The Sins of the Brother

I live in the area that is so well portrayed in this book. It hooked me completely in the opening sentence. Tom McInnes is a very interesting character, as well his secretary and pal Joey. This book is well planned and completely held my attention. I read this book non-stop. I could not ever figure out what was going to happen next. Mike Stewart's attention to detail was excellent as well as interesting. It accurately described the region as well as capturing the essence of the south. I am off today to find the other books Mike Stewart has written! What a find!

Tom McInnes isn't a quitter, but he just couldn't take it anymore. He simply had to get out of the upscale, Mobile, Alabama lawfirm to which he pledged his soul. So he did, opting to save his sanity and what was left of his integrity by opening his own office. Shortly after setting up shop, he recieves a call from his father, telling him that his younger brother had been murdered. Not knowing exactly what to expect, McInnes returns to his home town to investigate the mysterious circumstances surrounding his brother's untimely death. What he uncovers is a viper's nest of trouble...with him in the dead center of it. The resulting story is a hellacious thriller put together by a master storyteller. One would never guess that "Sins..." is Mike Stewart's first foray into the literary world. His characters sing and shine in every aspect, and his capabilities as a believable and deft writer are finely displayed here. The action races along, with nary a breath between scenes, with perfect execution. I found myself flipping pages practically faster than I could read, wanting to find out what happens next. All the way to the last word, Stewart holds you enthralled, like a voyeur at the scene of some heinous crime. Buy this today!Also recommended: "Deviant Ways"--Chris Mooney "Raveling"--Peter Moore Smith "The Best American Mystery Stories 2000"--ed. Donald Westlake

I have grown tired of over dramatized and stereotypical views of the South in fiction but this mystery portrays a realistic view on the modern South and its culture. This book could have been written by a combination of great mystery writers. While the technique is solid, the material is different and refreshing. All this is an amazing combination for a new writer. My expectations are high for Mr. Stewart's future.

What a great first novel. I usually wait to read reviews befoe buying a first time novelist, but after reading the jacket I was hooked. The pacing, the humor, the twists and turns and characters were addictive. I love Tom and Jody and can't wait for another wild ride. Keep up the great work Mr. Stewart. You've got "it".

This past Saturday, at around 8:00 PM, I started reading Mike Stewart's SINS OF THE BROTHER. I finished the book -- two glasses of wine later -- at two in the morning. Warning: Once you start reading this book get comfortable because you won't be able to put it down. Although Stewart, in my opinion, is a better writer than Grisham, I can only compare the whirlwind plot and building suspense of SINS OF THE BROTHER to the page-turning fun I had the first time I read THE FIRM. Stewart has written a great book. I can't wait for the sequel.