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Bad Memories: The Lt. Kate Gazzara Novels Book 22
A sealed room. A murdered psychiatrist. A decades-old secret someone will kill to protect.
When Dr. Marcus Holloway is found dead inside his locked office—surrounded by disturbing patient files from a long-buried experimental program—Captain Kate Gazzara is pulled into her most dangerous investigation yet. Someone is hunting down the survivors of a secret psychiatric trial gone horribly wrong.
Armed with surgical precision, digital surveillance, and a motive rooted in trauma, the killer is always one step ahead. The files name 47 patients. Now they’re dying one by one.
Who is Subject 23? And how do you catch a killer who already knows you’re coming?
When Dr. Marcus Holloway is found dead inside his locked office—surrounded by disturbing patient files from a long-buried experimental program—Captain Kate Gazzara is pulled into her most dangerous investigation yet. Someone is hunting down the survivors of a secret psychiatric trial gone horribly wrong.
Armed with surgical precision, digital surveillance, and a motive rooted in trauma, the killer is always one step ahead. The files name 47 patients. Now they’re dying one by one.
Who is Subject 23? And how do you catch a killer who already knows you’re coming?
314 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 29, 2025
56 people are currently reading
1 person want to read
About the author
Blair Howard
289 books344 followersBlair C. Howard is a Royal Air Force veteran, a retired journalist, and the best-selling author of more than 50 novels, including the international best-selling Harry Starke series, and 23 travel books. In 2021, having been fascinated by the heavens almost from childhood, and a SciFi fan for almost as long, he decided to try his hand at writing a military space opera. His first journey into this genre resulted in the Sovereign Stars series. Book 1 in the series, Avenger was quickly followed by Gods of War and Armored Fleet.
Blair lives in East Tennessee with his wife Jo, and Jack Russell Terrier, Sally.
Blair lives in East Tennessee with his wife Jo, and Jack Russell Terrier, Sally.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
July 25, 2025
This Kate Gazzara story takes us back to 2018, shortly after she “adopted” Samson. Kate is called to the Holloway Psychiatric Associates building. Dr. Marcus Holloway was found dead in his office one morning by his secretary. When she got to work one morning she noticed that the Dr.'s office was locked. Since the office doors used electronic door lock it meant that he was in the office. When he didn't respond to her knocking she had building security open his door. When they went inside the office it was clear that Dr. Holloway was murdered.
The problem was, with the security systems in place it was not clear how the murderer was able to do the crime. Being on the third floor of the building and since the window did no open, that was not a way in or out. The security system showed that Dr. Holloway was the only one going into or out of his office and the hall cameras did not show anyone going into the office. Thus the first thing that had to be figured out was how did the murderer get in and out of the office. The only way that Kate and crew could think of was that there was someone computer literate enough to bypass and/or change computer/security files. This turned out to be a problem throughout the story line, having someone smart enough to figure out what the police was going to do even before it happened.
As the initial room investigation was taking place someone was able to place some copies of medical records from the 1990's in the Dr.'s desk drawer that crime scene investigator Willis knew was not there earlier. Those records brought the case to a time period when Dr. Holloway, plus multiple other characters in the book, were working for a now closed facility that did experimental treatments on teenage patients. It appears that a lot of those treatments would be, in 2018, be seen as medical abuse. The murder of Dr. Holloway was just the start of what one patient was the just rewards for what happened years earlier. As things progressed Kate led an investigation that multiple Doctors, politicians and health industry concerns were involved in covering up.
Once again we are treated to a great read with Kate, and the rest of her team, as turning over stones that others did not want turned, and others giving Kate hints on what stones need turning over. Like other great reads by Blair Howard you will want to keep reading far into the night, and trying to solve the crime yourself.
The problem was, with the security systems in place it was not clear how the murderer was able to do the crime. Being on the third floor of the building and since the window did no open, that was not a way in or out. The security system showed that Dr. Holloway was the only one going into or out of his office and the hall cameras did not show anyone going into the office. Thus the first thing that had to be figured out was how did the murderer get in and out of the office. The only way that Kate and crew could think of was that there was someone computer literate enough to bypass and/or change computer/security files. This turned out to be a problem throughout the story line, having someone smart enough to figure out what the police was going to do even before it happened.
As the initial room investigation was taking place someone was able to place some copies of medical records from the 1990's in the Dr.'s desk drawer that crime scene investigator Willis knew was not there earlier. Those records brought the case to a time period when Dr. Holloway, plus multiple other characters in the book, were working for a now closed facility that did experimental treatments on teenage patients. It appears that a lot of those treatments would be, in 2018, be seen as medical abuse. The murder of Dr. Holloway was just the start of what one patient was the just rewards for what happened years earlier. As things progressed Kate led an investigation that multiple Doctors, politicians and health industry concerns were involved in covering up.
Once again we are treated to a great read with Kate, and the rest of her team, as turning over stones that others did not want turned, and others giving Kate hints on what stones need turning over. Like other great reads by Blair Howard you will want to keep reading far into the night, and trying to solve the crime yourself.
July 19, 2025
Called to a doctor’s locked office when the medico is found dead in very strange circumstances, Captain Kate Gazzara of the Chattanooga PD commences an investigative journey with a difference. Few clues are found, but the death is obviously murder and as the investigation proceeds, details of other similar cases in other cities, come to light, all involving medical staff that have a history of working in an experimental psychiatric facility previously. As the case proceeds, the team have pressure brought to bear from Kate’s boss who is subjected to pressure from other Government agencies, and it appears that the steps they are about to take in the investigation seem already known to the perpetrator they are pursuing. Kate resents the interference of the other agencies but when they begin to force their jurisdiction on the Police Department, it seems likely that the evidence discovered so far of the earlier experimental program is to be buried in a conspiracy to protect past and ongoing abuse of the young lives treated at the psychiatric facilities.
This is a different case which challenges justice, accountability and responsible law enforcement. It has many twists and turns as it proceeds and makes for an entertaining read. Although fiction, it makes the reader think about cases in the present day and the treatment of those that have behavioural and mental problems at a young age. Different to Kate Gazzara’s usual cases but highly recommended.
This is a different case which challenges justice, accountability and responsible law enforcement. It has many twists and turns as it proceeds and makes for an entertaining read. Although fiction, it makes the reader think about cases in the present day and the treatment of those that have behavioural and mental problems at a young age. Different to Kate Gazzara’s usual cases but highly recommended.
July 22, 2025
I have read and loved everyone of the Kate Gazzara books but this one has to be high on my list of favourites. Blair Howard has written a powerful book about emotive and taboo subjects that will have you ensnared and horrified.
Captain Kate Gazzara of the Chattanooga PD was scratching her head, her team were doing the same, her latest homicide victim, emanant psychiatrist, Dr Marcus Holloway, was found in his sealed office, an office that can only be locked from the outside, his keys beside him on his desk.
Someone with medical knowledge wanted Dr Holloway dead but who and why ? they had left only one clue and as further deaths and threats occurred the common denominator appeared to be The Greenbriar Behavioural Experimental Treatment Program, why were children sent to this establishment all those years ago and who was subject 23.
Kate had a brilliant team but they were baffled, the murderer was always two steps ahead of them, how were they getting their information ? Someone with much more power than Kate wanted her stopped, wanted the case taken out of her hands, wanted it burying but why? these weren't simple murders and Kate wanted justice and she was prepared to put her job and even her life on the line for it
Highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this book and my review is voluntary.
Captain Kate Gazzara of the Chattanooga PD was scratching her head, her team were doing the same, her latest homicide victim, emanant psychiatrist, Dr Marcus Holloway, was found in his sealed office, an office that can only be locked from the outside, his keys beside him on his desk.
Someone with medical knowledge wanted Dr Holloway dead but who and why ? they had left only one clue and as further deaths and threats occurred the common denominator appeared to be The Greenbriar Behavioural Experimental Treatment Program, why were children sent to this establishment all those years ago and who was subject 23.
Kate had a brilliant team but they were baffled, the murderer was always two steps ahead of them, how were they getting their information ? Someone with much more power than Kate wanted her stopped, wanted the case taken out of her hands, wanted it burying but why? these weren't simple murders and Kate wanted justice and she was prepared to put her job and even her life on the line for it
Highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this book and my review is voluntary.
July 18, 2025
Good authors write books with characters who you like, can relate to, or want to know in real life. Great authors write books with those characters in situations you could never imagine going through, let alone surviving; and leaving you almost breathless with anticipation for the final outcome. Blair Howard is the latter.
Captain Kate Gazzara is called in to investigate a “locked room” homicide. But that’s just the beginning of this compelling story. Not only does Kate have to figure out who the killer is and why, she discovers it has connections to events that occurred decades ago. Horrible events involving experiments on vulnerable teenagers. Of course, there are powerful people who would prefer that the details of everything that happened are never revealed - and they’re doing their best to bury the truth.
I received an advance copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving this review.
Captain Kate Gazzara is called in to investigate a “locked room” homicide. But that’s just the beginning of this compelling story. Not only does Kate have to figure out who the killer is and why, she discovers it has connections to events that occurred decades ago. Horrible events involving experiments on vulnerable teenagers. Of course, there are powerful people who would prefer that the details of everything that happened are never revealed - and they’re doing their best to bury the truth.
I received an advance copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving this review.
August 10, 2025
I received an ARC and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
This story begins with Kate being called to scene where a Dr. was killed. Upon arriving at the scene, there was little evidence available. Before they left, they discovered a folder which had documents in it and when they looked earlier, they didn't find anything. With this information they now had an idea to look into. Shortly thereafter, another killing was done by the same person and they finally became that this all related to something that happened 25 years earlier. They also discovered that the killer had a list of 47 people that were in danger. It was learned that it all was associated with events involving teenagers being used as guinea pigs.
Read along and follow Kate and her team and they try to stop the killer and discover what obstacles had to be overcome. The ending will clear up any questions.
This is another great read, don't miss out!
This story begins with Kate being called to scene where a Dr. was killed. Upon arriving at the scene, there was little evidence available. Before they left, they discovered a folder which had documents in it and when they looked earlier, they didn't find anything. With this information they now had an idea to look into. Shortly thereafter, another killing was done by the same person and they finally became that this all related to something that happened 25 years earlier. They also discovered that the killer had a list of 47 people that were in danger. It was learned that it all was associated with events involving teenagers being used as guinea pigs.
Read along and follow Kate and her team and they try to stop the killer and discover what obstacles had to be overcome. The ending will clear up any questions.
This is another great read, don't miss out!
August 26, 2025
Blair Howard writes intriguing murder mysteries revolving around two main characters whose lives intertwine – Harry Starke and Kate Gazzara. I love them both, but I’m partial to Kate because she’s such a strong woman, and her partner, Sammy (faithful German Shepherd), adds another dimension to her stories. I’ve truly enjoyed all of the Lt. Kate Gazzara novels, but this one is my favorite.
It's hard to know where Howard comes up with his storylines. This one starts with the murder of a psychiatrist who was part of an experimental group over 20 years before that dealt with troubled teens. The more Kate explored the circumstances surrounding his murder, the more she discovered about this program, leading deeper and deeper into the intrigue surrounding the cases.
It finally reached the point where I wondered whether Kate would ever be able to solve this case and do what is best for the victims. It kept me on the edge of my seat until the very end. I highly recommend Bad Memories!
It's hard to know where Howard comes up with his storylines. This one starts with the murder of a psychiatrist who was part of an experimental group over 20 years before that dealt with troubled teens. The more Kate explored the circumstances surrounding his murder, the more she discovered about this program, leading deeper and deeper into the intrigue surrounding the cases.
It finally reached the point where I wondered whether Kate would ever be able to solve this case and do what is best for the victims. It kept me on the edge of my seat until the very end. I highly recommend Bad Memories!
July 19, 2025
Wow, can't believe that we are on book 22 in the Gazzara novels, each can be read as a stand-alone but I'd urge you to read them from the beginning.
We head back to 2018, a few months after Kate rescues her faithful canine partner Sammy.
The story unfolds after a prominent psychiatrist Dr. Marcus Holloway is found murdered in his locked office, how did the killer get in but more importantly how did they escape?
This is a powerful and often emotional story to read due to the subject matter, which involves teenage torture and the use of unregulated drugs used in an psychiatric hospital for teenagers with emotional issues.
Kate has to work hard to unscramble the clues to what happened in that hospital over two decades ago.
Who is subject 23?
Read this book to find out the chilling outcome, that makes Blair Howard one of the most powerful authors out there.
We head back to 2018, a few months after Kate rescues her faithful canine partner Sammy.
The story unfolds after a prominent psychiatrist Dr. Marcus Holloway is found murdered in his locked office, how did the killer get in but more importantly how did they escape?
This is a powerful and often emotional story to read due to the subject matter, which involves teenage torture and the use of unregulated drugs used in an psychiatric hospital for teenagers with emotional issues.
Kate has to work hard to unscramble the clues to what happened in that hospital over two decades ago.
Who is subject 23?
Read this book to find out the chilling outcome, that makes Blair Howard one of the most powerful authors out there.
July 24, 2025
Remember Dr Josef Mengele from Nazi Germany? Seems like we have similar Doctors here who were doing their own treatments (or torture) on adolescents in a psychiatric facility 25 years ago. This comes to light as Kate Gazzarra investigates a murder of a prominent psychologist. Many of these people from the treatment facility are still practicing their trade funded by big pharmaceutical companies. Every time someone tried to expose them, it got buried in bureaucracy. More are turning up dead. Someone is eliminating them. Kate and her team is up against a very skilled serial killer. Dark subject matter with people in power trying to suppress the facts while Kate is racing against the clock to catch a killer. Excellent book. Well written. Makes you think. Could it be happening?
July 20, 2025
Capt. Kate Gazzara caught a case that had the earmarks of being a high profile one. A prominent psychiatrist was dead. Doc Sheddon, the medical examiner, determined that the death was a homicide., professionally done by someone with medical knowledge. It turns out that Dr. Holloway was part of an experimental program that worked with troubled youth. This connection opened a whole can of worms. Deaths keep mounting, and the pressure is on to catch the killer. Unfortunately the killer always seemed to be a step or two ahead of them. Can Kate and her team find the killer, or will the killer outwit them. I promised not to tell. You'll have to find out for yourself !
August 28, 2025
Kate's latest case is a murder that happened in a locked room and there were no signs of tampering of the door to the room. And a further complication that it takes a card key to enter. As the investigation advances, Kate and her team learn chilling details of medical malpractice that was allowed to happen in the past (and the present) and they run up against people who want to bury the deaths.
I love this series and this story is one of my favorites. Kate certainly has a backbone when it comes to not letting her investigation be compromised by others - from the mayor to the medical community to the FBI. This is definitely a must read!
I love this series and this story is one of my favorites. Kate certainly has a backbone when it comes to not letting her investigation be compromised by others - from the mayor to the medical community to the FBI. This is definitely a must read!
July 14, 2025
Another terrific Lt. Kate Gazzara book. Kate and her team really have to work hard to solve this murder(s). It all starts with Dr. Marcus Holloway being found dead and escalates from there. Subject 23 is after revenge for terrible, experimental things done to her as a teenager, along with many other teens. Who is she and how is she staying one step ahead of everyone? You won't be able to put this book down until you get to the end. It is fast-paced and emotionally intense, with twists you won’t see coming. I definitely recommend it.
July 18, 2025
Once again Blair Howard has taken on a subject that is often hidden in the shadows. He presented the abuse of adolescents with psychiatric and behavioral issues with compassion and highlighted how the damage inflicted can turn violent in later life. Of course Kate and her team investigated the string of murders and Samson once again was helper and protector. The mystery was well plotted and the storyline engaging. Can’t wait to see what’s next!
I received an arc of this book and voluntarily provided a review.
I received an arc of this book and voluntarily provided a review.
July 20, 2025
Kate Gazzara has a difficult case to crack here with thankfully a sterling and determined team behind her. However unfortunately there are other forces at play. This book is so well written and will have you guessing the perpetrator incorrectly early on ( guilty as charged). Confusion is amplified by the twists and turns of historical wrongs and just who is trying to stop anyone finding out what really happened. Shocking and unfortunately only too believable, it’ll have you sweating throughout but what a read.. Loved it.
July 25, 2025
What starts out as a murder of a doctor locked in his office ends up being much deeper. His associates are targeted and Kate has to figure out who may be next along with who the killer may be. She finds out it involves experimental treatments on teenagers but finding the killer is a challenge. Kate and her team will do anything to find the killer but they run into road blocks along the way. There are twists and turns that may even find you rooting for the killer. Another excellent book by Blair Howard!
August 4, 2025
I feel like I'm repeating myself when I review books by Blair Howard - the story grabs hold of you from the first page and doesn't let go until the last. The characters are strong and always seem real to me.
I loved Kate and the team fighting so hard for justice despite external interference, all while the killer seems to be a step ahead of them.
The subject matter is definitely dark and pretty disturbing at times, but I thought it was handled with care and didn’t feel sensationalised.
I received an ARC of this book and this is my honest review.
I loved Kate and the team fighting so hard for justice despite external interference, all while the killer seems to be a step ahead of them.
The subject matter is definitely dark and pretty disturbing at times, but I thought it was handled with care and didn’t feel sensationalised.
I received an ARC of this book and this is my honest review.
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August 29, 2025Bad Memories: The Lt. Kate Gazzara Novels Book 22 (The Lt. Kate Gazzara Murder Files), my seventy-third read from author Blair Howard. Well-written and enjoyable, edge-of-your-seat police procedural/vigilante justice thriller, thoroughly entertaining, as always! I always look forward to the next work from Howard. A Blair Howard book is like a visit from an old detective friend. I received a complementary Kindle copy of this book 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).
September 1, 2025
Bad Memories - a review by Rosemary Kenny.
A young patient in a past, failed psychiatric experiment escapes with another and goes on the run, in Blair Howard's Bad Memories...what will happen when Subject 23 grows up and seeks revenge?
A psychological-thriller that will leave you gasping, follow police Captain Kate Gazzara as she's forced to risk all to catch a twisted killer.Will she see it through when she uncovers the bitter truth?
Read Bad Memories by Blair Howard - a multi-genre author whose great characters and exciting plot will keep you guessing - and reading all night!
A young patient in a past, failed psychiatric experiment escapes with another and goes on the run, in Blair Howard's Bad Memories...what will happen when Subject 23 grows up and seeks revenge?
A psychological-thriller that will leave you gasping, follow police Captain Kate Gazzara as she's forced to risk all to catch a twisted killer.Will she see it through when she uncovers the bitter truth?
Read Bad Memories by Blair Howard - a multi-genre author whose great characters and exciting plot will keep you guessing - and reading all night!
July 14, 2025
Thought provoking but exciting Kate Gazzara thriller. In this latest installment, we are back in 2018, when a psychiatrist is found murdered in a locked office. The wound turns out to be precise and appears to have been inflicted by someone with medical knowledge. Then another similar one takes place. They are linked and it seems victims are linked to a scandal of historic psychiatric mistreatment. Then it turns out there is a serial killer ...
July 28, 2025
This is another very good book in the Kate Gazzara series. It deals with experimental medical procedures on young people and it pulls you along and makes you keep reading. The story is set in 2018 and Kate has recently ‘adopted’ Samson. Kate’s entire team is pulled in for this case as it is baffling. The clues get unraveled throughout the book and the killer is not discovered until the end. The procedural is well done and intriguing. I recommend this book.
August 6, 2025
Shades of Agatha Christie with the murder behind a locked door. This book kept me up all night reading it, I could not put it down. Who was doing the killing and why. Kate and Sampson have a harder time figuring this one out. This book made you think about the killings and why they were happening, was it the right thing to do or not. It gave me goosebumps when you find out why they were killed. A very good read that I would recommend. I received an Arc and the views and opinions are my own.
July 19, 2025
Another Excellent chapter in The Kate Gazzara series of books another excellent storyline that keeps you interested to the very end and the usual excellent Characters and of course Samson , Kate's dog . Who could ask for more. As you can probably gather I enjoyed it and can only recommend it very highly
July 21, 2025
An outstanding murder investigation with realistic modern-day issues brought to our attention. Well written storyline with a strong female detective as the main character. A page turning read with plenty of action and suspense. The conclusion was very well done and well thought out. Highly recommended book by an outstanding author. Bring on the next Lt Kate Gazzara adventure.
August 12, 2025
Captain Kate Gazzara gets called to investigate the murder of Dr. Marcus Holloway in a “locked room.” How did the killer get in? Wait, how did they get out?
Kate really had her work cut out for her as she has to figure out the clues to what happened in that hospital over two decades ago.
Can Kate find the killer?
Fast paced, revenge, twists and was definitely intense.
I received an ARC prior to publication and decided to voluntarily review it.
July 21, 2025
A really interesting Kate story with a murder in a locked room and a cover up medical conspiracy which keeps the reader guessing what's next. With the hacking and cover ups it reflects what is happening in the real world today.
July 25, 2025
I found this plot deals with young teens that have behavioral issues .
and abuse It was well written, Kate uncovered disturbing facts of a place
and people who worked there, and now closed. i recommend this author
books he has written.
and abuse It was well written, Kate uncovered disturbing facts of a place
and people who worked there, and now closed. i recommend this author
books he has written.
July 29, 2025
Received as ARC. Starts with the old murder in a locked room. As Kate begins to investigate she uncovers some horrible psychiatric treatments from the past. A survivor is murdering everyone that was a part of the program. Great story with fantastic characters
August 3, 2025
Another great mystery from Blair Howard. A hard subject that he handles with care. Keeps you in suspense until the end. Enjoy the interaction with Sampson in this story. Wish we could somehow learn his back story.
August 8, 2025
Great story line. A murdered psychiatrist finds Kate Gazzara looking into a health institution that used torcher to experiment on teens. It has since closed but left one former patient looking for revenge. A page turner that I could not put down.
August 28, 2025
A murder in a locked room and a determined killer, what a story! Kate has her hands full with this one. There are lots of twists and turns and surprises. I thoroughly enjoyed this one. Howard just keeps the thrillers coming.
August 29, 2025
This is book twenty two in the exciting Kate Gazzara Murder Files series. Kate is investigating the case of a secret psychiatric trial that went wrong. Survivors of the trial are being murdered. The killer is wily and always a step ahead. An excellent who-done-it!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews