Echoes of Memory

by Sara Driscoll

The only witness to a murder she can’t remember, a woman with post-traumatic amnesia races to piece together the puzzle of her fragmented memories . . . before it’s too late.

Some memories are stolen by time.
Others are stolen by violence.

After surviving a terrible attack, Quinn Fleming has recovered in every way but one—her ability to retain new memories. Now, months later, it appears to the outside world as if the San Diego florist’s life is back to normal. But Quinn is barely holding on, relying on a notebook she carries with her at all times, a record of her entire existence since the assault. So when she witnesses a murder in the shadowy alley behind the florist shop, Quinn immediately writes down every terrifying detail of the incident before her amnesia wipes it away.

By the time the police arrive, there’s no body, no crime scene, and no clues. The killing seems as erased from reality as it is from Quinn’s mind . . . until the flashbacks begin. Suddenly, fragments of memories are surfacing—mere glimpses of that horrible night, but enough to convince Quinn that somewhere, locked in her subconscious, is the key to solving the case . . . and she’s not the only one who knows. Somebody else has realized Quinn is a threat that needs to be eliminated. Now, with her life on the line and only her notes to guide her, Quinn sets out to find a killer she doesn’t remember, but can’t forget . . .

Genres: Mystery, Thriller, Mystery Thriller, Audiobook, Fiction, Suspense, Crime

320 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 23, 2024

About the author

Sara Driscoll is the pen name of Jen J. Danna, coauthor of the Abbott and Lowell Forensic Mysteries and author of the FBI K-9s and the NYPD Negotiators. After over thirty years in infectious diseases research, Jen hung up her lab coat to concentrate on her real love—writing “exceptional” thrillers (Publishers Weekly). She is a member of the Crime Writers of Canada and lives with her husband and four rescued cats outside of Toronto, Ontario. You can follow the latest news on her books, including the FBI K-9s, at www.saradriscollauthor.com.

Reviews

[Kaceey · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5🌟
The police are pleased to learn they have an eye witness to a murder. But how much help can that be if she’s unable to hold onto her memories?

Quinn has dealt with a traumatic brain injury since she was attacked outside a nightclub. She had a full recovery... other than losing virtually all her short term memory.

Now, if she doesn’t write something down…poof! It’s gone!

So when Quinn witnesses a murder behind the flower shop where she works, she immediately jots everything down. Detective Reyes, familiar with Quinn’s background, understands Quinn and knows how to work with her to help find the killer.

Are Quinn’s notes enough for the police to go on? Will Quinn recognize the man responsible? And what happens if the killer recognizes her first?

I loved the premise of this book but found I lacked a connection with the characters. Leaving me unable to elevate this read to a full four-star. I felt there was too much explanation of Quinn’s condition (kind of like what I did here😂). I needed a bit more ‘thriller’ and less background info.

My first read by this author and I will definitely be interested in reading another of her books.

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books.

[Linzie (suspenseisthrillingme) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy cow! A gripping tale of suspense, Echoes of Memory paired an intricate, intense plot with compelling insights into the psychology of memory. Fast-paced and heavy with foreboding, it was also thought-provoking and informative without losing its riveting, suspenseful edge. Together the two sides of this novel formed a stellar whodunnit that won me over hook, line, and sinker. After all, with dual compelling POVs and plenty of twists and turns, the premise that promised so much absolutely delivered in spades.

Starting off with a bang, it nevertheless took a bit to become accustomed to Quinn and her style of narration. That’s not to say that it was repetitive in the slightest. And despite the fact that it vaguely reminded me of 50 First Dates, the skilled manner in which Driscoll imparted Quinn’s palpable grief for her past life while also keeping the plot moving was truly impressive. She wasn’t the only persona to win me over, however. From an endearing detective to a few kind friends, the cast was rounded out beautifully from beginning to end.

All in all, I’m now crossing my fingers and toes that this was just book one in what would surely be a dynamite series. With immersive storytelling and quite the unique premise, it was an addictive, unputdownable storyline that I was sad to see end. So addictive, in fact, that my fingers flew through the pages in just a matter of hours. After all, it was one heck of a masterclass in suspense that kept me on tenterhooks throughout. So if you haven’t yet read anything by this truly talented author, take this as a sign to do so ASAP. Rating of 5 stars.

SYNOPSIS:

After surviving a terrible attack, Quinn Fleming has recovered in every way but one—her ability to retain new memories. Now, months later, it appears to the outside world as if the San Diego florist’s life is back to normal. But Quinn is barely holding on, relying on a notebook she carries with her at all times, a record of her entire existence since the assault. So when she witnesses a murder in the shadowy alley behind the florist shop, Quinn immediately writes down every terrifying detail of the incident before her amnesia wipes it away.

By the time the police arrive, there’s no body, no crime scene, and no clues. The killing seems as erased from reality as it is from Quinn’s mind…until the flashbacks begin. Suddenly, fragments of memories are surfacing—mere glimpses of that horrible night, but enough to convince Quinn that somewhere, locked in her subconscious, is the key to solving the case…and she’s not the only one who knows. Somebody else has realized Quinn is a threat that needs to be eliminated. Now, with her life on the line and only her notes to guide her, Quinn sets out to find a killer she doesn’t remember, but can’t forget…

Thank you to Sara Driscoll and Kensington Books for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.

PUB DATE: July 23, 2024

Trigger warning: traumatic brain injury, hit-and-run accident, breaking and entering, mention of: assault

[Beata · Rating 2 out of 5]

An average, in my opinion, thriller based on the idea of a person who witnesses a crime but whose memory does not allow her to remember the details. It sounds good, however, the dialogues between the main character and the doctor and the detective are too long, and their aim is to explain the neurological aspect of the woman's health issues. It started well, but somewhere in the middle I lost interest.
*Many thanks to Sara Driscoll, RBMedia, and NetGalley for a free audiobook in exchange for my honest review.*

[Marilyn (not getting notifications) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Echoes of Memory was the first book that I had the pleasure of reading by author, Sara Driscoll. It can best be described as a stand-alone gripping mystery thriller. I listened to the audiobook that was very well narrated by Cynthia Farrell. She really brought this well plotted, fast paced book alive. It was so easy to visual the scenes and the characters as she expertly narrated Echoes of Memory. It took place in San Diego, California in the Gaslamp District.

Quinn Fleming had been a victim of a vicious attack that had left her with a post-traumatic brain injury. The brain injury interfered with Quinn’s ability to remember details and pertinent information. To compensate for this loss, Quinn had started using a journal to record anything that had occurred during the course of her day and simple directions, routines, appointments and placement of things she needed on daily basis. Since Quinn relied heavily on her journal, she always kept it close by to her.

After Quinn recovered enough physically and emotionally, she returned to her job as an assistant in a flower shop. Since her injury, it took Quinn a little longer to complete the tasks that she was expected to complete. There were some nights that she stayed a little later to finish her tasks. On one of those evenings, Quinn had just finished everything she had to complete for the following day, when she decided to take the trash out rather than leave it for boss. The container for the trash was located in the alley behind the flower shop. As Quinn tossed the trash in the receptacle she sensed that she was not alone. She saw a shadow of a man hovering on the opposite side of the ally. He appeared to be hiding. Suddenly, more shadows appeared and the man disappeared. What had she witnessed? Had the man who had been hiding in the alley been the victim of foul play? Quinn knew that she had to write down everything that she had witnessed before those memories were gone forever. After Quinn recorded everything that she witnessed, she called the police. To Quinn’s frustration, the police officers didn’t believe Quinn’s account of what she had witnessed. There was no body, no trace of a fight and Quinn could not recount the events that just occurred without reading it from her journal. When the report passed Detective Nura Reyes desk, though, the detective remembered Quinn’s harrowing attack and the post- traumatic brain injury she suffered as a result. To Quinn’s frustration, she was unable to convince the police officers to what she had witnessed but was rewarded with Detective Reyes’s complete belief in the things Quinn had seen. Memories of that night started to come back to Quinn through dreams she had. Quinn was a gifted artist. She was able to sketch what she remembered from her dreams. Would Detective Reyes and Quinn be able to piece together the fragments of Quinn’s memories to solve the murder mystery? Would Quinn’s involvement put her in danger? Will Detective Reyes be able to keep her safe?

Sara Driscoll created believable characters who were interesting, flawed and quite compelling. There were lots of twists and turns that kept me guessing until the very end. The ending was very satisfying and tied up all the loose ends. Quinn’s challenges were many but she almost never felt sorry for herself for long. She accepted what had happened to her and was making baby steps in her recovery. Mental illness played a major role in this riveting book. I really admired Quinn’s character and how she handled her recovery, made the connections and friendships she did and used her talents to help solve the mystery. Echoes of Memory was well written and very much worth reading. I highly recommend it.

Thank you to RB Media/Recorded Books for allowing me to listen to the audiobook of Echoes of Memory by Sara Driscoll through Netgalley in exchange for an unbiased review.

[Madison Warner Fairbanks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Echoes of Memory by Sara Driscoll, aka Jen J Danna
Mystery, thriller.
Several months earlier, San Diego florist Quinn Fleming survived a terrible attack which left her with post-traumatic amnesia. Her short term memory is gone. In order to remember anything from day to day, she keeps a notebook of hand written notes of things she needs to remember, which she then reads on the bus to and from work each day.
One night when closing the store, she witnesses a murder in the alley. She immediately writes down everything she saw in detail including impressions and calls the police. By the time they arrive though, there is no body and no evidence of a crime. When Quinn starts having flashbacks, Detective Reyes matches a body found washed up on a beach to Quinn’s notes and sketches. Quinn innocently starts investigating a logo she thinks she’s remembering from that night, which triggers a threat from the killer. He heard someone in the alley that night. Now he knows who else needs to be eliminated.

🎧 I alternated between an ebook and an audiobook which was performed by Cynthia Farrell. The narration is fantastic with varying voices for the few main characters and impressive emotional scenes from the victim. Much of the book is high tension and terror which is clearly heard and felt while other parts include her therapy sessions where you hear tension, embarrassment and hope from Quinn.
For me, reading print is more visual and immersive while an audiobook is heard and felt. Both work wonderfully for this thriller.
I listened to the audiobook at a speed of 1.5 which more closely matches speech patterns in my area.

I couldn’t imagine having no memory of yesterday or this morning and having to refer to notes, let alone the shock of reading about witnessing a murder, and being in danger because of it. Talk about a wake up call!
A gripping and intense thriller.

I received a copy of this from NetGalley and publisher RB Media.

[Louise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Driscoll has written an excellent standalone mystery that focuses on the challenges of a woman who has suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI).

San Diego - Quinn is working hard to recover from a vicious assault that left her with a TBI. Her version of this injury involves forgetting new things and new people within about an hour. She attends a TBI therapy group and she is making some progress - she actually can remember the group leader now when she arrives, for example. Her method of coping involves writing lots of notes in a notebook that she carries around with her, extensive calendar reminders, alarms/reminders on her cell phone, labels of all sorts in her apartment, and so forth. Her job in a florist shop is one she treasures. Her boss, Jacinta, is sympathetic to Quinn’s issues and tries to help her as much as possible.

One night while closing up the florist shop, Quinn takes out the trash and sees something terrible. She writes detailed notes in her notebook before calling the police, because she knows that her memory is going to fade very quickly. But with no body and no crime scene evidence, the police aren’t inclined to believe Quinn.

Quinn also loves to sketch, and this proves to be a key factor in eventually helping figure out what actually happened. The author provides a lot of information about TBI along the way - sometimes it got in the way of the narrative, but it was still useful and interesting information.

I was caught up in this story right away and enjoyed the way Quinn and the detective who believes her, find their way to solving the crime. There’s a lot of San Diego color here. The Gaslamp neighborhood sounds like a cool place I’d like to visit!

Thank you to the author, Kensington Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

[Kurryreads (Kerry) · Rating 4 out of 5]

https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZT2QJfSmM/

[Mallory · Rating 5 out of 5]

This standalone with a fun mystery and while I liked the characters are am disappointed it is a standalone I have to admit that a woman with a TBI and unable to make/recall short term memories a poor amateur sleuth. I also really like Detective Reyes (even if I don’t believe that anyone would put so much faith into a witness with a TBI). I listened to the first 7 or 8 chapters in audiobook and then I binged the rest on kindle in one sitting. Patience is not my thing. This one wasn’t as full of action as some mysteries, but I really liked the stuff about memory loss and TBIs which kept me interested even in the slow parts. Quinn was attacked and left for dead after a night out about 3 months ago. She’s trying to get back to her old life, largely because she can’t recall anything after the accident. She is using a notebook and repetition helps her to remember a little more a little longer but she struggles to keep her condition from everyone around her. One night in the alley behind her work she witnesses a murder. She wrote down everything she could remember before calling 911 and forgot almost everything before the responding officers arrived. This was a good mystery and I highly recommend it.

["Avonna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Check out all my reviews at: https://www.avonnalovesgenres.com

ECHOES OF MEMORY by Sara Driscoll is a fascinating suspense/crime thriller police procedural featuring a protagonist with a severe Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) who witnesses a murder, or did she? This standalone slow burn thriller has a sense of foreboding throughout that kept me turning the pages.

Quinn Fleming is a florist in San Diego who survived a horrific mugging. She is back to work, but her TBI has her finding ways to compensate for her inability to retain new memories. She relies on recording everything she must remember in a notebook she always carries with her. After work, as she is emptying the shop’s trash in the back alley, she witnesses a murder as she hides in the shadows.

Detective Nura Reyes knows about Quinn’s attack and challenges and believes her tale of witnessing a murder even though there is no proof. Bits and pieces of that night return in flashbacks, dreams, and Quinn’s art, so when she goes to find proof that what she saw was real, someone else realizes she is a threat. Det. Reyes is now in a race to uncover the truth with Quinn’s life on the line.

This is such an interesting plot twist with a protagonist that does not remember anything past approximately an hour unless it is reinforced by repetition or a traumatic incident. Her coping skills were amazing and yet she was embarrassed when anyone found out about them. The explanations of her TBI complications are well integrated throughout the story between Quinn’s actions and thoughts and her TBI therapy group instructor, Will. The plot does start out a little slow, but there is always a shadow of foreboding and as more clues come together, the plot pace increases exponentially. This is an all-around gripping story.

I highly recommend this intense crime thriller/police procedural.

[Nikki Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a slow one. I found myself bored and noticed I was at the 30% mark. This is also told in third person. I’ve gotten so used to multiple POV’s in first person. I find myself rushing through when it’s read like this.

One night Quinn, a florist witnesses a murder. Or so she thinks. However, there’s no body. What’s worse is she can’t recall memories. She was attacked a while back that left her with a brain injury. So, she keeps a notebook where she writes everything down. Including details of what she saw that night.

I think if you are already a Sara Driscoll fan, you will enjoy this. It was my first by her. I would definitely categorize this as a slow burn.

I’d like to that Kensington Books, NetGalley and Sara Driscoll for the opportunity. All opinions are my own. Publication date July 23, 2024
3 ⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Julie (JuJu) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Get ready for an intense and emotional ride with "Echoes of Memory"! From the very first page, this gripping thriller had me hooked. But fair warning, it contains some sensitive topics, so brace yourself.

I have a thing for books that explore mental illness and the complexities of the human mind. In "Echoes of Memory," Quinn is battling a traumatic brain injury following a vicious attack. Her struggle to retain short-term memories leads her to rely on journaling and sketching to hold onto the important moments. To make matters worse, she becomes a witness to a murder and finds herself teaming up with Detective Reyes, the only person in law enforcement who believes her tale.

After reading countless thrillers, it's rare to come across a fresh, intriguing plot filled with compelling characters like this one. I can't imagine being in Quinn's shoes, much less with no family to lean on. The author's writing is captivating, and I'm already itching to dive into more of her books, especially if she has other standalone novels up her sleeve.

Sincere thanks to RB Media for providing this audiobook through NetGalley. All opinions are my own and left voluntarily.

[Krystal · Rating 3 out of 5]

Narrated by Cynthia Farrell
Presented by RB Media

An interesting premise, but the story was a little too slow for my tastes.

A woman with a traumatic brain injury witnesses a murder, but her condition means she has to write everything down before she forgets what's happened. But once the memories fade, how does she tell what's real and what's not?

I really liked the idea of it, and Quinn was likeable enough as a protagonist. I appreciated the detective and that, for the most part, Quinn wasn't treated like a nutjob. There was a lot of respect given to her and her condition, and the inclusion of her TBI support group helped explain the condition in a compassionate way.

Aside from that, I never really became as invested in the story as I wanted to be. I found myself tuning out a lot and losing interest and therefore focus. There's a lot of attention on Quinn's injury and how she goes about everyday life with it, so it took away from the crime aspect a lot and really slowed the story down.

The narrator did a decent job bringing the characters to life, though some sounded similar enough that I was a little confused as to who was speaking. I also got genders mixed up a bit and lost track of some of the less distinctive characters.

I did enjoy it, but it wasn't particularly memorable. It was an easy enough listen with an interesting premise, but not quite thrilling enough to hook me.

With thanks to NetGalley for an audio ARC

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25/5

I honestly can't remember how I came across Echoes of Memory by Sara Driscoll, but it was probably Bookstagram, and I am happy. I've never read anything by this author under this pen name or her real name (Jen J. Danna), but now I will definitely not be forgetting about either of her names! This was unlike anything I have previously read, and I fell in love with Quinn and the complexities of her life now that her retention of new memories is impaired. She keeps a notebook which in a way reminded me of the movie 50 First Dates, except this is a mystery where that is a rom-com.

I listened to the audiobook while following along in the physical book, and I absolutely loved the narrator, Cynthia Farrell. I thought she did a really exceptional job bringing Quinn to life, and everything about her narration was on point. Not only did I love Quinn, but I also loved many of the other characters such as the detective handling the murder case she witnesses, and her support group leader Will. There is mystery, suspense, and a touch of romance all wrapped up in this unique storyline, and if you are looking for something fresh while still pacey and bingeable I would highly recommend Echoes of Memory!

[meggy (readsinbloom) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to receive a physical ARC of this book through a Goodreads Giveaway!


“Echoes of Memory” by Sara Driscoll follows a woman who, after having injury related daily memory loss, witnesses a murder and must try to put together the pieces to what happened.

I think this book may have a niche audience. There is a lot of information about brain injuries and memory in this book. At some points, it feels like an information dump. I enjoyed that the book seems very well researched. However, I could see some people not being interested in this.

I think this story was a little slow, but it kept me intrigued. It could have been sped up. There are some things I do not think were strictly necessary for this story. However, it felt more realistic than some thrillers do. It was easy to follow the story, and the main character’s choices made sense.

The ending was the most disappointing part of this book for me. Everything came together perfectly, which was great! However, I appreciate thrillers having some sort of twist. The ending of this book was expected by the time I got there.

Overall, I had a fun time and felt intrigued by the way the story played out, but I don’t think it will be very memorable to me.

Thank you to RBMedia and Netgalley for the Audio ARC of this book, and thank you to Kensington Books and Netgalley for the E-ARC of this book, all in exchange for an honest review!

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Echoes of Memory by Sara Driscoll is a stand alone, and once again Driscoll demonstrates that she can keep the suspense high.

Driscoll is able to incorporate a lot of details about memory loss and keep it interesting the way she does it. And even though Quinn is trying to rebuild her life after an attack and her short term memory loss, after she witnesses a murder, she does her darndest to try and help solve it. She uses techniques of writing things in a notebook and sketching things that she glimpses from her dreams or things that she remembers during the day.

I was a bit concerned that it would get repetitive with Quinn having to go over everything over and over again, but after a bit in the beginning, Driscoll was able to keep it interesting. Although it did start a bit slow for me, once Det. Reyes is introduced, the story really started to move, and kept me quickly turning the page to find out what would happen next.

The mystery was very well laid out, with some really good turns along the way. I’m not sure if Det. Reyes is in any of Driscoll’s other books, but if so, I would definitely read them since the way she treated Quinn and this case makes her a wonderful, strong female character.

[Rachel the Page-Turner · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is one of those books where the synopsis mentions pretty much everything that isn’t a spoiler! Quinn Fleming is our main character, and she was recently robbed and attacked. She suffered a Traumatic Brain Injury, and now has an interesting type of amnesia. She remembers most things from before the attack, but now it takes her writing in a notebook and repetitively repeating things to be able to remember anything now. She’s also excellent at drawing, so she will sketch random things that pop into her head, or come to her in dreams, for clarity - especially after what she witnessed.

Not long after she was attacked, she was at work taking out the trash when she saw a suspicious man in the alley. At first, she was afraid of being attacked again, but to her horror, the man she thought seemed suspect had his neck snapped before a mystery van came to retrieve the killer and the body. Quinn immediately writes every detail in her notebook before she forgets, then calls 911. Unfortunately, the police officers who showed up call her notes a “script” and ignore her…until Detectives Reyes hears about the incident, and remembers Quinn has amnesia. Together, they work together to find out who this man was, and who his killer was.

This was a little bit slow, but overall this was a good murder mystery/thriller. The amnesia plot is overdone, but there were extra layers to this book that kept it feeling more unique. I didn’t predict the ending, but I also thought it was a little anti-climactic. As a TBI survivor, this should have hit a bit differently, but it didn’t hit as hard as say, “Brain Damage” by Freida McFadden. Still, this was a pretty decent story with plenty of action. 3.5 stars.

(Thank you to Kensington Books, Sarah Driscoll and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my review. This book is slated to be released on July 23, 2024.)

[Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got total Memento vibes from this book and I loved it! The idea of an amnesiac witnessing a murder and trying to help the cops solve it is such a cool idea. I can only imagination the frustration that goes along with that. I found the book to be clever and exciting and really enjoyed it.

[Erin Clemence · Rating 4 out of 5]

See my full review on www.mysteryandsuspense.com

After a vicious attack left Quinn Fleming unconscious and left for dead, she now suffers from post-traumatic amnesia, which leaves her unable to create new memories. Quinn cannot remember anything that happens from day-to-day, since the attack, but she is slowly recovering and finding ways to manage her daily challenges. One day while closing up at her job at a floral shop, she witnesses a murder but her initial call to the police isn’t taken seriously due to her memory deficits. Quinn assumes the murder will be ignored and her identity as a witness long forgotten, until Quinn starts seeing images of the scene replaying in her dreams and she knows that she has to find justice for the unknown victim, whether or not anyone believes her.

Echoes of Memory is the first standalone novel by Canadian author Sara Driscoll (pen name for Jen J. Danna, author of the Abbott and Lowell Forensic Mysteries series) and it is gripping, suspenseful and pulse-pounding from start to finish!

Quinn is both likable and relatable; after suffering a terrifying and traumatic attack, she strives to rebuild her life the only way she can, which cements her role as the admirable heroine. The extra steps she makes just to get through her day, including leaving Post-it notes for herself on nearly every surface of her apartment, generates empathy with the reader but also makes it clear that Quinn is courageous and not one to be underestimated.

Driscoll’s storyline is well researched and creative, with “Echoes” being full of information on memory loss, flower decoration and details about paint supplies (which is relevant to the plot in a big way), it is obvious that Driscoll puts tremendous effort and passion into her work.

Not only does the murder investigation add suspense and intrigue, but the unknown suspect who tails Quinn throughout the novel, desperate to silence her and keep her from talking about what she saw, compounds the intense mystery. “Echoes” has a plethora of twists and turns, keeping the outcome a secret until the absolute end, where Driscoll then delivers one final punch, wrapping up all of the loose ends.

“Echoes” has a stellar protagonist worth cheering for as well as a detailed and unique plot line with an emotional representation of traumatic brain injury and the struggles it causes its sufferers. Add to this a police investigation into a murder where the only witness is seemingly unreliable and Driscoll has created a page turner that pulls you in from the start and doesn’t let up!

[Josephine Jarman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow action packed thought provoking. This audio book was a binge listen. The writer had vlearly done tgeir research into the effects of brain injury and trauma and thus shown throught. The narrator dud s fsbujon of just making it a natural part of the narrative. What would you do if you witnessed a murder but you can't remember all the time dye to an attack on you. I loved the way the police were betrayed as both understanding and ignorant. This was full of teists and turns and good solid side chatacters. A real joy to listen 2 and also screamed series potential.
Thank you so much netgallery and publisher and author and narrator.

[Kathi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sara Driscoll does it again. ECHOES OF MEMORY is an excellent stand-alone suspense.

Quinn has survived an assault that left her with a traumatic brain injury (TBI) that affects her memory to the point that she has to keep a notebook handy to remind herself of day-to-day events. Then, she witnesses a murder. Or does she? The police don't find a body or crime scene evidence ...

As always, the author does a very thorough job of researching her subject, this time TBIs and memory formation/retention. This one does not move as quickly as her Hostage Negotiator or FBI K-9 series, but it is every bit as intense.

Thanks to Sara Driscoll, Kensington Books & Net Galley for the chance to read an advance copy of this book. Expected publication date is July 23, 2024

[BiblioPeeks · Rating 5 out of 5]

“She knew her life had once been joyful, and so, so easy. Nothing required advanced strategy or excessive note-taking. She just…was.”

“Two people can have nearly identical injuries and the effects can be significantly different. Every TBI is unique, as is the person suffering from it.”
____

The survivor of a vicious assault, Quinn Flemming has a traumatic brain injury (TBI) and can’t retain new memories. Trying to get through each day is tough enough, but then she witnesses a murder! She quickly records every detail before she forgets. With no body and no evidence of any crime, the police don’t believe her. However, a Detective who sees the report of the incident, does. Quinn begins to experience flashbacks in her sleep and does sketches of what she remembers. But...is it really memories or is it what she THINKS happened? How can she trust her own mind?

Not only is this a murder mystery, it’s an exploration of many facets of memory and the effects of trauma and brain injury. With encouragement from the Detective, a few understanding friends, and her artistic outlet, Quinn is able to provide more pieces to the puzzle. As a person who has suffered a mild TBI, ECHOES OF MEMORY made me feel SEEN. Brain injury is scary at best, and feels like you’re losing your sense of self at worst. Sara Driscoll deftly weaves a suspenseful mystery filled with increasing unease, into the struggle of living with the largely invisible consequences of a TBI.

Cynthia Farrell’s performance for the audiobook was emotive in the best way and I’m so glad I did dual formats. I could FEEL Quinn’s self doubt and fear, yet also her determination and strength. A heroine who relies on her wits and intuition while pursuing justice despite personal danger, is someone I can root for! I loved everything about ECHOES OF MEMORY and it resonated with me so much, I had difficulty writing my review. I was completely immersed in Quinn’s world and on the edge of my seat more than once!
_____

Thank you Kensington Books for the gifted notepad, flower & physical copy & Recorded Books for the ALC. All opinions are mine.

Content warnings by me below.


































⚠️Content warnings by me: traumatic brain injury, fatal hit & run, home invasion, Mention of assault

[Nurse Jackie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Echoes of Memories follows Quinn, a post traumatic TBI survivor who witnesses a murder but cannot trust her memory. The TBI comes from an unrelated assault, but explains why Quinn doesn’t have the ability to recall her short term memory. As a result, she leaves herself notes and post-its to get her through daily life. While in the back alley of the floral shop she works at, Quinn witnesses a murder- but did she? Can she remember anything? Can she trust what she remembers?

Every day she wakes up is a new day- filled with zero memories of anything from yesterday, the day before, or any day before her assault. So when Quinn witnesses what looks like the murder of a stranger, she immediately writes everything she can in her notebook to relay to the police. Unfortunately, they don’t take her serious and she’s left feeling helpless. It’s not until the next day when she’s confronted by a different detective who remembers Quinn’s assault case, that she can even share her thoughts. Together, they work as a team to overcome Quinn’s disability to solve a murder without a body from a witness without a memory.

Overall, the story was enjoyable. I felt like there was a lot of over explaining of things, like the author couldn’t find a more natural way to introduce an idea or topic (ie the silver pain). This could’ve been left until the end when she was explaining it back to the other characters. It felt a little far fetched, but the story was still suspenseful. I also did not like the narrator- it felt forced and a little aggressive.

Thank you NetGalley and RbMedia for this advanced listening copy in return for my honest review.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

ADC audiobook provided in exchange for an honest review.

The narration on this book really helped bring the characters to life for me! She was clear and concise and it was very easy to follow along to the story. I liked the premise even thought I’ve seen it a lot over the years. Girl was involved in accident, has no memory, works with detective to try to figure out what happened. There’s more to it with this story and i enjoyed the twists and that I didn’t know what was coming! If you like psychological thrillers and mysteries, check this book out!

[Johan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Got an advanced copy as part of a giveaway.

As a slow reader. I read a few pages a night before bed, This story was a slow burn, but it kept me interested and wanted to continue reading and know more.
As I kept reading, I felt like I was putting together the case along with the detective and Quinn, the main character.
Will be checking out more books by this author.

[Nikki | Nikkimariereads · Rating 3 out of 5]

Echoes of Memory by Sara Driscoll
Release Date: 7/23/24
Format: audio
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️

This thriller started quick and had me intrigued! We have a victim of a crime that caused memory loss witnessing another crime while still working on improving her short term memory recollection. Thankfully, she has a handy dandy notebook she documents everything in religiously before her memories escape her!

To no one’s surprise, the two male police officers that show up on the scene, act like she is a criminal for needing to check her “script” and she finds herself second guessing everything. She ends up befriending a friendlier woman detective who helps her navigate her tricky situation as it continues to develop and unfold.

This book unfortunately fell flat for me due the the sheer amount of info dumping. Unfortunately, when there are books that rely heavily on memory loss as a plot device, it’s sometimes difficult to avoid the constant rehashing of details. However, I felt like so much exposition was given to us through info dumping as well.

Not a terrible thriller all in all, but unfortunately not a book I’d be quick to recommend in the genre. Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced listening copy in exchange for my honest opinion!

[Melissa (honeybee.reads) · Rating 2 out of 5]

Echoes Of Memory is a slow burning thriller that unfortunately failed to keep my attention entirely. The beginning started off strong and intriguing, but it slowly started going downhill around halfway. It started to get very repetitive, very technical and felt like a textbook sometimes instead of entertaining, the writing didn't grasp my attention either so it was hard for me to truly focus.

There were a lot of plot holes in this one also, some things were highly unbelievable and I had a hard time getting past those. The dialogues were also lengthy and the story developed a bit too slowly for me. I think prior fans of this author will enjoy but maybe she is just not for me.

🎧 The narration by Cynthia Farrell was just Okay for me. She didn't grasp my attention enough to keep me fully invested. So both with the slow pace of the story and the narration it was hard for me to love it.

✨️Thank you to @netgalley, @rbmedia & Sara Driscoll for my gifted ALC in exchange for an honest review.

[Becca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quinn was in an accident 3 months ago and can’t remember anything since then for more than about an hour. When she witnesses a murder, the detectives on the scene can’t find evidence and they don’t believe her.

This was a really interesting read, mostly because I really liked Quinn and I liked seeing the strategies she used for reminding herself of events, even if she didn’t actually remember them.

[Gail Lewis · Rating 4 out of 5]

This stand alone book is very different to All other Driscoll mysteries. It has less characters & is not as fast paced. There are a lot of twists & turns with surprises along the way especially at the ending.

Quinn, a florist suffered Traumatic Brain Injury during an attack. She has worked hard to find excellent ways to adapt with the help from the leader of her support group/friends & employer.

Police officers are not very interested in her Memories of a death she witnessed in a dark alley. Quinn has problems with her short term memories which means it disappears before it is saved as long term. This means she has to find other strategies to cope. So she writes everything down immediately after the incident before she loses it.

The original police officers that she read the notes of her memories to don’t believe her. But one police woman does and Quinn & he work together to find the killer.

I find the research & information describing the science behind Quinn memory loss interesting & helped me understand a bit about the disability caused by different kinds of head injury.

Thanks to Sara Driscoll , Kensington Books & Net Gallery for the chance to read this book. Publication: Date July 23, 2024

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quinn was attacked a few month prior to the beginning of this story and has suffered memory issues ever since. While she remembers everything before the attack, she cannot form and retain new memories, so she has systems in place to help her navigate through life, like a notebook where she writes everything. One day while closing the flower shop she works at, she witnesses a murder and she does what she always does : write it all down in her notebook. When she calls the police they are skeptical to say the least, until one (woman) cop who actually remembers her case, believes her.
Quinn is the kind of witness cops should actually love, her memory of an event doesn't change cause her memory is on a piece of paper. While going through the case and trying to find out what happened, Quinn discovers that her broken brain might still be her superpower after all, and that she's making progress every day.
To be honest, the case doesn't matter that much in the story, though it was well done cause one character that I found so suspicious was actually not it (maybe that says something about me, I do not trust nice men). I loved this book as the story of a woman trying to find a new normal after a terrible attack that left her vulnerable, Quinn found a way to work with a broken brain, and without realising it at first, she does get better and better. That slow journey was very touching to follow, and that kind of injury was obviously really well researched. I also loved how people in her life like Reyes and Will didn't question her method, but actually helped her with it

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Holly Goddard · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received this book as part of a Goodreads Giveaway. I loved the sound of the plot, it really seemed like one I’d enjoy. But as I read, I realized the book it’s about 85% repetitive internal dialogue. So if the goal was to frustrate readers and make us feel as if we ARE Quinn, then you win. But I read the same things over and over and over again for 300+ pages. Page 100 and there was absolutely no effort to advance the plot, it was completely stagnant. Then we get a random and unexpected POV change, also around page 100, the Detective Reyes chapters are the only time the story actually moves. Now for the 15% of dialogue we get… it’s either excessive amounts of medical jargon that you almost have to skim through just to not get board. Or, it’s the detective going over the story from the start… AGAIN. This book could’ve been finished in 90 pages or less.