Adore Me - Shop now
Kindle Unlimited
Unlimited reading. Over 4 million titles. Learn more
Read for Free
OR
$6.99 with 22 percent savings
Digital List Price: $8.99

Promotions apply when you purchase

These promotions will be applied to this item:

Some promotions may be combined; others are not eligible to be combined with other offers. For details, please see the Terms & Conditions associated with these promotions.

Sold by Amazon.com Services LLC.
Read with our free app
You've subscribed to ! We will preorder your items within 24 hours of when they become available. When new books are released, we'll charge your default payment method for the lowest price available during the pre-order period.
Update your device or payment method, cancel individual pre-orders or your subscription at
Your Memberships & Subscriptions
Kindle app logo image

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.

Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.

Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.

QR code to download the Kindle App

Follow the author

Charlotte Barnes
Follow
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.

Penance: A gripping psychological suspense full of twists Kindle Edition

by Charlotte Barnes (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.0 out of 5 stars 98 ratings
From the author of The Things I Didn’t Do: She never reported the men who attacked her years ago. Now someone is taking revenge . . .

Years ago at university, Celia’s boyfriend turned on her in a horrifying way—joining with his friends to sexually assault her during a party. Celia didn’t go to the police. She told no one except her best friend, Lily. She just wanted to move on with her life.

Now, her settled life with her beloved husband and daughter has been disrupted when one of her assailants is found dead. Celia can’t help but wonder if the friend she confided in—who’s gone on to become a private investigator—could be capable of murder. So she decides to search for answers.

But her pursuit takes her down a path Celia never expected—and raises an even more terrifying question: Is she capable of murder herself?
Read more
Previous slide of product details
  1. Print length
    266 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Bloodhound Books
  4. Accessibility
    Learn more
  5. Publication date
    April 26, 2023
  6. File size
    3.1 MB
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
Next slide of product details

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0BZY8FVQZ
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Bloodhound Books
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ April 26, 2023
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 3.1 MB
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 266 pages
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1504085465
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.0 out of 5 stars 98 ratings

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Charlotte Barnes

Charlotte Barnes

Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

Charlotte Barnes is an academic, crime writer, and poet based in Worcester, UK. Her crime writing covers everything from psychological thrillers to good old-fashioned detective work. She is currently working on a new psychological thriller.

Customer reviews

4 out of 5 stars
98 global ratings

Review this product

Share your thoughts with other customers
Write a customer review

Top reviews from the United States

  • Amorina Carlton
    5.0 out of 5 stars Lots of Triggers, But Really Good!
    Reviewed in the United States on April 30, 2023
    Format: Kindle
    About the Book
    From the author of The Things I Didn’t Do: She never reported the men who attacked her years ago. Now someone is taking revenge . . .

    Years ago at university, Celia’s boyfriend turned on her in a horrifying way—joining in with his friends to sexually assault her during a party. Celia didn’t go to the police. She told no one except her best friend, Lily. She just wanted to move on with her life.

    Now, her settled life with her beloved husband and daughter has been disrupted when one of her assailants is found dead. Celia can’t help but wonder if the friend she confided in—who’s gone on to become a private investigator—could be capable of murder. So she decides to search for answers.

    But her pursuit takes her down a path Celia never expected—and raises an even more terrifying question: Is she capable of murder herself?

    My Thoughts
    This book hooked me from the first chapter. The pace then carried me on at a break-neck speed (in a good way) as I needed to know what was going on and what was going to happen next. The first third of the book tricked me into thinking one thing, and the rest of the book was another surprise altogether.

    The characters in this book were loveable – except for the ones that clearly weren’t supposed to be. The author developed them well. I felt Celia’s emotions and was drawn into the experience. The author developed Celia’s relationship with her family and friends beautifully. I loved the depiction of her little triangle family, since I have one of my own I always adore when they’re represented in media because even today we’re not considered the “norm.” I loved seeing her regular life alongside the wild, ridiculous situation happening to her.

    This was such an interesting experience that challenged my own moral compass and ideas. It really highlighted some issues we have in our criminal justice system – even though I live in the United States, I know we have similar issues – and it’s sad. I could see this story taking place here as well. While, of course, it was a story about death, loss, and tragedy, it was a story about love, family, and friendship, and it was a story about what you would do if you found out that someone you love with everything you are had done something horrific. And, it was an exercise in a way of how that might change you as a person. I really enjoyed going on that journey with Celia as it changed her, and in some ways, healed her.

    I haven’t read the author’s previous book, but I will definitely add it and future books to my list. This one was good. The plot, characters, and premise were exciting, relatable, and unique. I can’t wait to read more.

    Who’s It For
    If you love morally grey characters and exploring moral questions, this is a brilliant book for you. If you love fast-paced thrillers with twists and turns that keep you guessing, you will love this book.

    Content Warning: Sexual assault, mention of child harm (off page), murder, PTSD, adult situations, adult language
    One person found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • Jerica Elizabeth
    4.0 out of 5 stars A page-turning thriller
    Reviewed in the United States on May 6, 2023
    Format: Kindle
    This thriller was a quick read for me because I could not put it down! Seriously. I was reading at work while my coffee brewed because I needed to see how it was going to end!
    In her first year of university Celia is attacked by her boyfriend's friends at a party. Now years later the men who attacked her are turning up dead. Celia must face her own feelings and trauma over the event as she tries to find out who may be targeting these men.
    I've read a few thrillers now that fall into this post- Me Too era and I'm here for it. I loved that the book focused less on what actually happened to Celia and more on how it's affected her, leaving her with what seems like constant anxiety and panic attacks. And I loved the question it raises--how DO we feel about monsters being targeted by a monster?
    This was a compelling read and one i couldn't stop talking about with my friends (seriously, I even brought it up at a wedding I was attending!) And I'll definitely be looking for more from this author!
    Helpful
     Report
  • Bev
    4.0 out of 5 stars What would you do?
    Reviewed in the United States on April 15, 2023
    Format: Paperback
    Celia was gang raped by people she trusted. Her own 'boyfriend' at the time was in on it. She told her best friend Lily only, then put it behind her. Years later, one of the 'gang' was looking for her. He ended up dead in an odd place. The police and even his wife want to know why he was trying to find her. Celia has no idea, but it brought back those memories she has tried so hard to bury. But he isn't the only one found dead from that time. The police want answers. When Celia discovers who the killer is she is torn between her feelings of what to do. What happens may surprise you. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.
    Helpful
     Report
  • openmypages
    4.0 out of 5 stars Penance
    Reviewed in the United States on April 27, 2023
    Format: Kindle
    Celia was attacked in college and she was too scared to do anything about it. Now when one of her attackers turns up dead, the police question her and she’s not sure what they know or why she’s suddenly in the crosshairs. As bodies stack up, it’s clear someone is targeting these men. Can Celia figure out what is happening before she ends up on the hook for their murders.

    This is a great revenge story. It goes quite quickly from being a pacey mystery to an all out kick a** revenge story. I’m not sure I bought Celia’s quick transition. But I really loved Lily’s strong, balanced attitude. Read this one if you loved The Collective.

    Thanks to Love Books Tours for the gifted copy. All opinions above are my own.
    Helpful
     Report
  • Kindle Customer C📲📱🔖📚📖
    5.0 out of 5 stars Betrayals hurts.
    Reviewed in the United States on April 26, 2023
    Format: Kindle
    This is a story that's comes out April 26th of 2023. The paperback is available April 12th of 2023. This a story of a woman getting hurt in a tragic horrible way. The female betrayed is Celia, by her boyfriend Theo. and his friends plan to gang rape, Celia. Then, Theo girlfriend that was Celia at the time. was sexually assaulted by him and his friends at a party. Celia only told her friend, and roommates, Lily. Celia moved on n her life with a loving husband name Simon, and a daughter's name Dawn. The past a way of coming back up and men are missing and found murdered. This story ending is so awesome.
    Helpful
     Report
  • Amanda Felton
    5.0 out of 5 stars Twisty turning so good
    Reviewed in the United States on May 10, 2023
    Format: Paperback
    This book was so so good. I couldn’t get enough of it. I loved Celia and Lilly and how close they were. The twists and turns in this book are crazy. I was shocked I was surprised I was impressed. This book had all the feels for me. I love a good book that keeps you guessing and gosh this book had all of that !! I was disappointed with the ending I wanted more detail in Celia’s story and her coming into her own!! I highly recommend this book!! Go and get it !!
    Helpful
     Report
  • Sarah Dixon
    5.0 out of 5 stars Loved!!
    Reviewed in the United States on April 14, 2023
    Format: Paperback
    This was my first time reading a book by Charlotte Barnes. I will be reading more of her books.

    I absolutely enjoyed this book, I couldn't put it down! It was well written, intriguing, and the ENDING 😍!!

    It kept me guessing as it slowly revealed clues and secrets. Hence why I read through it so quickly.
    Helpful
     Report

Top reviews from other countries

  • Mimiorphee
    2.0 out of 5 stars I lost interest
    Reviewed in France on November 15, 2023
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    DNF @60%
    Penance wasn't my first book by this author, but although I loved the mystery and the pace of my previous read, this story left me unfeeling. I couldn't make myself relate to the characters or get invested into the storyline. The mystery unfolded soon enough, so much so that I lost interest halfway. I tried to read more but couldn't get into it anymore. My reading bubble was burst.
    Report
  • Max Petch
    5.0 out of 5 stars An exploration of agency and revenge
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 26, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    In this fantastic book, Barnes tells a brilliant story of the lengths that people will go to. Exploring how a person lives with or works through their trauma.

    Penance is an absolute page turner, with each story beat keeping me on tender hooks all the way through.

    Whilst some of the topics covered aren't pleasant, I think this is Barnes' most important novel to date!
    Report
  • livia sbarbaro.
    4.0 out of 5 stars Gripping ...
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 7, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    When Celia was a first year student at University, she looked at life through rose coloured glasses, the thing about rose coloured glasses is sometimes you don't see the red flags ..One night at a house party , she is assaulted by her then boyfriend and his friend .Scarred and broken inside, she tells no one apart from her best friend Lily ..She puts that night into a box and pushes it to the back of her mind. Now Celia, a literary talent representative, is married to Simon .They have a beautiful daughter and their lives are happy and settled. When Celia finds out that one of her attackers has been murdered, as the memories of that night come flooding back , she sets out to find who killed him ..But is revenge a dish best served cold ..? Or is it an eye for an eye and the whole world is blinded ...
    Report
  • Ms Lesley A Curwen
    4.0 out of 5 stars Moral quagmire - both fascinating and disturbing
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 23, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    I found this portrait of a marriage, and a friendship, dazzling and disturbing. The story shows us the slow creep of amorality (and worse) in the character of someone already quite broken. In the end, the reader too finds themself seduced by wrong decisions, getting used to a reality which is utterly unacceptable.
    Report

Report an issue


Does this item contain inappropriate content?
Report
Do you believe that this item violates a copyright?
Report
Does this item contain quality or formatting issues?
Report