Rating: 
Summary: Boring, predictable and unbelievable
Review: After reading this book ( or the better part of it) I turned to the reviews and was amazed by the number of positive reviews, starting to think that I would have missed something.Where is the time that publishers and editors advised a debuting writer on things like plot development. Although the story is nicely written ( hence the two stars) the plot is non-sensical. It is a sequence of violence and utterly unbelievable actions by characters both on the "wrong" and on the "right" side. What do you do when you discover a body? Yes, like every normal person, you go in, trash it and than burn the building... I have no sympathy at all for the main character. After the way he behaved in his quest for the murderer of his brother, there is only one place for him and that is in a cell next to his enemies. I enjoy reading hard boiled thrillers as much as the next guy, but you have to find something sympathetic in the protagonist otherwise it bores quickly. Finally some writers think that you have to maximize the number of twists in a novel and Mr. Stewart is certainly of that school. In doing it, however, he becomes utterly predictable in the development of the story. It is only a first novel, and he can write, witnessing his description of the environment in Alabama, so I hope the next one will be given a bit more thought and editorial care.
Rating: 
Summary: A wnner and it is only his first book
Review: Attorney Tom McInnis works at the prestigious Mobile, Alabama law firm of Higgins and Thompson until he abruptly quits. After working endless days of long hours, jumping to the calls of the senior partners, and struggling to find more biddables, he decided to open his own practice. Tom averages less than twenty hours a week, has a home on the beach, and is finally enjoying life again. That changes when his mother calls with the information that his scapegrace younger brother Hall died under mysterious circumstances. Tom returns to his hometown where his father promptly states that someone murdered Hall. Apparently, in spite of his low salary, Hall always seemed loaded with plenty of cash. The police think Hall was mixed up with drugs or gambling. Tom calls on people from both sides of the law to try to learn what happened to his sibling. However, his investigation is not a smooth path to a simple conclusion. If Tom knew the troubles he will bring upon himself and his innocent secretary would he have even started his inquiries? Mike Stewart's debut novel reads more as if the rookie was a seasoned author. The story line is filled with so many twists and turns that readers will not know when the next curve occurs until they are already partially in the spin. Tom is a caring character, which turns into the very trait that leaves him and his secretary in deep trouble. SINS OF THE BROTHER is a Southern suspense thriller with Gothic elements that will maintain reader interest from start to finish and into the next book in what appears to be an exciting new series. Harriet Klausner
Rating:
Summary: Fantastic Mystery!
Review: Couldn't put it down. This is the best book that I've read in some time. Great setting, great dialouge. Plot twists, turns, with slam-bang ending.
Rating: 
Summary: Great First Novel
Review: Every once in a while you can find a first novel author and realize that you have found an author that should last a long time. Mike Stewart's first novel "Sins of the Brother" reads a little like John Grisham with a quick witty dialogue that resembles Elmore Leonard. Stewart's strong narriative and quick stick to the point storyline makes for a great read. "Sins of the Brother" is about Alabama lawyer Tom McInnis, whose little brother is murdered on a river in his hometown. McInnis goes to the funeral and is asked by his father to investigate his brother's business dealings that may have resulted in his death. McInnis slowly learns that his brother was not exactly a model citizen and reveals that his brother had ties to a southern mobster. Soon McInnis is making new enemies and encountering some old ones as his investigation draws him deeper. This novel is a lot like Grisham with the southern feel and the elaborate plan McInnis uses to get out of trouble at the end. The side characters are a true joy, especially Joey a private investigtor who works for McInnis. The dialogue is quick and sometimes over the top. McInnis is just too cocky in some parts when faced with immense danger. Looking forward to the next in the McInnis series.
Rating:
Summary: Southern Suspense
Review: I am addicted to reading and generally finish 2-3 books per week. I completed reading Sins of the Brother in several hours. I absolutely could not put it down. The book renders accurate images of small Southern towns and occasional glimpses of the sometimes "quirky" family relationships often seen there. Primarily, it offers heart-pounding suspense through a brilliant murderous plot. I am excited to add a new author to my "can't wait" list. I think Mike Stewart is very deserving of his new position beside Ludlum, Crichton, and Clancy. Thank you, Mr. Stewart. I anxiously await another Tom McInnes encounter.
Rating:
Summary: Engrossing until the last page!!!!
Review: I had heard a lot of great things about this first time authors' book, Sins of the Brother, but I didn't have very high expectations considering it's the first...but WOW! What a great story! I couldn't put this book down! I read the whole thing on a flight across country. I loved the character of Tim McInnes, flaws and all. Stewarts characters came to life through Tom and his interactions with them. His writing is beautifully descriptive of the Deep South and it took me back to my childhood. I could almost smell the air, see the river, and experience the events. I can't wait to read more about Tom McInnes and his friends. I hope this is the first in a long series of Tom McInnes adventures. When will we see this story on the Big Screen?
Rating:
Summary: Excellent Character Development
Review: I happened to read this book while visiting family in Tuscaloosa. The author's descriptions of the Alabama countryside were perfect. I really cared about each of the characters he presented. I've already purchased one of the sequels, Dog Island--hoping to follow the relationships between some of the same characters, and looking forward to his exciting storytelling. I think this author is as good as Grisham--just a matter of time until he's "discovered."
Rating:
Summary: Excellent Character Development
Review: I happened to read this book while visiting family in Tuscaloosa. The author's descriptions of the Alabama countryside were perfect. I really cared about each of the characters he presented. I've already purchased one of the sequels, Dog Island--hoping to follow the relationships between some of the same characters, and looking forward to his exciting storytelling. I think this author is as good as Grisham--just a matter of time until he's "discovered."
Rating:
Summary: Finally, An Accurate Portrayal of the South in a Novel
Review: 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.
Rating: 
Summary: Page turner... true. But more like a Jerry Springer Show.
Review: 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!
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