Original Sins by Erin Young explores deep themes of redemption and the consequences of our actions through the lives of its characters. While the premise promises a gripping narrative of personal growth and moral dilemmas, the execution fell short for me. I struggled to connect with the characters and found their development lacking in depth, which hindered my immersion in the story. The pacing felt uneven, and certain plot points seemed rushed or unresolved, leaving me wanting more from the narrative arc. Ultimately, despite its ambitious themes, Original Sins did not engage me enough to finish, as I couldn't fully invest in the characters' journeys.

"Original Sins" by Erin Young is a gripping and thought-provoking novel that delves into the complexities of human morality and the shadows of the past. The story follows a determined protagonist who uncovers a series of dark secrets within her community, leading her to confront difficult truths about herself and those around her.

Young's writing is sharp and evocative, seamlessly blending suspense with rich character development. The narrative is expertly paced, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as they unravel the intricate layers of the plot. The themes of guilt, redemption, and the impact of our choices resonate deeply, prompting reflection long after the last page.

The characters are well-crafted, each with their own flaws and motivations that make them relatable and compelling. Young skillfully explores the dynamics of relationships, showcasing how past actions can reverberate through time and influence present circumstances.

Overall, "Original Sins" is a captivating read that combines a gripping mystery with profound insights into the human experience. Erin Young has crafted a compelling narrative that challenges readers to consider the nature of sin and redemption, making it a must-read for fans of psychological thrillers and character-driven stories.

Read as a standalone, found out later it's book 2. However it doesn't seem like I am missing a lot, the author did a good job of including enough of Riley's backstory
This story was pretty violent. For those who are more sensitive to that, perhaps this is not the tale for you.
I was impressed with the protagonist and all she accomplished, despite the opposition from her office (just listen to women, damn. The book would have been done 1/3 earlier I swear). I was both shocked and sad at the ending (Kody!) and was not expecting it.
Thank you to NetGalley and the author for my copy of this audiobook

Gripping Thriller

Original Sins follows the gripping story of Riley Fisher, a newly minted FBI agent, as she navigates a brutal winter in Des Moines, Iowa. The city is plagued by a serial attacker known as the Sin Eater, who is targeting women. Fisher's investigation is fraught with challenges, including navigating complex family dynamics and professional hurdles. As she delves deeper into the case, she is drawn towards a terrifying revelation that shakes her to her core.

Original Sins by Erin Young is a gripping and atmospheric thriller that delves into the complexities of power, justice, and personal demons. While it has its predictable moments, the strong character development and thematic depth make it a compelling read for fans of crime procedurals and feminist thrillers.

A good read for those who enjoy thrillers that heavily rely on a criminal element. Not quite noir but not quite not either, Young leans towards the darker side of the thriller world with this one, it pays off. There seems to be a ton of same story thrillers with main characters being the same as every single other main character but with a different name. Same tropes, same twists. Young delivers something that isn't the same song and dance, with intelligent writing and several ways the storyline could go.

Erin Young’s Original Sins is a fresh, new thriller filled with intrigue,

The book was a tasteful take on the pandemic. It shows real women’s struggles without being too heavy-handed. Riley was a really 3-dimensional character, and I really enjoyed seeing how all the pieces come together.

This is a sequel, but I had not yet read the first one and had no trouble following or being engaged. Now I’m excited to read the first one!

The narrator was great, and I highly recommend the audiobook version.

ARC received from Macmillan Audio via Netgalley.

I requested this book and then when I got it I realized that I have not read the first book in this series so I had to go back and do that. It's so weird that there are so many similarities to my life in this book. My last name is Ward, I lived in Waterloo, Iowa and then moved to Des Moines. A character has a southern accent and I am from the South. Anyway, I really like this series and can't wait to read more from this author.

I loved The Fields which is the first book in the Riley Fisher series. That said, I think Original Sins could be read as a stand alone.

Riley Fisher is back and leading her first case as an FBI agent. She’s a strong FMC with her own baggage who deals with matters with resilience and battles misogynistic characters with flair. If you love propulsive police procedurals, serial killer thrillers, cultish themes and dark, suspenseful, cleverly plotted books - then this is one you’ll love.

I loved the narration by Kate Hanford and felt she bought the characters to life - was a pleasure to listen to.
Many thanks to @netgalley @macmillanaudio for a #gifted ALC 🎧

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ALC of this book. "Original Sins" by Erin Young is a compelling exploration of human nature, love, and redemption set against the backdrop of a small town rife with secrets. Through richly drawn characters and a relentless pace, Young skillfully weaves together multiple narrative threads, delving into the complexities of morality and the consequences of our actions. The novel's nuanced exploration of right and wrong, along with its evocative prose and unpredictable twists, make it a thought-provoking and deeply satisfying read that will stay with readers long after the final page is turned. Erin Young proves herself to be a master storyteller with "Original Sins," leaving me eagerly anticipating her future works.

Normally, I like the first in a series best, but I actually liked this one better than the first one. The characters were a little more fleshed out, but we also got to see Riley really come into her own. She’s finally moving her life to focus on herself and not taking too much responsibility for everyone else in her family. I did have the ending figured out pretty early, but it was so far fetched I didn’t think I could possibly be right. I thought it was about incels. Hoo boy! There was a lot more to it! All in all, this is a gripping series and I can’t wait for the next one!

Huge thanks to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for sending me this ARC for review! All of my reviews are given honestly!

The main protagonist, Riley Fisher, is a courageous, driven, and complicated woman fighting to overcome the “old boys” network of the male dominated FBI.

A fast-paced read that grabs you on the first page and is powered by non-stop action and a taut, emotional narrative Her well-developed characters and wonderful writing style, full of twists and turns, will keep you on the edge of your seat from the first page, trying to anticipate where this story would go. This is a definite page-turner that I couldn’t put down until the very last page. It is realistic with engaging characters that you're sure to love! I am anxious to see how the rest of this series unfolds!

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio who provided me with a copy of this book. I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

The Orignial Sins by Erin Young follows Riley Fisher, a newly recurit for the FBI in Des Moines, Iowa. She is working on a case with Agent Atkins who "works alone" about threats made to the first woman Govenor of Iowa. Their case is connect some how to the Sin Eater's case that the local sheriffs department have been working on for years. Women are being bruitally attacked and left with the mark of the Sin Eaters. Riley is the only one convenced that the threats of the govenor and the Sin Eaters victims are connected. This is the second in the Riley Fisher series which I didn't read The Fields. It was easy to follow but did leave questions about the death of her parents. I'll have to add the Fields to my TBR. Orignal SIns was a fast action packed book that keeps you wanting read in one sitting to find out how all pieces fit together.

This is the second installment in the Riley Fisher series set in Iowa. Riley is a newly minted FBI agent who is responsible for ensuring the safety of the governor and her family. At the same time, a serial killer is wreaking havoc. Riley investigates to see if there are any connections. This was disturbing at times and highly suspenseful. Erin Young pulls off an outstanding twist. This is definitely a series to watch. The narrators did an excellent job of conveying suspense throughout.

This is the second book in the Riley Fisher series but it can most definitely be read as a standalone. I did not read the first one and didn’t feel lost at any point.

I was able to get my hands on both the book and the audiobook (audio was amazing). Kate Handford did an incredible job bringing Riley to life. I swear that her voice made this whole story feel so real; I was so invested. This was the perfect book to get me out my reading slump.

In this book, we find that Riley has worked herself up from police to federal agent. Now as an FBI Agent, Riley is thrown into a deep search to find a serial killer, “The Sin Eater”, who has been terrorizing and killing women all over the city.

This book had me in a chokehold; I couldn’t put it down. I would switch to audio often just to keep going. I loved that although it was a police procedural type of book, it was not complicated at all. I am not a fan of books that fixate too much on technicalities.

I didn’t rate it 5 stars simply because I was left wanting more from the ending, but it also somewhat hinted towards the possibility of another book. Still, very much worth the read!

Read this if you like:
- mysteries
- crime shows
- books about women taking their power back

Thank you so much to NetGalley, Flatiron Books, Macmillan Audio, and the author for this ARC/ALC.
Pub date: Available now!

Find me on IG! @ coffeebreakwithrachel

Original Sins did not go where I expected at all. The crimes were misogynistic and brutal. How the MC goes about navigating her new position in law enforcement mirrors the crimes themself as she has to work against the criminals and some of her own. It seems this character could return in the future. If she does, I want to see how she develops. She didn’t seem quite finished yet.

I'm like the ideal target audience for this plot, but the execution was too heavy-handed. I didn't like it.

Review copy provided by publisher.

Kate Handford did a fantastic job narrating Original Sins by Erin Young. This is the second installment in the Riley Fisher series but can be read as a standalone. Riley transitioned from being the sergeant of her small-town police force into a new position as a rookie FBI agent. In her new post, she is tasked with investigating a threat made against a female governor. She discovers disturbing connections between her first case and the hunt for the Sin Eater, a serial killer terrorizing the Midwest. At its core, Original Sins is an exciting and gruesome serial killer thriller and FBI procedural, but it is also more than that. Written during the pandemic, Young also wrote nuanced and thoughtful commentary on very real issues. Overall, I enjoyed Erin Young's writing and Kate Handford's narration. Hanford's delivery and energy set the tone for Riley's new position in the FBI and the challenges she was overcoming in real time to find her place on her new team. I will keep following along as Riley Fisher finds her footing in the Bureau.

Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for giving me the opportunity to read this ALC!

This propulsive police procedural is the sequel to last year's The Fields but it can easily be read as a standalone. Riley Fisher has had her FBI training between the book and now starts as an FBI rookie in the Des Moines, Iowa field office, new home, new colleagues, new job and things aren't exactly easy for Riley who feels the partner she is paired with did not actually want a partner to begin with. Add to this a governor in danger and a string of violent acts against women, a case that has state police and the FBI doubting whether a killer who was thought dead or at least too old, is back from hiding. Erin Young is an incredibly talented author her writing pulls the reader in and keeps them guessing. The characters are realistic, flawed but relatable and keep the story moving.
I listened to the audio for this book and loved Kate Handford's brilliant narration. it kept me on the edge of my seat, loving every minute and, of coursem rooting for Riley and the governor.

I received a copy of this audiobook from NetGalley. I liked the cover and I like serial killers. I got more than I bargained for. I had never read anything by Erin Young. I didn't realize this was book 2 of a series, and other than not knowing details of Riley's background, which there were enough of here to get the gist of it, this book was fine as a standalone. It is a good FBI procedural with a complicated plot, and a realistic portrait of America post-pandemic. There were a lot of characters that I frequently got confused when listening to in small snatches. Once I listened for a long period this resolved. Narrator Kate Handford did an excellent job bringing Riley to life and was easy to listen to. Riley is a smart feisty heroine. Having been a police sergeant she left the force and joined the FBI. Assigned to a position with an unfriendly partner she's not sure she can trust and a boss that doesn't like her, she wades right into two cases she believes are connected- a threat against the Iowa's governor and her family and the case of a serial killer named the Sin Eater. It involves violent homegrown terrorists, religious fanatics, con men, and women haters, the things we are reading about in the news daily. It demonstrates how easily some people can fall under the influence of these people. I think it will haunt me for awhile.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the chance to read an early copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Original Sins by Erin Young released on February 13th, 2024.

This book was fine. It honestly took me a while to get into and nothing about it exactly stood out if I'm being honest with you.