CONFESSIONS OF A MURDER SUSPECT by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro

copyright date: September 2012

primarily marketed for: young adults

I love a good murder mystery.  Confessions of a Murder Suspect by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro is just that.

Although the writing will not amaze you with literary quality, the story is well structured and manages to wrap itself up satisfactorily while still leaving loose ends enough to leave readers yearning for the next in what is sure to become a series.

Tandy, short for Tandoori, Angel is one of four children left behind after her parents, the wealthy and well-known Malcolm and Maud Angel, are murdered.  There are no signs of forced entry and nobody heard any noise.  The factual evidence leaves only Tandy, her three brothers, and her mother’s live-in assistant as suspects. 

The story is told in Tandy’s voice, including chapters titled ‘Confession’ that seem to let readers deeper into her story by revealing background.  Throughout the book it is clear that although Tandy is clearly searching for clues as to who might have murdered her parents, her information is not to be trusted and readers are unable to rule her out as a suspect since she is not even sure whether or not she was involved. 

Although the story is probably a little far-fetched I enjoyed the outlandish details like the family living at the Dakota apartments outside which John Lennon was shot.  I particularly liked the over the top artwork Malcolm and Maud collected and the storyline surrounding their scientific experiments intrigued me. 

Even though I had guessed pieces of the outcome of the story, there were still many surprises along the way and the story was satisfying.  If you enjoy a good murder mystery, this is a series you are going to want to start following.