Thieving is roast pigeon. Lying is mustard seed. Envy is cream. Lust is rose hips. All sins have a corresponding food. To cast away your sins in this debut historical novel, you must confess them to a Sin Eater. Upon your death, the Sin Eater will eat your sins, transferring ownership from you to her. Your sins become hers, and your soul may go to heaven.

In 16th-century England, the Sin Eater has a branded tongue and collared neck. She carries all her sins in silence. She is not to be seen or heard. Touching or speaking to her will result in serving Eve in the afterlife (the equivalent of hell). Before May Owens, there was only one Sin Eater.

For stealing a loaf of bread, 14-year-old orphan May Owens has been sentenced to life as a Sin Eater. In shock, she navigates the customs and traditions under the guidance of the older Sin Eater. As she struggles with the stigma and silence, May is faced with another challenge. When a royal governess falls ill and dies, a deer heart appears on her coffin. The older Sin Eater refuses to eat it, as the governess did not confess to the crime that the deer heart represents. However, due to the vow of silence, nobody except May knows why she will not eat the deer heart. And the older Sin Eater is killed for supposedly not fulfilling her duty.

"SIN EATER is an original novel that will keep you on the edge of your seat. However, a word to the wise: Do not read it while eating!"

To honor her mentor, May is determined to find out who put the deer heart on the coffin and why. She is thrust into a huge royal mystery that involves deceit, lies, rumors and secrets.

As May takes you through the mystery, clues and questions arise. I was on the edge of my seat, trying to understand what all the information meant. Finally, the puzzle pieces fell into place. I think the most satisfying mystery is when a reader can look back and understand how the clues contributed to the final picture, and SIN EATER accomplishes this.

I love May Owens. Her voice is so clear and curious, as one would expect from a 14-year-old. Megan Campisi completely captures the energy and vernacular of a young girl who notices the smallest details. It makes the story and May all the more lovable. Even the descriptions of the excessive food she must consume will make readers wrinkle their noses. In addition, her character development is extremely gratifying. Her growth into a woman of strength and confidence is truly inspiring.

However, May is not the only well-developed character here. Campisi does a wonderful job representing so many different people. From lepers to royal suitors to mafia bosses, this story has such a diversity of influential personalities.

Though I know the phrase Bloody Mary, I am unfamiliar with the royal drama that happened in 16th-century England. While I am not a history buff, I was very much able to enjoy this book. Campisi does a great job of educating her audience in subtle and clever ways. Though sometimes she uses older language, she provides more than enough context for all to understand.

SIN EATER is an original novel that will keep you on the edge of your seat. However, a word to the wise: Do not read it while eating!