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The Memory Thieves
The right memories are worth a lot of dough, and that’s just what Jacob needs to get square with the big man, Hoven. One last memory heist, one more job, and he’ll be able to clear his debt, leave the business, and start a new life with a clean slate. When stolen memories resurface, everything falls apart, and Jacob is caught in a dangerous web of lies, unsure of whom he can trust—including himself.
“Fast-paced and filled with suspense, The Memory Thieves hooks the reader from the very first chapter. Set in a world much like our own, this story fuses together the danger and intrigue of noir crime with the mystery and surprise of magic realism. Memories are a dangerous commodity in this world, and there are those willing to kill to get a hold of them. When his last memory heist goes awry and Jacob’s enemies are hot on his heels, the thief must find a way to survive—or die trying.”
-Jennifer Eneriz, Editor
“Fast-paced and filled with suspense, The Memory Thieves hooks the reader from the very first chapter. Set in a world much like our own, this story fuses together the danger and intrigue of noir crime with the mystery and surprise of magic realism. Memories are a dangerous commodity in this world, and there are those willing to kill to get a hold of them. When his last memory heist goes awry and Jacob’s enemies are hot on his heels, the thief must find a way to survive—or die trying.”
-Jennifer Eneriz, Editor
104 pages, Paperback
First published December 2, 2014
About the author
J.T. Robertson
3 books6 followersJ.T. Robertson is a writer of fiction and nonfiction from Missouri whose work has appeared in Moon City Review, The MacGuffin, TheNewerYork, Revolver, Paddle Shots: A River Pretty Anthology, Jelly Bucket and the Doctor T. J. Eckleburg Review. He earned his creative writing degree at Missouri State University and funds his fiction-writing habit by working in development at a nonprofit social service agency in St. Louis, Missouri.
His first book, "The Memory Thieves," was published as one of three winners of the 2014 Summer Writing Project, sponsored by Black Hill Press and Jukepop Serials. J.T. is a regular attendee of the River Pretty Writers Retreat, and currently lives in Creve Coeur, Missouri with his supportive wife Pamela and three entirely unpredictable cats.
His first book, "The Memory Thieves," was published as one of three winners of the 2014 Summer Writing Project, sponsored by Black Hill Press and Jukepop Serials. J.T. is a regular attendee of the River Pretty Writers Retreat, and currently lives in Creve Coeur, Missouri with his supportive wife Pamela and three entirely unpredictable cats.
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
July 12, 2015
This review first appeared on the Magic Realism Books blog - http://magic-realism-books.blogspot.com
Robertson has spun an enjoyable yarn in the tradition of crime fiction. The central character is a thief, trying with one last heist to pay off his debt to a criminal boss. But as is the way with such tales, things go wrong: the hero's partners in crime are murdered and he realizes that they have been double-crossed and betrayed. Add the reappearance of the thief's former love and we would be on familiar territory were it not for the fact that hero steals memories.
I understand that Robertson began with the premise: what if memories were financially valuable? They would then be coveted and guarded, bought and sold, and kept in bank vaults. They would be sought after by memory thieves, supplying people who wished to indulge in someone else's past. What if also they were living creatures, like germs, which could infect and indeed kill someone to whom they didn't belong? People could become addicted to them, craving an illegal and potentially fatal high.
It is this premise that gives the story its originality and its magic realism. Robertson stays true to the crime novel formula, which to some extent allows him to play with the idea. Personally I would have liked him to have gone further and deeper into the implications of memories having a value, but this is a novella and the author was limited by the short form. Nevertheless I found the book an easy and enjoyable read.
I received this book free from the publisher in return for a fair review.
Robertson has spun an enjoyable yarn in the tradition of crime fiction. The central character is a thief, trying with one last heist to pay off his debt to a criminal boss. But as is the way with such tales, things go wrong: the hero's partners in crime are murdered and he realizes that they have been double-crossed and betrayed. Add the reappearance of the thief's former love and we would be on familiar territory were it not for the fact that hero steals memories.
I understand that Robertson began with the premise: what if memories were financially valuable? They would then be coveted and guarded, bought and sold, and kept in bank vaults. They would be sought after by memory thieves, supplying people who wished to indulge in someone else's past. What if also they were living creatures, like germs, which could infect and indeed kill someone to whom they didn't belong? People could become addicted to them, craving an illegal and potentially fatal high.
It is this premise that gives the story its originality and its magic realism. Robertson stays true to the crime novel formula, which to some extent allows him to play with the idea. Personally I would have liked him to have gone further and deeper into the implications of memories having a value, but this is a novella and the author was limited by the short form. Nevertheless I found the book an easy and enjoyable read.
I received this book free from the publisher in return for a fair review.
December 29, 2016
This book started off a little slow for me, and there were a few editing issues. However, it picked up quickly and overall this novella was a solid start for an author who is sure to go far. The idea of people buying and selling memories is an interesting one. People being able to manipulate the market and erase memories to get others to do their dirty work is intriguing. I highly suggest giving this book a try!
April 18, 2015
This slim novella is an eerie blend of crime thriller and science fiction that sends you on an intriguing exploration of what a memory means and how much it’s worth. Robertson’s irresistible wit shines in a plot that’s fantastic with plenty of mind-bending twists making for a fun and satisfying read. One note of warning: don’t read before bedtime. Nightmares may ensue.
March 29, 2023
Simply put, this is a fast paced, fun as heck, high concept crime story. J.T. Robertson has created a world unlike any I've seen before. This random, blind Amazon buy (I liked the cover), turned into an excellent afternoon. Really looking for more from Robertson.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews