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Confessions #2
The Private School Murders
In the sequel to the #1 New York Times bestseller Confessions of a Murder Suspect, James Patterson keeps the confessions coming breathlessly as Tandy Angel delves deeper into her own tumultuous history-and proves that she can rise above the sordid Angel legacy.
Wealthy young women are being murdered on Manhattan's exclusive Upper West Side, and the police aren't looking for answers in the right places. Enter Tandy Angel. The first case she cracked was the mystery of her parents' deaths. Now, while she's working to exonerate her brother of his glamorous girlfriend's homicide, she's driven to get involved in the West Side murder spree.
One of the recent victims was a student at Tandy's own elite school. She has a hunch it may be the work of a serial killer, but the NYPD isn't listening to her...and Tandy can't ignore the disturbing fact that she perfectly fits the profile of the killer's targets. Can she untangle the mysteries in time? Or will she be the next victim?
Wealthy young women are being murdered on Manhattan's exclusive Upper West Side, and the police aren't looking for answers in the right places. Enter Tandy Angel. The first case she cracked was the mystery of her parents' deaths. Now, while she's working to exonerate her brother of his glamorous girlfriend's homicide, she's driven to get involved in the West Side murder spree.
One of the recent victims was a student at Tandy's own elite school. She has a hunch it may be the work of a serial killer, but the NYPD isn't listening to her...and Tandy can't ignore the disturbing fact that she perfectly fits the profile of the killer's targets. Can she untangle the mysteries in time? Or will she be the next victim?
448 pages, Hardcover
First published October 7, 2013
951 people are currently reading
12992 people want to read
About the author
James Patterson
955 books355k followersOfficial US Site
Official UK Site
JIMMY Patterson Books
ReadKiddoRead
James Patterson is the most popular storyteller of our time and the creator of such unforgettable characters and series as Alex Cross, the Women’s Murder Club, Jane Smith, and Maximum Ride. He has coauthored #1 bestselling novels with Bill Clinton, Dolly Parton, and Michael Crichton, as well as collaborated on #1 bestselling nonfiction, including The Idaho Four, Walk in My Combat Boots, and Filthy Rich. Patterson has told the story of his own life in the #1 bestselling autobiography James Patterson by James Patterson. He is the recipient of an Edgar Award, ten Emmy Awards, the Literarian Award from the National Book Foundation, and the National Humanities Medal.
Official UK Site
JIMMY Patterson Books
ReadKiddoRead
James Patterson is the most popular storyteller of our time and the creator of such unforgettable characters and series as Alex Cross, the Women’s Murder Club, Jane Smith, and Maximum Ride. He has coauthored #1 bestselling novels with Bill Clinton, Dolly Parton, and Michael Crichton, as well as collaborated on #1 bestselling nonfiction, including The Idaho Four, Walk in My Combat Boots, and Filthy Rich. Patterson has told the story of his own life in the #1 bestselling autobiography James Patterson by James Patterson. He is the recipient of an Edgar Award, ten Emmy Awards, the Literarian Award from the National Book Foundation, and the National Humanities Medal.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,181 reviews
November 7, 2013
I gave this book a one-star rating based on what goodreads defines as "one star." Simply put, I just didn't like the book.
Now here's why...
1) Tandy: Argh, I read the first book in this series a long time ago, so I don't know how I felt about her then, but I can tell you now that I. Just. Don't. Like. Her! She just comes off as a pretentious know-it-all. I hated the way that she constantly dissed the NYPD and kept saying that she had "super-sharp instincts." The worst part is that she actually solves the crimes in such stupid ways, which leads me to my next gripe...
2) The Plot: First of all, the title is sort of misleading. Sure, private school murders happen, but that's not really the crux of the story. No, the story is mostly about Tandy constantly pining over a boy that she knew for only, what, two weeks? I don't necessarily have a problem with that, but I thought this was a detective novel, not a love drama. And the detective work was really half-assed.
Picture this: a FAMOUS actress is murdered in her house (or apartment complex, condo, etc.), the person being blamed is another FAMOUS person, and they are living in NEW YORK. The victim was murdered in only one room of her house. Now, do you think that crime scene investigators for a famous murder in New York would actually only just scan that one room? Well, according to Tandy's world, of course that's the only logical course for the NYPD. Argh!!! Seriously? I'm sure you can now guess how Tandy "cracked the case."
Picture this: a whole bunch of girls with only a very thin connection (they are all private school students) are murdered. It is discovered that one of the girls was taking a certain antidepressant. Naturally, the pharmaceutical is checked out and a talk about the dead girls as if they were still alive ensues. Also naturally, the janitor/worker/whatever person just happens to hear this conversation and decides to stalk the investigator even though the investigator didn't find out anything. Obviously, the stalker (who also happens to be a murderer) will wait until the he is point-blank with the victim before he takes out his gun, has a casual conversation with the victim, and finally decides, "Hey, maybe I'll shoot you before you start screaming... oops, too late." Uh huh. All serial cases are solved like that these days.
Picture this: A lot of POISONOUS creatures are found in a 5-star apartment complex. The entire complex is then searched and a meeting is called to the residents in which a floor plan of the entire complex is shown. Now, an investigator with super-sharp instincts will obviously discover that there is a slight problem with the floor plan. The investigator then takes the obvious course of action, which is to go into a room (after bribing the doorman for his master keys) that could possibly be the source of all these POISONOUS (also known as DEADLY) creatures without telling anyone about this possibility (because the investigator believes that the specialists probably didn't check this room for the creatures 'cause of the problem with the floor plan *facepalm*). Well, obviously, the investigator is right and discovers the source of all the creatures along with a dead body. The investigator then leaves the room unharmed, contacts the specialists, and is hailed as a PI hero!
I... Oh my gosh... I can't even... So basically, everybody except Tandy, has a peanut-sized brain and.... Just no, forget it. I could've forgiven maybe one of these "cases" being solved in such stupid ways, but ALL of them. (╯°□°）╯︵ ┻━┻)
3) Ha, there is no three. That was basically the entire book. Sure, the writing wasn't particularly bad, but as I said, one-star means that I just simply didn't like the book. In my opinion, you can read it as a light novel to pass the time, but don't expect any serious detective work from this.
Now here's why...
1) Tandy: Argh, I read the first book in this series a long time ago, so I don't know how I felt about her then, but I can tell you now that I. Just. Don't. Like. Her! She just comes off as a pretentious know-it-all. I hated the way that she constantly dissed the NYPD and kept saying that she had "super-sharp instincts." The worst part is that she actually solves the crimes in such stupid ways, which leads me to my next gripe...
2) The Plot: First of all, the title is sort of misleading. Sure, private school murders happen, but that's not really the crux of the story. No, the story is mostly about Tandy constantly pining over a boy that she knew for only, what, two weeks? I don't necessarily have a problem with that, but I thought this was a detective novel, not a love drama. And the detective work was really half-assed.
Picture this: a FAMOUS actress is murdered in her house (or apartment complex, condo, etc.), the person being blamed is another FAMOUS person, and they are living in NEW YORK. The victim was murdered in only one room of her house. Now, do you think that crime scene investigators for a famous murder in New York would actually only just scan that one room? Well, according to Tandy's world, of course that's the only logical course for the NYPD. Argh!!! Seriously? I'm sure you can now guess how Tandy "cracked the case."
Picture this: a whole bunch of girls with only a very thin connection (they are all private school students) are murdered. It is discovered that one of the girls was taking a certain antidepressant. Naturally, the pharmaceutical is checked out and a talk about the dead girls as if they were still alive ensues. Also naturally, the janitor/worker/whatever person just happens to hear this conversation and decides to stalk the investigator even though the investigator didn't find out anything. Obviously, the stalker (who also happens to be a murderer) will wait until the he is point-blank with the victim before he takes out his gun, has a casual conversation with the victim, and finally decides, "Hey, maybe I'll shoot you before you start screaming... oops, too late." Uh huh. All serial cases are solved like that these days.
Picture this: A lot of POISONOUS creatures are found in a 5-star apartment complex. The entire complex is then searched and a meeting is called to the residents in which a floor plan of the entire complex is shown. Now, an investigator with super-sharp instincts will obviously discover that there is a slight problem with the floor plan. The investigator then takes the obvious course of action, which is to go into a room (after bribing the doorman for his master keys) that could possibly be the source of all these POISONOUS (also known as DEADLY) creatures without telling anyone about this possibility (because the investigator believes that the specialists probably didn't check this room for the creatures 'cause of the problem with the floor plan *facepalm*). Well, obviously, the investigator is right and discovers the source of all the creatures along with a dead body. The investigator then leaves the room unharmed, contacts the specialists, and is hailed as a PI hero!
I... Oh my gosh... I can't even... So basically, everybody except Tandy, has a peanut-sized brain and.... Just no, forget it. I could've forgiven maybe one of these "cases" being solved in such stupid ways, but ALL of them. (╯°□°）╯︵ ┻━┻)
3) Ha, there is no three. That was basically the entire book. Sure, the writing wasn't particularly bad, but as I said, one-star means that I just simply didn't like the book. In my opinion, you can read it as a light novel to pass the time, but don't expect any serious detective work from this.
March 25, 2014
Oh dear everything that's holy, my heart hurts. It freaking hurts.
The Private School Murders kicks off three months after Confessions of A Murder Suspect, Matthew's still in jail pending trial on a charge, the mystery of James Rampling is fracturing, and we get to know him and oh my fictional guy. This is the part where I could gush and fangirl, but you know what? James Rampling deserves more, so I'm saying I wish this guy was real. So damn real.
Anyway, back to topic, where was I? Right...
The Angels are still staying in the Dakota, and though their parents are dead, they're still worming their way into their lives, like the worms were probably worming their way into them. Too morbid? Well, let's add a little more. Female private school girls are turning up dead, executioner style, and once it starts hitting someone Tandy knows she puts it upon herself to find the killer. Weird things are going on, in their building deadly reptiles, arachnids are crawling out of the woodwork and their new appointed guardian and ex-military Jacob are treating them like family, and even hugs them. For once the Angels' have a schedule, rules and a somewhat stabilised life with someone looking out for them instead of themselves.
You're in for a rollercoaster ride, dear friend.
There's a lot going on in The Private School Murders, three on-going investigations, the forgotten memories of true love, and ladies and gentleman, the real Tandy Angel has arrived.
And she takes no prisoners.
This was. So. Good. So. Freaking. Good.
It's been a while since a book has totally consumed me, I mean, I've read loads that I like, some that I really like, but there's just something about this that's so addicting, and I kept reading chapter after chapter wanting it to never end. Tandy's far from perfect, nor are the other characters, but they're unique characters that work well together and though know nothing of a real family, they are one. They're beginning to find out who they really are, and it's harder for the older ones, since they're most set in their ways than the youngest, Hugo. But, they're getting on with their lives, they're living, breathing, and things may be different, they may have changed slightly, but they're still the same. All the characteristics that made them who they are, especially Harry and Tandy, are still there, they're just more potent and clean than it used to be.
We also get more insight into who they are, too, especially Tandy and what was done to her. Now completely off the pills, she uses her skills for good, and she uncovers a lot more than the detectives do. It also puts her in more danger. We also finally see the sixteen year old girl she should have been, in flashbacks with James Rampling, you can see how much they really loved each other, and that starts breaking through to this Tandy.
Though Malcolm and Maud are dead, what they done is still alive and effecting her even now, and it is foul and disgusting and cruel and psychotic, but she's still breathing, and though it hurts she's still rediscovering James, how much she loved him and how it felt to be loved by him, and it's truly heart-breaking.
I liked Tandy more this time round, she's more human and less the mechanical robot Malcolm and Maud wanted their children to be, she's found her calling, she's trying to find her love, but most of all she's trying to find herself, without the pharmaceuticals, without being Malcom and Mauds' golden child. She's getting there, she really is, she's determined and definitely not a pushover and she's freaking hilarious when she wants to be.
I also loved the newest addition, Jacob. He's ex-military, so he's scheduled, and precise, sharp, runs on rules, a little stubborn, overprotective and just the guardian/parent they needed. Someone who pushed them to strive, but knew balance. He's got his own secrets too, and damn, they were good.
I don't know if there's anymore books in this series, but please, please let there be. I'm not ready to let go of these yet.
Need.More.Now.Please?
With connections, murder and heart-wrenching love, closes the left open and bleeding ending to Confessions of A Murder Suspect.
----
Review originally posted on Studio Reads
The Private School Murders kicks off three months after Confessions of A Murder Suspect, Matthew's still in jail pending trial on a charge, the mystery of James Rampling is fracturing, and we get to know him and oh my fictional guy. This is the part where I could gush and fangirl, but you know what? James Rampling deserves more, so I'm saying I wish this guy was real. So damn real.
Anyway, back to topic, where was I? Right...
The Angels are still staying in the Dakota, and though their parents are dead, they're still worming their way into their lives, like the worms were probably worming their way into them. Too morbid? Well, let's add a little more. Female private school girls are turning up dead, executioner style, and once it starts hitting someone Tandy knows she puts it upon herself to find the killer. Weird things are going on, in their building deadly reptiles, arachnids are crawling out of the woodwork and their new appointed guardian and ex-military Jacob are treating them like family, and even hugs them. For once the Angels' have a schedule, rules and a somewhat stabilised life with someone looking out for them instead of themselves.
You're in for a rollercoaster ride, dear friend.
There's a lot going on in The Private School Murders, three on-going investigations, the forgotten memories of true love, and ladies and gentleman, the real Tandy Angel has arrived.
And she takes no prisoners.
This was. So. Good. So. Freaking. Good.
It's been a while since a book has totally consumed me, I mean, I've read loads that I like, some that I really like, but there's just something about this that's so addicting, and I kept reading chapter after chapter wanting it to never end. Tandy's far from perfect, nor are the other characters, but they're unique characters that work well together and though know nothing of a real family, they are one. They're beginning to find out who they really are, and it's harder for the older ones, since they're most set in their ways than the youngest, Hugo. But, they're getting on with their lives, they're living, breathing, and things may be different, they may have changed slightly, but they're still the same. All the characteristics that made them who they are, especially Harry and Tandy, are still there, they're just more potent and clean than it used to be.
We also get more insight into who they are, too, especially Tandy and what was done to her. Now completely off the pills, she uses her skills for good, and she uncovers a lot more than the detectives do. It also puts her in more danger. We also finally see the sixteen year old girl she should have been, in flashbacks with James Rampling, you can see how much they really loved each other, and that starts breaking through to this Tandy.
Though Malcolm and Maud are dead, what they done is still alive and effecting her even now, and it is foul and disgusting and cruel and psychotic, but she's still breathing, and though it hurts she's still rediscovering James, how much she loved him and how it felt to be loved by him, and it's truly heart-breaking.
I liked Tandy more this time round, she's more human and less the mechanical robot Malcolm and Maud wanted their children to be, she's found her calling, she's trying to find her love, but most of all she's trying to find herself, without the pharmaceuticals, without being Malcom and Mauds' golden child. She's getting there, she really is, she's determined and definitely not a pushover and she's freaking hilarious when she wants to be.
I also loved the newest addition, Jacob. He's ex-military, so he's scheduled, and precise, sharp, runs on rules, a little stubborn, overprotective and just the guardian/parent they needed. Someone who pushed them to strive, but knew balance. He's got his own secrets too, and damn, they were good.
I don't know if there's anymore books in this series, but please, please let there be. I'm not ready to let go of these yet.
Need.More.Now.Please?
With connections, murder and heart-wrenching love, closes the left open and bleeding ending to Confessions of A Murder Suspect.
----
Review originally posted on Studio Reads
January 8, 2014
I simply love a good mystery. Whenever I pick up a book that falls into the Mystery category, I envision my own, personal game of Clue. I can’t wait to figure out who, what, when, where, why and how. I enjoy mysteries so much, in fact, that I am going to try to solve one as I write this review. Why, when Mr. Patterson won’t play with me, do I keep reading his books?
Although it puzzles me, I am a James Patterson fan. A few years ago, I found myself waiting somewhere without a book. In desperation, I plucked a tattered copy of Roses are Red from the rack at the Whatever-Mart. Then, I was hooked. I went back to the first Alex Cross book and ploughed through until I was caught up at which point I dived into the Women’s Murder Club books as I excitedly awaited the release of the next Alex Cross adventure.
When I saw that Mr. Patterson’s Confessions: The Private School Murders was a First-Reads Giveaway; I promptly entered my name into the drawing and was lucky enough to win a copy. Because I adore Mr. Patterson’s books for adults so much; I fully expected to be blown away by his writing for Young Adults, who, quite frankly, can be a much more demanding, fickle and harder to please audience than we Older Adults tend to be.
This is a follow-up to Mr. Patterson’s first YA book, Confessions of A Murder Suspect. Although I hadn’t read the first book, the sequel was very easy to slip into. The Angel family is a captivating cast of characters within themselves. Tandy Angel, the teen-age sister is our main character and narrator. Her older brother is accused of killing his pregnant girlfriend. Both her twin brother and her younger brother look to Tandy to clear his name. In the meantime, she is a bit distracted by the fact that girls her age, attending elite private schools, just like she does; are turning up dead. Oh, and some pretty funky, mysterious and quite creepy things are going down in the Dakota, where the siblings currently reside.
The story-line is fascinating and the writing is sharp and witty. Mr. Patterson sticks with his old tricks in that he taunts me with the mystery. For example, at one point Tandy “opens the door and finds the proof that she needs.” WHAT did she find? How can I possibly solve this mystery when he won’t divulge this information? How dare he have the character hold those cards so close to her chest? His books are like Atari’s Pac Man (come on, some of you remember this). I would get annoyed and frustrated, but I always kept playing.
No, I haven’t not solved my conundrum of why I keep reading Mr. Patterson’s mysteries when I know that I will never, ever be given the information to solve the crime before the hero does. I only know that his ideas are amazing and his story-telling is masterful. I guess I could say that Mr. Patterson’s books are the Candy Crush of the written word, and I am hooked.
Although it puzzles me, I am a James Patterson fan. A few years ago, I found myself waiting somewhere without a book. In desperation, I plucked a tattered copy of Roses are Red from the rack at the Whatever-Mart. Then, I was hooked. I went back to the first Alex Cross book and ploughed through until I was caught up at which point I dived into the Women’s Murder Club books as I excitedly awaited the release of the next Alex Cross adventure.
When I saw that Mr. Patterson’s Confessions: The Private School Murders was a First-Reads Giveaway; I promptly entered my name into the drawing and was lucky enough to win a copy. Because I adore Mr. Patterson’s books for adults so much; I fully expected to be blown away by his writing for Young Adults, who, quite frankly, can be a much more demanding, fickle and harder to please audience than we Older Adults tend to be.
This is a follow-up to Mr. Patterson’s first YA book, Confessions of A Murder Suspect. Although I hadn’t read the first book, the sequel was very easy to slip into. The Angel family is a captivating cast of characters within themselves. Tandy Angel, the teen-age sister is our main character and narrator. Her older brother is accused of killing his pregnant girlfriend. Both her twin brother and her younger brother look to Tandy to clear his name. In the meantime, she is a bit distracted by the fact that girls her age, attending elite private schools, just like she does; are turning up dead. Oh, and some pretty funky, mysterious and quite creepy things are going down in the Dakota, where the siblings currently reside.
The story-line is fascinating and the writing is sharp and witty. Mr. Patterson sticks with his old tricks in that he taunts me with the mystery. For example, at one point Tandy “opens the door and finds the proof that she needs.” WHAT did she find? How can I possibly solve this mystery when he won’t divulge this information? How dare he have the character hold those cards so close to her chest? His books are like Atari’s Pac Man (come on, some of you remember this). I would get annoyed and frustrated, but I always kept playing.
No, I haven’t not solved my conundrum of why I keep reading Mr. Patterson’s mysteries when I know that I will never, ever be given the information to solve the crime before the hero does. I only know that his ideas are amazing and his story-telling is masterful. I guess I could say that Mr. Patterson’s books are the Candy Crush of the written word, and I am hooked.
January 12, 2016
At A Glance
Genre: Young Adult; Mystery
Love Triangle/Insta Love/Obsession?: no
Cliff Hanger: eh
Rating: 3.5 stars
Score Sheet
All out of ten
Cover: 6
Plot: 6
Characters: 7
World Building: 6
Flow: 7
Series Congruity: 7
Writing: 7
Ending: 6
Total: 6
In Dept
Best Part: Court room!
Worst Part: Still lost.
Thoughts Had: what?!; yay!!; huh!
Conclusion
Continuing the Series: yes
Recommending: eh
Short Review: Okay, this book was a bit better than book 1, mainly because hello court rooms scenes! I am *obsessed* with law & order and this book felt like i was just reading a law & order episode and i loved it! Nancy Drew.. eh.. i mean Tandy (What kind of name is that!) gets back into trying to do what the police aren't, i guess. She is a bit less annoying in this book thou. Brother is still up for murdering his gf, which he probably did.
Review in GIF Form:
Genre: Young Adult; Mystery
Love Triangle/Insta Love/Obsession?: no
Cliff Hanger: eh
Rating: 3.5 stars
Score Sheet
All out of ten
Cover: 6
Plot: 6
Characters: 7
World Building: 6
Flow: 7
Series Congruity: 7
Writing: 7
Ending: 6
Total: 6
In Dept
Best Part: Court room!
Worst Part: Still lost.
Thoughts Had: what?!; yay!!; huh!
Conclusion
Continuing the Series: yes
Recommending: eh
Short Review: Okay, this book was a bit better than book 1, mainly because hello court rooms scenes! I am *obsessed* with law & order and this book felt like i was just reading a law & order episode and i loved it! Nancy Drew.. eh.. i mean Tandy (What kind of name is that!) gets back into trying to do what the police aren't, i guess. She is a bit less annoying in this book thou. Brother is still up for murdering his gf, which he probably did.
Review in GIF Form:
October 5, 2018
James Patterson sabe mesmo como envolver os leitores nas suas leituras. Mistério que se mantém de início ao fim num escrita fluida. Fala de ocorrência de vários crimes de colégios juntamente com um pouco de romance e mistério.
November 4, 2013
Not as good as Maximum Ride, but still contain Patterson's signature attention-grabbing short chapters--which I like very much.
edit on Nov 4th, 2013
Ehh, my rating bends towards 3.5 stars.
I read the the 1st book at the beginning of this year and the only thing I remembered was Patterson's fast-paced attention-grabbing short chapters. The plot, mystery, and deduction wasn't at its best, but was still somewhat enjoyable. That being said, those were the only reasons I decided to read Confessions 2. I didn't read it for the characters, because I neither care nor like any of them. (Though Confessions 2 made me warm up to Caputo, but only because he was just about the only person whose dialogue I enjoyed reading. No wait, I enjoyed him and Jacob's).
Sitting down to write this review, it suddenly occurred to me that the murders of the private school girls contained absolutely NOTHING of important significance. Oh sure, but looking back, it didn't even have a proper explanation. And that business with the exotic pets? Not even
Even though I thought the whole business of Jacob-the-babysitter-slash-bodyguard-turning-out-to-be- was a terribly overused cliché, I still welcomed it. Maybe it's because I liked Jacob and was rooting for his backstory to turn out to be a pleasant one instead of an evil one where he's sent by Royal Rampling or whatever to befriend the Angels and then betray them or what have you.
Speaking of Royal Rampling, I thought that he, (or someone else from the company), was responsible for Tamara's murder. When Tandy I thought she found a clue of some sort that pointed in the direction of RR, and the whole thing would've been set up by RR to wreck harvoc upon the remaining Angels, despite Malcolm and Maud being dead.
After reading 2 books from this series, I found it to be quite similar to Maximum Ride. Both center on a teenage girl who has a family of characteristically diverse family members. Both have been performed upon for scientific purposes. Both areno actually only Maximum Ride is kick-ass.
Still, now that , I look forward to reading Confessions 3.
BTW, it was about halfway through this book when I suddenly realized Patterson used his first name as Tandy's BF.
edit on Nov 4th, 2013
Ehh, my rating bends towards 3.5 stars.
I read the the 1st book at the beginning of this year and the only thing I remembered was Patterson's fast-paced attention-grabbing short chapters. The plot, mystery, and deduction wasn't at its best, but was still somewhat enjoyable. That being said, those were the only reasons I decided to read Confessions 2. I didn't read it for the characters, because I neither care nor like any of them. (Though Confessions 2 made me warm up to Caputo, but only because he was just about the only person whose dialogue I enjoyed reading. No wait, I enjoyed him and Jacob's).
Sitting down to write this review, it suddenly occurred to me that the murders of the private school girls contained absolutely NOTHING of important significance. Oh sure, but looking back, it didn't even have a proper explanation. And that business with the exotic pets? Not even
Even though I thought the whole business of Jacob-the-babysitter-slash-bodyguard-turning-out-to-be- was a terribly overused cliché, I still welcomed it. Maybe it's because I liked Jacob and was rooting for his backstory to turn out to be a pleasant one instead of an evil one where he's sent by Royal Rampling or whatever to befriend the Angels and then betray them or what have you.
Speaking of Royal Rampling, I thought that he, (or someone else from the company), was responsible for Tamara's murder. When Tandy I thought she found a clue of some sort that pointed in the direction of RR, and the whole thing would've been set up by RR to wreck harvoc upon the remaining Angels, despite Malcolm and Maud being dead.
After reading 2 books from this series, I found it to be quite similar to Maximum Ride. Both center on a teenage girl who has a family of characteristically diverse family members. Both have been performed upon for scientific purposes. Both are
Still, now that , I look forward to reading Confessions 3.
BTW, it was about halfway through this book when I suddenly realized Patterson used his first name as Tandy's BF.
August 21, 2017
Another mystery or four solved by Tandy Angel. Really loving this family in all its weirdness. Already ordered the two last(?) books in the series and cant wait to get to them :)
I love YA mysteries lately and this series is just perfect
I love YA mysteries lately and this series is just perfect
August 19, 2014
Way better than the first, but still kind of ridiculous. New guardian Jacob and the unfortunately nicknamed BFF C.P. are great additions to an otherwise bland cast of siblings (Hugo tries, but...), and the details surrounding the Tamara Gee murder were quite spooky. There were a lot of B-plots that just didn't work for me, though. The authors have this odd habit of introducing weird cases and then keeping the reader in the dark until suddenly leaping straight at the conclusion, which rather takes the fun out of trying to solve the cases alongside Tandy. It's more like we're expected to sit back and simply marvel at how incredibly intelligent Tandy is for clumsily interrogating a "suspect" within earshot of the real killer, and then almost getting herself offed. Tandy's skills seem not to arise so much out of natural ability as the complete incompetence of those around her, as well as her own lack of self-preservation.
Also - the romance. Really? AMNESIA! KIDNAPPING! BRAINWASHING! I mean, come on. You're sixteen, Tandy. Have a poptart and simmer the fuck down.
Also - the romance. Really? AMNESIA! KIDNAPPING! BRAINWASHING! I mean, come on. You're sixteen, Tandy. Have a poptart and simmer the fuck down.
January 11, 2015
I'm sorry, but you know I have a hard time writing reviews for books I like. I can tell you everything I hated about a book, but it's hard to explain why I like a book. It's like, "this is a brick. I like this brick because of reasons. This brick gives me feelings that overwhelm me but I don't care because I like this brick."
Anyway, for those of you who are actually reading this, it's a great continuation. Tandy is still badass, I still want to marry Harry, and OMFG I FRIGGIN SHIP IT!
Anyway, for those of you who are actually reading this, it's a great continuation. Tandy is still badass, I still want to marry Harry, and OMFG I FRIGGIN SHIP IT!
March 31, 2016
The Private School Murders? It has a title now? And a release day too? Aaand a summary!?! Damn, I miss out a lot
Update: 7/15/13
Aaaand now it has a cover!?! Jeez, I'm out of it these days...
Update: 7/15/13
Aaaand now it has a cover!?! Jeez, I'm out of it these days...
April 24, 2020
Age: 14+
Trigger Warnings: Murder, romance, sexual content, minimal language
Library Category: YA
Let me get this straight: I personally did not like this book, and I will point out multiple issues I had with it. However, feel free to take my opinion as though it's worth a grain of salt. Although I didn't like it, I still think it could have been a really good book.
You could say the basis of the story had promise and that the characters could have been developed into people worth reading about, but it just didn't add up.
First, the love story was laughably unrealistic. I mean,
For religious readers or concerned parents (possibly offensive content): They didn't go into too much detail about the murders themselves, and I only noticed a couple of cut-off curse words, including a few uses of "god." However, there was way more sexual content than I had anticipated in this book, especially towards the end, including 4 instances of sex (before marriage, too). If it makes you feel better, nothing was directly mentioned, but it was heavily implied. There were also at least 3 instances of the main character (who is a minor) drinking or smoking. Personally, I think all of that was entirely unnecessary and didn't add anything to the overall storyline.
If you want a shallow read, go for it. If you are reading analytically, however, stay far away from this one. I personally prefer Patterson's Maximum Ride series more.
Trigger Warnings: Murder, romance, sexual content, minimal language
Library Category: YA
Let me get this straight: I personally did not like this book, and I will point out multiple issues I had with it. However, feel free to take my opinion as though it's worth a grain of salt. Although I didn't like it, I still think it could have been a really good book.
You could say the basis of the story had promise and that the characters could have been developed into people worth reading about, but it just didn't add up.
First, the love story was laughably unrealistic. I mean,
For religious readers or concerned parents (possibly offensive content): They didn't go into too much detail about the murders themselves, and I only noticed a couple of cut-off curse words, including a few uses of "god." However, there was way more sexual content than I had anticipated in this book, especially towards the end, including 4 instances of sex (before marriage, too). If it makes you feel better, nothing was directly mentioned, but it was heavily implied. There were also at least 3 instances of the main character (who is a minor) drinking or smoking. Personally, I think all of that was entirely unnecessary and didn't add anything to the overall storyline.
If you want a shallow read, go for it. If you are reading analytically, however, stay far away from this one. I personally prefer Patterson's Maximum Ride series more.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 6, 2019
I'm loving this series!
March 23, 2023
2,75 stars
This book struggles because there is too much going on and not enough depth. There are three main plot threads, which are predictable and lacking.
The first plot thread, the private school murders (literally the title), is half-baked. Tandy barely does any investigating, coincidently comes across the murderer and there is no explanation with regards to motive. This mystery gets solved in a day. No kidding!
The second plot thread, Matthew's case, is a little better, but what leads Tandy to solving the mystery is a series of lucky coincidences. This book tries to make the teenage characters smarter than the adult characters in an unrealistic way. The cops in this book are made to seem so incompetent and bad at their jobs. They even engage in cringey insult battles with teenagers. The court case is interesting, a little dramatic, but I like drama.
The last plot thread unnecessarily takes up most of the pages. This is the romance plot. The intriguing part is not knowing what happened to the love interest and that the father is the enemy of the Angel family. However, the romance is terribly written. It's so cheesy and I'm not emotionally invested in the relationship.
I'm also not attached to the characters. The characters are okay, but their character development is minimal. I knew about the twist related to Jacob, the moment he was introduced. It's a little out of character for Tandy, Harry and Hugo to accept a stranger into their lives so quickly, but I'm glad they have a much needed adult figure who cares about them.
Before the mystery reveals, The Private School Murders was a solid three stars. I didn't expect the plot threads to go down such lazy and predictable routes. However, this is still a fast-paced and entertaining read.
I stood my ground. I knew now what I was capable of. I knew who I was.
This book struggles because there is too much going on and not enough depth. There are three main plot threads, which are predictable and lacking.
The first plot thread, the private school murders (literally the title), is half-baked. Tandy barely does any investigating, coincidently comes across the murderer and there is no explanation with regards to motive. This mystery gets solved in a day. No kidding!
The second plot thread, Matthew's case, is a little better, but what leads Tandy to solving the mystery is a series of lucky coincidences. This book tries to make the teenage characters smarter than the adult characters in an unrealistic way. The cops in this book are made to seem so incompetent and bad at their jobs. They even engage in cringey insult battles with teenagers. The court case is interesting, a little dramatic, but I like drama.
The last plot thread unnecessarily takes up most of the pages. This is the romance plot. The intriguing part is not knowing what happened to the love interest and that the father is the enemy of the Angel family. However, the romance is terribly written. It's so cheesy and I'm not emotionally invested in the relationship.
I'm also not attached to the characters. The characters are okay, but their character development is minimal. I knew about the twist related to Jacob, the moment he was introduced. It's a little out of character for Tandy, Harry and Hugo to accept a stranger into their lives so quickly, but I'm glad they have a much needed adult figure who cares about them.
Before the mystery reveals, The Private School Murders was a solid three stars. I didn't expect the plot threads to go down such lazy and predictable routes. However, this is still a fast-paced and entertaining read.
February 4, 2023
This book has very mixed reviews! But all in all I would give this book a 4.5 out of 5 stars so I round it up to 5 stars. There were 3 different things going on, the murders of the private school girls, then the murder of her brother Matthews girlfriend and unborn son, and then the love mystery of James. I thought the little love story was a silly thing to throw in but as you near the end of the book you can clearly tell it will be spun into the next story which makes me eager to read the next one. This is a fictional story so I am not sure why some are in an uproar of how unrealistically smart and talented Hugo, Harry, Tandy, and Matthew are. Stories are far fetched sometimes that is what makes them stories. After the first few chapters this book really drew me in and I fell in love with the characters and the mystery. All in all I absolutely loved this book and can’t wait to read his other ones in the confessions series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 24, 2025
4⭐️ ~ I didn’t even read the first book in this series, and this book still made perfect sense, which is good because I thought this was the first one until about half way through lol. I got very attached to Tandy, and all the mysteries were good, and solved appropriately. I can’t wait to continue the series!
July 22, 2021
Interesting, better than the first
March 28, 2022
Absolutely love it so so so so so much. It has so many twists and I am just happy at the end. I can't wait to read book three!!!
January 21, 2021
Actual Rating : 4.5 ⭐
April 23, 2022
4.5 Like the first book, I absolutely loved this. It was wonderfully intense and the variety of mysteries were interesting to read about. I just adore all the characters, especially the Angel siblings and their strong relationships with one another. Can’t wait for the next one!
August 19, 2016
Loved. So far, this is my very favorite James Patterson series. Ok, so I haven't read many books by him. I'm sure I've barely made a dent in his massive list of works. But so far, I have definitely enjoyed "confessions" the most.
I almost cried.
Twice.
Like, literally tearing up from this book.
:D if that's not a sign of a good writer, I don't know what is. Both Patterson and the co-author do such an amazing job creating such a clear voice for the narrator. I definitely like how she talks directly to the readers. :) feels much more personal that way.
Plus, I just love Tandy in general.
This book was a special kinda fucked up, taking the story of the mysterious James and really expanding on it, making Tandy's parents that much more horrible and crazy. (Feel so bad for the angel kids!) the mystery/arch of Matty and his murder trail is handled quite well too. Toss in some slightly smaller mysteries/storyline of the private school murders (for which the novel is named), and the snake & spider mystery, and you've got yourself a very good, addictive, and intriguing read.
It very different from his other young adult series, a science fiction/action series called "maximum ride". There might not be as much wild adventures of fighting robots & flying werewolf things & going to Antarctica and Hawaii, & stopping the apocalypse. But "confessions" is wonderfully appealing with its dark storied of crazy perfectionist parents and murder mysteries and insanely forbidden love.
As far as the mystery genre Goes, I'm very limited in my exposure to mystery books, so I can't really say how good the mysteries themselves were handled in comparison to other stories out there. But I was certainly entertained and kept wondering.
Mr. Patterson sets out to entertain and he's done just that. :) a wonderful main character and supporting cast. good writing with a strong serious voice that fits Tandy perfectly. An addictive story line. Cool mysteries.
I highly recommend "the private school murders" and the rest of the "confessions" series to fans of young adult fiction, James Patterson, and mystery novels. I look forward to reading book 3!
I almost cried.
Twice.
Like, literally tearing up from this book.
:D if that's not a sign of a good writer, I don't know what is. Both Patterson and the co-author do such an amazing job creating such a clear voice for the narrator. I definitely like how she talks directly to the readers. :) feels much more personal that way.
Plus, I just love Tandy in general.
This book was a special kinda fucked up, taking the story of the mysterious James and really expanding on it, making Tandy's parents that much more horrible and crazy. (Feel so bad for the angel kids!) the mystery/arch of Matty and his murder trail is handled quite well too. Toss in some slightly smaller mysteries/storyline of the private school murders (for which the novel is named), and the snake & spider mystery, and you've got yourself a very good, addictive, and intriguing read.
It very different from his other young adult series, a science fiction/action series called "maximum ride". There might not be as much wild adventures of fighting robots & flying werewolf things & going to Antarctica and Hawaii, & stopping the apocalypse. But "confessions" is wonderfully appealing with its dark storied of crazy perfectionist parents and murder mysteries and insanely forbidden love.
As far as the mystery genre Goes, I'm very limited in my exposure to mystery books, so I can't really say how good the mysteries themselves were handled in comparison to other stories out there. But I was certainly entertained and kept wondering.
Mr. Patterson sets out to entertain and he's done just that. :) a wonderful main character and supporting cast. good writing with a strong serious voice that fits Tandy perfectly. An addictive story line. Cool mysteries.
I highly recommend "the private school murders" and the rest of the "confessions" series to fans of young adult fiction, James Patterson, and mystery novels. I look forward to reading book 3!
March 7, 2014
(Source: I own a copy of this book.)
Tandy may have gotten over her parent’s murder case, but now her brother Matthew is in prison for murdering his girlfriend, whilst another killer stalks central park and seems to be murdering private school students.
Who murdered Matthew’s girlfriend? And can Tandy find out before it’s too late?
After reading book 1 in this series, I wasn’t going to read book 2, but after reading the first few pages to discover it was the same characters, it bugged me that I hadn’t finished the book, and surprisingly I was glad that I did read it!
Tandy was like a different person in this book. Her thought processes were so normal compared to in book 1, and I really couldn’t believe the difference! I liked that she was so smart, I liked that she was so determined, and I liked that she actually started to care about people, even to the extent that she remembered that she had previously been in love!
The plotline was much better too, and the courtroom scenes concerning her brother Matthew were pretty good! I liked that we kind-of got 3 storylines rolled into one in this, and I still can’t get over how different this was to book 1!
There was a touch of romance, but the mystery was definitely the best part of this book for me.
The end was also good, although I wasn’t really bowled over by the cliff-hanger. I will probably pick up the next book in this series now though.
Overall; a good YA murder/mystery story,
7 out of 10.
Tandy may have gotten over her parent’s murder case, but now her brother Matthew is in prison for murdering his girlfriend, whilst another killer stalks central park and seems to be murdering private school students.
Who murdered Matthew’s girlfriend? And can Tandy find out before it’s too late?
After reading book 1 in this series, I wasn’t going to read book 2, but after reading the first few pages to discover it was the same characters, it bugged me that I hadn’t finished the book, and surprisingly I was glad that I did read it!
Tandy was like a different person in this book. Her thought processes were so normal compared to in book 1, and I really couldn’t believe the difference! I liked that she was so smart, I liked that she was so determined, and I liked that she actually started to care about people, even to the extent that she remembered that she had previously been in love!
The plotline was much better too, and the courtroom scenes concerning her brother Matthew were pretty good! I liked that we kind-of got 3 storylines rolled into one in this, and I still can’t get over how different this was to book 1!
There was a touch of romance, but the mystery was definitely the best part of this book for me.
The end was also good, although I wasn’t really bowled over by the cliff-hanger. I will probably pick up the next book in this series now though.
Overall; a good YA murder/mystery story,
7 out of 10.
October 11, 2013
Okay PLEASE tell me there's gonna be another one!! (I read that one too fast—it was too good to stop!)
As expected, James Patterson brought an exceptional book for me to indulge! There isn't a thing about it I don't love, and we'd be here all day to list what I did.
Bottom line, it was more than brilliant, and I need more!! (Especially after that ending!! Oh my God, I was SOOO happy!!!! More—at least one more! Please??)
As expected, James Patterson brought an exceptional book for me to indulge! There isn't a thing about it I don't love, and we'd be here all day to list what I did.
Bottom line, it was more than brilliant, and I need more!! (Especially after that ending!! Oh my God, I was SOOO happy!!!! More—at least one more! Please??)
May 28, 2014
It was such a page turner and i couldnt put it down, so excited for the next book. but theres still some unsolved mysteries. who killed their parents who killed the private school murders. like we still have unexplained mysteries and i was hoping we get to solve all three but i guess the suspense builds. and the ending was happy and ughhh, like there will definitely be a third book.
October 16, 2013
'Twas epic!!!! I really loved this, definitely lived up to the standard of the first book, in my opinion, with all the mysteries. And I'm glad James got back with Tandy. That was sweet. I NEED THE THIRD BOOK. NOW IF YOU PLEASE.
February 28, 2016
James Patterson nunca me desilude. Apesar de a possibilidade do final ser ínfima, gostei muito :-)
March 2, 2016
I simply can't connect to this series. Something doesn't feel right, It might be the writing or the characters.
April 9, 2017
This was a good YA mystery with a plucky and determined MC in Tandy. I liked this addition a bit more than the first and I'm looking forward to reading the next one.
July 26, 2017
4.5/5*
James Patterson nunca desilude!!
James Patterson nunca desilude!!
March 11, 2018
The Private School Murders by James Patterson was a good book overall. I chose it because I had read the first book a while back, and wanted to continue the story. The first left many questions, and I was happy to have them answered with this one.
There isn't much to summarize without spoiling the first book, but the now parentless Angel family has to survive mostly on its own. With big brother Matty in jail for murder, and multiple private school girls being murdered in the region, main character Tandy Angel has her hands full. When memories of a past love begin to resurface, is she able to balance reason with emotion?
I really loved the story in this book. It was full of twists and turns, and kept the reader engaged right to the end. With Tandy trying to solve murders, prove her brother innocent in court, handle an infestation of exotic animals in her apartment, and uncover details about her life before her parents messed things up, there is plenty to keep the reader interested.
The bad part about this book was craft and structure. It was clearly written for a younger age group than I fit into, as the story did not read very well. There were parts I couldn't help but cringe at due to cliche dialogue, mediocre word choice, and unrealistic situations. However, the book was great overall, and basic language is something I can get passed as long as the content of the story is there. Overall, good book, yet not perfect.
There isn't much to summarize without spoiling the first book, but the now parentless Angel family has to survive mostly on its own. With big brother Matty in jail for murder, and multiple private school girls being murdered in the region, main character Tandy Angel has her hands full. When memories of a past love begin to resurface, is she able to balance reason with emotion?
I really loved the story in this book. It was full of twists and turns, and kept the reader engaged right to the end. With Tandy trying to solve murders, prove her brother innocent in court, handle an infestation of exotic animals in her apartment, and uncover details about her life before her parents messed things up, there is plenty to keep the reader interested.
The bad part about this book was craft and structure. It was clearly written for a younger age group than I fit into, as the story did not read very well. There were parts I couldn't help but cringe at due to cliche dialogue, mediocre word choice, and unrealistic situations. However, the book was great overall, and basic language is something I can get passed as long as the content of the story is there. Overall, good book, yet not perfect.
January 1, 2024
Tandy Angel is embroiled in another mystery - actually there's three storylines running concurrently in this book. Her brother is in trouble, accused of murder. At the same time, there are murders happening all over the neighborhood, with the victims girls just like Tandy.
But even more pressing is the mystery of Tandy's own past. With her parents dead there's no asking them why they had her memories of one very specific boy erased. Now she needs to know.
With so much going on, it's no wonder this story is so compelling. Once again the Angel family dynamic is the driving force behind this book. I enjoyed reading this book as much as I enjoyed reading the first. That's saying something.
But even more pressing is the mystery of Tandy's own past. With her parents dead there's no asking them why they had her memories of one very specific boy erased. Now she needs to know.
With so much going on, it's no wonder this story is so compelling. Once again the Angel family dynamic is the driving force behind this book. I enjoyed reading this book as much as I enjoyed reading the first. That's saying something.
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