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The Atwelle Confession
After discovering rare gargoyles mysteriously positioned inside an ancient church being restored in the small English town of Atwelle, the architect Don Whitby and a young research historian Margeaux Wood realize that the gargoyles are predicting the bizarre murders that are occurring in the town. Five hundred years earlier when the church is being built, two powerful families in Atwelle are contesting control of the region in the delicate backdrop of King Henry VIII’s dispute with the Pope over the King’s divorce. In the middle of these conflicts, the same bizarre murders are being committed in the town. Two stories of identical macabre murders five hundred years apart - One surprising solution in the mystery of the gargoyles and the Atwelle Confession.
283 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 19, 2017
8 people are currently reading
271 people want to read
About the author
Joel Gordonson
3 books9 followersJoel Gordonson, before becoming a novelist, has enjoyed a career as an international attorney. He holds law degrees in the United States and from the University of Cambridge.
Gordonson’s family tree includes a long line of ministers, including a great-grandfather who emigrated from Europe in 1860 to become a missionary on the American western frontier. It is this lineage that influenced the subject of his first novel, That Boy from Nazareth.
Gordonson’s family tree includes a long line of ministers, including a great-grandfather who emigrated from Europe in 1860 to become a missionary on the American western frontier. It is this lineage that influenced the subject of his first novel, That Boy from Nazareth.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
December 16, 2017
During religious wars in England, a church gets most of its support from two families, as a savvy priest pits them against one another.
Meanwhile, 500 or so years later, researchers into the church find gargoyles that appear to predict murders happening today.
The two storylines intersect.
Then we get a Da Vinci Code knockoff. At the end, I was disappointed, because it all seemed so easy.
Meanwhile, 500 or so years later, researchers into the church find gargoyles that appear to predict murders happening today.
The two storylines intersect.
Then we get a Da Vinci Code knockoff. At the end, I was disappointed, because it all seemed so easy.
September 16, 2017
This thriller is an entertaining, simple read. Something suitable for the summer or the commute.
But i found the characters a bit plain and underdeveloped, and the ending, which i suppose had intended to be surprising, quite dull. The motivations of the characters behind the ploy were a bit weird and unrealistic and not explained enough.
Still, a non-demanding, quick mystery read.
*I received a free copy from the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review*
But i found the characters a bit plain and underdeveloped, and the ending, which i suppose had intended to be surprising, quite dull. The motivations of the characters behind the ploy were a bit weird and unrealistic and not explained enough.
Still, a non-demanding, quick mystery read.
*I received a free copy from the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review*
March 13, 2018
An entertaining read which cracked along at a speedy pace. Since I have a little knowledge of the area, this added a degree of attachment to the story but even without that, the book does not out stay its welcome and even felt somewhat rushed at the end.
September 1, 2017
So, what we have here is a mystery spanning centuries connected by some carved gargoyles inside of a church. Each gargoyle is different and hints to part of the past of the two families who helped build the church. Why in the world a gruesome story is depicted inside of the church is something Don and Margeaux is trying to figure out. Are the gargoyles cursed? Is someone just using the symbolism to conduct their deadly deeds?
There wasn't really any depth to this story. The reader only catches glimpses here and there of some of the characters' pasts. I cannot think of one character I got to know at a really personal, emotional level. This read like a story a person would tell around the campfire.
Not all of the conversations were awkward in the book but enough of them were to make me wonder about the quality of the editor's handiwork. Also, some of the scenes in the book felt staged, like an old black-and-white movie. The example I want to give you is towards the end of the book so I won't post it here to prevent any spoilers but when I read it I was like, "Really?! That isn't believable at all."
I started out intrigued and excited to read this novel only to end up disappointed by the lack of character depth and cheesy situational flow. I didn't hate this book but it's also not one I'd go out of my way to recommend, which means this book will only get two stars from me.
*A physical copy was provided by the publicist, FSB Associates, in exchange for an honest review.
There wasn't really any depth to this story. The reader only catches glimpses here and there of some of the characters' pasts. I cannot think of one character I got to know at a really personal, emotional level. This read like a story a person would tell around the campfire.
Not all of the conversations were awkward in the book but enough of them were to make me wonder about the quality of the editor's handiwork. Also, some of the scenes in the book felt staged, like an old black-and-white movie. The example I want to give you is towards the end of the book so I won't post it here to prevent any spoilers but when I read it I was like, "Really?! That isn't believable at all."
I started out intrigued and excited to read this novel only to end up disappointed by the lack of character depth and cheesy situational flow. I didn't hate this book but it's also not one I'd go out of my way to recommend, which means this book will only get two stars from me.
*A physical copy was provided by the publicist, FSB Associates, in exchange for an honest review.
October 1, 2017
I was offered a free copy of this new novel in return for an honest review. I was very happy to be given the opportunity to read it, and I'm very grateful that the publisher reached out to me.
While I found the premise of the book clever - mysterious gargoyles tying back to the 16th century, found in a church by two modern-day academics - the book, as a whole, fell flat. There was murder and scandal, both present-day and 500 years ago... but maybe it was the fact that the author divides each chapter into continuing the stories of both time periods, and that dragged on for me. I didn't feel a real connection with either story, or any of the characters. As a result, I didn't much care about the murders, the gargoyles, or the mystery - in either story.
However, I'll admit that the idea was an interesting one. Joel Gordonson reveals in the preface of the book that the discovery of "rare half demonic-half human wooden figures carved int eh veiling of the parish church of St. Clement is a true event". He's created a fictional story surrounding that factual event, and that's a clever thing to do. In general, his story was a good one - but the delivery of it wasn't as engaging as I'd have liked it to be.
Overall, an okay historical mystery, and easy to read and follow. But nothing incredibly special that I'll remember after a few days.
While I found the premise of the book clever - mysterious gargoyles tying back to the 16th century, found in a church by two modern-day academics - the book, as a whole, fell flat. There was murder and scandal, both present-day and 500 years ago... but maybe it was the fact that the author divides each chapter into continuing the stories of both time periods, and that dragged on for me. I didn't feel a real connection with either story, or any of the characters. As a result, I didn't much care about the murders, the gargoyles, or the mystery - in either story.
However, I'll admit that the idea was an interesting one. Joel Gordonson reveals in the preface of the book that the discovery of "rare half demonic-half human wooden figures carved int eh veiling of the parish church of St. Clement is a true event". He's created a fictional story surrounding that factual event, and that's a clever thing to do. In general, his story was a good one - but the delivery of it wasn't as engaging as I'd have liked it to be.
Overall, an okay historical mystery, and easy to read and follow. But nothing incredibly special that I'll remember after a few days.
September 14, 2017
Read my full review here: http://mimi-cyberlibrarian.blogspot.c...
Joel Gordonson sat listening to a medieval scholar tell of her discoveries at a small church in Norfolk in England. Apparently the researchers had found a set of 12 carvings of demons (gargoyles) in the roof of the nave of St. Clement's Church in the village of Outwell. His imagination took wing, and the book The Atwelle Confession is the result of his imaginings.
The novel revolves around the building of St. Clements Church in 1532 and the discovery of the gargoyles in 2017. (The actual discovery took place in 2012.) Here is a summary of the plot:
After discovering rare gargoyles mysteriously positioned inside an ancient church being restored in the small English town of Atwelle, architect Don Whitby and a young research historian, Margeaux Wood, realize that the gargoyles are predicting the bizarre murders that are occurring in the town.
Five hundred years earlier when the church is constructed, two powerful families in Atwelle are contesting control of the region in the fraught backdrop of King Henry VIII’s dispute with the pope over the king’s divorce. In the middle of these conflicts, the same bizarre murders are being committed in the town.
The Atwelle Confession is the story of two macabre murders that take place five hundred years apart, and one surprising solution.
Frankly, the best aspects of the book are the premise and the authentic history of the church. It was fun to see how the author's imagination took over and created a plot using the history of the church as well as the "reality" of the church in 2017. However, there are gaps in the character development and dialogue that kept me from being totally captivated. I hope that as Gordonson develops his skills as a novelist, he will work on his character development. On a good note, I was really surprised by the villain, and I always love it when you just can't guess who the murderer is.
The Atwelle Confession definitely made me want to journey to England and look up St. Clement's Church to see those ominous and creepy gargoyles holding up the roof. Those aspects of the novel were visual and enticing. Gordonson obviously did his research. Currently the church is being restored. It is a unique representation of the medieval church and the controversy between Henry VIII and the Pope. That part of the story line is also well developed.
One of the most enticing aspects of travel is to see the progression of history through the architecture of a country—particularly the architecture of the Christian churches. We witnessed that just recently on our trip to Norway and visited several Stave churches. One of them, in particular, had gargoyles in the roofline. The theology behind the gargoyles remains a mystery, in much the same way that they are a mystery in the St. Clement's Church.
Joel Gordonson sat listening to a medieval scholar tell of her discoveries at a small church in Norfolk in England. Apparently the researchers had found a set of 12 carvings of demons (gargoyles) in the roof of the nave of St. Clement's Church in the village of Outwell. His imagination took wing, and the book The Atwelle Confession is the result of his imaginings.
The novel revolves around the building of St. Clements Church in 1532 and the discovery of the gargoyles in 2017. (The actual discovery took place in 2012.) Here is a summary of the plot:
After discovering rare gargoyles mysteriously positioned inside an ancient church being restored in the small English town of Atwelle, architect Don Whitby and a young research historian, Margeaux Wood, realize that the gargoyles are predicting the bizarre murders that are occurring in the town.
Five hundred years earlier when the church is constructed, two powerful families in Atwelle are contesting control of the region in the fraught backdrop of King Henry VIII’s dispute with the pope over the king’s divorce. In the middle of these conflicts, the same bizarre murders are being committed in the town.
The Atwelle Confession is the story of two macabre murders that take place five hundred years apart, and one surprising solution.
Frankly, the best aspects of the book are the premise and the authentic history of the church. It was fun to see how the author's imagination took over and created a plot using the history of the church as well as the "reality" of the church in 2017. However, there are gaps in the character development and dialogue that kept me from being totally captivated. I hope that as Gordonson develops his skills as a novelist, he will work on his character development. On a good note, I was really surprised by the villain, and I always love it when you just can't guess who the murderer is.
The Atwelle Confession definitely made me want to journey to England and look up St. Clement's Church to see those ominous and creepy gargoyles holding up the roof. Those aspects of the novel were visual and enticing. Gordonson obviously did his research. Currently the church is being restored. It is a unique representation of the medieval church and the controversy between Henry VIII and the Pope. That part of the story line is also well developed.
One of the most enticing aspects of travel is to see the progression of history through the architecture of a country—particularly the architecture of the Christian churches. We witnessed that just recently on our trip to Norway and visited several Stave churches. One of them, in particular, had gargoyles in the roofline. The theology behind the gargoyles remains a mystery, in much the same way that they are a mystery in the St. Clement's Church.
August 15, 2017
4 stars
Odd premise aside, this is a pretty good book.
The opening of the book is set in Atwelle, Norfolk in 1532. It is the twenty-third year in the reign of King Henry VIII. Two men are accused of having to do with something they shouldn’t have and are sentenced to confess publicly in front of crowds. The men say that that will be their ruin.
We then move forward to the present day. A vicar is murdered just after he posts a letter. The murder is committed by someone the vicar knew.
Margeaux Wood is an historian researcher. She is currently looking into the old Atwelle church and has some interesting questions about it and some problems. Don Whitby is an architect who is restoring the Atwelle church. They meet and begin to discuss the church and its interesting history. It was being built in 1532. A major concern of the Catholics being asked for money to build the church is the outcome of King Henry’s squabble with the Pope. Demanding a divorce while the Pope equivocates, it remains uncertain what Henry will do. If he breaks with the Church, what will happen to the Catholics who donated heavily to the building of the new church? They fear for their businesses, even for their very lives.
As Don and Margeaux begin to explore the inside of the roof of the old church, they notice strange carvings. They’re gargoyles! And they’re holding the on to the heads of various individuals. Margeaux also gets a visit from a police man wanting information about Don.
As they continue to examine the gargoyles, strange murders begin to occur in and around the church. People are being killed according to the gargoyles’ predictions! The reader knows that these same crimes were also committed in 1532, in the same manner. Margeaux and Dan suspect that the gargoyles have something to do with the whole situation, but who is going to believe this?
It all comes to an exciting and startling conclusion on All Hallow’s Eve…it was a dark and stormy night…I was surprised that the main “bad guy” covered their tracks so well. Mr. Gordonson did a masterful job in obscuring their identity.
This book is well written and the plotting is pretty good. There were some rather unbelievable twists in the plot, but when the denouement is concluded, it all makes more sense. There wasn’t much relationship conflict or background given on any of the major characters. This book is just straight story. While the book starts out rather slowly, the suspense picks up a little further into the novel and then builds nicely from there. I’m not sure I would call this a mystery, for it is almost a horror novel. I’ll look into Mr. Gordonson’s other books as well.
I want to thank NetGalley and SelectBooks for forwarding to me a copy of this interesting book for me to read and enjoy.
Odd premise aside, this is a pretty good book.
The opening of the book is set in Atwelle, Norfolk in 1532. It is the twenty-third year in the reign of King Henry VIII. Two men are accused of having to do with something they shouldn’t have and are sentenced to confess publicly in front of crowds. The men say that that will be their ruin.
We then move forward to the present day. A vicar is murdered just after he posts a letter. The murder is committed by someone the vicar knew.
Margeaux Wood is an historian researcher. She is currently looking into the old Atwelle church and has some interesting questions about it and some problems. Don Whitby is an architect who is restoring the Atwelle church. They meet and begin to discuss the church and its interesting history. It was being built in 1532. A major concern of the Catholics being asked for money to build the church is the outcome of King Henry’s squabble with the Pope. Demanding a divorce while the Pope equivocates, it remains uncertain what Henry will do. If he breaks with the Church, what will happen to the Catholics who donated heavily to the building of the new church? They fear for their businesses, even for their very lives.
As Don and Margeaux begin to explore the inside of the roof of the old church, they notice strange carvings. They’re gargoyles! And they’re holding the on to the heads of various individuals. Margeaux also gets a visit from a police man wanting information about Don.
As they continue to examine the gargoyles, strange murders begin to occur in and around the church. People are being killed according to the gargoyles’ predictions! The reader knows that these same crimes were also committed in 1532, in the same manner. Margeaux and Dan suspect that the gargoyles have something to do with the whole situation, but who is going to believe this?
It all comes to an exciting and startling conclusion on All Hallow’s Eve…it was a dark and stormy night…I was surprised that the main “bad guy” covered their tracks so well. Mr. Gordonson did a masterful job in obscuring their identity.
This book is well written and the plotting is pretty good. There were some rather unbelievable twists in the plot, but when the denouement is concluded, it all makes more sense. There wasn’t much relationship conflict or background given on any of the major characters. This book is just straight story. While the book starts out rather slowly, the suspense picks up a little further into the novel and then builds nicely from there. I’m not sure I would call this a mystery, for it is almost a horror novel. I’ll look into Mr. Gordonson’s other books as well.
I want to thank NetGalley and SelectBooks for forwarding to me a copy of this interesting book for me to read and enjoy.
September 23, 2017
There’s something odd about St. Clements church in Atwelle, Cambridge researcher Margeaux Wood can feel it. When odd gargoyles are found carved into the eaves of the church during its restoration, her hunch seems to be confirmed. Teaming up with Don Whiby, the architect in charge of the restorations, Margeaux sets out to uncover the story behind the unique carvings. But then there is a murder, and soon another, and the pattern of the murders seems to echo the mysterious carvings in the eves. Furthermore, these murders seem to echo similar crimes committed during the reign of Henry VIII . . .
I really liked the concept of this book. The interplay between Tudor England and modern times was well done. Gordonson gives the reader a wealth of historical detail to work with, and I found the balancing act played by both church officials and highly placed citizenry during Henry VIII’s conflict with the Vatican to be truly fascinating. The mystery itself is original and interesting.
That being said, I found the execution of the book to be somewhat wanting. The characters of Margeaux and Don, and others central to the plot, feel a bit unfinished. There is little to the characters beyond the immediate needs of the story, nothing about wants, desires, or dreams beyond the gargoyles in the church. Additionally, the antagonists seem to have little motivation for being such. They are acting to foil or to harm our protagonists, yes, but why?
There are some nicely suspenseful scenes in this book, with a good creep factor to boot. But I did find that several opportunities for suspense were passed by, possibly to increase the pace of the book. The plot does move quickly, but occasionally feels like it’s stampeding along, sacrificing plot and character development in the process.
I guess my overall impression is one of haste. The plot gallops along, leaving us with quick glimpses of something fascinating. Taking the time to give the reader a bit more to work with, to flesh out the characters, the world they live in, and the (really quite interesting) central mystery would have given this book real punch.
In all, this is a fantastic idea, with a great amount of attention paid to historical detail. Gordonson is certainly able to craft a compelling story. But I feel that as written, we are seeing only the bare bones of a great story.
An advance copy of this book was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I really liked the concept of this book. The interplay between Tudor England and modern times was well done. Gordonson gives the reader a wealth of historical detail to work with, and I found the balancing act played by both church officials and highly placed citizenry during Henry VIII’s conflict with the Vatican to be truly fascinating. The mystery itself is original and interesting.
That being said, I found the execution of the book to be somewhat wanting. The characters of Margeaux and Don, and others central to the plot, feel a bit unfinished. There is little to the characters beyond the immediate needs of the story, nothing about wants, desires, or dreams beyond the gargoyles in the church. Additionally, the antagonists seem to have little motivation for being such. They are acting to foil or to harm our protagonists, yes, but why?
There are some nicely suspenseful scenes in this book, with a good creep factor to boot. But I did find that several opportunities for suspense were passed by, possibly to increase the pace of the book. The plot does move quickly, but occasionally feels like it’s stampeding along, sacrificing plot and character development in the process.
I guess my overall impression is one of haste. The plot gallops along, leaving us with quick glimpses of something fascinating. Taking the time to give the reader a bit more to work with, to flesh out the characters, the world they live in, and the (really quite interesting) central mystery would have given this book real punch.
In all, this is a fantastic idea, with a great amount of attention paid to historical detail. Gordonson is certainly able to craft a compelling story. But I feel that as written, we are seeing only the bare bones of a great story.
An advance copy of this book was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
September 16, 2017
As other reviewers have said, I came here via the 'gargoyle groupie' door. I do love gargoyles. I also love period mysteries and old/ancient churches. This book ticked a lot of boxes for me.
The book is written in alternating flashback chapters which are labeled, so the story isn't difficult to follow. It's a good thing, since the dialogue is -very- anachronistic and clunky in places. I found myself wincing occasionally after a particularly wooden bit of narrative. There were 'academic interactions' which bordered on being painful to read.
The 16th century bits of the story are well researched and I found no obvious problems with the historical timeline. It's worth noting that I am not a historian, just an interested amateur, so if there are anachronisms (outside the dialogue, yikes), please don't poke me with pointy sticks, thanks.
The characterizations are not in-depth or well developed. I never found myself connecting on any level with any of the characters. I wasn't engaged beyond wanting to find out why these murders which are separated by 500some years happened. The resolution of the mystery was mostly satisfying and without spoiling anything, I was amused that a lawyer came up with such a convoluted solution.
The book is a solid 3 stars and I enjoyed reading it. It would make a good summer airport/travel read.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher
The book is written in alternating flashback chapters which are labeled, so the story isn't difficult to follow. It's a good thing, since the dialogue is -very- anachronistic and clunky in places. I found myself wincing occasionally after a particularly wooden bit of narrative. There were 'academic interactions' which bordered on being painful to read.
The 16th century bits of the story are well researched and I found no obvious problems with the historical timeline. It's worth noting that I am not a historian, just an interested amateur, so if there are anachronisms (outside the dialogue, yikes), please don't poke me with pointy sticks, thanks.
The characterizations are not in-depth or well developed. I never found myself connecting on any level with any of the characters. I wasn't engaged beyond wanting to find out why these murders which are separated by 500some years happened. The resolution of the mystery was mostly satisfying and without spoiling anything, I was amused that a lawyer came up with such a convoluted solution.
The book is a solid 3 stars and I enjoyed reading it. It would make a good summer airport/travel read.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher
September 19, 2017
Margeaux Wood is researching the Atwelle Church and Don Whitby is the one restoring it. They get talking about the history of the church and how it relates to King Henry and his argument with the Pope. While exploring the church Margeaux and Don discover some gargoyles in the inside of the roof. It seems that people are being murdered in the area in the same sequence as the gargoyles holding the heads.
At the same time we follow along as King Henry VIII’s is fighting the Pope over his divorce. We witness the balance we have has he decides what could happen with his breaking with the church. As we read about 1532, we learn that there are murders happening in the same sequence as the gargoyles too.
This was an interesting story. I don’t really know much about Henry VIII so I did enjoy learning about that. I think the mystery was well executed and I did not expect the killer at the end of the book so that was a plus. The story did start out a little slow but did pick up the pace. I just had a tough time with the dialog. It seemed rough, the interactions between the characters seems forced. I think this is what made the book tougher to read.
But I did like the story. It looks like this is Joel Gordonson’s second book so I do see things flowing better from here. I am interested in reading other books from Mr. Gordonson.
I received The Atwelle Confession from FSB Associates for free. This has in no way influenced my opinion of this book.
At the same time we follow along as King Henry VIII’s is fighting the Pope over his divorce. We witness the balance we have has he decides what could happen with his breaking with the church. As we read about 1532, we learn that there are murders happening in the same sequence as the gargoyles too.
This was an interesting story. I don’t really know much about Henry VIII so I did enjoy learning about that. I think the mystery was well executed and I did not expect the killer at the end of the book so that was a plus. The story did start out a little slow but did pick up the pace. I just had a tough time with the dialog. It seemed rough, the interactions between the characters seems forced. I think this is what made the book tougher to read.
But I did like the story. It looks like this is Joel Gordonson’s second book so I do see things flowing better from here. I am interested in reading other books from Mr. Gordonson.
I received The Atwelle Confession from FSB Associates for free. This has in no way influenced my opinion of this book.
September 7, 2017
The synopsis for this book sounded interesting but I am not fond of the cover it just does not do the book justice. While I am a fan of mysteries, I just could not get into this book. The plot line was a different one with not a lot of depth and it could have used more character development and backstories to really mesh everything together. You only get bits and pieces of the characters past here and there nothing that helps with the overall story. I was curious about this book at first but as I read page after page I just could not get into this book and was disappointed at the end. ** A physical copy was provided by the publicist, FSB Associates, in exchange for an honest and unbiased review. **
October 28, 2017
Thanks to FSB Associates for a review copy.
Loved it! What a great book with a parallel storyline that converges in the climax. The Atwelle Confession is a well written historical mystery full of suspense. Author Joel Gordonson writes in such a way it's easy to dive right into the story. Well researched, entertaining with a scholarly taste.
The tension, conflict, dilemma and unraveling of historical mystery slowly builds ending in a satisfying resolution.
Loved it! What a great book with a parallel storyline that converges in the climax. The Atwelle Confession is a well written historical mystery full of suspense. Author Joel Gordonson writes in such a way it's easy to dive right into the story. Well researched, entertaining with a scholarly taste.
The tension, conflict, dilemma and unraveling of historical mystery slowly builds ending in a satisfying resolution.
September 19, 2017
If you are looking for a easy to ready mystery that keeps you guessing until the end, this book is for you. Although I was a little concerned about the parallel plots lines, I found them easy to follow and they come together seamlessly at the book's conclusion. Once I got started reading, I couldn't stop reading until I finished the book.
October 1, 2017
I could not finish this book. There was not a single thing to draw a reader in and attach them to the less character. It got to a point where it actually became very easy to relate to her detractors. I did not get very far into the book, but there are so many books I know will be good, it felt like wasting my time.
August 6, 2018
This is what I get for randomly picking a book from the library shelf without researching it on goodreads first. Two stars because the author had a clever idea, but that's it.
September 8, 2017
My Recommendation: Overall, as I said, this is a solid read. I think Gordonson has a lot of potential, but also has a lot more work to do in writing realistic readable characters. He thrives in the historical setting and I almost want to read That Boy From Nazareth because it is completely set in the distant past.
My Response: Every now and then you need a bit of a historical mystery/thriller to keep you going and when the publicist reached out to me about a review copy of this I was just intrigued enough to give it a go.* This is the third book from this particular group of publicists I’ve said yes to, but the first fiction title.
I was intrigued by Gordonson’s background as an international lawyer, but also slightly concerned that both of his books to date have had religious settings. This isn’t a bad thing (especially having read this one), but it was still a wait a second am I reading propaganda moment when I finally picked up my copy of the book (I wasn’t).
Click here to continue reading on my blog The Oddness of Moving Things.
*I received a copy of this book from the publisher in return for my honest opinion, no additional goods or money were exchanged.
My Response: Every now and then you need a bit of a historical mystery/thriller to keep you going and when the publicist reached out to me about a review copy of this I was just intrigued enough to give it a go.* This is the third book from this particular group of publicists I’ve said yes to, but the first fiction title.
I was intrigued by Gordonson’s background as an international lawyer, but also slightly concerned that both of his books to date have had religious settings. This isn’t a bad thing (especially having read this one), but it was still a wait a second am I reading propaganda moment when I finally picked up my copy of the book (I wasn’t).
Click here to continue reading on my blog The Oddness of Moving Things.
*I received a copy of this book from the publisher in return for my honest opinion, no additional goods or money were exchanged.
August 9, 2023
Nice idea, but failed a bit in the execution. There was nothing particularly bad about the book, it was just boring. It was like watching Jessica Fletcher when you were expecting Sherlock Holmes. It had potential but didn't quite reach it.
Thank you to netgallery for an ARC.
Thank you to netgallery for an ARC.
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September 25, 2017The Atwelle Confession features two interconnected stories. The first is set in 1532 as King Henry VIII fights Rome to have the ability to divorce his wife. The St. Clement’s Church is under construction in the village of Atwelle. The parish priest visits two prominent local families to see about acquiring funds necessary to complete the building. Both heads of the household are worried about helping to fund the project because they do not want to seem to support the Catholic Church until they know their king’s plans. Those two men also have problems with their own children they must sort out as a murder is on the loose within the town.
The second storyline is set nearly 500 years later, in the modern era. Margeaux Wood is a fellow at a Cambridge college who is conducting research on St. Clements. She crosses paths with Don Whitby who is working to restore the church. As they explore the church, murders are again being committed in a fashion similar to those in the 1500s. What connected these events?
With the abundance of details on the architecture of the church, I think that those in the fields of architecture and historic preservation will enjoy this novel. Also, those who like to explore Tudor era history may like reading about those times in a setting outside of the royal court. However, for others this may not be the novel for you. Those details seem to predominate the book and the other elements take a background. There were also times I found the dialogue flat or out-of-place for the era the historic timeline represented. Also each chapter ended in foreshadowing that in many cases was never quite answered. Therefore, I have mixed feelings about this novel.
This novel was provided for review by FSB Associates.
The second storyline is set nearly 500 years later, in the modern era. Margeaux Wood is a fellow at a Cambridge college who is conducting research on St. Clements. She crosses paths with Don Whitby who is working to restore the church. As they explore the church, murders are again being committed in a fashion similar to those in the 1500s. What connected these events?
With the abundance of details on the architecture of the church, I think that those in the fields of architecture and historic preservation will enjoy this novel. Also, those who like to explore Tudor era history may like reading about those times in a setting outside of the royal court. However, for others this may not be the novel for you. Those details seem to predominate the book and the other elements take a background. There were also times I found the dialogue flat or out-of-place for the era the historic timeline represented. Also each chapter ended in foreshadowing that in many cases was never quite answered. Therefore, I have mixed feelings about this novel.
This novel was provided for review by FSB Associates.
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