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Confessions #1
Zpovědi podezřelé
Když se Tandy jednoho dne probudí, zjistí, že její rodiče byli zavražděni. V tuto chvíli jsou jisté jen tři věci. Zaprvé byla nejspíš poslední, kdo je viděl naživu. Zadruhé seznam podezřelých zahrnuje pouze ji a její tři sourozence. A zatřetí – nemůže věřit nikomu, možná ani sama sobě.
Jak se Tandy snaží očistit jméno své rodiny, začnou se jí vracet záblesky vzpomínek, o kterých ani netušila, že je má. A čím více proniká do rodinných tajemství, tím více se objevují nebezpečné a těžko uvěřitelné věci. A kdo ví, čeho jsou členové její rodiny skutečně schopní?!
Jak se Tandy snaží očistit jméno své rodiny, začnou se jí vracet záblesky vzpomínek, o kterých ani netušila, že je má. A čím více proniká do rodinných tajemství, tím více se objevují nebezpečné a těžko uvěřitelné věci. A kdo ví, čeho jsou členové její rodiny skutečně schopní?!
328 pages, Paperback
First published September 24, 2012
1755 people are currently reading
26033 people want to read
About the author
James Patterson
930 books354k followersOfficial US Site
Official UK Site
JIMMY Patterson Books
ReadKiddoRead
James Patterson is the most popular storyteller of our time and the creator of such unforgettable characters and series as Alex Cross, the Women’s Murder Club, Jane Smith, and Maximum Ride. He has coauthored #1 bestselling novels with Bill Clinton, Dolly Parton, and Michael Crichton, as well as collaborated on #1 bestselling nonfiction, including The Idaho Four, Walk in My Combat Boots, and Filthy Rich. Patterson has told the story of his own life in the #1 bestselling autobiography James Patterson by James Patterson. He is the recipient of an Edgar Award, ten Emmy Awards, the Literarian Award from the National Book Foundation, and the National Humanities Medal.
Official UK Site
JIMMY Patterson Books
ReadKiddoRead
James Patterson is the most popular storyteller of our time and the creator of such unforgettable characters and series as Alex Cross, the Women’s Murder Club, Jane Smith, and Maximum Ride. He has coauthored #1 bestselling novels with Bill Clinton, Dolly Parton, and Michael Crichton, as well as collaborated on #1 bestselling nonfiction, including The Idaho Four, Walk in My Combat Boots, and Filthy Rich. Patterson has told the story of his own life in the #1 bestselling autobiography James Patterson by James Patterson. He is the recipient of an Edgar Award, ten Emmy Awards, the Literarian Award from the National Book Foundation, and the National Humanities Medal.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 3,007 reviews
September 27, 2012
As an avid reader I've obviously been familiar with James Patterson, but I had yet to try one of his books. I decided to take the plunge with this new one of his that lured with me talks of dark secrets, murders, and teen detectives. While I can't compare it with his other works, I ended up feeling very satisfied with it. He has an easy to read writing style with incredibly short chapters that makes it almost impossible to put it down since "Just one more chapter" would only take another few minutes (or seconds in some cases).
What I noticed and found uniquely compelling right away, is how the narrator --Tandy--talks directly to us--the reader. It feel very personal; she's addressing me and telling me her story. I understood and cared for her more than I would have otherwise, I'm certain, seeing how eccentric she is. Because this family, they're… special. In every sense of the word. Their parents--before they were found dead, that is--brings discipline to a whole new level; punishments take the form of standing on one's head reciting landmarks in Bhutan… in the Dzongkha national language. Yeah… anyone? Then, we have a whole troupe of brothers and sisters who seem to be a little too smart, too strong, too robotic, adding in a mystery of what the heck they are. Anger issues also makes appearances, turning every single one of these family members a suspect. If this isn't enough, the drama they're involved in belongs on some mutated Jerry Springer episode. Entertainment? Check!
Entertainment and mystery goes hand in hand in James Patterson's newest series. Confessions of a Murder Suspect, as the name entails, deals with a murder first hand, but it also involves mysteries regarding the family's past, their parents dealings, in addition to a few others that makes its appearance within this novel, to be looked into further in the next installments. I had a great time making up theories, trying to figure out what kind of freaky skeletons were in their closets. While I found some parts fascinating, I can't say the big reveal at the end was especially mind blowing. After speculating wildly on their parents murders, what actually happened is a little… unexciting, but I can't say it was a complete let down either. For a quick, fun read, I was kept thoroughly entertained from start to finish and that's exactly what I was hoping for when I turned the first page of this novel. After everything, an astonishing ending would have simply been the icing on the cake, so it's a little unfortunate, but it's not a deal breaker.
Peculiar family dynamics, unusual characters, and intriguing mysteries turn this book into a fun filled, exceptionally quick read. I am off to order James' first Maximum Ride novel as we speak!
--
An advance copy was provided by the publisher for review.
For more of my reviews, visit my blog at Xpresso Reads
What I noticed and found uniquely compelling right away, is how the narrator --Tandy--talks directly to us--the reader. It feel very personal; she's addressing me and telling me her story. I understood and cared for her more than I would have otherwise, I'm certain, seeing how eccentric she is. Because this family, they're… special. In every sense of the word. Their parents--before they were found dead, that is--brings discipline to a whole new level; punishments take the form of standing on one's head reciting landmarks in Bhutan… in the Dzongkha national language. Yeah… anyone? Then, we have a whole troupe of brothers and sisters who seem to be a little too smart, too strong, too robotic, adding in a mystery of what the heck they are. Anger issues also makes appearances, turning every single one of these family members a suspect. If this isn't enough, the drama they're involved in belongs on some mutated Jerry Springer episode. Entertainment? Check!
Entertainment and mystery goes hand in hand in James Patterson's newest series. Confessions of a Murder Suspect, as the name entails, deals with a murder first hand, but it also involves mysteries regarding the family's past, their parents dealings, in addition to a few others that makes its appearance within this novel, to be looked into further in the next installments. I had a great time making up theories, trying to figure out what kind of freaky skeletons were in their closets. While I found some parts fascinating, I can't say the big reveal at the end was especially mind blowing. After speculating wildly on their parents murders, what actually happened is a little… unexciting, but I can't say it was a complete let down either. For a quick, fun read, I was kept thoroughly entertained from start to finish and that's exactly what I was hoping for when I turned the first page of this novel. After everything, an astonishing ending would have simply been the icing on the cake, so it's a little unfortunate, but it's not a deal breaker.
Peculiar family dynamics, unusual characters, and intriguing mysteries turn this book into a fun filled, exceptionally quick read. I am off to order James' first Maximum Ride novel as we speak!
--
An advance copy was provided by the publisher for review.
For more of my reviews, visit my blog at Xpresso Reads
November 8, 2012
Read Ashley Elizabeth's reviews at GeeksUnleashed.Me
So this was my first James Patterson book, Confessions of a Murder Suspect. He’s a big author, I believe he was the top paid (or at least in the top 5) author last year or this year; and after what I just read, I don’t think I want the exact facts. I’d rather not know about how much this author makes… or maybe I would. The only reason I would is so that I can somehow justify what he just wrote as a severe lack of time. I can’t tell you how many times I rolled my eyes.
As I sat reading this book, I struggled to connect with the main character, Tandy. This should have been a very easy connection for me. My mother was a drill sergeant. I had a 4.2 weighted GPA in high school at the top college preparatory school in the state. Tandy was an emotionless drone… which under this kind of pressure is unreal.
I don’t even feel like I should warn you about the spoilers. There’s no point, this wasn’t an exciting book, even if they had tons of “action”. The book read like a screenplay… ie direction cues and then very flat dialogue (actors make dialogue really come off the page).
Quite honestly, I’m in shock, and I have no idea how to write this review. He’s a big author; I expect SO much more from him! You guys should know that I try to find redeeming qualities in books, regardless of how weak either the prose or the content is. I can’t find it in this book. I see no redemption. Since I am at such a loss for words, I will just list the transgressions he made:
1.He addressed the reader. Seriously… like “dear reader”. I don’t like this. This book is aimed at 12 years old and up, but still, addressing the reader was a poor move. This angle completely weakened the story. I kept waiting for it to enrich the story, but it never did.
2.He kept having Tandy go off on tangents and then say that they were private thoughts to be kept for later. I was only 20 pages into the book when I’d gotten completely tired of that device. Once, maybe twice, it might have been cute and intriguing. But, for the whole first fifty pages, it was like he was just trying to keep us reading by throwing out promises of a better story later. This whole story, in fact, seemed like a set-up for something better, maybe a sequal? That’s where the beef of the story would be.
3.Here’s a quote for you, “And it might not surprise you at this point to learn that I can actually read Chinese.” Really? This is called telling. Remember the point I made in #1 up there? Well, this is proof that he just addressed the reader as an excuse to “tell” and not “show”. WRITERS PLEASE DON’T FOLLOW THIS EXAMPLE.
4.He has an axe to grind against the press. He named a TV anchor “Imbimbo”. Im Bimbo. I’m Bimbo. Or, you could even go the Latin route to come to the same meaning… he doesn’t like media searching for a story.
I’ve checked out the other reviews. They pretty much say the same things about the ending, too. It was a letdown. In the beginning, I thought I knew who had done it. But, I worked out this ending before he had gotten to it, but told myself he’d never do it because it was just too lame.
In general, it had all the things I’d heard about James Patterson. You know the political thriller aspects. There was mystery solving and some nifty little facts that someone had to research, I’m sure. But, the quality of writing was just not there. The lines were put together like a well versed testimony, which basically just recounts the facts with little emotional additions.
I have to say, this was a complete letdown. I’m not sure I’ve given two stars before. Three stars just seem like too much from an author of his magnitude. I had considered reading his other stuff, but now I’m probably going to hold off for a bit. He’s left a sour, I-can’t-believe-you-wrote-that taste in my mouth.
Did I forget this was a co-authored book by Maxine Paetro? Well, the name’s pretty small on the cover. Patterson’s was obviously who their media representatives wanted people to notice, so that’s why I focused my assault on him.
As a last note: I will point out that in the first pages, the parents of four (three of which are still at home) die. I’m not entirely sure how I feel about a 12 year-old reading on this topic. There are quite a few other books that I would feel comfortable with them reading… this book would actually be at the bottom of that list.
So this was my first James Patterson book, Confessions of a Murder Suspect. He’s a big author, I believe he was the top paid (or at least in the top 5) author last year or this year; and after what I just read, I don’t think I want the exact facts. I’d rather not know about how much this author makes… or maybe I would. The only reason I would is so that I can somehow justify what he just wrote as a severe lack of time. I can’t tell you how many times I rolled my eyes.
As I sat reading this book, I struggled to connect with the main character, Tandy. This should have been a very easy connection for me. My mother was a drill sergeant. I had a 4.2 weighted GPA in high school at the top college preparatory school in the state. Tandy was an emotionless drone… which under this kind of pressure is unreal.
I don’t even feel like I should warn you about the spoilers. There’s no point, this wasn’t an exciting book, even if they had tons of “action”. The book read like a screenplay… ie direction cues and then very flat dialogue (actors make dialogue really come off the page).
Quite honestly, I’m in shock, and I have no idea how to write this review. He’s a big author; I expect SO much more from him! You guys should know that I try to find redeeming qualities in books, regardless of how weak either the prose or the content is. I can’t find it in this book. I see no redemption. Since I am at such a loss for words, I will just list the transgressions he made:
1.He addressed the reader. Seriously… like “dear reader”. I don’t like this. This book is aimed at 12 years old and up, but still, addressing the reader was a poor move. This angle completely weakened the story. I kept waiting for it to enrich the story, but it never did.
2.He kept having Tandy go off on tangents and then say that they were private thoughts to be kept for later. I was only 20 pages into the book when I’d gotten completely tired of that device. Once, maybe twice, it might have been cute and intriguing. But, for the whole first fifty pages, it was like he was just trying to keep us reading by throwing out promises of a better story later. This whole story, in fact, seemed like a set-up for something better, maybe a sequal? That’s where the beef of the story would be.
3.Here’s a quote for you, “And it might not surprise you at this point to learn that I can actually read Chinese.” Really? This is called telling. Remember the point I made in #1 up there? Well, this is proof that he just addressed the reader as an excuse to “tell” and not “show”. WRITERS PLEASE DON’T FOLLOW THIS EXAMPLE.
4.He has an axe to grind against the press. He named a TV anchor “Imbimbo”. Im Bimbo. I’m Bimbo. Or, you could even go the Latin route to come to the same meaning… he doesn’t like media searching for a story.
I’ve checked out the other reviews. They pretty much say the same things about the ending, too. It was a letdown. In the beginning, I thought I knew who had done it. But, I worked out this ending before he had gotten to it, but told myself he’d never do it because it was just too lame.
In general, it had all the things I’d heard about James Patterson. You know the political thriller aspects. There was mystery solving and some nifty little facts that someone had to research, I’m sure. But, the quality of writing was just not there. The lines were put together like a well versed testimony, which basically just recounts the facts with little emotional additions.
I have to say, this was a complete letdown. I’m not sure I’ve given two stars before. Three stars just seem like too much from an author of his magnitude. I had considered reading his other stuff, but now I’m probably going to hold off for a bit. He’s left a sour, I-can’t-believe-you-wrote-that taste in my mouth.
Did I forget this was a co-authored book by Maxine Paetro? Well, the name’s pretty small on the cover. Patterson’s was obviously who their media representatives wanted people to notice, so that’s why I focused my assault on him.
As a last note: I will point out that in the first pages, the parents of four (three of which are still at home) die. I’m not entirely sure how I feel about a 12 year-old reading on this topic. There are quite a few other books that I would feel comfortable with them reading… this book would actually be at the bottom of that list.
April 11, 2019
Listened to the audiobook via Listening Books!
Listening Books is a UK based charity, offering an audiobook service to listeners in the UK with a long-term illness, disability or mental health issues.
Star ratings: Audiobook 4 stars, story itself 3.5 stars!
Confessions of a Murder Suspect was great audiobook material. The main character Tandy is recording the story as if she is giving an audio recording of the case. When both of her parents are found dead in their bedroom, Tandy and her brothers are pinned as suspects as being the last people to see them alive. Their Uncle takes over the company of Angel Pharmaceuticals as the investigation commences. Hounded by the press, ignored by the police, Tandy knows that to find closure, she will have to find the answers fast before its too late. In the process, she uncovers some hidden secrets that question everything about her life and lives of her brothers.
The pacing was a little slow, but I did enjoy the narration. There were a few plot holes that aren't solved by the end. I can't reveal what because of spoilers. This is a series that I will continue with, as the technology, coding and detective work is an interesting subject for me in general. There are heavy topics such as drug use, suicide, violence mentioned.
Listening Books is a UK based charity, offering an audiobook service to listeners in the UK with a long-term illness, disability or mental health issues.
Star ratings: Audiobook 4 stars, story itself 3.5 stars!
Confessions of a Murder Suspect was great audiobook material. The main character Tandy is recording the story as if she is giving an audio recording of the case. When both of her parents are found dead in their bedroom, Tandy and her brothers are pinned as suspects as being the last people to see them alive. Their Uncle takes over the company of Angel Pharmaceuticals as the investigation commences. Hounded by the press, ignored by the police, Tandy knows that to find closure, she will have to find the answers fast before its too late. In the process, she uncovers some hidden secrets that question everything about her life and lives of her brothers.
The pacing was a little slow, but I did enjoy the narration. There were a few plot holes that aren't solved by the end. I can't reveal what because of spoilers. This is a series that I will continue with, as the technology, coding and detective work is an interesting subject for me in general. There are heavy topics such as drug use, suicide, violence mentioned.
February 21, 2025
I loved James Patterson books when I was in high school and college but I stopped reading his books after college. I don’t know why. I decided to start reading some of his books again and I’m glad I did because this is one I haven’t read before.
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This book follows Tandy Angel, daughter of Malcolm and Maud Angel, as she works to find out who killed her parents. She knows she was the last person to see them alive and there are no other suspects but her and her 3 siblings.
As she works hard to clear her family’s name and find out who killed her parents, she begins to have flashbacks to events that she doesn’t remember happening to her.
She knows something major must have happened for the flashbacks to happen, especially now of all times, but she isn’t sure what’s real and what isn’t. Now, she has to figure out what happened during the flashbacks as well.
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I assumed from the word “go” that I should have seen the culprit coming. I usually take this stance with James Patterson books. I never see it coming since I never see the flashing neon signs called clues. lmao
I should have known what really happened from the start but I didn’t see it coming, which is a nod in the right direction for Mr. Patterson and his co-writer. Props to them for knocking me over with an almost literal feather. Thanks, guys. lmfao
I’ve always been a fan of the shorter chapters that I feel Mr. Patterson and his co-writers are known for. It makes me feel like I finish the books more quickly, which I also want to give him props for.
I also feel like his books are an easier read, which I feel like I’ve been looking for lately. I have a fantasy author that I go to for basically the same reason. I don’t believe I’ve ever come across a James Patterson book that I didn’t enjoy immensely.
I don’t want to give away what really happened but I’d definitely recommend this book if you’re into murder mysteries and thriller novels. These are normally not genres I’m into but James Patterson is one of my go-to exceptions for this kind of thing.
This is also another one of those books where I don’t mind that smut isn’t included since I feel like smut would detract from the plot. There are some authors, including Mr. Patterson, that I go to for the plot and not smut. lol
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
This book follows Tandy Angel, daughter of Malcolm and Maud Angel, as she works to find out who killed her parents. She knows she was the last person to see them alive and there are no other suspects but her and her 3 siblings.
As she works hard to clear her family’s name and find out who killed her parents, she begins to have flashbacks to events that she doesn’t remember happening to her.
She knows something major must have happened for the flashbacks to happen, especially now of all times, but she isn’t sure what’s real and what isn’t. Now, she has to figure out what happened during the flashbacks as well.
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
I assumed from the word “go” that I should have seen the culprit coming. I usually take this stance with James Patterson books. I never see it coming since I never see the flashing neon signs called clues. lmao
I should have known what really happened from the start but I didn’t see it coming, which is a nod in the right direction for Mr. Patterson and his co-writer. Props to them for knocking me over with an almost literal feather. Thanks, guys. lmfao
I’ve always been a fan of the shorter chapters that I feel Mr. Patterson and his co-writers are known for. It makes me feel like I finish the books more quickly, which I also want to give him props for.
I also feel like his books are an easier read, which I feel like I’ve been looking for lately. I have a fantasy author that I go to for basically the same reason. I don’t believe I’ve ever come across a James Patterson book that I didn’t enjoy immensely.
I don’t want to give away what really happened but I’d definitely recommend this book if you’re into murder mysteries and thriller novels. These are normally not genres I’m into but James Patterson is one of my go-to exceptions for this kind of thing.
This is also another one of those books where I don’t mind that smut isn’t included since I feel like smut would detract from the plot. There are some authors, including Mr. Patterson, that I go to for the plot and not smut. lol
November 1, 2012
EHHH I think I'll stick to his adult series, it was an okay book..
July 3, 2013
3.6/5
I am unsatisfied with this book! I had great expectations to reading Confessions of a Murder Suspect and it has left me not content.
James Patterson's Confessions of a Murder Suspect, in my opinion, this book earns 3.6 stars for a mystery book in general.
Two terrific thing about this book, was the Angel's family background. I love the idea of a mad scientist dad, with a family of kids with human-supernatural powers, just brillant! Second, I adore how James Patterson organizes the book. Confessions to chapters, also the way he writes that Tandoori is actually talking and telling the story to us, was magnificent!
Although there are quite of few things I did not enjoy.
1. There was not much Easter eggs!
In other words, there was not much hints or clues to the mystery's solutions/culprit. I can't give much detail, I don't want to give out spoilers who have not read this book!
2. The mystery wasn't just interesting!
Two homicides, and 1 murder later on, woo hoo. C'mon I would at least added in a serial mystery!
3. The cops and detective.
It's just not right how the cops act, they should be doing more of the work than what Tandoori is doing... The detective work was just sloppy and jumping to wild conclusions.
4, The ending.
The ending and solutions was one of the WORST part of the book. It was just plain boring. I thought it would be a twist or a unpredictable ending.
Overall, these are are the main reasons why Confessions of a Murder Suspect deserved a 3.7 stars. This review was one of the most critical review I've writtien. The main reason why is I'm a really big fan of mystery novels and films! And I think every muster book should have these main criterias!
Confessions of a Murder Suspect was actually pretty well done for beginners teen myster readers. However not much of a real, talented myster novel I've read and watched.
I am pretty sure I'm going to be reading the sequel to this novel!
**Spoiler/theory**: I have a feeling Tandoori's boyfriend is coming back in the sequel. I actually think he killed Matthew's girlfriend, I mean from the minute he saw Tandoori he knew everything about her, like a psychopath kinda. In the sequel, he could actually know all about her, maybe obsessed?
I am unsatisfied with this book! I had great expectations to reading Confessions of a Murder Suspect and it has left me not content.
James Patterson's Confessions of a Murder Suspect, in my opinion, this book earns 3.6 stars for a mystery book in general.
Two terrific thing about this book, was the Angel's family background. I love the idea of a mad scientist dad, with a family of kids with human-supernatural powers, just brillant! Second, I adore how James Patterson organizes the book. Confessions to chapters, also the way he writes that Tandoori is actually talking and telling the story to us, was magnificent!
Although there are quite of few things I did not enjoy.
1. There was not much Easter eggs!
In other words, there was not much hints or clues to the mystery's solutions/culprit. I can't give much detail, I don't want to give out spoilers who have not read this book!
2. The mystery wasn't just interesting!
Two homicides, and 1 murder later on, woo hoo. C'mon I would at least added in a serial mystery!
3. The cops and detective.
It's just not right how the cops act, they should be doing more of the work than what Tandoori is doing... The detective work was just sloppy and jumping to wild conclusions.
4, The ending.
The ending and solutions was one of the WORST part of the book. It was just plain boring. I thought it would be a twist or a unpredictable ending.
Overall, these are are the main reasons why Confessions of a Murder Suspect deserved a 3.7 stars. This review was one of the most critical review I've writtien. The main reason why is I'm a really big fan of mystery novels and films! And I think every muster book should have these main criterias!
Confessions of a Murder Suspect was actually pretty well done for beginners teen myster readers. However not much of a real, talented myster novel I've read and watched.
I am pretty sure I'm going to be reading the sequel to this novel!
**Spoiler/theory**: I have a feeling Tandoori's boyfriend is coming back in the sequel. I actually think he killed Matthew's girlfriend, I mean from the minute he saw Tandoori he knew everything about her, like a psychopath kinda. In the sequel, he could actually know all about her, maybe obsessed?
September 2, 2020
This story is told by Tandoori (Tandy) Angel, a murder suspect, for her uber-wealthy parents’ murders. On the night her parents were murdered in their home, in the Dakota, it was secure. Locked tight. How did anybody breach security? Was it Tandy or one of her siblings who murdered their parents?
As Tandy sets out to discover who murdered her parents, she needs someone to confide in. Someone to confess to. That someone is us. Are her confessions to us truthful? Is she manipulating us? She often doesn’t trust her own judgement. So can we trust her?
This is a fast-paced mystery with several plot twists that will keep you guessing. And as the story progresses there is more than one mystery to solve. Unfortunately, not all were solved in the first book. I’m starting the next book in the series today.
I listened to the audiobook narrated by Emma Galvin. She has a distinct voice that was perfect for this role.
As Tandy sets out to discover who murdered her parents, she needs someone to confide in. Someone to confess to. That someone is us. Are her confessions to us truthful? Is she manipulating us? She often doesn’t trust her own judgement. So can we trust her?
This is a fast-paced mystery with several plot twists that will keep you guessing. And as the story progresses there is more than one mystery to solve. Unfortunately, not all were solved in the first book. I’m starting the next book in the series today.
I listened to the audiobook narrated by Emma Galvin. She has a distinct voice that was perfect for this role.
May 19, 2019
I really have no business criticizing James Patterson books. Having read three or four of them already and complained about every one, I should know better by now and recognize that his style and that of his collaborators just isn't for me. So take this review with a grain of salt.
What drew me to this book was the lure of a new Nancy Drew-esque character and the fact that I'd never read a YA mystery before. Most of the YA I've read in the past has been fantasy, so I wanted to explore a bit outside that genre. As is often the case with James Patterson books, the premise and quick-paced opening chapters seemed compelling enough to give it a read. The problem was that it soon devolved into a contrived mess.
Mystery thrillers aren't meant to be hyper-realistic. You expect the protagonist to extravagantly skilled and heroic, the events to be more bombastic than plausible, and the way other characters to behave to be perhaps a little convenient to the plot. With Confessions of a Murder Suspect, though, things just continuously go off the rails. The police are ridiculously menacing and incompetent in equal measure. Tandy and her siblings are preposterously super-powered (due to an odd deviation into unexplained pseudo science fiction late in the second act). The deceased parents read as mildly psychotic except when the book wants us to momentarily sympathize with them and then suddenly expects a kind word here or there, remembered from the past, to excuse everything else. I'd be fine with this if it worked, but it doesn't. Suffice it to say, no one reads as engaging or believable.
The pace itself, though careening as it moves along, also plods in a strange way. Patterson in interviews prides himself on fast-moving plots with short chapters. But here it's not that the scenes are actually short, only that they're cut into multiple chapters. So a single conversation ends up spanning two or three chapters broken up with Tandy saying something like, "And then he said something that blew my mind." It read to me as a cheap tactic, and worse, it didn't actually feel effective in moving things along.
None of this makes the book unreadable. There's a story there, though not a particularly satisfying ending. Those expecting a mystery in which clues are laid out and you can try along with the detective to figure out the solution will be disappointed by the contrived way in which the deaths took place and the answer was found. Those looking for fast-paced thrills will probably find the rapid "Oh no, we're in danger" followed two pages later by, "No, looks like we're fine" to be a little dull after a while.
But for all that, maybe those reading it just for Tandy's emotional reactions to events, to her feelings of being alternately powerless and powerful, will enjoy the experience. Not every book suits every reader and as I made clear at the outset, I've really got no business reading books from an author whose work I've not enjoyed in the past. Loads of people love James Patterson, and maybe the things they enjoy in his books are here by the bucketload. I just couldn't quite find them.
Maybe it says something about Patterson's talent for premise and concept that despite all my complaints, I still find myself now and then picking up one of his books and thinking, "Hmm . . . maybe this time . . ."
What drew me to this book was the lure of a new Nancy Drew-esque character and the fact that I'd never read a YA mystery before. Most of the YA I've read in the past has been fantasy, so I wanted to explore a bit outside that genre. As is often the case with James Patterson books, the premise and quick-paced opening chapters seemed compelling enough to give it a read. The problem was that it soon devolved into a contrived mess.
Mystery thrillers aren't meant to be hyper-realistic. You expect the protagonist to extravagantly skilled and heroic, the events to be more bombastic than plausible, and the way other characters to behave to be perhaps a little convenient to the plot. With Confessions of a Murder Suspect, though, things just continuously go off the rails. The police are ridiculously menacing and incompetent in equal measure. Tandy and her siblings are preposterously super-powered (due to an odd deviation into unexplained pseudo science fiction late in the second act). The deceased parents read as mildly psychotic except when the book wants us to momentarily sympathize with them and then suddenly expects a kind word here or there, remembered from the past, to excuse everything else. I'd be fine with this if it worked, but it doesn't. Suffice it to say, no one reads as engaging or believable.
The pace itself, though careening as it moves along, also plods in a strange way. Patterson in interviews prides himself on fast-moving plots with short chapters. But here it's not that the scenes are actually short, only that they're cut into multiple chapters. So a single conversation ends up spanning two or three chapters broken up with Tandy saying something like, "And then he said something that blew my mind." It read to me as a cheap tactic, and worse, it didn't actually feel effective in moving things along.
None of this makes the book unreadable. There's a story there, though not a particularly satisfying ending. Those expecting a mystery in which clues are laid out and you can try along with the detective to figure out the solution will be disappointed by the contrived way in which the deaths took place and the answer was found. Those looking for fast-paced thrills will probably find the rapid "Oh no, we're in danger" followed two pages later by, "No, looks like we're fine" to be a little dull after a while.
But for all that, maybe those reading it just for Tandy's emotional reactions to events, to her feelings of being alternately powerless and powerful, will enjoy the experience. Not every book suits every reader and as I made clear at the outset, I've really got no business reading books from an author whose work I've not enjoyed in the past. Loads of people love James Patterson, and maybe the things they enjoy in his books are here by the bucketload. I just couldn't quite find them.
Maybe it says something about Patterson's talent for premise and concept that despite all my complaints, I still find myself now and then picking up one of his books and thinking, "Hmm . . . maybe this time . . ."
April 22, 2013
I honestly feel no satisfaction after reading this book. It was flat, boring and anti-climatic. I hated the second person narration sections because it felt so... fake. It felt as though the author was trying to make you want to find out what happens, teasing you, but it honestly made me not even care what the truth was. The book wasn't awful, I didn't have an awful time reading it, and it was easy enough to get through, but I just hated too much about it. It was so weak to me that if I ever see a book with the author's name on it, I probably won't pick it up, even if it's on sale for only a few dollars like this one was.
Characters? Empty.
Plot? Boring, anti-climatic.... built up to NOTHING. No surprises, no twists.
Writing itself? Not bad.
Pacing? Bleh.
Structure? Somewhat irritating.
Overall? Well, isn't it obvious? ;)
Characters? Empty.
Plot? Boring, anti-climatic.... built up to NOTHING. No surprises, no twists.
Writing itself? Not bad.
Pacing? Bleh.
Structure? Somewhat irritating.
Overall? Well, isn't it obvious? ;)
May 23, 2017
This book sucked ass. The only reason I continued to read was to see who actually did it and the answer was so disappointing and underwhelming. I apparently tried to read this three years ago and originally liked it but stopped. I kind of wish I had just left it at that and not tried picking it up again.
ALSO the parents were pretty much emotionally abusing their children, from the snippets we got, which made the eulogy at the end hollow as all get out. I feel like that spoiler doesn't matter so I'm not tagging it.
And I was appalled at police procedure in this book; Caputo should have been fired. I was literally waiting for it to happen. I hated his character and, again, the ending didn't do any favors for me on that end.
I'm not writing a proper review of this right now because I'm kind of angry I wasted my day reading this.
ALSO the parents were pretty much emotionally abusing their children, from the snippets we got, which made the eulogy at the end hollow as all get out. I feel like that spoiler doesn't matter so I'm not tagging it.
And I was appalled at police procedure in this book; Caputo should have been fired. I was literally waiting for it to happen. I hated his character and, again, the ending didn't do any favors for me on that end.
I'm not writing a proper review of this right now because I'm kind of angry I wasted my day reading this.
November 16, 2012
My first Patterson book... and I cannot accurately even say how pathetic I thought it was. Poorly written, a ridiculous plot, and all the drama of a daytime soap opera. Skip.
May 2, 2016
1.5 stars. Literally has the line "I'm not like other girls".
January 16, 2013
Edit Jan 15 2013: Okay, to tell you the truth this book have been on my mind ever since I finished it and reviewed it. I have been debating whether to drop the rating down a star. The reason was because I kept on thinking to myself why the hell did I give this book a 4 stars? I kept thinking and couldn't think of reason why I gave it 4 stars (even with the 2/3 mind blowing parts). So therefore, I am going to drop this to a 3. End of Edit Jan 15 2013
Okay, I am going to do my review a little different. I am going to start breaking my longer reviews into chunks, or topics to be exact, since they do get somewhat long.
Cover:
I like to say that even with a girl on the cover, I did like the cover. It was detailed intricate and very, well, mysterious.
Characters:
Tandy
When I first started reading the book, I was not a fan of how Tandy talked to the reader. It sounded like she was talking to the readers and I just wanted to shout to her that this is not a blog post, stop it. But I liked Tandy as a character. She didn't felt much emotions. But she could be hot-headed and could act like a "child". You know what I mean right? No? Her head could get to her and she would talk at the wrong time when she was mad. She was like me.
For example, once I got pissed when my internet started to go in and out on me (for a week). And during that week, I was doing an online pre-midterm quiz. I got mad because I didn't complete it due to the internet outage. Fair enough, I didn't knew the answers but still, I didn't want that to happen when I knew the answer. So I almost called Rogers and gave them a lecture about stupid online assignments but my mom stopped me since my tone would be horrible and the conversation might have included a bit of swearing.
So now you know a bit about me and Tandy. Tandy, like me, couldn't sing or play an instrument. The whole Angel family was complicated. Wait what? Tandy's real name is Tandoori? Her father named her after a clay stove? Tandoor is a clay stove used in West Indian cooking. I don't have a problem with that but why is she the only one that has a weird name?
Harry
Harry, Tandy's twin, loved to smile. The description of Harry made me love him: curly hair, Harry Potter glasses and he had asthma. Awwww! You can say he is the "weakling" of the Angels. A lot of the times I thought Harry was the youngest even though Hugo was. He also loved the arts.
Hugo
Hugo was kind of build for strength. He was in grade 5 and was pretty kickass. But Hugo was adorable too! Listen to this:
"...Hugo had climbed around Matthew's body and was on his back, looking at the cops over his brother's shoulder."
I mean REALLY?! That was totally what Meelo would had done! You perfect little child! I love you!
Matthew
Wow, people hold me. That was my reaction when I first read about Matthew. Matthew was the eldest of the Angels (in some way, you have to read the book to see what I mean). All I can say is that if he was in a manga, it would be Kuroko no Basket. He was a super, a cut above all other, amazing, superhero athlete. I mean ARE YOU KIDDING ME JAMES?!
"...he seemed to draw all the light and air to him...intense blue eyes...six-two...".
If Aomine had Kuroko's eyes (and had light brown dreadlocks), I would call him Matthew. So you can imagine me fangirling over Matt right? But the thing is, Aomine will always be my number one, sorry Matt. And as I read on, my attraction kind of disappeared. I don't know, he was just not...my type? He was easily angered, kind of scary and I don't know, had a bit of a fame-whore issue (only in parts though)?
Uncle Peter
Uncle Peter seemed like the slimy, greasy creep. The neighbours were all odd. They each had their own motive.
Samantha
She was the assistant for Maud, the mother, and I didn't felt like she had anything that stood out. It was as it I couldn't really picture her with any special features. To be honest, I never really pictured a face on her (Scary, but true).
Plot + Other
Loved how the chapters were short. And as my sister told me, James is known for his short chapters. Well sir, I salute you for that!
I found this book unique in the sense that it had "Confession" chapters where in these pages, Tandy would confess some of the things that happened in the Angel family. I loved reading these chapters.
About 50 pages in I began speculating, and wondering what are some possible ending. This book was perfect for those who like to guess what happens next. :) This book was like the board game Clues come to life. The story really reminded me of Virals by Kathy Reichs, it had the balance of everything. The story was for YA who enjoy mystery with just a tiny hint of something else (which I can't tell you because it would be spoilers). I found myself involved in finding out the truth. Like Nancy Drew, Tandy was a good "detective". And for the readers who are familiar with the Detective Conan manga, I felt some elements of the manga in this book.
For example when Tandy was asking CSI Joyce about her parents' death, I felt a similarity with Conan, as if he was asking CSI Joyce the same question without Ran's father finding out and punching the hell out of him.
I think the novel was just a bit bland and boring. There wasn't fast paced, high action going on. I felt like I was drinking a luked-warm soup. But there were some places where I felt flavours. There were a few things that stirred up issues, and made the book worth reading. There were also parts where it just shocked you! I was thinking that this book was turning into a reality TV show with the drama!
I felt like if I actually did finish a Maximum Ride novel, I would feel like this book really resembled it.
The ending was okay, with questions unanswered. I guess it is good that this is a series, but at the same time, I won't be dying to read it.
Overall, this book was okay. I would've gave it a three firesbut there were some serious mind blowing moments near the 2/3 of the book that bumped the book up to a four fires. If you would like to see where exactly those moments happened, read my Goodreads status for this book.
Okay, I am going to do my review a little different. I am going to start breaking my longer reviews into chunks, or topics to be exact, since they do get somewhat long.
Cover:
I like to say that even with a girl on the cover, I did like the cover. It was detailed intricate and very, well, mysterious.
Characters:
Tandy
When I first started reading the book, I was not a fan of how Tandy talked to the reader. It sounded like she was talking to the readers and I just wanted to shout to her that this is not a blog post, stop it. But I liked Tandy as a character. She didn't felt much emotions. But she could be hot-headed and could act like a "child". You know what I mean right? No? Her head could get to her and she would talk at the wrong time when she was mad. She was like me.
For example, once I got pissed when my internet started to go in and out on me (for a week). And during that week, I was doing an online pre-midterm quiz. I got mad because I didn't complete it due to the internet outage. Fair enough, I didn't knew the answers but still, I didn't want that to happen when I knew the answer. So I almost called Rogers and gave them a lecture about stupid online assignments but my mom stopped me since my tone would be horrible and the conversation might have included a bit of swearing.
So now you know a bit about me and Tandy. Tandy, like me, couldn't sing or play an instrument. The whole Angel family was complicated. Wait what? Tandy's real name is Tandoori? Her father named her after a clay stove? Tandoor is a clay stove used in West Indian cooking. I don't have a problem with that but why is she the only one that has a weird name?
Harry
Harry, Tandy's twin, loved to smile. The description of Harry made me love him: curly hair, Harry Potter glasses and he had asthma. Awwww! You can say he is the "weakling" of the Angels. A lot of the times I thought Harry was the youngest even though Hugo was. He also loved the arts.
Hugo
Hugo was kind of build for strength. He was in grade 5 and was pretty kickass. But Hugo was adorable too! Listen to this:
"...Hugo had climbed around Matthew's body and was on his back, looking at the cops over his brother's shoulder."
I mean REALLY?! That was totally what Meelo would had done! You perfect little child! I love you!
Matthew
Wow, people hold me. That was my reaction when I first read about Matthew. Matthew was the eldest of the Angels (in some way, you have to read the book to see what I mean). All I can say is that if he was in a manga, it would be Kuroko no Basket. He was a super, a cut above all other, amazing, superhero athlete. I mean ARE YOU KIDDING ME JAMES?!
"...he seemed to draw all the light and air to him...intense blue eyes...six-two...".
If Aomine had Kuroko's eyes (and had light brown dreadlocks), I would call him Matthew. So you can imagine me fangirling over Matt right? But the thing is, Aomine will always be my number one, sorry Matt. And as I read on, my attraction kind of disappeared. I don't know, he was just not...my type? He was easily angered, kind of scary and I don't know, had a bit of a fame-whore issue (only in parts though)?
Uncle Peter
Uncle Peter seemed like the slimy, greasy creep. The neighbours were all odd. They each had their own motive.
Samantha
She was the assistant for Maud, the mother, and I didn't felt like she had anything that stood out. It was as it I couldn't really picture her with any special features. To be honest, I never really pictured a face on her (Scary, but true).
Plot + Other
Loved how the chapters were short. And as my sister told me, James is known for his short chapters. Well sir, I salute you for that!
I found this book unique in the sense that it had "Confession" chapters where in these pages, Tandy would confess some of the things that happened in the Angel family. I loved reading these chapters.
About 50 pages in I began speculating, and wondering what are some possible ending. This book was perfect for those who like to guess what happens next. :) This book was like the board game Clues come to life. The story really reminded me of Virals by Kathy Reichs, it had the balance of everything. The story was for YA who enjoy mystery with just a tiny hint of something else (which I can't tell you because it would be spoilers). I found myself involved in finding out the truth. Like Nancy Drew, Tandy was a good "detective". And for the readers who are familiar with the Detective Conan manga, I felt some elements of the manga in this book.
For example when Tandy was asking CSI Joyce about her parents' death, I felt a similarity with Conan, as if he was asking CSI Joyce the same question without Ran's father finding out and punching the hell out of him.
I think the novel was just a bit bland and boring. There wasn't fast paced, high action going on. I felt like I was drinking a luked-warm soup. But there were some places where I felt flavours. There were a few things that stirred up issues, and made the book worth reading. There were also parts where it just shocked you! I was thinking that this book was turning into a reality TV show with the drama!
I felt like if I actually did finish a Maximum Ride novel, I would feel like this book really resembled it.
The ending was okay, with questions unanswered. I guess it is good that this is a series, but at the same time, I won't be dying to read it.
Overall, this book was okay. I would've gave it a three fires
February 8, 2017
I would give this a 2.5/5. It wasnt really my kind of book but I got tricked into reading it by the pretty cover. It was a murder mystery. It wasnt a quirky Nancy Drew style story. It wasnt haunting like the red and black cover might suggest. It wasnt romantic like most YA. It was just a murder mystery.
Tandy's parents are killed in the middle of the night, in their tightly locked up apartment. So the cops' prime suspects are Tandy, her twin brother Harry, their older brother Matty, and the youngest, Hugo. Tandy's family is extremely unusual. Her parents owned a pharmaceutical company and liked to test drugs on her and her siblings. They were raised with high expectations, strict education, and emotions were discouraged. Tandy and her three brother all have genius level IQs, so they are all Tandy's prime suspects as well.
But Tandy doesnt lock her brothers out of her investigation. She loves them all, and although she believes they are all capable of murder, she would understand their motives and not hold it against them. So they all work together to catch the killer. They uncover many secrets during their investigation, about their parents, and themselves. And there are still more secrets yet to be discovered.
I really liked Tandy's brothers. Especially Harry. He was considered the weak one but I just found him so lovable. And Hugo was pretty funny, he was like a mini jock. He was only 10, but every time he was proud of himself he would dance around like he scored a touchdown. And he liked to hit things. He had quite the temper and strength for his age. I was curious enough in the story to keep reading, and find out who the killer was. But it wasnt a particularly exciting or engaging experience. I found the ending interesting, although the idea had crossed my mind beforehand. I probably wont read the sequel, although I wouldnt mind learning more about James. There was no romance in this book, but there could be if Tandy decides to try to find James in the future. I like the idea of Tandy becoming a detective. She was good at it and with her IQ she could be amazing. I'm still not really a fan of mysteries though so I wont read more about Tandoori Angel.
Tandy's parents are killed in the middle of the night, in their tightly locked up apartment. So the cops' prime suspects are Tandy, her twin brother Harry, their older brother Matty, and the youngest, Hugo. Tandy's family is extremely unusual. Her parents owned a pharmaceutical company and liked to test drugs on her and her siblings. They were raised with high expectations, strict education, and emotions were discouraged. Tandy and her three brother all have genius level IQs, so they are all Tandy's prime suspects as well.
But Tandy doesnt lock her brothers out of her investigation. She loves them all, and although she believes they are all capable of murder, she would understand their motives and not hold it against them. So they all work together to catch the killer. They uncover many secrets during their investigation, about their parents, and themselves. And there are still more secrets yet to be discovered.
I really liked Tandy's brothers. Especially Harry. He was considered the weak one but I just found him so lovable. And Hugo was pretty funny, he was like a mini jock. He was only 10, but every time he was proud of himself he would dance around like he scored a touchdown. And he liked to hit things. He had quite the temper and strength for his age. I was curious enough in the story to keep reading, and find out who the killer was. But it wasnt a particularly exciting or engaging experience. I found the ending interesting, although the idea had crossed my mind beforehand. I probably wont read the sequel, although I wouldnt mind learning more about James. There was no romance in this book, but there could be if Tandy decides to try to find James in the future. I like the idea of Tandy becoming a detective. She was good at it and with her IQ she could be amazing. I'm still not really a fan of mysteries though so I wont read more about Tandoori Angel.
August 31, 2013
wow this was very good.
The family is quirky and the story unfolds a little oddly - you're left without all the answers to the questions....but you don't need them all now. Just the answer to one big question will do.
I loved Tandy, even though she's OCD and definitely has some odd quirks
Matty/Mathew was a great 'older' opinion but a little gruff and grumpy, the perfect offset
Harry was also great, being her twin and all he just knew her!
and even Hugo with his wild "swim hard or die" attitude was some added comedy to everyone's seriousness
Even meeting the neighbors and sussing out their alibi's and history was just such a fun addition to the story.
Linking here Suspect List and Neighbor list for reference before I read book 2.
I can't wait to see what will happen in the next book!
The family is quirky and the story unfolds a little oddly - you're left without all the answers to the questions....but you don't need them all now. Just the answer to one big question will do.
I loved Tandy, even though she's OCD and definitely has some odd quirks
Matty/Mathew was a great 'older' opinion but a little gruff and grumpy, the perfect offset
Harry was also great, being her twin and all he just knew her!
and even Hugo with his wild "swim hard or die" attitude was some added comedy to everyone's seriousness
Even meeting the neighbors and sussing out their alibi's and history was just such a fun addition to the story.
Linking here Suspect List and Neighbor list for reference before I read book 2.
I can't wait to see what will happen in the next book!
December 23, 2012
I hate forgetting to actually add my review once it's done... :P here we go:
When I picked this up from the library, I immediately went to Goodreads to see people's reviews...I don't usually do that, but I was on the fence about reading this, having only put it on hold upon reading about it in at the end of Nevermore.
I do not recommend doing that. The reviews range from "absolutely amazing!" to "what the hell did I just waste my time reading?" so it did not help me decide if I wanted to read it, whatsoever. So I just started it with an open mind, not sure what to expect. My opinions are somewhat in the middle, so I'll try to say a bit on both sides.
First of all, it's WEIRD. Yes, caps weird. That's really the only word I can say that makes sense. And once you start reading the confusing story, you'll get exactly what I mean. Otherwise it's hard to explain.
Tandy and her siblings, the Angels, (who are so ironically named) remind me a lot of....you guessed it, Max and her gang! Unnaturally enhanced (well, it's not that much of a spoiler, it's pretty obvious these kids are something more.) and working together against the evil "adults", there's nothing new there, but I do like that point of view.
I really liked the setting, a classic impossible murder in the famous Dakota building, NYC. Their apartment is described as really awesome, from bioluminescent-sharks in a tank for a coffee table, and some disturbing lifelike (seriously lifelike) statues literally hanging around. The way the kids, Tandy, tells you about each feature of their home, you can tell they don't realize how out of the norm their situation is.
Tandy has some (okay a lot) of suppressed memories, which makes her story so confusing. She's confiding in the reader, but not really sure of half the things she says. Memories have been taken from her and I'd like to see that theory expanded and explained as the series progresses; this may be the "series arc" I'm looking for. So they're equally interesting and annoying, these gaps.
Even though I'm a fan of James Patterson's books, I really despise his writing style...it reads like a fan fiction to me, something not quite completed, fast paced, shallow...not quality, just something to lose yourself in. But he (and whoever he co-authors with) sure does have a way of pulling you into an interesting plot. And that's what gets me, why I couldn't really put it down.
About the ending, when the climax comes, and the murder may or may not have been solved...well I'm sad to say I guessed it. It didn't make reading the book any less enjoyable, I just had an idea of what happened to Tandy's parents, and I was right. There are possible subtle clues now and then, but you're really not given enough information from Tandy herself to actually piece together
So I guess this is the first book in the "Teen Mystery Series" but it's a weird introduction to a series. Tandy wants to become a detective someday, so I guess these will be her adventures? I'm interested to see what comes next.
When I picked this up from the library, I immediately went to Goodreads to see people's reviews...I don't usually do that, but I was on the fence about reading this, having only put it on hold upon reading about it in at the end of Nevermore.
I do not recommend doing that. The reviews range from "absolutely amazing!" to "what the hell did I just waste my time reading?" so it did not help me decide if I wanted to read it, whatsoever. So I just started it with an open mind, not sure what to expect. My opinions are somewhat in the middle, so I'll try to say a bit on both sides.
First of all, it's WEIRD. Yes, caps weird. That's really the only word I can say that makes sense. And once you start reading the confusing story, you'll get exactly what I mean. Otherwise it's hard to explain.
Tandy and her siblings, the Angels, (who are so ironically named) remind me a lot of....you guessed it, Max and her gang! Unnaturally enhanced (well, it's not that much of a spoiler, it's pretty obvious these kids are something more.) and working together against the evil "adults", there's nothing new there, but I do like that point of view.
I really liked the setting, a classic impossible murder in the famous Dakota building, NYC. Their apartment is described as really awesome, from bioluminescent-sharks in a tank for a coffee table, and some disturbing lifelike (seriously lifelike) statues literally hanging around. The way the kids, Tandy, tells you about each feature of their home, you can tell they don't realize how out of the norm their situation is.
Tandy has some (okay a lot) of suppressed memories, which makes her story so confusing. She's confiding in the reader, but not really sure of half the things she says. Memories have been taken from her and I'd like to see that theory expanded and explained as the series progresses; this may be the "series arc" I'm looking for. So they're equally interesting and annoying, these gaps.
Even though I'm a fan of James Patterson's books, I really despise his writing style...it reads like a fan fiction to me, something not quite completed, fast paced, shallow...not quality, just something to lose yourself in. But he (and whoever he co-authors with) sure does have a way of pulling you into an interesting plot. And that's what gets me, why I couldn't really put it down.
About the ending, when the climax comes, and the murder may or may not have been solved...well I'm sad to say I guessed it. It didn't make reading the book any less enjoyable, I just had an idea of what happened to Tandy's parents, and I was right. There are possible subtle clues now and then, but you're really not given enough information from Tandy herself to actually piece together
So I guess this is the first book in the "Teen Mystery Series" but it's a weird introduction to a series. Tandy wants to become a detective someday, so I guess these will be her adventures? I'm interested to see what comes next.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 4, 2013
Ok, I'll be completely honest here: As good and mind blowing was the start, I really and whole heatedly wanted to be able to say the same about the end. Im really sorry to say this, but the end really pissed me off. After hours of guessing and mapping an 'almost perfect' murder plot, I was really disappointed by the way it ended.
Good things :
This book had me glued to it right from the moment I started with it, it was that amazing (atleast in the start). I used to try and think about the 'double murder' and try to figure out the actual killer behind the apparently insane murder mystery. Its a real page turner. It keeps the reader in a state of awe with every twist and turn the book takes you along with Tandy. The way Tandy and her brothers are considered 'superhuman' (because of their pills) is really fun to read. The intelligence of all the kids are amazing for 16 and 10 year olds (again all hail Angel Pharma for that) and the ridiculous things that their parents put them through as punishments were really frustrating to read at times.
I like the way the story unravels, especially how Patterson litterally 'talks' with the readers through the lead character and the narrator - Tandy 'Tandoor' Angel. I like the feel that we get while we are reading it; its like Tandy is actually narrating her life story to you and she's really there.
The plot was insane, dark (at times), creepy, mysterious, and all the good things there is to say about a mystery novel. It keeps the readers wondering till the last page is turned over.
Baad things:
The only thing that robbed this masterpiece of a book from its all 5/5 rating is the ending. The ending didnt work out well for me. I mean after the breathtaking mystery behind the double murders of Tandy's parents, the arrests of all the Angel Family, and the hailstorm of accusations showered at them, the end could've been equally dark and twisted. As tandy used to say in between chapters 'it was way too easy'.
I was really hoping for some jaw dropping revelations in the end. I had my suspicions on the Uncle or 'Sammy'. But this? I never saw this coming.
But anyway, we still have another case coming up (Matty's case), so hopes are up that the second novel will have a little more 'chilly' ending compared to the suicide end in this one.
A really good book to read, a complete pageturner right till the end. Yes, the ending couldve been better, but hell, a nice book nonetheless.
Actual rating: 4.3/5
Good things :
This book had me glued to it right from the moment I started with it, it was that amazing (atleast in the start). I used to try and think about the 'double murder' and try to figure out the actual killer behind the apparently insane murder mystery. Its a real page turner. It keeps the reader in a state of awe with every twist and turn the book takes you along with Tandy. The way Tandy and her brothers are considered 'superhuman' (because of their pills) is really fun to read. The intelligence of all the kids are amazing for 16 and 10 year olds (again all hail Angel Pharma for that) and the ridiculous things that their parents put them through as punishments were really frustrating to read at times.
I like the way the story unravels, especially how Patterson litterally 'talks' with the readers through the lead character and the narrator - Tandy 'Tandoor' Angel. I like the feel that we get while we are reading it; its like Tandy is actually narrating her life story to you and she's really there.
The plot was insane, dark (at times), creepy, mysterious, and all the good things there is to say about a mystery novel. It keeps the readers wondering till the last page is turned over.
Baad things:
The only thing that robbed this masterpiece of a book from its all 5/5 rating is the ending. The ending didnt work out well for me. I mean after the breathtaking mystery behind the double murders of Tandy's parents, the arrests of all the Angel Family, and the hailstorm of accusations showered at them, the end could've been equally dark and twisted. As tandy used to say in between chapters 'it was way too easy'.
I was really hoping for some jaw dropping revelations in the end. I had my suspicions on the Uncle or 'Sammy'. But this? I never saw this coming.
But anyway, we still have another case coming up (Matty's case), so hopes are up that the second novel will have a little more 'chilly' ending compared to the suicide end in this one.
A really good book to read, a complete pageturner right till the end. Yes, the ending couldve been better, but hell, a nice book nonetheless.
Actual rating: 4.3/5
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 19, 2014
I have never read anything by James Patterson, so when Confessions of a Murder Suspect came up in my audiobook search at the library, I thought it was a good time to give it a try. I was pleasantly surprised how well the story flowed and kept me intrigued. The audiobook was read by Emma Galvin and was 6 hours, 5 minutes long.
Likes:
I loved the Angel family, they were so unusual and original. I love learning more about the family, the big chops and the reward adventures they would go on.
This story was like an onion, you just kept listening and more and more layers appeared giving the story more depth.
The murder was interesting, especially because the children were the prime suspects.
I love The Dakota as a backdrop in stories. I really enjoyed it in Emily and Einstein. It is such an awesome old New York building with so much history.
Tandy was awesome, the whole story is told from her POV and she is like a super genius who has no emotion and was so sheltered. She has to figure out who she really is and what her parents made her into.
The Angel apartment had the coolest art. It was so fun to imagine what it looked it and would be liked living in that apartment.
Gripes:
The ending was a bit of a letdown, I guess I got so worked up with the story that when we found out the truth, it wasn’t as much as I had built up in my head. I still enjoyed the story and am looking forward to reading the sequel, The Private School Murders. Both books are free on Goodreads!
For more reviews visit
A Flurry of Ponderings
Likes:
I loved the Angel family, they were so unusual and original. I love learning more about the family, the big chops and the reward adventures they would go on.
This story was like an onion, you just kept listening and more and more layers appeared giving the story more depth.
The murder was interesting, especially because the children were the prime suspects.
I love The Dakota as a backdrop in stories. I really enjoyed it in Emily and Einstein. It is such an awesome old New York building with so much history.
Tandy was awesome, the whole story is told from her POV and she is like a super genius who has no emotion and was so sheltered. She has to figure out who she really is and what her parents made her into.
The Angel apartment had the coolest art. It was so fun to imagine what it looked it and would be liked living in that apartment.
Gripes:
The ending was a bit of a letdown, I guess I got so worked up with the story that when we found out the truth, it wasn’t as much as I had built up in my head. I still enjoyed the story and am looking forward to reading the sequel, The Private School Murders. Both books are free on Goodreads!
For more reviews visit
A Flurry of Ponderings
October 14, 2017
Every once in a while I crave a good mystery whether that is an adult one or a good YA one. But let's face it, really good, keep you guessing YA mysteries and far and few in between. So when I found out that none other than Patterson himself was writing a YA mystery, I knew it was something that I needed to try and with all four books out, now was the time to do it.
I love a good story where the narrator is anything but reliable. Where anything goes and nothing is ever as it seems and that is what Patterson delivered in this first novel in a new series set in New York with a narrator that is not only the teller of our story but also a suspect herself.
And let me tell you, this isn't your typical ordinary murder mystery or murders as the case may be in this story. No, this family, these parents, are anything but ordinary.
As odd as this tale was with the story of rewards and “big chops” this story was also easy to get wrapped up in as we strive to understand the Angel family and what makes them tick.
I loved each new facet we learned about them as we are told through Tandy's point of view what she knows both about her parents and her siblings and the odd relationship they all had with one another.
I really did enjoy this telling as odd and broken as it could be with Tandy's long hidden memories resurfacing and her own secrets coming out. It was fun and entertaining and truly unlike any YA mystery or even adult mystery I have read to date. I look forward to reading future installments.
I love a good story where the narrator is anything but reliable. Where anything goes and nothing is ever as it seems and that is what Patterson delivered in this first novel in a new series set in New York with a narrator that is not only the teller of our story but also a suspect herself.
And let me tell you, this isn't your typical ordinary murder mystery or murders as the case may be in this story. No, this family, these parents, are anything but ordinary.
As odd as this tale was with the story of rewards and “big chops” this story was also easy to get wrapped up in as we strive to understand the Angel family and what makes them tick.
I loved each new facet we learned about them as we are told through Tandy's point of view what she knows both about her parents and her siblings and the odd relationship they all had with one another.
I really did enjoy this telling as odd and broken as it could be with Tandy's long hidden memories resurfacing and her own secrets coming out. It was fun and entertaining and truly unlike any YA mystery or even adult mystery I have read to date. I look forward to reading future installments.
March 24, 2014
WARNING: SPOILERS AHEAD!
This book was really disappointing. I kept waiting and waiting for it to get better but it didn't. The story itself was confusing in the set up of it because of the actual story versus the confession part of it. This went from a decent murder novel to something bizarre real quick when the science stuff came in of the parents trying to create perfect kids and using their kids as guinea pigs. What really killed it for me was that at the end you find out the parents just committed suicide. There never was a murder. I read 300 something pages just to find out that hey there was never even a crime committed here. It was really disappointing. And yes there is a sequel but the ending was bad too. I'm looking forward to reading 2nd book more than this book because now there actually is a murder of the oldest sons girlfriend. Unless they decide to make her death an accident or a suicide as well. Then I give up and will not read any more of these books. I was thoroughly disappointed. This was my first James Patterson book and everybody always told me he's a great writer. Well based on this book, I beg to differ. I apologize to any James Patterson fans. Please give me one of his better books to read instead.
This book was really disappointing. I kept waiting and waiting for it to get better but it didn't. The story itself was confusing in the set up of it because of the actual story versus the confession part of it. This went from a decent murder novel to something bizarre real quick when the science stuff came in of the parents trying to create perfect kids and using their kids as guinea pigs. What really killed it for me was that at the end you find out the parents just committed suicide. There never was a murder. I read 300 something pages just to find out that hey there was never even a crime committed here. It was really disappointing. And yes there is a sequel but the ending was bad too. I'm looking forward to reading 2nd book more than this book because now there actually is a murder of the oldest sons girlfriend. Unless they decide to make her death an accident or a suicide as well. Then I give up and will not read any more of these books. I was thoroughly disappointed. This was my first James Patterson book and everybody always told me he's a great writer. Well based on this book, I beg to differ. I apologize to any James Patterson fans. Please give me one of his better books to read instead.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 24, 2018
Rated 3.5 stars
November 18, 2012
Review courtesy of Dark Faerie Tales
Quick & Dirty: Patterson does not disappoint in this teen mystery. It’s filled with relatable characters and a mysterious story plot that will leave you wanting more.
Opening Sentence: I have some really bad secrets to share with someone, and it might as well be you — a stranger, a reader of books, but most of all, a person who can’t hurt me.
The Review:
I’m a fan of James Patterson and the amazing books that he and his writing partners have written. They are always compelling and keep me on the edge of my seat. When I had the chance to read Confessions of a Murder Suspect, I jumped on the chance. Patterson’s first teen mystery series? Definitely wouldn’t want to pass that up!
Confessions of a Murder Suspect follows a young daughter’s mission to solve the mystery of her parents’ murder. The suspects? The members of her own family. Tandy Angel sets out to do what the police can’t, solve the murder. But she questions every single one of the members living in their house. In doing so, she uncovers every single one of her family’s dark secrets, confession with the reader, waiting for a verdict.
Tandy Angel is the voice of this book, talking to the reader as if they were a third character. It’s great. She confesses so many things that allows the reader to take into thought. She’s smart for her age, and definitely witty. Her quick thinking, her blase attitude makes her a fantastic main character. She has set it upon herself to solve the mystery of her parents’ death, and one that she doesn’t take lightly. I loved reading about her. She is by far my favorite thing about Confessions of a Murder Suspect.
The Angel Family is really something else. From their super human young brother, Hugo, to the enigmatic all-American jock older brother, Matthew. Oh, let’s not forget the twin, Harrison, who is artistic and doesn’t seem to belong to the rest of the Angel family. They are all individual and amazing in their own right, and finding out a little bit about each one of them adds to the mystery.
While a majority of the book took place in the Angels’ home, the world created was still one that I wanted to know about. Nothing beats a murder scene, and finding out that all the quirks within the home were a part of the scene just added to it. The personalities of each character, the depth of every single one added to the allure of reading the story. I enjoyed reading this teen mystery as much as I’ve read Patterson’s adult mysteries.
Patterson’s writing is always great. And Paetro is no second runner up. The two have writing chemistry, and their works are always well polished. While I didn’t like the ending, the rest of the book was great and enjoying. There are many levels of content, symbols, lessons to be learned when reading Confessions of a Murder Suspect.
I really enjoyed Confessions of a Murder Suspect. I think of the Royal Tennanbaums or even something as quirky as the Munsters. This was such a great read, filled with forensic thrills and a intriguing plot. I’m sure you’ll love this as much as I did.
Notable Scene:
“Criminals make mistakes all the time,” Caputo said.
Samantha interrupted us. “Come on, Tandy.” She took my arm and led me to a chair. Then she said to the Sergeant, “If you’re not arresting anyone, we’d like you to leave.”
“Yeah,” said Hugo. “ ‘We’re done here.’ Isn’t that what they say on all the police shows?”
“We’re done for now. But I’m telling you again,” Caputo warned, “don’t go anywhere.”
“If that’s what we’re being ordered to do, then I guess you’ll be giving us a note excusing us from school.”
“The noose is tightening,” Caputo said. “You feel a little short of air, Snaccy?”
The funny thing was, I still did.
FTC Advisory: Little, Brown provided me with a copy of Confessions of a Murder Suspect. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review. In addition, I don’t receive affiliate fees for anything purchased via links from my site.
Quick & Dirty: Patterson does not disappoint in this teen mystery. It’s filled with relatable characters and a mysterious story plot that will leave you wanting more.
Opening Sentence: I have some really bad secrets to share with someone, and it might as well be you — a stranger, a reader of books, but most of all, a person who can’t hurt me.
The Review:
I’m a fan of James Patterson and the amazing books that he and his writing partners have written. They are always compelling and keep me on the edge of my seat. When I had the chance to read Confessions of a Murder Suspect, I jumped on the chance. Patterson’s first teen mystery series? Definitely wouldn’t want to pass that up!
Confessions of a Murder Suspect follows a young daughter’s mission to solve the mystery of her parents’ murder. The suspects? The members of her own family. Tandy Angel sets out to do what the police can’t, solve the murder. But she questions every single one of the members living in their house. In doing so, she uncovers every single one of her family’s dark secrets, confession with the reader, waiting for a verdict.
Tandy Angel is the voice of this book, talking to the reader as if they were a third character. It’s great. She confesses so many things that allows the reader to take into thought. She’s smart for her age, and definitely witty. Her quick thinking, her blase attitude makes her a fantastic main character. She has set it upon herself to solve the mystery of her parents’ death, and one that she doesn’t take lightly. I loved reading about her. She is by far my favorite thing about Confessions of a Murder Suspect.
The Angel Family is really something else. From their super human young brother, Hugo, to the enigmatic all-American jock older brother, Matthew. Oh, let’s not forget the twin, Harrison, who is artistic and doesn’t seem to belong to the rest of the Angel family. They are all individual and amazing in their own right, and finding out a little bit about each one of them adds to the mystery.
While a majority of the book took place in the Angels’ home, the world created was still one that I wanted to know about. Nothing beats a murder scene, and finding out that all the quirks within the home were a part of the scene just added to it. The personalities of each character, the depth of every single one added to the allure of reading the story. I enjoyed reading this teen mystery as much as I’ve read Patterson’s adult mysteries.
Patterson’s writing is always great. And Paetro is no second runner up. The two have writing chemistry, and their works are always well polished. While I didn’t like the ending, the rest of the book was great and enjoying. There are many levels of content, symbols, lessons to be learned when reading Confessions of a Murder Suspect.
I really enjoyed Confessions of a Murder Suspect. I think of the Royal Tennanbaums or even something as quirky as the Munsters. This was such a great read, filled with forensic thrills and a intriguing plot. I’m sure you’ll love this as much as I did.
Notable Scene:
“Criminals make mistakes all the time,” Caputo said.
Samantha interrupted us. “Come on, Tandy.” She took my arm and led me to a chair. Then she said to the Sergeant, “If you’re not arresting anyone, we’d like you to leave.”
“Yeah,” said Hugo. “ ‘We’re done here.’ Isn’t that what they say on all the police shows?”
“We’re done for now. But I’m telling you again,” Caputo warned, “don’t go anywhere.”
“If that’s what we’re being ordered to do, then I guess you’ll be giving us a note excusing us from school.”
“The noose is tightening,” Caputo said. “You feel a little short of air, Snaccy?”
The funny thing was, I still did.
FTC Advisory: Little, Brown provided me with a copy of Confessions of a Murder Suspect. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review. In addition, I don’t receive affiliate fees for anything purchased via links from my site.
May 26, 2020
I think Patterson deserves a big chop for this. As a fan of his work, I went into this expecting more. I had a "must-finish" syndrome with this book. There were so many times I wanted to just chuck it and move on to better things, but I kept going because I wanted to know whodunnit, even though I was pretty sure I knew who the perp was from the first few chapters and I wanted to be wrong. Surely, it couldn't be THAT easy. Spoiler alert: it was.
Reading the blurb, Confessions of a Murder Suspect had potential to be a really good mystery story, but it just fell flat like a well made pancake!
First, the plot: Malcolm and Maud Angel aren't your typical warm and normal parents. They are overachieving perfectionists and expect nothing but perfection from their kids who I choose to refer to as Faceless Matthew, Crybaby Harry, Crazy Hugo and Robot Tandy. You do well, you get a Grande Gongo, the Angels' equivalent to a pat on the back. You mess up, and you get a big chop. The family dynamic kind of reminded me of a dictatorship/dystopia.
Then, the parents are murdered in their bedroom. There are no signs of forced entry so, the obvious suspects were the Angel kids. They killed their parents because they thought they were monsters. Or did they?
I am a sucker for mystery stories and this was not a good one. The book was written in first person and the MC directly refers to reader as, well, "reader". It was cool at first, but it quickly got annoying. Then we have a very unreliable and unlikable MC who is perhaps even more confused than the reader. She even admits this at one point. On several occasions, she starts to tell us something important but then shoves it aside saying she's not ready to face that particular memory or it's a story for another time. Yeah, the author went this route to keep us wanting more but I believe it could have been handled better. The whole thing was just bothersome! In my opinion, the characters, despite being "weird" were super forgettable. The story was unbelievable! And the mystery which could have been it's saving grace was such a letdown!
Of all the questions raised in the book, only one was answered, and that's okay, because Confessions of a Murder Suspect is not compelling enough for me to continue with the series. I am done!
Reading the blurb, Confessions of a Murder Suspect had potential to be a really good mystery story, but it just fell flat like a well made pancake!
First, the plot: Malcolm and Maud Angel aren't your typical warm and normal parents. They are overachieving perfectionists and expect nothing but perfection from their kids who I choose to refer to as Faceless Matthew, Crybaby Harry, Crazy Hugo and Robot Tandy. You do well, you get a Grande Gongo, the Angels' equivalent to a pat on the back. You mess up, and you get a big chop. The family dynamic kind of reminded me of a dictatorship/dystopia.
Then, the parents are murdered in their bedroom. There are no signs of forced entry so, the obvious suspects were the Angel kids. They killed their parents because they thought they were monsters. Or did they?
I am a sucker for mystery stories and this was not a good one. The book was written in first person and the MC directly refers to reader as, well, "reader". It was cool at first, but it quickly got annoying. Then we have a very unreliable and unlikable MC who is perhaps even more confused than the reader. She even admits this at one point. On several occasions, she starts to tell us something important but then shoves it aside saying she's not ready to face that particular memory or it's a story for another time. Yeah, the author went this route to keep us wanting more but I believe it could have been handled better. The whole thing was just bothersome! In my opinion, the characters, despite being "weird" were super forgettable. The story was unbelievable! And the mystery which could have been it's saving grace was such a letdown!
Of all the questions raised in the book, only one was answered, and that's okay, because Confessions of a Murder Suspect is not compelling enough for me to continue with the series. I am done!
January 12, 2016
At A Glance
Genre: Young Adult; Mystery
Love Triangle/Insta Love/Obsession?: no?
Cliff Hanger: no?
Rating: 3 stars
Score Sheet
All out of ten
Cover: 8
Plot: 5
Characters: 6
World Building: 4
Flow: 5
Series Congruity: n/a
Writing: 6
Ending: 6
Total: 5
In Dept
Best Part: Pass
Worst Part: So many murders, so little time to catch up.
Thoughts Had: what?; who is that!?; who did it!?!
Conclusion
Continuing the Series: yes?
Recommending: eh.
Short Review: I don't think i'm gonna like James Patterson books. I was so confused. First the parents die, and i think they kids are ruled out. The girl goes all Nancy Drew and tries to solve it herself, which makes her look bad to the police, i think. Then some famous girl dies and the brother is accused of it?? and there is a baby involved or maybe just an affair, i really have no clue. the plot went everywhere and i never had a chance to catch up.
Review in GIF Form:
Genre: Young Adult; Mystery
Love Triangle/Insta Love/Obsession?: no?
Cliff Hanger: no?
Rating: 3 stars
Score Sheet
All out of ten
Cover: 8
Plot: 5
Characters: 6
World Building: 4
Flow: 5
Series Congruity: n/a
Writing: 6
Ending: 6
Total: 5
In Dept
Best Part: Pass
Worst Part: So many murders, so little time to catch up.
Thoughts Had: what?; who is that!?; who did it!?!
Conclusion
Continuing the Series: yes?
Recommending: eh.
Short Review: I don't think i'm gonna like James Patterson books. I was so confused. First the parents die, and i think they kids are ruled out. The girl goes all Nancy Drew and tries to solve it herself, which makes her look bad to the police, i think. Then some famous girl dies and the brother is accused of it?? and there is a baby involved or maybe just an affair, i really have no clue. the plot went everywhere and i never had a chance to catch up.
Review in GIF Form:
March 14, 2022
Absolutely loved it, it was by far one of the best books I have read.
May 3, 2020
My feelinfs are mixed, loved the twist though
September 11, 2021
Great read
January 1, 2013
This book.. I have so many mixed feelings about this book. From the start I was so intrigued because the main character herself was unsure of her own innocence, but that made sense and was completely explained in just a few chapters. The further I read the more and more convoluted things got and more twisted everyone became. Everyone looked like a suspect, but if you read enough murder mystery stories it is admittedly pretty easy to step outside the box and guess what happened.
The parents.. I didn't know whether they were monsters or just.. parents. They obviously loved their children but they were so demanding of them that it bordered negligent and the entire idea of enforcing your children to be sociopaths seemed, foreign isn't the right word, but... off. I understand blocking out emotions, but considering emotional outbursts shameful are... Hmm. These two were never seen alive in the entire book and yet I still have no idea how to feel about them.
As for the kids they were all lovable and handled a bad situation in a way that would have made their parents proud. Each one of them I fell in love with a little bit because they were real... They were just kids who had been caught in something bigger than they would have ever known but they were also brilliant and tough and completely determined to do whatever they had to do.
All in all, I love this book from it's plot to it's characters. The ending of it made me cry, honestly and truly it did. I can very honestly say I'll be disappointed if there isn't a sequel.
The parents.. I didn't know whether they were monsters or just.. parents. They obviously loved their children but they were so demanding of them that it bordered negligent and the entire idea of enforcing your children to be sociopaths seemed, foreign isn't the right word, but... off. I understand blocking out emotions, but considering emotional outbursts shameful are... Hmm. These two were never seen alive in the entire book and yet I still have no idea how to feel about them.
As for the kids they were all lovable and handled a bad situation in a way that would have made their parents proud. Each one of them I fell in love with a little bit because they were real... They were just kids who had been caught in something bigger than they would have ever known but they were also brilliant and tough and completely determined to do whatever they had to do.
All in all, I love this book from it's plot to it's characters. The ending of it made me cry, honestly and truly it did. I can very honestly say I'll be disappointed if there isn't a sequel.
July 2, 2023
who the heck names their kid tandoori 😭😭😭
April 15, 2022
4.5 What a ride. I absolutely powered through this book, partially because it’s a very quick read, and partially because it was INTENSE. The whole thing was so fascinating, and there were many clever and unique aspects to the plot that I liked quite a bit. I absolutely love Tandy and her siblings and really enjoyed the writing style. If you like audiobooks, this is a great one. I loved the narrator and how she portrayed Tandy. Will be continuing the series!
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