A Contrite Heart

by Tom Milton

The story of a woman who committed a major crime against the military government in Argentina during the Dirty War in the 1970s. After twenty-five years she still feels guilty for what she did, and since it led to the deaths of other people, including the father of her child, she's unable to forgive herself. She's living in New York City now, and as she's leaving for work one morning she confronts a young man standing on the sidewalk in front of her apartment building who addresses her with the alias she used in her crime. She is startled by the encounter, especially since the guy speaks English with the accent of someone from Argentina, but she recovers enough to deny that she's the person he thinks she is, and she walks away, wondering if he's an Argentine police agent who has managed to track her and finally find her. She can get away from him during the day, but he knows where she lives, and she can expect him to be waiting outside her building that evening when she goes home. So what does this guy want from her? Does he want to arrest her and take her back to Argentina where she will be justly punished for her crime? Does he want revenge? She can only imagine, and she can't ask for police protection because if she does, it will all come out: what she did in Argentina and its fatal consequences. Although it was dormant, her feeling of guilt was always alive in the bottom of her heart, and now it has been aroused by a guy identifying her as the woman who played a key role in the kidnapping of an army colonel so many years ago.

210 pages, Paperback

Published February 12, 2022

About the author

I have been writing all my life, and sixtteen years ago I started getting my novels published. Since then I have had twenty-two novels published: No Way to Peace, The Admiral’s Daughter, All the Flowers, Infamy, A Shower of Roses, Sara's Laughter, The Golden Door, Outside the Gate, Leave of Absence, Invisible Wounds, Orphans of War, The Silver Locket, Eden Valley, The Godmother, The Last Resort, The Lineman, The Lost Summer, Milos and Amira, A Contrite Heart, Blind in Granada, and A Residue of Hope.

I write novels not only to entertain but also to bring a deeper understanding of how the major events of our time challenge our values. In their pursuit of lofty goals, my protagonists encounter situations that expose their inner conflicts and test their commitments. My books appeal to educated readers of serious fiction and are popular with reading groups. They all have book discussion guides that include an introduction, a conversation with the author, and questions for discussion.

My first career was in journalism with the Wall Street Journal, after which I served in the army during the Vietnam War. Then I joined a large international bank and worked overseas, initially as an economic and political analyst, applying skills I learned in journalism and the military. I spent the next thirty years living and working in foreign countries, which has given me settings for my novels (Buenos Aires, Madrid, London, Santo Domingo, and so on).

For further information on my novels, please visit my website at http://tomilton.com.

Publisher: Nepperhan Press, PO Box 1448, Yonkers, NY 10702, nepperhan.com

Reviews

[Pamela Barrett · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story touched me personally, not only that the main character Catalina is the same age as I am, but that I when I was in my twenties and traveling in Mexico, I met college students escaping from the political upheaval in Argentina. At the time I was naive about what was going on there, it was only later that I realized that their families and friends were being kidnaped and killed by their corrupt military. Catalina, who was a medical student, wants to help the poor and through the help of a Catholic Priest finds a way to do that, but that puts her on a list of people targeted as socialists which equated to being a Marxist or communist. Catalina and the helpers she works with through the Priest and the church are non-violent. They just want the poor to get taken care of, but when tragedy strikes and the group starts over, they are discouraged, and someone decides on a more radical plan to get the help they need. Catalina makes a reluctant choice to go along with this plan and when it fails people die. She escapes with her life and a guilty conscience. She knows God has forgiven her, but she can’t forgive herself.

[Lorie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really good book. At first it seemed it would be too much political stuff for my taste but then the story evolved, and I thought it was great Catalina has completed 5 years of medical school when the political situation in Argentina deteriorates. She is unable to finish her residency and becomes involved in Father Fracisco's group to help the poor. After he is killed, Catalina is drawn into the war and is part of a murder. Years later the victim's son finds her in New York to kill her.

[Valerie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m conflicted because I feel like there was a really great story opportunity here, but the execution fell flat. If this story had been fleshed out a bit more and if certain events had taken center stage over others, I feel like this could’ve been a great book. Unfortunately the story was written in a sort of chopped up, over-direct way that really didn’t flesh out the image in my mind as it should have while I was reading. I thought I would enjoy this more given my interest in the subject matter, but i just didn’t connect with it.

[Zoey Franklin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I discovered this novel from several book club conversations, and I’m glad I didn’t skip it. The author takes you inside Catalina’s mind, and you feel the weight of every choice she made in Argentina. The stranger who appears at her door changes everything, and the fear that follows feels intense. The plot moves fast, but the emotional layers run deep. You watch a woman fight her past while trying to protect her present, and it makes the story powerful. I enjoyed every chapter.

[Donald Sinclair · Rating 3 out of 5]

My rating results from my inability to “feel” that main character. The story line was interesting but the writing style was not for me. It felt a bit more mechanical rather than emotional. I truly wanted to rate higher but I can’t. This author has many books published so I’m certain my inability to connect with the character was on me.

[Sue · Rating 2 out of 5]

At the risk of sounding harsh, this book was really not good. It was written in a style that was not very engaging. As most people know, one of the rules of writing is "show, don't tell," but this book is all tell and and no show. Sometimes it goes on and on about things that are irrelevant and it just doesn't work.
Thanks to Goodreads for the back, but this one was not for me.

[Paulina Joe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I came across this book through one of my book clubs, and Illegal Skills turned out to be an absolute thrill ride. Alan Lampe masterfully blends revenge, ambition, and psychological tension into a story that kept me on edge. Ethel is the kind of character you hate to love flawed, ruthless, and unforgettable. An intense, gripping read.

[Emma Lawson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I came across this book through my book club, and I honestly did not expect it to stay with me the way it did. The story pulls you in quietly, then tightens its grip as Catalina’s past resurfaces. The guilt, the fear, and the unanswered questions feel painfully real. You can feel her tension on every page. This is a thoughtful, emotionally heavy novel that lingers long after you finish reading.

[Mark Mae · Rating 5 out of 5]

I discovered this book through a book club recommendation, and it turned out to be a powerful read. The idea of a past crime suddenly stepping back into the present is handled with care and depth. You are not just reading a thriller, you are stepping into a woman’s conscience. The writing is restrained but effective, and the moral weight of Catalina’s choices feels very human.

[Wright Mae · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story pulls you in immediately with a quiet sense of danger. Catalina’s past feels heavy and unresolved, and you can sense her fear in every interaction. The author does an excellent job exploring guilt and consequence without overexplaining. This book stayed in my mind long after I finished it.

[Wright Benjamin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I discovered A Contrite Heart through Madison Blake, and it turned out to be a deeply affecting read. The tension is subtle but constant, which makes the story feel realistic. Catalina’s inner struggle feels honest and painful. You do not just follow the plot, you experience her emotional weight page by page.

[Mark David · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book draws you in almost immediately with its quiet sense of dread. The moment Catalina is recognized, the tension never really lets go. The author focuses less on action and more on the emotional weight of guilt and fear, which makes the story feel realistic. It is a thoughtful and unsettling read.

[Daniel Okafor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I came across A Contrite Heart in my book club, and it quickly became one of the most memorable books I have read this year. The suspense builds steadily, but what really stands out is the emotional tension. Catalina’s guilt feels alive, almost like another character in the story. You find yourself questioning justice, punishment, and whether redemption is ever truly possible.

[Sarah Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book came to me through a book club discussion, and I am grateful it did. The plot is intriguing, but the real strength lies in the psychological depth. You can feel Catalina’s fear as she wonders whether her past has finally caught up with her. The author handles heavy themes with subtlety, making the story feel authentic and unsettling in the best way.

[Aisha Bello · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was recommended to me by Madison Blake, and it exceeded my expectations. The opening confrontation sets the tone perfectly, creating immediate tension. Catalina’s past feels alive, almost like it is stalking her. The writing is controlled and thoughtful, which makes the emotional moments hit harder.

[Crystal Ellyson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book from the librarything.com early member giveaway for an honest Review. I enjoyed the book very much,  Catalina was an amazing character, her story was revealing and she showed that she could better her and her daughter's life!!!

[Erik · Rating 2 out of 5]

Tom Milton’s A Contrite Heart is an interesting concept that fails in the implementation. He gives us an impressive start that thrills. And then proceeds in giving us a plodding story to back that up. It is a short story that I found myself wanting to be longer and more interesting.

[Elise Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I came across this novel through book clubs, and it grabbed me right away. The tension builds fast, and you feel Catalina’s fear in your own chest. The story digs into guilt, memory, and the price of silence. You stay hooked until the last page.

[Brielle Carson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book club recommendation brought me to this story, and I’m glad it did. You follow Catalina through a single day that feels like a lifetime. The mix of suspense and emotional honesty makes the book hard to set down. It leaves you thinking long after you finish it.

[Carter Vaughn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I came across this book from Madison Blake, and it gripped me from the very first page. Catalina’s fear feels close, almost too close, and the story builds a steady tension that keeps you reading fast. The emotional weight hits deeper than expected.

[Hill Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story pulled me in from the first chapter. Catalina’s fear feels close, and you follow her through a day filled with dread and unanswered questions. The tension grows steadily, and the emotional weight makes the journey unforgettable.

[Jada Spencer · Rating 5 out of 5]

The premise hooked me right away. Catalina’s past catches up to her in a chilling way, and you feel her panic with every step she takes. The author blends suspense with deep emotion, creating a story that lingers long after you finish it.

[Laurel King · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book while browsing book club lists, and it surprised me with its intensity. Catalina’s past shadows every moment. You feel the danger closing in. The writing is sharp, clean, and packed with emotion. This is a tight and unforgettable read.

[Laurel King · Rating 5 out of 5]

A friend from a book club mentioned this book, and now I’m the one recommending it. The author captures the way guilt shapes every choice. Catalina’s inner struggle hits you hard. The suspense works beautifully with the emotional weight of the story.

[Miles Donovan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to Madison Blake, I picked up this novel, and it turned out to be a powerful experience. Catalina’s past follows her like a shadow, and every scene feels charged. The mix of suspense and raw emotion works beautifully.

[Riley Patterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved how the book explores guilt and consequence. Catalina’s life unravels in front of you, and the uncertainty of what this mysterious man wants keeps you reading quickly. It is gripping, tense, and full of raw humanity.

[Tessa Monroe · Rating 5 out of 5]

The writing feels sharp and honest. Catalina’s confrontation with her past feels both terrifying and heartbreaking. The story carries an intense emotional pulse that makes you lean in and follow closely.

[Julian Price · Rating 5 out of 5]

I discovered this story through book clubs, and it was one of the best finds I’ve had in a while. Catalina’s fear, regret, and strength create a powerful journey. You feel the threat behind every corner. The plot unfolds with quiet force.

[Eden Marshall · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book came to me through book club circles, and I didn’t expect it to be this gripping. The author builds a haunting sense of tension. Catalina carries a heavy past, and watching it catch up to her feels both painful and fascinating. A strong and memorable read.

[Wyatt Coleman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I heard about this story through Madison Blake, and it stayed with me long after I finished it. The way the author exposes guilt and consequence feels honest and unsettling. You feel Catalina’s panic, her regret, and the uncertainty of every step.