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Charlie and Simm Mystery #1
Sins of the Fathers
Charlene Butler, a.k.a. Charlie, is beautiful, independent, and a successful pub owner in downtown Montreal, but prefers not to discuss her past, or the main reason for her success. When she anonymously receives strange letters and the police don’t show an interest in the case, she is convinced by Frank, her best friend, to hire a private investigator to help her solve the mystery. However, PI Simm seems to have a few secrets of his own.
Charlie and Simm join forces when the harassment escalates from letters to explicit threats. Their investigation leads them from the safety of her home, through Montreal’s underworld, to organized crime in Dublin, Ireland. What they discover contradicts Charlie’s most fundamental beliefs in herself and ultimately makes her doubt her own character.
Charlie and Simm join forces when the harassment escalates from letters to explicit threats. Their investigation leads them from the safety of her home, through Montreal’s underworld, to organized crime in Dublin, Ireland. What they discover contradicts Charlie’s most fundamental beliefs in herself and ultimately makes her doubt her own character.
281 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 1, 2017
695 people are currently reading
816 people want to read
About the author
A.J. McCarthy
13 books166 followersAs an author of mystery suspense novels, A.J. McCarthy is always on the lookout for new ideas. Her friends and family are cautious, concerned they may become a victim in her next novel. Those who are more adventurous offer up ideas and are willing to sacrifice certain family members for the cause. A.J. bides her time, waiting for the right moment and the perfect victim. She hides behind a quiet façade, and few know what she’s really thinking.
A.J. grew up reading Agatha Christie, Sidney Sheldon, and many other masters of mystery and suspense. A lifelong love of the genre evolved. She’s a member of Crime Writers of Canada, Sisters in Crime, and International Thriller Writers. When she isn’t writing, chances are she is reading.
A.J. grew up reading Agatha Christie, Sidney Sheldon, and many other masters of mystery and suspense. A lifelong love of the genre evolved. She’s a member of Crime Writers of Canada, Sisters in Crime, and International Thriller Writers. When she isn’t writing, chances are she is reading.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
January 1, 2018
Charlie Butler is receiving strange letters delivered to her home. They are all written by the same hand, but the writer uses different names. They aren't threatening, but creepy enough that she reports them to the police. They don't seem to be interested, so her best friend, Frank, introduces her to Simm .. a private investigator.
Charlie and Simm start off on the wrong foot. It's like mixing water and oil. Charlie is very private about her life and hesitates to share anything with SImm. How is supposed to track down who's sending the letters if she doesn't tell him anything?
Things escalate when her home is broken into and then the bar that she owns. Whoever it is even goes as far as kidnapping her beloved dog, Harley, and then returns him with a note asking how it feels to lose someone she loves.
Simm and Charlie team up and their investigation leads them from the Canadian Mafia to the underground of Dublin, Ireland. They find themselves in more danger than they dreamed. And what they discover is something Charlie never saw coming.
This is a fictional mystery composed in a competent and entertaining style. The characters are extremely likeable and memorable. The story premise is a good one with a few small twists thrown in for good measure, leading the reader into a surprising direction.
Many thanks to the author / Black Rose Writing / Netgalley for the digital copy. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
Charlie and Simm start off on the wrong foot. It's like mixing water and oil. Charlie is very private about her life and hesitates to share anything with SImm. How is supposed to track down who's sending the letters if she doesn't tell him anything?
Things escalate when her home is broken into and then the bar that she owns. Whoever it is even goes as far as kidnapping her beloved dog, Harley, and then returns him with a note asking how it feels to lose someone she loves.
Simm and Charlie team up and their investigation leads them from the Canadian Mafia to the underground of Dublin, Ireland. They find themselves in more danger than they dreamed. And what they discover is something Charlie never saw coming.
This is a fictional mystery composed in a competent and entertaining style. The characters are extremely likeable and memorable. The story premise is a good one with a few small twists thrown in for good measure, leading the reader into a surprising direction.
Many thanks to the author / Black Rose Writing / Netgalley for the digital copy. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
December 20, 2017
I would like to thank Netgalley and Black Rose Writing for a review copy of Sins of the Father, a stand alone mystery set in Montreal.
When Charlie Butler receives a strange, anonymous letter she shrugs it off but as more arrive she gets uneasy so at her best friend Frank's urging she takes them to the police. With no overt threat in them there isn't much the police can do so Frank encourages her to hire PI, Simm. As Simm and Charlie investigate things take a dangerous turn.
I enjoyed Sins of the Father which has a well conceived plot and some unlikely twists and turns. It is probably more graphic than I expected at points, given that the initial tone is quite cosy, but it all fits together well. I think the tone of the letters is especially well done as they are creepy, unsettling and menacing despite containing no threats.
I can't say I took to Charlie who is wilful, obstinate and obstructive for no obvious reason although there is a sub Mills and Boon attraction simmering between her and Simm so that probably explains it. I didn't find her a particularly convincing character which slightly spoiled my enjoyment of a good, interesting adventure. Apart from that Sins of the Father is a good, page turning read which held my attention throughout.
When Charlie Butler receives a strange, anonymous letter she shrugs it off but as more arrive she gets uneasy so at her best friend Frank's urging she takes them to the police. With no overt threat in them there isn't much the police can do so Frank encourages her to hire PI, Simm. As Simm and Charlie investigate things take a dangerous turn.
I enjoyed Sins of the Father which has a well conceived plot and some unlikely twists and turns. It is probably more graphic than I expected at points, given that the initial tone is quite cosy, but it all fits together well. I think the tone of the letters is especially well done as they are creepy, unsettling and menacing despite containing no threats.
I can't say I took to Charlie who is wilful, obstinate and obstructive for no obvious reason although there is a sub Mills and Boon attraction simmering between her and Simm so that probably explains it. I didn't find her a particularly convincing character which slightly spoiled my enjoyment of a good, interesting adventure. Apart from that Sins of the Father is a good, page turning read which held my attention throughout.
November 14, 2020
4.5 stars
January 28, 2018
'A taut, masterly-written novel of suspense, adventure, and romance!'
Charlene 'Charlie' Butler is a woman who seems to have it all. In the beautiful Canadian city of Montreal, she is the proprietor and sole owner of an established downtown Irish pub. Charlie is young, financially-stable, beautiful, and enjoys her life as a debt-free business owner. One particular morning, however, all of this changes.
Charlie receives anonymous threatening letters. She has no idea why, nor who would have a grudge against her. With encouragement from her friend, and bar employee, Frank, Charlie hires 'Simm' Simmons, private investigator to learn who is behind the annoying letters. Simm, a former cop, now-turned-P.I., takes on the case a bit reluctantly at first, but with much eagerness soon enough seeing how Charlie's case is the best one on his plate.
Simm is a man with plenty of character and demons inside. He is a private man who dislikes speaking about his personal life and why he has little to do with his brother and sister, and nothing to do with his dying, wealthy father. He's a man who wants to be left alone. That is, until he takes on Charlie's case. But Charlie is a bit of an odd character herself. Like Simm, she dislikes divulging much about her background, even though Simm needs to know personal things about her in order to effectively pursue her case.
After much haggling between each other, Charlie and Simm grudgingly work together. The police are informed about the threatening letters, but there is nothing helpful they can do. When the perpetrator vandalizes Charlie's apartment, Simm insists she takes up temporary residence with him, and their relationship begins to blossom, albeit slowly and with caution.
As Simm digs deeper in the case he learns the Irish mafia may provide clues to the case, but Simm and Charlie must travel to Ireland to learn how it is they have clues into Charlie's case. This raises concern in Simm, as the former cop knows the mafia does not take kindly to anyone prying into their private affairs, especially seeing how one of the persons asking questions is from the right side of the law.
What takes place is a long journey from downtown Montreal, to United States prisons where questions may be answered, to the historical streets of Dublin, Ireland, and back to Montreal where Charlie learns well the meaning of how one should be careful of learning secrets which may well be left alone.
I found this book to be a wonderfully written modern-day story. Most of my favorite books are thrillers, action, and historical, which is why I enjoyed this book all the more. It has plenty of thrills, suspense, adventure and romance on such a realistic level. Charlie (what a wonderful nickname for a woman) could be my best friend, or in another life, my lover-girlfriend-or the one-who-got-away. She's full of spunk, character, reason, stubborn-headed, and compassion. Her life as owner of the Irish pub in downtown Montreal has me putting this city on my 'bucket list' to visit. Until then, I'll have to settle for the pubs in downtown San Diego. The authors descriptions of characters, places, and book flow indicate plenty of research and work went into this novel. And the end result is a story which stays with the reader long after you've finished this book. I highly recommend this book for readers of all genres. You will absolutely love it!
Charlene 'Charlie' Butler is a woman who seems to have it all. In the beautiful Canadian city of Montreal, she is the proprietor and sole owner of an established downtown Irish pub. Charlie is young, financially-stable, beautiful, and enjoys her life as a debt-free business owner. One particular morning, however, all of this changes.
Charlie receives anonymous threatening letters. She has no idea why, nor who would have a grudge against her. With encouragement from her friend, and bar employee, Frank, Charlie hires 'Simm' Simmons, private investigator to learn who is behind the annoying letters. Simm, a former cop, now-turned-P.I., takes on the case a bit reluctantly at first, but with much eagerness soon enough seeing how Charlie's case is the best one on his plate.
Simm is a man with plenty of character and demons inside. He is a private man who dislikes speaking about his personal life and why he has little to do with his brother and sister, and nothing to do with his dying, wealthy father. He's a man who wants to be left alone. That is, until he takes on Charlie's case. But Charlie is a bit of an odd character herself. Like Simm, she dislikes divulging much about her background, even though Simm needs to know personal things about her in order to effectively pursue her case.
After much haggling between each other, Charlie and Simm grudgingly work together. The police are informed about the threatening letters, but there is nothing helpful they can do. When the perpetrator vandalizes Charlie's apartment, Simm insists she takes up temporary residence with him, and their relationship begins to blossom, albeit slowly and with caution.
As Simm digs deeper in the case he learns the Irish mafia may provide clues to the case, but Simm and Charlie must travel to Ireland to learn how it is they have clues into Charlie's case. This raises concern in Simm, as the former cop knows the mafia does not take kindly to anyone prying into their private affairs, especially seeing how one of the persons asking questions is from the right side of the law.
What takes place is a long journey from downtown Montreal, to United States prisons where questions may be answered, to the historical streets of Dublin, Ireland, and back to Montreal where Charlie learns well the meaning of how one should be careful of learning secrets which may well be left alone.
I found this book to be a wonderfully written modern-day story. Most of my favorite books are thrillers, action, and historical, which is why I enjoyed this book all the more. It has plenty of thrills, suspense, adventure and romance on such a realistic level. Charlie (what a wonderful nickname for a woman) could be my best friend, or in another life, my lover-girlfriend-or the one-who-got-away. She's full of spunk, character, reason, stubborn-headed, and compassion. Her life as owner of the Irish pub in downtown Montreal has me putting this city on my 'bucket list' to visit. Until then, I'll have to settle for the pubs in downtown San Diego. The authors descriptions of characters, places, and book flow indicate plenty of research and work went into this novel. And the end result is a story which stays with the reader long after you've finished this book. I highly recommend this book for readers of all genres. You will absolutely love it!
December 8, 2017
GNAB Sins of the Fathers is an excellent who-done-it with great timing, personable characters and a tight story line. A. J. McCarthy brings us a novel that is difficult to put down. Set for the most part in Canada, I enjoyed this seldom explored background, and found all the characters in this tale are memorable and well rounded. I will look for more from A. J. McCarthy.
I received a free electronic copy of this novel from Netgalley,A. J. McCarthy and Black Rose Writing. Thank you all for sharing your hard work with me.
pub date Dec 7, 2017
Black Rose Writing
I received a free electronic copy of this novel from Netgalley,A. J. McCarthy and Black Rose Writing. Thank you all for sharing your hard work with me.
pub date Dec 7, 2017
Black Rose Writing
January 17, 2018
http://www.alittlebitofrnr.com/2018/0...
I received this book to give an honest review.
Charlie is a normal young woman who lives a normal life. That is until she starts getting random letters. They are not threatening but they seem off.
When her best friend/coworker wants her to hire a PI she doesn't really want to but yet it might be the best thing for her to do. Now this Simm the PI will ask her tough questions and get all into her business and she doesn't like it but yet it needs to be done. Especially when things start escalating a bit more than just letters. You can tell that Charlie is a very closed person so seeing Simm trying to get answers from her is not going to be easy.
What Simm and Charlie end up uncovering is something a bit more than anyone would think could probably ever happen, yet it does.
At times it can be dangerous what they will uncover but Charlie is determined to find out all she can no matter where it takes her.
I received this book to give an honest review.
Charlie is a normal young woman who lives a normal life. That is until she starts getting random letters. They are not threatening but they seem off.
When her best friend/coworker wants her to hire a PI she doesn't really want to but yet it might be the best thing for her to do. Now this Simm the PI will ask her tough questions and get all into her business and she doesn't like it but yet it needs to be done. Especially when things start escalating a bit more than just letters. You can tell that Charlie is a very closed person so seeing Simm trying to get answers from her is not going to be easy.
What Simm and Charlie end up uncovering is something a bit more than anyone would think could probably ever happen, yet it does.
At times it can be dangerous what they will uncover but Charlie is determined to find out all she can no matter where it takes her.
November 5, 2017
Full of action and suspense!
This is outside of my preferred genre, which is Christian fiction, but the suspense/crime element drew me in.
The author did an amazing job keeping me on edge, wondering what would happen next and how things would escalate. I never expected the ending.
Charlie, the main character, is a strong-willed, independent woman, and I enjoyed the unfolding relationship between her and Simm.
The author did a fantastic job bringing the characters to life!
This is outside of my preferred genre, which is Christian fiction, but the suspense/crime element drew me in.
The author did an amazing job keeping me on edge, wondering what would happen next and how things would escalate. I never expected the ending.
Charlie, the main character, is a strong-willed, independent woman, and I enjoyed the unfolding relationship between her and Simm.
The author did a fantastic job bringing the characters to life!
December 30, 2017
Good story ,good characters. An unusual thriller with some interesting twists and turns. Complex characters who all have their own troubled back story.
January 24, 2018
very good
December 7, 2017
My favorite part about this book was the great character development. The author goes above and beyond in developing the characters and the relationships between characters. The plot and scenery imagery are detailed, but not as to distract from the story...there is a great balance here. This is not the typical genre for me, and I was pleased to have enjoyed this book as much as I did. I will recommend this to a reader without hesitation, regardless of genre preference.
December 15, 2020
This has all the pieces to a solid mystery—a twisted plot that leads to a big reveal, a likable protagonist, a redeemable and mysterious sidekick with some depth—yet, something was missing. The action unfolded slowly yet the actionable scenes themselves felt rushed through. Ultimately, the formula stripped much of the mystery away, and while the big reveal was unexpected, it lacked that little something extra—that umpf. It's a solid novel, just ordinary.
April 5, 2019
I really enjoyed reading this book. It had lots of suspense, turns, and twists. I couldn't figure out who was causing Charlie so much anguish and trouble and that's a good thing when I am reading. I am looking forward to reading more by this author.
November 18, 2017
This is one of those books you can't put down, not only because the storyline is good, but also because the characters are so real you care about them and you need to find out what happens to them. I loved their banter.
I also enjoyed learning about Quebec, and on top of that, the plot was filled with twists and intrigue.
I would recommend the book to anyone who enjoys a good mystery.
I also enjoyed learning about Quebec, and on top of that, the plot was filled with twists and intrigue.
I would recommend the book to anyone who enjoys a good mystery.
September 22, 2022
I received an offer from publisher "BLACK ROSE writing" with a chance to win a free book, asking which I would choose of three books. After reading the preview of each, either I was brilliant or lucky to chose so wisely, or any of the three would have been good. I hadn't expected to win and forgot the entry. Very surprised when this arrived in my mailbox. This one gives you good people, twists, turns, organized crime, family or lack thereof, and a little romance. LOVE Ms. McCarthy's writing style and the composition of short, tight chapters (makes you think, okay, I'll read one more chapter now). She is a former accountant, so maybe this contributes to her attention to detail and proper proofreading. The characters are so likable and described so well. Charlie, Simm, Frank, and Harley the pug are characters you will root for and care what happens to them. I recommend this one and hope to read Ms. McCarthy's other novel titled Betrayal.
Ms. McCarthy is a resident of Canada. This quality 278 page signed book was printed in USA but mailed from Canada, the postage more than I can afford to spend for a book. Thank you many times over.
Ms. McCarthy is a resident of Canada. This quality 278 page signed book was printed in USA but mailed from Canada, the postage more than I can afford to spend for a book. Thank you many times over.
May 16, 2022
I REALLY ENJOYED THIS, JUST THE RIGHT AMOUNT OF MYSTERY AND BACK STORY. IT HAD OLD LOVE AND NEW LOVE. THE CHARACTERS WERE BELIEVABLE, I COULD CONNECT TO THEM. THIS IS ANOTHER BOOK I'VE HAD ON MY TBR SHELF, I'M GLAD I FINALLY GOT AROUND TO CHECKING IT OUT. ;D
December 7, 2017
Full disclosure – I was provided a copy of this book by the author but have voluntarily chosen to write a review. All opinions are my own.
Family secrets – Family lies
Charlie Butler leads a simple life. After having inherited Butler’s Pub, she spends most of her days working alongside her bartender best friend Frank and trusty pug and constant sidekick Harley. When cryptic unsigned letters start arriving in the daily mail, Charlie initially dismisses it as a prank; but when the missives continue, Frank hires a private investigator to get to the bottom of the increasingly disturbing notes. As Simm begins to investigate, the harassment escalates beyond mere letters and becomes personally threatening. In order to get to the true heart of the matter, Charlie and Simm find themselves dealing with organized crime syndicates in both Canada and Ireland, but will their efforts solve the mystery of the letters or are the missive just the tip of an explosive iceberg of family secrets and dealings that will turn Charlie’s life upside down?
“Sins of the Fathers” is the second novel by author A.J. McCarthy. Having not yet read her first novel “Betrayal” I was not sure what to expect as I delved into “Sins of the Fathers.” Any concerns I may have had regarding missing backstory were unfounded as “Sins” appears to be a standalone offering that does not require one to have read the previous book to get the bigger story. Charlie and Frank have an easy friendship and their camaraderie really set the tone for the story. I really liked the flow overall as it was a very easy read. Each character was well developed and it was not difficult to delve head first into the narrative and read for hours on end. With the addition of PI Simm into the mix Charlie finds herself going to places she never dreamed as she attempts to get to the bottom of the letters, including an unscheduled trip across the Atlantic Ocean to the Emerald Isle. The ending will blow you away as the antagonist is finally revealed in a plot twist that you will not see coming. Overall, “Sins of the Fathers” was a great read and a nice introduction to a new author for me. Packed with action, intrigue and danger, this was an enjoyable read that I would recommend to anyone who likes crime fiction or action adventure novels.
Family secrets – Family lies
Charlie Butler leads a simple life. After having inherited Butler’s Pub, she spends most of her days working alongside her bartender best friend Frank and trusty pug and constant sidekick Harley. When cryptic unsigned letters start arriving in the daily mail, Charlie initially dismisses it as a prank; but when the missives continue, Frank hires a private investigator to get to the bottom of the increasingly disturbing notes. As Simm begins to investigate, the harassment escalates beyond mere letters and becomes personally threatening. In order to get to the true heart of the matter, Charlie and Simm find themselves dealing with organized crime syndicates in both Canada and Ireland, but will their efforts solve the mystery of the letters or are the missive just the tip of an explosive iceberg of family secrets and dealings that will turn Charlie’s life upside down?
“Sins of the Fathers” is the second novel by author A.J. McCarthy. Having not yet read her first novel “Betrayal” I was not sure what to expect as I delved into “Sins of the Fathers.” Any concerns I may have had regarding missing backstory were unfounded as “Sins” appears to be a standalone offering that does not require one to have read the previous book to get the bigger story. Charlie and Frank have an easy friendship and their camaraderie really set the tone for the story. I really liked the flow overall as it was a very easy read. Each character was well developed and it was not difficult to delve head first into the narrative and read for hours on end. With the addition of PI Simm into the mix Charlie finds herself going to places she never dreamed as she attempts to get to the bottom of the letters, including an unscheduled trip across the Atlantic Ocean to the Emerald Isle. The ending will blow you away as the antagonist is finally revealed in a plot twist that you will not see coming. Overall, “Sins of the Fathers” was a great read and a nice introduction to a new author for me. Packed with action, intrigue and danger, this was an enjoyable read that I would recommend to anyone who likes crime fiction or action adventure novels.
January 14, 2018
Thank you Netgalley and Black Rose Writing for the eARC.
This was a fun book, with a good cast of characters (especially Harley the Pug!) and two of my favorite locations: Montreal and Dublin.
Charlie Butler has a happy life; she loves working in the pub she owns alongside her best friend Frank and walking Harley through her neighborhood. Everyone knows and greets them.
Things change when she starts receiving strange notes in the mail. They're not threatening, but signed in different names in the same handwriting. When she receives a bag of body parts and bloody posters of missing children, it's obvious the danger is being ratcheted up and Frank talks her into hiring a PI, Simms.
At first there is tension between Charlie and Simms. She hates having someone digging into her life and past, but realizes they must find the 'stalker', especially when Harley is kidnapped.
Simms and her end up following a lead as far away as Dublin, Ireland. I enjoyed that part of the book, there are some funny scenes in a pub that had me giggling...the Irish language can be hilarious, love it.
I'm always excited to find books set in Canada and would recommend this one highly.
This was a fun book, with a good cast of characters (especially Harley the Pug!) and two of my favorite locations: Montreal and Dublin.
Charlie Butler has a happy life; she loves working in the pub she owns alongside her best friend Frank and walking Harley through her neighborhood. Everyone knows and greets them.
Things change when she starts receiving strange notes in the mail. They're not threatening, but signed in different names in the same handwriting. When she receives a bag of body parts and bloody posters of missing children, it's obvious the danger is being ratcheted up and Frank talks her into hiring a PI, Simms.
At first there is tension between Charlie and Simms. She hates having someone digging into her life and past, but realizes they must find the 'stalker', especially when Harley is kidnapped.
Simms and her end up following a lead as far away as Dublin, Ireland. I enjoyed that part of the book, there are some funny scenes in a pub that had me giggling...the Irish language can be hilarious, love it.
I'm always excited to find books set in Canada and would recommend this one highly.
December 12, 2017
I received an ARC from the publisher, Black Rose Writing, and Netgalley. Thank you!
This story is a mystery and provides the reader with a lot of suspense and twists and turns and danger, but is still very charming and endearing at the same time. The characters are well developed and I feel that I really got to know the characters; the main character Charlie Butler and her friend and employee, Frank and the Simms, the private investigator.
The intrigue centers around family secrets and lies. The story is well developed and the story flows beautifully and will keep you reading for hours.
Charlie Butler, runs a bar that she had inherited from one her father’s best friends. She start receiving seemingly non- threatening but nevertheless creepy letters in the mail. On advice of Frank she hires a Private Investigator to help her find out who done it. The story takes many twist and turn and you do not see the ending coming. The background of the story is the lovely city of Quebec, which is a rarity intself. I highly recommend this book and the writer as her style is so easy to read.
This story is a mystery and provides the reader with a lot of suspense and twists and turns and danger, but is still very charming and endearing at the same time. The characters are well developed and I feel that I really got to know the characters; the main character Charlie Butler and her friend and employee, Frank and the Simms, the private investigator.
The intrigue centers around family secrets and lies. The story is well developed and the story flows beautifully and will keep you reading for hours.
Charlie Butler, runs a bar that she had inherited from one her father’s best friends. She start receiving seemingly non- threatening but nevertheless creepy letters in the mail. On advice of Frank she hires a Private Investigator to help her find out who done it. The story takes many twist and turn and you do not see the ending coming. The background of the story is the lovely city of Quebec, which is a rarity intself. I highly recommend this book and the writer as her style is so easy to read.
October 8, 2021
Mystery Thriller
This was a fun read. Charlie owns a Montreal pub, when she start getting strange letters Frank, her right hand and best friend convinces her to hire a private detective. And now the "fun" begins. As Simmer, the PI, starts investigating it's like Alice falling down the rabbit hole. A great plot with in depth characters and some unexpected twists and turns.
This was a fun read. Charlie owns a Montreal pub, when she start getting strange letters Frank, her right hand and best friend convinces her to hire a private detective. And now the "fun" begins. As Simmer, the PI, starts investigating it's like Alice falling down the rabbit hole. A great plot with in depth characters and some unexpected twists and turns.
February 9, 2019
I really enjoyed reading Sins of The Fathers. This book is definitely a page turner, I highly recommend it. Make sure you have nothing else that needs to be done because once you pick up this book you won't put it down! Thank you A.J. McCarthy for picking me as the winner of the amazing gift pack.
Read
March 23, 2018Amazingly good book, I definatly recommend to read it.
May 16, 2020
"Curate's egg"
There was a decent thriller in here somewhere but it all could have been over in 50 chapters not 75. When it was good it was good. Too often it was slow and repetitive.
There was a decent thriller in here somewhere but it all could have been over in 50 chapters not 75. When it was good it was good. Too often it was slow and repetitive.
January 4, 2018
I've received a copy of this book directly from the author in order to give an honest review.
I've started this book having absolutely no expectations. I had never read any books by that author and had no idea what the style would be. I had only read the synopsis and though it would be an interesting read. BOY! I took a hell of a ride in there! Seriously, I loved it! Okay, it's not the "OH MY GOD HOW I'M I GONNA SURVIVE AFTER I FINISH THIS BOOK" kinda book but more of the "Gosh why have I never hear of this book before? kind." Everyone's following me? Good!
So here's what the story is about: Basically, we have that young pub owner in the name of Charlie that starts to receive weird anonymous letters. Following the advice of her employee (and best friend), she hires a private investigator as the police doesn't take her case seriously. The letters then escalate from weird to clearly threatening so Charlie and her PI, while trying to understand and unravel the mystery, end up mixed in the past with the Irish mafia and old family secrets.
So, where exactly did it scored for me? Right from the start as the intrigue is there from the get go on page 1. Is there something more boring than an intrigue starting on page 250 out of 300? Yeah, I hate that too. Well it's not the case here folks! Everything is following a fast pace so nothing is missing and the reader is always in the action. Don't we like that eh?
Then, I sincerely cared for the characters. I genuinely wanted to know why Charlie was getting those letters and I felt stressed when bad stuff was happening! I also loved Charlie herself; how strong a woman she is and how she's not letting people get to her easily. Like, she hired a PI but wanted to be part of the action when she though it was necessary and she was following her instincts. I respect that and I loved it. I also have bonus points for the love relationships in the book! There are 2 and both are very well written...
OH and lastly! There's a dog. Yes guys! A lovely pug in the name of Harley that's part of the story and I love him. He's just lovely and cute and his relationship with Charlie is so perfect. You should read the book solely for the dog. Just kidding, the story's very good.
So, if you're looking for an easy and fast read, that's the book you need. There's suspense and action and it's all good in there. Honestly, for me, that book falls under the same category as The Cockoo's Calling and books by Camilla Lackberg.
I've started this book having absolutely no expectations. I had never read any books by that author and had no idea what the style would be. I had only read the synopsis and though it would be an interesting read. BOY! I took a hell of a ride in there! Seriously, I loved it! Okay, it's not the "OH MY GOD HOW I'M I GONNA SURVIVE AFTER I FINISH THIS BOOK" kinda book but more of the "Gosh why have I never hear of this book before? kind." Everyone's following me? Good!
So here's what the story is about: Basically, we have that young pub owner in the name of Charlie that starts to receive weird anonymous letters. Following the advice of her employee (and best friend), she hires a private investigator as the police doesn't take her case seriously. The letters then escalate from weird to clearly threatening so Charlie and her PI, while trying to understand and unravel the mystery, end up mixed in the past with the Irish mafia and old family secrets.
So, where exactly did it scored for me? Right from the start as the intrigue is there from the get go on page 1. Is there something more boring than an intrigue starting on page 250 out of 300? Yeah, I hate that too. Well it's not the case here folks! Everything is following a fast pace so nothing is missing and the reader is always in the action. Don't we like that eh?
Then, I sincerely cared for the characters. I genuinely wanted to know why Charlie was getting those letters and I felt stressed when bad stuff was happening! I also loved Charlie herself; how strong a woman she is and how she's not letting people get to her easily. Like, she hired a PI but wanted to be part of the action when she though it was necessary and she was following her instincts. I respect that and I loved it. I also have bonus points for the love relationships in the book! There are 2 and both are very well written...
OH and lastly! There's a dog. Yes guys! A lovely pug in the name of Harley that's part of the story and I love him. He's just lovely and cute and his relationship with Charlie is so perfect. You should read the book solely for the dog. Just kidding, the story's very good.
So, if you're looking for an easy and fast read, that's the book you need. There's suspense and action and it's all good in there. Honestly, for me, that book falls under the same category as The Cockoo's Calling and books by Camilla Lackberg.
June 10, 2025
I had to drop this one. It had been one of the first E-books I tried on for size, at least 5 years ago, and I found that after just a few chapters, the style is one of Junior high book reporting at its worst. I did not like the characters, they all appear vapid and shallow. The MC is just a PITA, when people want to help her, she's nasty and abusive; when they're out to hurt her, she goes all out to give them full access to her stupidity.
FWIW, you can't express an Irish accent in written form by attaching the word, "Ya" to the end of a sentence as if it's a natural cadence of speech. It comes across as phony and noisome.
The only character I liked was the dog. Who doesn't love a dog?
I don't recommend this book. As brief as it is, I found it boring and too sleep inducing to finish.
DNF.
FWIW, you can't express an Irish accent in written form by attaching the word, "Ya" to the end of a sentence as if it's a natural cadence of speech. It comes across as phony and noisome.
The only character I liked was the dog. Who doesn't love a dog?
I don't recommend this book. As brief as it is, I found it boring and too sleep inducing to finish.
DNF.
September 4, 2020
This mystery was very good in that it kept me clueless until the end. Some mysteries I hate because I cannot follow the reasoning of the sequence of the revelation of the mystery but this one I understood and did not get lost.
For animal lovers the pug was delightful. All the main characters were developed well. I could imagine each one well. The romance surprised me and made the story more enjoyable. Events were constantly occurring to keep the story riveting.
This was my first reading experience with selling children and was educated about what could happen. My only criticism was that the culprit behind the letter's motivation and the ways he forced his will being done made me question he reasoning.
For animal lovers the pug was delightful. All the main characters were developed well. I could imagine each one well. The romance surprised me and made the story more enjoyable. Events were constantly occurring to keep the story riveting.
This was my first reading experience with selling children and was educated about what could happen. My only criticism was that the culprit behind the letter's motivation and the ways he forced his will being done made me question he reasoning.
October 25, 2020
This book was awesome. Well written. Well thought out from start to finish. I hated to have to put it away to sleep and work. The characters were relatable and lovable. You could feel the tension when they met with the mob boss. You could feel the chemistry between the two main characters. Well worth reading and highly recommend it if you like suspense. Foul language is limited. I just wish 'Jesus Christ' was not used but it wasnot used a lot. The story was clean in that nudity and sex were not in the story.
July 5, 2025
Thriller, mystery with promise.
Charlie, owner of an Irish Pub in Montreal, starts receiving strange mail, hires a PI to investigate. The mail escalates to threats, and break in. As Charlie and her PI, Sims, investigate, they can’t find a thread to pull on till finally they are giving a clue. The clue leads them to Dublin, the Irish Mob and threats to themselves. This is a fun easy read, with just the right hint of romance, and I will be reading more of them.
Charlie, owner of an Irish Pub in Montreal, starts receiving strange mail, hires a PI to investigate. The mail escalates to threats, and break in. As Charlie and her PI, Sims, investigate, they can’t find a thread to pull on till finally they are giving a clue. The clue leads them to Dublin, the Irish Mob and threats to themselves. This is a fun easy read, with just the right hint of romance, and I will be reading more of them.
February 26, 2018
A bit slow for my taste, but recommend for easy read.
Interesting read with enough mystery to hold your attention. A little too slow on action for my taste but a good standby for easy read that you can put down and pick up again. Good if you have short time for reading, Like while waiting for appointment or before you go to sleep.
Interesting read with enough mystery to hold your attention. A little too slow on action for my taste but a good standby for easy read that you can put down and pick up again. Good if you have short time for reading, Like while waiting for appointment or before you go to sleep.
June 1, 2020
Charlene Butler owns an Irish pub in downtown Montreal. Things run smoothly until she starts getting odd letters frequently, that is when she decides she needs to hire a private investigator.
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Charlie is annoyed by Simm Simmons, the private detective who intrudes a lot in her private life. She wants everything to be finished soon and wants to get back to her simple life. But soon she realizes it's not gonna happen anytime soon when she starts receiving more than just the "letters" and the investigation is questioning her roots
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.
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I loved the character Charlie in this book. Initially she appears to be pertified when she starts receiving the letters. But in the later part of the story she turns out very brave and handles the situation well once she escapes death. Well.. I feel one terrible experience makes a person fearless!The story is a smooth sail from the beginning to the end without much background information to the plot. But the actual twist is in the ending that is so unexpected that you don't see it coming and it makes you speechless
.
Charlie is annoyed by Simm Simmons, the private detective who intrudes a lot in her private life. She wants everything to be finished soon and wants to get back to her simple life. But soon she realizes it's not gonna happen anytime soon when she starts receiving more than just the "letters" and the investigation is questioning her roots
.
.
.
I loved the character Charlie in this book. Initially she appears to be pertified when she starts receiving the letters. But in the later part of the story she turns out very brave and handles the situation well once she escapes death. Well.. I feel one terrible experience makes a person fearless!The story is a smooth sail from the beginning to the end without much background information to the plot. But the actual twist is in the ending that is so unexpected that you don't see it coming and it makes you speechless
October 8, 2020
Harassment, mystery, and Humor
Charlie's and Simm's characters take you on a journey of mystery, danger, kidnappings (human and canine), foreign travel and unshakeable loyalty. These two seem to be in a constant state of chaos, intrigue and unseen threats. The romantic feelings appear to be unexpected by both, but very welcoming.
Charlie's and Simm's characters take you on a journey of mystery, danger, kidnappings (human and canine), foreign travel and unshakeable loyalty. These two seem to be in a constant state of chaos, intrigue and unseen threats. The romantic feelings appear to be unexpected by both, but very welcoming.
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