Lindsey Presley certainly can't imagine why anyone would want her dead—though she knows she wouldn't be alive today if not for the local cop who saved her from two murder attempts. Deputy Jeff Gage has worked difficult cases, but with only Lindsey's fractured memories of a broken past to guide him, this is by far his most challenging. For Lindsey, fleeing the town she has come to call home is unthinkable. Separately, they are vulnerable, but together, Jeff and Lindsey just may stand a chance of catching a ruthless killer.
I started making stuff up at 3, writing it down at 7, and selling it at 17. I've written 12 books. The latest two are Tracking Changes: One Editor's Advice to Inspirational Fiction Authors, a collection of essays for novelists, and Burying Daisy Doe, a suspense novel set in a small Southern town. In fact, most of my suspense novels are set in small Southern towns. Murder in the Family is the latest already in print. I have six Love Inspired Suspense novels still available in ebook.
My Mother's Quilts, a devotional based on the quilts I inherited from my mother, is the most recent devotional.
I'm also an editor, with more than 500 publications to my credit, and I'm now the associate publisher for Iron Stream Media. My specialty is fiction, although I've also worked on CD-ROMs, magazines, non-fiction, children’s books, Bibles, and study guides. Lot of publishers have helped my bottom line, such as Thomas Nelson, Barbour, Howard, Harlequin, Ideals, etc.
And, as I say on Twitter (@RamonaRichards): Music nut. Film buff. Usually a fun person to eat a burger with.
The one thing that Deputy Jeff Gage didn't want to happen, has happened. He has failed at what he was hired to do and now must face the consequences of his actions. While assigned to escort Lindsey Presley, a restaurant owner on her night deposits to the bank, he is brutally attacked and Lindsey is kidnapped. When he regains consciousness, he hears someone standing over him handcuffing him with his own handcuffs and telling him that Lindsey will be dead before he can get to his feet. He reminds Jeff that Sheriff Taylor will fire him by the time they get through with him. They will be watching and waiting for the next chance to make him fail. Those are the last words he hears before he feels electricity shooting through his body once again.
Had it not been for Lindsey's quick reaction, she knows without a doubt she would be dead. The one thing she understood about being kidnapped is that if she didn't act, when she arrived at the destination he had planned on taking her to, she would be dead anyway. Even as great as the risk was that she might end up dead anyway, she waited for just the right moment and kicked the driver in the head with the force of both of her feet resulting in the car she was traveling in, to crash into the guardrail. The last thing she remembers before losing consciousness is a man telling her that they were not finished with her and they are around ever corner.
Now she and Jeff must work together to piece together the clues to figure out just who wants Lindsey dead and for what reason. She can't think of any reason why someone would want to kill her. She is just attempting to start over by opening her own restaurant and wants to make sure the last thing she gets involved with is a man who wants a relationship with her. Nope she has thick walls in place to ensure that doesn't happen. Yet Jeff Gage can't help himself but fall in love with Lindsey as he has gotten to know her over these last few months. If only he can convince her that is feelings are true and that love isn't such a bad thing. If only he can find a way to break down the walls before they both wind up dead.
In the novel, Memory of Murder by author Ramona Richards the pulse pounding suspense hits you full force within the first chapter. You can barely take a breath while watching this all unfold before your very eyes. It is that type of adrenaline that keeps you flipping pages as fast as possible to help figure out what is going on, who is trying to kill Lindsey and if they will fall in love with one another before either of them winds up dead. At little over 200 pages long, this is the perfect Christian Suspense novel to read just about anywhere you have time for a thrill ride. I finished mine just after dinner and absolutely LOVED this one. Harlequin's Love Inspired Suspense series, is for those fans of Harlequin romance but looking for a clean version with an impactful message of hope and love for Christian readers. If you are a die hard romance fan looking for a great novel without all the added details of romance but with the thrill of suspense added in, pick up Memory of Murder by Ramona Richards today.
I received Memory of Murder by Ramona Richards compliments of Christian Fiction Blog Alliance and Harlequin Love Inspired Suspense for my honest review and have to say this one hold its own at a 5 out of 5 stars!!! I want to personally thank Ramona Richards for signing my book as well. That always makes it special to open the cover and find that as a special surprise!!!
Very good Murder mystery with lots of twists and turns.The story of a woman who grew up in an abusive family atmosphere-trying to put all that behind her and carry on with her life after reuniting with her sisters.Someone is out to kill her and keep her silent,but she doesn't know why. Read the book to find out the rest of the story. I recommend it to all who like a good mystery
Memory of Murder started off with a lot of suspense and grabbed my attention pretty much right away. I really liked the characters: Jeff was my favorite with Lindsey a close second. I also liked the secondary characters - especially Lindsey's sisters and Troy.
The mystery was good and I was slightly surprised by the reason for the murder attempts. I did guess who one of the people involved was... just had a weird feeling about him/her.
I liked the romance in Memory of Murder and even though I think things might have moved a little too quickly in the end, it was still very sweet. I also found the memory loss aspect very interesting.
Overall, I really enjoyed Memory of Murder and recommend it if you like books with suspense and romance. I look forward to reading more books by Ramona Richards.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book for my review. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.*
I'm an escapist reader. When I find a book that I enjoyed ~ for whatever reason ~ I look forward to leaving a review. This book has made it to the top of my list. Love Inspired isn't a genre I pick up and read very often. Memory of Murder beats every one of the few I've read to a bloody pulp. With one hand tied behind its back.
Ever read a book that is packed with dull spots? Whether it's a muddy middle, too much description, not enough description, time jumping, head jumping, "I love him but I shouldn't", "I think I love her, and she's so sexy", Gah! These are the parts that grate on my nerves. Terribly. This book didn't have any of those parts. Memory of Murder was satisfying from the start to the very end in every way.
Out of the gate, there was suspense that opened a plethora of questions. What the heck did he do that for? Why is she so important? What is the significance of...and the list goes on. And it doesn't stop until you've almost reached the end.
If you like books that open with a bang and never become boring, this is for you.
Lindsey Presley has started a new life and has conquered of her dream of owning her own business. She has reunited with her sisters after years of being seperated because of their dangerous childhood. Suddenly someone is out to kill Lindsey but she has no idea why and what to expect. Deputy Jeff Gage has been giving her security at night for her business and they've become friends. When they both are assaulted they realize that there is more to there friendship but first have to fight for their lives!
I give this book 4 out of 5 stars because it was just what I was looking for something suspenseful and sweet! I really enjoyed this story and how they both came from troubled paths and how strong it made them. The only issue I think I had with it was it was bit predictable but still was a great story. I recommend this is your looking for something light that will help you see God can bring you through the rough times and make you stronger. I believe in God but definitley a very open minded one so I enjoy this love inspired stories because they are not the kind of inspirational in your face kind of inspiration more just lightly uplifting.
I'm always pleasantly surprised to read a novel by a friend and find I enjoy it so much I can't stop reading. The protagonist, Lindsey, is a young woman whose personality is shaped by the violence she experienced at the hands of her father. She is determined and somewhat shortsighted in realizing her dream. When threats on her life come to endanger her family and the young man she is so drawn to as well, she is forced to realize that God is in control. She can step back from her dream and see what plans the Lord has for her. You'll want to read Memory of Murder to enjoy the suspense, the story twists and all of the surprises Ramona Richards has plotted so well.
Memory of Murder, by Ramona Richards, took me on a wild ride--literally from the first scene when Lindsay is kidnapped and shoved in the back of a car. Who is trying to kill her? The secrets seem to be locked in Lindsay's childhood memories. Can Deputy Jeff Gage help her discover the answers in time to save her life? I admired this spunky heroine who worked so hard to accomplish her goals, and refused to let go of the dreams even when it puts her life--and those she loves--at risk. Memory of Murder is a fantastic read.
Romance and mystery Lindsey and Jeff When I read the love inspired books, I know the ending is usually a good one, but usually can't figure out just how. I always hope that I can take some of the faith lessons into my life without having the tramatic events happen to me!
In Richards’ love inspired suspense novel, Deputy Jeff Gage somehow managed to save Lindsey Presley’s life twice during murder attempts. No one knows why someone wants her dead but Gage is determined to protect her while he sorts through her broken past for answers. Teaming together they just might stand a chance against this unknown killer.
Someone thinks Lindsey Presley remembers more about a murder from her childhood than she does, and Deputy Jeff Gage comes to the rescue. I recommend reading the prior books with the Presley sisters. I didn't, and it might have helped me to understand the characters more.
Maybe even 4 1/2. One of the best in this Love inspired series." A very strong female protagonist, and she was not placed in a "male" profession such as police officer or fire fighter.
From the first page to the last, plot twists and turns leave the reader on the edge of their seat rooting for Lindsay. And for Lindsay's burgeoning romance with Sheriff's Deputy Jeff Gage.
Great book by Ramona Richards! Memory of Murder, a story about forgiving and letting go of the past. I totally give this bok two thumbs up. Has you in suspense throughout the whole book.
3 Stars for Memory of Murder. It would have been way higher if it hadn't fallen apart at the end.
Lindsey Presley (Formerly July Persley, formerly Lindsey Puriez) moved to the small town of Bell Springs to be closer to her sisters, whom she is recently reunited with after a stint of 15 years with no contact. She opens her own restaurant, gets a special police escort on all her money runs for the business thanks to her brother-in-law and local Sheriff, Ray. But things go wonky are a standard banking run when a man stun guns her police escort and kidnaps her.
She manages to get away only the be attacked again at her neighbor's place after realizing her spare keys are there for anyone to take should they find them. What Lindsey can't figure out is who wants her dead and why. So her and her police escort turned bodyguard, Jeff, work together to try and keep her safe as while as solve the mystery.
Okay. I was really digging this book. It was a solid 5 stars until we got to about 80% of the way through and things started to fall apart a bit. I totally guessed a certain someone was involved from start, but that didn't matter much till near the end.
I also thought that the proposal was out of left field and not overly appropriate. Throughout the whole book Jeff's on about how he finally just recently got Lindsey to open up to him during their brief 30 minutes, six days a week together in the past 6 months. They never dated. They kissed once...HOW IS HE PROPOSING TO HER AND HOW IS SHE SAYING YES?!?!?!?!?!
Ugh! It's not fair! This book had so much going for it and then they just RUINED IT!!!!
So it went from a 5 star book to a 3 star book. Because I liked the majority of it, but it left a bit of a sour taste. At least the epilogue seemed to be at a later date (or I'm lying to myself to make it slightly better).
I liked the fact that Jeff and Lindsey are friends before the threats on Lindsey's life started. That said, while I enjoy foreshadowing in mysteries, the local connection was way too obvious for my tastes. However, I did enjoy the characters of Lindsey's sisters and wished those romances had companion novels.
This is the third and final book about the Presley sisters. I've enjoyed them all. Their past is tragic - a father who was abusive to his wife and children and ended up killing the mother.
This book had an interesting story line that was full of twists and turns (though I was able to figure out the "who" fairly early in the book). There is also a series twist in this book.
One of the things I really liked about this book is the truthfulness that everything isn't always perfect. Our family helps us out because they love us. But it doesn't mean they necessarily enjoy doing ig. Ray made his point very clear about half-way through this book regarding his wife and other sister-in-law (from the first book).
The romance was good in this book as it was in the other two.
One of the best LIS mysteries I've had the pleasure of reading. Someone is out to silence Lindsay but who? Jeff, Lindsay and the rest of her family work to figure out what crime Lindsay must have seen as a child and who wants her permanently silenced to keep the truth hidden. Great mystery and great romance!