Review: The Wages of Sin by: Nancy Allen

Title: The Wages of Sin
Author: Nancy Allen
Publisher: Witness Impulse
Series: An Ozarks Mystery
Pages: 320
Format: Paperback ARC
Source: Witness Impulse

Description:

In rural McCown County, Missouri, a young pregnant woman is found beaten to death in a trailer park. The only witness to the murder is Ivy, her six-year-old daughter, who points to her mom’s boyfriend—father of the unborn child. County prosecutor Madeleine Thompson promises the community justice, and in the Ozarks, that can only mean one thing: a death sentence.

When Madeleine’s first choice for co-counsel declines to try a death penalty case, she is forced to turn to assistant prosecutor Elsie Arnold. Elsie is reluctant to join forces with her frosty boss, but the road to conviction seems smooth—until unexpected facts about the victim arise, and the testimony of the lone eyewitness Ivy becomes increasingly crucial. Against Elsie’s advice, Madeleine brings in the state attorney general’s office to assist them, while cutthroat trial attorney Claire O’Hara joins the defense.

Elsie will not let the power of prosecution—of seeking justice—be wrested from her without a fight. She wants to win the case, and to avenge the death of the mother and her unborn child. But as the trial nears, Elsie begins to harbor doubts about the death penalty itself. Meanwhile, the child Ivy is in greater danger than anyone knows.

My Thoughts: 

This book follows Elsie Arnold who is helping try a murder case only because her boss Madeline's first choice won't try a death penalty case.  Unfortunately the case is a mess from the beginning a woman is found dead while pregnant with her son and the only eye witness is her 6 year old daughter, but someone wants to shut up little Ivy and are trying everything they can to shut her down!  Will Ivy turn and speak out against the bad people or will she remain silent?

This book had so much going on domestic abuse, drugs, aids, etc.  I was on the edge of my seat wondering if little Ivy Dent would come through and she did in a way I didn't expect in her own way she guided Elsie to the truth.  She also showed Elsie how deep the rabbit hole was.  While Jessie Dent wasn't the best person on earth she made the best of what she could do, and that in the end cost her big time.  This book also made you think about the death penalty and how you view it.  Me personally totally against it but I know there are times when it would be easier to be for it, but in the end I couldn't kill someone so I couldn't see myself supporting it.

I really enjoyed this book and am greatful to HarperCollins for sending me a copy to review, as always I wasn't paid for my review the thoughts are mine alone.  Can't wait to see what is in store for Elsie next!