The Confession

by Tom Lowe

When Father Henry McGrath hears a confession that sends a cold chill throughout his body, he’s unsure what to do. To divulge the private confession would violate holy canon law. When he refuses to go to the police, people begin to die, and the priest becomes the prime suspect. Elizabeth Monroe, a college professor who teaches forensic psychology, doesn’t believe the elder priest fits the killer’s profile. Elizabeth discovers a frightening thread woven within each killing—a thread that began thirty years ago. To stop the murders, she has to find where the seed of evil was first planted. Because the roots are penetrating deep within a small Mississippi town and they’re spreading dangerously close to Elizabeth.

Genres: Mystery

382 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 16, 2019

About the author

Tom Lowe is an American novelist known for writing atmospheric, high-stakes thrillers that blend crime, mystery, and psychological suspense with a strong sense of place. His novels often explore the darker side of human nature—where belief, greed, and obsession collide—and are grounded in authentic investigative detail and morally complex characters.

Tom is the author of more than 30 novels, including the acclaimed Sean O’Brien mystery-thriller series. Also, he writes the Elizabeth Monroe psychological thrillers, and the Paul Marcus books of international suspense. He has written two standalone novels of love and redemption - The Painter and Midnight’s Whisperer, winner of the 2021 Spur Award from the Western Writers of America.

Drawing from a career as a journalist, award-winning screenwriter, and world traveler, Tom writes emotionally rich stories of loss, courage, and second chances. His books span the globe and the human heart, blending suspense, moral complexity, and unforgettable characters.

He lives in Florida with his wife, Keri. To receive the latests updates on his novels, appearances, and writing - please visit Tom's website to subscribe to his quarterly newsletter. tomlowebooks.com

Reviews

[Lisa B. · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Confession: An Elizabeth Monroe Novel by author Tom Lowe is so intriguing I could not stop reading, (except to sleep)! I love this series by Tom Lowe. The first book with Elizabeth Monroe was The Butterfly Forest and I sobbed during a couple of scenes in the novel. Now in The Confession, Elizabeth Monroe, a college professor who teaches forensic psychology, feels the murders hit close to her heart. The frustration deepens for Elizabeth as she suspects Father Henry McGrath has heard a confession from the serial killer but is steadfast about not breaking the holy canon law regarding confessional privacy. The characters in the story are well developed and the drama of trying to identify a murderer before more innocent people die is fast-paced. The story has so much family emotion within the lines. Nellie is so wise.
I live in Mississippi and love the Hattiesburg area!
Thank you, Tom Lowe, for another wonderful novel, more Elizabeth Monroe, please!

[Gaston G. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoy this book tremendously.

Father McGrath has a confessor tell him that he has killed and will kill again. It causes him much personal despair as he does know what he should do. He feels he should divulge the information to the authorities but the confesional covenants forbid it.

This book this cause me to ponder on what should one do when there is a previlege such as while sharing this knowlege could prevent further death. What should one do?

[janis louthis · Rating 5 out of 5]

The next good mystery series!

I have enjoyed every book that I have read by Mr Lowe, but my last favorite character, Sean O'Brien 's, stories have apparently finished. Now I'm reading the Elizabeth Monroe series. They promise to be equally good, although different. I'm always interested in female characters written by a man. I think she'll be a very capable woman, a good challenge for Mr Lowe. This one really had me on the edge of my seat all the way through! Elizabeth is a forensic psychologist who knows her stuff! She's got good intuition, as well. She'll take me on quite a journey, I think.

[wally · Rating 4 out of 5]

finished yesterday 3rd april 2021 good read four stars really liked it kindle owned and by the number of reviews many are missing out on a good read, good author, the price is right and well that's okay by me. maybe he has another i've yet to read. last year has been crazy this year is just as crazy and i can't keep up. busy. which is good. save money on advertising. so much to do. and all i wanna do is sit on the couch and read a good story. off to the races.

[Brent Bug · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book it kept you guessing to the end who the real murderer was. Toward the end it was impossible to put the book down to see the ending. I enjoyed every book of Tom Lowe, I especially enjoy his Sean O'Brien series. This is the second Elizabeth Monroe I have read and enjoyed them both.

[Sandy Adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sadly believable

Stemming from abuse we have all heard about, one can understand the pain of an abused young boy. We all deal with things differently but it is very hard to understand why anyone would react as the man in this story. That said, the story was believable as who knows how one's mind reacts especially after years of drugs following rape.

[Jon C. Hooper · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like the premiss of the book and found the story to be excellent. The characters are ones that really develop over time especially with the mystery of the murder of Molly. Look forward to future books

[Andrew J · Rating 5 out of 5]

Has with all" Tom Lowe" books there is a message, some to horrible to understand.

Another great book, I have read them all and cannot wait for the next. Keep them coming Tom you are a talented man. Thank you.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Have enjoyed the Sean O'Brien books from the beginning. I remember when Elizabeth Monroe was first introduced in The Butterfly Forest, I think. So I am enjoying the new series with her. Look forward to more books with both characters.

[Joan Skinner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Priest has a someone confess that he has murdered and will murder more. His bishop tells him that he can’t tell the cops. So four people in his parish are murdered before Elizabeth and Mike Bradford figure out who the real murderer is. The murderer is killed by police at the end!

[ettamarie colson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Concession

I have enjoyed all of Tom Lowe,s books. This was a good story that kept my interest frgining to end

[Kay Salter · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Confession

This book is sensational. Tom Lowe writes marvelous mysteries. I encourage you to enjoy this story. You will not be sorry.

[Ladell Gaston · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Tom Lowe book's

I can't put one of his books down. Housework is on hold until I finish the book. Thank You for such a good read.

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another excellent book by Lowe. I recommend reading it.

[Kimberly Sparks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good read!!!!

I really enjoyed this the 2nd book in the Elizabeth Monroe series! I can't wait for the next book in the series!

[Pam · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was okay. I like his Sean O'Brien stories.

[Rajesh · Rating 4 out of 5]

A few too many themes - war, religion, redemption, loss, crime - in the overall story, but I enjoyed it overall!