Confessions: The Private School Murders - FREE PREVIEW

by James Patterson, Maxine Paetro

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?

Genres: Mystery, Young Adult, Thriller, Fiction, Murder Mystery, Crime

448 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2013

About the author

Official 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.

Reviews

[Megan · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read Confessions of a Murder Suspect , and the ending infuriated me (review here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...). But, as ever the optimist, I decided to give its sequel a try. I should have given up while I was ahead.

Confessions: The Private School Murders was advertised as a thriller, a murder mystery, but it was really just a love story gone bad.

To be fair, I loved the writing style; it was quick, succinct, and made a hundred pages go by like five. But the plot(s)... wow.

Overall, there were were 4 plots intertwining, all with the most disappointing conclusions imaginable.

1. The poisonous animals loose in the apartment building. Disappointing conclusion: There was a room in the top floor that the police did not check because of a flaw in the blueprints, but Tandy, the genius, did. Okay, why didn’t the police check every single room in a life or death situation? And why wasn’t the building evacuated after the incident? Perhaps because this plot made NO CORRHENT SENSE.

2. The title: the murder of female private school students. Disappointing conclusion: Gary, a guy who we had no idea even existed, worked at the pharmacy that gave depressed girls their medicine. He’d follow them and shoot them.

WHAT THE HECK?!? Gary had NO motive, and he wasn’t even introduced until page 333; it was revealed he was the murderer on page 338.

A note to James Patterson: If you are going to title a book after murder of private school students, you might to actually give it some suspects, some clues, some witnesses, an actual motive. You know, everything that is supposed to come with a murder mystery.

3. Matthew’s murder trial. Disappointing conclusion (albeit, the least disappointing of the four, although that is not saying much): He was innocent. A random witness, Troy Wagner, who hated Tamara because she was cheating on his hero, Matthew, killed her.

I’ll give Patterson this: Wagner had a motive, unlike Gary. A weak one, sure, but still a motive.

Tandy found this out when she discovered a hidden elevator shaft with a bloody handprint in Matthew’s broom closet. Again, I must ask, what are the police doing? They are so incompetent in this series it boggles the mind. Why didn’t they just look in the broom closet? From what I gathered, it wasn’t even hidden. A simple search could have given them their culprit.

4. Tandy’s long lost love (AKA Mr. Perfect). Disappointing story (can’t say conclusion because it was all around disappointing): Tandy’s parents deleted her memories in an institution, but she regains them at random points in the story, and she remembers her long lost love, James Rampling. They ran away together, but they got caught.

This wasn’t too bad, but it was more that this was the main focus of the book when it was advertised as a murder. Also, it was so predictable, I literally could have put down the book after ten pages and known the ending: They got together. Yay.

James was too perfect for my taste. He was in love with Tandy after a month of knowing her, and he stayed so even after years of no responses from her. James had no personality or motive other than this.

As a side note, I did not get the point of C.G.. She had no purpose as Tandy’s friend and really just served as a surprise event for when she revealed she was dating Henry .

If you read the first book and thought that maybe the second would be better, do not bother reading it; you will only be disappointed.

[Abdullah Samir]

it isonly about pace . yes patterson is a filler and he can keep his masterful control overthe pages but there is nothing more . No logic . no character build up . a lot of page fillers and emotional none sense . the plot is suppsed to be abot the serial killings but you will find them no more than a nother page fille with no proper ivestigation and more than absurd end .
Again , the new patterson works are a loss of time . i dont know why am i doing this to my self .

[Lyz · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read this because a film student of mine said it would make a great movie. Then she brought the book to school for me. I couldn't say no. I'm not sorry I read it, but my life would have been just as complete had I never read this book. It was... meh.

[Judy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I did not finish this book. Patterson may have loaned his name to this book, but I have a hard time believing he wrote it.

[Hayden N · Rating 5 out of 5]

For my book I did Confession: The Private School Murders by James Patterson, I really liked this book and I really recommend it too anyone that likes mysteries. I mostly liked the parts where Tandy figures out all the murders and how they connect to each other. I also like how there was never a dull ending, there was always something happening in the book whether it be a murder or something smaller that is going on with the characters, but is still very interesting. I would really recommend this book to anyone that likes mystery style books, I say this because it is always interesting and Tandy is always solving something new and interesting. I think it is cool how Tandy is basically working with the police to solve the murders. So I definitely recommend this book.
I didn't find anything bad about this book overall with the plot. But the thing that kind of bothered me was in the beginning they got into the action right away now normally this would be a perfect thing for me, but in this instance I feel like the author didn't really introduce the characters very well, and it was all about action and murders right away. This might be a good thing for some people but I like to have the characters introduced well before the action including the characters start happening. The only thing that I found difficult in this book was finding the time to read it, it's a pretty long book for me and I have a lot of activities so fitting this book into my schedule was hard. But it was a fantastic book so I made it work.

There wasn't much to learn about in this book but I definitely took inspiration from a few characters. The person I looked up too mostly in this book was definitely Tandy. She had a lot going on with her family and friends and still managed to solve multiple murders and she was able to find out exactly what her parents were doing to her. So that just shows her intelegentness and how smart she is and that is what I think everyone should try and do. So that is what I got out of this book.

[Jadyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm 80% of the way through this book right now. I started three days ago. I am currently reading the book in print as well as listening to the audiobook. I only read the last book (2 days) and rated it as five stars. Both of these novels are great. These are the first books I've read by James Patterson, and I want to read more of him. The book is a mystery and it's good. However, the romance is the only thing that made me want to put the book down; it's unnecessary and I found it to be incredibly annoying. And remember, one of my favorite genres to read is romance. Nevertheless, I think that without the ridiculous adolescent love narrative, this could have been so much more. Tandy, along with the remaining characters, are incredibly written. It read like Tandy is  chatting to you. The creativity of the book is good. I'm looking forward to seeing how this book ends and if there will be more.

Edit
Hey, So I completed the book yesterday, and I suppose the only thing I can add to my review is that I was more intrigued by her brother's romance. That's about it. I'm not sure why it was more interesting, and it may not have been necessary, but it did add a little. I still feel as if her romance is unnecessary when I pick up these books it is given that the murder is in both titles, so that's what I'm looking for, not romance. Aside from that, these novels are great and I like them. I also found out they have two more in the series. so I'll read them. I'm hoping for less "romance" can you even call it that? (my hopes aren't high), but I'll do my best to get through it. I thought the first book was better.

[Addison · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is by James Patterson an awesome author I think I have read some of his other books and I think this book and this series in general are my favorite. This book is about family and staying together through tough times. The Angels are a family that lost their parents they got murdered but it was hard on the kids not as much as a regular kid because their parents wanted peur perfection from them. Mathew the oldest brother is on court trial for the mureder of his wife that slept with the angels dad and Maths unborn son. Tandori Angel is learning, remembering, and finding the rest of herself after her parents separated her from James her boyfriend after they sent her to a mental institution. Harry plays the piano and is fabulous at it and does competition as well then later falls in love with Tandy's best friend. Hugo is the littlest and Mathew is his idol and Hugo is very outgoing. Jacob is there uncle he has fought in wars and rescued so many people he can't even count them and so he watches and takes over the household and sets some new ground rules for the kids and shows them affection to the kids that their parents did not.

Anyhow Patterson did a very good job depending where you stopped and picked up left very good cliffhangers that just kept pulling you in more and more. For example one night i stopped when Tandy found the secret service door that used to send food up there but instead what she found in it was highly disturbing. And when she was trying to message James back and what got back to her was also an incredible cliffhanger as well. And he did a fantastic job.

This book would probably be my first recommendation for someone that likes mysteries and love stories. I really liked this book because it never gets boring it always has something new popping up or new evidence, new uncle they never knew about, and so much more. I really like how Patterson had people dout Tandy and not belive her wihile she was trying to solve he brothers murder to prove him nongulty while she almost gets killed herself. It shows that you cant quit because it shows the adversity that they went through as a family and at the end went to Paris and Tandy got to see James again. This was a great book and I would ten outta ten recommend to anyone who likes this genre.

[Brianna Ponce · Rating 4 out of 5]

THERE MIGHT BE SPOILERS!
This book was amazing and I love how the author talks as if the Tandy the *main character* was telling us about something that happened in there life. Threw out the whole book she has been trying to figure out who is the killer for all the deaths of the innocent kids her age. Her parents wanted the family to be a perfect picture so the Angel kids would get drugged to not have any types of feelings or remember certain things. This whole story is about mysteries and how to solve and find clues which is interesting for me but also nerve-racking to see what happens next. I think I genuinely like this book because I love mysteries and since I am 13 i feel like I would understand more about the book then adults because it is about a high school er. The only thing I didn't really like About the book was how the author just randomly throws in a love story to the book that is all about mysteries and murders. But overall I really liked the book and cant wait to read the series.

[Kelsey Books · Rating 3 out of 5]

This just tried to do too much. The writing was fantastic, but it had too many story lines that have nothing to do with each other. The brother is on trial for murdering his girlfriend and unborn child, the parents are dead, somehow the parents money is being sued by the boyfriends father, the girls parents and the boyfriends parents hate each other, the girls parents are referred to as mobsters and criminals but not elaborated on, they have a Body guard who looks after them, they girls friend and twin brother are together, there are private school girls being murdered (the title which has zero to do with the plot of the book), there are snakes and spiders, the illegal kind, running through the building. WHY ARE THERE SO MANY PLOTS WITH NOTHING TO DO WITH EACH OTHER. I did love the main characters personality and charism.

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I though this was a great book. The way it was written it was like someone was sitting there talking to you. Its interesting to me how some parents will do anything to make sure they have that perfect child. I curently reading the secend one in the series. I am looking forward to see where these stories go.

[Riley:) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was just kinda how the first was but with a lot more action. I really enjoyed the plot and scheme of this book. Will the third book be just as good? We shall never know until you pick that book up. James is an incredible author and I really love his kiddy books in elementary. I can’t wait to see what his other books bring me. I hope you enjoy this book as much as I did.

[Chloe · Rating 3 out of 5]

too fast we found the killer in like the last quarter of the book and just had no relevance to the entire story like what but i will say i loved the story about tandy and james that was tea fr and lots of other family drama but like why did u leave me on a cliff hanger like ur a weirdo james patterson fr

[Deena Allouni-Kurdiah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely Loved holding every breath while reading this book! It had thrillers, great plots and twists and ended in the most perfect romantic way possible!! I couldn’t put it down, absolutely looooved every second of reading this book!

[Erica Warner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 8/10
I definitely liked this one more than the first one. It was more action packed and constantly moving with 3 cases vs just 1 to 1 and a half. I’m looking forward to reading the next book and seeing what Tandy and James do.

[Adair · Rating 3 out of 5]

not sure how I missed these use to read a lot of Patterson because my Dad enjoyed him and we could talk about them Interesting format didn't realized it was book 2 so might have to look for book 1 to get the beginning of the story

[June Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it, James Patterson can do no wrong, it may be a teen+ book, but it was full of intrigue, murder, and mystery, would recommend.

[Debbie Richardson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Always liked James Patterson. It catches you from the get go

[Beth Sweeney-sakoutis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly enjoyed this book and it was a fast read!

[Kate Nelson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good, quick read.

TW: snakes, spiders, lizards, murder, brainwashing

[Charlotte · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think the book was really good. It made me anticipate so many things and the book did not move too slow.

[Joshua · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good, but not as good as the first one. But would still recommend!!!

[Tashvee Jhaveri]

It's very suspenseful and it's full of cliff hangers which is the reason I love the book

[Sahasra R · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVE THIS BOOK, it has to be on everybody’s to-read list, once I started I could not stop

[Ayushi Yadav · Rating 1 out of 5]

Characters were good story was good but but but it was incomplete like we have 2 read part 2 for another half of the story ... so 1 star ... that's it

[Vicky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good I liked the plot. Did feel more geared towards younger people but good

[Leondra Shanks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Confessions Two Was Incredible I Think I’m Starting To Really Like Tandy And Her Misfit Family Mr Patterson Is Beginning To WoW Me!!! was I The Only One Who Thought The Maid Did It?

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would say.. The book is Excellent! Especially being that Im only 13... so my expectations aren't as high. I still loved the book... It was like you're trying to solve the Mystery/ The truth behind it all with the Main Character,Tandy Angel. And I need to read the 2nd book of the Series to find out what really happened to her Parents.

[Sabrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

WARNING: SPOILERS FROM FIRST CONFESSIONS BOOK

“How in the…?”
“What in the…?”
“…Wow!”
Some of the words or phrases passing through my mind as I read this amazing book. James Patterson has done it again with his Confessions: The Private School Murders novel. He never seems to disappoint and he definitely will continue that streak with this book.

This book is perfect for teens and adults. Every page is just more suspense to keep you turning. After reading book one on the Angel family deaths you thought someone couldn’t have more drama in their life. Or as the main character Tandy says, “what are the chances of another shocking, grisly crime happening in my life? 100%.... Because it already happened”(Prologue, pg1) Within the very first page you find out the lovable Matt Angel’s girl friend was murdered. If that wasn’t enough if you recall from book one, She’s pregnant. And if that wasn’t enough to keep you… with Malcom Angel’s (Matt’s murdered father) child!!! And if even all that wasn’t enough to keep you wanting more, guess who is in jail for the murder? None other than the hot tempered Mathew himself. Like I said ‘…Wow!” Now you follow the brilliant and cunning Tandy as she gets to the bottom f this murder as she did with her Parent’s. If you know one thing about the Angel family it is the dram never stops and if all that is in the first page you know there is a lot more to come in the rest of the book.

After reading the first Confessions book, you were already hooked on the series. If you weren’t you certainly are now. And if you haven’t read the first book you must do so before this one to really understand the abnormal High society Angel kids.
If you haven’t been able to tell, I loved this book series. The second Confessions, Confessions: The Private School Murders has exceeded my expectations. James Patterson and Maxine Paetro do a magnificent job making every page more intriguing with the endless cliff hangers. Murder, betrayal, love, family, suspicion, greed… the book has everything. This book is so easy to read. It all flows to well and it being told by Tandy gives it an extra intrigue seeing thing from her point of view, no that it needing any extra. Personally, I’d say everyone and their mothers should and could read this book. Could entertain and intrigue, I believe, anyone all day long. Seriosuly, Do yourself a favor and READ THIS BOOK!!

[Lynniah Griffith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Confessions: The Private School Murders is a well-written sequel to the first book of the Confessions series which was Confessions of a Murder Suspect. This sequel portrays the emotions of despair and love. In this book, secrets unfold and love still burns in the air despite the obstacles that come in the Angel family's way. Tandoori "Tandy" Angel, the family 'detective', previously solved her parents, Malcolm and Maud Angel's unexpected and surprising deaths. Harrison (also known as Harry) Angel is a prodigy when it comes to school and the piano. Hugo Angel is the ' muscles' of the family due to his strength, but is mischievous and short tempered. Hugo also looks up to the eldest of the Angel family, Matthew Angel. Matthew Angel was a star football player. Matthew Angel is the root of the story's conflict along with another mystery murderer who only kills high school girls at the age of seventeen.

Matthew Angel has been accused of killing his girlfriend, Tamara Gee, due to the fact that she was sleeping with his father, Malcolm Angel. However, Matthew Angel has no memory of the night his beloved was killed, only that he was playing cards with his friends and drank a lot. How is this murder case going to be solved if the suspect has no memory of that night? Tandoori Angel plans to get to the bottom of this case with the help of her partner, Claudia Portman. This story revolves around Tandy as she tries to prove her brother's innocence even if she has to go to the crime scene herself. Tandy Angel's job is not easy. She stumbles upon one main obstacle: Sergeant Caputo, a cop who dislikes Tandy. Tandy tries her best to stay out of the sergeant's way and solve the mystery by any means necessary. She takes risks that no normal high school student would. She will most likely be the next victim of the murderer due to her always poking her nose into every mystery she thinks that she can solve. The Angel family's sudden bad luck never ends.
I recommend this book to older kids because it has a lot of mature moments and has a few words that are difficult to understand.

[Madison Kuhlman · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Private School Murders takes place three months after Tandy Angel has solved the sudden death of her parents. Tandy's family is torn apart. Their parents are dead. They are bankrupt and in debt due to their parents. The oldest Angel, famous footballer for the NY Giants, is in jail, under trial due to the suspicion of him killing his girlfriend and their unborn child. Harry, Tandy's sixteen year old twin brother, is mostly sleeping all the time and Hugo, their little brother, is trying to raise all the money he can to get Matty on bail. On top of that, Tandy has four cases she needs to solve.

The plot was good. The mysteries had me extremely interested and I didn't guess the killer at all. I thought James Patterson wrote Matt's trial very well and I couldn't quite make up my mind if he was innocent or guilty. I do think though that when they found the killer of the school girls, James Patterson should've given the killer's reason, as there was none. Otherwise, it was a good plot.