“Something in him went out to the big, deflated Irishman, a recognition of mystery like the mystery in himself.”
Seeking absolution, Joe Cullen walks into a confessional to admit to killing a priest. He didn’t directly kill him, but was present at the event. However, because he tells the priest he doesn’t believe in God, the priest won’t give him absolution. It’s hard for Joe to believe in God after what he did and saw in Vietnam. Without absolution, he goes to the police station and tells the cops. His confession is videotaped, but without evidence, they won’t arrest him. The rest of the details he spills about the gun and drug running put all of their lives in danger, though.
There is someone in our extended family named Joe Cullen and while at his house, I saw he had a copy of this book that had his namesake – The Confession of Joe Cullen. I asked to borrow it and he said it was a good story. It’s always fun to come across a name of someone you know in a book. We have family friends who have a daughter named Alex Bailey, just like the girl in Land of Stories series. She loves those books.
The original cops who take Joe’s confession feel an attachment to helping the man, especially after the priest he talked to and a woman he talked to end up dead. The confession tape is sent to the higher district and they are told to get rid of the tape. Joe senses his life is in danger, but doesn’t know where to turn. How do you hide from your own government?
The Confession of Joe Cullen is a crime novel than involves contemplation and thinking. The characters don’t just react, but think through issues involving drugs, faith, morality and love. I really enjoyed the storyline and felt for most of the characters dealing with this tough scenario. It was nice to have some issues brought up, too, instead of a book with just pure action. The book would be for high school age readers or older.
Do you enjoy crime novels? Share your favorite in the comments!