Original Sin- Blog Tour

 

Author: Linda Duncan McLaughlin

Publisher: Into Creative

Publishing Date: 19th February 2026 

Many thanks to the publishing team and Random Things Tours for my digital copy and a spot on the tour

Blurb 

When a troubled woman discovers her birth father was a serial killer, she's forced to confront a terrible question. What if the darkness in her own soul is a direct inheritance from him?

Despite having made a promise never to do so, Joanne Marshall sets out to trace her birth parents when her adoptive mother dies. She's always felt unable to connect with other people, even her family, and her lack of history is a black hole that only the truth can fill.

Her search unearths increasingly shattering information, however, and when she discovers her birth father was imprisoned for murder - and that he's still alive - she decides she has to contact him to lay her fears about her own nature to rest.

But she finds, instead, a strange connection to him. And, as their relationship deepens, she doesn't realise that she's making herself vulnerable to a potentially still very dangerous man. Will she finds the strength to stop another tragedy taking place?

My Thoughts 

This is an impressive debut, and the blurb immediately caught my attention.

The story follows Joanne as she sets out to uncover the truth about who she really is, and how her past might shape her future. Early on, we learn about her adoptive mother, which sparks Joanne’s journey to trace her biological roots and understand where she truly comes from.

As she digs deeper, she uncovers more about her father, drawing her into a relationship that feels increasingly unsettling. What unfolds is a disturbing mix of long-buried secrets, manipulation, and psychological tension that keeps the reader on edge.

The closer Joanne gets to the truth, the more she is forced to confront difficult questions about herself—whether darkness is something inherited, or if she has the strength to choose a different path.

The dual timeline is handled well, adding depth and clarity to the story without becoming confusing. It helps to gradually reveal the bigger picture while keeping the narrative engaging. The pacing is more of a slow build, but it works effectively, with tension simmering beneath the surface throughout.

The writing is strong, and the Scottish setting is vividly brought to life, adding an extra layer of atmosphere to this dark and immersive read.

I would recommend this book.