The first book introduced Harry Clifton, a boy who is the son of a dock worker whose mysterious disappearance or death leaves a few questions unanswered. In that story, Only Time Will Tell, Harry grows up, with his mother working hard to give Harry a good education and a better chance in life than his parents had. He also learns a few truths about himself and his father. The Sins Of The Father continues the story. Harry has joined the Merchant Navy to escape the mess of his family secrets and his disappointment and confusion over his relationship with Emma Barrington. Harry’s ship sinks and survivors are picked up by an American Cruise Liner. Among those picked up is an American named Tom Bradshaw, who dies in the night. Harry decides to seize this opportunity to start his life over again, and assumes Bradshaw’s identity. Unfortunately, he is arrested on landing in America because Bradshaw is a suspect in his brother’s murder. Harry is convicted and sent to jail. There, he becomes the prison librarian, and starts to write about his life, The Diary of a Convict. Meanwhile, it is announced that Harry Clifton is dead. Emma Barrington, who is now mother to Harry’s son, refuses to believe that Harry is dead. She begins tracing Harry and finds out what has happened. She then sets about to secure his release from prison.