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Alex Troutt #1
At Bay
Alexandra Giordano never knew she had it so good. Until it was all gone in an instant. As she begins her daunting quest to uncover the black spots on her memory, what she finds isn't sweet or charming or even pleasant. And that's when she begins to question everything, including herself. Her work as a Special Agent for the FBI is only a distraction, serving as a mental metronome...anything to crank the gears of her feeble mind. And then it happens-a bizarre, ritualistic murder. She loses herself in her work, fully immersed in the investigation. Unable to recall even her own kids, she's somehow able to formulate coherent theories on what type of person could pull off such a sickening act. As her mind slowly plugs a few memory gaps, her emotions are scrambled by the reality of her worlds colliding. And the resulting explosion tears her in two. Can she pick up all the incendiary fragments to solve the twisted crime while she clings to some semblance of sanity? One woman can only keep so much...At Bay.
307 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2016
2614 people are currently reading
1194 people want to read
About the author
John W. Mefford
77 books402 followersAmazon #1 Bestselling Author, #2 bestselling author on Barnes and Noble, and a Readers' Favorite Gold Medal winner.
John W. Mefford has been writing his debut novel since he first entered the work force almost thirty years ago, although he never put words on paper until 2009. Once he started writing, however, he couldn't stop. Many readers ask John from where he gets his ideas. Well, he's a veteran of the corporate rat-race, a former journalist, and he's always been an astute observer of human and social behavior. On top of that, he's really good at embellishing.
A member of International Thriller Writers, John writes novels full of electrifying suspense -- the same types of books he has loved to read since before he could shave.
Learn more about John at www.JohnWMefford.com
Let's connect! Follow John on Facebook at www.facebook.com/JohnWMeffordAuthor
John W. Mefford has been writing his debut novel since he first entered the work force almost thirty years ago, although he never put words on paper until 2009. Once he started writing, however, he couldn't stop. Many readers ask John from where he gets his ideas. Well, he's a veteran of the corporate rat-race, a former journalist, and he's always been an astute observer of human and social behavior. On top of that, he's really good at embellishing.
A member of International Thriller Writers, John writes novels full of electrifying suspense -- the same types of books he has loved to read since before he could shave.
Learn more about John at www.JohnWMefford.com
Let's connect! Follow John on Facebook at www.facebook.com/JohnWMeffordAuthor
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 164 reviews
August 30, 2017
The author used amnesia as a large part of the plot and had an interesting twist a the end. Most of the rest of the book had tired stereotypes.
September 16, 2016
Book #1, in the Alex Troutt Thriller Series
Being the first in a running series the story centers mainly in getting to know the main player Alexandra Giordano( Alex). We meet her when she is in hospital following a car accident. Alex is dealing with amnesia and doesn’t recall much of her past. As she slowly pieces things together we follow her through her journey.
Alex is a sassy and smart FBI agent and very good at her job it is not surprising her job was the trigger that refreshed her memory, reboots her friendship and old relationships. Being an FBI agent is always with you and as Alex gets involved hunting down a killer even without her complete memory we have a great time following her involvement. There is a bit of humour in this “don’t mess with me agent” as different situations arise such as trying to figure out why a slutty nanny is in her life, why her daughter dress that way, does she really love her husband….etc….The storyline is quite suspenseful, it is hard not to jump to all kinds of conclusions trying to guess what Alex will remember and what will she do when she does….but getting it right may not be easy. This is a well-thought plot that keeps a steady pace and a good cadence, one filled with twists to derail our thoughts but keeps us entertained throughout. I liked Alex she is a great and fun character with a sharp mind and tongue. Strong plot development one that is interesting and entertaining.
Being the first in a running series the story centers mainly in getting to know the main player Alexandra Giordano( Alex). We meet her when she is in hospital following a car accident. Alex is dealing with amnesia and doesn’t recall much of her past. As she slowly pieces things together we follow her through her journey.
Alex is a sassy and smart FBI agent and very good at her job it is not surprising her job was the trigger that refreshed her memory, reboots her friendship and old relationships. Being an FBI agent is always with you and as Alex gets involved hunting down a killer even without her complete memory we have a great time following her involvement. There is a bit of humour in this “don’t mess with me agent” as different situations arise such as trying to figure out why a slutty nanny is in her life, why her daughter dress that way, does she really love her husband….etc….The storyline is quite suspenseful, it is hard not to jump to all kinds of conclusions trying to guess what Alex will remember and what will she do when she does….but getting it right may not be easy. This is a well-thought plot that keeps a steady pace and a good cadence, one filled with twists to derail our thoughts but keeps us entertained throughout. I liked Alex she is a great and fun character with a sharp mind and tongue. Strong plot development one that is interesting and entertaining.
June 15, 2021
Well,Why Has It Taken Me So Long To Meet Alex Trout?! A smart-mouthed, firecracker of a woman who handles her job as a Special Agent for the FBI with intensity and a do Not mess with me attitude! We meet her now after a serious accident in which she is very lucky to be alive, but has lost much of her memory. She meets her husband, a high-powered attorney, and finds she has two children...There are so many missing spots, she just can't remember much and struggles to figure out her place...Only the FBI seems familiar, and an agent she used to work with...There is a strange murder that draws her attention, starting to work out just who could have done this...Slowly other memories return, in tiny spurts...And she works the case in a way only she can!! Soon other events come to happen, so tragic that she may be thrown back into the blackness...But she is Alex Trout...So get out of her way!!
A simply fantastic book with a woman FBI Agent I am ready to follow through a brick wall!!!
I received an ARC from this amazing author, offering you my honest thoughts and feelings in my review, and I am So Ready for the next adventure with Alex!!!
A simply fantastic book with a woman FBI Agent I am ready to follow through a brick wall!!!
I received an ARC from this amazing author, offering you my honest thoughts and feelings in my review, and I am So Ready for the next adventure with Alex!!!
October 28, 2022
Excellent! I loved the story, fast-paced.
I like different. The main character, Alex an FBI agent, having amnesia made it different. The book starts out with her amnesia, and her trying to get her memory back. It brings in the family and the nanny, be patient. The murder investigation stuff starts about 15% into the book. Fast-paced.
What I liked:
-Action!
-The amnesia angle.
-Lots of side interests and I won't go through them all, leaving some suspense.
-There is no way to predict the ending.
What I didn't like:
-There is a sniper involved in one part of the story. Worst shot EVER!
-The ending was not what I expected.
Highly recommend.
I like different. The main character, Alex an FBI agent, having amnesia made it different. The book starts out with her amnesia, and her trying to get her memory back. It brings in the family and the nanny, be patient. The murder investigation stuff starts about 15% into the book. Fast-paced.
What I liked:
-Action!
-The amnesia angle.
-Lots of side interests and I won't go through them all, leaving some suspense.
-There is no way to predict the ending.
What I didn't like:
-There is a sniper involved in one part of the story. Worst shot EVER!
-The ending was not what I expected.
Highly recommend.
dnf
February 13, 2019DNF.
What a brilliant premise, such a beautiful heroine's name!
But not my coppa. Bummer.
Slut-shaming coming from the heroine. UNACCEPTABLE!
Constant drama for the heroine through the whole series (based on the micro details I gathered from the reviews). A serial killer murders her husband in the 1st book. In the last book she buries her father and short after her mother, whom she found after 32 years. OMG, give poor woman a break!!!!!
No love interest for her (???), as far I could find any information in the reviews. She was attracted to her younger co-worker -> it's all I discovered. So, I downloaded the 6th book and read the last chapter/epilogue. There was a man, Brad, and they changed ILYs at the end.
I enjoy thrillers, but not tragic dramas.
P.S. I even downloaded the last book #24 and read the epilogue. I wouldn't say it was dramatic, but all these ppl lost too much to get a small piece of happiness. It was still a HFN, but how many love ones were killed...
What a brilliant premise, such a beautiful heroine's name!
But not my coppa. Bummer.
Slut-shaming coming from the heroine. UNACCEPTABLE!
Constant drama for the heroine through the whole series (based on the micro details I gathered from the reviews). A serial killer murders her husband in the 1st book. In the last book she buries her father and short after her mother, whom she found after 32 years. OMG, give poor woman a break!!!!!
No love interest for her (???), as far I could find any information in the reviews. She was attracted to her younger co-worker -> it's all I discovered. So, I downloaded the 6th book and read the last chapter/epilogue. There was a man, Brad, and they changed ILYs at the end.
I enjoy thrillers, but not tragic dramas.
P.S. I even downloaded the last book #24 and read the epilogue. I wouldn't say it was dramatic, but all these ppl lost too much to get a small piece of happiness. It was still a HFN, but how many love ones were killed...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 21, 2016
Let’s start with the obvious. This is a John W. Mefford book. There. That’s my review. It should speak for itself.
I was telling hubby earlier today that my favorite thriller author has now written a new series and I am in love! I have read two previous series by Mr. Mefford and I love them. I knew from the beginning I would love AT Bay and I was not disappointed.
Alex is a bit different than our other main characters in John’s thrillers, but I love her. She is a sassy thing which makes AT Bay even more fun to read. I felt like AT Bay was a combination of my favorite thriller author and my favorite mystery author combined which in my world – perfect!
As with most of John’s books, this one left me guessing. I had suspicions from the get go and thought I had things figured out, but I have never once been correct. I only figure it out just as the book shares.
If you love thrillers or John Mefford books – you don’t want to miss AT Bay!
I was telling hubby earlier today that my favorite thriller author has now written a new series and I am in love! I have read two previous series by Mr. Mefford and I love them. I knew from the beginning I would love AT Bay and I was not disappointed.
Alex is a bit different than our other main characters in John’s thrillers, but I love her. She is a sassy thing which makes AT Bay even more fun to read. I felt like AT Bay was a combination of my favorite thriller author and my favorite mystery author combined which in my world – perfect!
As with most of John’s books, this one left me guessing. I had suspicions from the get go and thought I had things figured out, but I have never once been correct. I only figure it out just as the book shares.
If you love thrillers or John Mefford books – you don’t want to miss AT Bay!
January 17, 2016
Review: AT BAY by John Mefford
What an exciting mystery-thriller! Definitely one of the best of 2016! AT Bay is the first of an series and I am eagerly anticipating reading all. The story opens with a patient recovering from a vehicular accident--or so she is told. She can't recognize her spouse, supervisor, agent-partner, or children. Yet. She is Alex Giordano (nee Troutt), FBI Special Agent, wife of a high-powered wealthy attorney, mother of two. The memories that return soonest are not of her family and home life, but the almost-kinetic memories of her work life. Immediately she and former partner Nick plunge into a new and precarious case involving a serial killer with an unusually precise attention to detail. I could add so much more (this story is really rich in levels), but I won't spoil the sheer entertainment of reading AT Bay, a true pleasure indeed.
What an exciting mystery-thriller! Definitely one of the best of 2016! AT Bay is the first of an series and I am eagerly anticipating reading all. The story opens with a patient recovering from a vehicular accident--or so she is told. She can't recognize her spouse, supervisor, agent-partner, or children. Yet. She is Alex Giordano (nee Troutt), FBI Special Agent, wife of a high-powered wealthy attorney, mother of two. The memories that return soonest are not of her family and home life, but the almost-kinetic memories of her work life. Immediately she and former partner Nick plunge into a new and precarious case involving a serial killer with an unusually precise attention to detail. I could add so much more (this story is really rich in levels), but I won't spoil the sheer entertainment of reading AT Bay, a true pleasure indeed.
December 10, 2016
( NEW REVIEW FOR AUDIOBOOK FORMAT )
"I think we should start from the beginning ...""
Would you consider the audio edition of AT Bay to be better than the print version?
I have to 'fess up - I have been a Mefford fan for some time and read At Bay, the first in the Alex Troutt series, as soon as it was published. I thought it an excellent start and, now, six volumes on with the series at an end, thought to revisit Alex's beginnings with this audio version.
John Mefford has written a good killer thriller but the real success of this story is the way he is able to take us inside the head of a remarkable woman piecing together the clues as she struggles to rediscover herself and her world after an accident has brought amnesia. For the audio to work, the narrator has to convincingly become Alex whilst still presenting the world around her seperately. The first Ms.Bentley does well. It is easy to believe in the feisty FBI agent from her reading. But her coverage of tte other protagonists is not so good, the whole dramatisation somehow running together in her fast delivery even though she does provide reasonably distinctive voices for them all.
Alex wakes to a nightmare world, one she doesn't know - but which knows her. People claim to be her friends, her colleagues, even her husband. But to her they are all strangers. Who can she trust? What can she believe when all memory is gone?. Not only must Alex find herself, she is also fighting to discover the perpetrator of a series of truly unpleasant murders. And as she grows slowly towards the unmasking of the serial killer, so too her personal memories begin to coalesce and with them comes even greater fear.
I enjoyed this audio version but, honestly, prefered the print edition - I was better able to 'see' the various protagonists inside my own head. Nevertheless, it is a good story in either format and well worth purchasing
(original review, Format : eBook Jan.2016)
Alex wakes to a nightmare world, one she doesn't know - but which knows her. People claim to be her friendhs, her colleagues, even her husband. But to her they are all strangers. Who can she trust? What can she believe when all memory is gone?
This is the dramatic start to an excellent thriller. Not only must Alex find herself, she is also fighting to discover the perpetrator of a series of truly unpleasant murders. And as she grows slowly towards the unmasking of the serial killer, so too her personal memories begin to coalesce and with them comes even greater fear.
John Mefford has written a good killer thriller but the real success of this story is the way he is able to take us inside the head of a remarkable woman piecing together the clues as she struggles to rediscover her missing world. Definitely recommended.
"I think we should start from the beginning ...""
Would you consider the audio edition of AT Bay to be better than the print version?
I have to 'fess up - I have been a Mefford fan for some time and read At Bay, the first in the Alex Troutt series, as soon as it was published. I thought it an excellent start and, now, six volumes on with the series at an end, thought to revisit Alex's beginnings with this audio version.
John Mefford has written a good killer thriller but the real success of this story is the way he is able to take us inside the head of a remarkable woman piecing together the clues as she struggles to rediscover herself and her world after an accident has brought amnesia. For the audio to work, the narrator has to convincingly become Alex whilst still presenting the world around her seperately. The first Ms.Bentley does well. It is easy to believe in the feisty FBI agent from her reading. But her coverage of tte other protagonists is not so good, the whole dramatisation somehow running together in her fast delivery even though she does provide reasonably distinctive voices for them all.
Alex wakes to a nightmare world, one she doesn't know - but which knows her. People claim to be her friends, her colleagues, even her husband. But to her they are all strangers. Who can she trust? What can she believe when all memory is gone?. Not only must Alex find herself, she is also fighting to discover the perpetrator of a series of truly unpleasant murders. And as she grows slowly towards the unmasking of the serial killer, so too her personal memories begin to coalesce and with them comes even greater fear.
I enjoyed this audio version but, honestly, prefered the print edition - I was better able to 'see' the various protagonists inside my own head. Nevertheless, it is a good story in either format and well worth purchasing
(original review, Format : eBook Jan.2016)
Alex wakes to a nightmare world, one she doesn't know - but which knows her. People claim to be her friendhs, her colleagues, even her husband. But to her they are all strangers. Who can she trust? What can she believe when all memory is gone?
This is the dramatic start to an excellent thriller. Not only must Alex find herself, she is also fighting to discover the perpetrator of a series of truly unpleasant murders. And as she grows slowly towards the unmasking of the serial killer, so too her personal memories begin to coalesce and with them comes even greater fear.
John Mefford has written a good killer thriller but the real success of this story is the way he is able to take us inside the head of a remarkable woman piecing together the clues as she struggles to rediscover her missing world. Definitely recommended.
August 14, 2018
Holy FBI Agent terror
John Medford is Robbing me of sleep. This incredible book has kept me up, turning the pages because I just had to know. Now that I do, I will tell you that Alex Troutt is a badass FBI Agent working to solve a serial killing involving cheating husband's, trying to recover from a nasty car crash and recover her lost memory all at warp speed while juggling life at home. The scenes, language and dialogue left me feeling like I was running behind, trying to catch my breath the entire time. No spoilers here, read this Author, he's worth the time.
John Medford is Robbing me of sleep. This incredible book has kept me up, turning the pages because I just had to know. Now that I do, I will tell you that Alex Troutt is a badass FBI Agent working to solve a serial killing involving cheating husband's, trying to recover from a nasty car crash and recover her lost memory all at warp speed while juggling life at home. The scenes, language and dialogue left me feeling like I was running behind, trying to catch my breath the entire time. No spoilers here, read this Author, he's worth the time.
December 19, 2016
When one writes a review on Amazon you are prompted to tell from which point of view the story is told. This series begins with a woman waking up in a hospital bed with NO memories at all. Even when she is able to speak, her words surprise her. She continually wonders, "How did I know that" or "Why did I make that reference?" and she is surprised when others react various ways to her words.
Eventually she learns that some of her expressions are "out of character" for the Alex they think they know. Yes, Alex.
Alexandra Giordano. FBI agent of extreme caliber.
There are several levels happening all at once in this new series.
If you are not familiar with no punches pulled author John W. Mefford
I suggest you begin not only this series but also pick up his BOOKER series about a P.I. who tries to balance job, dysfunctional family and friend relationships and at times seems to be trying single-handedly to save the world.
(This is not an affiliate link. I really give John's series 5 stars without compensation.)
Back to Alex - Despite being advised to "take it easy" for several days or even weeks, despite not really even knowing her name, trusting these guys who inform her only the barest details of her identity, despite physical injuries,
deep inside Alex knows she is the only one who can figure out what put her in this situation. She can not help herself even when she rediscovers her life and observes it with a fresh perspective.
To put it mildly, Alex is not pleased with what she is learning.
Finding her past and what happened to her is put on hold when a perverted murder takes precedence over her former partner Nick's job of babysitting her.
Not one to be left out of the thick of the investigation, Alex soon finds herself attempting to take over.
This is a fast paced page turner that both genders and anyone interested in suspense, action, murder, thrillers will not want to put down.
Also for readers trying to understand the human condition.
John's writing can be gritty and graphic. His characters multidimensional.
He takes us into minds we may not really want to be so intimate with.
What an ending! It sets this series up for many possibilities.
I know I am going along for the ride.
I did receive this book to review but no other compensation.
Eventually she learns that some of her expressions are "out of character" for the Alex they think they know. Yes, Alex.
Alexandra Giordano. FBI agent of extreme caliber.
There are several levels happening all at once in this new series.
If you are not familiar with no punches pulled author John W. Mefford
I suggest you begin not only this series but also pick up his BOOKER series about a P.I. who tries to balance job, dysfunctional family and friend relationships and at times seems to be trying single-handedly to save the world.
(This is not an affiliate link. I really give John's series 5 stars without compensation.)
Back to Alex - Despite being advised to "take it easy" for several days or even weeks, despite not really even knowing her name, trusting these guys who inform her only the barest details of her identity, despite physical injuries,
deep inside Alex knows she is the only one who can figure out what put her in this situation. She can not help herself even when she rediscovers her life and observes it with a fresh perspective.
To put it mildly, Alex is not pleased with what she is learning.
Finding her past and what happened to her is put on hold when a perverted murder takes precedence over her former partner Nick's job of babysitting her.
Not one to be left out of the thick of the investigation, Alex soon finds herself attempting to take over.
This is a fast paced page turner that both genders and anyone interested in suspense, action, murder, thrillers will not want to put down.
Also for readers trying to understand the human condition.
John's writing can be gritty and graphic. His characters multidimensional.
He takes us into minds we may not really want to be so intimate with.
What an ending! It sets this series up for many possibilities.
I know I am going along for the ride.
I did receive this book to review but no other compensation.
January 26, 2016
*I received the following product(s) to review . I was not required to write a positive review no other monetary compensation was given . Any and all opinions are my own.
My Review -
Imagine waking up in the hospital and not remembering how you got there, or even who she is. That is exactly the position that Alexandra Giordano is in. Being told she is an FBI Special Agent, yet with no recollection of anything it all seems so far fetched, so beyond what could be true in her eyes. Everything is a mystery, herself, her husband, her children, everyone she works for.
Struggling to put a puzzle together in which only everyone else knows the pieces too Alex is left to try and find herself in a world or chaos. Memories start to return slowly and her skills are put to the test as she is teaming up with a former partner to solve a murder. While she can't recall her own family life she snaps to attention with a serial killer on the loose, able to dive right into work as if she were made to do it. Doubt creeps up on her, with how little memories actaully have any focus on her very family, and all center around work. How can that be?
With doubt and faded memories, Alex must try to piece together not just a murder but her own life before it all spirals out of her control. Can Alex balance out the questions versus reality of her own life and find a killer? Or will she succumb to the memories she's unfolded and let a killer walk as it consumes her whole? You'll have to pick up At Bay and read to find out!
I have only just begun to read John F Mefford , and I must say he really knows how to write a suspenseful thriller like no other. Love how as soon as you start to read there's no turning back, that is unless you are doing a double take on a serious curve ball thrown into the plot. This is exactly what is needed to keep readers going, something that you never saw coming, twists and turns that make you question till the very last page. I've enjoyed a couple of Mefford's books so far and cannot wait to dive into the rest of this series ! If you enjoy a great suspense, crime thriller I highly recommend Mefford's books.
At Bay is the first in this series, check out some other of his books below and don't forget to enter the giveaway while you're here!
Enjoy!
My Review -
Imagine waking up in the hospital and not remembering how you got there, or even who she is. That is exactly the position that Alexandra Giordano is in. Being told she is an FBI Special Agent, yet with no recollection of anything it all seems so far fetched, so beyond what could be true in her eyes. Everything is a mystery, herself, her husband, her children, everyone she works for.
Struggling to put a puzzle together in which only everyone else knows the pieces too Alex is left to try and find herself in a world or chaos. Memories start to return slowly and her skills are put to the test as she is teaming up with a former partner to solve a murder. While she can't recall her own family life she snaps to attention with a serial killer on the loose, able to dive right into work as if she were made to do it. Doubt creeps up on her, with how little memories actaully have any focus on her very family, and all center around work. How can that be?
With doubt and faded memories, Alex must try to piece together not just a murder but her own life before it all spirals out of her control. Can Alex balance out the questions versus reality of her own life and find a killer? Or will she succumb to the memories she's unfolded and let a killer walk as it consumes her whole? You'll have to pick up At Bay and read to find out!
I have only just begun to read John F Mefford , and I must say he really knows how to write a suspenseful thriller like no other. Love how as soon as you start to read there's no turning back, that is unless you are doing a double take on a serious curve ball thrown into the plot. This is exactly what is needed to keep readers going, something that you never saw coming, twists and turns that make you question till the very last page. I've enjoyed a couple of Mefford's books so far and cannot wait to dive into the rest of this series ! If you enjoy a great suspense, crime thriller I highly recommend Mefford's books.
At Bay is the first in this series, check out some other of his books below and don't forget to enter the giveaway while you're here!
Enjoy!
June 27, 2018
I was torn by this book. Some good things were the crisp, believable dialogue; the combination of FBI agents Alex and Nick as partners playing off each other; and the premise that Alex deals with her amnesia both at work and with her family. The pace was generally good and the style was consistent.
Unfortunately, other issues weren't so good. My biggest question was why the FBI was the lead investigative agency on two local murders? Homicides are normally handled by local police--especially in a metro area like Boston. I went back and searched for an explanation as to why the FBI took these murder cases but couldn't find one (I may have missed it of course).
My second issue was difficulty believing someone with amnesia who just came out of a coma would be allowed to go back to work immediately in such a stressful job.
Late in the book, a chapter was tossed in that was cryptic and had nothing to do with the plot or other characters (that I could tell). I later inferred that the scene was foreshadowing a character in a subsequent book. I don't know who edited this book, but to me, that is a complete no-no, and that chapter should not have been retained. If you want to foreshadow a character, do it in a prologue of the book in which that character appears, not in another book.
I had minor issues with the chauvinist Randy who sexually harassed Alex on several occasions. Her reasoning to more or less let it slide didn't mesh with her personality. I expected she would have AT LEAST hauled his ass up to Human Resources immediately after he uttered his first inappropriate word to her.
The ending felt incomplete and rushed because the motive for the killings was so vague: the killer was somewhere on the Autism spectrum (Asperger's was suggested) and had serious issues with men who cheated on their wives. But why THOSE men and that method of killing (drowning, duct tape, concrete blocks, wedding rings)?
Like the minority of reviewers, I'm puzzled by all the rave reviews this book received. The author has writing and story skills, but they aren't up there with the best thriller writers I've read.
Unfortunately, other issues weren't so good. My biggest question was why the FBI was the lead investigative agency on two local murders? Homicides are normally handled by local police--especially in a metro area like Boston. I went back and searched for an explanation as to why the FBI took these murder cases but couldn't find one (I may have missed it of course).
My second issue was difficulty believing someone with amnesia who just came out of a coma would be allowed to go back to work immediately in such a stressful job.
Late in the book, a chapter was tossed in that was cryptic and had nothing to do with the plot or other characters (that I could tell). I later inferred that the scene was foreshadowing a character in a subsequent book. I don't know who edited this book, but to me, that is a complete no-no, and that chapter should not have been retained. If you want to foreshadow a character, do it in a prologue of the book in which that character appears, not in another book.
I had minor issues with the chauvinist Randy who sexually harassed Alex on several occasions. Her reasoning to more or less let it slide didn't mesh with her personality. I expected she would have AT LEAST hauled his ass up to Human Resources immediately after he uttered his first inappropriate word to her.
The ending felt incomplete and rushed because the motive for the killings was so vague: the killer was somewhere on the Autism spectrum (Asperger's was suggested) and had serious issues with men who cheated on their wives. But why THOSE men and that method of killing (drowning, duct tape, concrete blocks, wedding rings)?
Like the minority of reviewers, I'm puzzled by all the rave reviews this book received. The author has writing and story skills, but they aren't up there with the best thriller writers I've read.
January 12, 2016
Imagine having everything your heart could desire and then it's suddenly ripped out of your hands. Putting myself in Alex's shoes, I think I may have lost my mind - literally. But this woman is tough. So tough that she heads right back to work despite the difficulties that plague her. This thriller is the first of what I hope to be a long series because I'm already addicted! Her character is extremely consistent in growing from start to finish. I especially love how she reinvigorates herself in her career and grows into quite an amazing agent. I think as the series continues, she'll get bits and pieces back that will help shape Alex even more but will also aid in her cases. Honestly, I was a bit sad as I neared the end of the book. Everything started coming together and I knew that it'd soon be over. Book two can't get here fast enough!
If you haven't read anything of John W. Mefford's before, I highly recommend this book along with his Booker series. I should have learned by now that Mefford's ability to enthrall me in his books has no boundaries.
I received this book to review through Beck Valley Books Book Tours, all the opinions above are 100% my own.
January 19, 2016
This is definitely a novel that will keep you guessing--along with Alexandra who has lost most of her memory in a very bad car crash. Somehow or another she starts to remember things-but mostly from her job as a FBI agent. Her memory of her family is sketchy at best as she tries to reconnect with her son, rebellious teenage daughter and her somewhat distant husband. She also has to try to figure out a way to get rid of the Nanny--uh you'll probably agree!! For some reason she has an easier time remembering her co-workers and how to relate to them, or not.
Cheating husbands are dying in very painful ways and Alexander is bound and determined to find the killer--as well as who caused her car crash. How Alexander hones in on the killer is nothing short of genius. What happens at the end will catch you unaware (and you know I won't spill the beans!!). This is one of those books that you won't want to put down until the very end! I am definitely looking forward to others in this series.
AT Bay
Cheating husbands are dying in very painful ways and Alexander is bound and determined to find the killer--as well as who caused her car crash. How Alexander hones in on the killer is nothing short of genius. What happens at the end will catch you unaware (and you know I won't spill the beans!!). This is one of those books that you won't want to put down until the very end! I am definitely looking forward to others in this series.
AT Bay
January 17, 2016
I’ve read some of John Mefford’s books before and always loved his writing style and how much thought he puts into the character’s development and environmental descriptions.
AT Bay it’s not the exception, from the very beginning you start to understand Alex’s feelings, what it means to her to not remember even the most important things in her life and how she starts building a shield by focusing on work.
Alex’s works for the FBI, and she is trying to help to solve a strange murder. Not only the details of her thinking process and how she comes with hypothesis of what could had happened are brilliant, but also the interactions with her partners and people involved are realistic and keep the natural flow of the story, making this book one of the hardest to put down in this category.
As always, this author is a master when it comes to describing action scenes, I just wish someday one of his books are turned into a movie or mini-series because his stories and characters are so unique that I would love to see them coming to life.
AT Bay it’s not the exception, from the very beginning you start to understand Alex’s feelings, what it means to her to not remember even the most important things in her life and how she starts building a shield by focusing on work.
Alex’s works for the FBI, and she is trying to help to solve a strange murder. Not only the details of her thinking process and how she comes with hypothesis of what could had happened are brilliant, but also the interactions with her partners and people involved are realistic and keep the natural flow of the story, making this book one of the hardest to put down in this category.
As always, this author is a master when it comes to describing action scenes, I just wish someday one of his books are turned into a movie or mini-series because his stories and characters are so unique that I would love to see them coming to life.
January 13, 2016
I like John W. Mefford's books, so I was excited to read this new series. Honestly, I love Alex Troutt more than most other main characters in this type of storyline. The first couple of pages were very reminiscent of other mystery books that I've read, someone waking up without their memory. However, that is where the similarities end.
Alex is battered and broken and has no memory of her family, her life or her job. Yet even with no memory she knows she couldn't have crashed by herself, so she jumps back into her job to try to figure out why she would've been run off the road.
Soon she's entrenched in a couple of horrible murders, and her memory is still in shreds. Yet even with most of her memory missing she's still an amazing FBI agent.
I love watching Alex discover things about herself, and I love how flawed she is. I can't wait to continue with her story and see how she's changing.
I received this book to review through Beck Valley Books Book Tours, all the opinions above are 100% my own.
Alex is battered and broken and has no memory of her family, her life or her job. Yet even with no memory she knows she couldn't have crashed by herself, so she jumps back into her job to try to figure out why she would've been run off the road.
Soon she's entrenched in a couple of horrible murders, and her memory is still in shreds. Yet even with most of her memory missing she's still an amazing FBI agent.
I love watching Alex discover things about herself, and I love how flawed she is. I can't wait to continue with her story and see how she's changing.
I received this book to review through Beck Valley Books Book Tours, all the opinions above are 100% my own.
January 18, 2016
I have read and reviewed another book by John W Mefford. I was unsure how I would like this one with a different lead character but Mefford has made a very believable Alex in this book and I am glad I got started at the beginning of the series. I would not want to play catch up.
Let's start with I love a good mystery. This one led me to jump to all kinds of conclusions, trying to guess what was coming next, but I never got it quite right until the very end.
Next, Boston is one of my favorite cities in the country. I will read a book just because it is set in Boston. I am not at all disappointed by the setting of this first Alex Troutt mystery in Boston. I love everything from the museums and coffee shops described to the various water spots to the Back Bay.
I am waiting with bated breath to see what is next for Alex. Pick up this and start reading so that you are ready when book two comes out.
Let's start with I love a good mystery. This one led me to jump to all kinds of conclusions, trying to guess what was coming next, but I never got it quite right until the very end.
Next, Boston is one of my favorite cities in the country. I will read a book just because it is set in Boston. I am not at all disappointed by the setting of this first Alex Troutt mystery in Boston. I love everything from the museums and coffee shops described to the various water spots to the Back Bay.
I am waiting with bated breath to see what is next for Alex. Pick up this and start reading so that you are ready when book two comes out.
January 13, 2016
At Bay by John W Mefford
Want a story that not only keeps you on the edge of your seats wondering what’s going to happen next? Want a story that has interesting twists and turns? At Bay by John W. Mefford will keep you guessing.
I’m not typically a suspense-reader. I like romance. But, New Year and New Experiences! I really enjoyed this book. It took me a little bit to get into it, but I think it was just because of the type of story it is. Once the plot took hold of me, I couldn’t put the book down.
Mefford knows how to grab his reader and get them so into the story that you forget what is going on around you. This story has a plot line that you can believe that it could be happening in real life.
For a good suspense book with detectives and memory loss, you’ll want to read this book, At Bay, by John W Mefford.
Want a story that not only keeps you on the edge of your seats wondering what’s going to happen next? Want a story that has interesting twists and turns? At Bay by John W. Mefford will keep you guessing.
I’m not typically a suspense-reader. I like romance. But, New Year and New Experiences! I really enjoyed this book. It took me a little bit to get into it, but I think it was just because of the type of story it is. Once the plot took hold of me, I couldn’t put the book down.
Mefford knows how to grab his reader and get them so into the story that you forget what is going on around you. This story has a plot line that you can believe that it could be happening in real life.
For a good suspense book with detectives and memory loss, you’ll want to read this book, At Bay, by John W Mefford.
July 6, 2017
This was a fairly good (not great) story that I read as part of a 14-book bundle called "Death, Lies, and Duct Tape". (There are better stories in the bundle, and there are several that are much worse!)
I liked the concept of the kick-ass female FBI agent with amnesia and found her and her partner likeable and appealing. I found the plot highly unrealistic in that a damaged, recovering agent would never be allowed anywhere near an investigation, let alone participating in car chases, shootouts, wetsuit dives, etc. Then she is encouraged to be part of an investigation of a murder very close to her. This was so preposterous as to be almost comic book level. I would be willing to read more about Alex Troutt, but I'm not expecting it to be any more realistic! I would actually give this book 3.5 stars, if Goodreads would allow it.
I liked the concept of the kick-ass female FBI agent with amnesia and found her and her partner likeable and appealing. I found the plot highly unrealistic in that a damaged, recovering agent would never be allowed anywhere near an investigation, let alone participating in car chases, shootouts, wetsuit dives, etc. Then she is encouraged to be part of an investigation of a murder very close to her. This was so preposterous as to be almost comic book level. I would be willing to read more about Alex Troutt, but I'm not expecting it to be any more realistic! I would actually give this book 3.5 stars, if Goodreads would allow it.
Read
January 8, 2016WOW! I read this book in a day! Yeah, it is that good! Not a typical plot, the story begins when Alex, an FBI agent awakes in the hospital with most of her memory gone and and blasts off from there ! I'm a character reader, I get into the characters, their story, who/what they are. The author does an amazing job of developing Alex quickly & thoroughly, using the memory loss as an effective way of doing so. The significant characters in his writing are developed similarly. This book is in all senses of the word, a thriller, from Alex's memory loss, the accident that caused it, a mysterious murder and missing museum pieces. That’s it, no more spoilers from me though I can see more about this character in the future. Outstanding read!
January 10, 2016
Alex awakens in the hospital after being in an automobile accident, to find she has amnesia. With no memories, she tries to reconnect with her family, while also resuming her job as an FBI agent. Retracing her current cases, as well as investigating a serial killer, she feels they are connected somehow. But as her memories start returning, she finds her investigation getting too close to home.
What a great start to this new series. The character of Alex was brash, but not knowing her past made her all too vulnerable. I totally enjoy the sense of humor that Mefford weaves throughout every one of his stories. I loved the quote “A family hairball. We all had one.” How do you dispute that?
What a great start to this new series. The character of Alex was brash, but not knowing her past made her all too vulnerable. I totally enjoy the sense of humor that Mefford weaves throughout every one of his stories. I loved the quote “A family hairball. We all had one.” How do you dispute that?
January 26, 2016
I received a copy of this book to review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This book is a suspenseful thrill ride that you just don't expect coming! The start of the book involves Alex being in the hospital after a car crash, you figure okay this could be a long drawn out story about her being stuck in the hospital, but your wrong. She leaves the hospital and start on a crazy thrill ride of a story that just keep throwing things at you. It's fun, it's can't put it down and it's amazing how into the book you can get.
I really recommend this book for anyone who wants to really be taken away and needs a bit of suspense in their lives!
This book is a suspenseful thrill ride that you just don't expect coming! The start of the book involves Alex being in the hospital after a car crash, you figure okay this could be a long drawn out story about her being stuck in the hospital, but your wrong. She leaves the hospital and start on a crazy thrill ride of a story that just keep throwing things at you. It's fun, it's can't put it down and it's amazing how into the book you can get.
I really recommend this book for anyone who wants to really be taken away and needs a bit of suspense in their lives!
January 25, 2017
A good story that has an FBI agent who has been in a car crash and after a short coma is trying to get back to work on har cases despite having to contend with severe amnesia. She is also having problems reconnecting with her husband and their two kids. When she gets a murder case where the victim is left in the shore waters near Boston in very unusual circumstances, followed by a second victim in similar a situation that things get really interesting. I liked this one and will add the next one to my watch for list. I have only one gripe. When the book was formatted for the Kindle (at least my Fire), paragraphs break off short
and continue after skips like this. Very disconcerting.
and continue after skips like this. Very disconcerting.
September 18, 2016
Alex wakes up in the hospital to find that she doesn't remember the 3 men in her life surrounding her in her room. Alex has a sneaking suspicion that her accident was all but an accident and tries to retrieve her memory by reworking her last 2 active cases with her former partner.
As gaps in her memory slowly return, Alex not only learns about the progress she was making on her cases, but more about herself.
A chilling start to new series by Mefford, this book features a strong heroine with a sharp mind and tongue.
As gaps in her memory slowly return, Alex not only learns about the progress she was making on her cases, but more about herself.
A chilling start to new series by Mefford, this book features a strong heroine with a sharp mind and tongue.
January 25, 2016
Fascinating law enforcement story
Alex is an FBI Special Agent who wakes up in a hospital room with no memory after a car crash a couple of days earlier.
While trying g to get her memory back, get to know her family again and figure out what caused her crash (she's sure it was no accident) she works with her sometimes partner Nick to try and get back to her current cases.
When Nick is gets sent to a bizarre murder scene, she insists on going. Can they find the killer before more men are found dead.
Very well written and a great cast of characters.
Alex is an FBI Special Agent who wakes up in a hospital room with no memory after a car crash a couple of days earlier.
While trying g to get her memory back, get to know her family again and figure out what caused her crash (she's sure it was no accident) she works with her sometimes partner Nick to try and get back to her current cases.
When Nick is gets sent to a bizarre murder scene, she insists on going. Can they find the killer before more men are found dead.
Very well written and a great cast of characters.
January 8, 2016
I really liked this book. It was fast paced with good characters, lots of action and some laughs. I felt the ending was rushed though and that it just kind of ended. Maybe some of that will be addressed in the next book in the series. I will definitely read the next one to find out!
January 11, 2016
Great read and keeps you wanting to 'just read the next page' again and again! Love John's new character Alex, and look forward to reading much more about her. Congrats on a great book and entertaining read John!!
March 29, 2016
Should have read this book first.
Read the second book in this series first, now understand more about tormented mind of Alex Troutt more. Great book, interesting characters and good plot.
Read the second book in this series first, now understand more about tormented mind of Alex Troutt more. Great book, interesting characters and good plot.
November 11, 2017
excellent book from this author. Would definitely recommend
November 2, 2017
Who’s the Real Alex Troutt? Beats Me.
At Bay introduces us to Alex (Alexandra) Troutt, Special Agent of the FBI. Following a serious car crash which produces total amnesia, she starts to rebuild her past as she also builds a case against a brutal, serial killer terrorizing the Boston area.
For a thriller, At Bay was slower than I expected, with a large portion of the book dealing with Alex’s memory loss and the inconsistencies she saw between her internal feelings and the way others characterized her past. Presumably, this was the author’s intent – give the readers of the series a significant insight into the person that is Alex Troutt. And with this much emphasis on character development, one might expect a clear picture. But because of the strongly differing perspectives, none emerged. In book 2, Alex might be the hard-driving, risk-taking FBI agent we saw occasionally in book 1…or she might quit and become a soccer mom. I couldn’t guess (although it’s probably the former, given this is a thriller series).
The opposing viewpoints about her character also seemed to push the finale to the final few pages, where there were simply too many convenient coincidences and extreme, deductive leaps to build much tension from realism. The way the final victim was identified, the way the location of the final murder was determined, and the way the suspect was identified all seemed to involve such unlikely events and leaps of faith that it was difficult to give them any credibility. To me, the end really fizzled, and it was slow getting there.
Overall, At Bay seems to aim for an in-depth look at what makes Special Agent Alex Troutt tick – her marriage, her kids, her drive for justice. But that picture is never clear and the thriller part of the tale is relegated to what’s left, making the story a bit unsatisfying.
At Bay introduces us to Alex (Alexandra) Troutt, Special Agent of the FBI. Following a serious car crash which produces total amnesia, she starts to rebuild her past as she also builds a case against a brutal, serial killer terrorizing the Boston area.
For a thriller, At Bay was slower than I expected, with a large portion of the book dealing with Alex’s memory loss and the inconsistencies she saw between her internal feelings and the way others characterized her past. Presumably, this was the author’s intent – give the readers of the series a significant insight into the person that is Alex Troutt. And with this much emphasis on character development, one might expect a clear picture. But because of the strongly differing perspectives, none emerged. In book 2, Alex might be the hard-driving, risk-taking FBI agent we saw occasionally in book 1…or she might quit and become a soccer mom. I couldn’t guess (although it’s probably the former, given this is a thriller series).
The opposing viewpoints about her character also seemed to push the finale to the final few pages, where there were simply too many convenient coincidences and extreme, deductive leaps to build much tension from realism. The way the final victim was identified, the way the location of the final murder was determined, and the way the suspect was identified all seemed to involve such unlikely events and leaps of faith that it was difficult to give them any credibility. To me, the end really fizzled, and it was slow getting there.
Overall, At Bay seems to aim for an in-depth look at what makes Special Agent Alex Troutt tick – her marriage, her kids, her drive for justice. But that picture is never clear and the thriller part of the tale is relegated to what’s left, making the story a bit unsatisfying.
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