The Confession

By: Olen Steinhauer

Narrated by: Robertson Dean

It is 1956. Radio reports of the Hungarian revolution break through the government's radio jamming, setting the entire Eastern Bloc on edge.

Inspector Ferenc Kolyeszar must track down a murderer while dealing with his crumbling marriage. As he is drawn deep into an underworld of betrayal and violence, he finds that he is not so different from those he pursues.

©2003 Olen Steinhauer (P)2003 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

"Simply brilliant....[A] well-crafted mystery that mixes murder and political intrigue with the human element....Robertson Dean's narration makes the listener's journey a bit more believable." ( Publishers Weekly)

Heart-breaking, chilling and utterly engrossing

This is the fifth Steinhauer novel I've read (so far) and his best to date. Though if you're seeking light fare or a pleasant tale with a storybook ending, you might wait until you're ready for this novel. I'm continuously drawn to novels of this era if they're well written, and particularly with this book, Steinhauer is a masterful storyteller, drawing rich characters. I caught myself scowling many times as I went through the main character's trials- getting totally caught up in the story. It's a rare novelist- and a rare novel- that can get me so engrossed.

I only wish that stories of this era, and the madness they stemmed from and the madness they inflicted, with the worst failings of humankind on display, were a thing of the past. But as long as power can intoxicate its wielders, it always has the potential to perverse and subjugate. Or maybe I'm just writing this too soon after the reading and it's all too fresh in my mind.

Intriguing

this book 2 in series from author and i enjoyed listening to it and will listen to the rest of series

very good very different

I think it is way past time for us to get some good writing out of the Eastern Block. They certainly have the sorrowful background for some soulful mysteries. This is a good start.

A great mystery book that keeps waiting for the next chapter

Truly enjoyed this book and loved his humor that made me laugh but sadden that he had committed murder.

my 3rd Steinhauer

This is my 3rd listen to Steinhauer and I have to say I've enjoyed them all. He weaves a good story giving what seems to be a god depiction of life in the eastern bloc under communism. That life must have realy sucked for lots of people.