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The Confession
They said they killed her. But they didn't - you did.
I should never have gone to her house. But I was desperate to ask her some questions about that night. About what she saw when Joe fell from the bridge.
All I wanted was some honesty, for someone else to have seen what I saw.
I never meant to hurt her. To push her.
As she lay at the bottom of the stairs, blood pooling around her head, I knew it was the end for me too.
I kept expecting the knock on the door, the police, the handcuffs. But it never came.
On the news, they are reporting someone has come forward and confessed to her murder.
But that can't be true. Because her killer is me...
A totally addictive psychological thriller with a killer twist you just won't see coming. Fans of Alice Feeney, Netflix's You and B A Paris will be hooked from the very first page.
I should never have gone to her house. But I was desperate to ask her some questions about that night. About what she saw when Joe fell from the bridge.
All I wanted was some honesty, for someone else to have seen what I saw.
I never meant to hurt her. To push her.
As she lay at the bottom of the stairs, blood pooling around her head, I knew it was the end for me too.
I kept expecting the knock on the door, the police, the handcuffs. But it never came.
On the news, they are reporting someone has come forward and confessed to her murder.
But that can't be true. Because her killer is me...
A totally addictive psychological thriller with a killer twist you just won't see coming. Fans of Alice Feeney, Netflix's You and B A Paris will be hooked from the very first page.
256 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 3, 2023
1097 people are currently reading
512 people want to read
About the author
Charlotte Bigland
3 books52 followersCharlotte grew up in Middlesbrough, before migrating to London for a more tropical climate, and to work as a terrorism insurance broker. When not telling anyone who will listen how warm it is, or the correct way to pronounce ‘bath’, she enjoys zhuzhing up the more mundane aspects of being a twenty-something-year-old by putting a fictitious, killer spin on them.
She can be found on instragram @biglandbooks
She can be found on instragram @biglandbooks
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 119 reviews
August 5, 2023
This novel was an amazing and unique read that managed to hold my attention more than any other book this year. The pacing is the novel's best feature, keeping the story and mystery moving at a fast enough pace to remain intriguing and constantly evolving while the writer trusts the reader's intelligence enough to fill in any sections that would otherwise appear dull and extraneous in this tragic tale of grief, betrayal and obsession.
Being from The North, I found the descriptions of Middlesbrough and its residents to be hauntingly accurate, presenting an image of ever-present decay and spite for what could have been that masterfully mirrors the descent of the main character. That is to say only on surface-level, as buried under both is a distinct vulnerability and warmness that has been suppressed. This theme permeates the book, with most characters presenting two faces to the world, and it is the process of reasoning which of them is genuine that makes the many mysteries so engaging.
Being from The North, I found the descriptions of Middlesbrough and its residents to be hauntingly accurate, presenting an image of ever-present decay and spite for what could have been that masterfully mirrors the descent of the main character. That is to say only on surface-level, as buried under both is a distinct vulnerability and warmness that has been suppressed. This theme permeates the book, with most characters presenting two faces to the world, and it is the process of reasoning which of them is genuine that makes the many mysteries so engaging.
May 15, 2024
This high quality audio told from the pov of elizabeth after her brother tragically dies. This is action fuelled its a compelling listen as the.story in places becomes very far fetched but as the truth of her brother's death is revealed i was blown away by the ending. Loved the pacing and narration i actually found myself caring for the characters and understanding their inner torture. It was really enjoyable it dealt with some complex issues and it was descriptive in the plsces that mattered.
Thank you netgallery and publisher and author and narrator
Thank you netgallery and publisher and author and narrator
July 16, 2023
What a wild ride! Full of twists and turns. We first meet Elizabeth when her brother ends up dead. She is on the hunt to find out if he fell like the police think or was pushed. The journey we go on is full of crazy twists! I really liked the main character (even though it turns out she’s not as innocent as she seems) and the author’s writing. The ending will have everyone in shock! Don’t miss this one! 4/5 ⭐️
Thank you Embla books, netgalley, and Charlotte Bigland for my eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you Embla books, netgalley, and Charlotte Bigland for my eARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 2, 2023
Oh I love this one. It is so murdery in a weird way!
Our girl's baby brother has died in a terribly sad way and she has decided to confront his bullies/murderers/and the town internet jerk (oh I LOVED that one).
She is not making good choices but luck seems to be on her side. I feel for our murderer because I too love my brother who was not treated well by the world.
Actually this book made me appreciate my brother more.
And I was laughing really hard at a lot of this. Making me laugh in a murdery book is a talent and more people need to develop the skill.
And the ending is gold!
I love this!
Our girl's baby brother has died in a terribly sad way and she has decided to confront his bullies/murderers/and the town internet jerk (oh I LOVED that one).
She is not making good choices but luck seems to be on her side. I feel for our murderer because I too love my brother who was not treated well by the world.
Actually this book made me appreciate my brother more.
And I was laughing really hard at a lot of this. Making me laugh in a murdery book is a talent and more people need to develop the skill.
And the ending is gold!
I love this!
December 1, 2023
Elizabeth watches her brother Joe plunge to his death and sets out to avenge those involved. However she’s not the best killer. Luckily someone has her back and is not only tidying up the loose ends she leaves behind each time, but also providing a stooge to take the fall.
Honestly not sure what I make of this book. It was an interesting premise and listening to the audible was enjoyable due to the narrator. But I was frustrated by the way the story was sprinkled with little clues which seemed to lead one way but were snapped up and dismissed before they could be properly considered. Additionally, I found it completely unbelievable that the people she took into her confidence were so relaxed about her murder spree. And finally, whilst the death of her beloved brother made sense when explained, it meant the story fizzled out rather than ended with a ‘wow!’ moment.
With thanks to Netgalley, the publisher and author for this advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest, personal opinion.
Honestly not sure what I make of this book. It was an interesting premise and listening to the audible was enjoyable due to the narrator. But I was frustrated by the way the story was sprinkled with little clues which seemed to lead one way but were snapped up and dismissed before they could be properly considered. Additionally, I found it completely unbelievable that the people she took into her confidence were so relaxed about her murder spree. And finally, whilst the death of her beloved brother made sense when explained, it meant the story fizzled out rather than ended with a ‘wow!’ moment.
With thanks to Netgalley, the publisher and author for this advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest, personal opinion.
August 12, 2023
This book was a bit too far fetched and unbelievable for me. I found it a little bit of a struggle to read and almost lost interest in it at the start.
It’s easy reading albeit the language and the way in which the story is delivered is a bit underdeveloped. I spent a large proportion of the story not understanding why none of the characters had names, where they were in the UK and what their relationship with each other was based on. There was a lot of things being eluded to but not truly explained or understood until the end. It was all a bit strange!
The way in which the plot unfolds becomes slightly ridiculous and I couldn’t decide if she was an accidental version of CJ Skuses’ Rhiannon or if the delivery of the plot was just not quite right.
Had it not been an ARC I probably wouldn’t not finished it. But thank you NetGalley for my advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
It’s easy reading albeit the language and the way in which the story is delivered is a bit underdeveloped. I spent a large proportion of the story not understanding why none of the characters had names, where they were in the UK and what their relationship with each other was based on. There was a lot of things being eluded to but not truly explained or understood until the end. It was all a bit strange!
The way in which the plot unfolds becomes slightly ridiculous and I couldn’t decide if she was an accidental version of CJ Skuses’ Rhiannon or if the delivery of the plot was just not quite right.
Had it not been an ARC I probably wouldn’t not finished it. But thank you NetGalley for my advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
November 17, 2023
Following the death of her brother, Elizabeth is consumed by grief and is on a quest for revenge.
The Confession is a gripping rollercoaster of suspense and psychological twists that kept me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. Despite the dark nature of the book, the FMC was quirky and hilarious, and that lightened some otherwise heavy scenes.
Elizabeth is a compelling and complex character whose life takes a dark turn when an accidental murder occurs. Bodies are piling up; the lies get more elaborate, and it leaves the reader wondering whether Elizabeth knows more than she's revealing.
The pacing of the novel is expertly done, with each chapter revealing new layers of the mystery, making it nearly impossible to put the book down. The author skillfully plays with the reader's expectations, keeping them guessing until the very end.
The twist at the end unfolded quite beautifully!
Thanks to Netgalley, the publisher, and the author for my free copy of the book.
The Confession is a gripping rollercoaster of suspense and psychological twists that kept me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. Despite the dark nature of the book, the FMC was quirky and hilarious, and that lightened some otherwise heavy scenes.
Elizabeth is a compelling and complex character whose life takes a dark turn when an accidental murder occurs. Bodies are piling up; the lies get more elaborate, and it leaves the reader wondering whether Elizabeth knows more than she's revealing.
The pacing of the novel is expertly done, with each chapter revealing new layers of the mystery, making it nearly impossible to put the book down. The author skillfully plays with the reader's expectations, keeping them guessing until the very end.
The twist at the end unfolded quite beautifully!
Thanks to Netgalley, the publisher, and the author for my free copy of the book.
October 22, 2023
Thank you to Insta Book Tours for having me yet again - I felt like I was riding a rollercoaster through this one!
I was totally and utterly hooked by the premise & without much context I knew I’d love the book.
I found myself shocked at the way in which the events occurred and what the premise was truly about. The book took turns I simply was not expecting & had me in shock throughout.
The way in which Bigland wrote the protagonist was extremely unique & she was written in a way that made her quite likeable, despite her questionable choices & decisions.
I have not read anything like this before & I highly recommend to any thriller lovers 🤪
I was totally and utterly hooked by the premise & without much context I knew I’d love the book.
I found myself shocked at the way in which the events occurred and what the premise was truly about. The book took turns I simply was not expecting & had me in shock throughout.
The way in which Bigland wrote the protagonist was extremely unique & she was written in a way that made her quite likeable, despite her questionable choices & decisions.
I have not read anything like this before & I highly recommend to any thriller lovers 🤪
November 10, 2023
Fascinating, a bit crazy, unique and intriguing!
It’s a thriller and lots of people die, but I also found myself laughing out loud at some points!
Elle wants revenge for the death of her little brother, that’s all, but things aren’t going to plan for her. It’s fine though, as someone else has confessed to the accidental murder she committed and has all the details needed to convince the police they have the killer. Who would do that and why?
It did get a little bit slow in parts, but the ending was stunning and more than made up for the lag.
Excellent narration from Freya Parker.
4 ⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, Charlotte Bigland and Bonnier for an ARC in return for an honest review.
It’s a thriller and lots of people die, but I also found myself laughing out loud at some points!
Elle wants revenge for the death of her little brother, that’s all, but things aren’t going to plan for her. It’s fine though, as someone else has confessed to the accidental murder she committed and has all the details needed to convince the police they have the killer. Who would do that and why?
It did get a little bit slow in parts, but the ending was stunning and more than made up for the lag.
Excellent narration from Freya Parker.
4 ⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, Charlotte Bigland and Bonnier for an ARC in return for an honest review.
November 14, 2023
This book will stay with me. I was shocked, intrigued and kept guessing until the end. Quirky but also quite dark. Unexpected twists and turn. It becomes a bit dark as the protagonist persona changes. Loose ends are tied up. Not a light read and disturbing at times. I enjoyed this because it was different approach to crime. I liked the perspective from the protragonist and her changes. Glad I read this.
December 25, 2023
This was a unique crime story. I loved the narrator, and in all honesty I may not have stuck with the book until the end if it weren’t for her voice. However, the uncertainties I had in the first few chapters quickly fizzled out as I realised what exactly was going on. Unique. Clever. Upsetting and disturbing. A well deserved 4 star 🌟 review!
Thank you to NetGalley and Bonnier UK audio for the opportunity to listen to this audiobook in return for an honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bonnier UK audio for the opportunity to listen to this audiobook in return for an honest review.
July 17, 2024
The last 20% of this book really made it a 4 star read for me! Definitely picked up towards the end and THE TWIST WAS INSANE.
June 14, 2024
Thrilling
September 14, 2024
Took me ages to finish such a small book 😓 I lost interest in this book as it was too far fetched and the chapters were soooo long.
November 19, 2023
I could have listened to this forever!
The combination of the brilliant, exciting and unusual storyline and the perfect narrator made this one of my favourite reads this year!
We start the story in the throes of action as Elizabeth drags her brother, Joe from the water and tries to save his life - he dies!
Deemed an accident, Elizabeth is determined to prove that their older brother Callum pushed Joe - but things don't quite work out that way and soon take a macabre turn.
I thought Elizabeth was so relatable (barring the obvious) and really felt for her more and more as we learn about her upbringing, recent events and how the grief of losing her brother is affecting her.
The secondary characters were all well presented and developed but kept fairly apart from us for quite a while. I liked this as it allowed full focus on our MC and the events taking place.
The story flowed perfectly moving from one crazy event to the next - but as things got more and more complicated, I just got more and more intrigued and I literally could not stop listening to this.
I can't say any more without giving away spoilers - but suffice to say that this hooked me right from page 1 and completely immersed me in its quirkiness throughout. There were so many shocks and twists and a fabulous ending!
I have to say that the cover gives nothing away and as such meant that I left this on the shelf for some time - but it's definitely one I'll be recommending to everyone and reading again!
My first read by this author and I loved it! I'll be checking out their other books very soon.
The combination of the brilliant, exciting and unusual storyline and the perfect narrator made this one of my favourite reads this year!
We start the story in the throes of action as Elizabeth drags her brother, Joe from the water and tries to save his life - he dies!
Deemed an accident, Elizabeth is determined to prove that their older brother Callum pushed Joe - but things don't quite work out that way and soon take a macabre turn.
I thought Elizabeth was so relatable (barring the obvious) and really felt for her more and more as we learn about her upbringing, recent events and how the grief of losing her brother is affecting her.
The secondary characters were all well presented and developed but kept fairly apart from us for quite a while. I liked this as it allowed full focus on our MC and the events taking place.
The story flowed perfectly moving from one crazy event to the next - but as things got more and more complicated, I just got more and more intrigued and I literally could not stop listening to this.
I can't say any more without giving away spoilers - but suffice to say that this hooked me right from page 1 and completely immersed me in its quirkiness throughout. There were so many shocks and twists and a fabulous ending!
I have to say that the cover gives nothing away and as such meant that I left this on the shelf for some time - but it's definitely one I'll be recommending to everyone and reading again!
My first read by this author and I loved it! I'll be checking out their other books very soon.
January 4, 2024
So I tried to start this book 3/4 times before fully committing to it and I must say... after around 30-40% I was close to DNFing... I felt the story was so farfetched that it slightly ruined it for me, I know it's fiction but it still has to be slightly believable for me to fully enjoy it. I persevered, and did finally finish it. I will say that listening to it on audiobook definitely helped, as I think I would've given up if I was reading it myself. It started to turn more toward an adolescent storyline rather than the adult thriller it's marketed as, which isn't quite my vibe. And I really didn't like the fact that the main character Elizabeth stopped calling people by their names so I found that confusing...
I will say that I did not expect some of the turns so it does have that going for it... but I'm struggling to give it more than 2★ sadly...
Thank you NetGalley and Bonnier UK Audio for the AAC in exchange for an honest review.
I will say that I did not expect some of the turns so it does have that going for it... but I'm struggling to give it more than 2★ sadly...
Thank you NetGalley and Bonnier UK Audio for the AAC in exchange for an honest review.
October 4, 2023
Certainly a very different read.
Elizabeth has come home to celebrate her younger brother's eighteenth birthday; they are out in the open, drinking too much, when Joe climbs a bridge and plunges from the top. Did he fall? Or was he pushed? That's what his sister wants to find out, whatever it takes.
I struggled with this one and briefly considered setting it aside, unfinished - but I don't give up easily and, after a break, returned to read to the end. Written in the first person - not my favourite - I had to suspend belief as Elizabeth worked her way through a list of suspects. An okay read, but I wouldn't be honest if I didn't say that I reached the end with a sigh of relief - and that's not a feeling I get often. I'm sure others will rave about this one, it just wasn't for me. 3.5*
Elizabeth has come home to celebrate her younger brother's eighteenth birthday; they are out in the open, drinking too much, when Joe climbs a bridge and plunges from the top. Did he fall? Or was he pushed? That's what his sister wants to find out, whatever it takes.
I struggled with this one and briefly considered setting it aside, unfinished - but I don't give up easily and, after a break, returned to read to the end. Written in the first person - not my favourite - I had to suspend belief as Elizabeth worked her way through a list of suspects. An okay read, but I wouldn't be honest if I didn't say that I reached the end with a sigh of relief - and that's not a feeling I get often. I'm sure others will rave about this one, it just wasn't for me. 3.5*
October 29, 2023
I enjoyed this book. It was vastly different from what I expected. It started with a young woman and her grief for her recently deceased brother, and I thought it was going to be a sad book about his death. I was wrong! It's much better than that. It was a gripping run of her psychopathy and her reckless reign of revenge. Good narration, five stars.
October 24, 2023
I persevered with this book but I didn’t really enjoy it. The characters were awful and I found it predictable. The lack of character names meant the last chapter was very confusing.
⭐️
* ARC from Netgalley *
⭐️
* ARC from Netgalley *
October 29, 2023
A brilliant read. The character of Ella is brought to life in a way that I’ve never read before. Highly recommend
July 31, 2024
A brilliant book about revenge.
The Confession is a book about a young woman who takes revenge on all of the people that she believes were responsible for her brother's death. It is the author's style that distinguishes this book from anything similar. She gives Ella a voice that is both vindictive and terrified, always sure that she is going to be caught. There are a lot of quirky and colorful supporting characters. I look forward to this author's future work.
The Confession is a book about a young woman who takes revenge on all of the people that she believes were responsible for her brother's death. It is the author's style that distinguishes this book from anything similar. She gives Ella a voice that is both vindictive and terrified, always sure that she is going to be caught. There are a lot of quirky and colorful supporting characters. I look forward to this author's future work.
November 25, 2024
I am rounding up and giving this 4 stars - which is funny since I almost DNF'd it early on AND I don't even know how it came across my radar.
Anyway. Points for a likable narrator and for many twists in the tale. Charlotte Bigland's technique of ending each chapter with something like "I knew the man, but the woman shocked me" was propulsive and led to me not being able to put this down.
In many ways, so very sad (it starts with Elizabeth witnessing her brother's death - not a spoiler) yet also - can't believe I am saying this - sort of funny. Overall, compelling, and I would like to find other books by this author.
Anyway. Points for a likable narrator and for many twists in the tale. Charlotte Bigland's technique of ending each chapter with something like "I knew the man, but the woman shocked me" was propulsive and led to me not being able to put this down.
In many ways, so very sad (it starts with Elizabeth witnessing her brother's death - not a spoiler) yet also - can't believe I am saying this - sort of funny. Overall, compelling, and I would like to find other books by this author.
April 30, 2024
Really good
This was really good, I would have liked shorter chapters but that's just me. I always prefer short chapters. Anyway the book was really good, it kept me reading from the first chapter all the way to the end. I love that everything was realistic even what they were thinking and the way they talked. Great book.
This was really good, I would have liked shorter chapters but that's just me. I always prefer short chapters. Anyway the book was really good, it kept me reading from the first chapter all the way to the end. I love that everything was realistic even what they were thinking and the way they talked. Great book.
December 27, 2023
Never have I ever encountered the word meander as much as I did throughout this book.
That aside, the story line was fair and quite fast paced with regards to events and action. An easy read but far from the most thrilling and exciting book I've read this year
That aside, the story line was fair and quite fast paced with regards to events and action. An easy read but far from the most thrilling and exciting book I've read this year
February 26, 2024
A rollercoaster ride of suspense and intrigue. This thriller will keep you guessing until the final twist. A very good read for anyone that enjoys this genre!!!
April 10, 2024
Slow burn but I ended up pleasantly surprised at how good this was!
August 16, 2024
This is a good read
This author has written a very interesting book with great characters. This story has a lot of twists and turns clear to the end. I enjoyed it very much.
This author has written a very interesting book with great characters. This story has a lot of twists and turns clear to the end. I enjoyed it very much.
December 14, 2023
Originally this was going to be a one or two star, but I stuck with it, and I’m glad that I did. It wasn’t amazing, but a very satisfying conclusion to the story, a very sad story of abuse and how it affects those abused. I originally found the narrator, not calling characters by their name, quite annoying and confusing, but towards the end you realise this is her way of disassociating from what is happening. Worth sticking with I would say
February 7, 2024
It was an entertaining read, the characters were thinly developed but the storyline kept me guessing up until the last pages.
February 15, 2024
THE CONFESSION by Charlotte Bigland is a smart, witty, psychological thriller that grabs you by the throat and doesn’t let go until the very last page. Elizabeth Mandeville witnesses the murder of her brother. And if that’s not bad enough, the killer is none other than her other brother! Yet, no one believes her. Not the police. Not her friends. Not even her hopelessly dysfunctional family. She sets out on a mission to seek justice, which takes one shocking turn after another. Soon we’re left to navigate an intriguing mystery. Bigland has a way with words. Her writing is beautiful. And she doesn’t just tell a story; she digs deep into the human psyche, shining a light in those dark corners we often ignore. A must read!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 119 reviews