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Seal of Confession
“All that is necessary for the triumph of evil, is that good men do nothing.” -Edmund Burke
On a cool fall morning in the city of Boston, Charles Knox steps into a confessional booth with a secret to tell. A young priest on the other side of the screen is shaken by what he learns. A former college athlete with an MBA from a prestigious university, Father Joe Russo is not your typical man of God. Nine years earlier, his own life took a tragic turn and he gave everything up, committing his life to the church. Now his peaceful existence is being tested, and he finds himself questioning the God he serves, the vows he made, and someone he left behind.
In this gripping thriller, a priest and an FBI agent work to uncover secrets and expose hidden crimes, but when it seems they have it all figured out, everything they think they know will be questioned.
On a cool fall morning in the city of Boston, Charles Knox steps into a confessional booth with a secret to tell. A young priest on the other side of the screen is shaken by what he learns. A former college athlete with an MBA from a prestigious university, Father Joe Russo is not your typical man of God. Nine years earlier, his own life took a tragic turn and he gave everything up, committing his life to the church. Now his peaceful existence is being tested, and he finds himself questioning the God he serves, the vows he made, and someone he left behind.
In this gripping thriller, a priest and an FBI agent work to uncover secrets and expose hidden crimes, but when it seems they have it all figured out, everything they think they know will be questioned.
334 pages, Paperback
Published August 7, 2021
147 people are currently reading
2424 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
April 11, 2023
TRUE CONFESSION:
"Seal of Confession" boasted a very compelling premise:
Should a priest break his vows and reveal criminal activity details heard in his confessional booth to the FBI?
Although the book's premise was intriguing, the book's execution was poor.
WHY?
The book suffered from repetition, repetition, and more repetition.
I listened to the 9-hour audiobook that could have easily been a 6-hour audiobook.
The book was told from multiple POVs in back/forth timelines and was frequently all over the place.
Although the book unfolded from many different male POVs, there was only one male narrator. Therefore, it was frequently difficult to discern who was saying what.
The female narrator's voice was robotic and I honestly thought that the publisher had used AI for the female narrator.
When I viewed the credits, I was surprised to learn that a real female narrator had been used.
2 stars rounded up.
February 20, 2023
This complex thriller has a myriad of characters, and there are multiple povs. It starts with a confession to a priest which involves an agonizing decision on what he should do with the information. Then there is the FBI agent who is determined to find out what crimes are being committed. After a hit and run, we are swept into a series of events that continue to explode to the final climax. While there is a wide range of characters, the author does a nice job of helping the reader understand the struggles of each one. There are are subplots that are all resolved in this nicely woven tale. The author is very descriptive, and her prose makes this book a fast paced thriller. I really enjoyed it! I also read Every Little Sign by this author, and it was also very good!
April 4, 2022
I must say this is the best book I ever read. Everything about it was wonderful. This a true page turner and a really exciting story. It takes place in my favorite city (Boston) too. Ms. Pace, I have to say you really impressed me with this book. I hope there will be more to come of the same quality. This really is a must read!
November 13, 2021
I received a copy of this book through a Goodreads giveaway.
One fall morning Charles Knox steps into a confessional booth and tells Father Joe Russo of a crime he witnessed. Moments later on his way to meet with FBI agent Brian Riley, Charles is run down in a hit and run accident.
But anything told to a priest in confession is held in strictest of confidence. Revealing what Charles told him, Father Joe would be violating his vows, the sacred Seal of Confession. “I think I’m being tested again. I have information about a crime, and I believe the person who gave it to me was murdered. Does God want me to risk the priesthood so that I can help solve this crime? If I share what I was told during confession I will be writing my own resignation letter”
This book is told in multiple POV. With most characters telling their stories and some chapters told in third person.
Well written thriller with some surprises.
One fall morning Charles Knox steps into a confessional booth and tells Father Joe Russo of a crime he witnessed. Moments later on his way to meet with FBI agent Brian Riley, Charles is run down in a hit and run accident.
But anything told to a priest in confession is held in strictest of confidence. Revealing what Charles told him, Father Joe would be violating his vows, the sacred Seal of Confession. “I think I’m being tested again. I have information about a crime, and I believe the person who gave it to me was murdered. Does God want me to risk the priesthood so that I can help solve this crime? If I share what I was told during confession I will be writing my own resignation letter”
This book is told in multiple POV. With most characters telling their stories and some chapters told in third person.
Well written thriller with some surprises.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 31, 2022
An Unputdownable Thriller
A great Goodreads giveaway win. I finished it in one sitting. It turned out to be more engrossing than I thought it would be. The characters were interesting and well-developed. The main character...a haunted priest...is not as perfect as he tries to be, and the investigating FBI agent also has a secret in his past which haunts him. Except for some printing errors, I liked it and recommend it.
A great Goodreads giveaway win. I finished it in one sitting. It turned out to be more engrossing than I thought it would be. The characters were interesting and well-developed. The main character...a haunted priest...is not as perfect as he tries to be, and the investigating FBI agent also has a secret in his past which haunts him. Except for some printing errors, I liked it and recommend it.
September 20, 2021
Wow, as an avid reader this one nears the top of my list!! The unique plot line, interesting characters and alternating perspectives really hooked my attention and kept me guessing the whole time. I love how the author left breadcrumb clues throughout the book for us to put together and how the whole plot comes together at the end. But every time I thought I figured something out I was wrong, and I love to be wrong! Highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a suspenseful and entertaining thriller!
December 27, 2021
This book started okay. A priest hears something in confession he struggles if he should reveal because it impacts other lives.
What I liked:
-The start.
-The priest's thoughts and actions were interesting.
What I didn't like:
-This is the first book I have read where every character is in the first person. A chapter changes and the next character starts out in the first person. I didn't like it. It was a little confusing at first but got used to it.
-Too much repeating of the same information from different perspectives, but not really adding to the story.
What I liked:
-The start.
-The priest's thoughts and actions were interesting.
What I didn't like:
-This is the first book I have read where every character is in the first person. A chapter changes and the next character starts out in the first person. I didn't like it. It was a little confusing at first but got used to it.
-Too much repeating of the same information from different perspectives, but not really adding to the story.
September 19, 2021
OK so the overall story was good, interesting even, but for me the biggest downside was the stilted conversations between the characters, they didn't flow well, nor sounded like real back and forth between people. Also there were a few inconsistencies with the timeline.
October 2, 2021
I don't read Mystery books often, & near the end of this, I could not put it down.
I thought this book was well written & I had to read a lot so I could find out what the Priest was told at the start of the book. I was glad that by reading to the end things were explained.
I thought this book was well written & I had to read a lot so I could find out what the Priest was told at the start of the book. I was glad that by reading to the end things were explained.
February 25, 2022
Disappointing
This book was advertised as a thriller with a can't-put-down twist. I found it boring at times and did put it down several times. After finally finishing it I was asking myself, "That's it? ". It doesn't live up to the hype.
This book was advertised as a thriller with a can't-put-down twist. I found it boring at times and did put it down several times. After finally finishing it I was asking myself, "That's it? ". It doesn't live up to the hype.
August 28, 2022
Griping tale of murder, mystery, and intrigue. This book keeps you guessing until the end. Everyone has their own demons and sins and reveling them keeps you in suspense. Ironic appropriate ending.
Defininely worth reading.
Thanks goodreads for this book.
Defininely worth reading.
Thanks goodreads for this book.
October 1, 2022
Great weaving of three stories
Loved this book, lots of twists and turns that kept me engrossed. The story was told by the main characters offering an interesting look at the crime from various points of view.
Loved this book, lots of twists and turns that kept me engrossed. The story was told by the main characters offering an interesting look at the crime from various points of view.
August 25, 2021
Excellent read, grips you from beginning to end. Beautifully written.
September 10, 2021
wow !
The best story I have read in a very long time! It just flowed through the events, the emotion and the days like it was a real happening! Loved it! sensational, moving , and a great book. I am so glad you wrote it for ME, just Me, to enjoy. Thanks.
The best story I have read in a very long time! It just flowed through the events, the emotion and the days like it was a real happening! Loved it! sensational, moving , and a great book. I am so glad you wrote it for ME, just Me, to enjoy. Thanks.
October 17, 2021
Well written!
I found myself praying that Father Joe would do the right thing. Couldn't put it down until I finished this tale. Well done Mr Pace
I found myself praying that Father Joe would do the right thing. Couldn't put it down until I finished this tale. Well done Mr Pace
November 19, 2021
I didn't care for it. I thought the plot was disjointed. The characters uninteresting and the writing average at best.
December 13, 2021
Great read
What a Great story. I couldn't out it down. Just enjoyed reading this book with strong characters. Look forward to her next book 😊
What a Great story. I couldn't out it down. Just enjoyed reading this book with strong characters. Look forward to her next book 😊
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April 6, 2022Murder, Religion, And Surprise Ending - A Well-Told Story
I had to finish reading this tale in one evening -I couldn't put it down for more than a minute or two.m
I had to finish reading this tale in one evening -I couldn't put it down for more than a minute or two.m
May 21, 2022
Can't tell you how much I enjoyed navigating this great "can't put it down" story It's the first of Michele Pace's works I have read and will certainly be adding her to my list of favorite authors.
July 4, 2022
I won this kindle edition in a Goodreads contest.
Great mystery. Looking for more from this author.
Great mystery. Looking for more from this author.
October 12, 2022
What a pleasant read! I loved the ending and it does end with a twist! I think this would make a great series. I loved the characters; not to mention the concept of the novel.
July 13, 2023
Kindle
August 30, 2023
Excellent plot, well-developed and relatable characters. The story and action hook you in the first chapter. Highly recommend.
February 21, 2023
I was excited to read a good self-published book and Michele Pace did not disappoint. I thought the plot moved pretty well and her description (setting) and character development were strong. The character shifting did get confusing, but for a debut novel, I get that completely. We all have room for improvement. Thank you, Michele for a good read.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews