The Last Confession: A Crime Novel

Mike Coletti #1

by Solomon Jones

Having come of age on the mob-controlled streets of 1960’s South Philly, Detective Mike Coletti learned early to walk the fine line between cops and criminals. That skill served him well during his thirty-one years in homicide. But it never stopped the nightmares. The screams in the sanctuary still haunt him, the sound of the gunshots still torment him, and the truth of the Confessional Murders still speaks to him, if only in his dreams. Now, on the eve of Coletti’s retirement, the priest whom he arrested for the decade-old crime is about to be put to death, and in one final nightmare, Coletti clearly sees the truth. The priest is innocent, and it all comes to light when the real killer reemerges and embarks on a killing spree that turns Philadelphia upside down. To set things right and stop the execution of an innocent man, Coletti must catch a mysterious killer who now calls himself the Angel of Death. As the chase winds through art galleries and gritty streets, ancient prophecies and holy ground, the game intensifies, cultures collide, and Philly’s best detective is forced to face his nightmarish past—a past that could very well destroy him.

Genres: Fiction, Mystery, Thriller, Audiobook, Suspense, Crime

294 pages, Hardcover

First published October 15, 2010

About the author

Solomon Jones is an Essence bestselling author whose novels include The Gravedigger’s Ball, The Last Confession, Payback, Cream, Ride Or Die, The Bridge, and Pipe Dream. He has appeared on NPR and CNN Headline News, and is a contributor to short story collections including Philadelphia Noir and Liar Liar. Formerly a professor of creative writing at Temple University, Jones is an award-winning columnist whose work has appeared in Essence, Newsday, the Philadelphia Inquirer, and the Philadelphia Daily News. Jones, the creator of the Words On The Street Literacy Program, lives in Philadelphia with his wife and children. His next novel, The Dead Man’s Wife, will be published in October 2012 by Minotaur Books, an imprint of Macmillan.

Reviews

[Heidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

at first i was just drawn to this story because of the piece i heard on NPR about it, because it's set in philadelphia (and my heart misses philadelphia so, so much these days), and because the author is a professor at temple university, my alma mater. i stuck it out because i love a good detective story, i love a story where the place acts as a character, and i love a redemption story.

the pace was fast here, which i like because it mimics the pace of an investigation when a murderer is on the loose (i assume... i mean... i'm not a cop or anything). like another review that i read, it did seem like the ending wrapped itself up really quickly. but again, i'm not a cop, so maybe things do wrap themselves up that quickly. i'm willing to not think too hard on that count. also like another review, i had my suspicions of who the real killer was, but as i read, it just didn't seem likely. i actually liked that aspect of it.

i would like to see more of detective mike coletti. in my mind's eye, i imagined that he looked like columbo.

[Alea Greene · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would have never picked this book up because of the genre I thought the author was niched in.....boy was I WRONG!!! I absolutely loved each of his books I've read and can't wait to finish this series.

[Monique · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay so I was all set to give this book a solid four-star as I really liked it---until the end..I felt the end cheapened the whole book, the whole setup, the whole premise, the whole reason I wanted to finish the book though religious themed novels are not really my thing..Okay so here goes, the plot involves retiring Detective Coletti who is being haunted by a case from ten years ago when he arrested a priest in a horrific murder but never really believed the facts in front of him and actually believed the priest with a blazing shotgun and three dead bodies on the floor who proclaimed his innocence. As the years went on and the cases pile up for Detective Coletti he never really gets over this case and the dreams continue, and on the eve of the priest's execution he comes back face to face with the grisly Confessional murders and the scary, mysterious man the priest claims really shot those people, a man who goes by the Angel of Death..It is here that the book takes on a Catholic/religious slant with bible scriptures and interpretations of Angels and Demons and for a second I was reminded of a great Denzel/John Goodman movie "Fallen" and I kinda liked it..For the detectives investigating this now serial killer recreating murders in churches and desecrating catherdrals--pause, if I can for a moment point out how well drawn the characters and the city of Philadelphia is in this novel, it is brilliant how detailed Solomon Jones is when he is describing a person or place and their situation-love to read him...okay so back to the story as the Angel of Death is murdering and eluding the cops it seems supernatural and eerie in a good way..the rest of the book gets into the capture and reveal of the Angel of Death and the motive, which I liked but I have to say heavy heartedly that it ruined the book for me. I liked the twist and suspense that builds but I feel it disappointed me with the normalcy of the reveal if that makes sense I actually wanted the supernatural element surprisingly..Still a great read, as this is my second book by him I definitely recommend and will read more...

[Tyra · Rating 4 out of 5]

WOW!! I would've never guessed THAT ending! This was a great book. A bit dark but definitely a great read. Once I put myself into it, it only took me 2-3 days to finish. I must say, i never heard of this gentleman before BUT after reading Last Confession, I will be sure to check out some more works of Solomon Jones. Great ending, great suspense, great mystery! Looking forward to the next mystery novel!

[Zach · Rating 1 out of 5]

Be aware that this is a Christian crime novel with supernatural nonsense sprinkled in. Oh, you'll also figure out the ending disappointingly early. Stay clear.

[Julie · Rating 1 out of 5]

I tried to give this book plenty of time to settle in so I could get used to the characters and their personality quirks.

I'm not sure having the main character, a supposed man of faith, pick a racist fight is the way to start a book. A secondary character trying to minimalize that damage with a story about him doing good later on wasn't good enough.

The female state policew officer? Saying, "maybe you're the angel!" in a fawning Mary Sue manner within hours of them meeting made me gag.

Terrible main characters. Good plot but terrible, terrible writing.

[Michele · Rating 3 out of 5]

I felt like I plodded along in this story. There were too many characters and they didn't all seem to add to the story. The religious/cop stories aren't my favorite genre. I did like the ending. I didn't suspect the angel would be the person it ended up being.

[Michelle D. Franklin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved It!

Great story, had me engrossed to the very end. I loved reading a book based in my home town, made me feel like I was right there.

[Reading Forever · Rating 3 out of 5]

I listened to this book on audio. I had no idea the ending was what it was.

[John R. Hoffman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mike Coletti is a veteran Philadelphia Detective haunted by a triple-murder that he responded to 30-years earlier. Weeks away from retirement, he investigates a new series of murders that indicates that the original killer may have returned days before the scheduled execution of the priest that Coletti helped convict. Partnered with a young gun (Charles Mann), loner Coletti must prove that the priest is innocent while the killer is coming after him.

The story is fast-paced and hard to put down. The characters are memorable and authentic. As a Philadelphia resident for the past 20 years, I appreciated the way that the neighborhoods and personalities are woven throughout the story. When I pass through the areas mentioned in the novel, it is easy to imagine Coletti and Mann interacting with the "real" characters on the street. The ending surprised me and I immediately reread it to look for clues that I initially missed. I originally bought a copy of this at a local book signing in 2010 and then purchased the kindle edition because my hard copy was circulating to friends and relatives. With limited free time I am a dedicated ebook reader on my tablet and phone so that I always have what I am currently reading with me, but Solomon Jones is one of the few authors that I continue to purchase printed versions of their new releases at local book stores.

[Nardsbaby Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blemishes

Thirty-one years in homicide, and three days left before he retires, Detective Mike Coletti finds that his nightmares just may be coming true. A case he worked ten years ago, The Confessional Murders, not only speaks to him, but shows the real killer. Father O'Reilly was convicted and sentenced to die for this crime. With time ticking away and bodies stacking up, Mike and his new team are forced to trace the steps of Mike's past in order to stop the angel of death.

Solomon Jones has a knack for writing gritty stories that keep you engrossed from start to finish. I absolutely love the way Philadelphia easily translates into a character in this story. It's like literally reading an episode of CRIMINAL MINDS.

Recommended reading, but not for the faint at heart.
4.5

[Evan Childress · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I was not a huge fan of the religious undertones peppered throughout this novel, I am a sucker for police procedurals of pretty much any type. Give me murders and gritty cops to solve them, and I'm pretty likely to read the entire book. I heard Solomon Jones talking about this book on NPR, and was interested in how much of a role the city of Philadelphia plays in the book. In fact, it's almost a character itself. I love novels that really go out of their way to create a sense of place. Details of the city were revealed here that would likely be lost on anyone other than a native.
The plot was rather trite in the way these novels can be, but I actually liked that the characters weren't quite three-dimensional, because I was more interested in the crimes than I was some cop's inner turmoil. If you like fast-paced, not too heavy crime novels, give this one a try.

[Jessie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I listed to an interview with the offer on NPR a few weeks ago and thought it would be a good summer read. And... well... it was a fun read. Reminded me of an extended episode of law and order (which I actually kinda love) or something lifetime would present. Not the best writing in the world and characters are a little shallow but entertaining. Poor writing usually puts me off, but the story was intriguing and got me to finish.

[Denise · Rating 3 out of 5]

My first book by Philadelphia guy, Solomon Jones. I like his character, Coletti, so I chose well in selecting the first in his series with this seasoned Phila PD detective. It is always fun reading about the city where you live.

The ending was a surprise and the rest of the book was entertaining enough to send me looking for Colleti #2. The narrator was also quite good - my first time listening to him.

DD@Phila

[Te'Amo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Solomon as an author period! This book was a satisfier just like his others. I was drawn in from the first few pages and had a hard time putting it down. It had some twists and turns and brought me to a "I would've never thought" point and actually had me shocked. Definitely couldn't predict the ending in this one but I loved it that much more.

[Roger · Rating 3 out of 5]

I rather enjoyed this book. Well plotted and the Philly environment described by Jones was familiar and repelling at the same time. Too bad the characters were quite two dimensional and their actions were questionable. A twist at the end brought it up from two stars to three because I didn't see it coming. But once I got it, a lot of other things in the book made sense. Good read. Go for it.

[Tom Rowe · Rating 4 out of 5]

This murder mystery is set in Philadelphia. Having grown up in Philly, I am familiar with the detailed descriptions of the different neighborhoods. Jones also captured the prevailing racial attitudes that are a part of everyday life in the city. I liked the story and enjoyed the ride of virtually reliving some of the great areas of the city.

[Debra Odom · Rating 5 out of 5]

The beginning and ending was awesome. The middle chapters were not as exciting obit needed to tell the story and to build to the end, I was very surprised to find out who the angel of death turned out to be. Solomon really kept that one under wraps. This book is an easy read. I began it yesterday and finished the book the next day.

[Gayenell Burch · Rating 3 out of 5]

Don't know how I feel about this book yet. Imediately after reading I felt cheated. I couldn't imagine the killer being who it was, now, days later I don't feel as cheated, although I still feel there are holes in the story.

[Born True Bethea · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was never one for crime drama as well as mysteries, but this one take the cake. Solomon Jones Really outdid himself on this one. I have just about all his books and from what i know, this is the best one i have ever read by him. Great job.

[Myra Coleman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not a fan of murder mysteries, but I must say I really enjoyed this book. Solomon is a terrific writer. I love that the story was told around Philadelphia because I could relate to a lot of the streets and places mentioned in the book. The book was definitely a page turner.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finished this book in less than day & a half, it captured my attention from the very beginning and I didn't want to put it down! This is only the 2nd book I've read by Solomon Jones, but I'm quickly becoming a fan.

[Deb · Rating 3 out of 5]

The POV in this book was so all over the place that it was jarring. Additionally, at points there was too much detail and at other points not enough. Overall it was an enjoyable story, but the writing was amateur and unexceptional.

[Michelle Wallace · Rating 4 out of 5]

When someone named Solomon writes a book, you just have to read it. I very much like this book, as it is engaging, entertaining, and easy to follow. There is just the right amount of personal side stories to spice up the police work.

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked up this book from the library when I was looking for an easy but interesting read. The premise sounded wonderful but I found it difficult to stay focused as I read. The characters were woefully underdeveloped, and the ending too predictable.

[Yvonne · Rating 5 out of 5]

A true mystery!!!!! Great work!!!

[Hrn1947 · Rating 3 out of 5]

the story gives you no clues to help you solve the mystery. i expected the protaganest to feel more hurt and grief than he did. can't recomend it. if there's nothing else read it.

[Wil Roese · Rating 3 out of 5]

We both gave it 2 1/2 stars but I rounded it to 3. I suspected who the killer was after the first couple of chapters.

[Michael · Rating 2 out of 5]

Quick and easy read - nothing crazy, but not bad for a beach book or a two-day detective story.

[Chris · Rating 2 out of 5]

Spoiler - Enjoyed the narrative, but it seems like a huge plot hole. I can't give details without spoiling the end.