What do you think?
Rate this book
Travels of Quinn
Born an Irish American Traveller, Quinn’s father and stepfamily raise her to be a con artist. Can she escape a binding marriage contract and a life of crime?
Jailed for theft, Quinn pays restitution working on a horse farm. Unfamiliar with horses, her love for them surprises her. They make her hope for a better world.
Until the farm’s owner is brutally murdered and Quinn is the prime suspect.
On the run, Quinn uses every scam and con she knows to save herself. Can she find the real killer before she’s imprisoned for life or murdered because she knows too much?
A mystery-thriller of deceit, murder, greed and hope, by multiple award-winning author, Sasscer Hill.
Jailed for theft, Quinn pays restitution working on a horse farm. Unfamiliar with horses, her love for them surprises her. They make her hope for a better world.
Until the farm’s owner is brutally murdered and Quinn is the prime suspect.
On the run, Quinn uses every scam and con she knows to save herself. Can she find the real killer before she’s imprisoned for life or murdered because she knows too much?
A mystery-thriller of deceit, murder, greed and hope, by multiple award-winning author, Sasscer Hill.
292 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 11, 2020
31 people are currently reading
32 people want to read
About the author
Sasscer Hill
22 books133 followersI've never wanted to write the “Great American novel.” I believe my job is to entertain with stories about chasing a dream, fighting the odds, and helping the helpless. I want to create a world that’s a bit scary, sometimes funny, always informative, and a reliable destination for escape.
Sasscer Hill's books have won the $10,000 Dr. Tony Ryan Award for Best Book in Racing Literature (FLAMINGO ROAD.) They have also garnered a Carrie McCray Award and been nominated for Agatha, Macavity, and Claymore awards. Her second book in her two-book "Fia McKee" series, THE DARK SIDE OF TOWN, received a Booklist Starred Review and was an Editor's Pick in the Toronto Star.
Her newest title, TRAVEL'S OF QUINN" (out March 2010) is a mystery-thriller based on the con artists known as the Irish American Travellers. A novel of deceit, murder, greed and hope,
Currently, Sasscer is writing SHOOTING STAR, her fifth novel in the "Nikki Latrelle" mystery series.
Sasscer was a breeder, owner, and rider of race horses for over 30 years. She lives in Aiken, SC, with her husband, a dog named Rosco and a cat named Lola.
Sasscer Hill's books have won the $10,000 Dr. Tony Ryan Award for Best Book in Racing Literature (FLAMINGO ROAD.) They have also garnered a Carrie McCray Award and been nominated for Agatha, Macavity, and Claymore awards. Her second book in her two-book "Fia McKee" series, THE DARK SIDE OF TOWN, received a Booklist Starred Review and was an Editor's Pick in the Toronto Star.
Her newest title, TRAVEL'S OF QUINN" (out March 2010) is a mystery-thriller based on the con artists known as the Irish American Travellers. A novel of deceit, murder, greed and hope,
Currently, Sasscer is writing SHOOTING STAR, her fifth novel in the "Nikki Latrelle" mystery series.
Sasscer was a breeder, owner, and rider of race horses for over 30 years. She lives in Aiken, SC, with her husband, a dog named Rosco and a cat named Lola.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
March 25, 2020
Quinn O’Neill is an Irish Traveler. She resides in
Tinker Town, Georgia with her Da, stepmother
and step brother. She works with her Da
pulling scams and cons. She is betrothed to
a man per family arrangement who she doesn’t
love.
Tinker, con artist, talented in scamming then
she gets caught in the theft. The results....she
lands her in jail until she is sent to work on a
rich woman’s horse farm. There she meets three
other rescued criminals. One whom she get
fond of quickly....but can she trust him. Her
issues of trust began with a mother who left
her, a stepmother and stepbrother out to
defame her.
Then a murder occurs. Off to jail she goes.
Can she trust her lawyer??? Can she discover
the real culprit??
A accident occurs setting Quinn free. Will she
be able to prove her innocence?? Or will her
adversaries succeed in defaming her.
A fast paced, well written, suspenseful
plotted murder mystery. The characters are
colorful, vivid, well defined, quirky, some are
full of deceit, hatred, full of greed while other
full of compassion.
Description will put the reader right there in
the midst of Quinn’s travels with her Da,
when she get caught stealing, in jail and on
the horse farm. The reader will meet the
horses who will seem so real.
This is a fantastic read! I highly recommend
the book and look forward to the next book
about Quinn.
I volunteered to read Travels of Quinn. Thanks
to the Cozy Review Crew for the opportunity.
My opinion is voluntary and my own.
Tinker Town, Georgia with her Da, stepmother
and step brother. She works with her Da
pulling scams and cons. She is betrothed to
a man per family arrangement who she doesn’t
love.
Tinker, con artist, talented in scamming then
she gets caught in the theft. The results....she
lands her in jail until she is sent to work on a
rich woman’s horse farm. There she meets three
other rescued criminals. One whom she get
fond of quickly....but can she trust him. Her
issues of trust began with a mother who left
her, a stepmother and stepbrother out to
defame her.
Then a murder occurs. Off to jail she goes.
Can she trust her lawyer??? Can she discover
the real culprit??
A accident occurs setting Quinn free. Will she
be able to prove her innocence?? Or will her
adversaries succeed in defaming her.
A fast paced, well written, suspenseful
plotted murder mystery. The characters are
colorful, vivid, well defined, quirky, some are
full of deceit, hatred, full of greed while other
full of compassion.
Description will put the reader right there in
the midst of Quinn’s travels with her Da,
when she get caught stealing, in jail and on
the horse farm. The reader will meet the
horses who will seem so real.
This is a fantastic read! I highly recommend
the book and look forward to the next book
about Quinn.
I volunteered to read Travels of Quinn. Thanks
to the Cozy Review Crew for the opportunity.
My opinion is voluntary and my own.
February 9, 2020
This is the first book I've read by Sasscer Hill, but it will be by no means the last. The story centers around Quinn O'Neill, an Irish Traveller, living in a place called Tinker Town, Georgia. Now it's entirely possible that many readers will have heard of this real-life group of gypsy-like characters, but I hadn't. Thankfully, Googling has brought me up to speed, and I believe Hill's Tinker Town is based on Murphy Village, South Carolina. [In fact, if I have any quibble with this book, it's that Hill doesn't offer an author's note with a bit of the Traveller's history, facts and fiction, a real opportunity missed.]
As a story, however, the novel clip clops along at the perfect pace, drawing the reader from the opening paragraph, and reigning us in chapter by chapter. When we first meet Quinn, she's 19, engaged (arranged marriage Traveller style) to a man she doesn't love, as well as being a gifted, if somewhat guilt-ridden thief and con artist. In these early scenes with her father, Sasscer Hill paints a picture so lifelike that I literally feel as if I'm watching a movie and not reading a book [this would, however, make a great movie].
Fast forward to the part where Quinn is jailed for theft (no spoilers here -- the author's book description reads more like a synopsis that a teaser) and the wealthy woman who takes her in to work on her horse farm. There's not a ton of horse stuff here -- something I gather plays a larger role in Hill's other works -- but there's enough to make you realize that the author knows her way around a stable.
Thanks to the kindly owner, Quinn is not the only one on probation at the farm. There are three others, all male, with one, Jase, who Quinn is deeply attracted to (and there are subtle hints that the feeling is mutual). Thankfully (for this reader, who really hates it when a good mystery gets mucked up by a lot of romance) there are hints of things that may or may no come, but nothing in the moment.
Life for Quinn, however, is never easy. She has cousins and a horrid stepmother who will do anything to thwart her, and at some point, she's charged with murder, unsure of who she may or may not be able to trust. The author's skill at weaving in lies with the truth serves the reader well: we're never quite sure who to believe, but we do know we're firmly on the side of Team Quinn.
I mentioned earlier that the book clip clopped along at a perfect pace, and by the end I was literally turning the pages as fast as my fingers would let me. The end was satisfying and...dare I believe it...I'm quite sure we'll be traveling with Quinn again. At least that's my hope. Highly recommended. 4.8 stars, with .1 lost for the synopsis-like trailer -- [if you can, read the book BEFORE you read the trailer so you can be suitably surprised at the various turns of events in Quinn's life, instead of waiting for the promised to happen] and .1 lost for not including an author's note about the Irish Travellers.
As a story, however, the novel clip clops along at the perfect pace, drawing the reader from the opening paragraph, and reigning us in chapter by chapter. When we first meet Quinn, she's 19, engaged (arranged marriage Traveller style) to a man she doesn't love, as well as being a gifted, if somewhat guilt-ridden thief and con artist. In these early scenes with her father, Sasscer Hill paints a picture so lifelike that I literally feel as if I'm watching a movie and not reading a book [this would, however, make a great movie].
Fast forward to the part where Quinn is jailed for theft (no spoilers here -- the author's book description reads more like a synopsis that a teaser) and the wealthy woman who takes her in to work on her horse farm. There's not a ton of horse stuff here -- something I gather plays a larger role in Hill's other works -- but there's enough to make you realize that the author knows her way around a stable.
Thanks to the kindly owner, Quinn is not the only one on probation at the farm. There are three others, all male, with one, Jase, who Quinn is deeply attracted to (and there are subtle hints that the feeling is mutual). Thankfully (for this reader, who really hates it when a good mystery gets mucked up by a lot of romance) there are hints of things that may or may no come, but nothing in the moment.
Life for Quinn, however, is never easy. She has cousins and a horrid stepmother who will do anything to thwart her, and at some point, she's charged with murder, unsure of who she may or may not be able to trust. The author's skill at weaving in lies with the truth serves the reader well: we're never quite sure who to believe, but we do know we're firmly on the side of Team Quinn.
I mentioned earlier that the book clip clopped along at a perfect pace, and by the end I was literally turning the pages as fast as my fingers would let me. The end was satisfying and...dare I believe it...I'm quite sure we'll be traveling with Quinn again. At least that's my hope. Highly recommended. 4.8 stars, with .1 lost for the synopsis-like trailer -- [if you can, read the book BEFORE you read the trailer so you can be suitably surprised at the various turns of events in Quinn's life, instead of waiting for the promised to happen] and .1 lost for not including an author's note about the Irish Travellers.
March 25, 2020
Travels of Quinn is the first book in the Quinn O’Neil Mystery series. Events take place in South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi, and the story is told from Quinn’s perspective. Quinn and her family are Irish American Travellers, and the family’s means of making money is with confidence tricks and thievery. Quinn is not totally comfortable with her lifestyle, and she is unhappy about her pending arranged marriage. At the age of nineteen, her life is completely shattered when a swindle and theft go horribly wrong. Quinn is arrested and finds out what it is really like to spend time in jail. She receives probation but is required to pay restitution and works on a horse farm with other individuals who have also violated the law. When a murder is committed on the farm, all the evidence points at Quinn as the guilty party. Quinn is arrested, but escapes and is on the run. Can Quinn prove her innocence before the police catch up to her?
Sasscer Hill keeps readers engrossed in this mystery that builds up in tension until it reaches a nail-biting climax. Engaging metaphors that are included in just the right place in the story heightened my enjoyment of this novel. Well-placed false clues throw readers off track and keep them guessing until the final pages the truth of who is trustworthy and who is deceitful. Readers will get a look into the work involved in taking care of horses and the inner workings of con artist families who not only bamboozle people out of their money but also steal valuable personal items. Will Quinn remain a con artist or change her ways? In this story, there is an interesting mix of issues such as confidence schemes, larceny, deception, mistrust, greed, murder, family relationships, and surprising friendships. An entertaining mystery, full of suspense, with a satisfying ending that leaves readers looking forward to what is coming next.
Sasscer Hill keeps readers engrossed in this mystery that builds up in tension until it reaches a nail-biting climax. Engaging metaphors that are included in just the right place in the story heightened my enjoyment of this novel. Well-placed false clues throw readers off track and keep them guessing until the final pages the truth of who is trustworthy and who is deceitful. Readers will get a look into the work involved in taking care of horses and the inner workings of con artist families who not only bamboozle people out of their money but also steal valuable personal items. Will Quinn remain a con artist or change her ways? In this story, there is an interesting mix of issues such as confidence schemes, larceny, deception, mistrust, greed, murder, family relationships, and surprising friendships. An entertaining mystery, full of suspense, with a satisfying ending that leaves readers looking forward to what is coming next.
March 18, 2020
Travels of Quinn are the first book in Sasscer Hill’s Quinn O’Neill series. The author takes readers on a thrilling ride as a young woman finds herself on the wrong side of the law after a heist that doesn’t go as planned. Quinn has been running scams with her da for a while now, but it seems that the luck of the gypsy is about to run out and the long arm of the law is going to reach out and grab her.
Travels of Quinn is the first book that I have read by Sasscer Hill and the author did a great job hooking me into the story and having me page-turn to the end. I couldn’t get enough of this book and Quinn’s story. I like that Quinn is different from her family. She gets a thrill out of accomplishing most jobs that she takes on, but the author quickly shows that this last job…Quinn has a prick of consciousness. Homelife isn’t that great either. The author gives me two characters that I immediately despise. They are essentially the perfect villains, but there is more than meets the eye with this book.
I’ll admit that there were some moments of where I got a bit annoyed with Quinn because she seemed too naïve despite being a con-artist/thief. You’d think that she would have shed that with the way that she had to work a scam in order to come out the winner. She has moments of seeming like a weak character, but taking a step back I saw that it was just the author’s way of making the character come to life more and be more relatable to the situation.
This story is truly fascinating and the twists that the author writes in kept me eager for more. I loved the unexpected moments, but then I was disappointed that Quinn lets her guard down after the many red flags waving in her face. I will say this – I am looking forward to Quinn’s next story as she is determined to find her mother and get answers.
I am rating this book 5 out of 5 stars. This murder mystery thriller is a great story that will leave you craving more as Quinn finds herself in one predicament after another. The storyline is well done and hard to put down. Get ready for thrills, questions, deceptions, and murder.
Travels of Quinn is the first book that I have read by Sasscer Hill and the author did a great job hooking me into the story and having me page-turn to the end. I couldn’t get enough of this book and Quinn’s story. I like that Quinn is different from her family. She gets a thrill out of accomplishing most jobs that she takes on, but the author quickly shows that this last job…Quinn has a prick of consciousness. Homelife isn’t that great either. The author gives me two characters that I immediately despise. They are essentially the perfect villains, but there is more than meets the eye with this book.
I’ll admit that there were some moments of where I got a bit annoyed with Quinn because she seemed too naïve despite being a con-artist/thief. You’d think that she would have shed that with the way that she had to work a scam in order to come out the winner. She has moments of seeming like a weak character, but taking a step back I saw that it was just the author’s way of making the character come to life more and be more relatable to the situation.
This story is truly fascinating and the twists that the author writes in kept me eager for more. I loved the unexpected moments, but then I was disappointed that Quinn lets her guard down after the many red flags waving in her face. I will say this – I am looking forward to Quinn’s next story as she is determined to find her mother and get answers.
I am rating this book 5 out of 5 stars. This murder mystery thriller is a great story that will leave you craving more as Quinn finds herself in one predicament after another. The storyline is well done and hard to put down. Get ready for thrills, questions, deceptions, and murder.
April 20, 2020
If you love a fast paced mystery with engaging, but rather questionable characters, you will love this book. Sasscerhill does a fine job inserting unexpected plot twists that keep you guessing. I enjoyed this romp through Tinker Town with Quinn O’Neil, a gusty young woman with unique talents. I have enjoyed Sasscerhill’s Nikki Latrelle series which is much more focused on the horse world, but this foray into another world did not disappoint
April 19, 2020
Read it in one pulse-popping thrilling session! Debut of another top-notch series from Sasscer Hill. What they all have in common is a smart, slightly damaged heroine and horses ...Nikki Latrelle, a jockey; Fia McKee, an ex-cop who goes undercover at a Florida racetrack; and now, Quinn O'Neill, an Irish Traveler who finds a love of horses after her world fell apart.
For those who may not know, Irish Travelers are more commonly known as gypsies. As the book opens, Quinn is helping her father and other male relatives pull off an asphalt paving scam/robbery. She's torn between a budding conscience and a desire to help her beloved father. When the next scam goes horribly awry, Quinn is left on her own to get by on her wits. We learn a lot about the Travelers, and their insular and fascinating society. But the true heart of the story is Quinn and her journey.
Highly recommended!
For those who may not know, Irish Travelers are more commonly known as gypsies. As the book opens, Quinn is helping her father and other male relatives pull off an asphalt paving scam/robbery. She's torn between a budding conscience and a desire to help her beloved father. When the next scam goes horribly awry, Quinn is left on her own to get by on her wits. We learn a lot about the Travelers, and their insular and fascinating society. But the true heart of the story is Quinn and her journey.
Highly recommended!
March 26, 2020
For some reason, I have always had a fascination with gypsies. I am not sure if it is because of all the stories that I have heard about them or if it is because there are so many different types of gypsies with their own life styles and customs. Whatever the reason, when I read the synopsis of this book, I knew I just had to read it! And let me tell you, Sasscer Hill’s book did not disappoint!!
From page one, Sasscer Hill’s writing pulled me right in! The descriptions of Quinn and her family had me turning pages to see what kind of con they would pull next!! Then, Quinn is caught in the act of stealing and the story completely changed. It captured me into a murder mystery that kept me guessing at every page! I thought I had figured out what had happened early on, but each time I thought I had the entire mystery figured out, a new piece of the story was introduced and all my theories about what had happened went POOF! I enjoyed every minute of this book, and had a hard time putting it down, which is probably why I finished the book in 2 days!!!
I must admit that I a so glad that I found this book and author, however I am disappointed that there is not another book about Quinn. I am hoping that Sasscer Hill writes more books about Quinn, but for now, I will settle reading some of her other books (which I am sure will be just as good as this one)!! I am so glad to have discovered this author.
From page one, Sasscer Hill’s writing pulled me right in! The descriptions of Quinn and her family had me turning pages to see what kind of con they would pull next!! Then, Quinn is caught in the act of stealing and the story completely changed. It captured me into a murder mystery that kept me guessing at every page! I thought I had figured out what had happened early on, but each time I thought I had the entire mystery figured out, a new piece of the story was introduced and all my theories about what had happened went POOF! I enjoyed every minute of this book, and had a hard time putting it down, which is probably why I finished the book in 2 days!!!
I must admit that I a so glad that I found this book and author, however I am disappointed that there is not another book about Quinn. I am hoping that Sasscer Hill writes more books about Quinn, but for now, I will settle reading some of her other books (which I am sure will be just as good as this one)!! I am so glad to have discovered this author.
November 30, 2021
Quinn O'Neill is the byproduct of being raised a scam artist that comes from a lineage of scam artists.
Traveling Gypsies which can be traced all the way back to Ireland.
She lives with her father who has raised her ever since she was abandoned by her mom when she was little, and also her stepmom, who defines the term stepmom as well as her stepbrother.
When her latest scam goes wrong, She stole a valuable gem while her contracted husband to be is scamming the neighbor at the same time. Quinn finds herself in jail with her only hope that the family lawyer can get her off on probation.
While serving her probation at a horse farm, the owner is killed and Quinn is once again having the blame placed on her.
What a fun story from Sasscer Hill.
Fast paced and full of action and twists along with some huge surprises.
This is a really good mystery that would be more traditional and definitely not a cozy as there are several instances of profanity that are not used gratuitously.
Traveling Gypsies which can be traced all the way back to Ireland.
She lives with her father who has raised her ever since she was abandoned by her mom when she was little, and also her stepmom, who defines the term stepmom as well as her stepbrother.
When her latest scam goes wrong, She stole a valuable gem while her contracted husband to be is scamming the neighbor at the same time. Quinn finds herself in jail with her only hope that the family lawyer can get her off on probation.
While serving her probation at a horse farm, the owner is killed and Quinn is once again having the blame placed on her.
What a fun story from Sasscer Hill.
Fast paced and full of action and twists along with some huge surprises.
This is a really good mystery that would be more traditional and definitely not a cozy as there are several instances of profanity that are not used gratuitously.
March 5, 2020
This Aiken, South Carolina based mystery novel was a really fun read with a swift and pulsating plot! (Read in 24 hours😂). Quinn, the Irish Travelers “black sheep” protagonist, has a coming-of-age moment when she is placed in jail for stealing a $100,000 heirloom sapphire ring from one of the downtown equestrian estates.
King flavors her story with sound research, great wit and ingenuity to the very end... lots of twist and turns and i never guessed the ending. Looking forward to a sequel and more from Sasscer King!
King flavors her story with sound research, great wit and ingenuity to the very end... lots of twist and turns and i never guessed the ending. Looking forward to a sequel and more from Sasscer King!
March 21, 2020
The Travels of Quinn is an interesting story about a different way of life. It plays against the stereotypes of a part of society that many haven't heard of or thought about. The descriptions of the horses are incredible. They will awaken every girls longing for a horse. The ending comes fast and furious and the reader can be pleased that their dislike for Maeve was completely justified. It will be interesting to see what Quinn and Jase do next.
April 27, 2020
WIll keep you guessing.
Another fast paced fun read from Lynda Sasscer Hill , with more twists and turns than a Four in Hand endurance course, with a wonderful bonus at the end, a sneak peek at the next Nikki Latrelle adventure.
Another fast paced fun read from Lynda Sasscer Hill , with more twists and turns than a Four in Hand endurance course, with a wonderful bonus at the end, a sneak peek at the next Nikki Latrelle adventure.
March 1, 2020
Another great read from Hill.
January 27, 2020
I received this book as a beta reader in exchange for an honest review. This did not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
The protagonist is a young woman raised as a con artist. Eventually a con goes bad and she finds herself in jail. To pay for her crime, she goes to work on a horse farm. Just as she develops hope for a better life, things go terribly wrong. Suddenly, she's on the run. This is a tightly-written, fast-paced story about coming of age, with some mystery, mayhem, a little romance, and horses thrown in the mix. Definitely a great read.
The protagonist is a young woman raised as a con artist. Eventually a con goes bad and she finds herself in jail. To pay for her crime, she goes to work on a horse farm. Just as she develops hope for a better life, things go terribly wrong. Suddenly, she's on the run. This is a tightly-written, fast-paced story about coming of age, with some mystery, mayhem, a little romance, and horses thrown in the mix. Definitely a great read.
April 21, 2022
After reading Shooting Star by Sasscer Hill, I thought this story would be another murder mystery. Instead, it’s a coming-of-age novel with a murder woven into it.
The backdrop of this book is the Irish American Traverlls which I found very interesting. I was intrigued enough to do a Google search to see if they were real. They are, but in very limited areas of the USA. Probably why I’ve never heard of them.
Born into one of these cloistered clans, Quinn was taught how to lie, cheat, and steal. I love her character and found her relatable as she struggled with her feelings of guilt for scamming ‘country folk’ and dealing with her horrible step-mother and step-brother. Maeve and Connor were perfect villains. Then Quinn’s life was turned upside down.
I also liked the Ballymoor farm. I could smell the sweet hay and hear the nickering of the Gypsy Vanners. Made me want to live there.
I was really enjoying the story until I got to the end which was a disappointment for me. As a con artist, Quinn should not have been so trusting and trapped the way she was. The plot twists were too obvious, and the police would not have shown up as fast as they did during a raging hurricane.
If you’re looking for a coming-of-age story with a sweet romance, mystery, and horses, you will enjoy this book. I give it 4 stars.
The backdrop of this book is the Irish American Traverlls which I found very interesting. I was intrigued enough to do a Google search to see if they were real. They are, but in very limited areas of the USA. Probably why I’ve never heard of them.
Born into one of these cloistered clans, Quinn was taught how to lie, cheat, and steal. I love her character and found her relatable as she struggled with her feelings of guilt for scamming ‘country folk’ and dealing with her horrible step-mother and step-brother. Maeve and Connor were perfect villains. Then Quinn’s life was turned upside down.
I also liked the Ballymoor farm. I could smell the sweet hay and hear the nickering of the Gypsy Vanners. Made me want to live there.
I was really enjoying the story until I got to the end which was a disappointment for me. As a con artist, Quinn should not have been so trusting and trapped the way she was. The plot twists were too obvious, and the police would not have shown up as fast as they did during a raging hurricane.
If you’re looking for a coming-of-age story with a sweet romance, mystery, and horses, you will enjoy this book. I give it 4 stars.
January 14, 2025
In her novel Travels of Quinn Sasscer Hill tells the story of a young Irish Gypsy and her battle to get out of the life of crime she was born into. Sasscer’s protagonist Quinn will be forced to confront her family and the law after she is left as the scapegoat for a robbery gone wrong.
The Irish Travelers became interesting to me after the case involving Paul Bissonnette (which has nothing to do with this book). I was shocked at the family's history of scams, fighting, and somehow staying clear of the law. I told a family member about these tales I was reading about the Irish Travelers and was recommended the Travels of Quinn. Quinn seems loosely based on events from around 2017 in the North Augusta area.
Quinn considers herself an outsider of the Travelers since her mother was born an outsider. While busted in a botched robbery Quinn starts to see the Travelers from a different light and sees that she wants something different than the life she was born into. The story takes us from asphalt scams in Augusta to jail and finally to Aiken's nice homes and horse industry. Where the book shines in its ability to capture the life of the Irish Gypsy some of the book's plot seems simplistic, especially in how things unravel (no spoilers).
A good quick read for anyone interested in the Irish Travelers, the South and horse breeding.
The Irish Travelers became interesting to me after the case involving Paul Bissonnette (which has nothing to do with this book). I was shocked at the family's history of scams, fighting, and somehow staying clear of the law. I told a family member about these tales I was reading about the Irish Travelers and was recommended the Travels of Quinn. Quinn seems loosely based on events from around 2017 in the North Augusta area.
Quinn considers herself an outsider of the Travelers since her mother was born an outsider. While busted in a botched robbery Quinn starts to see the Travelers from a different light and sees that she wants something different than the life she was born into. The story takes us from asphalt scams in Augusta to jail and finally to Aiken's nice homes and horse industry. Where the book shines in its ability to capture the life of the Irish Gypsy some of the book's plot seems simplistic, especially in how things unravel (no spoilers).
A good quick read for anyone interested in the Irish Travelers, the South and horse breeding.
April 8, 2021
This story is compelling with a strong young woman as the protagonist who realizes she wants something different for her life than how she was raised. Quinn O’Neill was groomed to run a con but is caught in a scam and goes to jail. She can make restitution for her crime by working with horses on a farm. She begins to see the possibility for changes in her life from that of a Traveler through the connections she makes with the horses. However, Quinn is then accused of committing a murder, leaving her without her family to solve it.
The writing is tight and supported by the research into a way of life where family comes first, and marriages are early and arranged. Hill’s characters are complex, making it difficult to tell who is telling the truth and who is not. The novel is well-paced, and just like with another novel by Sasscer Hill, Flamingo Road, this book has humor that contrasts with the tension, making it a good read.
The writing is tight and supported by the research into a way of life where family comes first, and marriages are early and arranged. Hill’s characters are complex, making it difficult to tell who is telling the truth and who is not. The novel is well-paced, and just like with another novel by Sasscer Hill, Flamingo Road, this book has humor that contrasts with the tension, making it a good read.
June 6, 2020
I love this author’s Nikki Latrelle series, set against the backdrop of horse racing in Maryland (my home state) and Florida (my adopted state). So I was more than ready to read this new book, an introduction to the Irish American Travellers.
I might not have enjoyed this story quite as much if I hadn’t read some of the author’s blog posts beforehand. Having learned that the Irish American Travellers are a real-life phenomenon—a whole subculture of con artists and thieves of Irish descent, who believe in bling, big hair and arranged marriages—I was fully prepared to ride along on Quinn’s sometimes breathtaking journey to escape the grip of that heritage.
Throw in some beautiful and spirited horses, who to some degree turn out to be Quinn’s salvation, and I was totally hooked. A great first book in a new series. I am very much looking forward to the next installment!
I might not have enjoyed this story quite as much if I hadn’t read some of the author’s blog posts beforehand. Having learned that the Irish American Travellers are a real-life phenomenon—a whole subculture of con artists and thieves of Irish descent, who believe in bling, big hair and arranged marriages—I was fully prepared to ride along on Quinn’s sometimes breathtaking journey to escape the grip of that heritage.
Throw in some beautiful and spirited horses, who to some degree turn out to be Quinn’s salvation, and I was totally hooked. A great first book in a new series. I am very much looking forward to the next installment!
Read
June 3, 2020An edge of your seat mystery.
Quinn was raised with Irish Travelers, a gypsy. From birth she was raised to the gypsy ways, and now was involved in an asphalt paving scam. She was good at it. Then it all went wrong. Her Dad was dead, Quinn was in jail, and her wicked stepmother had her eyes on Quinn's inheritance. That's only the beginning.
Treat yourself to this story where you never know what will happen next.
Quinn was raised with Irish Travelers, a gypsy. From birth she was raised to the gypsy ways, and now was involved in an asphalt paving scam. She was good at it. Then it all went wrong. Her Dad was dead, Quinn was in jail, and her wicked stepmother had her eyes on Quinn's inheritance. That's only the beginning.
Treat yourself to this story where you never know what will happen next.
February 15, 2020
“An intriguing coming of age story wrapped in a fast- paced murder mystery”-Robert Dugoni, New York Times Bestselling Author.
“A heart-stopping thriller of a murder mystery!” –Charles Todd, winner of Anthony, Edgar, and Barry Awards, and a New York Times Notable Book of the Year. https://www.sasscerhill.com/books
“A heart-stopping thriller of a murder mystery!” –Charles Todd, winner of Anthony, Edgar, and Barry Awards, and a New York Times Notable Book of the Year. https://www.sasscerhill.com/books
March 20, 2020
This was my first Sasscer Hill book, but it certainly won't be my last! The story line moves quickly, with good and not-so-good characters and enough surprises to keep you turning page after page. The story is well-written, with a flawed but redeemable main character whom we can't help but admire and worry about. I thoroughly enjoyed the read!
May 30, 2020
Quinn is a part of The Travelers.
At a young age she becomes a thief.
But at school she is eager to learn but most Travelers only go to school for 4 or 5 years.
Quinn is arrested for suspected murder. She ends up working on a horse farm where she realizes her love for the horses.
This is a murder mystery and a coming of age story.
Once I started it I just had to read on.
At a young age she becomes a thief.
But at school she is eager to learn but most Travelers only go to school for 4 or 5 years.
Quinn is arrested for suspected murder. She ends up working on a horse farm where she realizes her love for the horses.
This is a murder mystery and a coming of age story.
Once I started it I just had to read on.
April 11, 2022
Another book from Sasscer Hill that did not disappoint. Quinn was born an Irish American Traveler and she was raised by her father to assist with his cons. When she is arrested and jailed she is given the opportunity to pay her restitution on a horse farm.
I absolutely loved this book. I'm hoping to read more of her books.
I absolutely loved this book. I'm hoping to read more of her books.
April 2, 2023
This book is written by a local author…that is what grabbed my attention first. I grew up with the Irish Travelers in my community, and as an adult, I had many of their children in the school where I served as an assistant principal. This book is a fictional story of a girl in this community. I found it very entertaining and true to the community.
August 21, 2020
this is the first book I read from this autor and let me tell you that I loved it! Such a good book with great characters that keeps you obsessed with every page since the first one. Amazing job! If you love mystery this is definitely a must read!
December 13, 2020
This is an excellent read, I literally had to make myself put it down so I could get some sleep. Fast-moving, exciting, and a learning experience of a different culture. For those that live in Aiken, SC a must-read.
December 18, 2022
I heard this book being discussed in a book club. It sounded like a good read. I picked it up one day and finished it the next. The characters seemed believable and the research Hill conducted was phenomenal.
December 23, 2023
An interesting look in to a gypsy family of con artists ... Not sure I'd recommend it, but it wasn't a complete waste of time. Book club discussion was good.
May 28, 2021
Great mystery/action story, I enjoyed learning about Irish Travelers and the region of Aiken, South Carolina, where some of my relatives live. I found the main character slightly not believable. The first scenes point out that she feels guilty for doing a con job, but it doesn't make sense to me. After growing up in that environment, it feels more honest to say that she has learned to love con jobs. It's a skill she has pride in. I would believe the guilt more if it had to do with hurting or stealing from her own people. She is also supposed to be a bookish, intelligent woman, like her mother, but I see her continually drawing on the strength and wisdom of her Da. It felt like the description of her character was not authentic with who she really was...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 24, 2023
a real page turner!
This book will keep you guessing until the very last page. Great suspense - don’t start it in the evening, you’ll be up all night because you won’t be able to put it down.
This book will keep you guessing until the very last page. Great suspense - don’t start it in the evening, you’ll be up all night because you won’t be able to put it down.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews