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When a series of high-profile deaths is linked to a lethal conspiracy, Detective Morgan Reed must risk everything to uncover the truth. Technology pioneer Dr. Gerard Price is at the height of his scientific career. After years of research in the field of memory augmentation, he’s just made a world-changing breakthrough. But his life’s work is mysteriously cut short by a fatal overdose in a seedy motel. All evidence points to a suicide, and the case is closed…until Detective Morgan Reed begins working a series of similarly strange deaths. As Reed joins forces with Detective Natalie De La Cruz to expose the lies and corporate treachery at the heart of the suicides, they discover a shocking plot that will put thousands of lives at risk. In a world where cutting-edge technology meets dirty money, Reed and De La Cruz must navigate the labyrinths of an impenetrable network to save countless innocents from certain death…as their own lives hang in the balance. Former detective and Wall Street Journal Bestselling author Brian Shea teams up with Raquel Byrnes for this explosive techno-thriller that will keep you up all night—perfect for fans of Michael Crichton and David Baldacci.

418 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 19, 2024

361 people are currently reading
1303 people want to read

About the author

Brian Christopher Shea

52 books284 followers
Author also writes under Brian Shea

BRIAN CHRISTOPHER SHEA has spent most of his adult life in service to his country and local community. He honorably served as an officer in the U.S. Navy. In his civilian life, he reached the rank of Detective and accrued ten years of law enforcement experience between Texas and Connecticut. Somewhere in the mix he spent five years as a fifth-grade school teacher. Brian’s myriad of life experience is woven into the tapestry of each character’s design. He resides in New England and is blessed with an amazing wife and three beautiful daughters.

Writing has always been a dream, but life seemed to find a way of interrupting. It wasn’t until recently that he dedicated time to this passion. His first book, The Camel’s Back, gave him a much-needed mental break from his work investigating atrocities against children. He allotted time in the morning each day. Usually waking at 5 to bang away on his manuscript. The second round of daily writing would occur after his children were asleep. He proved that working full-time and raising a family were no longer valid excuses to putting off his novel.

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5 stars
112 (33%)
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117 (35%)
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77 (23%)
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20 (6%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
Profile Image for Teresa Brock.
892 reviews73 followers
March 7, 2024
Being book 1 in a new series – this really checked all of the boxes. So for fans of Blake Crouch and Dark Matter or David Baldacci– definitely check this out. Detective Morgan Reed is newly paired with a much younger, but eager, Detective Natalie De LaCruz and they are trying to expose what lies at the heart of a string of thought to be suicides. Things aren’t what they appear to be and they victims seem to be getting higher up the food chain. The characters in this story are flawed and familiar. The story line is so relatable, but the technology these detectives are able to use is mind blowingly amazing. Is there a cliffhanger at the end that will make you wanting more? Yes… yes there is. Adding another author(s) to my watch list!
Profile Image for Jessica D..
16 reviews2 followers
March 18, 2024
I enjoyed this book! The elements of (not too far off) futuristic tech were a fun layer to a police thriller. There were times when I felt descriptions of particular scenes were too long and slowed the pace a bit, but there was enough action to keep me reading. I longed for a bit more character development but that is just my preference as a reader. If you are more interested in the unfolding mystery / thriller aspect then I think you’ll find what you’re looking for here. First in a series and the ending certainly sets you up to want to read the next book to find out what happens next! Thanks to NetGalley and Severn River Publishing for the ARC of this fun read in exchange for my honest review.
Profile Image for Lori L (She Treads Softly) .
3,051 reviews121 followers
March 13, 2024
The Memory Bank by Brian Shea and Raquel Byrnes is a murder mystery that features an exciting, action-packed blend of a police procedural and technothriller. It is very highly recommended and marks the start of an engrossing new series.

Detective Morgan Reed and new partner Detective Natalie (Nat) De La Cruz start an investigation into a series of deaths with some disconcerting and strange similarities. The most recent case is the death of technology pioneer Dr. Gerald Price. The evidence seems to point to a suicide, but after another death Reed notices a strange clue that becomes the impetus to further investigate the two cases along with some previous cases. Clearly, Reed and Nat are on to something as they discover more clues, they also become targets.

Set in a near future The Memory Bank features cutting edge technology that is easily to envision happening. The technology is in the hands of the police too, and Nat is the one gifted in knowing how to use it or who to go to for information. Reed is the one with the innate instinct to see clues and question assumptions. The two have skills that compliment each other, work well together, and have a dynamic partnership. They are both great characters and I look forward to their next case.

The well-written narrative moves at a lightning-fast pace and is compelling from start to finish. Once started it is impossible to put down. Sure, there are high-tech innovations as part of the plot, but the technology is well-presented and the concepts are easily grasped. The corporate treachery in the plot is readily understood as is the heart-stopping action. Thanks to Severn River Books for providing me with an advance reader's copy via Edelweiss. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.
http://www.shetreadssoftly.com/2024/0...
1,843 reviews13 followers
March 7, 2024
I received an ARC through "Severn Publishing" and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

The story begins with Reed being brought back from leave and having Nat, a new detective, assigned as his partner. They are assigned to a case where they are to look into the suicide of a high-profile victim/ It seems that pressure is being put on the dept. to close it quickly. While they are looking into that case, another death by suicide occurs and upon arriving at the scene, Reed thinks that the facts aren't there for him to conclude suicide. It appears that the victims had their head damaged. As the two looked further, they started checking into other potential cases that bore similarities.

As they learned more, a picture of what this was all about and they began closing in on the killer. Reed heard a noise at a location where they believed the killer might be. Following his instincts, Reed continued following the noise. When he got into the vicinity where the suspect was, he was attacked and had to fight off the killer who died. Before he was rescued, Reed took an action which in the end got him suspended.

Reed on his own began following what information he had as he searched for another party who was believed to planning something that would cause a great deal of casualties. Reed finally narrowed down where this individual might be. Upon his arrival, Reed was ambushed and taken to an unknown location. Reed was able to break his bindings and chase this individual.

To discover what the head damage related to, what Reed did when he waited for his rescue, who Reed searched for after he was suspended and what he learned was so important, then you need to read this book. The ending does leave ope3n questions at the end.
Profile Image for Edwin Howard.
425 reviews16 followers
March 19, 2024
In THE MEMORY BANK, by Brian Shea and Raquel Byrnes, Detective Morgan Reed, who has recently returned to duty, has been assigned a case that immediately looks fishy. Along with his new partner, Detective Natalie De La Cruz, Reed starts to peel back a larger conspiracy that is much bigger than the death he was investigating. Can Reed and De La Cruz uncover the truth before those who want those secrets to the remain secrets can end their investigation and their lives.
The book begins as a detective mystery, with complicated characters, a flawed protagonist and an perplexing case to figure out. Detective Reed is a often used trope of a protagonist: recently recovered from trauma, naturally good at his job, reticent but ultimately accepting of change, and unexplainably likable. But there is a reason this kind of character is used, the reader can't help but like Reed and want him to succeed. There are some colorful characters throughout which are fun to bump into along the way. As the story progresses, the plot takes a sci-fi turn that is believable and interesting and pleasantly adds more depth to the novel. The reasons for the evil conspiracy are murky and without a full understanding, the emotions of the antagonists felt a bit artificial. There are some unpredictable twists towards the end of the book and an exciting and rewarding ending.
Interesting book and definitely unpredictable, THE MEMORY BANK was certainly a fun read for me.
Thank you to Severn River Publishing, Brain Shea and Raquel Byrnes, and Netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
Profile Image for Mike.
1,443 reviews92 followers
March 15, 2024
Cowritten by Brian Shea and Raquel Byrnes, The Memory Bank (2024) is a technology-based police procedural. Seattle Detective Morgan Reed and his new partner, Detective Natalie De La Cruz are called out to a scene of a dead body. Reed is convinced there is more to the death than first seems and decides to investigate further, despite pressure to close the case down quickly. Reed is old school and yet agrees to use the Virtual Depot, a high-tech data, virtual presentation of crime scenes. The narrative is fast-paced with plenty of action, technology and a mounting body count that leads to a high-stakes dramatic climax. As they confront a ruthless killer, can they find the motive and the memory bank technology threatening lives? A first-class crime mystery with a thrilling edge and a four stars thriller read rating. Whilst more adventures seem likely, this book was too long and seemingly wouldn’t end. With thanks to Severn River Publishing and the author, for an uncorrected advanced review copy for review purposes. As always, the opinions herein are totally my own, freely given and without inducement.
Profile Image for David Taylor.
1,552 reviews25 followers
February 20, 2024
High intensity introduction to Detectives Reed and De La Cruz!
Over the past 4 years I’ve read 16 of Brian Shea’s books – this includes two series where he had a cowriter, of all these books I’ve never had a moment’s regret in reading the stories. After reading The Memory Bank, I was blown away by the story and characters. Right off the bat this story immerses you in a plot that is built around technology that may have been ripped from today’s headlines. Along with plenty of intense action and suspense the reader is introduced to a pair of detectives who each have personal issues that are seemingly at odds with their chosen professions not to mention individual character flaws that make them very relatable and believable. If you are looking or a techno-thriller series that will keep you up late into the night reading ‘just one more page” then I would suggest grabbing a copy of The Memory Bank and settling in for some intense entertainment. I received an Advance Reader Copy of The Memory Bank from the publisher and chose to provide my honest opinion.
Profile Image for kneecolereads.
257 reviews53 followers
March 6, 2024
New favourite detective series?

I did not have my seat belt fastened prior to starting this book and I’m paying for it now. I felt like It was an episode of a futuristic Criminal Minds with lovable characters, great banter, an engaging case and all the adventure packed in and topped with a bow. The scariest and coolest part of this novel is that all of this could be very possible.

This book had the perfect mixture of light and heavy moments spread throughout and made it an entertaining read. Each chapter left you CRAVING more with the cliffhangers and needing to know whodunit. I cannot wait to read the sequel and the only downside is waiting to find out what happens next with these incredible detectives.

I do wish there were answers to two of the minor questions I had in this book but I’m going to trust the process and assume they’re answered more throughout the series to come.

I will definitely be checking out these authors other books! Thank you to the publisher, authors and to NetGalley for giving me this opportunity to read and review.
421 reviews3 followers
March 19, 2024
I started reading and there were robots, little ones, but still, and decided that it was probably not my kind of book to read. But hey it started good, so why not continue … glad I did!
Detective Morgan Reed, an accomplished detective, is called in from medical leave to take a look at what “appears” suicide. The body of young student is found at the bottom of a campus building, really an open and shut case. Reed is not completely happy with the scene and has some questions. His boss, and previous partner, shows up at the scene and introduces Reed to his now partner, detective Natalie De LaCruz. Reluctantly he accepts, really no choice, but as the book goes on, they are perfect partners.
The technology was bit mind boggling, and I was afraid it would take away from human thinking and solving problems, but it really wasn’t.
Very much looking forward to book 2
Profile Image for Teresa Brock.
892 reviews73 followers
March 7, 2024
Being book 1 in a new series – this really checked all of the boxes. So for fans of Blake Crouch and Dark Matter or David Baldacci– definitely check this out. Detective Morgan Reed is newly paired with a much younger, but eager, Detective Natalie De LaCruz and they are trying to expose what lies at the heart of a string of thought to be suicides. Things aren’t what they appear to be and they victims seem to be getting higher up the food chain. The characters in this story are flawed and familiar. The story line is so relatable, but the technology these detectives are able to use is mind blowingly amazing. Is there a cliffhanger at the end that will make you wanting more? Yes… yes there is. Adding another author(s) to my watch list!
Profile Image for Massimo Pigliucci.
Author 77 books1,214 followers
April 16, 2024
A bit of a light read, but nevertheless a pleasant sci-fi thriller which is apparently going for a sequel (not out at the time of this writing). The plot is interesting, if at times predictable. The main characters, two police detectives, are standard issue: the man is a veteran from Afghanistan, and the Hispanic woman is new at the homicide division and tries to learn from him while keeping her dignity and independence. As a result, they interact in a more or less expected fashion along the lines of colleagues who become buddies and may eventually fall in love. The major plot hole is in the terrifying technology that appears to be at the center of the story. I'm sorry, but memory just doesn't work that way, and a good sci-fi story maintains respects for the best science available.
Profile Image for Claudete Takahashi.
2,760 reviews38 followers
March 15, 2024
The Memory Bank is an amazing techno-thriller it's based on the premise that people's memories can be collected and used for nefarious purposes where greed, power, and money are the main issues. Reed is an obstinate detective and he is paired with a rookie Nat who is a wiz-kid together they'll search relentlessly for who is behind the killing of a tech mogul, a university teacher, a university student, and an activist. They'll find out that the problems run much deeper than they thought and mistakes from the past still trouble America of the future. I'm looking forward to reading the next adventure in this series.
I thank Mr. Shea and Ms. Byrnes for this ARC.
Profile Image for Ricki.
1,466 reviews14 followers
April 30, 2024
Murder meets Sci-Fi meets advanced AI detecting. Det Reed is called to a suicide that he quickly decides is murder. There are strange markings on the head of the victim. As more murders occur, the recurring theme is the mark on the head. It takes to mid book for Reed and his new partner de la Cruz to figure out what is happening.

There is increasing use of virtual detecting without the need of warrants for open source information by scrubbing the internet for "crumbs" and linking them together.

I abandoned this mid book after struggling to get involved in the storyline and when Reed decides to "implant" himself with memories. Sci-Fi is not for me.
Profile Image for Roger.
5,818 reviews28 followers
September 19, 2024
The Memory Bank (Memory Bank Thrillers Book 1), my fifteenth read from author Brian Christopher Shea and the first co-written with author Raquel Byrnes. Outstanding technothriller, well-written with characters & plot you can buy into with unexpected twists & turns. Shea is a master character creator, blending seamlessly with co-author Raquel Byrnes. I look forward to Flashpoint Retrograde Flaw (Memory Bank Thrillers Book 2). “I received a Kindle copy of this book & liked it so much I went out & bought it, and am voluntarily leaving a review." The gifting of this book did not affect my opinion of it. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
Profile Image for J.
524 reviews10 followers
December 31, 2024
This is my 12th Brian Shea novel. 11 finished and only a Shepherd and Fox got set aside early.

Made me wonder if he has read Jordan Castillo Price for world-building to blend a bit of futuristic sci-fi with law enforcement. Jordan has a bit of an edge on the world-building portion of storytelling.

This one felt a bit sloppy - a lot more missed line edits. Someone had a "staff" infection (which made me laugh. In the climax a character said "No, way am I going to...." which ruined the flow. And every chapter had at least 1 verb tense shift.

No, I'm not writing a review. Just memorializing a bit of a let-down. Still gonna try the next in the series.
Profile Image for Grace.
80 reviews
August 29, 2024
Seeing as this was an ARC that I read, there were definitely some mistakes that I caught. But, I enjoyed the story for the most part. I did think it lingered on just a bit, and Reed got way more hurt than he needed to. The longer I read, the more confused I got about what was really happening. It could’ve been a little shorter, or just punchier to get the main idea across. I did like following Reed and Nat, and their dynamic was interesting but not super developed. Also liked Coyote being part of the main action later. I think I would read the second one.
1,016 reviews12 followers
March 19, 2024
A lethal invention

A scientist's death is suspect as he was going to share his knowledge with a reputed reporter. The reporter was Detective Morgan Reed's girlfriend who was murdered. Reed discovers that the invention is a lethal weapon with serious repercussions and the mastermind has a diabolical plan. A mind blowing techno thriller which had me on the edge of my seat. The description of the weapon and its effects is terrifying. I was enthralled by the well crafted plot.
101 reviews1 follower
March 4, 2024
A good book

Thank you to Goodreads for a free kindle copy of this book. I didn’t love it but I liked it. The dynamic between Reed and Nat was good, I enjoyed those parts of the book. I did not like the brain reading parts, it just seemed a bit out there. And, some of the parts about this was a bit too long in my opinion. Overall, it was a good read for me.
Profile Image for Denise .
857 reviews11 followers
March 22, 2024
This collaboration between Brian Shea and Raquel Byrnes hits the ground running! The blending of an old school police procedural and a techno-thriller creates an interesting and riveting reading experience. Near future technology, a twisty murder investigation, and plentiful action lead to an edge of your seat climax! This is a very good introduction to this new series!
1,320 reviews16 followers
February 10, 2024
Could this series possible get any better? It is stunning, thrilling, shocking, and absolutely amazing. I look forward to the next installment with bated breath. I can't imagine how it will go.
Highly Recommended.
12.8k reviews191 followers
March 24, 2024
What an intriguing story that won’t let go until the end. Detective Morgan has a difficult road behind him. When there are lots of murders, he needs to solve them as quickly as possible. Full of danger, questions that need to be answered.
410 reviews
April 15, 2024
Weird

Strange techno babble book on somehow capturing peoples memories with a “crown” and an injectable vial of something. Almost didn’t finish, but I wanted to see if the ending was okay. It wasn’’t.
109 reviews2 followers
May 19, 2024
Action and suspense

Descriptive action that will almost take you breath away…..maybe a little slow to start but after that it’s a hundred miles an hour. Just pre-ordered the next two.
394 reviews4 followers
October 14, 2024
I didn't finish this one. There was too much mucking about without a plot coming through. Seemed to be all interviews with no prose.

I received a review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.com.
198 reviews
March 14, 2025
Lots of action & intrigue...

The story was interesting, however the premise was complex. I had difficulty believing it. I liked the main characters. There wasn't enough personal evolution for my taste.
Profile Image for Michael.
582 reviews8 followers
September 8, 2025
Good technology thriller!

This has the thrills of a high speed chase, combined with some wild technology. Add to that, the sophisticated drones and you have a pulse pounding thriller!
Profile Image for Rebecca.
6 reviews
February 25, 2024
Definitely recommend reading. There is a cliffhanger that will leave you wanting more. You will not be disappointed with this thriller.
Profile Image for Janeandjerry.
647 reviews22 followers
July 24, 2024
The Memory Bank

The Memory Bank is a lot of twists and turns and exciting things going on seeking out the future of the game being played
Profile Image for Jeremy.
390 reviews3 followers
March 18, 2026
DNF. The writing and dialogue seemed very unrealistic and cliche.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews