Michael @ Knowledge Lost
Written on Jul 6, 2020
Rating 2.5
The first in the Amos Decker series, Memory Man is an astounding novel from blockbuster author David Baldacci, where an extraordinary man races to hunt down a terrible killer.
Amos Decker would forever remember all three of their violent deaths in the most paralyzing shade of blue. It would cut into him at unpredictable moments, like a gutting knife made of colored light. He would never be free from it.
When Amos Decker returned home eighteen months ago to find the bodies of his wife and only daughter, he didn't think he could carry on living. Overwhelmed with grief, he saw his life spiral out of control, losing his job as a detective, his house and his self-respect. But when his former partner in the police, Mary Lancaster, visits to tell him that someone has confessed to the murder of his family, he knows he owes it to his wife and child to seek justice for them.
As Decker comes to terms with the news, tragedy strikes at the local school. Thirteen teenagers are gunned down, and the killer is at large. Following the serious brain injury Amos suffered as a professional footballer, he gained a remarkable gift – and the police believe that this unusual skill will assist in the hunt for the killer.
Amos must endure the memories he would rather forget, and when new evidence links the murders, he is left with only one option.
Memory Man will stay with you long after the turn of the final page.
- ISBN10 1447277597
- ISBN13 9781447277590
- Publish Date 5 November 2015 (first published 21 April 2015)
- Publish Status Out of Print
- Out of Print 3 March 2021
- Publish Country GB
- Publisher Pan Macmillan
- Imprint Pan Books
- Format Paperback (B-Format (198x129 mm))
- Pages 592
- Language English
Reviews
Rating 2.5
Berls
Written on Nov 21, 2019
dpfaef
Written on Jun 7, 2015
Returning one night from a stake-out he finds his wife, young daughter and brother-in-law murdered. He falls into a deep depression becomes homeless, picks himself up and becomes a private eye chasing cheating spouses. When there is a mass murder at Decker’s high Alma Mater he he’s requested to come back to the police force as a consultant. One thing leads to another and Decker is given an opportunity to learn what happened to his family on that terrible night that he can not forget.
However farfetched this story is, however flawed his characters are, there is always something that draws you in, allows you to find something in common with that character making for a good read. I look forward to another Amos Decker novel.
kimbacaffeinate
Written on May 31, 2015
- Amos Decker suffers from hyperthymesia a unique ability to remember everything he smells, sees, hears, and feels because of a football injury. It makes him one helluva detective but doesn't allow this tormented soul to forget. Readers will love his Sherlockian methods and quirky mannerisms. The tale opens with Decker discovering his family violently murdered and then we fast forward a year later. He is no longer on the force and has lost everything. Frankly he is doing a damn fine job of emulating the walking dead. When a man confesses to the heinous crime, his family’s cold case begins to heat up and Decker might have found a reason to join the living.
- The mystery coupled with Decker’s own unique story is intense and filled with twists. I enjoyed the chase and watching Decker work with his former partner Mary Lancaster. Decker is also called in to assist with a mass school shooting at a local high school and he slowly begins to see a connection between the crimes. All I could do was hold on as we encounter twists, turns and startling revelations. It is well thought out and Baldacci kept it real as he tied the threads together.
- The characters even the secondary ones are fleshed out and unique from the suspects to the FBI agents. Each added to the story, creating a realism that I appreciated. Kudos to the author for his ability to flesh out the villain and dare I say allowed me to sympathize with them.
- Memory Man unfolded in such a way that I was riveted from the first chapter. The writing was evenly paced with a tight, believable plot that held my attention. The final chapters had me listening into the wee hours. Baldacci did a wonderful job of preparing this to be a series will still giving us closer to these crimes.
- The narrators did an excellent job of drawing the listener in and giving authentic voices to the characters. I loved the addition of a female narrator for Mary, even though most of the tale is Amos’s. I fully intend to continue the series on audio.
Audio provided by publisher, This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Book Reviewer