The Sins of a Mermaid by Ettore Piroso begins with Munir Abi Khalil, a multidisciplinary scientist who arrives in Amorosa, California, to conduct precise and unconventional research involving magnetite, oceanography, and historical accounts of mermaids. He sets up a highly technical observation camp on a cliffside and begins a meticulous monitoring of the geological and oceanic phenomena. As he works, he forms a cautious but sustained connection with Summer Olsen, a young girl battling leukemia, sharing his studies and historical discoveries while she shares her experience of illness. Their interactions influence her decisions regarding her treatment and draw scrutiny from the town and her father, Sheriff Thomas Olsen. Amid disputes over his stay and the town’s reaction, Munir’s research and relationship with Summer escalate into a violent confrontation.

Ettore Piroso’s The Sins of a Mermaid is a wonderfully unique novel, and Piroso does well in drawing together things that people would have trouble accepting, including a guy who comes out of nowhere and shakes up a community, and his ideas on what might just be under the water. Summer's situation is heartbreaking, but there is an irony in the way the story plays out—where cancer is not necessarily the most dangerous affliction in Amorosa. Piroso's juxtaposition of science vs faith, especially in a story where the science requires a degree of faith, wasn't lost on me as a reader. Depictions of the town’s divided reactions, from economic interests to moral authority, ground the conflict and realism. This is a slow-burning novel with measured pacing and tight writing. Overall, it is equal parts interesting in its look at social elements and entertaining in its delivery.

Immerse yourself in a tantalizing tale of mystery and crime with The Sins of a Mermaid by Ettore Piroso. Twenty-six-year-old Munir Abi Khalil has only a couple of years before he goes blind. He is working on a mysterious project that takes him to the quaint coastal town of Amorosa in Southern California. Although the town's sheriff, Thomas Olsen, isn't too happy with the newcomer, his daughter, Summer, who is suffering from acute leukemia, finds herself falling in love with Munir. Meanwhile, Munir's dedicated search turns him into a town celebrity. But fate has other plans, and as the darker secrets of the townfolk are revealed, it's the innocents who pay the price. What happens to Munir? Will Summer ever be happy and safe?

The Sins of a Mermaid is a story about hope, greed, faith, and love. Author Ettore Piroso crafts a riveting multi-POV narrative featuring compelling characters with a wide range of personalities. The setting itself builds the tone from the very beginning. There is a sense of tension and intrigue that layers the narrative until the end. Piroso keeps a brisk pace to the plot that twists and turns its way to a bittersweet ending, which I personally found very satisfying. Each of the main characters has their own unique ordeals that they must overcome. Munir and Summer's romance was both sweet and heartbreaking for me. The intricate dynamics of the Olsen family were also a compelling highlight of the book, adding depth and complexity to the narrative. Overall, it's a captivating crime and mystery drama.

Thomas Olsen is trying to find the best treatment for his daughter, Summer, who has leukemia. When Munir moves into Amorosa with suspicious equipment, it is the sheriff's duty to find out what he's up to and, if necessary, remove him from town. The last thing he expected was for his daughter to form a bond with the young man whose activities had caught the community's attention. Thomas faces a choice: take the law into his own hands or watch his only daughter slowly fade away, all while questioning what he believes in. Either way, life will never be the same for the law-abiding family man in Ettore Piroso's The Sins of a Mermaid.

Ettore Piroso constructs the narrative so that readers decide who they believe is the true villain by examining Munir's reasons for setting up camp in Amoroso and Thomas's motives for addressing his presence. He combines detailed origin stories for secondary characters, such as the other residents of the community, with strategic gaps that build suspense as the community begins to understand Munir's project. What stands out in The Sins of a Mermaid is Piroso's weaving of science and mythology to demonstrate the existence of Munir's otherworldly prey. He supports theories with observations from historians, appealing to both science fiction and fantasy fans. Summer's disagreement with her mother over the similarities between her Christian faith and Munir's seemingly pointless exercise will resonate with perceptive readers. A steady pace effectively balances these elements, creating a thought-provoking novel that will appeal to a wide range of readers.

The Sins of a Mermaid by Ettore Piroso blends mystical folklore, scientific obsession, and human emotion to create a fascinating read. The story follows Munir, a mysterious researcher obsessed with discovering a mermaid near the California coastline, driven by a personal quest for redemption and love. His findings lead him to a coastal town, Amorosa, where he constructs a secret camp and meticulously studies the ocean, hoping to witness the legendary creature. Meanwhile, Summer Olsen, the young daughter of the town's sheriff, suffering from leukemia, forms an unlikely bond with Munir, sharing stories of pain, hope, and the possibility of life beyond the physical realm. As their relationship deepens, Munir's obsession with mermaids and Summer’s fragile health intertwine, culminating in a mystical encounter that challenges the boundaries between science, faith, and love. The town will unravel in unexpected ways when tragedy hits.

Ettore Piroso is a great storyteller with the ability to create suspenseful scenes and keep you racing through the pages. The Sins of a Mermaid explores themes of hope, faith, and the human desire for transcendence in the bleakness of mortality. I enjoyed the settings, from the rugged California coast to the sterile, emotionally charged hospital rooms. Munir’s character is a blend of introverted scientist and romantic dreamer, haunted by his impending blindness and past guilt, yet fiercely passionate about his pursuits. Summer, on the other hand, reflects resilience; she is genuinely flawed, and the author skillfully explores her hopes and struggles, allowing her humanity to shine through the narrative. The supporting cast, from the skeptical locals to the devout mother Paloma, is well-sketched against a backdrop of differing beliefs, faith, traditions, and community. Piroso’s lyrical prose and clever storytelling elevate this novel into a contemplation of the mysteries of life, and prompt you to reflect on mortality and the hope of life beyond the tomb.