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The Confession

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A BRAND NEW pulse-pounding psychological thriller from M A Hunter Praise for M A

'This one haunted me after I finished' Valerie Keogh

'Hunter does a fantastic job of ramping up the tension. My heart was in my mouth as I raced to the conclusion' Keri Beevis

'Brilliantly plotted and written with characters so lifelike they practically jump off the page' J. A. Baker

'I read this book in a single sitting. It’s a fantastic story with the most amazing characters, who I can guarantee will stay with you for a very long time!' Lynda Stacey

'Clever and compelling! I loved everything about this the concept, the setting, the structure...' Lesley Kara

'Fresh, pacey, and exciting! You’ll be racing to the finish at breakneck speed!' L C North

'I sprinted to finish this heart pounding tale of deception, a real nail biter!' Gemma Rogers

'A fast-paced psychological thriller that will keep you up all night!' Diana Wilkinson

'Clever and original. An exceptional, dark and tense read, with breath-taking twists. Highly recommended!' D. E. White

'This is one of the best psychological thrillers I've ever read!!' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review

'A unique, fast-paced psychological thriller that will keep you up all night and you won’t forget in a hurry.' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review

'What an excellent unique plot. This is a class above your usual psychological thriller.' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review

'I was completely engrossed as the story unfolded, but at the end, OMG a couple of twists that hit and I was like a punch-drunk boxer wondering which way was up.' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review

'full of twists and turns throughout and was a brilliant read. This was a book that just hooked me from the beginning till the end and I loved it.' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review

'It's full on twisty, suspenseful and the ending, just wait till you read that!' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review

240 pages, Hardcover

Published December 4, 2025

69 people are currently reading
367 people want to read

About the author

M A Hunter

10 books19 followers

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 160 reviews
Profile Image for Nina (ninjasbooks).
1,653 reviews1,823 followers
January 22, 2026
When reading this I thought: this is good! And then: VERY good. I really enjoyed it, there is just something compelling about Hunter’s books.
Profile Image for Debra .
3,331 reviews36.6k followers
December 3, 2025
Gripping and captivating, The Confession proved to be a fast and shocking read! Thirty years ago, Abbey's thirteen-year-old sister was murdered. Since she wasn't able to help her sister, Abbey has dedicated her life, working as a criminologist to help those who have been wrongly convicted to appeal their sentences. Abbey provided the testimony that put her sister's killer behind bars.

When Abbey beings receiving messages threatening to expose her and her secrets and lies, Abbey is caught in a cat-and-mouse search for the truth! Abbey will need to come face to face with the ghosts of the past to find out who is behind the taunts and to uncover their motive. But Abbey will the truth set her free, or will it be her downfall. You will need to read it to find out.

I enjoyed the pacing of this book and the mounting sense of danger and dread. This is also a fair amount of tension and twists which kept me turning the pages. I enjoyed the Abbey prided herself on being able to read people but wasn't a fan of others reading her. I enjoyed the search for the truth and how the author got readers to the final reveal.

The Confession is a well thought out psychological thriller which was equal parts riveting and chilling. This is the eighth book I have read by M.A. Hunter, and I look forward to reading more of this author's work.

3.5 stars

Thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.


Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com 📖



Profile Image for Andrea.
704 reviews
October 27, 2025
This is my first read from this author. It was okay read, but I really couldn't connect with the characters. Abbey sister was murdered thirty years ago, and she was a witness to the culprit behind bars he is claiming he is innocent and only confesses as he is sick.was he guilty or innocent of this crime..Will she find the answers.
Profile Image for Sami.
102 reviews2 followers
December 15, 2025

The Confession hooked me right away with its premise. Abbey, a criminologist known for her near-legendary ability to read truth from lies, is suddenly thrust into national attention after helping overturn the conviction of a man who spent seven years in prison for the murder of his husband. Her practice is gaining recognition, reporters are reaching out, and her name is everywhere.

But just as Abbey’s professional life is taking off, she receives news that stops her cold: the man convicted of murdering her sister decades ago — a serial killer who has already confessed to six other killings, including children — is now appealing her sister’s case. Despite admitting to those six murders, he insists this is the one he didn’t commit.

As the appeal gains attention and traction, Abbey begins receiving chilling threats from someone who claims to know what really happened in the woods that night — along with personal items belonging to her sister that directly challenge the beliefs Abbey has held for decades. It becomes clear that someone out there knows far more about that night than she ever realized.

The setup is incredibly compelling, and there is a late twist I didn’t fully predict. But overall, the execution didn’t quite land for me.

What didn’t work:
- Predictable direction: Even with clear attempts at misdirection, I suspected the outcome and who was involved well before the reveal.
- Believability issues: The national media frenzy, the documentary angle, and the large sums of money offered to her practice all felt unrealistic.
- Underdeveloped emotional tension: The book hints early on that Abbey hasn’t been fully honest with herself about her sister’s death — but the reveals didn’t hit with the emotional weight I was hoping for.
- The ending was poorly executed, over the top, and really didn't offer any gratifying closure or revelation.

In the end, this was a story with a strong premise but uneven execution. Enjoyable in moments, but ultimately a bit of a letdown.

A solid 2.5 stars from me.

The Confession hooked me right away with its premise. Abbey, a criminologist known for her near-legendary ability to read truth from lies, is suddenly thrust into national attention after helping overturn the conviction of a man who spent seven years in prison for the murder of his husband. Her practice is gaining recognition, reporters are reaching out, and her name is everywhere.

But just as Abbey’s professional life is taking off, she receives news that stops her cold: the man convicted of murdering her sister decades ago — a serial killer who has already confessed to six other killings, including children — is now appealing her sister’s case. Despite admitting to those six murders, he insists this is the one he didn’t commit.

As the appeal gains attention and traction, Abbey begins receiving chilling threats from someone who claims to know what really happened in the woods that night — along with personal items belonging to her sister that directly challenge the beliefs Abbey has held for decades. It becomes clear that someone out there knows far more about that night than she ever realized.

The setup is incredibly compelling, and there is a late twist I didn’t fully predict. But overall, the execution didn’t quite land for me.

What didn’t work:
- Predictable direction: Even with clear attempts at misdirection, I suspected the outcome and who was involved well before the reveal.
- Believability issues: The national media frenzy, the documentary angle, and the large sums of money offered to her practice all felt unrealistic.
- Underdeveloped emotional tension: The book hints early on that Abbey hasn’t been fully honest with herself about her sister’s death — but the reveals didn’t hit with the emotional weight I was hoping for.
- The ending was poorly executed, over the top, and really didn't offer any gratifying closure or revelation.

In the end, this was a story with a strong premise but uneven execution. Enjoyable in moments, but ultimately a bit of a letdown.

A solid 2.5 stars from me.
Profile Image for Andrea Hulme.
120 reviews28 followers
October 29, 2025
The Confession by M. A. Hunter was a gripping, well-paced thriller and the storytelling was really enthralling.

This story centers on Abbey, a criminologist whose career of helping the wrongly accused hides a devastating secret from her past. When someone begins blackmailing her and threatening to expose the truth, Abbey is forced into a dangerous game of manipulation and guilt to protect everything she’s built—and everyone she’s lost.

The Confession felt sharp, full of secrets and lies, and emotionally engaging.

The writing is tense, fast-paced, and immersive. Told through Abbey’s perspective, it pulls you right into the action, her thoughts and feelings as we follow her through every twist and turn. I liked the short chapters that kept the tension high and enhanced the suspense throughout the book. Abbey’s was a compelling character, you really got under her skin as she faced moral dilemmas, blackmail and exciting psychological dramas that really kept the thrills in this book going from start to finish.

You really are pulled into this rollercoaster of a ride that doesn't let up from the opening chapter right through to the end.

A fantastic psychological thriller, that has you on the edge of your seat and I would really recommend this.
2,026 reviews52 followers
October 28, 2025

Love, love, loved this book! I will read anything Hunter writes as he always takes us to dark places and intertwines his stories with misconceptions and the truth until my head is spinning! In this one protagonist Abbey--an expert in wrongful convictions--was 15 when her sister, Faye disappeared. Now she's drawn back to Faye's death as the body is discovered in a ravine. Was she pushed or was it suicide? It's a twisted story that kept me up all night, but I can hardly wait for Hunter's next novel!
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!
Profile Image for Judy Collins.
3,351 reviews453 followers
December 4, 2025
THE CONFESSION by M.A. Hunter is a gripping psychological thriller about a criminologist named Abbey who specializes in wrongful convictions and is forced to confront a secret from her own past. Exploring themes of guilt, justice, family secrets, and how far a person will go to keep the truth hidden.

About...

The story centers on Abbey, a criminologist who dedicates her career to helping people appeal wrongful convictions, motivated by a personal tragedy: her 13-year-old sister was murdered thirty years ago when Abbey wasn't there to protect her.

Someone from Abbey's past threatens to expose her long-held secret regarding the night of the murder unless Abbey "confesses." She is forced into a spiral of fear and guilt as Abbey begins a desperate race against time to identify the blackmailer and find out what really happened.

The established narrative is that serial killer Terry Anderson was convicted of Faye's murder based partly on Abbey's childhood evidence. The blackmailer suggests that the wrong person might be serving time, or that Abbey herself was involved in a cover-up.

My thoughts...

THE CONFESSION delves deep into the intricate themes of secrets, deception, and the lingering shadows of the past, weaving a narrative that keeps the reader on the edge of their seat as they navigate the murky waters of who the real villain is and the profound nature of Abbey's hidden truth.

The novel is an intense psychological thriller, a page-turner bursting with relentless twists and unpredictable turns that ensnare the reader’s attention until the final, breathtaking revelation. The primary antagonist—the enigmatic figure poised to unveil Abbey's buried secret—occupies a pivotal role, shrouded in mystery and suspense, expertly crafted by the author to keep readers guessing about the true nature of the threat against Abbey.

The story is driven by multiple layers of secrets and plot twists, revealing unexpected character connections and forcing Abbey to confront her past and the people around her. The tension builds to a climax where the truth is finally revealed, culminating in a final, unexpected twist.

At the core of Abbey's struggle lies the haunting memory of her sister’s murder, a pivotal tragedy that casts a long shadow over her life and career. Abbey was only thirteen when her sister was brutally taken from her, a traumatic event that left her feeling helpless and forever altered. This devastating loss serves as both the catalyst for her vocation as a criminologist and the driving force behind her tireless quest for justice—an endeavor that seems to be an attempt to atone for her inability to save her sister.

Haunted by her past, Abbey finds herself forced to confront the very memories she has dedicated her life to evading. The old murder case emerges as a weapon in the antagonist's arsenal, providing the leverage needed to exploit Abbey's vulnerabilities. The threat transcends mere intimidation; it becomes a deeply personal and emotionally charged attack on the foundations of Abbey’s identity, her reputation, and the passionate commitment that fuels her work.

In essence, the tragic tale of her sister’s murder serves not only as the origin story that defines Abbey’s compelling character but also becomes the central secret manipulated by the current plot’s villain to blackmail her, intricately weaving her past trauma into the fabric of the professional struggles she faces.

This was my first encounter with the author's work, and I eagerly anticipate diving into more of his captivating narratives.

Recs...

For those captivated by adrenaline-fueled psychological thrillers, THE CONFESSION is a must-read. This gripping tale delves deep into the complexities of past secrets and the haunting effects of trauma, all while featuring a remarkably strong, compelling female protagonist.

If you relish intricate plots that keep you on the edge of your seat, you’ll find echoes of talents like Claire Douglas, Lisa Jewell, Cara Hunter, Keri Beevis, and Tana French within its pages. Each of these authors masterfully weaves suspenseful narratives that explore the shadows of the human psyche, making them perfect companions for your reading journey.

Special thanks to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for sharing an advanced reading copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.

Blog review posted @
JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
Pub Date: Dec 4, 2025
My Rating: 4 Stars
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Profile Image for Jen.
1,170 reviews113 followers
November 2, 2025
This is a tense and fast-paced read, centered on Abbey, who spends her life revisiting the cases of those who say they were wrongly convicted of a crime. When she is asked to review the case of the man who is in prison for killing her little sister 30 years ago, her own secrets threaten to be exposed. The whole book is told from Abbey’s POV.

There is action throughout but I did find most of the twists, included the big reveal, to be somewhat predictable. Abbey tended to overreact and jump to conclusions, which seemed odd given her line of work. Despite this, I did find it to be an easy read overall, with good pacing and clear understanding of who the characters were with spending a lot of time on internal narratives or backstories. I felt that the ending of the book was satisfying and loose ends were tied up well.

Overall, this was an enjoyable read and though I wish I had been a little more surprised by some of the twists, I liked the story. Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Caroline | dogtailsandcrimetales.
323 reviews13 followers
November 20, 2025
★★★

Abbey Veritas has a rare gift: she reads lies like others read faces. As a criminologist she uses that skill to free people wrongly accused of horrific crimes. After securing a high-profile not-guilty verdict for a young man accused of murdering his husband, Abbey's work is attracting attention—good for business, bad for someone who rebuilt her life and wants the past left alone.

When a convicted man serving multiple life sentences offers a small fortune to prove his innocence for one charge he insists he didn't commit, Abbey's team can't ignore the money. The complication? Abbey put him behind bars when she was thirteen.

How far would you go to keep your secrets buried?

I enjoyed the premise and pacing; this is a solid popcorn thriller. The concept of a human lie detector-as-criminologist is original and keeps the tension alive, and the pro bono-to-payday case arc feels believable and urgent.

Where the novel stumbles for me is in connection to the characters. Abbey, our protagonist and first-person narrator, feels closed-off in ways that make sympathy difficult. Her secrecy and trauma are plausible, but I wanted a little more vulnerability to bridge reader and heroine. Sasha and some supporting characters also stayed a bit remote.

Plot-wise, the book delivers surprises but not all of them felt surprising. Two major reveals were fairly predictable in my opinion, and a few loose ends went unexplored. That said, the story remains engaging and wraps up with a mostly satisfying (if slightly tidy) ending.

If you’re new to thrillers or want a fast, entertaining read with a neat hook, this is worth your time! Thank you NetGalley, Boldwood Books, and M.A. Hunter for a copy. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Joanna.
403 reviews7 followers
December 2, 2025
3.75 rounded to 4 stars for me.

Abbey,a criminologist helps wrongly accused and to prove their innocence.When her own painful past and secrets threatening to come out, she needs to find out who is doing this to her.

Was she wrong all those years ago?

It was quick and suspenseful read with a twist.I like the author style,had me guessing about Abbey and wondering was she really innocent all those years ago,did she made a mistake?Full of tension to find out the truth this book didn't dissapoint,and the twist surprised me,my second by this author and will read more.

Thank you netgalley and Boldwood books for arc,my review is honest and my own.
Profile Image for Pav S. (pav_sanborn_bookworm).
722 reviews22 followers
December 8, 2025
4.5 stars!

This is the third book I’ve read by this author, and I’m never disappointed! It’s definitely my favorite so far!

Abby, a criminologist who can sense when people are lying, is dedicated to helping those wrongfully convicted. Motivated by the unresolved murder of her 13-year-old sister, she feels a personal drive to assist others. However, she faces a threatening situation where someone is trying to expose her greatest secret, putting her reputation at risk. She is determined to fight back and keep the truth hidden, no matter the cost.

We get to dive into Abby’s world and learn more about her life, along with subtle hints about her sister's mysterious past. I appreciate how the story unfolds, gradually revealing the layers of mystery. Just when I thought I had it all figured out, the unexpected twists took me by surprise, and I didn’t see the big reveal coming. I felt blindsided, but everything fell into place once we learned the details that were revealed in the final part of the book. This has quickly become my favorite from this author, as I was kept guessing until the very end. It all ties together beautifully—bravo!

If you enjoy a fast-paced read packed with twists and unexpected conclusions, this book is for you. It’s perfect for anyone who loves hidden secrets, life-altering truths, and the thrill of potentially solving Abby's sister's murder amidst a lingering obsession. Don’t let this page-turner slip through your fingers; grab it for a snowy afternoon and prepare to be glued to your seat!

Thank you, Boldwood Books, for the digital ARC widget. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Jackie.
1,430 reviews
October 27, 2025
3.75 ⭐️

Secrets, guilt, and a killer twist—The Confession by M. A. Hunter was a gripping, well-paced thriller that proves Hunter’s storytelling just keeps getting stronger.

This story centers on Abbey, a criminologist whose career of helping the wrongly accused hides a devastating secret from her past. When someone begins blackmailing her and threatening to expose the truth, Abbey is forced into a dangerous game of manipulation and guilt to protect everything she’s built—and everyone she’s lost.

This is the second Hunter book I’ve read, the first being The Tenants. The Tenants was entertaining but didn’t nearly sustain my attention the way The Confession did. While The Tenants was an intriguing story with solid suspense, The Confession feels sharper, tighter, and more emotionally engaging.

I liked Hunter’s writing in The Confession—it’s tense, fast-paced, and immersive. Told through Abbey’s perspective, it pulls you right into her unraveling mind with sharp, emotional prose and short, suspenseful chapters that keep the tension high. Abbey’s moral conflict and layers of guilt make her a compelling character to follow, and the blackmail storyline adds strong psychological stakes and plenty of twists that kept me guessing.

All the same, a few side characters could’ve had a bit more dimension, and the ending felt a little rushed—but overall, this was a gripping and emotional read that blends suspense, secrets, and justice making this a satisfying read.

Another big thanks to Boldwood Books and Net Galley for an ARC in return for my honest review!
Profile Image for Ida.
92 reviews1 follower
November 13, 2025
Thank you to Netgalley, Boldwood Books and author M A Hunter for the advanced e-copy of The Confession.

Abbey, a criminologist with a strong interest in helping victims of the justice system with positive appeals, meets her darkest secrets when her sisters killer is appealing the conviction Abbey’s testemony secured over thirty years ago.

I really enjoyed this novel. Single POV, short timeline (main events) and information provided throughout the story in correct amounts. The development, not only of the story, but also the characters around Abbey felt real and convincing.

This is an absolute banger and I definitely recommend this to anyone who wants a good thriller this winter.

M A Hunter has become one of my go to authors and I was excited when I saw the approval email tick in.
Profile Image for Ellen Ross.
85 reviews
October 28, 2025
First of all I want to thank NetGalley and Boldwood Books for this ARC

To say my anxiety was sky high and I certainly felt on edge whilst reading this one! I honestly didn’t trust anyone and didn’t know who was telling the truth. I find myself suspicious of every single character. Quick paced thriller with twists and turns!
Profile Image for Susan Belman.
523 reviews40 followers
December 8, 2025
I ended up enjoying this one more than I expected! It’s fast-paced, easy to fly through, and had me constantly guessing who was behind what. There are enough twists, second-guesses, and suspicious characters to keep things fun without ever feeling overwhelming.
We follow a criminologist who’s basically a human lie detector. She’s made a career out of helping overturn wrongful convictions, but she’s still haunted by her sister’s decades-old murder. That guilt just sits on her, shaping everything she does.
Then the anonymous threats start.
Someone clearly knows more about her past than they should, and the messages get more personal and more unnerving. As she starts digging, she runs into old case files, people who aren’t telling the whole truth, and a few connections she really doesn’t want to revisit. The buried family trauma, the secrets she’s kept hidden, the people she starts to question—it all adds to that creeping sense that anyone could be the one messing with her.
The best part for me was the main character herself: brilliantly flawed, emotional, sharp when she needs to be, and messy in very human ways. You root for her even when you want to shake her.
Overall, it’s a twisty, tense thriller with a steady pace, good character work, and enough red flags and misdirections to keep you hooked until the end.
Profile Image for Teresa Nikolic.
949 reviews132 followers
December 9, 2025
Abbey's thirteen year old sister Faye was murdered thirty years ago and left in a quarry, Abbey has never forgiven herself as she was meant to be looking after her. Now in her job as a criminologist she works hard to help people appeal against their wrongful convictions and this goes some way to appeasing her guilt, but someone is threatening to expose the truth and Abbey will do anything to stop that happening.

The Confession is the latest thriller by this author, told from the perspective of the main character Abbey, telling us the story of how she has dealt with life since her sister's death all those years ago and how she continues to believe that Terry Anderson is the man responsible for that heinous crime. This is a slow burner which took me a while to get my head round, never quite grasping a rapport with Abbey, but feeling sympathy for her at the same time. It's a tense and intriguing tale, by a new to me author, which kept me second guessing throughout and, just when I thought I'd worked out what was going on, the author threw in another twist, that sent me hurtling down a different path, completely blindsiding me and taking me back to square one. Overall it was a great read and I look forward to reading more by this author.

I'd like to thank Boldwood Books and Netgalley for inviting me to read this book, I will post my review on Amazon and Goodreads.
Profile Image for Stephanie Burow.
204 reviews2 followers
December 11, 2025
Thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the ARC of The Confession in exchange for an honest review.

When Abbey’s sister is murdered at only 13 years old, Abbey grows up to be a criminologist specializing in overturning wrongful convictions. Abbey is convinced she has a way of reading people in ways that no one else can, which gives her special insight into who is truly innocent. It was Abbey’s testimony that put her sister’s killer behind bars almost thirty years ago, except now, her killer is claiming he’s innocent and Abbey is being blackmailed into switching the script and telling her own truth of how her sister really died. This fast paced thriller will have you questioning and motive and guilt of every character, including Abbey. My only complaint with this story is that it was left rather open ended. From a readers standpoint, I didn’t get any sense of full closure. This may be because the author intends to write a sequel, but I cannot be sure. Other than that, I really enjoyed putting the pieces of this puzzle together alongside Abbey. Solid quick read if you’re looking to escape for a bit!
Profile Image for VickydpBooks.
755 reviews9 followers
December 4, 2025
If you like Lisa Jewell and Claire Douglas tou will love this book

Blurb

How far would you go to keep your secrets buried?

Everyone has secrets they would prefer to keep buried, but that’s what makes me so good at what I do. I’ve always been able to sense when people are lying, be it through their body language or the way they speak. As a criminologist, I’ve made it my life’s mission to help those who’ve suffered miscarriages of justice appeal their wrongful convictions.

Thirty years ago, my 13-year-old sister was murdered and it felt like a part of me died with her. I wasn’t there when she needed me most, and I will never forgive myself. That’s what motivates me to help those who can’t help themselves.

But now someone is messing with me. They’re threatening to expose me if I don’t confess to my greatest secret. They want to ruin my reputation, but they don’t realise I won’t give up without a fight... or how far I will go to keep the truth hidden.
Profile Image for Amanda Felton.
414 reviews21 followers
December 10, 2025
Thank you LBT for having me on this review tour and for my gifted copy of this epub.

I was so excited to read this book. I loved the cover first off it really gave the creepy vibes and I couldn’t wait for it.

We follow Abbey who spends all of her time revisiting the cases of those who said they were wrongly accused. I mean this I would find to be so fascinating and cool to do. I kinda want this job.

Abbey is asked to review the case of the man who is In prison for killing her little sister 30 years previously but with this Abbey has secrets that couldn’t be exposed.

I loved how this book was told from Abbeys POV.

I loved the pacing of this read and how fast it read. I couldn’t put this down and I just had to know what was gonna happen.

Definitely a book that kept me guessing
Profile Image for Chantelle.
146 reviews12 followers
December 2, 2025
3.5 ⭐ rounded up!
Thank you to Netgalley and Boldwood Books for giving me this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This book follows Abbey, a criminal defence lawyer who lost her sister thirty years ago, but when the person convicted of killing her insists he’s innocent, Abbey must face her demons and recall what really happened all those years ago.

This book was great, I was hooked from the beginning and it was the perfect length for me to read in a couple of sittings. It was fast paced and kept you guessing the whole time. Even if I predicted the ending this was still a solid read.
Profile Image for Rachel Browning.
762 reviews11 followers
October 30, 2025
“The Confession” is a gripping, twist-filled thriller packed with suspense, lies, and buried secrets. M. A. Hunter masterfully explores how the past never truly stays hidden—and how one secret can destroy everything. This story kept me on edge from start to finish, full of tension and unexpected turns that make it impossible to put down.
Profile Image for Becky.
157 reviews2 followers
November 5, 2025
A gripping thriller. Definitely didn’t expect it to go the way it did and loved the twists. Definitely searching for more by this author
Profile Image for Gidha Iftikhar.
62 reviews
November 13, 2025
What a mess. I honestly don’t know where to start with this one. The plot is weak, the pacing is glacial, and for nearly 40% of the book absolutely nothing happens. I kept reading, waiting for it to click, but it never did.

The story follows Abbey, a criminologist who’s supposed to be some kind of “human lie detector.” Except… there’s not a single moment in the entire book that actually shows her using that skill. It’s all talk. The whole thing reads like a sequel to a book I somehow missed, because there’s zero backstory or character buildup.

Abbey, Sasha, Damian — not one of them feels real. By the end, I still couldn’t picture any of them. Damian and his solicitor’s roles? Completely pointless. I thought that subplot was meant to prove Abbey’s intelligence, but it just imploded into nonsense.

And don’t get me started on the over-the-top drama about Abbey’s sister’s murder. It doesn’t feel emotional — it’s just exhausting. Every mention turns into some exaggerated performance that made me roll my eyes.

The timeline? Total chaos. Abbey somehow meets a solicitor, grabs coffee with Damian, goes to a journalist, consults with a murderer’s lawyer, meets the murderer, and rewrites an entire article — all in what feels like the same day. What is she, a superhero?

She’s supposed to be 45 and an experienced professional, but acts like she’s in her late twenties — impulsive, immature, and constantly overreacting.

And then… Terry Anderson’s story. Oh boy. This man killed six children — six! — and yet somehow he’s in prison because of Faye’s murder? What? How? At multiple points, the book insists Abbey lied and sent an innocent man to prison for 30 years. I mean, hello? He murdered six other kids! How is that innocent? The logic just doesn’t exist.

The writing didn’t help either. Every time there’s some big “revelation,” it takes Abbey five full minutes to figure it out, while repeating the same lines over and over — “Oh, it was you who sent me the threats… it was you who did that…” and so on. It’s painfully drawn out and overdramatic.

And that climax? Way too long. I skipped five or six pages of pointless description and still didn’t miss a thing. The big twist at the end was obvious from the start, and the conclusion was just flat-out disappointing.

Honestly, The Confession could’ve been an interesting thriller if it had tighter editing, believable logic, and characters with actual depth. Instead, it’s overstuffed, confusing, and frustrating from start to finish. Definitely not one I’d recommend.
Profile Image for Stacey Robinson.
158 reviews22 followers
November 28, 2025
While the premise of The Confession initially sounds intriguing, the actual story fell short for me. Abbey, our main character, feels one-dimensional, which made it hard to connect with her or feel invested in her journey. The pacing also dragged; the story moved slowly, and as a result, I never felt fully engaged.

When the reveal finally comes, it’s anticlimactic—largely because it’s fairly easy to guess the killer well before the end. Instead of the suspense and twists I was hoping for, the book leans more heavily into drama and sadness.

Overall, The Confession left me wanting more in terms of suspense, depth, and narrative drive.

Thank You NetGalley and Boldwood Books for this eARC in exchange for an honest review. Of course, all opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Pattyh.
1,029 reviews
November 19, 2025

Thank you for the opportunity to preview The Confession.
A young woman witnesses the murder of her sister. She is responsible for putting a man behind bars. She’s now an adult and is a criminologist.
What happens when the convict contacts her and needs her help but he can also help her. He’s willing to help with her sisters murder. Because he knows who killed her.
Good book and a fast read.
3 stars
Profile Image for Valerie.
17 reviews33 followers
January 4, 2026
As someone who primarily reads cozy mysteries, The Confession by M.A. Hunter is not my usual genre to reach for first. And reading the synopsis, it doesn't really seem to stray from so many other thrillers that are readily available. What made this book so enjoyable for me was the pacing and the reveals.

I felt like I was figuring out everything along with the lead character and loved learning about the secrets that she was keeping. There were a few things that I had worked out along the way, which did not diminish my enjoyment of the the storyline.

Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the eArc. M.A. Hunter is a new to me writer who I will be adding to authors to follow.
Profile Image for Zara Dal.
90 reviews5 followers
December 15, 2025
I really enjoyed this one. The premise grabbed me straight away. Having the FMC as a criminologist was such a refreshing angle compared to the usual solicitor/ barrister setup you see in this type of thriller. It felt well written and the character development was genuinely strong throughout.

I did find that the pacing lagged a little in the middle and I would have loved to have been kept guessing a bit more about Anderson's innocence or guilt. A few of the smaller twists were easier to spot early on.

However, those were minor quibbles and the final stretch more than made up for it. The last reveal was brilliant and the tension in those final chapters had my pulse racing! I was suspecting everyone and second-guessing everything, which is exactly what I want from a thriller. I definifely didn't manage to piece the whole ending together.

A gripping, clever read and I'll definitely be picking up more from M. A. Hunter!
Profile Image for Sarah.
290 reviews25 followers
January 7, 2026
Thanks NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the advanced reader's copy of The Confession by M A Hunter.

This was an interesting read about a criminologist who is known for noticing small things when people are lying. She uses this to right the wrongs of the British justice system allowing for wrongful convictions to be overturned. Unfortunately, she is so committed to the work, she often does it for free leading to her business to be struggling. She needs to find a way to be paid for the work.

In addition to this problem, a secret from long ago seems to be surfacing with some help from an unknown source. Abbey must find out who is trying to ruin her reputation before it's too late, but, this means examining her recollection of those events despite how painful it is.

I enjoy the unravelling of the mystery and missteps. I would recommend this.

I leave this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Karen Barber.
3,330 reviews79 followers
November 23, 2025
The Confession was the kind of book you are desperate to finish in one sitting. From start to finish the story keeps you hooked. At just over 200 pages this really is a fast-paced read.
Our focus is Abbey, a young woman who has become well-known for her work in defending people wrongly accused of crimes. When she is asked to take on a new case it offers big money…but the case is awfully close to home, and the secrets Abbey has been keeping around the murder of her younger sister years earlier are at risk.
Abbey is quickly forced into an increasingly dangerous hunt to find out who is threatening her, and who has a vested interest in ensuring she doesn’t get too close to the truth.
Thanks to NetGalley for giving me the chance to read and review this.
Profile Image for Tina Plintz.
275 reviews4 followers
November 16, 2025
Okay, if you’re looking for a seriously good, keep-you-turning-the-page book, this is definitely one for you. It’s a rollercoaster ride of who did it. Abigail is a woman who tries to help people down on their luck who’ve been convicted of crimes they didn’t commit by going over their cases and finding the loopholes. That is until her sister is murdered, and her sister’s contacts her firm, stirring up her life again. Now, Abigail is on a race to find out if Terry Anderson really killed her sister or not. It’s a psychological thriller that you won’t want to put down.
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