One Deadly Sin (edition 2009)

Edie Swann, formerly known as Eden Swanford, is determined to wreak revenge on the men that she thinks are responsible for her father’s death. She returns to the town of her childhood and starts to send out black angels to scare them and make them remember what they’d done. When the men start dying, Edie becomes a suspect, even in her own mind; she fears she has set in motion a much larger plan than she’d ever bargained for. Meanwhile Sheriff Holt Drennen knows Edie is up to something but can’t stop his attraction and simple liking for her. Even though she is the obvious culprit, he believes in her innocence, and he’s willing to fight.

If this is representative of the romantic suspense genre, I definitely want to read more. The mystery in this book was so engaging. The different threads wove between the two main characters, the men who were implicated in the murder of Edie’s father, and even through Holt’s adorable daughter. There were layers and layers to this story and as they were slowly peeled away, the craving for more knowledge just kept on growing. I’m always bad at guessing the murderer, so I can’t guarantee that this isn’t a predictable read for someone else, but to me the plot felt surprisingly tight, exciting, and suspenseful. That isn’t even discussing the romance, which sizzles right off the page. Edie and Holt are not only a very enticing couple but a believable pair. The book doesn’t end in marriage but in a commitment to try out their relationship, which I really appreciated after they’d been through so much.

Edie as a character really got me into the book. She’s a strong woman, but there are forces beyond her control going on here. It’s so easy to feel for her when she’s lost almost everyone in her life, and it’s perfectly understandable that Holt has to build up her trust in him. She’s actually horrified by the fact that the men start dying, even though she thinks they killed her father. Even if she intends to make them a little anxious, she never intended to do any physical harm, just encourage the truth to come out. Her character really starts to come out when she finds her own life in danger. There were also some great family dynamics in this little novel, mostly centered on Holt’s relationship with his parents and his daughter, which made it feel more realistic and well-rounded.

I really enjoyed One Deadly Sin. It appeals to the part of me that loves this kind of exciting suspense. With both a great plot and fantastic characters to care about, there is no way to go wrong with this one. ( )

One Deadly Sin by Annie Solomon is listed as romantic suspense. Let me give you a heads up that there is more suspense and a little less romance. But don’t let that throw you off. The romance that is in this book sizzles. The suspense gradually builds up. I had the impression I was just learning about the characters and figuring out why people are meeting untimely ends when all of a sudden I realize I am on the edge of my seat and don’t remember getting there. The premise of this book is that Edie Swann is coming back to her hometown for revenge which has been brewing in her mind since childhood. She has her list and is leaving each name a little something to get him shaken up.

There are layers of betrayal, secrets, and surprises in this book. Why would all the names on Edie’s list need to be warned? How are they all connected? What are they hiding? Who is responsible for deaths that are looking more like murder with each passing day? Who is really one of the good guys?

I especially liked the connection of the angel at Edie’s parent’s gravesite and how it winds its way through all the action. The angels throughout this book are usually understated, mentioned almost in passing alongside the main plot and it makes the book a candidate for a re-read.

One Deadly Sin by Annie Solomon is a pot boiler of a book. It is sure to earn a handy spot on the bookshelf. Because of the big footprint that this little book makes I give it a big thumbs up and heartily recommend it. ( )

I love a book that keep me guessing and this one manages that and more. My husband and I watch all the murder mystery shows we can and we are always trying to guess who done it. He is much better at this game than I am, which is why I wished he was reading this book with me. I honestly didn't know who the antaganist was until almost the last chapter.

Solomon, also did a great job with her characters, Holt's discription was vague enough that I could put any number of handsome cuties in his place and Edie was not perfect which I adore in a character. She always has messy hair and would live in her jeans and tank if she could. Great book Annie Solomon, great book. ( )

Edie wants revenge. Her father "killed" himself while under suspicion of embezzlement from the town plant. But it's just not that simple and Edie has her suspicions herself. After the "suicide" , and mental breakdown of Edie's mother, Edie moves to live with her aunt. But now Edie has come back... to her hometown of Redbud, Tennessee. She's changed her name, no one recognizes her so many years later and she has a list of names... Names her aunt provided that she thought may know more to the story of her father's death. But when things get deadly Edie is caught in the middle- between her desire for "harmless" revenge and her growing attraction to Holt the local sheriff. Someone is helping her out, but who? And is Edie next?... A good read. Categorized under Romantic Suspense, this will not disappoint the romance reader. Good writing, plenty of 'romance', and the characters are well developed! www.chickwithbooks.blogspot.com ( )

Synopsis

COMING HOME IS MURDER...

Revenge. Edie Swann has hungered for it since she fled her hometown as a little girl. Now she's returned, ready for payback. Armed with a list of names, she leaves each one a chilling sign that they have blood on their hands. Her father's blood. What happens next turns her own blood cold: one by one, the men she's targeted start dying.

Sheriff Holt Drennen knows Edie is hiding something. She has a haunted look in her eyes and a defiant spirit, yet he can't believe she's a murderer. As the body count rises and all evidence points to Edie, Holt is torn between the town he's sworn to protect and the woman he's come to desire. But nothing is what it seems. Long buried secrets begin to surface, and a killer won't be satisfied until the sins of the past are paid in full--this time with Edie's blood. (Barnes&Nobles.com)

This was the first book I read by this Author and I loved it. This novel kept me entertained and guessing from start until end. Great mixture of romance and suspense. I highly recommend this book if someone loves romantic suspense. ( )