The Bell Tower

by R J Ellory
The Bell Tower cover
Good Books rating 4.5
Thriller/Suspense
Technical
  • ID: 193
  • Added: 2025-09-04
  • Updated: 2025-09-13
  • ISBN: 9781398710405
  • Publisher: Hachette UK
  • Published: 2024-03-28
  • Reviews: 4

Injured during a drug bust, Garrett Nelson is reassigned to a Florida penitentiary where he must enforce the harsh rules of death row duty: do not make it personal, do not question the system, and do not take justice into your own hands. But as a manhunt through the Everglades unfolds, Garrett's faith in the justice system is pushed to its breaking point, forcing him to confront whether he can ignore an innocent man's execution or risk everything to uncover the truth. Set against the haunting backdrop of an old bell tower turned execution chamber, this thriller explores the heavy toll of life on death row and the conflict between duty and conscience. Praised by acclaimed authors like Michael Connelly and James Patterson, R.J. Ellory delivers a powerful narrative that challenges the limits of justice and personal morality.

Reviews
Amazon UK · 2025-09-04
gripping 4.00

A gripping and heart-breaking suspense thriller set against the evocative backdrop of Florida's Everglades.

This review highlights the novel's strong emotional impact, describing it as both gripping and heart-breaking at different moments. The Florida Everglades setting adds a rich atmospheric layer that enhances the suspense and emotional tension of the story. The reviewer’s focus on the story’s emotional depth and setting suggests a well-crafted thriller that balances character-driven drama with suspenseful plotting.

Quick quotes

    Gripping and heart-breaking by turns.

    Beautifully set against the backdrop of Florida's Everglades.

    THE BELL TOWER is the latest literary suspense novel.

Goodreads · 2025-09-04
harrowing 4.50

A harrowing and emotional literary thriller that delivers a memorable and claustrophobic journey into a man's struggle with his past and moral challenges.

The reviewer, a long-term fan of R.J. Ellory, considers this book to be one of his finest works, ranking it at or near the top of his reading list. They appreciate Ellory's American setting and describe the story as emotionally powerful, claustrophobic, and haunting with scenes that will linger long after reading. The narrative's complexity and emotional weight make it a rewarding but tough read, combining literary fiction with elements of mystery.

Quick quotes

    It’s a harrowing, claustrophobic tale of a man who whilst struggling to do the right thing has his mettle tested time and again.

    I found it to be a truly emotional journey.

    It’s not an easy read: there are scenes here that I know will stick with me, haunt me, for a long time.

Goodreads · Pascale148 · 2025-07-06
thoughtful 4.50

The writing captures the darkness of death row life with warmth in character relationships, exploring themes of justice and morality through a gripping narrative.

This review highlights the book's powerful exploration of the moral and ethical dilemmas surrounding the death penalty, as experienced by the protagonist Garrett Nelson. The reviewer appreciated the darkness in Ellory's writing but noted the warmth and sense of family among the characters, which adds emotional depth. The story is described as a compelling battle between good and evil, with a straightforward yet captivating style that holds attention throughout.

Quick quotes

    There's a real darkness to the writing of Ellory here.

    The subject matter is brought to life brilliantly without removing all sense of warmth from the characters.

    It just simply captures your attention throughout what is essentially a story pitting good versus evil.

Netgalley UK · 2024-11-07
intense 5.00

Highly recommended as a five-star read despite its challenging and difficult content in places.

This review praises the book for its compelling nature and strong recommendation, giving it a full five-star rating. However, the reviewer also cautions readers that the book contains some difficult and hard-to-stomach scenes, suggesting it is emotionally intense and not an easy read. The balance between recommendation and warning highlights the book's powerful impact on readers.

Quick quotes

    I definitely recommend “The Bell Tower” as a five star read but be warned - it is difficult to stomach in places.

    Thanks to NetGalley and the ...

    It is difficult to stomach in places.

Appears in Lists