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The Book of Confessions
Some rejections are worth killing for.
In a world obsessed with stories, the most dangerous thing she wrote was the truth.
For twenty years, Elena Cartwright has chased publication.
All she has to show for it are rejection letters—hundreds of them—enough to paper the walls of her lonely cottage.
Most writers accept rejection.
Elena doesn’t.
Kate Finlay is the literary agent who could change everything—the gatekeeper between Elena and the life she believes she’s owed.
So Elena stops submitting.
She starts getting closer.
Closer to Kate.
Closer to her life.
Closer than she ever should be.
Because every rejection kills.
And Elena’s latest manuscript isn’t just fiction.
It’s coming to life—
one confession at a time.
Yellowface meets You in this darkly satirical psychological thriller about obsession, rejection, and revenge.
Perfect for readers of Gone Girl and The Silent Patient, and for those drawn to dark, unsettling stories where the truth is far more dangerous than fiction.
In a world obsessed with stories, the most dangerous thing she wrote was the truth.
For twenty years, Elena Cartwright has chased publication.
All she has to show for it are rejection letters—hundreds of them—enough to paper the walls of her lonely cottage.
Most writers accept rejection.
Elena doesn’t.
Kate Finlay is the literary agent who could change everything—the gatekeeper between Elena and the life she believes she’s owed.
So Elena stops submitting.
She starts getting closer.
Closer to Kate.
Closer to her life.
Closer than she ever should be.
Because every rejection kills.
And Elena’s latest manuscript isn’t just fiction.
It’s coming to life—
one confession at a time.
Yellowface meets You in this darkly satirical psychological thriller about obsession, rejection, and revenge.
Perfect for readers of Gone Girl and The Silent Patient, and for those drawn to dark, unsettling stories where the truth is far more dangerous than fiction.
- GenresThrillerMystery Thriller
404 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 14, 2026
About the author
Elena Cartwright
2 books6 followersElena Cartwright writes psychological thrillers about obsession, identity, and the stories we tell ourselves to survive.
The Book of Confessions is her debut. Some readers believe it isn’t entirely fictional.
The Book of Confessions is her debut. Some readers believe it isn’t entirely fictional.
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July 16, 2026The Book of Confessions was one of those psychological thrillers where I knew exactly what was happening and at the same time I had absolutely no clue what was happening.
From the first few chapters, I needed answers. Every time I thought I had a handle on what was going on, the book would shift just enough to make me question everything all over again. The obsession, the psychological aspects, and the constant feeling that I was missing something important kept me completely invested.
There were a lot of characters and moving pieces to keep track of, and I definitely spent part of this book feeling like I should have a conspiracy board in front of me. Somehow, that made me more invested rather than less.
I still have questions, and honestly, I think that’s part of what made this such an entertaining read. I was hooked from beginning to end.
I’d recommend it to readers who enjoy dark psychological thrillers, unreliable narratives, obsession, and books that make you think, “I know what’s happening, but I also absolutely do not.”
From the first few chapters, I needed answers. Every time I thought I had a handle on what was going on, the book would shift just enough to make me question everything all over again. The obsession, the psychological aspects, and the constant feeling that I was missing something important kept me completely invested.
There were a lot of characters and moving pieces to keep track of, and I definitely spent part of this book feeling like I should have a conspiracy board in front of me. Somehow, that made me more invested rather than less.
I still have questions, and honestly, I think that’s part of what made this such an entertaining read. I was hooked from beginning to end.
I’d recommend it to readers who enjoy dark psychological thrillers, unreliable narratives, obsession, and books that make you think, “I know what’s happening, but I also absolutely do not.”
May 15, 2026
The Book of Confessions was such a dark, addictive and genuinely unhinged psychological thriller. From the very first pages, it throws you straight into the chaos and never really lets you get comfortable again.
The story follows struggling writer Elena Cartwright, whose desperation to finally be published slowly spirals into something much darker after years of rejection. What starts off feeling almost sad and frustrating quickly turns obsessive, messy and genuinely dangerous, with the lines between fiction and reality becoming more and more blurred as the story unfolds.
One of my favourite things about this book was the way it was structured. It instantly created this intense, uncomfortable atmosphere that made the story feel increasingly obsessive the further it went on. The interactions between characters were especially some of the strongest parts of the novel — fiery, tense and filled with so much bitterness and fixation that at times it almost felt difficult to look away from.
What really hooked me though was never fully knowing what’s real, what’s exaggerated, or who exactly is telling the truth. It gave the entire story this unpredictable train-wreck energy where everything felt like it could spiral at any moment, but with a much darker and more disturbing edge.
I also really enjoyed Elena Cartwright’s writing style. It’s blunt, sharp and very “tell it like it is,” which suited the tone of the story perfectly. Despite how dark the subject matter is, there’s a strong satirical edge running through the novel, particularly in its scathing portrayal of the publishing industry, rejection and obsession. Some moments were hilarious because of how biting and self-aware the humour was, but underneath all the chaos and madness there’s also some surprisingly effective commentary around failure, validation and the fear of becoming “a nobody.” The psychological unraveling felt messy, uncomfortable and at times completely over-the-top, but intentionally so.
And the fact that this is a debut? Honestly kind of insane to me. It’s ambitious, strange, engaging and completely committed to its own madness. If this is what Elena Cartwright is starting with, I’ll absolutely be reading whatever she writes next.
If you enjoy dark psychological thrillers with obsessive characters, unreliable narration, metafiction elements and a toxic behind-the-scenes look at the publishing world, I’d definitely recommend picking this one up.
I received a free copy of this book from Witness Press via BookSirens in exchange for an honest review.
The story follows struggling writer Elena Cartwright, whose desperation to finally be published slowly spirals into something much darker after years of rejection. What starts off feeling almost sad and frustrating quickly turns obsessive, messy and genuinely dangerous, with the lines between fiction and reality becoming more and more blurred as the story unfolds.
One of my favourite things about this book was the way it was structured. It instantly created this intense, uncomfortable atmosphere that made the story feel increasingly obsessive the further it went on. The interactions between characters were especially some of the strongest parts of the novel — fiery, tense and filled with so much bitterness and fixation that at times it almost felt difficult to look away from.
What really hooked me though was never fully knowing what’s real, what’s exaggerated, or who exactly is telling the truth. It gave the entire story this unpredictable train-wreck energy where everything felt like it could spiral at any moment, but with a much darker and more disturbing edge.
I also really enjoyed Elena Cartwright’s writing style. It’s blunt, sharp and very “tell it like it is,” which suited the tone of the story perfectly. Despite how dark the subject matter is, there’s a strong satirical edge running through the novel, particularly in its scathing portrayal of the publishing industry, rejection and obsession. Some moments were hilarious because of how biting and self-aware the humour was, but underneath all the chaos and madness there’s also some surprisingly effective commentary around failure, validation and the fear of becoming “a nobody.” The psychological unraveling felt messy, uncomfortable and at times completely over-the-top, but intentionally so.
And the fact that this is a debut? Honestly kind of insane to me. It’s ambitious, strange, engaging and completely committed to its own madness. If this is what Elena Cartwright is starting with, I’ll absolutely be reading whatever she writes next.
If you enjoy dark psychological thrillers with obsessive characters, unreliable narration, metafiction elements and a toxic behind-the-scenes look at the publishing world, I’d definitely recommend picking this one up.
I received a free copy of this book from Witness Press via BookSirens in exchange for an honest review.
July 14, 2026
What the cuss!!
This book had me shaking in my freaking boots.
With unreliable narrators, strange cryptic letters and emails, and a world that doesn’t seem to make sense until little pieces finally start clicking into place, The Book of Confessions kept me hooked from beginning to end.
What made this story so terrifying is that, unlike most horror novels, this feels like something that could actually happen. The stalking, the creeping sense that someone is always watching, and uncovering clue after clue had me completely locked in. Every new revelation made me question everything I thought I knew.
This was exactly the kind of suspenseful, unsettling read I was looking for. If you love psychological thrillers that keep you guessing and make you feel genuinely uneasy, don’t sleep on this one.
This book had me shaking in my freaking boots.
With unreliable narrators, strange cryptic letters and emails, and a world that doesn’t seem to make sense until little pieces finally start clicking into place, The Book of Confessions kept me hooked from beginning to end.
What made this story so terrifying is that, unlike most horror novels, this feels like something that could actually happen. The stalking, the creeping sense that someone is always watching, and uncovering clue after clue had me completely locked in. Every new revelation made me question everything I thought I knew.
This was exactly the kind of suspenseful, unsettling read I was looking for. If you love psychological thrillers that keep you guessing and make you feel genuinely uneasy, don’t sleep on this one.
June 21, 2026
Who even is Elena Cartwritght? I read this incredibly psychological story and I still cant tell you and thats what made this so great.
This story is a back and forth story of rejection, obsession, tension and an overall tumultuous relationship between aspiring author and literary agent.
The way this was written with the back and forth between characters and always addressing the other as they talk made this unique and fun and kept you asking what is real and what is not. Why did Kate do what she did? Why did she make the decision to ruin someone's aspiring career before it got started? Who is Elena? Why is she so obsessed with Kate and the literary world she wants to be a part of so badly?
Every character was well fleshed out, the dark humor and overtones and double entendres were well placed and really took the story to a much darker and more terrifying place then I originally expected. I really enjoyed this book and if this is the debut novel for Elena (or whoever you are) then I cant wait to see what they have up their sleeve next and I am really looking forward to the follow-up. I would definitely recommend this uniquely dark and disturbing read. The real question is does Elena Cartwright even exists or is this entire author and story just a matter of total fiction.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This story is a back and forth story of rejection, obsession, tension and an overall tumultuous relationship between aspiring author and literary agent.
The way this was written with the back and forth between characters and always addressing the other as they talk made this unique and fun and kept you asking what is real and what is not. Why did Kate do what she did? Why did she make the decision to ruin someone's aspiring career before it got started? Who is Elena? Why is she so obsessed with Kate and the literary world she wants to be a part of so badly?
Every character was well fleshed out, the dark humor and overtones and double entendres were well placed and really took the story to a much darker and more terrifying place then I originally expected. I really enjoyed this book and if this is the debut novel for Elena (or whoever you are) then I cant wait to see what they have up their sleeve next and I am really looking forward to the follow-up. I would definitely recommend this uniquely dark and disturbing read. The real question is does Elena Cartwright even exists or is this entire author and story just a matter of total fiction.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 16, 2026
This novel was one of the best psychological thrillers I've read to date, full of creeping dread, suspense, and follows a seriously unhinged writer seeking to be traditionally published. The first half was a little slower paced, but once we hit the midpoint twist, the reader is hit with twist after twist - most of which I never saw coming. And then when we finally reach the boiling point conclusion, and think you know how the story ends, the author turns things on its head yet again. This novel truly sucked me in so much I was left trying to figure out what is fiction and what is reality - I still don't know. I'll be thinking about this for months to come. If I had to compare this with others, I'd probably say it's a mix of 'You', 'The Shining', and something else I just can't put my finger on. This author is my new must-read. I received this advanced review copy for free, but I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 28, 2026
Review of arc.
The Book of Confessions will have you immediately asking, "What did I just read... and why did I love every second of it?!"
This one has everything:
Obsessive stalking
Outrageous lies
Buried secrets
Deadly revenge
It's completely unhinged, in the best way possible. It’s dark, twisted, intense, addictive, and absolutely impossible to put down. Every chapter pulls you in deeper, and the further you get, the darker, more unsettling and chaotic it becomes.
The multiple POVs add so much depth, giving you a front-row seat to everyone's perspective, including that of a dangerously obsessed stalker who simply refuses to accept "no" for an answer.
As the story spirals further into chaos, you'll constantly question what's real, who's telling the truth, and who you can actually trust. Just when you think you've figured it out, another twist sends everything in a completely different direction.
I absolutely loved this one!
If you love dark, twisty psychological thrillers that leave you questioning everything long after you finish, The Book of Confessions deserves a spot at the top of your TBR.
The Book of Confessions will have you immediately asking, "What did I just read... and why did I love every second of it?!"
This one has everything:
Obsessive stalking
Outrageous lies
Buried secrets
Deadly revenge
It's completely unhinged, in the best way possible. It’s dark, twisted, intense, addictive, and absolutely impossible to put down. Every chapter pulls you in deeper, and the further you get, the darker, more unsettling and chaotic it becomes.
The multiple POVs add so much depth, giving you a front-row seat to everyone's perspective, including that of a dangerously obsessed stalker who simply refuses to accept "no" for an answer.
As the story spirals further into chaos, you'll constantly question what's real, who's telling the truth, and who you can actually trust. Just when you think you've figured it out, another twist sends everything in a completely different direction.
I absolutely loved this one!
If you love dark, twisty psychological thrillers that leave you questioning everything long after you finish, The Book of Confessions deserves a spot at the top of your TBR.
June 21, 2026
This captivating read begins in a whirlwind of chaos, and I enjoyed every moment. With brilliantly crafted, unhinged, and obsessive characters, ! found myself questioning reality throughout the story. The gaslighting is exceptional, and I was completely drawn in. The narrative centers around Kate, a literary agent in London, who becomes entangled with an obsessive writer named Elena Cartwright. Elena is determined to achieve her desires, regardless of any rejections she faces. 😏🤯
July 27, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ 4.5
The Book of Confessions was chaotic in the best possible way. Every single character felt unhinged, manipulative, obsessive, or one bad decision away from completely spiraling… and I was LOCKED IN.
The publishing world drama mixed with the psychological tension made this so addictive to read. Every time I thought I understood what was happening, the book basically hit me with a giant “girl bye.” 😭
Messy characters, toxic vibes, nonstop suspicion, and an ending that left me needing book 2 immediately. If you love dark psychological thrillers where nobody can be trusted, definitely add this one to your TBR.
The Book of Confessions was chaotic in the best possible way. Every single character felt unhinged, manipulative, obsessive, or one bad decision away from completely spiraling… and I was LOCKED IN.
The publishing world drama mixed with the psychological tension made this so addictive to read. Every time I thought I understood what was happening, the book basically hit me with a giant “girl bye.” 😭
Messy characters, toxic vibes, nonstop suspicion, and an ending that left me needing book 2 immediately. If you love dark psychological thrillers where nobody can be trusted, definitely add this one to your TBR.
May 28, 2026
Oh my what a story, I loved every minute of the book. The book of confessions is chilling story that is filled with psychological tension, leaving you gripped every step of the way. The twisted emotions, and an atmosphere that stays with you long after you have finished reading.
This is a Cleverly written suspense the best I've read in a long time.
This is a Cleverly written suspense the best I've read in a long time.
June 13, 2026
I finished this book about midnight last night and I am still trying to figure out what the heck happened.
Unreliable narrators and multiple points of view...I'm not sure where truth ends and lies begin.
If you like a thriller that spins your world on its axis and keeps you guessing until the end, this book is for you!
Unreliable narrators and multiple points of view...I'm not sure where truth ends and lies begin.
If you like a thriller that spins your world on its axis and keeps you guessing until the end, this book is for you!
May 30, 2026
ARC
Ohhhh my lamb!!!! From the verrrryyy first page until the last I was locked in. If you’re not ready to be second guessing yourself this may not be the book for you🤣 I will like to thank booksirens for letting me read the ARC well worth it.
Ohhhh my lamb!!!! From the verrrryyy first page until the last I was locked in. If you’re not ready to be second guessing yourself this may not be the book for you🤣 I will like to thank booksirens for letting me read the ARC well worth it.
June 16, 2026
This was such a fun, twisted read. Elena is one of those characters you know you shouldn't root for, but you can't look away from. Her obsession with getting published and her growing fixation on Kate made for a tense and often uncomfortable story.
I really enjoyed the dark humor and the satirical take on the publishing industry. The author does a great job blurring the lines between fiction and reality… I’m still not sure I know what happened
If you like psychological thrillers with unreliable narrators, messy characters, and plenty of creepiness, this one is definitely worth reading.
Thank you Nigel for the e-copy of this book !
July 15, 2026
This book was so gripping I read it in one sitting. It was such a fun, twisted, unhinged book about obsession, manipulation, and how far people will go to get what they think they deserve.
This book gave “Misery” mixed with “What Lies Between Us” in the best way.
This book gave “Misery” mixed with “What Lies Between Us” in the best way.
June 18, 2026
Talk about a twisted dark physiological thriller that will have you hooked from the very beginning and have you shocked by the end of the book! Received this book as an arc and so happy to have read it, it was so twisted in so many ways, like can this be a film!!!
July 11, 2026
I genuinely enjoyed this book! I loved the writing style and how different the story felt from what I normally read. It was unique, engaging, and kept me interested throughout. I can appreciate an author who takes a different approach and isn’t afraid to tell a story in their own way. If you love thrillers, I’d recommend The Book of Confessions! It’s not predictable and has a few plot twists you didn’t see coming.
May 21, 2026
This is a very dark thriller. Check your trigger warnings.
It has multiple povs. The characters are extremely unlikeable but the story keeps you gripped until the very end. It follows Kate a literary agent that is being stalked by a not-yet author, Elena. It shows to what depths some people are willing to go to achieve their dreams. The only question is, is writing Elena’s dream or is it Kate?
It has multiple povs. The characters are extremely unlikeable but the story keeps you gripped until the very end. It follows Kate a literary agent that is being stalked by a not-yet author, Elena. It shows to what depths some people are willing to go to achieve their dreams. The only question is, is writing Elena’s dream or is it Kate?
July 11, 2026
Thank you to the author for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (4.5 stars)
I genuinely don't know what I was expecting going into this book...but it definitely wasn't THIS. The Book of Confessions completely exceeded my expectations and ended up being one of the most unique psychological thrillers I've read in a loooong time.
Nigel is an absolutely UNHINGED narrator, and I mean that as the highest compliment. He gave me major Joe Goldberg vibes in the sense that you're trapped inside the mind of someone who is clearly not right in the head, yet somehow they're so charismatic and unintentionally funny that you can't help but to like him a bit despite them being a whole villain. The writing had me laughing far more than I anticipated!
What I appreciated most was just how layered this story is. On the surface, it's a psychological thriller about obsession, rejection, and revenge within the publishing industry. But if you pay close attention, you'll start noticing little Easter eggs sprinkled throughout the story that blur the line between fiction and reality in a way that makes you wonder if you need to be concerned for the author's mental stability. 😂 My brain was spiraling trying to figure out what was real, what was fabricated, and how much of Nigel's story was inspired by actual events.
The twists absolutely delivered. The ending was incredibly satisfying, I'm talking jaw on the FLOOR. And I immediately found myself wanting more from this author. A GREAT debut novel!
HIGHLY recommend for fans of psychological thrillers, obsessive narrators, and stories involving stalking!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (4.5 stars)
I genuinely don't know what I was expecting going into this book...but it definitely wasn't THIS. The Book of Confessions completely exceeded my expectations and ended up being one of the most unique psychological thrillers I've read in a loooong time.
Nigel is an absolutely UNHINGED narrator, and I mean that as the highest compliment. He gave me major Joe Goldberg vibes in the sense that you're trapped inside the mind of someone who is clearly not right in the head, yet somehow they're so charismatic and unintentionally funny that you can't help but to like him a bit despite them being a whole villain. The writing had me laughing far more than I anticipated!
What I appreciated most was just how layered this story is. On the surface, it's a psychological thriller about obsession, rejection, and revenge within the publishing industry. But if you pay close attention, you'll start noticing little Easter eggs sprinkled throughout the story that blur the line between fiction and reality in a way that makes you wonder if you need to be concerned for the author's mental stability. 😂 My brain was spiraling trying to figure out what was real, what was fabricated, and how much of Nigel's story was inspired by actual events.
The twists absolutely delivered. The ending was incredibly satisfying, I'm talking jaw on the FLOOR. And I immediately found myself wanting more from this author. A GREAT debut novel!
HIGHLY recommend for fans of psychological thrillers, obsessive narrators, and stories involving stalking!
July 16, 2026
This book had me hooked.
The story was cleverly done, right down to the title and author. I don't want to give too much away.
What I will say is that if you want a fast paced read, with suspense and tension then this is one for you.
100% recommend reading this book!
The story was cleverly done, right down to the title and author. I don't want to give too much away.
What I will say is that if you want a fast paced read, with suspense and tension then this is one for you.
100% recommend reading this book!
May 27, 2026
4.5 stars! This book had me feeling like I was being gaslight to believe one thing and it turned out to be another! The concept of the writer being rejected by the literary agent worked well! There was moments of banter and sarcasm! The scheming, stalking, obsession, relationships dynamics, and stone walling made this story hard to put down! I didn’t feel bad for any of the characters! They were all mentally unstable! Malcolm was pathetic and disgusting! I like him the least!
The ending…. Ummm yeah! I need book 2 asap!
The ending…. Ummm yeah! I need book 2 asap!
July 4, 2026
4.5 ⭐️. This book was absolutely insane. Whatttt did I just read?! I don’t know if I should be terrified, distraught, impressed, disgusted, or a little bit of all of those. I’ve never read a physiological thriller like this one before. There were so many moments in this book where all I could think was WTF because of the crazy/shocking things I read. I literally stayed up until 3 AM reading because I had to see how it ended. This story illustrates how deep obsession can turn into something ridiculously dark, twisted, gross, sadistic, and horrifying. The person causing all the chaos is absolutely diabolical and I wasn’t expecting all those plot twists. That cliffhanger left me wanting to know more. I think some parts felt a little repetitive but it wasn’t too excessive and it kind of made sense for the multiple P.O.V.s. Also, it was cool learning some new UK slangs and phrases by googling their meanings as I read. It would be nice to see synonyms included the first time a word or phrase that may be unfamiliar to American readers is introduced. The Book Of Confessions was definitely a great read with unhinged but very entertaining/interesting characters!
July 3, 2026
Thank you to the author for providing me with a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
This book is less of a traditional thriller and more of a psychological battle between two characters. Told through the perspectives of the author and the literary agent, it explores how obsession, resentment, and intense emotions can spiral into something deeply toxic.
The writing is incredibly easy to read and engaging, making it the kind of book you could easily finish in one sitting. The first half is a little slower, as it's mostly a back-and-forth between the two main characters. Just when you think you've reached the big twist, you realise there's still plenty of the story left to unfold.
The second half is where the thriller really comes alive. The pace ramps up, the tension builds, and there are several gruesome scenes that definitely aren't for the squeamish.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. I think the author is playing a psychological game not only with the characters but also with the reader. By the end, you're left questioning what was real, what was fiction, and whether you can truly trust the story you've just been told. If you enjoy slow-burn psychological thrillers that blur the line between reality and fiction, this is definitely worth picking up.
This book is less of a traditional thriller and more of a psychological battle between two characters. Told through the perspectives of the author and the literary agent, it explores how obsession, resentment, and intense emotions can spiral into something deeply toxic.
The writing is incredibly easy to read and engaging, making it the kind of book you could easily finish in one sitting. The first half is a little slower, as it's mostly a back-and-forth between the two main characters. Just when you think you've reached the big twist, you realise there's still plenty of the story left to unfold.
The second half is where the thriller really comes alive. The pace ramps up, the tension builds, and there are several gruesome scenes that definitely aren't for the squeamish.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. I think the author is playing a psychological game not only with the characters but also with the reader. By the end, you're left questioning what was real, what was fiction, and whether you can truly trust the story you've just been told. If you enjoy slow-burn psychological thrillers that blur the line between reality and fiction, this is definitely worth picking up.
June 25, 2026
This book had me turning pages well into the night. The manipulation, emotional twists, gaslighting, and jaw-dropping moments had me staring at the wall trying to process what I had just read.
The story follows Elena, an aspiring author whose fascination with publisher Kate slowly spirals into something far more dangerous. When Kate rejects Elena’s manuscript, what begins as disappointment quickly descends into a dark and unsettling obsession.
The tension builds at a relentless pace, and the story takes shocking turns that left me completely stunned. Elena is one of the most unhinged, unforgettable characters I’ve read in a long time, making this a gripping psychological thriller that is impossible to put down.
If you enjoy dark, obsessive characters and stories that keep you questioning what will happen next, this is one to add to your TBR. I cannot wait to dive into the next installment, Book of Obsessions.
The story follows Elena, an aspiring author whose fascination with publisher Kate slowly spirals into something far more dangerous. When Kate rejects Elena’s manuscript, what begins as disappointment quickly descends into a dark and unsettling obsession.
The tension builds at a relentless pace, and the story takes shocking turns that left me completely stunned. Elena is one of the most unhinged, unforgettable characters I’ve read in a long time, making this a gripping psychological thriller that is impossible to put down.
If you enjoy dark, obsessive characters and stories that keep you questioning what will happen next, this is one to add to your TBR. I cannot wait to dive into the next installment, Book of Obsessions.
July 17, 2026
One of My Favorite Books this year. It gave obsessed, no boundaries, rejection meets psychopath. Plot twist in every chapter, vengeance, mental health. The thriller in those books was on point I loved it and I can read it again.
June 24, 2026
Everybody in this book needs therapy. This story was insane… I was on the edge of my seat, and felt so creeped out.
July 18, 2026
What a wild Read! Everyone in this book is out for themselves and I have never felt so gaslit lol. I loved the writing in this down to the who is who, the obsession, craziness and the backstabbing, messiness and plot twist.. I can't wait for the next book. Nigel is something else!
August 4, 2026
This book had me palm-ing my forehead in disbelief by the end of it! I always enjoy books with multiple POVs, and this book had several, without feeling overly repetitive. I am so glad that there is a second book to this series because the ending definitely left me with questions.
The story follows a literary agent, Kate, as she deals with an overly complicated author who has become obsessed with not only getting published, but with Kate herself. The story has a few wild twists, one of which I did not see coming!
There are some major trigger warnings for this book, including stalking, torture, and obviously murder.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The story follows a literary agent, Kate, as she deals with an overly complicated author who has become obsessed with not only getting published, but with Kate herself. The story has a few wild twists, one of which I did not see coming!
There are some major trigger warnings for this book, including stalking, torture, and obviously murder.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 2, 2026
I don't think I've ever had a book send me down an internet rabbit hole quite like this one.
I went into The Book of Confessions expecting a psychological thriller, but I wasn't expecting to pause my reading to Google names, look up a literary agency, and try to figure out what was real and what was part of the story. The book constantly blurs the line between fiction and reality, and I found myself questioning everything.
The story follows an aspiring author desperate to be published, but beyond that, I think it's best to go in with as little information as possible. Part of the fun is trying to piece together what's actually happening.
This isn't a fast-paced thriller filled with nonstop action. Instead, it's a slow-burning psychological puzzle that keeps making you second-guess yourself. By the time I finished, I still had questions—and strangely enough, I think that's exactly what the author wanted.
If you enjoy unreliable narrators, metafiction, stories about the publishing world, and psychological thrillers that leave you thinking long after you've turned the last page, I'd definitely recommend giving this one a try.
The biggest compliment I can give this book is that it didn't just entertain me—it made me investigate it. I can't remember the last time a novel had me opening Google while I was still reading because I genuinely couldn't tell where the story ended and reality began.
I went into The Book of Confessions expecting a psychological thriller, but I wasn't expecting to pause my reading to Google names, look up a literary agency, and try to figure out what was real and what was part of the story. The book constantly blurs the line between fiction and reality, and I found myself questioning everything.
The story follows an aspiring author desperate to be published, but beyond that, I think it's best to go in with as little information as possible. Part of the fun is trying to piece together what's actually happening.
This isn't a fast-paced thriller filled with nonstop action. Instead, it's a slow-burning psychological puzzle that keeps making you second-guess yourself. By the time I finished, I still had questions—and strangely enough, I think that's exactly what the author wanted.
If you enjoy unreliable narrators, metafiction, stories about the publishing world, and psychological thrillers that leave you thinking long after you've turned the last page, I'd definitely recommend giving this one a try.
The biggest compliment I can give this book is that it didn't just entertain me—it made me investigate it. I can't remember the last time a novel had me opening Google while I was still reading because I genuinely couldn't tell where the story ended and reality began.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC provided — opinions are my own.
This book is unhinged in extreme detail, and I mean that as the highest compliment.
The Book of Confessions follows Kate, a literary agent whose routine rejection of a manuscript spirals into something far worse. The writer, Elena, doesn’t take the no personally — she makes Kate’s life her project. What unfolds is part stalker thriller, part Joe-Goldberg-from-YOU obsession, part metafictional nightmare.
Short chapters. Relentless pacing. Nearly every character unraveling in some way. The entire time I was reading, I had to know what extreme detail was coming next.
What elevates this beyond a typical stalker thriller is how it plays with identity and perception — who we think we know, who we let into our lives based on words on a page, and how easily a constructed identity becomes a weapon. Cartwright leans into the most predatory version of manipulation.
The meta layers extend beyond the page, too. There’s a real-feeling literary agency website tied to the book. Even my ARC came through a channel that made me question the line between fiction and reality. That’s part of the experience — and it adds a chilling resonance to the read.
This book is unhinged in extreme detail, and I mean that as the highest compliment.
The Book of Confessions follows Kate, a literary agent whose routine rejection of a manuscript spirals into something far worse. The writer, Elena, doesn’t take the no personally — she makes Kate’s life her project. What unfolds is part stalker thriller, part Joe-Goldberg-from-YOU obsession, part metafictional nightmare.
Short chapters. Relentless pacing. Nearly every character unraveling in some way. The entire time I was reading, I had to know what extreme detail was coming next.
What elevates this beyond a typical stalker thriller is how it plays with identity and perception — who we think we know, who we let into our lives based on words on a page, and how easily a constructed identity becomes a weapon. Cartwright leans into the most predatory version of manipulation.
The meta layers extend beyond the page, too. There’s a real-feeling literary agency website tied to the book. Even my ARC came through a channel that made me question the line between fiction and reality. That’s part of the experience — and it adds a chilling resonance to the read.
Review of advance copy
Kate is a successful literary agent in London. She has the power to make or break the dreams of every long struggling writer. She loves her job- she’s obsessed with perfection.
Enter Elena, a writer who has been rejected by Kate’s publishing house for years. Can Elena finally get Kate to notice her? Will Elena’s novel be a best seller?
Trust me when I tell you that this is a wild ride from start to finish… you might think you know how it’s going to end, but you won’t. WILD!
A novel about the price of being someone capable of smashing everything to bits and rising again. A twisty, weird read . Read it!
I received an advance copy for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily.
Enter Elena, a writer who has been rejected by Kate’s publishing house for years. Can Elena finally get Kate to notice her? Will Elena’s novel be a best seller?
Trust me when I tell you that this is a wild ride from start to finish… you might think you know how it’s going to end, but you won’t. WILD!
A novel about the price of being someone capable of smashing everything to bits and rising again. A twisty, weird read . Read it!
I received an advance copy for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you to the author/publisher for providing me with a free ARC copy in exchange for my honest review.
Kate is a successful literary agent who comes across a writer, Elena, who keeps submitting book after book even though she is constantly rejected. They’ve never actually met in person, but Elena becomes really obsessed with Kate and even says at one point that they should be together. What starts out a little strange eventually turns into full on stalking.
This book was such a crazy ride the whole way through. It kept my attention and I seriously did not want to put it down. There were so many mind blowing moments that I never would’ve guessed were going to happen.
Kate is a successful literary agent who comes across a writer, Elena, who keeps submitting book after book even though she is constantly rejected. They’ve never actually met in person, but Elena becomes really obsessed with Kate and even says at one point that they should be together. What starts out a little strange eventually turns into full on stalking.
This book was such a crazy ride the whole way through. It kept my attention and I seriously did not want to put it down. There were so many mind blowing moments that I never would’ve guessed were going to happen.
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