Sins of Two Fathers

What a great book. Strong characters, nail-biting plot, and excellent dialogue. I enjoyed it thoroughly. How Hamill came up with such a complicated, unpredictable plot might make for a book in itself.What happens when an arrogant columnist abuses his power and people get hurt? In this case, he creates a time bomb that ticks for 10 years. And the consequences explode from the pages. We see Hank Tobin face one challenge after another, with the rug continually yanked out from under his feet. His ex-wife Julie won't even talk to him, until circumstances force them to work together to save first their son from a frame-up. While they work against the clock, their daughter is also framed. With both of their 20-ish children facing stiff prison sentences for crimes the didn't commit, Hank Tobin's long list of enemies attacking him at every turn, ghosts of affairs and betrayed love spooking Hank and Julie, the situation looks hopeless time and time again.But, they both have allies. And, they have each other. The thing is, it's hard to tell who their friends are and who their enemies are. This book has one surprise after another. You expect to see people constantly betrayed by their own weaknesses and that happens. But in this story, they are betrayed by their strengths, as well. While they overcome seemingly insurmountable odds, they remain human. And in that lies their only hope of salvation.Adding to the flavor of the book is Hamill's detailed knowledge of New York City places and cultures. He also gives vivid descriptions of events--you can almost feel what the character must be feeling. For example, in one scene we see an immigrant of Arabic descent undergo a humiliating and terrifying search at an airport. In another scene, Hank barely escapes violence at the hands of a vigilante group. We also feel, right along with Hank, as he deals with his desire and love for his ex-wife. His anguish as a father with a son imprisoned for a crime he didn't commit also comes through. It's a story about parental love in various forms: twisted, abused, redeeming, lost, found, empowering, protecting, saving. It's a story about ambition in various forms, too. And it's a story about forces colliding, bouncing off of each other, seeking balance, and pushing people from rocks to hard places and back again.Here's an interesting tidbit: I'm writing this review on Mother's Day, and my mother recommended this book to me. If you like a nail-biter, you will enjoy this book.

Yo, mystery novel lovers gather 'round.If you, like me haven't had your fill of lust, love, betrayal, murder, romance, devious characters, loyalty and good old fashioned family fun, all sandwiched between the covers of a single novel, journey as I did to the land of Hamill---no, not Pete, the other one, Denis (with one 'n).In record time, for me, I spun my way through the pages of one of Denis Hamill's most recent literary efforts, his riveting and trimphant tour-de-force he called, "Sins of Two Fathers"."Sins" is a first rate mystery novel complete with a delightfully intriguing Hitchcock-esque ending. Expect only the unexpected. The dialogue is crisp and fresh, at times inhospitable, but always interesting. His character portayals are sharply defined. Take furtive side-long glances at the males and prepare yourself to be captivated and seduced by the women.You will agree it is time well spent.Bill Cook

This gripping suspense story holds the readers interest until the very end. Hank is an engaging protagonist that is true to life and has a very interesting personality. I recommend this exciting story to all readers who like exciting thrillers...

Pulitzer Prize winning journalist Hank Tobin knows what it is like to be at the top of the mountain before crashing to hell. He once was highly acclaimed, wealthy and happily married to Julie. Now he is a drunk, divorced, and estranged from his family. Julie warned him years ago that Hank Tobin the journalist wore a mask to hide Hank Tobin the loving human from even his family.Hank's son Henry, a budding reporter, is the prime suspect in a firebombing of a Brooklyn mosque. Hank had ignored the anonymous phone tip from someone calling himself LL, but Henry had not. Now Hank searches for this LL who is stalking him and his family. Meanwhile, LL keeps referring back to a report written by Hank about an incident from ten years ago involving a hate crime allegedly done by his own son.SINS OF TWO FATHERS is an exciting suspense thriller that provides tremendous insight into post 9/11 security-minded New York City. Hank is a strong protagonist whose weakness in women, booze, and apathy cost him his family; saving his son is the first step towards redemption, which he knows will not be complete until he earns Julie's respect. Though the cat and mouse game is exhilarating and will hook the reader with its action-packed confrontational appeal, the audience will question the credibility of how LL a janitor could turn into a super villain (unless he has the winnings of the Collector).Harriet Klausner