The Confession
- Judith D Collins
- Dec 1, 2025
- 5 min read
Updated: Dec 4, 2025
By: M.A. Hunter
Narrator: Julie Maisey
ISBN: 9781835617540
Publisher: Boldwood Books
Publication Date: 12/04/2025
Format: e-book
My Rating: 4 Stars (ARC)
A BRAND-NEW pulse-pounding psychological thriller from M. A. Hunter. If you like Claire Douglas and Lisa Jewell, then you will LOVE this!
'I loved this rollercoaster ride of a novel, full of unexpected twists and turns. Read it in one sitting!' - Jill Childs
How far would you go to keep your secrets buried?
Everyone has secrets they would prefer to keep buried, but that’s what makes me so good at what I do. I’ve always been able to sense when people are lying, be it through their body language or the way they speak. As a criminologist, I’ve made it my life’s mission to help those who’ve suffered miscarriages of justice appeal their wrongful convictions.
Thirty years ago, my 13-year-old sister was murdered and it felt like a part of me died with her. I wasn’t there when she needed me most, and I will never forgive myself. That’s what motivates me to help those who can’t help themselves.
But now someone is messing with me. They’re threatening to expose me if I don’t confess to my greatest secret. They want to ruin my reputation, but they don’t realise I won’t give up without a fight... or how far I will go to keep the truth hidden.
My Review
THE CONFESSION by M.A. Hunter is a gripping psychological thriller about a criminologist named Abbey who specializes in wrongful convictions and is forced to confront a secret from her own past. Exploring themes of guilt, justice, family secrets, and how far a person will go to keep the truth hidden.
About...
The story centers on Abbey, a criminologist who dedicates her career to helping people appeal wrongful convictions, motivated by a personal tragedy: her 13-year-old sister was murdered thirty years ago when Abbey wasn't there to protect her.
Someone from Abbey's past threatens to expose her long-held secret regarding the night of the murder unless Abbey "confesses." She is forced into a spiral of fear and guilt as Abbey begins a desperate race against time to identify the blackmailer and find out what really happened.
The established narrative is that serial killer Terry Anderson was convicted of Faye's murder based partly on Abbey's childhood evidence. The blackmailer suggests that the wrong person might be serving time, or that Abbey herself was involved in a cover-up.
My thoughts...
THE CONFESSION delves deep into the intricate themes of secrets, deception, and the lingering shadows of the past, weaving a narrative that keeps the reader on the edge of their seat as they navigate the murky waters of who the real villain is and the profound nature of Abbey's hidden truth.
The novel is an intense psychological thriller, a page-turner bursting with relentless twists and unpredictable turns that ensnare the reader’s attention until the final, breathtaking revelation. The primary antagonist—the enigmatic figure poised to unveil Abbey's buried secret—occupies a pivotal role, shrouded in mystery and suspense, expertly crafted by the author to keep readers guessing about the true nature of the threat against Abbey.
The story is driven by multiple layers of secrets and plot twists, revealing unexpected character connections and forcing Abbey to confront her past and the people around her. The tension builds to a climax where the truth is finally revealed, culminating in a final, unexpected twist.
At the core of Abbey's struggle lies the haunting memory of her sister’s murder, a pivotal tragedy that casts a long shadow over her life and career. Abbey was only thirteen when her sister was brutally taken from her, a traumatic event that left her feeling helpless and forever altered. This devastating loss serves as both the catalyst for her vocation as a criminologist and the driving force behind her tireless quest for justice—an endeavor that seems to be an attempt to atone for her inability to save her sister.
Haunted by her past, Abbey finds herself forced to confront the very memories she has dedicated her life to evading. The old murder case emerges as a weapon in the antagonist's arsenal, providing the leverage needed to exploit Abbey's vulnerabilities. The threat transcends mere intimidation; it becomes a deeply personal and emotionally charged attack on the foundations of Abbey’s identity, her reputation, and the passionate commitment that fuels her work.
In essence, the tragic tale of her sister’s murder serves not only as the origin story that defines Abbey’s compelling character but also becomes the central secret manipulated by the current plot’s villain to blackmail her, intricately weaving her past trauma into the fabric of the professional struggles she faces.
This was my first encounter with the author's work, and I eagerly anticipate diving into more of his captivating narratives.
Recs...
For those captivated by adrenaline-fueled psychological thrillers, THE CONFESSION is a must-read. This gripping tale delves deep into the complexities of past secrets and the haunting effects of trauma, all while featuring a remarkably strong, compelling female protagonist.
If you relish intricate plots that keep you on the edge of your seat, you’ll find echoes of talents like Claire Douglas, Lisa Jewell, Cara Hunter, Keri Beevis, and Tana French within its pages. Each of these authors masterfully weaves suspenseful narratives that explore the shadows of the human psyche, making them perfect companions for your reading journey.
Special thanks to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for sharing an advanced reading copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
Pub Date: Dec 4, 2025
My Rating: 4 Stars
Praise
'Deliciously dark and twisty!'
—Michelle Dunne
'This one haunted me after I finished'
—Valerie Keogh
'Hunter does a fantastic job of ramping up the tension. My heart was in my mouth as I raced to the conclusion'
—Keri Beevis
'Brilliantly plotted and written with characters so lifelike they practically jump off the page'
—. A. Baker
'I read this book in a single sitting. It’s a fantastic story with the most amazing characters, who I can guarantee will stay with you for a very long time!'
—Lynda Stacey
'Clever and compelling! I loved everything about this one: the concept, the setting, the structure...'
—Lesley Kara
'Fresh, pacey, and exciting! You’ll be racing to the finish at breakneck speed!'
— L C North
'I sprinted to finish this heart pounding tale of deception, a real nail biter!'
— Gemma Rogers
'A fast-paced psychological thriller that will keep you up all night!'
—Diana Wilkinson
'Clever and original. An exceptional, dark and tense read, with breath-taking twists. Highly recommended!'
—D. E. White
About the Author
M.A. Hunter is the author of psychological and crime thrillers, including Every Step You Take, The Woman on Platform 8, and The Tenants. Born in the north-east of England, he now lives in Southampton, where many of his stories are set, allowing him to use his insider knowledge to deliver realistic and unsettling suspense on every page.
He was diagnosed as Autistic and ADHD later in life, and now understands why writing and reading has always been a visual experience for him. In fact, he describes the writing process as "like a giant cinema screen in my head, and all I'm doing is describing the actions of the cast."
Away from writing, M.A. loves to read anything that will keep him awake at night. He’s also a passionate advocate for contemporary cinema and binge-watching the latest offerings from streaming services. He is married with a son and a daughter, and two dogs.
M.A. Hunter also writes under the name Stephen Edger.
You can follow M.A. Hunter on socials as @AnAutieAuthor. WEBSITE
