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Secrets, lies, and revenge. What a deadly combination! When the owner of a local strip club is found with his throat slit, Detective Charlie McClung has only one obvious suspect: his wife’s best friend, Joan. Even though Charlie finds her clutching a bloody knife while standing over the body, he has been around long enough to know that crime scenes aren’t always as they first appear. But as other suspects become victims themselves, Charlie must delve deeper into Joan’s dark and seedy past to prove her innocence.

254 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 19, 2016

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About the author

Mary Anne Edwards

12 books369 followers
Born in Mercedes, Texas, Mary Anne has lived in Georgia most of her life. A lifelong fan of authors such as Agatha Christie, Anne Perry, Caroline Graham, and Elizabeth Peters, it wasn’t until a few years ago that Mary Anne listened to the voices in her head and wrote her own series of traditional mysteries featuring Detective Charlie McClung.

Mary Anne is working on book nine, Somewhere Under Heaven, and a cookbook inspired by the series.

Although Mary Anne is middle-aged and approaching old age, she believes you are as old as you act. The main female protagonist in the Charlie McClung Mysteries is an interesting snapshot of the author's sensibilities.

Mary Anne and her husband live in Canton, GA, with an ill-tempered tuxedo cat named Gertrude. Mary Anne volunteers at MUST Ministries.

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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
Profile Image for T.M. Payne.
Author 29 books88 followers
May 18, 2016
Book: Sins of My Youth: (The Charlie McClung Mysteries #4)
Author: Mary Anne Edwards
Publication Date: 5/31/2016
Reviewed by: Tammy Payne- Book Nook Nuts
My Rating: 5 Stars


REVIEW

*May contain spoilers *

Another fascinating mystery by this author.
Chief Charlie is emotionally invested in this one but he will not let it deter him in finding the culprit. His wife Marian is best friends with one of the women involved in this mystery and he prays he can swipe Joan' name off the list of suspects. A murder has happened behind the restaurant and it was a grisly murder.
Everyone is being questioned and so many of those are even considered as suspects although most are just hiding something dark from their pasts. I had my own theory a few chapters in but wow what a shock to learn who it is.

Pickup your copy if you enjoy a good mystery with a lot of suspense in there. I truly enjoyed this book.

I was gifted a copy of this book for my honest review.
Mary Anne Edwards
Profile Image for Melissa Burcham.
240 reviews3 followers
May 29, 2016
I was asked for an honest review free of persuasion from the author or anyone else affiliated with this book.

Wow! Another wonderful book by Mary Anne!!! I love The Charlie McClung mysteries! This book can be read as a stand alone, but I recommend reading them in order. The story line has more depth when read in order. I love the characters of this series! They are so real and believable and lovable! I highly recommend these books to any mystery/suspense lover! I can't wait for the next book to come out the end of this year!!! Another great book Mary Anne! Keep them coming!
Profile Image for Brian.
313 reviews18 followers
July 28, 2016
I received this book as a prize during a FB event.

Do you like a good mystery with murder, intrigue, lots of suspects, a splash of romance, and great twists? Then this IS the book for you!!!

This story follows the continuing life/love of Acting Police Chief Charlie McClung, his awesome wife Marian, who dabbles in assisting Charlie in her way, and their friends/family.

I won't give away any "spoilers" but as in the blurb for this book, Charlie, along with his fellow officers, must try to solve a murder where the accused is Marian's best friend Joan.

Ms. Edwards' writing grows and gets better with each book she writes. I have read her previous three(3) books and this one tops them all. How? She is creating more complex and mind-boggling twists. The characters have greater depth, with personalities you can feel and relate to. Her descriptive of scenes, actions, and technical prowess are true to life.

The only bad part is waiting for her next book!!






Profile Image for Lorraine.
487 reviews43 followers
June 18, 2016
Each one of the books in The Charlie McClung Mysteries can be read as a standalone, but the storyline is better appreciated if read in order.
Reading these books is like joining a group of old friends and helping them unravel the mystery.
The characters are well developed and colourful, and the descriptions and detail draw you in to the story.
Along with the new murders this book also continues the mystery of the paper hearts.
Profile Image for Angie Dokos.
Author 3 books226 followers
July 11, 2016
OMGosh! I loved this book. Major page turner. I've loved all the books in the series, but this was my favorite. Can't wait to read the fifth one later this year!
Profile Image for Cynthia.
57 reviews
August 20, 2017
Since the first book in the Charlie McClung series was released, I have been hooked. Ms. Edwards is a wonderful story-teller, dispensing a novel that fills you with every emotion possible while relating a very believable yet complicated story for your enjoyment.. Her writing shows all of the research that she has done to get this story to be so believable that you feel that the characters are actual real life people. The desire to get the reader involved in the emotional side of a story is perfectly formed and keeping the reader's interest and involvement in the story and characters that many people don't do as well as this author. I kept saying throughout this book, "what would I do in this instance?" and I felt compelled to believe people that I know and love, yet you are being tugged in an opposite direction due to what "evidence" is revealed. There are many emotional and very interesting twists and turns and yet this story ends up tied up nicely in the end, so you are not disappointed, as in some stories. Ms. Edwards writing style should be one that any person who enjoys mystery, intrigue and a hint of romance should be introduced to.
Profile Image for Shelby.
44 reviews8 followers
August 2, 2016
Mary Anne Edwards did a Brilliant job on this addition to the Charlie McClung Mystery Series. The Sins of My Youth will totally catch you off guard with all of the twists and shadows. This is a Must Read!!!!
632 reviews6 followers
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December 26, 2022
Good mystery

MCClung, recently married to Marion , is a bit gaga about her. Last book was over the top sugary. This mystery starts with a murder at an upscale restaurant owned by Marions best friend . It led them on a chase, who of the 4 suspects was the killer .
Pretty well written , typical cozy mystery . Great word of the day found.lol
October 27, 2020
Intriguing

Great read and suspenseful. You will not be disappointed. The characters are intriguing and delightful. The plot has twist and turns. It is well scripted and you are able to carry and remember all the characters.
Profile Image for Mary.
483 reviews2 followers
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September 19, 2016
This is a Stand Alone, how ever, it is a Charlie McClung Mystery. There are references of past books in here :) I caught book titles from Charlies stories mixed in there. It is refreshing to read a good mystery that is not mixed with heated sex scenes. Some times less is more. In Mary Anne's writing, this is what you get. Some is left to your imagination, and you can focus on the mystery at hand. I love the moral values that are put in place in her mysteries. I would still like to know where Charlie keeps the kleenex, but in this one he has boxes on the table. :) Charlie's Dad is more involved in this story, you can hear him speak in his Irish Brogue. Yes she writes it that way. With her research of facts for medical and legal terms, it makes the stories more true to form. You can get lost in any of the McClung Mysteries. Do yourself a favor and enjoy one, you will get hooked like me.
4,417 reviews41 followers
November 4, 2016
We may think that we really know someone. However, are you always completely open with everybody? I am a little old white haired lady with a neck brace. Nobody wants to know all the various versions of me as I evolved. Unless, that is, I was accused of murder. Then some of my past personages would become pertinent, wouldn’t they? Joan also has a past. It’s a very good thing that she has Charlie and Marian in the present. If I were ever accused of murder, I would certainly want them on my side! This book can be read alone, but I recommend reading some of the earlier books also.
Profile Image for Jenn Sut.
547 reviews32 followers
April 25, 2017
I love this series. It keeps getting better. I love Charlie and Marian. The Characters' relationship keep progressing. I feel this series is best read in order. I think the first book gives the biggest insight in to the characters. The rest of the books continue to be character driven, but the mysteries take center stage. this is my favorite book in the series so far. kept me guessing. I love that. I love how easy it is to tag along on Charlie's mysteries and how wrapped up in them I get. I would highly recommend this book to mystery lovers. it is such an entertaining book. stop reading , buy the book. you will not regret it.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews

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