'The Confession' by Jo Spain is a twisty thriller that revolves around the brutal attack on wealthy couple Harry and Julie McNamara by an intruder named JP Carney. The story is narrated from three perspectives - Julie, the wife; JP, the attacker; and Alice, the police officer investigating the case. As the narratives intertwine, the motives behind the attack and the dark secrets of the characters are gradually revealed, keeping the readers intrigued until the very end. The book delves into themes of wealth, betrayal, psychological complexities, and the consequences of past actions, creating a compelling and suspenseful storyline that explores the depths of human nature.

Characters:

The characters are multifaceted, with flawed motives that create an intriguing dynamic within the narrative.

Writing/Prose:

The author's style is immersive, characterized by engaging prose and multiple perspectives that delve into character motivations.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative centers on a murder where the perpetrator's identity is known from the start, leading readers to question the motives behind the act.

Setting:

The setting is in Dublin, highlighting socio-economic contrasts and featuring elements from the Irish banking crisis.

Pacing:

The pacing is generally fast and engaging, with moments of tension that keep readers invested in the unfolding drama.

What does that even mean? I asked. To me, finance was a title sharp-suited men gave to ambiguous jobs in new-build office blocks in the capital. They weren’t real jobs. I grew up in a little village i...

Notes:

The story is a psychological thriller and focuses on the motive behind the murder, not just the identity of the killer.

The murder takes place in the home of wealthy Dublin socialites, Julie and Harry McNamara.

Julie observes her husband Harry being attacked by an intruder, JP Carney, who uses a golf club as the weapon.

After the attack, JP confesses to the murder and claims it was a random act due to temporary insanity.

Detective Sergeant Alice Moody is assigned to the murder case and is skeptical of JP's confession.

The narrative alternates between the perspectives of Julie, JP, and Alice, providing insight into their lives and motivations.

JP comes from a troubled background, growing up impoverished with an alcoholic father and an abandoned mother, while Harry is a disgraced banker involved in controversies tied to the Celtic Tiger economy.

Julie's chapters reveal her loyalty to Harry despite his dubious activities, including his trial for bank fraud.

The book explores themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the complexities of human relationships, challenging the reader's sympathies.

Jo Spain's storytelling is noted for its twists and twists on traditional mystery genre conventions, making it a unique read.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

The book includes triggers such as graphic violence, mental health issues, and themes of trauma, leading to a high content warning.

From The Publisher:

You find out who did it on the very first page. On the last page, you'll find out why in this expertly plotted, "enthralling" (J. P. Delaney) psychological suspense novel from an internationally bestselling author.

Late one night a man walks into the luxurious home of disgraced banker Harry McNamara and his wife Julie. And when the man launches an unspeakably brutal attack on Harry, a horror-struck Julie, frozen by fear, watches her husband die.

Just one hour later, the attacker, J. P. Carney hands himself into the police and confesses to beating Harry to death. Except he also claims that the assault was not premeditated and that he didn't know the identity of his victim. With a man as notorious as Harry McNamara, who was just found innocent in a highly sensationalized fraud trial, the detectives cannot help but wonder: Was this really a random act of violence? Was Julie really powerless to stop JP? When Harry's many sins are unveiled to include corruption, greed, and betrayal, nothing is for sure.

This gripping psychological thriller will have you questioning, who-of Harry, Julie and JP-is really the guilty one? And is Carney's surrender driven by a guilty conscience or is his confession a calculated move in a deadly game? Brilliant and ice-pick sharp, The Confession is perfect for fans of B. A. Paris and Fiona Barton.

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The Confession

Jo Spain