The Midwest remains a formidable place for mystery fiction, with authors capitalizing on the vast rural regions, close-knit small towns, and cities. Erin Young's "Original Sins," her second novel about Riley Fisher, digs deep into the Iowa landscape with an intense, action-packed plot and fully realized characters.

The book finds Riley starting a new career as an FBI agent in the Des Moines office, which is a significant step up from her job as the first female sergeant in Iowa's Black Hawk County Sheriff's Office. Just as Riley is adjusting to her new role, she, along with another agent, is called to the Iowa governor's mansion. 

Recently, Jess Cook, the first female governor of Iowa, got a horrible, anonymous letter threatening her and her family. The letter contains the markings of the Sin Eater, who violently assaulted about 18 women during the 1990s.

The Author

Robyn Young, now using the pseudonym 'Erin Young,' is an acclaimed historical novelist known for her internationally bestselling novels. Young's transition as a writer of contemporary thrillers with her debut novel "The Fields" earned her a Glamor Book of the Year recognition and was awarded a Times Thriller of the Month.

Young's debut thriller, "The Fields," was inspired by an article about Big Agriculture's dominance. The article led Young on an immersive journey across Iowa, where she discovered the complexities of small rural towns and their hidden secrets. Drawing from her upbringing in a Devon fishing village, Young keenly observed the claustrophobic dramas that unfold in such settings. 

The sequel to "The Fields," "Original Sins," published in 2024, lives up to the author's reputation for writing intriguing tales. Although Young resides and writes in Brighton, England, her work resonates globally, with adaptations for television further extending her reach.

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A Riveting Thriller Set in the Heart of Iowa

According to an article by Sun Sentinel, the author delves into the heart of Iowa with her second novel featuring FBI agent Riley Fisher, delivering a gripping narrative set against the backdrop of the Midwest's vast landscapes and tight-knit communities.

Riley, transitioning from her role as the first female sergeant in Black Hawk County to an FBI agent, faces a daunting task when Iowa's governor receives threatening letters reminiscent of a past serial attacker known as the Sin Eater. With Riley joining the vigilante group, Young expertly creates an enigmatic feminist narrative full of tension and political suspense.

The story propels readers with its steady pace and features multiple characters with distinct characteristics. It showcases Young's capacity to work on a more complex case while producing a heart-throbbing narrative. Karin Slaughter fans will be gripped by Young's new book, which combines suspense with a spark of social criticism.

Kirkus Reviews articulated that the book is set against the backdrop of a frigid Des Moines winter. Young deftly weaves a narrative of suspense and intrigue, highlighting the complexities of power dynamics and the enduring struggle for justice. While Riley's resilience and inner turmoil add depth to the story, some secondary characters lack development, detracting from the overall impact.

Nevertheless, Young's skillful storytelling and Riley's compelling journey make the book a worthy addition to the thriller genre, offering readers a thrilling ride filled with twists and turns.

A Gripping Continuation of Riley's Journey

A book review from Damp Pebbles said that the book presents a gripping continuation of Riley's journey, now an FBI agent navigating the complexities of her new career. Freed from the burdens of her small-town past, Riley grapples with family dynamics and professional challenges as she faces a chilling case involving the Sin Eater and the protection of Iowa's first female governor.

Young writes a thriller with a tense and thrilling atmosphere. Riley's character proceeds from being flat to having complex means and relationships among the cast of diverse characters. The story is mesmerizing for its complex plotline, the gradual revealing of secrets, and the discovery of hidden motifs.

Through an intricate plot, a well-established setting, and vivid visualization, the book offers a thrilling and darkly compelling story that lures the reader's imagination until the very last page. The reviewer recommended the novel to readers who like to indulge in literary crime fiction.

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