The Confessor

By: Daniel Silva

Narrated by: John Lee

Length: 10 hrs and 48 mins

Publisher's summary

Detective Gabriel Allon returns in this stunning thriller of ancient and modern betrayal, long-buried secrets and unthinkable deeds. In Munich, writer Benjamin Stern enters his flat to find a man leafing through his research. When Stern confronts him, the man shoots him, murmurs a few words in Latin, gathers the papers and leaves. In Venice, art restorer and Israeli agent Gabriel Allon reads a message saying that Stern is dead; can he leave immediately? At the Vatican, a priest named Pietro paces in the garden, pondering the discoveries he has made, the enemies he will make, and the journey he must undertake. Silva weaves these three threads into a multilayered mystery peopled with memorable characters and distinguished by rich prose.

©2003 Daniel Silva (P)2003 Books on Tape, Inc.

Critic reviews

“A shrewd, timely thriller that opens the heart of the Vatican.” (Chicago Tribune)

“Daniel Silva has now indisputably joined the ranks of Graham Greene and John Le Carré.” (The Washingtonian)

"Silva...writes with the atmospheric grace and whiplash tension of le Carre." (Booklist, starred review)

Favorite so far

I have enjoyed the stories about the Israeli assassin and his art restoration avocation. I like the characters and places described. Just enough action to wet my appetite for an adventure story but sufficiently thoughtful, and introspective characters . These are not deep novels they don't provide enormous background of the locations, or characters, but they're nice comfortable easy reads. My favorite thus far.

The subject matter. Being the Vatican, as well as the way, it all played out.

I loved everything about this book. It did take a while to get used to the accent and his voice while delivering the narrative of the book. Overtime, however, I enjoyed it immensely. It made you feel it was so real that I was asking my son if this really happened. questions like, do you think the Vatican has a hit squad ? Do they hide all their dirty, laundry, and protect it even with death. Wonderfully done book. 

Spy thriller

I have only recently begun to enjoy spy thrillers, and this one was among my favorites. John Lee's accent makes a skillful work of art even better. I also really, really enjoyed The Flight of the Tiger Moth, read by John Lee, and became a fan then. I also recommend The Company.

a woman's view

I enjoyed 2 of Silva's previous books "The English Assassin" and "Murder in Vienna". I thought this one was pretty good too until I read the 1st gent's review (forgot his name)and - being only half-way thru this one at that time - noticed he was right about the trite phrases and juvenile plot "twists." (I mean Katherine, come on, I know you guys liked it, but she's a Bond-barbie.)Sadly I gave it 4 stars b/c compared to everything else published, well...John Lee is to die for. Have him record the telephone book, it'd be wonderfullllllllllllllll.

A bit over the top.

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I would first have them read the preceding two. This is not Silva's best work, they get better later on. In this book he seems to be about to hit his stride. The ending is overdone and while the premise of the Vatican's part in WW II is true, I doubt Cardinals plotted murder.

How would you have changed the story to make it more enjoyable?

Make it a bit more ambiguous regarding culpability and behavior of the protagonists.

What does John Lee bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

This reader is excellent. Better than another one who reads some of them with exaggerated accents that I found rather annoying.

An interesting theory, and a possible one.

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I would. A most interesting idea.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Confessor?

The Leopard being made to change his plans and murder some Krux Vera members.

What about John Lee’s performance did you like?

He's very good with accents.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

The church's past revealed at last.

Any additional comments?

A possible theory, and one that may have merit.

Loved it!

Daniel Silva is fast becoming my favorite author. Gabriel Allyon is the perfect protagonist. I felt like I was in the Vatican Square

The Best Gabriel Alon story yet!

Daniel Silva is a master story teller, but of the first 4 I’ve read, it is the best! So much church history, Vatican details & Israeli history ... it’s one of the most educational novels I’ve ever experienced.

But, in addition, John Lee is a master narrator. I look for his readings at every opportunity.

On a 1-10, this is a 12!

Amazing story

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

You absolutely cannot believe this story line. It is so fabulous, and yet, as a student of history, his premises are very believable. The story has amazing details without ever being boring. It is incredibly hard to put down.

What did you like best about this story?

The details.

Which scene was your favorite?

In and out of the Vatican and around Rome

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

You simply cannot deny the plausibility of the plot.

Any additional comments?

Can't wait for the next in the series.

Top of my series favorites!

Gabriel Allon is an automatic download for me...Spy stories intertwined with history, I just love them! Great memorable characters, fascinating and suspenseful plots and great narration! Nothing more to ask for!