A secret, hidden inside a lie, concealed behind a deception.
Twin eight-year-old brothers Devin and Archie Milner are staying with their grandmother for the weekend on the remote West Pennine Moors. They are beyond excited. Being there is always such a brilliant adventure, and this time it’s going to be even better. They’ve been allowed to camp out on their own. After all, they’re big boys now, they’re miles from anywhere, far from danger, perfectly safe…
So, when Devin is snatched in the middle of night, the family and the local community are left stunned and too terrified to even contemplate the abductor’s motives.
It’s the first case for newly qualified detective Riley Strickland. Affected by a rare form of OCD, and with the investigation raking up his own personal demons, Riley senses that there is something else going on at the dark heart of the abduction.
To get to a truth that has been hidden away for decades, he must face down prejudice, challenge police negligence and overcome deception at every turn.
But someone out there is determined to keep all the secrets buried.
And time is running out for Devin Milner.
PRAISE FOR ORIGINAL SIN
"What impressed about Original Sin wasn’t so much that it was an extremely well-written crime novel, but that it was a debut novel from someone who clearly knows how to keep me turning the page.
Right from the start, and all the way through, this gripping, sinister, police procedural of child kidnapping, retribution and dark family secrets had me hooked – and it didn’t let go until the breath-taking finale.
I read it in two sittings, separated only by enforced sleep. I sincerely hope new author Wayne Silver has more crime writing up his sleeve."
Bryce Main, author of 'A Time for Dying' and 'A House for Monsters'
"Wayne Silver masterfully builds an atmosphere of dread, weaving in hidden family secrets that deepen the mystery. The characters are richly drawn, their complexities adding layers to the suspense. The plot twists relentlessly, keeping you on the edge of your seat until we reach the shocking conclusion. It took my breath away!"
Book Sirens Reviewer
"Despite Riley’s traumatic past, and the horror of the kidnap of an eight year-old boy, this is a heartwarming book to curl up with in your favourite chair - even if it does have you sitting on the edge of it at times ... Hard to describe how a crime novel is beautiful - I can only tell you that it is."
Book Club Reviewer
"This murder mystery is more than your average police procedural ... the story delivers a 360 degree view of the motivations and thoughts of those involved in the abduction of Devin, and the author fleshes out their lives so they go straight to the reader's heart. The plot is complex and keeps you guessing to the last chapter ... I enjoyed this novel immensely and recommend it to anyone who enjoys twisty-turny murder mysteries."
Justine Gilbert, author of Montecatini
"A fantastic read, I was hooked from beginning to end and I had to keep turning the pages in anticipation of what was unfolding ... I loved it."
Book Sirens Reviewer
