Day of Confession

I originally bought this book out of nostalgia, because the story took place in places that I had visited in Italy. I really wasn't expecting much of a cohesive plot; just amusement. I was quite mistaken and got more than I bargained for. The references to the cities and areas I am familiar with were accurate, but the story line was so engrossing that I lost sleep a couple of evenings when I stayed up too late in order to keep reading to see what happens next. This is a "dark novel." Some aspects of the storyline strained believability. Some scenes were frightening. Some were disturbing. But the author keeps the reader involved.

Unlike most of Folsom's other fans, I read this, his second book, first and am currently devouring "the day after tomorrow". Most people liked the latter better, I disagree so far. "Day of confession" is an athmospherically dense and gripping thriller that will not let you put the book down until the last page is turned. Folsom is a gifted and well-informed writer who has no trouble creating believable scenarios on three continents at the same time. He carefully develops his charcters and puts together a complex, yet not too confusing and improbably plot that remains fast-paced until the end. Folsom's protagonist is a wealthy LA lawyer from the glitz world of movie moguls who flies to Italy in response to an emergency phone message by a brother he has not seen or heard from in years. Before he knows what hit him, he is engulfed in a major international crisis with the Vatican at the center. This book is up there in quality with Higgins' and Ludlum's finest. Don't plan anything else for the weekend once you start reading.

Bravo, I think Allan Folsom should be a screen play writer the book was written as if it was a movie I could see everything happening just like you would in a movie. It keeps me going I read it as I ride the stationary bike at the club and it makes that 1hr go by so much faster, and when I am done I promise myself not to read again until I get back on the bike. No matter how tempting the book may be I have followed thru. I love the fact that it has two different plots going on at the same time makes the suspense even greater. Allan you need to make it a movie.Marsha

I can't believe the number of bad reviews this book got. I couldn't put it down and it was by far one of the best books I've read in a long time. Besides enjoying the story, becoming "friends" with the characters, and loving the plot, I liked how the author wrote in short chapters. Usually, I'd promise myself I'd read only one more chapter before stopping for a meal,etc., but more often than not, I just kept reading and reading! Don't listen to the negative reviews....read the book! You'll love it!

In a scene reminiscent of the assassination attempt on General De Gaulle in "Day of the Jackal', Allan Folsom stages a terrorist "kill' on a high ranking Vatican Official as the opening gambit in his terrifically suspenseful and exciting thriller "Day of Confession". Intrigue, corruption, politics, murder and blackmail are just some of the pleasantries associated with Cardinal Palestrino, possibly the most seductively evil character in recent popular fiction. His total disregard for his fellow man (so wonderfully expressed through his influence as a power broker and confidante of the ageing Pope) is equalled if not surpassed by two henchmen ---- the ruthless Jacov Farel head of the Vatican Police and Thoimas Kind an international terrorist who makes "Carlos " the real life "jackal" seemingly inept. To make the plot line of international interest, Folsom has as his major "good guys" an American Entertainment Lawyer and his priest brother --- Harry and Daniel Addison --- who must endure more violence and mayhem than any crack "Anti Terrorist" group. Added to this are, corrupt Chinese Officials, a disenchanted Catholic Nun, a "Ballsy" news reporter, the CIA and the overworked but methodical Italian Police. With a climactic scene straight out of Hollywood, we are left breathless and determined that if a movie is made perhaps it should be called "Die Hard in the Vatican". Top marks for the Thriller of the year .... What's next Alan?