An innocent man is about to be executed.
Only a guilty man can save him.
For every innocent man sent to prison, there... read full description
Only a guilty man can save him.
For every innocent man sent to prison, there... read full description
reviews
Jan 13, 2012
Pam
rated it: 
When you pick up a Grisham book it’s like taking a big gamble. I find his books to be either amazing or just plain awful. For me this one leans towards the latter.
I’m not going to go into too much detail about what the novel is about as there are plenty of reviews already written about it. I will say that this novel deals with the highly controversial issue of the Death Penalty.
I have to say that this book did not move slowly but fast. Too fast at times. Grisham goes back a More...
I’m not going to go into too much detail about what the novel is about as there are plenty of reviews already written about it. I will say that this novel deals with the highly controversial issue of the Death Penalty.
I have to say that this book did not move slowly but fast. Too fast at times. Grisham goes back a More...
0 comments
like
(2 people liked it)
Aug 09, 2011
Molly
rated it:
Dunno why he even bothered having a plot to this book, the veil over the pontificating isn't even thin. This book is basically a treatise on why the Death Penalty is eviller than anything man ever ever did I swear to you really, it's bad nasty evil. It's even got the balls to try to make you actively sneer at and hate the mother of a brutally murdered rape victim. As unfair and unbalanced as FOX news. Grisham is a good writer and draws you into a story, and while his books often have a ham-h
More...
4 comments
like
(8 people liked it)
Jun 23, 2011
Johnrh
rated it: 
Read The Confession. As in 'red', past tense, or 'reed', you read this. I'm referring to John Grisham's The Confession: A Novel, published in 2010. I devoured it over a 48 hour period, fast reading for me, but it was a page turner and page burner. Totally engrossing. Only once, briefly, did I think "Oh yeah, another Grisham novel". Multiple story lines, where will they converge? Grisham is a master at this. He can weave a taut tale, getting into a character's being and making h
More...
3 comments
like
(7 people liked it)
May 30, 2011
Beth
rated it:
***If you have not read the book, but intend to, do not read my review.***
I loved the first half of the book because of the race to correct an injustice - to do the right thing. I hated the second half of the book because they didn't make it on time. Donte Drumm, an innocent man, was put to death because of the need of the racists in his town to exact revenge. And that happens in real life, not just in books. Innocent people are put to death and the state just basically says, "oops" More...
I loved the first half of the book because of the race to correct an injustice - to do the right thing. I hated the second half of the book because they didn't make it on time. Donte Drumm, an innocent man, was put to death because of the need of the racists in his town to exact revenge. And that happens in real life, not just in books. Innocent people are put to death and the state just basically says, "oops" More...
4 comments
like
(3 people liked it)
May 08, 2011
J
rated it: 
***Please note: this review contains spoilers***
The subject matter of this disturbing book is the death penalty – more specifically, wrongful prosecution and the miscarriage of justice.
It is a story about a serial sex offender whose life is allegedly coming to an end because of an inoperable brain tumor. His confession, which could exonerate a young black man - erroneously accused, convicted and doomed to die in Huntsville, Texas - comes too late.
Here is what More...
The subject matter of this disturbing book is the death penalty – more specifically, wrongful prosecution and the miscarriage of justice.
It is a story about a serial sex offender whose life is allegedly coming to an end because of an inoperable brain tumor. His confession, which could exonerate a young black man - erroneously accused, convicted and doomed to die in Huntsville, Texas - comes too late.
Here is what More...
0 comments
like
(2 people liked it)
Jul 28, 2011
Beth
rated it: 
Very enjoyable and exciting thriller. I actually gasped out loud twice during this book, and I never got bored reading it. I haven't read a Grisham novel in years - - - I really liked this and found it to be an engrossing and quick read.
0 comments
like
(2 people liked it)
Mar 07, 2011
Rex
rated it:
Something about Grisham novels make them my go-to books for reading on flights -- his expertise is pacing, I've deciding. This is pure soapbox Grisham -- an anti death penalty diatrabe. However, I think anyone who's ever watched a few episodes of Law and Order could have done a better job keeping the accused off death row. [Later: Okay, I've added an extra star to this book since reading this article in the New Yorker from 2009 about Cameron Todd Willingham. Apparently the Texas criminal justi
More...
0 comments
like
(4 people liked it)
Jan 29, 2012
Sue
rated it:
Second Grisham book in a row. The one I previously read was The Litigators, slightly different from most Grisham crime books with some humorous characters. The Confession, in my opinion, was more characteristically Grisham, more serious, more devious plots by his characters, with a truly tragic twist thrown in.
I was hoping for a happy ending - I always do in this type of story, whether it's real life or a fictionalized version of real life. For some characters, I got it. For others, I More...
I was hoping for a happy ending - I always do in this type of story, whether it's real life or a fictionalized version of real life. For some characters, I got it. For others, I More...
Jan 07, 2012
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers.
To view it, click here
0 comments
like
(1 person liked it)
Jan 01, 2012
James
rated it:
In The Appeal, John Grisham took on the important issue of electing state judges and allowing them to collect huge campaign contributions from people and institutions who might have business before the courts to which they are elected. Now, in The Confession, he takes on an even more important issue in the death penalty.
Keith Schroeder, a Lutheran minister in Kansas, is working in his study one morning when Travis Boyette, a career criminal currently out on parole and residing in a l More...
Keith Schroeder, a Lutheran minister in Kansas, is working in his study one morning when Travis Boyette, a career criminal currently out on parole and residing in a l More...
3 comments
like
(7 people liked it)
Dec 14, 2011
Marie-jo
rated it:
I confess: I am a Grisham addict. And when I grabbed The Confession, there were withdrawal symptoms that I had to satisfy.
But am I ready I for more when all is consumed? Have I really absorbed quality stuff? Or is there an aftertaste that makes me wonder if I should move on to higher substances?
Let’s see. The beginning, an intriguing paragraph, slightly atmospheric, with a quickly yet sharply drawn central character is signature Grisham. Pretty terrific, as it More...
0 comments
like
(1 person liked it)
Nov 17, 2011
Shane
rated it:
This book is a hard one to rate.
On one hand, I was so completely enraptured by this novel, and, in many ways, that's the highest praise a book can receive. It was entertaining and thought-provoking throughout. I loved the main protagonist, Reverend Keith Schroeder. He was a dynamic character, and acted with bravery despite the potential consequences. I also really enjoyed the lawyer Robbie Flak; we all know people like that who could be your greatest friend or your worst enemy, depending on More...
On one hand, I was so completely enraptured by this novel, and, in many ways, that's the highest praise a book can receive. It was entertaining and thought-provoking throughout. I loved the main protagonist, Reverend Keith Schroeder. He was a dynamic character, and acted with bravery despite the potential consequences. I also really enjoyed the lawyer Robbie Flak; we all know people like that who could be your greatest friend or your worst enemy, depending on More...
0 comments
like
(1 person liked it)
Oct 24, 2011
Michelle
rated it:
The Confession: By John Grisham (Received from BzzAgent for Review)
In 1998 Travis Boyette abducts, rapes and murders a high school cheerleader then buries the body so it will never be found. Donte Drumm a local football star is convicted and sentenced to Death Row for the crime while Travis moves on to committ other crimes. Nine years after the murder Travis is released from prison for a different crime and visits a church with Reverend Schroeder preaching. After listening to a s More...
In 1998 Travis Boyette abducts, rapes and murders a high school cheerleader then buries the body so it will never be found. Donte Drumm a local football star is convicted and sentenced to Death Row for the crime while Travis moves on to committ other crimes. Nine years after the murder Travis is released from prison for a different crime and visits a church with Reverend Schroeder preaching. After listening to a s More...
0 comments
like
(1 person liked it)
Sep 23, 2011
Duffy
rated it: 
Grisham is an astonishingly lazy writer. This from the Author's Note at the end of the book:
"Some overly observant readers may stumble across a fact or two that might appear to be in error. They may consider writing me letters to point out my shortcomings. They should conserve paper. There are mistakes in this book, as always, and as long as I continue to loathe research, while at the same time remaining perfectly content to occasionally dress up the facts, I'm afraid the mi More...
"Some overly observant readers may stumble across a fact or two that might appear to be in error. They may consider writing me letters to point out my shortcomings. They should conserve paper. There are mistakes in this book, as always, and as long as I continue to loathe research, while at the same time remaining perfectly content to occasionally dress up the facts, I'm afraid the mi More...
5 comments
like
(6 people liked it)
Sep 21, 2011
Steve
rated it:
In this book John Grisham moved from pedantic whiner to someone attempting to change people's perceptions and use the written word as the means to achieve this.
I've read several other books by Grisham that deal with the death penalty, and I was somewhat annoyed as the book started because I figured it was just going to be another complaint session. However, I feel (and I'm sure some or even many will disagree) that he mainly stuck to a fairly antiseptic approach to his statements abou More...
I've read several other books by Grisham that deal with the death penalty, and I was somewhat annoyed as the book started because I figured it was just going to be another complaint session. However, I feel (and I'm sure some or even many will disagree) that he mainly stuck to a fairly antiseptic approach to his statements abou More...
Sep 12, 2011
Beth
rated it:
I haven't read a lot of John Grisham, but he writes about two of my favorite topics: law and crime. I picked this one up after reading the excerpt and thought it sounded good. This story is about the death penalty and the flaws of the system and the potential outcomes of those flaws on innocent people. This story is what I believe to be the criminal justice systems worst nightmare, and one that I am sure has happened before.
My opinion of the death penalty has gone back and forth over More...
My opinion of the death penalty has gone back and forth over More...
0 comments
like
(1 person liked it)
Sep 06, 2011
Deborah
rated it:
The race is on to save the life of a wrongfully convicted young man on death row. Convicted of the brutal rape and murder of a high school girl from his school,the once promising football player Donte’Drumm can do little alone in his cell. He must wait on those working on his case with only a few days remaining before his scheduled lethal injection execution. The wheels of Texas justice are rolling fast.
Can a pastor Reverend Schroeder from Kansas get the confession of a dying m More...
Aug 27, 2011
Ryan
rated it:
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers.
To view it, click here
Aug 06, 2011
Paul
rated it:
"The Confession" is an interesting book and a page-turner. It details the fictional conviction of an innocent African-American man (Donte Drumm)in Texas for the murder of a white cheerleader. His conviction is the result of racism, politics, and a Texas lynch mob mentality. The verdict was so blatantly wrong that the plot smacks of unrealism. Nevertheless, this book is an unabashed repudiation of the death penalty. And since I personally think the death penalty should be abolished (
More...
Aug 04, 2011
Lars-christian
rated it:
I finished The Confession shortly after reading The Associate, also by John Grisham. Compared to The Associate, The Confession is a step up.
The Confession covers a serious topic, captial punishment, and the plot revolves around the wrongful sentencing of Donte Drumm. It's not the most exciting book I've read by Grisham, but I felt it was well worth the read.
Without spoiling too much, I can say that you'll find no surprises in The Confession, and I never really felt that that was Grisham's inte More...
The Confession covers a serious topic, captial punishment, and the plot revolves around the wrongful sentencing of Donte Drumm. It's not the most exciting book I've read by Grisham, but I felt it was well worth the read.
Without spoiling too much, I can say that you'll find no surprises in The Confession, and I never really felt that that was Grisham's inte More...
Jul 31, 2011
Brian
rated it:
Have been and still am a John Grisham fan. I disagree vehemently with him on the topic of this book (capital punishment) but enjoyed it nonetheless.
The book is fast paced, interesting and well-written. The characters are attention-grabbing and perfect for the story.
The object of the book is to paint a death penalty situation so grotesque as to convince the reader that capital punishment should be abolished. The technique is similar to what politicians do during speeches wit More...
The book is fast paced, interesting and well-written. The characters are attention-grabbing and perfect for the story.
The object of the book is to paint a death penalty situation so grotesque as to convince the reader that capital punishment should be abolished. The technique is similar to what politicians do during speeches wit More...
Jul 31, 2011
Christina
rated it:
WoW! The Confession teaches you to look beyond what you hear, really weigh the evidence and look for the truth. I was caught up in the first half of the book hoping that Travis Boyette would do the right thing IN TIME by going to Texas and saving an innocent man's life, but overall I knew it would be a little too late. I still cried when I read about Donte Drumm's execution. I wanted to reach through the book and just rip Boyette into shreds. I started realizing something was up with his sicknes
More...
0 comments
like
(1 person liked it)
Jul 29, 2011
Chase
rated it:
Another well-written Grisham novel. This one covers the suspenseful hours potentially leading up a man's execution in East Texas during which time we see if the true murderer, the pastor escorting him and the convicted man's defense attorney can convince the authorities they have the wrong man. Although it is darker in subject matter than most of his work (including a brutal murder, wrongful conviction and looming execution), the book is full of the typical Grisham characters including powerfu
More...
0 comments
like
(2 people liked it)
Jul 06, 2011
Mazola1
rated it:
John Grisham wears two hats as the author of his latest book, The Confession: ardent death penalty opponent and writer of engrossing legal thrillers. He manages to pull that feat off as well as might be expected. Which is to say that The Confession is the type of fast paced novel Grisham fans have come to know, expect and love, but it's also obviously a book with a message, or as some might see it, a preachy book written by a man with an axe to grind.
Yes, the book is a bit preachy an More...
Yes, the book is a bit preachy an More...
Jul 02, 2011
Sheila
rated it:
Excellent book! A young black man is wrongly accused of murder. No body was ever found but he confessed to the murder. However, he spent about 15 hrs in custody, with no lawyer, he was exhausted, hungry and coerced into the confession. The detective constantly corrected him during the confession which made it even more suspect. The jury was an all white jury. The only witness was an ex-boyfriend who lied about seeing the green van near the mall where the young girl was last seen. A lawyer spent
More...
May 23, 2011
Wicknesan
rated it:
Even thought ive given 5 stars to this book to be precise its 4.5.
So to start off with, I liked the way author gets on with the story without euphoric description of the plot, because the plot plays the least part but the thing that matters is the crime which the story is revolving around.
The author scores high buy giving very good detailed narration of the crime and its background.The way he tells the story in each characters perspective is simply catchy, it keeps the reader guessin More...
So to start off with, I liked the way author gets on with the story without euphoric description of the plot, because the plot plays the least part but the thing that matters is the crime which the story is revolving around.
The author scores high buy giving very good detailed narration of the crime and its background.The way he tells the story in each characters perspective is simply catchy, it keeps the reader guessin More...
0 comments
like
(1 person liked it)
Apr 17, 2011
Gloria
rated it:
I thought it was well done, but agree that it was biased towards those opposing the death penalty. Like what part of "Thou Shalt Not Kill" don't we understand? caution: "spoilers" ahead.
A couple of things bothered me too... that an innocent man ("kid" in my book, he was still a senior in high school, after all) would make a coerced "confession" so detailed and believable that his own sister doubted his innocence after hearing it. Even though More...
A couple of things bothered me too... that an innocent man ("kid" in my book, he was still a senior in high school, after all) would make a coerced "confession" so detailed and believable that his own sister doubted his innocence after hearing it. Even though More...
Apr 16, 2011
Megan
rated it:
probably best Grisham I have ever read...
John Grisham delivers his most extraordinary legal thriller yet. Filled with the intriguing twists and turns that have become Grisham’s trademark, this newest novel will prove once again that no one keeps readers in suspense like America’s favorite storyteller. An innocent man is days from execution. Only a guilty man can save him.
For every innocent man sent to prison, there is a guilty one left on the outside. He doesn’t un More...
John Grisham delivers his most extraordinary legal thriller yet. Filled with the intriguing twists and turns that have become Grisham’s trademark, this newest novel will prove once again that no one keeps readers in suspense like America’s favorite storyteller. An innocent man is days from execution. Only a guilty man can save him.
For every innocent man sent to prison, there is a guilty one left on the outside. He doesn’t un More...
0 comments
like
(1 person liked it)
Apr 05, 2011
Mohammad
rated it:
I am totally spellbound with the narrative skill of John Grisham in his latest novel - The Confession. What a story and how realistic it is. Grisham as the master of legal thrillers has raised a question over death penalty through a heart wrenching story of Donte Drumm.
A high school popular girl and head cheerleader was raped and murdered. But her body was never found. Through conspiracy Donte Drum – a black high school football star framed into it by corrupt system and finally convicted. More...
A high school popular girl and head cheerleader was raped and murdered. But her body was never found. Through conspiracy Donte Drum – a black high school football star framed into it by corrupt system and finally convicted. More...
0 comments
like
(1 person liked it)
Mar 27, 2011
Rebekah
rated it:
There is nothing wrong with John Grisham. So, forgive me if I sound condescending — I don’t mean to. I just haven’t read Grisham since his early days when I was in middle school and devouring The Pelican Brief, A Time to Kill, and The Client. With the exception of Playing for Pizza on a road trip, I haven’t kept up with his work in the last decade or so. My mom gave me The Confession and told me I had to read it; I gave it to my husband. He gobbled it up and told me I had to read it; I gave in.
More...
0 comments
like
(2 people liked it)
