Picture this: it’s your first posting as a female FBI agent, & you chose to relocate a few hours away from your home. You’re getting settled in, trying to adjust to being away from family & do all the things they trained you for at Quantico (where you were pretty much the oldest trainee, & one of only a handful that had actual previous experience in public service) when a boogeyman from the past comes back to haunt the streets of your new city.

That’s what rookie FBI Agent Riley Fisher is dealing with during one of the worst winters Des Moines, Iowa has ever seen. The Sin Eater, a masked man who brutally beats women, has started attacking again after being dormant for years. As Riley tries to set boundaries with her family, adjust to the politics of her new job, & decide who she can trust from amongst her coworkers, all while hunting a violent criminal, the governor receives some disturbing threats - are they connected to the Sin Eater case?

I love that the author chose to relocate Riley in this second book of the series, set two years after the first, & am happy that it’s still somewhere in my home state of Iowa. The first chapter was packed with geographical references within Des Moines, & other local places popped up throughout the story (the Iowa Women of Achievement Bridge, Wells Fargo Arena, the Iowa Wolves team, MercyOne, Principal Park, the botanical gardens, HyVee, etc.). The pace of the story kept me wanting to know what would happen next, & the way that the hunt for the Sin Eater ended up being so much more involved than anyone originally would have predicted was genius. The character development we see in Riley from the first to the second book is realistic & relatable, & I enjoy reading about a character in her late 30’s. I really hope to see a third book in this series!

Thank you to NetGalley & publisher Hodder & Stoughton for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This book was so-so for me. Definitely enjoyed the first book (The Fields), which I read thinking this book may not be a true standalone. I had difficulty getting into the chapters but the storyline quickly picked up. Then we hit a snag where the middle chapters seemed to drag on with repetitive information. Thankfully, the final chapters were fast paced and pieces of the plot smoothly came together. The main character Riley was portrayed as a strong and determined female; however, it often felt as though she was trying too hard and was naive. Trying to recall the characters was confusing at times. Enjoyed the splash of law enforcement and political drama. Overall, this was a good stand-alone read and look forward to Erin Young’s next book.

Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the gifted ARC…as all opinions are my own.

This book was exactly what I needed. Original sins by Erin Young is a story about women being attacked. Riley Fisher of the FBI takes the task of hunting down the assailant personally. Only problem: this attacker has been on the loose before. He wasn’t caught then, and he’s difficult to catch now.
Strengths: there were some real zinger lines. There was a lot of interesting moments that had me at the edge of my seat and page turning like sleep don’t matter.
Weaknesses: I’ll admit, I got a bit bored with the story at times and the sati thing POVs broke up the building momentum.

Not all readers connect with all authors. Unfortunately, I was unable to connect with the protagonist of Original Sins or become invested in the story. The author writes well enough, and I understand how difficult it is to write a novel and find a publisher. I absolutely respect the process. I wish the author all the best.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Flatiron Books for providing an ARC to read and review. *NetGalley Top Reviewer*

Really really liked this book. Especially for a rookie author bravo! I couldn't wait to finish. I saw a lot of parallels I would like to read the next book in the series.
There were a few things that made me scratch my head, but for the most part, I couldn't put this book down. I gave it a 3.89/5
I hope this isn't the only book I have ever read from that author.

Original sins is a detective story (second in a series; first book is The Fields) about FBI agent Riley Fisher and her search for a serial killer with a religious obsession. After her move to Des Moines to work for the FBI she struggles to make personal connections in her new environment while also trying to solve a decades long serial killer case. This book, much like the first, had a fantastic and exciting plot. I really enjoyed this one as much as the first, can’t wait to see what Erin writes next!

This was a good one! I have read the first in the series but I will now. The characters really keep you wanting more, and the storyline was intriguing. Can't wait to see what else comes out of this series!!

I did not read her first book but I am so going to fix that mistake. The writing style she possesses is beautiful and this story... very intense edge of your seat. Characters that are not only in that moment but dealing with so much more. The setting itself is its own character practically as it feels like it brings so much to the storyline... easy 5 stars

I absolutely love the darkness of these books. This series is phenomenal. Truly.

I loved The Fields, and as a sequel/follow up, this is quite wonderful. And arguably even better.

Riley is a complex character. I feel as though she is growing, and I look forward to what’s next.

This was an amazing read. Well written and a roller coaster ride along the road of suspense. Filled with many twists and turns in every chapter. Enough descriptive information to give readers a huge picture of the crimes and insanity deep within the story. Ending with a great cliff hanger to keep readers holding their breath for another installment.

Riley Fisher is a new FBI detective sent to an Iowa field office. There she is out on a case to protect a female governor and help the force solve a long string of assaults on women by the self-proclaimed Sin Eater.

Erin Youn’s writing style makes it easy to get hooked quickly. This suspenseful crime thriller had so many subplots going on that it kept the pages turning. I love the way everything hooked together at the end. There were a few times that I was overwhelmed by everything happening that I had to reread a few parts. It had a low key vibe of Handmaid’s Tale going on. A group of deranged men, dolling out unnecessary punishments against women. It is haunting how quickly and how many men they got on board. It doesn’t stray too far from real life, which is terrifying.

If you like detective lead mysteries, this is a great one with a female lead detective.

Was very excited to receive an ARC of Original Sins after really enjoying Erin Young's debut novel, The Fields. Her sophomore book did not disappoint!

Some time has passed since Riley Fisher's last case, and we learn that she has left her job and her hometown to join the FBI team in Des Moines. She begins instantly questioning her career shift --- leaving her unstable family behind and going from head of a law enforcement division back to a rookie in a unit that appears to be used to working cases solo. But she quickly catches a big break in the form of a task force that is created to investigate credible threats against Iowa's first woman Governor, Jessica Cook. Simultaneously, an infamous serial offender dubbed 'Sin Eater' appears to have re-emerged, brutally attacking women throughout the city with seemingly no rhyme or reason. Fisher and her local PD partner, Fogg, must determine if these two things are linked, before any more women are hurt.

Fast paced, excellent police procedural with just the right amount of political drama interspersed as well. A lot of the plot felt scarily real and very in-line with growing attitudes in America -- which is no doubt why it was such a compelling and pulse-pounding read. I really enjoy reading about investigations through the eyes of Riley Fisher and I'm looking forward to more already!

Original Sins
Erin Young
Releases 2/13/24
Flatiron Books
☆☆☆☆

Riley Fisher goes from being a small town sergeant to reporting as an FBI agent in a new location. She finds trust hard to come by on her new assignment, even from those who are supposed to be on her side. Between threats on the newly elected female state governor and the resurfacing of an old serial killer, Riley has a lot on her plate. Especially for someone who can't trust anyone.

The first thing I have to say about this book is that the imagery is absolutely beautiful, painting stunning pictures as you read. I saw less of this as the book progressed, but there was enough of it for me to make a note anyway. I didn't rip through this book with a hunger to know what would happen next, but it was feeding me just enough to keep me coming back for more. I did enjoy how it wrapped up, though for a thriller, the twists weren't as shocking as I would have liked. It was still an enjoyable read!

Thank you to Flatiron books for approving me to read the ARC before it comes out!

Read Original Sins by Erin Young on or after February 13th of 2024!

This was a phenomenal follow-up to The Fields! Original Sins offers more of the thoroughly compelling, twisty, and smart mystery/thriller storytelling of its predecessor, by no means falling into the second book trap. Present is Riley’s continued character growth (loved to see it) and the introduction of other complex, flawed characters working both with and against her. There is again that Midwest setting, a region not often explored in books (which I appreciated here, living in the Midwest myself), which is almost a character in itself. The novel also explores the patriarchal ideals still insidiously present in today’s society, showing the very real trauma many women are forced to face, no matter what part of society they come from, as well as the conversations around misogyny that too often do not take place. I applaud Erin Young, and will enthusiastically continue to watch this series.

Original Sin is the second book in the Riley Fisher series. I did not read the first book but am going to definitely check it out as this is a great character. In this book, she is a seasoned sheriff who left that life and is now a rookie with the FBI. She is single and acts like a mother to her niece due to an irresponsible brother, but she is trying to balance between helping family and letting it take over her life.

The main story revolves around a serial killer who has returned after a dormant period. There is also a new female governor during Covid, so she is unpopular with many groups for various reasons and receiving treats, that are the main priority for Riley and the FBI. As the story unfolds, Riley is conflicted between helping the victims of the murders, protecting the governor, and figuring out why she is getting the cold shoulder in the office, which is not related to her rookie status. Lots of secrets that come together at the end. Riley takes chances and discovers who is behind the killing and the threats, with the ringleader being a bit of a surprise at the end.

I won’t go into summarizing because NetGalley already has a good one. I’ll just review Original Sins.

I think Riley was portrayed as too weak; she was supposed to have been a seasoned police officer starting over with the FBI, but she didn’t come across as that. I think there was too much background detail about every situation, setting, and character. I also think that the premise was a little far fetched (no spoilers here). I did, however, like how everything came to an agreeable ending with not too much left hanging, yet leaving the story open for the next book.

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review Original Sins.

It's a brutal winter in Des Moines, Iowa, and the city is gripped by fear. A serial attacker known as the Sin Eater is stalking women and has just struck again. It's a tough time and a tough place for Riley Fisher, a former small-town sergeant, to be reporting for duty as an FBI agent on her first assignment.

ORIGINAL SINS is the 2nd novel featuring Riley Fisher. It is a standalone novel that doesn't require the reader to have read Erin Young's early book to get invested in Riley's character.


Still, I wish I would have known prior to going into this because I like understanding the world and knowing the connections.

ORIGINAL SINS is a strong suspenseful story that holds the reader's attention. The story has some obvious red herrings but the ending will not disappoint.

Thanks to NetGalley and Flatiron books for this advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

This was a thrill to read! Very Silence of the Lambesque.
A well written book that grips you from beginning to end. You get action, drama, violence and so much more. The world build is on point in the worst weather scenario. The characters are so vividly portrayed. The FMC, Riley is from a small town and is now with the FBI, given 2 major assignments on her first day. Take the journey with her and get the palpitations, the chills and the feels. I definitely want to read more from this author.

⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
FBI Chasing Down The Psycho 🐍🌳🔫
I really liked this one. If you’re a fan of the whodunit, detective, FBI style books, you’ll probably enjoy this one, too.
Former police sergeant, newly appointed FBI agent Riley’s first assignment is a doozy.
As the serial attacker, known as the Sin Eater seems to re-emerge after years of being dormant, the newly appointed governor begins to receive death threats. Riley, along with a partner she’s not sure she can trust are tasked with investigating the threats and keeping the governor & her family safe.
Will the web of violence and lies she finds herself in be more than Riley can handle?
Thanks so much to @Netgalley for this ARC.
Be sure to check for this one out February 2024!

Newly minted FBI Agent Riley Fisher starts in her new Des Moines, Iowa office with a bang of a case after leaving a higher ranking position in the Sheriff's Office. The female governor has been threatened, along with her family, a notorious local serial killer appears to be back harming women and possibly intertwined with the threats. The every agent for themself FBI office isn't exactly Riley's favored work environment and personalities collide. It's hard to say too much without revealing spoilers, but the underlying themes certainly ring true is a very scary way in the world in which we currently live. A thrilling read and I look forward to the next entry in the Riley Fisher series!