The Manhattan Confessions by Jocelyn Green is the third and final installment of the On Central Park series. This historical piece takes place during the Roaring Twenties. Reading the previous books is helpful, but not essential in order to appreciate this story. This story feels as though there is even more happening than in the previous books in the series. In many ways, it is more enjoyable. Perhaps this is because the main character, Ivy Malone, doesn’t seem to be emotionally unstable or broken. She has some challenges, but she seems to be functioning pretty well.

This is a tale of intrigue, romance, greed, danger, friendship, and hardship. The character of Tom, Ivy’s bodyguard turning boyfriend, is very endearing. He makes his appearance initially in the second book, but this is where readers really get to know him. Amidst all of this, readers are thrown into a seemingly revealing exposé which turns out to be just the beginning of the mysteries. Everyone seems to have a secret or a hidden past.

Previous books in the series felt more focused on perceived emotional inadequacies of the characters, and it sometimes bogged down the story. This book focuses on so many people and their stories the reader is constantly looking for new connections and resolution to each of their plights. It works really well and there is never a dull moment. The author did a great job of developing all of the characters and really connecting them with the readers.

Review of Digital Advance Reader’s Copy Provided by the Publisher

Content Analysis:

Profanity/Language: None

Violence/Gore: Several references to characters who were murdered; a person grabs another in a threatening manner; report of a person tackling someone; a man punches someone in the face; a person is drugged and kidnapped; bricks are thrown through windows resulting in broken glass and someone being injured, blood is mentioned; a person is slapped; a character recalls killing someone during a war; several references to atrocities of war such as grenades and gunfire; a report of a man attempting to rape a woman, but she is able to fend him off; separate incident reported of a rape, no detail.

Sex/Nudity: A woman admits she was someone’s mistress and this is referenced many times; a single woman was reported to be pregnant with a married man’s child; a report of a man attempting to rape a woman, but she is able to fend him off; separate incident reported of a rape, no details; several references are made to characters attempting to seduce others; mention is made of a brothel and women being forced to work there; a man starts to unbutton a woman’s blouse against her will, he is stopped before things go any further.

Mature Subject Matter:

Death of parents, post-traumatic stress disorder, violent acts of war, illegal activities, rape (attempted/reported).

Drug/Alcohol Use:

Report of a character drinking alcohol.