Confidence

Anna McDonald and Fin Cohen run a hit true crime podcast called Oneiron. When a viral video shows art student Lisa Lee discovering rare religious artifacts in a French basement, they see potential for their next big episode. With hints of a possible connection to a murdered punk photographer from decades ago, Anna and Fin head to Paris to investigate. The search leads them through elite art world circles and hidden underground tunnels in pursuit of both the artifacts and the truth. As they dig deeper, they encounter collectors, dealers, and others who have their own interests in keeping certain secrets buried. The investigation forces Anna to confront questions about authenticity - in art, evidence, and human nature. This contemporary thriller moves between Glasgow, Paris and Indonesia while exploring themes of truth, deception and value in both the tangible and digital realms. The story examines how social media shapes modern narratives and what people choose to believe when faced with competing versions of reality.

Readers find the book's structure unique but polarizing - it alternates between past and present timelines while incorporating social media posts and podcast transcripts. Readers appreciate: - Fast-paced plot with mounting tension - Commentary on true crime media and fan culture - Complex female characters - Dark humor throughout - Realistic portrayal of online interactions Common criticisms: - Multiple timeline shifts create confusion - Social media/podcast segments disrupt flow - Some plot threads left unresolved - Ending feels rushed to some readers Ratings: Goodreads: 3.7/5 (4,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4/5 (1,200+ ratings) Notable reader comments: "The format takes getting used to but perfectly captures our obsession with true crime." -Goodreads "Lost interest halfway through due to choppy narrative style." -Amazon "Brilliant takedown of podcast culture, though story structure requires patience." -Barnes & Noble

The Searcher by Tana French A retired detective moves to rural Ireland and becomes entangled in a missing-person case that reveals dark secrets in a small community.

Still Life by Louise Penny A murder investigation in a Quebec village uncovers the complex relationships and hidden motives of its inhabitants.

The Long Drop by Denise Mina Based on true events, this crime novel explores a serial killer's impact on 1950s Glasgow through multiple perspectives.

The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman Four retirees meet weekly to solve cold cases until a real murder occurs in their retirement community.

What You Break by Reed Farrel Coleman A former police officer turned private investigator faces personal demons while investigating interconnected cases in Long Island.

🔍 "Confidence" was inspired by real events surrounding a pair of valuable illuminated manuscripts that went missing from a French monastery in 2017. 📚 Denise Mina wrote large portions of this book during COVID-19 lockdown, incorporating elements of isolation and virtual connection into the story's themes. 🏆 Prior to writing crime fiction, Mina earned a PhD in Mental Illness and worked as a criminologist, lending authenticity to her depictions of criminal behavior. 🎨 The novel explores the dark side of social media influencer culture, particularly focusing on true crime podcasting and its ethical implications. 🌍 The story spans multiple locations including Scotland, Italy, and France, reflecting Mina's interest in how crime transcends national boundaries in the digital age.