Reviews

I Confess: a gripping new thriller that will have you on the edge of your seat! by Alex Barclay

thisthisandthis's review against another edition

medium-paced

3.75

celestemarin's review against another edition

I wanted something mindless to read and had seen this recommended somewhere but it is so blah I'm not sure I can finish it. Over 100 pages in, I'm just starting to be able to distinguish some of the characters. We've already had the obligatory child abuse by parents and nuns, sexual abuse, suicide, alcoholism, secret families... sure, the murder will be anticlimactic.

sean67's review against another edition

3.0

I have read a lot of Alex Barclay, this is the tenth book I have read of hers, and there have been many good moments, this one though I really struggled with, it just never resonated with me, and it is probably me, I finished it, but can't say I will remember it too well.

kat34165's review against another edition

2.0

Usually I love mystery/crime books but this one just didn't build up suspense at all. I feel as though there were too many layers to the story making it difficult to keep suspense while keeping so many plates spinning.

My main issue was that I believe the culprit was revealed too early and was also made out to be very suspicious at the start therefore taking away a large amount of intrigue.

The storyline from back when they were kids was fairly interesting alongside their individual roles within that storyline. However, the storyline in the adult centred portion of the book hugely let the book down.

mandyl45's review against another edition

dark mysterious reflective tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

mickysbookworm's review against another edition

4.0

I really enjoyed this book.

It kept me guessing till the very end. The only reason it’s not a 5 star is that some parts of it the writing was a little confusing.

I loved Helen and Edie. Both brilliant characters. And the more you read the more people died. Which I thought was brilliant.

Loved it.

toofondofbooks's review against another edition

2.0

This book is about a couple who’ve bought and renovated an old convent and have now invited old school friends to stay to celebrate one of their birthdays. The house is in a remote location and it’s a dark, stormy night so it feels like these friends are somewhat marooned in this house so when a body is found it’s terrifying to know they are all stuck there with a murderer. This is a fast-paced thriller that is full of secrets and lies and then all of the reveals and fallout. There aren’t many likeable characters in the novel and the only person that was likeable didn’t feel fleshed out enough for me, which was a little disappointing. I Confess does require a suspension of disbelief but that makes this more enjoyable as even though it’s a murder thriller it feels like escapism. This isn’t my favourite book in the genre but having said that I did read it in one sitting so it definitely held my attention all the way through.

This review was originally posted on my blog https://rathertoofondofbooks.com

tarathebookworm's review against another edition

2.0

This was...meh. The story was very dragged out and quite melodramatic at times. Some of the scenes were quite graphic and felt gratuitous and out of place.

jess_williams_2002's review against another edition

4.0

I'd give it 3.5 * (but we'll round up because why not?):
I went into reading this knowing very little about the book, I wasn't sure what to expect but I was pleasantly surprised. The content is definitely that of an adult novel but it is written in a very accessible way, the plot is simple to follow and the reading level feels very middle grade. Overall, I liked this book, would recommend.