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Confessions
'Knowing' screenwriter Ryne Douglas Pearson brings to life a novel of vengeance, revelation, and redemption.
Three shots. Two killers. One secret that must be kept.
Five years after his sister, Katie, was murdered, Chicago Police Chaplain Father Michael Jerome has moved on with his life. But he has never forgotten that terrible time. Has never stopped wondering who killed her.
And why.
When a dying criminal's confession points Michael toward answers to these questions, he embarks on a journey of discovery that takes him from the halls of Congress to death row at an Indiana prison, and ultimately leads him to Christine Wheeler. A friend from his sister's past, she expresses doubts about the circumstances of Katie's murder. Doubts that force Michael down a path where revelations shatter a lifetime of illusions held about those closest to him, and uncover a web of deceit crafted to keep a dark truth from ever being known.
But every secret he uncovers, every lie he unravels, leads him to realize that someone is desperate for the past to stay buried.
Three shots. Two killers. One secret that must be kept.
Five years after his sister, Katie, was murdered, Chicago Police Chaplain Father Michael Jerome has moved on with his life. But he has never forgotten that terrible time. Has never stopped wondering who killed her.
And why.
When a dying criminal's confession points Michael toward answers to these questions, he embarks on a journey of discovery that takes him from the halls of Congress to death row at an Indiana prison, and ultimately leads him to Christine Wheeler. A friend from his sister's past, she expresses doubts about the circumstances of Katie's murder. Doubts that force Michael down a path where revelations shatter a lifetime of illusions held about those closest to him, and uncover a web of deceit crafted to keep a dark truth from ever being known.
But every secret he uncovers, every lie he unravels, leads him to realize that someone is desperate for the past to stay buried.
232 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 15, 2010
73 people are currently reading
539 people want to read
About the author
Ryne Douglas Pearson
26 books61 followersRyne Douglas Pearson is an accomplished novelist and screenwriter. He is the author of several novels, including Cloudburst, October's Ghost, Capitol Punishment, Simple Simon, Top Ten, The Donzerly Light, All For One, Confessions, and Cop Killer. He is also the author of the short story collection, Dark and Darker. His novel Simple Simon was made into the film Mercury Rising. As a screenwriter he has worked on numerous movies. The film Knowing, based on his original script, was released in 2009 and opened #1 at the box office. Receiving Four Stars from Roger Ebert, who branded it ‘among the best science-fiction films I’ve seen’, it went on to earn more than $180 million worldwide. He has also done uncredited work on films such as the remakes of The Day The Earth Stood Still and The Eye.
Despite the often ‘dark’ nature of his novels and films, Pearson has been noted to have a ‘sweet, disarming quality’ by Entertainment Weekly–an accusation he has been unable to shake. When not writing he is usually thinking about writing, or touting the wonders of bacon in online conversations. He is addicted to diet soda and the sound of his children laughing. A west coast native, he lives in California with his wife, children, a Doberman Kelpie and a Beagle Vizsla.
Despite the often ‘dark’ nature of his novels and films, Pearson has been noted to have a ‘sweet, disarming quality’ by Entertainment Weekly–an accusation he has been unable to shake. When not writing he is usually thinking about writing, or touting the wonders of bacon in online conversations. He is addicted to diet soda and the sound of his children laughing. A west coast native, he lives in California with his wife, children, a Doberman Kelpie and a Beagle Vizsla.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
December 12, 2011
A Thoughtful Thriller
“Confessions” is an artfully written thriller from a true first person point of view. What you see is only what Father Jerome sees. The story only leads you to where Father Jerome goes, and what you think is true is only what Father Jerome believes has happened. This faithfulness to perspective is just one of the things I enjoyed immensely about Ryne Douglas Pearson’s work.
There is a spiritual struggle within this story that is laid out beautifully in the thoughts of Michael Jerome: a questioning of Canon Law, a questioning of faith, a questioning of belief and purpose. It’s a timeless puzzle for people of faith and one which most struggle with at some point in their lives. And it is this struggle that is skillfully woven into and works to its own conclusion as the mystery of his sister’s death unfolds. Father Michael Jerome is ever asking himself the same kinds of questions you might ask yourself in your most secret moments.
But there is also an emotional struggle going on amid this: with his family, with someone from his past, and within himself. He is trying to answer life’s “Who am I?” question, while answering the puzzling whodunit of his sister’s murder. It is a fascinating look into a troubled mind.
For me, the focus on self within this story really makes it unusual and an interesting. It makes it very difficult to put down, very easy to follow, and very, very interesting. The ending is stunning and unexpected, but once you read it, you will understand. I loved it.
Wonderful book.
“Confessions” is an artfully written thriller from a true first person point of view. What you see is only what Father Jerome sees. The story only leads you to where Father Jerome goes, and what you think is true is only what Father Jerome believes has happened. This faithfulness to perspective is just one of the things I enjoyed immensely about Ryne Douglas Pearson’s work.
There is a spiritual struggle within this story that is laid out beautifully in the thoughts of Michael Jerome: a questioning of Canon Law, a questioning of faith, a questioning of belief and purpose. It’s a timeless puzzle for people of faith and one which most struggle with at some point in their lives. And it is this struggle that is skillfully woven into and works to its own conclusion as the mystery of his sister’s death unfolds. Father Michael Jerome is ever asking himself the same kinds of questions you might ask yourself in your most secret moments.
But there is also an emotional struggle going on amid this: with his family, with someone from his past, and within himself. He is trying to answer life’s “Who am I?” question, while answering the puzzling whodunit of his sister’s murder. It is a fascinating look into a troubled mind.
For me, the focus on self within this story really makes it unusual and an interesting. It makes it very difficult to put down, very easy to follow, and very, very interesting. The ending is stunning and unexpected, but once you read it, you will understand. I loved it.
Wonderful book.
March 2, 2012
I'm never quite prepared for the pleasure I feel when a novel -- a suspense thriller at that -- reads like poetry; when the creative use of language and phrasing turns what could have been a simple exercise in description into a richly-woven tapestry of words. Confessions is a beautifully-written and satisfying read. Author Ryne Douglas Pearson chose a perfect title for this journey into the spirtually wavering heart of protagonist priest Mike Jerome, a man torn between honoring the sacred vows of his calling and the equally compelling bonds of family.
Unwittingly, Father Mike hears the death bed confession of the man who six years earlier killed his only sister Katie. And so opens the door to a heinous and hidden crime, its truth known by only a few, and those who do know, will do anything to keep it buried. Father Mike is an engaging and believable champion; his first person narrative works perfectly to convey the cleverly unfolding story, while more importantly reaching into a soul struggling to balance faith with reality and God's plan with the sordid doings of man.
I loved this book, and highly recommend it for readers of thrilling suspense and thoughtful mystery. The spiritual exploration was an unexpected, but welcome bonus. As was Pearson's inclusion at story's end of an excerpt from author Larry Enright's exceptional Four Years From Home. These two tales complement one another perfectly.
Unwittingly, Father Mike hears the death bed confession of the man who six years earlier killed his only sister Katie. And so opens the door to a heinous and hidden crime, its truth known by only a few, and those who do know, will do anything to keep it buried. Father Mike is an engaging and believable champion; his first person narrative works perfectly to convey the cleverly unfolding story, while more importantly reaching into a soul struggling to balance faith with reality and God's plan with the sordid doings of man.
I loved this book, and highly recommend it for readers of thrilling suspense and thoughtful mystery. The spiritual exploration was an unexpected, but welcome bonus. As was Pearson's inclusion at story's end of an excerpt from author Larry Enright's exceptional Four Years From Home. These two tales complement one another perfectly.
February 8, 2013
Was wonderful as far as I got, but my new favorite author came out with a new book before I got finished with this one. Please forgive me, Mr. Pearson!
Came back to 'Confessions' and finished it. HOLY COW! I was not expecting THAT! Amazing book, and five stars all the way. Thanks for another wonderful time.
Came back to 'Confessions' and finished it. HOLY COW! I was not expecting THAT! Amazing book, and five stars all the way. Thanks for another wonderful time.
March 21, 2019
Now, I didn’t see that one coming! Normally, whodunnits would have me guessing the identity of the villain with a great amount of certainty, towards the middle of the novel, at worst. But this novel’s revelation was like a punch that came from out of the blue!
A priest, taken aback by the confessions of a criminal on the last vestiges of life…something to do with the death of her sister five years ago. It sent him on a quest for the truth, bringing him face to face with guns for hire, lawmakers, and death row inmates. He even questioned his worthiness to his vows, if he is at all deserving to lead a flock.
This is a great read….Very eloquent prose, though many times throughout the whole novel, I was forced to read in context while plowing through a lot of grammatical and spelling errors. I’d have given this 5 stars if not for that flaw.
A priest, taken aback by the confessions of a criminal on the last vestiges of life…something to do with the death of her sister five years ago. It sent him on a quest for the truth, bringing him face to face with guns for hire, lawmakers, and death row inmates. He even questioned his worthiness to his vows, if he is at all deserving to lead a flock.
This is a great read….Very eloquent prose, though many times throughout the whole novel, I was forced to read in context while plowing through a lot of grammatical and spelling errors. I’d have given this 5 stars if not for that flaw.
October 15, 2021
A riveting well written mystery. A Police Chaplain finds a chance encounter completely turns his world upside down. In depth characters bring them to life on the page. Reading this story you can feel the anguish, love, hate and every emotion in between as this priest struggles with his own faith after details from his sister’s murder come to light. The twists and turns will keep you turning the page!
May 7, 2018
Thought provoking
The story gets you right from the start and keeps you engaged till the end. The different people and where they were in life sparked some deep thinking for me about life and the carcass are dealt.
I really enjoyed the story.
The story gets you right from the start and keeps you engaged till the end. The different people and where they were in life sparked some deep thinking for me about life and the carcass are dealt.
I really enjoyed the story.
November 14, 2020
Suspense and conflict
The suspense of the plot mAde the book difficult to out down, and the inner conflict had me thinking even when I wasn't reading.
The suspense of the plot mAde the book difficult to out down, and the inner conflict had me thinking even when I wasn't reading.
August 3, 2023
This one kept me guessing and up late reading. Good characters. Good story.
November 22, 2024
Excellent Read!!
September 15, 2011
I received a copy of this from a goodreads First Reads giveaway.There were many moments I wished I had not. Within a couple of pages of the halfway mark, it FINALLY caught my attention. Before that, for the first few weeks I was trying to read this (this book took me over a month to finish because it moved so slowly), I had to force myself to keep picking it back up. It was just boring for me and nothing was holding my attention. Once I finally reached the halfway point, where it became interesting in my opinion, I finished it very quickly, in two brief sittings. The story itself was good, but it just took way too long to really get to it.
The story centers around Michael, a priest, and his search to find answers about his sister's murder 5 years ago. He begins his search after hearing a man's dying confession, a chance encounter. Along the way Mike crosses paths with his sister Katie's childhood best friend, Chris. She helps Michael dig into the investigation of Katie's murder as they desperately try to answer the questions of why Katie was murdered and who murdered her. Each new clue only leads them to more questions and the end result is mind boggling and terribly sad.
The story centers around Michael, a priest, and his search to find answers about his sister's murder 5 years ago. He begins his search after hearing a man's dying confession, a chance encounter. Along the way Mike crosses paths with his sister Katie's childhood best friend, Chris. She helps Michael dig into the investigation of Katie's murder as they desperately try to answer the questions of why Katie was murdered and who murdered her. Each new clue only leads them to more questions and the end result is mind boggling and terribly sad.
September 4, 2011
This book was amazing. And I don't say this lightly, though it take a bit of time to really get moving. Just you wait.
Vengeance or pardon. We all face this dilemma multiple times throughout our lives, often our days.
This priest is mere human and as such, sports human feelings. Imagine as he is holding the hand of a man at his death bed confession and that man tells him about a murder that took place and that murder is the one of the priest's own sister. What can he do with this information since he is bound by priest oath to confidence?
Father Michael is a broken man and what he is discovering is evidence of mystery that he is uncovering. This information takes him down a deadly road and someone wants him to stop looking. Perhaps some things are left unknown.
Never would I have guessed who/what the final piece of the puzzle was.
***Below is spoiler.***
Father Michael proceeds only by assumption of who he thought the second perp was/is. He just took what he believed -- what he guessed, as fact. That's not a good stand to take.
Vengeance or pardon. We all face this dilemma multiple times throughout our lives, often our days.
This priest is mere human and as such, sports human feelings. Imagine as he is holding the hand of a man at his death bed confession and that man tells him about a murder that took place and that murder is the one of the priest's own sister. What can he do with this information since he is bound by priest oath to confidence?
Father Michael is a broken man and what he is discovering is evidence of mystery that he is uncovering. This information takes him down a deadly road and someone wants him to stop looking. Perhaps some things are left unknown.
Never would I have guessed who/what the final piece of the puzzle was.
***Below is spoiler.***
Father Michael proceeds only by assumption of who he thought the second perp was/is. He just took what he believed -- what he guessed, as fact. That's not a good stand to take.
May 31, 2015
A Review by Anthony T. Riggio of the book Confessions written by Ryne Douglas Pearson 5-30-15
I read this book in a day and a half and it had a great impact on me. It was a superb book, well written and expressed; I completely enjoyed this book and found it compelling and I was in a state of anticipation throughout the entire book. I am usually pretty good at figuring out the plots end but this one took me by complete surprise.
As a Catholic I have an understanding of the “Seal of Confession” and its ramification for a Priest. I also sense the commitments and vows taken by an individual in becoming a Priest. This book is about the struggle with both issues: confession to a priest and his struggle with his chosen vocation.
It is also a story about dysfunctions within a family and the choices made by both family and the police and finally acceptance by a priest for whom and what he is.
I believe any reader of mystery novels will love this short and fast reading novel and consequently, I gave it five stars out of five and highly recommend it to my friends.
I read this book in a day and a half and it had a great impact on me. It was a superb book, well written and expressed; I completely enjoyed this book and found it compelling and I was in a state of anticipation throughout the entire book. I am usually pretty good at figuring out the plots end but this one took me by complete surprise.
As a Catholic I have an understanding of the “Seal of Confession” and its ramification for a Priest. I also sense the commitments and vows taken by an individual in becoming a Priest. This book is about the struggle with both issues: confession to a priest and his struggle with his chosen vocation.
It is also a story about dysfunctions within a family and the choices made by both family and the police and finally acceptance by a priest for whom and what he is.
I believe any reader of mystery novels will love this short and fast reading novel and consequently, I gave it five stars out of five and highly recommend it to my friends.
September 19, 2011
This book raises questions. Although the seal of confession was never broken, does a priest have the right to refuse absolution to a dying man? Perhaps he was too stunned to deliver it in time but what excuse could he have when he takes off like a man on a mission leaving his clerical collar behind and God as well, without praying about it first. Does he have the right to act on what he's learned? Although there is a certain bravado about his actions as if to do anything less would be to hide within the guise of his office but to do anything more is questionable. I may be presumptuous since I've only read a little more than half the book up to the question "Tell me where Congressman Hammond Lives." It does sound like "Il va plevoir des clous!"
September 20, 2012
Since I work for the Catholic Church and with priests, and have for over 15 years and within two diocese, I was drawn to the title and subject matter. While this is not my type of book - I like more dialect than story telling - I do like the multitude of descriptive "showing" passages. Even tho for me it moved too slow, I still persevered. And found it worth my while in the end.
A Catholic priest who, because of his humanity, realizes that he cannot minister spiritually to a flock until he rights his own world. And when he does, the question still exists.
I like a book or movie that long after it's read or seen, I am still pondering over it. Confessions, for me, is now kind of that book.
A Catholic priest who, because of his humanity, realizes that he cannot minister spiritually to a flock until he rights his own world. And when he does, the question still exists.
I like a book or movie that long after it's read or seen, I am still pondering over it. Confessions, for me, is now kind of that book.
July 24, 2011
Confessions by Ryne Douglas Pearson is a terrific read if you are a fan of good old fashioned mysteries. In essence, it is the tale of a man getting to the bottom of his younger sister's unsolved murder five or so years previous. The catch is that the man is a Catholic priest, and his path to solving the puzzle of her murder begins when one of the people involved in it makes a confession to him in order to be absolved of his sins, not knowing that the priest is the sister of his victim. There were a few gaps in credibility in this story for me, but overall I enjoyed it a great deal and would urge others to check it out. It is a quick, fun summer read.
May 27, 2012
Michael Jerome is a Priest and a Chicago Police Chaplain. Five years earlier, his sister was killed during a store robbery when she was a customer there. Fr. Jerome is called in when a Police Officer is shot. All goes well for the Officer, but his asslailant is also shot and dying. He asks for a Priest. This is only the beginning of a novel that is more a metaphysical study of Fr. Jerome than a mystery.
The more he learns about himself, the more he questionsh what he is. He begins to reinvestigate his sister's death and learns it was a deliberate murder. The more he investigates, the more he questions himself, his vocation and what he has become.
Good reading.
March 12, 2017
The first person point of view in novels is my favorite and now Father Jerome is my favorite. The spiritual struggle never takes away from the mystery of Father Jerome's sister's death. Beginning with a deathbed confession, this story takes off and weaves you through conspiracy and heartbreak and suspense beautifully. Great writing throughout.
The first half of the book is a bit slow but once you get through that and the story picks up, you realize you really did need the beginning, slow or not.
In the end my thought was, "Whoa, I didn't see that coming..."
The first half of the book is a bit slow but once you get through that and the story picks up, you realize you really did need the beginning, slow or not.
In the end my thought was, "Whoa, I didn't see that coming..."
August 7, 2012
I'd give this a 3.5 stars. It was a great story about a priest who is called in the middle of the night to hear a dying man's confession, only to find out the man is confessing to killing a woman 5 years ago, and that woman was the priest's sister! Since the confession is confidential, the priest does his own investigation / verification of what he has heard.
A couple times, the author gave me a whole lot of story (which I skimmed over). But when all is said and done, it was a well put together mystery.
PLUS, it was one of Kindle's freebies! Good deal!
A couple times, the author gave me a whole lot of story (which I skimmed over). But when all is said and done, it was a well put together mystery.
PLUS, it was one of Kindle's freebies! Good deal!
December 3, 2011
This book by Ryne Douglas Pearson was a heart-felt ride through a first-person mystery ripe with emotional and spiritual conflict. The writing was wonderful, making it a pleasure to read just for reading's sake, but the plot was equally intriguing, ending with a surprise I never saw coming... though looking back, perhaps I should have? Probobly not. Great read- great emotion, great story, great writing... Loved this book and now moving on to one of his others.
June 1, 2012
Priest Michael Jerome is called in to the hospital and is surprised to find out that the man responsible for a brutal murder that hits home for Jerome is confessing to the murder and wants absolution. Jerome goes against his vows, and it doesn't just stop there in the hospital room. He continues to search and dig up the past, only to find out the person really responsible for the murder is a lot closer to him than he thought.
Great read.
Great read.
December 7, 2011
Thrilling and beautifully told
The details of this book are very well covered by other reviews. So I just want to say how much I enjoyed this fascinating story of a priest whose faith and character are severely tested in more than one way. Tightly knit plot, memorable characters, and beautiful language. This is a page-turner but also a book that makes you stop and think. Great work!
The details of this book are very well covered by other reviews. So I just want to say how much I enjoyed this fascinating story of a priest whose faith and character are severely tested in more than one way. Tightly knit plot, memorable characters, and beautiful language. This is a page-turner but also a book that makes you stop and think. Great work!
February 18, 2016
Wow! Fantastic writing. Great story. Excellent narrator. This one surprised me at how much I fell into the story. It's really in the details. I feel like Pearson does a really good job at surrounding the reader with the atmosphere of the narrator. For me, it played like a good suspenseful movie it my head.*** Please note I received this book for free from Goodreads - First Reads.
July 31, 2012
This author is the king of the 'whoa! who in the hell would have thought HE/SHE did it!?' I have been reading him longer than I remembered (thank you statin drugs) and really liked Simple Simon about the autistic kid who cracked the big secret government encrypted code by glancing at it.
August 31, 2012
I could not read this book quickly. The writer uses language so beautifully that I could only slow down and savor his talent. The words flow with elegance, a style that I've not experienced in modern writing. Such precision, such magic! If you love language, you'll love reading this one.
October 29, 2012
Free Kindle book from Amazon. This book disconcerted me because, raised a Catholic, I had trouble with some of the things the priest did. Of course, it all resolves in the end. Surprise ending, I had the right villain but not the correct resolution.
December 20, 2012
Very good story telling, directly from the main character's point of view and what he is feeling. I had a feeling that I knew who was a fault midway thru but then changed my mind and then came back to my first thought.
February 29, 2016
I've never read a Ryne Douglas Pearson book that was anything but excellent; this one is no exception. It's a fast-paced, very well-written, thought-provoking book that will surprise you and may leave you speechless.
Want to read
July 26, 2011I won this book from the first reads giveaways and I am so excited to read it. Thanks.
August 25, 2011
Really enjoyed this book. It was just the genre I was in the mood for. I thought it was well written with believable characters and a good plot.
January 10, 2013
What a bore! Lead character' s angst went on and on. Save your money. Mystery doesn't get going until very end and by then you have it figured out.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews