New review of Sin Eater from the Military Writer's Association of America
Sin Eater, by John Schembra
MWSA Review:
Starting in the 18th-century, some northern European cultures believed in a
mysterious figure known as a sin eater, who, by consuming a ritual meal over the body of a person who had just died, absorbed all the sins of the deceased, thus allowing his purified soul to escape eternal punishment for his misdeeds. The practice continued through much of the 19th century, particularly in Appalachia, but faded and then disappeared in more modern times.
In John Schembra’s Sin Eater, the author has resurrected the
legends and transformed this shadowy figure into a modern day serial killer who does not wait for death to provide his clients. This new sin eater stalks the terminally ill and helpfully releases them from sins and life simultaneously. When the sin eater murders a chemistry professor on the grounds of a small college, Sarah, an over-qualified campus policewoman, and Nico, a socially-inept young history professor, team up to hunt down the black-cloaked figure who threatens their school and community. If you prefer your mysteries to tell a straight-forward story without too many confusing dead ends and false leads, you’ll like this quick and easy read. And if you prefer your police procedurals with a twist of romance and more than a whiff of the supernatural, you may find this little book the perfect way to spend a cold winter’s night.
Author's Synopsis:
The shocking murder of a professor at San Donorio State College brings the city police to investigate, with Campus Police Officer Sarah Ferris as the college liaison. Sarah's friend, Nico Guardino, a history professor at the college, gets drawn into helping and while Nico and Sarah struggle to find the murderer, the killing continues. As Nico is inexorably drawn deeper and deeper into the investigation, he begins getting flashes of visions and deep feelings of dread that he knows are somehow connected to the murderer. He feels the connection becoming stronger, but how and why remains unknown. His visions and feelings are becoming more and more disturbing as the investigation progresses...
Jeff Martin, his friend, Hawk, and his dachshund dog are captured by Osage Indians. Eventually they escape and find their way home. Due to his unusual shape Adolphus is called a Spirit Dog.
There is no mystery on this journey to hell. You are witness to the crimes dealing out the death sentences... each justified by one of the seven deadly sins.
Enter a glamorous world controlled by one of San Francisco's ultra-wealthy socialites an
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