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The Chosen
One man murdered. One more dug from his grave. Twelve others missing. This is no coincidence.
Respected Washington, D.C., journalist January DeLena is positive the threads of each victim's disappearance are intertwined. But who's behind these horrific crimes? All signs point to the man who calls himself The Sinner - a disturbed homeless man trawling the streets of the nation's capital luring victims into his fanatical world of salvation and redemption.
January can't keep her suspicions private. And soon she's got the ear - and the interest - of homicide detective Benjamin North. But January has a secret. One that places her directly in the path of the twisted, self-proclaimed messiah's rage. Suddenly, getting this story has January and Benjamin headed to hell and back.
Respected Washington, D.C., journalist January DeLena is positive the threads of each victim's disappearance are intertwined. But who's behind these horrific crimes? All signs point to the man who calls himself The Sinner - a disturbed homeless man trawling the streets of the nation's capital luring victims into his fanatical world of salvation and redemption.
January can't keep her suspicions private. And soon she's got the ear - and the interest - of homicide detective Benjamin North. But January has a secret. One that places her directly in the path of the twisted, self-proclaimed messiah's rage. Suddenly, getting this story has January and Benjamin headed to hell and back.
384 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published October 1, 2005
203 people are currently reading
772 people want to read
About the author
Sharon Sala
279 books2,303 followersBiography
Sharon Sala is a Native Oklahoman and still lives within a two hour drive of where she was born.
First published in 1991, she is a New York Times/USA Today, best-selling author with a 135 plus books published in seven different genres, including Romantic suspense, Mystery, Young Adult, Western, Fiction, Women’s Fiction and Non-Fiction.
Industry Awards include:
Eight-time RITA finalist. (Romance Industry award)
The Janet Dailey Award.
Five-time Career Achievement winner from RT Magazine.
Five time winner of the National Reader’s Choice Award.
Five time winner of the Colorado Romance Writer’s Award of Excellence.
Heart of Excellence Award.,
Booksellers Best Award.
Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award RITA, presented by RWA.
Centennial Award from RWA for recognition of her 100th published novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
December 29, 2008
Like just about every other Sharon Sala/Dinah McCall book I've read, this was a good read...but I wouldn't call it one of my favorites by her. It was a quick, enjoyable (if creepy) book, but it wasn't one that captured me.
Reporter January DeLena is always looking for an interesting story. So when she hears about a homeless man calling himself the Sinner who is claiming to have had a near-death experience where he didn't go to heaven, but to hell, she's intrigued. As she investigates, she becomes concerned about some of the things she hears. Something's not right. When homeless men start disappearing and another man ends up dead, she takes her concerns to D.C. detective Ben North. January has lusted after Ben since the first time she saw him, and her desires have only gotten worse since the one and only kiss the shared. So it's no hardship to her to be around him. And to her surprise, he returns the feelings. The passionate relationship quickly turns to more, but the Sinner is continuing to cause havoc. And now January is in his sights. Ben and January have to figure out who he is, what he's doing, and more important, they have to find him and stop him before it's too late.
My favorite part of this book was the romance angle. I really liked Ben and January and they had a great chemistry together. The first time they made love...that was a great scene. Very hot but very romantic. I would have liked them to have had more scenes together. Which leads to one of the things I didn't quite enjoy as much about this book - all the time spent on the antagonist and his bad deeds. There were just a lot of scenes in this book about the bad guy, a lot of scenes dealing with the things he was doing, the people involved. I didn't really need to read that much about that part of the story. Plus, the scenes were all sort of the same in a lot of ways so I kinda felt like I was reading too much of the same. The scenes could have been shorter or cut out altogether. And in return, more time could have been spent on the H/H or each character individually. Probably the individual part because I do think they lacked a little bit of depth. I wanted to know more about them.
Another thing that I can't really say I enjoyed about this book - and this is just a personal preference - was all the religion in this book. That's not to say the story was religious as in and inspirational romance, but religious in that dealt with a guy who claimed to have gone to hell and in order to go to heaven when he really died he was going do whatever necessary (in his crazy mind) to redeem himself. Which involved the guy doing various religious things, bible references, and other such stuff. Being the committed atheist that I am, I didn't really enjoy all that stuff. It's just not something that appeals to me. So that affected my liking of the book (a little bit).
But overall, this was still a good book. Sala knows how to tell a story and write an engaging romance. If you have read and enjoyed Sala/McCall before, then you'll probably like this one. Or if you just like romantic suspense, then I'd recommend this book.
Reporter January DeLena is always looking for an interesting story. So when she hears about a homeless man calling himself the Sinner who is claiming to have had a near-death experience where he didn't go to heaven, but to hell, she's intrigued. As she investigates, she becomes concerned about some of the things she hears. Something's not right. When homeless men start disappearing and another man ends up dead, she takes her concerns to D.C. detective Ben North. January has lusted after Ben since the first time she saw him, and her desires have only gotten worse since the one and only kiss the shared. So it's no hardship to her to be around him. And to her surprise, he returns the feelings. The passionate relationship quickly turns to more, but the Sinner is continuing to cause havoc. And now January is in his sights. Ben and January have to figure out who he is, what he's doing, and more important, they have to find him and stop him before it's too late.
My favorite part of this book was the romance angle. I really liked Ben and January and they had a great chemistry together. The first time they made love...that was a great scene. Very hot but very romantic. I would have liked them to have had more scenes together. Which leads to one of the things I didn't quite enjoy as much about this book - all the time spent on the antagonist and his bad deeds. There were just a lot of scenes in this book about the bad guy, a lot of scenes dealing with the things he was doing, the people involved. I didn't really need to read that much about that part of the story. Plus, the scenes were all sort of the same in a lot of ways so I kinda felt like I was reading too much of the same. The scenes could have been shorter or cut out altogether. And in return, more time could have been spent on the H/H or each character individually. Probably the individual part because I do think they lacked a little bit of depth. I wanted to know more about them.
Another thing that I can't really say I enjoyed about this book - and this is just a personal preference - was all the religion in this book. That's not to say the story was religious as in and inspirational romance, but religious in that dealt with a guy who claimed to have gone to hell and in order to go to heaven when he really died he was going do whatever necessary (in his crazy mind) to redeem himself. Which involved the guy doing various religious things, bible references, and other such stuff. Being the committed atheist that I am, I didn't really enjoy all that stuff. It's just not something that appeals to me. So that affected my liking of the book (a little bit).
But overall, this was still a good book. Sala knows how to tell a story and write an engaging romance. If you have read and enjoyed Sala/McCall before, then you'll probably like this one. Or if you just like romantic suspense, then I'd recommend this book.
November 7, 2019
Too creepy. Too violent. Too weird.
March 28, 2017
Great thriller that keeps you wanting to know more. A twisted man that chooses homelessness to live as Jesus did. He's ill literally and figuratively. Can Reporter January DeLena and Detective Benjamin North find the elusive Sinner and is the homeless street preacher responsible for all the missing homeless men. January and Ben are in opposing trades. Reporters and Law Enforcement are normally like oil and water. They both know they want to cross that line. January has been looking for the Sinner to find out about his death and the fact that he says he died and was brought back. He however says he didn't see a bright light, he was in hell. Now he is dedicating his life to living his life as Jesus lived his. He believes if he lives this way he'll go to heaven instead of hell and his time is running out. Excellent read.
October 19, 2018
now i am hooked. This was such a great, easy and creative book. i was hooked after the first page.
The characters were easy to fall in love with and follow, along with the story. the author made the mental visions so easy and vivid of the surroundings and the characters actions felt so real.
i would highly recommend this author and this book.
The characters were easy to fall in love with and follow, along with the story. the author made the mental visions so easy and vivid of the surroundings and the characters actions felt so real.
i would highly recommend this author and this book.
May 24, 2008
Started and could only get through a few chapters. The dialogue was boring and cheesy.
September 11, 2021
Many times I was going to stop reading this book and I wish I had.
I did not feel the chemistry between January and Ben and Ben constantly calling January honey was over the top. They originally met each other the year before and both had sexual fantasies about the other. On seeing each other the second time they hop into the sack. January says to Ben "make love to me". No, when you have no relationship with a person and have only met them for the second time in a year it's having sex, nothing more.
Ben was unprofessional, ridiculous and stupid. He went to meet January and told his partner, Rick, he'd see him back at the station. When Ben returns he loses it because Rick was asked by their boss where is Ben and he tells him. Ben then gets very angry with his partner for saying anything and demands a new partner because he can't trust Rick. Get a grip pal. You never told Rick not to say anything which would have been wrong if you did and what was the big deal. If you should not have gone to see her then that is on you. Ben and Rick were partners for nine years and he doesn't trust him over something so stupid. Rick is better off without this guy.
Ben also shared too much information with January regarding this case however January knew more and held back. She didn't want to tip her hand and lose her great story. Forget the fact that one man had been killed and other men were being kidnapped and possibly killed, it was all about her story. I hate when supposedly smart women do stupid and selfish things and that was exactly what January continually did.
The storyline about the kidnappings and the Sinner were gruesome and over the top. When they had Sister Mary T with the sketch artist for the Sinner they never asked her any questions about what she witnessed while he was at the shelter so they weren't quite sure that he was the guy. If they had asked her about what took place at the shelter and how he left they would have known they had the right guy.
This book was the most annoying book I've read because of the stupidty and selfishness of the characters. There are serious crimes being committed and the main characters are all out for themselves.
Don't waste your time on this one.
I did not feel the chemistry between January and Ben and Ben constantly calling January honey was over the top. They originally met each other the year before and both had sexual fantasies about the other. On seeing each other the second time they hop into the sack. January says to Ben "make love to me". No, when you have no relationship with a person and have only met them for the second time in a year it's having sex, nothing more.
Ben was unprofessional, ridiculous and stupid. He went to meet January and told his partner, Rick, he'd see him back at the station. When Ben returns he loses it because Rick was asked by their boss where is Ben and he tells him. Ben then gets very angry with his partner for saying anything and demands a new partner because he can't trust Rick. Get a grip pal. You never told Rick not to say anything which would have been wrong if you did and what was the big deal. If you should not have gone to see her then that is on you. Ben and Rick were partners for nine years and he doesn't trust him over something so stupid. Rick is better off without this guy.
Ben also shared too much information with January regarding this case however January knew more and held back. She didn't want to tip her hand and lose her great story. Forget the fact that one man had been killed and other men were being kidnapped and possibly killed, it was all about her story. I hate when supposedly smart women do stupid and selfish things and that was exactly what January continually did.
The storyline about the kidnappings and the Sinner were gruesome and over the top. When they had Sister Mary T with the sketch artist for the Sinner they never asked her any questions about what she witnessed while he was at the shelter so they weren't quite sure that he was the guy. If they had asked her about what took place at the shelter and how he left they would have known they had the right guy.
This book was the most annoying book I've read because of the stupidty and selfishness of the characters. There are serious crimes being committed and the main characters are all out for themselves.
Don't waste your time on this one.
August 2, 2019
I read so many Sharon Sala novels as a kid and there is still something in them that grabs me and draws me in as an adult, even though I don't find them quite as well-written as I did back in the day.
I actually really loved the chemistry between January and Ben. I felt their connection from the off and enjoyed their banter immensely. Sometimes Sala can write wet fish heroines who are always simpering to the hero, but January was quite a go-getter. Unfortunately they moved from 'Ooh you're hot' to 'I love you more than life itself and I want to have your babies' a little too quickly for me. It didn't feel developed enough. It was like the moment they acknowledged the attraction it had to be more. It all became a bit cringe and cheesy for me by the end.
The 'suspense' plot was unique and interesting enough, it certainly didn't bore me too much.
Overall this was a nice read, if not a 'good' read.
I actually really loved the chemistry between January and Ben. I felt their connection from the off and enjoyed their banter immensely. Sometimes Sala can write wet fish heroines who are always simpering to the hero, but January was quite a go-getter. Unfortunately they moved from 'Ooh you're hot' to 'I love you more than life itself and I want to have your babies' a little too quickly for me. It didn't feel developed enough. It was like the moment they acknowledged the attraction it had to be more. It all became a bit cringe and cheesy for me by the end.
The 'suspense' plot was unique and interesting enough, it certainly didn't bore me too much.
Overall this was a nice read, if not a 'good' read.
March 5, 2019
This was my 2nd book I ever read by Sharon Sala. After finishing King’s Random I knew I had to get my hands on everyone of Ms. Sala’s books.
Chosen was such a gripping and disturbing plot, but one I am so glad I read.
Just to imagine someone thinking they’re Jesus or a type of savior and taking prisoners and holding them made my skin crawl. The sad thing is that this book was so amazing that I knew In my heart that this was actually taken place somewhere as I was reading it. My heart went out to those suffering from the hands of evil.
Thank you Sharon for writing such an amazing amazing books.
Chosen was such a gripping and disturbing plot, but one I am so glad I read.
Just to imagine someone thinking they’re Jesus or a type of savior and taking prisoners and holding them made my skin crawl. The sad thing is that this book was so amazing that I knew In my heart that this was actually taken place somewhere as I was reading it. My heart went out to those suffering from the hands of evil.
Thank you Sharon for writing such an amazing amazing books.
July 24, 2019
This is another in the succession of books my Sharon Sala that I’ve read in the last year. Each and every book has been well written with great character development a and great story. This’s bit different as the antagonist in the story has suffering a brain tumor and died/came back and decided he didn’t want to go to “the devil” but wanted to be with the Lord when he dies. His abduction of “the apostles” and January and Ben’s love story (the cops tracking J.C.) made for a book I finished in less than 24 hours.
July 2, 2025
It has taken me awhile to shift through my feelings about this book. The author always sees things in a different light this book was no exception. The Chosen is a very dark tale of murder and suspense with an ending that you did not see coming. Because January DeLena wanted to do a story about people who claimed to have died and came back to life, she met the Sinner. Meeting the Sinner is what started the DC Police Department and specifically Ben North on the trail of missing homeless men. This story will surprise you if you can make it through the darkness.
August 5, 2020
January DeLena, a journalist in Washington, D. C., is investigating a story about a homeless man who calls himself “The Sinner” and she believes that all the men that keep disappearing are connected to him. She finally shares this theory with homicide detective Benjamin “Ben” North, who is attracted to her as she is attracted to him. To see how January’s theory plays out continue reading for the exciting and twisting plots.
May 11, 2025
Psychological thriller! Who would not be missed but the homeless, held captive in torturous conditions. A famous reporter is more than a beautiful woman, but a tough self-made success with a warm heart who volunteered at a church- run homeless shelter. She started researching a man who claimed he died, saw hell, and came back. Scary, bizarre, disturbing, fast-paced, romantic suspense. Not for the faint of heart.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 5, 2025
I normally like Sharon Sala, but not this book. As one reader stated, "too creepy." I also thought it was a little too descriptive for my taste. I do not want to envision someone covered in their own urine and feces.
I read about 50 pages. Then I skipped to a middle chapter, then the last 2 chapters.
This was not a good read.
I read about 50 pages. Then I skipped to a middle chapter, then the last 2 chapters.
This was not a good read.
August 28, 2018
Romantic suspense with a touch of mysticism. Well-done, strong characters who respect each other and a villain who is almost likable...or at least somewhat sympathetic. And a great ending, touching on forgiveness without being preachy.
February 4, 2020
This was a much different book from others by this author. That being said, it was a pretty good thriller/suspense. There was a bit of romance and a lot of disturbing instances, but all in all I felt this to be a good solid read.
March 4, 2025
Could not finish.
This story is so awful! I could not finish it. First time I couldn’t power through a book. It is demented, gross and stomach turning. I deleted the other three books by this author. It was SICK!
This story is so awful! I could not finish it. First time I couldn’t power through a book. It is demented, gross and stomach turning. I deleted the other three books by this author. It was SICK!
July 22, 2017
3.5 stars
September 25, 2017
quick vacation read.
July 16, 2018
Creepy and gory. The romance is so-so.
May 25, 2019
Amazing
As always Sharon Sala hi all the right notes.Mystery,thrills,suspense and a whole lot of action.This one had me sitting on the edge of my seat holding my breath praying.
As always Sharon Sala hi all the right notes.Mystery,thrills,suspense and a whole lot of action.This one had me sitting on the edge of my seat holding my breath praying.
September 20, 2019
Pretty good minus the swear words.
December 9, 2019
Good vs Evil, serial killer, journalist/cop trying to stop him . You guessed it they fall in love.
October 13, 2020
The Chosen
I thought it was a very interesting idea. The Bible is also a book that has always been very difficult for me to understand. Kathleen Ryan
I thought it was a very interesting idea. The Bible is also a book that has always been very difficult for me to understand. Kathleen Ryan
January 27, 2021
I love books by Sharon Sala. The sinner is collecting his disciples, trying to keep himself out of hell. With the help of Mary, can he keep out of the fiery pits?
October 1, 2022
Weird concept. Didn't like all the sex mixed in with the religious aspects but suspenseful.
January 22, 2023
Creepy but entertaining. Well-written even if becoming a little dated. The romance was not crucial to the story but added depth and some needed humor.
March 29, 2024
The antagonist in this story is deranged in a way that sticks with you even as you finish the story. Amazing plot that makes this a fast read.
August 23, 2024
Very good!!
This book was very interesting and I would decibel recommend it. Held me captive and look forward to reading more from this author
This book was very interesting and I would decibel recommend it. Held me captive and look forward to reading more from this author
August 29, 2024
WONDERFUL STORY
This story was amazing because it could actually happen in real life. Ms. Sala really knows how to put a story together.
This story was amazing because it could actually happen in real life. Ms. Sala really knows how to put a story together.
December 9, 2025
Creepy.
Setting: Washington,DC
Ben, homicide detective, and January Delana, TV reporter
Jay Carpenter, outlaw taxi driver
First book in a 4 ebook collection via one hoopla 3 week checkout.
Setting: Washington,DC
Ben, homicide detective, and January Delana, TV reporter
Jay Carpenter, outlaw taxi driver
First book in a 4 ebook collection via one hoopla 3 week checkout.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews