Review of Confessiom
Posted: 05 Feb 2022, 13:46
[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Confessiom" by Phili Schulman, MD.]
Every person possesses good and bad qualities. However, some people harbor darkness that consumes their entire being. In Confession, Philip Schulman dives deep into the dark psyche of Evan Dicks.
Evan Dicks is an introverted graduate of Beaumont High School. At home, his family is dysfunctional, and he has no friends. When Emily O’Connor asked him to go on a date, he was immediately suspicious of the popular girl’s intentions. Evan agreed to go on a date before he leaves for Columbia University in New York. Evan had already moved into the dorm when a news report showed Emily dead. Less than a week later, another woman’s murder appears. The day after orientation, one of Evan’s classmates turns up dead in her dorm room. All three bodies have their throats slashed with a cross carved into their chest. When Captain Captree finds the reports of three slain women, he is reminded of his wife’s murder from two years ago. Is it possible that a serial killer may be on the loose? Meanwhile, Evan transferred to Los Angeles to attend a screenplay school after one of his projects gained the attention of Netflix. Evan’s girlfriend, Maria, promises to continue their relationship. With the Cross Killer still loose, are any women safe?
I liked the original perspective of this story. The author appears to have done research on the characteristics of serial killers. Evan was easy to relate to, and I felt sympathy for his torturous childhood. His father was abusive towards him and his mother, and I would have fled my home if I was facing the same. The well-developed supporting characters were hard not to connect with, causing me to become horrified if they were killed. Evan’s viewpoint has the reader seeing every detail of his interactions with other people. The conclusion of the story was shocking.
If the book format had not had several pages in which the words suddenly descend the page one at a time, I would have enjoyed this story more. The transitions from Evan to another character’s perspectives were difficult at times. The story would first mention Evan, but then describe another person who wasn't present. Likewise, I had to reread many paragraphs to understand what was taking place and who it was happening to.
I am awarding this crime novel 3 out of 4 stars. Another round of editing would be beneficial to address formatting issues. The pace of the book was fast despite having detailed descriptions. The story drew me in, and I even learned some psychological factors about serial killers.
My recommendation for Confession would be for any reader interested in crime novels told from the criminal’s standpoint. People that study criminal psychology would enjoy this story as well. I would advise anyone sensitive to information about detailed violence, child abuse, and rape avoid this book. The volume of vulgar language might offend some readers.
******
Confessiom
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Every person possesses good and bad qualities. However, some people harbor darkness that consumes their entire being. In Confession, Philip Schulman dives deep into the dark psyche of Evan Dicks.
Evan Dicks is an introverted graduate of Beaumont High School. At home, his family is dysfunctional, and he has no friends. When Emily O’Connor asked him to go on a date, he was immediately suspicious of the popular girl’s intentions. Evan agreed to go on a date before he leaves for Columbia University in New York. Evan had already moved into the dorm when a news report showed Emily dead. Less than a week later, another woman’s murder appears. The day after orientation, one of Evan’s classmates turns up dead in her dorm room. All three bodies have their throats slashed with a cross carved into their chest. When Captain Captree finds the reports of three slain women, he is reminded of his wife’s murder from two years ago. Is it possible that a serial killer may be on the loose? Meanwhile, Evan transferred to Los Angeles to attend a screenplay school after one of his projects gained the attention of Netflix. Evan’s girlfriend, Maria, promises to continue their relationship. With the Cross Killer still loose, are any women safe?
I liked the original perspective of this story. The author appears to have done research on the characteristics of serial killers. Evan was easy to relate to, and I felt sympathy for his torturous childhood. His father was abusive towards him and his mother, and I would have fled my home if I was facing the same. The well-developed supporting characters were hard not to connect with, causing me to become horrified if they were killed. Evan’s viewpoint has the reader seeing every detail of his interactions with other people. The conclusion of the story was shocking.
If the book format had not had several pages in which the words suddenly descend the page one at a time, I would have enjoyed this story more. The transitions from Evan to another character’s perspectives were difficult at times. The story would first mention Evan, but then describe another person who wasn't present. Likewise, I had to reread many paragraphs to understand what was taking place and who it was happening to.
I am awarding this crime novel 3 out of 4 stars. Another round of editing would be beneficial to address formatting issues. The pace of the book was fast despite having detailed descriptions. The story drew me in, and I even learned some psychological factors about serial killers.
My recommendation for Confession would be for any reader interested in crime novels told from the criminal’s standpoint. People that study criminal psychology would enjoy this story as well. I would advise anyone sensitive to information about detailed violence, child abuse, and rape avoid this book. The volume of vulgar language might offend some readers.
******
Confessiom
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
