with a hot/stubborn/moody female detective, got a Catholic priest as her confidant/breaking and entering partner, watched her hoity - toity parents had an unexpected attitude adjustment.
If you're looking for romance, there wasn't any but every scene where Elizabeth and Grace were in together, your finger might go to the top right corner and bookmarked the page.. That's what I did. Ms.Mathieu did put her readers out of misery with an explosive scene involving the hs. Can't tell you where, you'll just have to find out.
I truly love Elizabeth, she is imperfectly perfect and I hope that you'll fall even a tiny little bit with her when you read this highly recommended book.
March 9, 2017
Loved it.
Elizabeth Campbell is funny, courageous, dedicated and a force to be reckoned with. Yes there are lesbians but the focus is on the mystery and I was fully involved, thoroughly engrossed. How can the reader not root for Elizabeth. She is endearing and engaging. She is fearless and at times reckless. She is a lawyer working in a free clinic fighting for the rights of the poor and those forgotten by society. When she decides to defend a man with the IQ of child convicted of a murder he could not possibly have committed we know she will do everything in her power to prove Raymond’s innocence.
This would be classified as a legal thriller and it’s the kind of read which when you finish, you want to start over with the book just to see which clues you missed on the first run through.This is not a romance but there is a romance brewing. There is a potential love interest, Grace Donovan, a cop and someone I hope we see more of in the future but this is Elizabeth’s mystery to solve from the beginning.
I had my suspicions of who the (eventual) serial killer would be but I enjoyed watching the author pick off my likely suspects one by one. Mathieu gives the reader a merry chase as this story of buried secrets and revenge is revealed. I may have questioned the science but couldn’t deny my fascination with and eagerness to unravel the mystery. I love a good whodunnit.
Impressive debut. I am looking forward to whatever Ms. Mathieu has in store for readers who love a good thriller and enjoy a well written story.
4.5 stars
eARC received with thanks from Bold Strokes Books via NetGalley for review.
Elizabeth Campbell is funny, courageous, dedicated and a force to be reckoned with. Yes there are lesbians but the focus is on the mystery and I was fully involved, thoroughly engrossed. How can the reader not root for Elizabeth. She is endearing and engaging. She is fearless and at times reckless. She is a lawyer working in a free clinic fighting for the rights of the poor and those forgotten by society. When she decides to defend a man with the IQ of child convicted of a murder he could not possibly have committed we know she will do everything in her power to prove Raymond’s innocence.
This would be classified as a legal thriller and it’s the kind of read which when you finish, you want to start over with the book just to see which clues you missed on the first run through.This is not a romance but there is a romance brewing. There is a potential love interest, Grace Donovan, a cop and someone I hope we see more of in the future but this is Elizabeth’s mystery to solve from the beginning.
I had my suspicions of who the (eventual) serial killer would be but I enjoyed watching the author pick off my likely suspects one by one. Mathieu gives the reader a merry chase as this story of buried secrets and revenge is revealed. I may have questioned the science but couldn’t deny my fascination with and eagerness to unravel the mystery. I love a good whodunnit.
Impressive debut. I am looking forward to whatever Ms. Mathieu has in store for readers who love a good thriller and enjoy a well written story.
4.5 stars
eARC received with thanks from Bold Strokes Books via NetGalley for review.
March 23, 2017
When I pick up a murder mystery, I usually expect (and get) a grim and serious read. Especially one with a title and cover as ominous as this book. The opening scene alone sent chills up my spine. But this is a murder mystery with a twist--and I'm not referring to the plot twist. There's a generous sprinkling of humor throughout in an otherwise grim and chilling hunt for a vicious killer. It's unusual but the bigger question is, does it work?
The star of this book is Atty. Elizabeth Campbell. Born with a silver spoon and a trust fund, she's been groomed to follow in her father's footsteps to a lucrative law career. But Elizabeth is a bit of a maverick. Instead of joining her father's CRAK law firm (pun intended), she works for a non-profit called Southern Indigent Legal Center, sort of like the real-life SPLC but without the million dollar endowments ;). As such, her office digs feature a scarred desk, an evil chair that flips unwary clients, a growling copier, and an almost-pet rat. Even so, she still prefers working for the poor and defenseless rather than the rich and mostly guilty.
As a favor to the mayor, she is assigned by her boss to review some old legal cases. One of them catches her attention: the sadistic torture/murder of a Catholic priest. The killer confessed and a search of his belongings turned up evidence directly linking him to the crime. It seemed pretty straightforward. Except that the killer has the mental acuity of a child, someone who didn't seem capable of the elaborate and very deliberate display of the victim's body. Her investigation leads her to Detective Grace Donovan, the killer's arresting officer. Elizabeth is immediately taken by the woman's arresting looks. ;)
At this point, I would normally say 'and sparks ensue...' but sadly....that's not the case here. :) After being introduced and even getting her own POV, the detective practically disappears from the narrative for a good while, while the lawyer does all the investigating without her. This is pretty much the Elizabeth Campbell show. I don't understand why the Detective character got such a sympathetic and seemingly important treatment near the start (during her own POV) thus whetting the reader's appetite but then she is completely under-utilized and made to appear almost caricaturist the rest of the book as the testy, irritable and stuck-up sidekick. It doesn't add up. Why invest so much in the character and not use her afterwards? Hmm... unless...this is not the end of the story. A sequel in the works, maybe?
The obvious victim of the lack of physical interaction between lawyer Elizabeth and detective Grace is of course, the romance. There is practically none in the book. Tension, there is. Denial, lots of it. Awkwardness, yeps, in leaps and bounds. Romance, zilch. Unless you call that awkward thing they do towards the end...'romance'. But here's the thing. The book doesn't really need it. There's a labyrinthine mystery to solve. There's no need to force them to be together at the end. Especially since they barely know each other. Sometimes just the hint or promise of things to come is enough. And it's also a perfect excuse to do a sequel. ;)
I mentioned before that there is a lot of humor in the book. It seemed unusually cheerful for a book with such a grim topic and even more gruesome visuals. The scariest parts of the book have to do with Elizabeth while on her investigations....but the humorous banter/situations are softening the blow. I like humor. But I like being scared even more. It's why I read thrillers. My initial reaction was one of confusion. Why introduce humor into the scary parts? It wasn't until towards the end of the book that I realized what the author was trying to achieve. There's a method to the madness, after all. And it's genius. The secret is
And that brings me to the reason why I'm giving this book a high rating: the Plot. Even more than being scared, I love being surprised. There is just something about unexpected twists in a book that never fails to win me over. Any author who can make me go, 'WTF!' has got my vote. Twist aside, the rest of the plot is still complicated and fairly plausible enough (e.g not too many eye-roll moments) to keep me fully engaged, which isn't to say it's airtight. More like, not leaking like a sieve. :) I also need to mention that even though the lead character is a lawyer, thus is not a legal procedural. Court appearances and legal maneuvers take up a scant 10% of the book, maybe less. Elizabeth plays detective the rest of the time. At first not very good or efficient, but she gets progressively better at it once she gets used to thinking like a detective. By the end of the book, I pretty much understood why she can't be the lawyer her father wants her to be. In fact, I think she's in the wrong profession. :) The excitement she gets when out in the field, her willingness to lie and even break the law (lost count of how many felonies she may have committed and cringed at how much evidence she tainted), her sharp analytical mind and deductive reasoning, her daredevil driving (lol), and pretty much everything about her psyche screams "investigator". I'll bet she'll make an excellent private eye. ;)
4.45 stars
ARC from Netgalley
The star of this book is Atty. Elizabeth Campbell. Born with a silver spoon and a trust fund, she's been groomed to follow in her father's footsteps to a lucrative law career. But Elizabeth is a bit of a maverick. Instead of joining her father's CRAK law firm (pun intended), she works for a non-profit called Southern Indigent Legal Center, sort of like the real-life SPLC but without the million dollar endowments ;). As such, her office digs feature a scarred desk, an evil chair that flips unwary clients, a growling copier, and an almost-pet rat. Even so, she still prefers working for the poor and defenseless rather than the rich and mostly guilty.
As a favor to the mayor, she is assigned by her boss to review some old legal cases. One of them catches her attention: the sadistic torture/murder of a Catholic priest. The killer confessed and a search of his belongings turned up evidence directly linking him to the crime. It seemed pretty straightforward. Except that the killer has the mental acuity of a child, someone who didn't seem capable of the elaborate and very deliberate display of the victim's body. Her investigation leads her to Detective Grace Donovan, the killer's arresting officer. Elizabeth is immediately taken by the woman's arresting looks. ;)
At this point, I would normally say 'and sparks ensue...' but sadly....that's not the case here. :) After being introduced and even getting her own POV, the detective practically disappears from the narrative for a good while, while the lawyer does all the investigating without her. This is pretty much the Elizabeth Campbell show. I don't understand why the Detective character got such a sympathetic and seemingly important treatment near the start (during her own POV) thus whetting the reader's appetite but then she is completely under-utilized and made to appear almost caricaturist the rest of the book as the testy, irritable and stuck-up sidekick. It doesn't add up. Why invest so much in the character and not use her afterwards? Hmm... unless...this is not the end of the story. A sequel in the works, maybe?
The obvious victim of the lack of physical interaction between lawyer Elizabeth and detective Grace is of course, the romance. There is practically none in the book. Tension, there is. Denial, lots of it. Awkwardness, yeps, in leaps and bounds. Romance, zilch. Unless you call that awkward thing they do towards the end...'romance'. But here's the thing. The book doesn't really need it. There's a labyrinthine mystery to solve. There's no need to force them to be together at the end. Especially since they barely know each other. Sometimes just the hint or promise of things to come is enough. And it's also a perfect excuse to do a sequel. ;)
I mentioned before that there is a lot of humor in the book. It seemed unusually cheerful for a book with such a grim topic and even more gruesome visuals. The scariest parts of the book have to do with Elizabeth while on her investigations....but the humorous banter/situations are softening the blow. I like humor. But I like being scared even more. It's why I read thrillers. My initial reaction was one of confusion. Why introduce humor into the scary parts? It wasn't until towards the end of the book that I realized what the author was trying to achieve. There's a method to the madness, after all. And it's genius. The secret is
And that brings me to the reason why I'm giving this book a high rating: the Plot. Even more than being scared, I love being surprised. There is just something about unexpected twists in a book that never fails to win me over. Any author who can make me go, 'WTF!' has got my vote. Twist aside, the rest of the plot is still complicated and fairly plausible enough (e.g not too many eye-roll moments) to keep me fully engaged, which isn't to say it's airtight. More like, not leaking like a sieve. :) I also need to mention that even though the lead character is a lawyer, thus is not a legal procedural. Court appearances and legal maneuvers take up a scant 10% of the book, maybe less. Elizabeth plays detective the rest of the time. At first not very good or efficient, but she gets progressively better at it once she gets used to thinking like a detective. By the end of the book, I pretty much understood why she can't be the lawyer her father wants her to be. In fact, I think she's in the wrong profession. :) The excitement she gets when out in the field, her willingness to lie and even break the law (lost count of how many felonies she may have committed and cringed at how much evidence she tainted), her sharp analytical mind and deductive reasoning, her daredevil driving (lol), and pretty much everything about her psyche screams "investigator". I'll bet she'll make an excellent private eye. ;)
4.45 stars
ARC from Netgalley
February 27, 2017
Attorney Elizabeth Campbell is a fearless legal badass. Born into privileged upper crust family, Elizabeth was set to follow in her father’s footsteps. Much to her parent’s dismay, Elizabeth decided to work in a nonprofit legal clinic arena instead of corporate law. This character follows her heart, even when it leads her to scary dark basements chasing killers in the dead of night. She is a Sherlock Holmes with a side of Perry Mason. I’m not kidding when I say she is fearless! I will also say she is a character that steals your heart because she is so inherently good even when she is bending/breaking the law.
Assigned to review old cases for the mayor’s office, Elizabeth comes across one particular conviction that just doesn’t add up. A special needs man, Raymond, was imprisoned for the brutal killing a Catholic priest. Elizabeth follows her gut and digs for clues, demanding justice for the perceived innocent man. As Raymond’s case is re-opened as the murders start again, same modus operandi only this time Raymond was behind bars.
I’m not giving you anymore, the twists and turns in this story are fabulous. Sins of Our Fathers is well written and focused. This does not read like the work of a first-time author. Mathieu builds up the tension and throws you into the action. You feel your heart pounding right along with Elizabeth. This heroine needs no saving but there is the occasional help of a super cute but cantankerous police detective, Grace Donovan.
A romance this is not, oh it’s there, it’s just ultra-light. I feel like we may be building this relationship in a future book. What this is, is a well throughout mystery, with great details and enough curveballs to keep you guessing to the end. I’m hoping this is the first of many times we see Elizabeth and Grace in action. 4.25 stars
Assigned to review old cases for the mayor’s office, Elizabeth comes across one particular conviction that just doesn’t add up. A special needs man, Raymond, was imprisoned for the brutal killing a Catholic priest. Elizabeth follows her gut and digs for clues, demanding justice for the perceived innocent man. As Raymond’s case is re-opened as the murders start again, same modus operandi only this time Raymond was behind bars.
I’m not giving you anymore, the twists and turns in this story are fabulous. Sins of Our Fathers is well written and focused. This does not read like the work of a first-time author. Mathieu builds up the tension and throws you into the action. You feel your heart pounding right along with Elizabeth. This heroine needs no saving but there is the occasional help of a super cute but cantankerous police detective, Grace Donovan.
A romance this is not, oh it’s there, it’s just ultra-light. I feel like we may be building this relationship in a future book. What this is, is a well throughout mystery, with great details and enough curveballs to keep you guessing to the end. I’m hoping this is the first of many times we see Elizabeth and Grace in action. 4.25 stars
February 4, 2017
4.5 stars
As far as page turning legal thrillers go, this is one of the best I've read in a very, very long time. The story is told mostly from Elizabeth's POV, but due to the amount of players, so to speak, the reader gets into a number of heads.
The story is beautifully told, or should I say shown. Even the not so beautiful, at times gruesome, parts.
My heart went out to Raymond, and I'm glad he had Elizabeth and her parents in his corner. Although I figured out around the 55-60% who was responsible for the killings it didn't detract from my reading experience. I was so sure I was right, I kept reading like a woman possessed to find out if I was correct.
I expected Grace to have a lot more page time given the blurb, the appearances she did make were wonderful. I loved the banter between Elizabeth and Beth. However, any form of romance takes a backseat until just before the curtain comes down.
Judging by the ending, there's more to come, and I for one can't wait.
Copy provided by Bold Stroke Books, via NetGalley
As far as page turning legal thrillers go, this is one of the best I've read in a very, very long time. The story is told mostly from Elizabeth's POV, but due to the amount of players, so to speak, the reader gets into a number of heads.
The story is beautifully told, or should I say shown. Even the not so beautiful, at times gruesome, parts.
My heart went out to Raymond, and I'm glad he had Elizabeth and her parents in his corner. Although I figured out around the 55-60% who was responsible for the killings it didn't detract from my reading experience. I was so sure I was right, I kept reading like a woman possessed to find out if I was correct.
I expected Grace to have a lot more page time given the blurb, the appearances she did make were wonderful. I loved the banter between Elizabeth and Beth. However, any form of romance takes a backseat until just before the curtain comes down.
Judging by the ending, there's more to come, and I for one can't wait.
Copy provided by Bold Stroke Books, via NetGalley
August 3, 2018
This is the debut novel by this author who has delivered a page-turner packed of twists and turns with an unexpected ending. If you are interested in the romance aspect, unfortunately, there isn't much of it. Moreover, the main characters don't share much time in the plot together. However, I think the author is going to write a sequel as there is a lot of potential for their relationship and there is also a cliffhanger left at the very end of the book that will leave you wanting to know more.
A great accomplishment of this story is the characters' development, not only the main but also the secondary ones that are multilayered, have very distinctive personalities and add a realistic feel to the plot.
Warning for susceptible readers: this book contains descriptions of gruesome murders and events, however, I didn't find them disturbing enough to stop me from reading and I'm normally quite sensitive. Additionally, the author adds a great deal of humour, banter and wry comments that compensate for the gruesome parts.
Overall, very good fast paced thriller. Can't wait for a sequel. 4 stars.
ARC provided by the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
See all my reviews at
www.lezreviewbooks.com
A great accomplishment of this story is the characters' development, not only the main but also the secondary ones that are multilayered, have very distinctive personalities and add a realistic feel to the plot.
Warning for susceptible readers: this book contains descriptions of gruesome murders and events, however, I didn't find them disturbing enough to stop me from reading and I'm normally quite sensitive. Additionally, the author adds a great deal of humour, banter and wry comments that compensate for the gruesome parts.
Overall, very good fast paced thriller. Can't wait for a sequel. 4 stars.
ARC provided by the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
See all my reviews at
www.lezreviewbooks.com
April 8, 2024
4 stars
Wow. This is surprisingly good. And I say surprisingly, because I strongly dislike amateur sleuths, which one of the MCs is.
I liked how the players were known most of the time and yet it still kept an element of surprise regarding the "who did what and why".
The decades old "conspiracy" was also very good and, considering what I remember from my high school history lessons (both those about the catholic church and about WWII), not completely implausible (which is something I don't really want to think about too much, otherwise I'd lose more faith in humanity than I already have).
Wow. This is surprisingly good. And I say surprisingly, because I strongly dislike amateur sleuths, which one of the MCs is.
I liked how the players were known most of the time and yet it still kept an element of surprise regarding the "who did what and why".
The decades old "conspiracy" was also very good and, considering what I remember from my high school history lessons (both those about the catholic church and about WWII), not completely implausible (which is something I don't really want to think about too much, otherwise I'd lose more faith in humanity than I already have).
March 7, 2017
Really good mystery with a great main character. Elizabeth is bold and confident except when she's not. Those moments are quite endearing. I wish there had been a little romance with Detective-Grace. Hopefully, the author is saving that for book 2.
This was a well-written book. Good plot, nicely paced with plenty of surprises. Well-developed characters.
Would definitely read this author again and really hoping for a sequel.
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This was a well-written book. Good plot, nicely paced with plenty of surprises. Well-developed characters.
Would definitely read this author again and really hoping for a sequel.
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
August 11, 2018
This story is so captivating ! Elizabeth is the weird friend I wished I had in real life because our friendship would never be boring. This is one tough and hilarious lady because she stumbles around trying to solve a bizarre murder case while she takes care of her other clients’ cases. I can’t count the number of times I laughed out loudly at Elizabeth’s Sherlock Holmes antics and her dry and sarcastic sense of humour. I am really looking forward to the sequel to this awesome story.
June 16, 2019
Truth be told, I stumbled upon A. Rose Mathieu's 2017 debut novel, "Sins Of Our Fathers" sometime last year and quickly placed it on my reading queue primarily because of the "sinfully" ill-omened cover beckoning me so resistance was futile for me, tbh! You know me and spellbindingly aesthetic art! And then, there was the title with the familiar phrase which, to my delight, would equate to the saying, "old sins cast long shadows," which could only mean - hidden past, unsolved mystery, convergence of the past, present and future with intertwining stories - that I could look forward to in Mathieu's book! Why, then, wait until now to read it? Blame my horridly LONG reading queue and...timing....mood. Yup, that's it. So now that I'm in the mood for some good lesfic crime/mystery/thriller, I thought it was perfect timing for me to read it. Well, I inhaled it. At no time at all because...what a page-turner, it was!! Utterly brilliant writing and storytelling! I LOVED it!
First and foremost, I just wanna say "Sins of Our Fathers" definitely read like a general mystery/crime/suspense/thriller fiction as much as a lesbian fiction of the same genres. The tone, the flow, the content were structured in a way that it could be marketed as mainstream fiction as well as lesfic, really. Best of both worlds, eh? But I, for one, am glad we have Mathieu's books in lesfic! Yay! Then, there was Mathieu's approach to writing a story about a crime that involved investigations, which I thought was delightfully refreshing. See, usually in crime fiction, the main lead, the MC, is a copper/law enforcement agent (FBI, CIA, other alphabet agencies) charged with investigating the case that drives the plot in the story, innit? But not this one. Mathieu turned the tables and made the main lead, the MC, the one doing all the investigating (nevermind the hijinks, too, whilst we're at it!), the "field work," so to speak - an ATTORNEY!!! Yup, rather than the copper, who was the second MC being the one investigating the case, it was the attorney who played sleuth in investigating the questionable conviction of a young lad with a mind of a child who unwittingly confessed to a brutal murder of a priest he couldn't have committed whilst also trying to vacate its judgement in court! Phew, talk about a FULL plate, eh? Mathieu sure wasn't having her MC go idly by even for a mo, that's for sure! So, we had the attorney taking on the investigating and the detecting whilst the legit copper played second fiddle. Refreshing or whaa, eh? I LOVED it!
Speaking of the attorney, I absolutely adored Elizabeth right from the start when she entered the scene howling.....
Full commentary here... In Bugs' Own Words
First and foremost, I just wanna say "Sins of Our Fathers" definitely read like a general mystery/crime/suspense/thriller fiction as much as a lesbian fiction of the same genres. The tone, the flow, the content were structured in a way that it could be marketed as mainstream fiction as well as lesfic, really. Best of both worlds, eh? But I, for one, am glad we have Mathieu's books in lesfic! Yay! Then, there was Mathieu's approach to writing a story about a crime that involved investigations, which I thought was delightfully refreshing. See, usually in crime fiction, the main lead, the MC, is a copper/law enforcement agent (FBI, CIA, other alphabet agencies) charged with investigating the case that drives the plot in the story, innit? But not this one. Mathieu turned the tables and made the main lead, the MC, the one doing all the investigating (nevermind the hijinks, too, whilst we're at it!), the "field work," so to speak - an ATTORNEY!!! Yup, rather than the copper, who was the second MC being the one investigating the case, it was the attorney who played sleuth in investigating the questionable conviction of a young lad with a mind of a child who unwittingly confessed to a brutal murder of a priest he couldn't have committed whilst also trying to vacate its judgement in court! Phew, talk about a FULL plate, eh? Mathieu sure wasn't having her MC go idly by even for a mo, that's for sure! So, we had the attorney taking on the investigating and the detecting whilst the legit copper played second fiddle. Refreshing or whaa, eh? I LOVED it!
Speaking of the attorney, I absolutely adored Elizabeth right from the start when she entered the scene howling.....
Full commentary here... In Bugs' Own Words
February 13, 2020
Much more crime than romance and the poorer because of that. Few "WTF" moments or perhaps the whole tale was predicated on a "WTF" scenario, but yet another book that didn't declare it was the first in a series, the ending leading straight into book 2. Another reason (lets not talk dosh) to challenge Bold Strokes Books.
September 5, 2018
Well that was a gripping read and the last few chapters I couldn't sit still whilst reading them they were that exciting.
This is a thriller with the main character being lawyer Elizabeth Campbell. If you're looking for a romantic storyline running through the story this doesn't happen although the ending gives you hope for a hot romance should there be a second book.
This is a thriller with the main character being lawyer Elizabeth Campbell. If you're looking for a romantic storyline running through the story this doesn't happen although the ending gives you hope for a hot romance should there be a second book.
October 28, 2017
A great mystery and legal drama, perfect to read on a quiet weekend.
August 29, 2018
Good debut novel. Mathieu's writing voice is really strong and her drawing of protagonist Elizabeth Campbell's character is deftly done. Elizabeth is funny, dedicated, and brave. And imperfect in an appealing way. Her chemistry with Detective Grace Donovan was really sexy - a little went a long way. I found myself wanting to see them share more scenes but I suspect that Mathieu's restraint in keeping them apart and pulling them together only when necessary was what worked so well. Not just a slow burn but a simmer almost the entire book. Very helpful for making me want to read the next one. Their relationship has in its DNA a tiny, more PG-rated strand of the Jude Devine series from Jennifer Fulton: but with a sprinkle of angst and a lot more endearing awkwardness.
Okay, onto the mystery - which is really 99% of this book: I liked certain aspects of it. The gothic quality. The ritualistic nature of the crimes. What holds me back from giving this a full-throated endorsement is that I just found it a little too....plotty. Lots of characters: which meant I sometimes got bored when I was forced to learn about yet another person. Too many perspectives: which then had me feeling like I was way ahead of the plot. And - not to spoil - but there was one particular perspective that I think the author cheated on a little bit. I think the narrative here could have been much better served with a more narrow and limited point of view. The restraint btwn Elizabeth and Grace could have been applied to the mystery as well.
Still, if you're into twists and turns, and the unfolding of conspiracy-like crimes, with some good humor thrown into it, this book is for you. I'm gonna give the next installment a shot. 3 stars.
Okay, onto the mystery - which is really 99% of this book: I liked certain aspects of it. The gothic quality. The ritualistic nature of the crimes. What holds me back from giving this a full-throated endorsement is that I just found it a little too....plotty. Lots of characters: which meant I sometimes got bored when I was forced to learn about yet another person. Too many perspectives: which then had me feeling like I was way ahead of the plot. And - not to spoil - but there was one particular perspective that I think the author cheated on a little bit. I think the narrative here could have been much better served with a more narrow and limited point of view. The restraint btwn Elizabeth and Grace could have been applied to the mystery as well.
Still, if you're into twists and turns, and the unfolding of conspiracy-like crimes, with some good humor thrown into it, this book is for you. I'm gonna give the next installment a shot. 3 stars.
March 8, 2017
This story was right up my alley, a little humor, a bit of mystery, some thrillers and of course a little bit of romance. I liked how the story came together and the "players" were revealed. I liked both Catherine and Grace's characters and would love to see where they end up, looking forward to the sequel.
February 24, 2017
WoW what can one say about this it had it all murder, who done it (which I guess ), romance interest, certain parts just made you shake your head. With all that can't wait for the 2nd book to arrive.
Arc Given by NetGalley for honest review
Arc Given by NetGalley for honest review
May 24, 2021
Oh Wow... i have no word go describe. I thoroughly enjoyed this book very much! And will be reading book 2 as well.
The mystery, the murders-quite gruesome, and the people/person behind this one case; the author really know how to connect them all together. You just want to keep reading, because it was getting more and more interesting.
Eventhough Grace was our main character's love interest, i wouldnt consider her as a main character. Because she didnt have much action in this book. And the way she acted (arrogant and ignorance?) when she first saw Elizabeth, it kind of pissed me off. And with her not many actions that was involve the murder cases with our main character, i wouldnt say that i start to like her.
But i like Elizabeth interaction with Father Parkers though. They were quite a pair and funny with trying to get a priest to do things that not legal. And the interaction between Elizabeth's parents and Raymond. They were cute as well.
And there was also a twist! Though i did have suspicion. And was hoping it wasn't true. But oh well, it is what it is. I still enjoyed this book.
The mystery, the murders-quite gruesome, and the people/person behind this one case; the author really know how to connect them all together. You just want to keep reading, because it was getting more and more interesting.
Eventhough Grace was our main character's love interest, i wouldnt consider her as a main character. Because she didnt have much action in this book. And the way she acted (arrogant and ignorance?) when she first saw Elizabeth, it kind of pissed me off. And with her not many actions that was involve the murder cases with our main character, i wouldnt say that i start to like her.
But i like Elizabeth interaction with Father Parkers though. They were quite a pair and funny with trying to get a priest to do things that not legal. And the interaction between Elizabeth's parents and Raymond. They were cute as well.
And there was also a twist! Though i did have suspicion. And was hoping it wasn't true. But oh well, it is what it is. I still enjoyed this book.
August 30, 2022
4 stars. No time to talk I need to jump into book two immediately because wtf? That ending! This was so good. There’s no romance but the chemistry between Elizabeth and Grace was fantastic. I liked both of them, especially Elizabeth. She’s so likable and charming and just a bit quirky. The plot was fascinating and kept me hooked from beginning to end and I loved the writing. It was brutal at times but there was also a lot of wit and humor which I liked. It was a good balance. Again, I have no time for a review because all I want to do is start the next book but I highly recommend this book. It’s a great read.
April 9, 2021
Hard to believe this is a debut novel. Wow, what a ride! A old case looked at with new eyes leads to a new trial. The deception & brutality of the murders is carried on as the killer starts the spree anew. The church's presence only serves to amplify a darkness inherent to those involved. A mystery & thriller second to none. I will not spoil this read & therefore leave you with the following task, read this book right now! 🤐
February 22, 2017
This seems to be the first (published) novel by A. Rose Mathieu but I sincerely hope it is not her last. From the off I was grabbed by her tight, well written prose and enjoyed her focus on the slow build up of the action, rather than on stereotypical formulaic romance. (If you want butch meets femme, tension, danger, butch rescues femme and they shag and live happily ever after look elsewhere).
As someone raised in the Catholic Church and living in a predominately Catholic country I was intrigued to see how a novel centred around murders and the church would turn out; I don't want to say too much and give away any important plot points but there were no glaring factual errors or lazy generalisations and the twists were well thought out and took me by surprise.
If you like a well thought out mystery and have an eye for detail this is for you. Well paced from beginning to end I read this in fewer than 24 hours and loved every minute of it and was quite disappointed to discover that Ms Mathieu hasn't published anything else.
PS Our heroine is a girl who doesn't need rescuing :)
As someone raised in the Catholic Church and living in a predominately Catholic country I was intrigued to see how a novel centred around murders and the church would turn out; I don't want to say too much and give away any important plot points but there were no glaring factual errors or lazy generalisations and the twists were well thought out and took me by surprise.
If you like a well thought out mystery and have an eye for detail this is for you. Well paced from beginning to end I read this in fewer than 24 hours and loved every minute of it and was quite disappointed to discover that Ms Mathieu hasn't published anything else.
PS Our heroine is a girl who doesn't need rescuing :)
May 8, 2021
This a very nice debut for a mystery writer.
Though some strong clues are given pretty early, there are enough potential culprit to keep the mystery on 'til the end and that part was really satisfying.
The main character is a delight of integrity and grit and courage and fun and I think I have fallen a little bit in love with Ms Campbell.
The writing is also very good, with the kind of small touches there and there that really elevate the world build.
Though some strong clues are given pretty early, there are enough potential culprit to keep the mystery on 'til the end and that part was really satisfying.
The main character is a delight of integrity and grit and courage and fun and I think I have fallen a little bit in love with Ms Campbell.
The writing is also very good, with the kind of small touches there and there that really elevate the world build.
March 4, 2017
Netgalley
Guess I saved the best of this month's bunch for last.
Really enjoyable complex thriller, pretty much romance free, well plotted and paced.
There was one tiny moment at the beginning where I almost quit (yes, main character had inner monologue about the breasts of a woman she just met, why do you ask?), but I'm glad I stuck with it. The characters grew on me and weren't really black and white, well, except for one.
I also could have done without the very last section hinting at a sequel, I thought this was good and well-rounded just as it was.
Guess I saved the best of this month's bunch for last.
Really enjoyable complex thriller, pretty much romance free, well plotted and paced.
There was one tiny moment at the beginning where I almost quit (yes, main character had inner monologue about the breasts of a woman she just met, why do you ask?), but I'm glad I stuck with it. The characters grew on me and weren't really black and white, well, except for one.
I also could have done without the very last section hinting at a sequel, I thought this was good and well-rounded just as it was.
August 14, 2017
I was so surprised this was Mathieu’s first novel. It was so well written, and everything you want in a book. I couldn’t put it down. From the very beginning I was hooked. If you read this book and are not at least a little bit in love with Elizabeth you may want to check your lesbian card. Lesbians love lawyers. We also love nonprofits. What isn’t to love? When is the next book coming out? Write faster!! This is one of my favorites and I will be reading this one over and over. Start early in the day because once you start it is going to be difficult to stop.
September 27, 2017
Purchase this e-book during a weekend sale by the publishers. And what a great buy it was!! A wonderful read, with interesting characters, a great mystery and a little humour. Left me wanting to know what happens after the ending. A sequel is possible for this one. More please.
September 28, 2019
👏👏👏 Absolutly fantastic!
August 9, 2018
3 Stars. This book was good but not great. This book is about Elizabeth Campbell, an attorney with the SILC, who comes across a case where the defendant, Donovan, a man who has mentally incapable of committing the murder he claims he did. When Elizabeth starts to investigate the murder, she meets Detective Grace Donovan, who she has an instant connection with, even if they are working opposite sides of the case. Grace got her gold shield from arresting Donovan. They eventually work together to try to solve the mysteries with this case as there starts to be more murders.
The mystery is good, I enjoyed it a lot. It has many twists and turns and it had me wondering how it would be solved. The disappointing part was I wish there was more about Grace. There was not as much interactions with Grace and Elizabeth as I would have liked. The description made it seem like there would be more between the two of them.
The mystery is good, I enjoyed it a lot. It has many twists and turns and it had me wondering how it would be solved. The disappointing part was I wish there was more about Grace. There was not as much interactions with Grace and Elizabeth as I would have liked. The description made it seem like there would be more between the two of them.
August 6, 2018
Introducing Elizabeth Campbell, an attorney with a trust fund who works in a clinic for low income clients and Detective Grace Donovan, the youngest female to make detective in the southern town whose name I have forgotten. The two quickly butt heads but equally find themselves attracted to each other as Grace investigates the murder of a priest and Elizabeth tries to get the man originally put away for the murder released. The book did a good job of introducing the characters and setting the scenery for emotional angst between the two. I think the book struggled trying to decide if it wanted to be a mystery with some romance or if it was a romance cloaked in a mystery. I'd prefer more mystery, which I thought was well done. As per my norm, I gave an extra star as this is the first in a series and has to not only give a good story but also set the stage for the continuing series.
August 7, 2022
I was TRULY excited to get lost in the world promised by author A. Rose Mathieu; at least in part, because it seemed reminiscent of Gerri Hill's "Hunter's Way"...Elizabeth Campbell is an Ivy League educated lawyer, focussed on serving the hardworking poor and is tasked with the review of past cases as part of a publicity stunt orchestrated by the mayor; BUT discrepancies found while reviewing one of the cases leads her to believe things are not as they seem and a complex conspiracy unfolds, doused in danger and creepy undertones galore. Detective Grace Donovan plays a MUCH smaller role in it all than anticipated and I'm not sure there's much of a budding romance worth mentioning...
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