original Sin
This is a fast-paced spy novel. The one thing I did not like about it was the constant change of times and locations. Just when I became comfortable in one spot, the location and time period would change to another one, so I was unable to get into the play by play action the way I'd like to. The main character of the book, Sally Sin or Lucy Hamilton, was a spy in a earlier life. However now she is married and a mother, too. But her spy master keeps trying to involve her in the old game. Her husband comes from a wealthy family while Sally has no family to speak of. They were killed when she was a little girl, although Sally suspects Simon her spy master knows more than he's telling her. He keeps trying to involve her back into the old spy game but she wants no part of it. Sally doesn't know why he wants to bring her back because she is not very good at spying; her only real asset is her language skill with all kinds of foreign dialects. That and she seems to be close to Ian Blackford who always knows where she is and does not try to kill her. Simon wants Sally to bring him in because he's become a rogue spy and is working with other bad guys. I would have liked to stay longer at some of the action scenes. Sally would very much like to know about her earlier years. Ian seams to know her earlier history. The bad characters do not seem to stand out much. The only ones who feel real would be Theo - Sally's baby--a spoiled brat because she doesn't know how to handle him, and the Nanny who feels more real life-like as an adjunct character than the primary ones. The Nanny has positive vibes for Ian because of his looks and Sally's ambivalent feelings towards him. I feel he is not the really bad guy in the story, not like the Blind Monk and the spy master, Simon.
I give the novel a 5 for action, a 4 for story development and a 3 for character development.
Rated of 5
by Andrea S. (Lafayette, IN)
A fun romp!
I thought this was a entertaining story in the vein of Janet Evanovich - made me laugh. There is not a lot for a book club to discuss but if you are looking for a good story to help you escape everyday life (like this winter!), this is the book for you.
Rated of 5
by Deborah D. (Old Forge, NY)
Entertainment
The bright pink cover threw me a bit, not fitting a spy type thriller theme. The story however kept up a good pace with humor and suspense. There is nothing like a female James Bond with a diaper bag to liven up the everyday blahs. Hope there are more on the way.
Rated of 5
by Julia H. (Excelsior, MN)
Orginal Sin
I really enjoyed reading Original Sin. Lucy Hamilton's seemingly banal life as a fairly new mom and housewife belies the fantastic memories of her past life as Sally Sin. The book flows between her paranoia over being a mom and leaving Theo at preschool to her days as a spy for USAWMD, a story that eventually comes together in Lucy's present life. I loved Lucy, she felt like a real mom with real worries about Theo. And even though her nemesis Ian Blackford returns, I didn't feel like she was ready to throw over her marriage with her unsuspecting husband Will, either. I am definitely looking forward to the next story and wonder if her British neighbor Tom has some secrets of his own.
Rated of 5
by Helen S. (Palm Desert, California)
Interesting New Character
Beth McMullen's book, Original Sin, brings a new fascinating character to the pages of page turning reading. This is a new type of female character, mother, successful career person to read about. I look forward to additional adventures with Sally Sin. A couple parts of the book moved slowly and made up for time in the adventures following. I recommend this book for book clubs.
Rated of 5
by Cheryl D. (Angola, NY)
Impossible to classify
This book was an enjoyable read, but it is impossible to fit it into a category. It is a little bit chick lit and somewhat a thriller with a comic edge. I never did figure out whether the heroine was a "good" spy or simply survived through luck. You just have to sit back and enjoy the ride.
Rated of 5
by Bess W. (Marlton, NJ)
Keep on sinning!
Although I found the premise for the story to be absurd that did not affect my enjoyment of the book. Sally/Lucy's adventures are over the top and are pure fun to read. I look forward to more adventures and more character development. This book is a perfect beach or plane read.
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of 5
by Gail G. (Northbrook, Illinois)
