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Crash
What if you couldn’t remember the worst thing you’d ever done? When Jed Allen wakes up at a desk in New York City, he has no idea who he is. The evidence around him shows he’s a hotshot architect, and a photo in his wallet reveals he has a beautiful girlfriend named Cassie. But when he goes home to seek her help, Cassie is nowhere to be found. Self-penned notes remind Jed that he’s been suffering bouts of amnesia since a car crash nine months ago. As he plays private detective with the facts of his own life, he discovers more and more about his character. But when he finds a bloodied dress in the trunk of his car, amid news reports of a serial killer abducting women from Central Park, Jed has to confront the possibility that his lost memories could contain the darkest secrets imaginable… Nobody around him has the answers to his questions. Who is the killer? And where has Cassie gone?
283 pages, Paperback
First published January 18, 2018
2533 people are currently reading
1551 people want to read
About the author
Keith Houghton
21 books278 followersMILLION SELLING AUTHOR of the Kindle bestselling Gabe Quinn Thriller Series and the Maggie Novak Thrillers, including Kindle Store #1 books KILLING HOPE and DON'T EVEN BREATHE, as well as psychological standalone thrillers CRASH, NO COMING BACK and BEFORE YOU LEAP - roller-coaster reads with totally unexpected twists and turns - published by Thomas & Mercer.
More than ONE MILLION Crime Thrillers Sold.
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13 Kindle Store Number Ones and more than 140 individual category bestsellers.
Latest novel TOLEDO BEND is out NOW!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 274 reviews
February 2, 2018
Very good reading.
If you like psychological thrillers, definitely this is the book for you. Author created one troubled character, but he have almost two characters in one. Jed Allen is successful architect, work with his best friend. Drugs, drinking and lots of girlfriends. Car accident left him with intermittent amnesia, looking for his girlfriend Cassie. Becomes a suspect in serial killings in Central Park. Parallel running plot is pain and agony of husband, after his wife's death. Very good ending.
If you like psychological thrillers, definitely this is the book for you. Author created one troubled character, but he have almost two characters in one. Jed Allen is successful architect, work with his best friend. Drugs, drinking and lots of girlfriends. Car accident left him with intermittent amnesia, looking for his girlfriend Cassie. Becomes a suspect in serial killings in Central Park. Parallel running plot is pain and agony of husband, after his wife's death. Very good ending.
September 4, 2022
A run-of-the-mill mystery.
A guy wakes up with intermittent amnesia -after a car crash- while on his way to find his missing girlfriend. There's a fair bit of paranoia, as, who can he trust now that he has this condition?
The story is slightly above average, with some pretty obvious plot twists. It is a competently written book though, I'll give It that. The thing is... There's just so many better books out there to read.
2.5 Stars
A guy wakes up with intermittent amnesia -after a car crash- while on his way to find his missing girlfriend. There's a fair bit of paranoia, as, who can he trust now that he has this condition?
The story is slightly above average, with some pretty obvious plot twists. It is a competently written book though, I'll give It that. The thing is... There's just so many better books out there to read.
2.5 Stars
May 9, 2018
This was a weird and crazy story and I just kept waiting to see what was going to happen next. Was Jed and Cassie’s relationship real? Was he a stalker? Was he a serial killer? His “intermittent amnesia” made his life one big question. After learning things about the “old” Jed I can see why he wouldn’t like him. Wow! What a piece of work the old Jed was. I didn’t like him either. He was a drinker and a coke head, so what was there to like?
And the ending was kind of sucky. I mean it all worked out for Jed and Sarah but it would have been nice if the author hadn’t given the impression that Jed wasn’t through with his old ways. One second I was happy for Jed and Sarah and the next I just wanted her to dump his ass. Very disappointing.
There was no sex and the F-bomb was not used.
Oh, this was written in the first person but it would have been better in the third person.
As to the narration: Pete Simonelli (aka Sebastian York) continues to suck at women’s voices. He doesn’t even try so don’t let the 5 star reviews fool you. He has a great reading voice and his men’s voices are wonderful but his emotions are non-existent and his women sound just like men.
January 19, 2020
So annoyed with Jed! But as in the case of reading thrillers, one just gotta know what happened so ended up finished the book in a few hours on a Sunday (while mom babysits the baby). Unexpected twist!
February 2, 2018
The main context of this story with an amnesic patient trying to find the truth about his past life and feeling horrible for the decisions he had once made, was a bit less surprising after binge-watching Dark Matter.
Crash has quite a few plot lines but that’s where it fell flat because at some point (almost for two-thirds of the story) it had a lot going on and nothing seemed to be progressing, it was only intriguing. Now, it’s one thing to be intrigued and another to be frustrated for not getting answers. Jed Allen wakes up one day at his desk only to not have any memories whatsoever. Like any other amnesic patient, he decides to uncover his past life but is deeply disappointed with the decisions he had made—immoral dealings, drug intake, and a number of inhumane acts.
All this would’ve been sufficiently interesting, thrilling, and propelling but when there’s a serial killer added to the scene, too, it’s evidently over-the-board. In addition to the numerous things going on at the same time, there are scenes that could easily have been cut-off to shorten the story and bring it straight to the point (or allow it to stick to the point). Unnecessary action is my pet-peeve and this one hit right at home...not in a good way. Overall, this was a fine read but nothing too impressive.
Crash has quite a few plot lines but that’s where it fell flat because at some point (almost for two-thirds of the story) it had a lot going on and nothing seemed to be progressing, it was only intriguing. Now, it’s one thing to be intrigued and another to be frustrated for not getting answers. Jed Allen wakes up one day at his desk only to not have any memories whatsoever. Like any other amnesic patient, he decides to uncover his past life but is deeply disappointed with the decisions he had made—immoral dealings, drug intake, and a number of inhumane acts.
All this would’ve been sufficiently interesting, thrilling, and propelling but when there’s a serial killer added to the scene, too, it’s evidently over-the-board. In addition to the numerous things going on at the same time, there are scenes that could easily have been cut-off to shorten the story and bring it straight to the point (or allow it to stick to the point). Unnecessary action is my pet-peeve and this one hit right at home...not in a good way. Overall, this was a fine read but nothing too impressive.
Disclaimer: I received a digital copy of this via Netgalley but that in no way influences my rating ad/or opinion about it. Thank you Thomas and Mercer and Keith Houghton!
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May 31, 2018
1.5 star struggle. Good narration by Pete Simonelli a/k/a Sebastian York
Wow I am glad this book is over. It was a struggle to get through. It just kind of kept you hanging on and on and on. Never getting any answers until the very end and was very abrupt.
I don't even know if I liked Jed Allen. There was absolutely no character development with any characters at all. It seemed all over the place and had some really dumb moments. Like if you have amnesia and want to know who you are and where you live look at your drivers license. Of course it is written in the very beginning that he didnt even think to do that. And finally when he was told at the end of the book to look at his license he did. DUH.................
No normal questions being asked either by Jed. This was a complete waste of time really. I was glad it ended. I am also glad this was a free read free listen with my KU. Good thing. I think the only reason I finished it was because I really wanted to know if this author would get any better. Nope he didn't.
As for the narration Pete Simonelli is a/k/a Sebastian York. So yes you get a sexy voice, But all the characters sound the same.
Wow I am glad this book is over. It was a struggle to get through. It just kind of kept you hanging on and on and on. Never getting any answers until the very end and was very abrupt.
I don't even know if I liked Jed Allen. There was absolutely no character development with any characters at all. It seemed all over the place and had some really dumb moments. Like if you have amnesia and want to know who you are and where you live look at your drivers license. Of course it is written in the very beginning that he didnt even think to do that. And finally when he was told at the end of the book to look at his license he did. DUH.................
No normal questions being asked either by Jed. This was a complete waste of time really. I was glad it ended. I am also glad this was a free read free listen with my KU. Good thing. I think the only reason I finished it was because I really wanted to know if this author would get any better. Nope he didn't.
As for the narration Pete Simonelli is a/k/a Sebastian York. So yes you get a sexy voice, But all the characters sound the same.
February 3, 2019
Crash
by Keith Houghton
2018
Thomas & Mercer
e-book
A car crash years ago, suddenly catches up to Jed Allen, when he awakens sitting at a desk in a high end architectural firm in downtown NYC. With no idea who he is, why he is there and no memory of his past. Looking through his wallet, he finds he is a very successful architect, with a fast paced life of drugs and alcohol, has a gorgeous wife named Cassie and owns a beautiful home. When he returns to address in his wallet, he finds Cassie nowhere to be found.
Evidence of his past show he may have been a con man, with a cocaine problem and many girlfriends.
Evidence also shows he may have worked for an airline smuggling drugs and is responsible for the death of the daughter of a huge drug lord, who wants him dead.
Meanwhile, Jed is obsessed with Cassie. He can not remember what happened that came between them. He finds she has been married to another guy for 10 years....and Cassie would rather not discuss their past.
Jedś psychiatrist is suddenly a close friend.......
Who is Jed Allen?
Good book, good story but a better character development would enrich this great story; it did keep my interest. A psychological thriller with a twist ending.
by Keith Houghton
2018
Thomas & Mercer
e-book
A car crash years ago, suddenly catches up to Jed Allen, when he awakens sitting at a desk in a high end architectural firm in downtown NYC. With no idea who he is, why he is there and no memory of his past. Looking through his wallet, he finds he is a very successful architect, with a fast paced life of drugs and alcohol, has a gorgeous wife named Cassie and owns a beautiful home. When he returns to address in his wallet, he finds Cassie nowhere to be found.
Evidence of his past show he may have been a con man, with a cocaine problem and many girlfriends.
Evidence also shows he may have worked for an airline smuggling drugs and is responsible for the death of the daughter of a huge drug lord, who wants him dead.
Meanwhile, Jed is obsessed with Cassie. He can not remember what happened that came between them. He finds she has been married to another guy for 10 years....and Cassie would rather not discuss their past.
Jedś psychiatrist is suddenly a close friend.......
Who is Jed Allen?
Good book, good story but a better character development would enrich this great story; it did keep my interest. A psychological thriller with a twist ending.
January 19, 2018
You wouldn’t think the author could get as much mileage as he does from someone’s memory loss, but he does. In the first third of the book, not much is happening as the stage is set for the story, but he’s definitely keeping me wanting to read more.
There are two storylines going on, and I can’t imagine how they’re going to be connected. We have Jed Allen, the amnesiac, and Arnold Seltzer in their separate accounts. Curiosity on my part is flourishing.
In the second third of the book, suspense is building regarding Jed’s intermittent amnesia. I can feel his frustration at not knowing his life, rather acquiring more questions than answers. The story is keeping me very interested and is also keeping me wondering where this is going. I’m wondering, who is Cassie and who is doing all the murdering.
The last third of the book pulls it all together, leaving me with no unanswered issues. This is a psychological drama, if ever there was one. It toyed with my head in a good way. Well done, Mr. Houghton. Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
There are two storylines going on, and I can’t imagine how they’re going to be connected. We have Jed Allen, the amnesiac, and Arnold Seltzer in their separate accounts. Curiosity on my part is flourishing.
In the second third of the book, suspense is building regarding Jed’s intermittent amnesia. I can feel his frustration at not knowing his life, rather acquiring more questions than answers. The story is keeping me very interested and is also keeping me wondering where this is going. I’m wondering, who is Cassie and who is doing all the murdering.
The last third of the book pulls it all together, leaving me with no unanswered issues. This is a psychological drama, if ever there was one. It toyed with my head in a good way. Well done, Mr. Houghton. Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
January 19, 2019
Ugh
I wanted to like this book, and I persevered to the end, but I never did like it. From the get go the main characters actions and interactions with other characters were just plain weird. If a guy has amnesia why wouldn’t his best friend/business partner be at his side, why just send the guy “home” to rest when the dude didn’t even know where “home” was? When the doctor, who turns out to be his girlfriend/fiancé, calls and hears that his amnesia has returned why doesn’t she come running to his side? Why does she only interact as his doctor and not say she’s his girlfriend or that they live together? Instead the poor guy is left to flub his way through with no memory. It’s just contrived and weird and never feels “real”. A big let down. There’s a nugget of a good story here but the author just didn’t deliver.
I wanted to like this book, and I persevered to the end, but I never did like it. From the get go the main characters actions and interactions with other characters were just plain weird. If a guy has amnesia why wouldn’t his best friend/business partner be at his side, why just send the guy “home” to rest when the dude didn’t even know where “home” was? When the doctor, who turns out to be his girlfriend/fiancé, calls and hears that his amnesia has returned why doesn’t she come running to his side? Why does she only interact as his doctor and not say she’s his girlfriend or that they live together? Instead the poor guy is left to flub his way through with no memory. It’s just contrived and weird and never feels “real”. A big let down. There’s a nugget of a good story here but the author just didn’t deliver.
December 8, 2017
Crash by Keith Houghton.
When Jed Allen wakes up at a desk in New York City, he has no idea who he is. The evidence around him shows he’s a hotshot architect, and a photo in his wallet reveals he has a beautiful girlfriend named Cassie. But when he goes home to seek her help, Cassie is nowhere to be found
A really good read with good characters.
What a twist in the story. Wasn't expecting that. 5*.
When Jed Allen wakes up at a desk in New York City, he has no idea who he is. The evidence around him shows he’s a hotshot architect, and a photo in his wallet reveals he has a beautiful girlfriend named Cassie. But when he goes home to seek her help, Cassie is nowhere to be found
A really good read with good characters.
What a twist in the story. Wasn't expecting that. 5*.
June 17, 2020
It was an interesting idea, but not particularly well executed. I just couldn't get invested in any of the characters. Plus, people do insane, unbelievable things at every turn. Even the "big reveal" at the end - no way would anyone ever let things get so out of hand. It just didn't quite do it for me.
September 4, 2019
Crashed and burned.
The title grabbed me but the plot is miserably slow and unrealistic. It felt so easy to dislike the main character. The villain is identifiable from quite early on and ends with a totally implausible twist that is too far fetched to be credible.
The title grabbed me but the plot is miserably slow and unrealistic. It felt so easy to dislike the main character. The villain is identifiable from quite early on and ends with a totally implausible twist that is too far fetched to be credible.
January 13, 2018
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review. This book was okay, sometimes hammering over the same stuff gets a bit tedious but the twist at the end helped.
February 2, 2022
Really good
This one hooked me from the start and kept my interest. I figured out the twist quick enough, but it didn't matter. This would make a great film!
This one hooked me from the start and kept my interest. I figured out the twist quick enough, but it didn't matter. This would make a great film!
February 6, 2018
This book did not thrill me when I reached the end. I hated the way it ended. I pretty much had the ending figured out before I was even half way through the book. It did have a bit of a different resolution than I was expecting with the main story line, and then the big twist I was semi happy with because I didn't see that coming until right before its reveal. It gets three stars instead of a lower rating because it did keep me interested and wanting more. I couldn't stop reading it and it was a very fast paced book, which is a big deal for me. I'm very picky about my books; if they don't keep me interested I can't finish them. But even the twist and the resolution was fine; it was the epilogue. That last paragraph. I just was annoyed. Like you went through all of this to just end it like that? I'm trying not to give spoilers, but the ending just made me drop my rating even more. It could have had a way better ending.
December 27, 2017
An after-Christmas gift from Netgalley that kept me up all night. Jed Allen wakes up at his desk one day not knowing who he is, where he lives or what came before that moment in time in his life. He does see a note on his computer reminding him he has intermittent bouts of amnesia. Nine months prior he was in a car accident and that caused the amnesia. He uses the navigation system in his car to try and piece together his life. But things just keep getting worse and what is usually temporary amnesia seems to be taking up permanent residence in Jed’s brain.
I loved this book. I had no idea Keith Houghton, the author, was British until I read it in his Acknowledgements at the end. I couldn’t put this thriller down and it make me want to read more of Houghton’s books. If you enjoy thrillers, this is a must-read for you.
I loved this book. I had no idea Keith Houghton, the author, was British until I read it in his Acknowledgements at the end. I couldn’t put this thriller down and it make me want to read more of Houghton’s books. If you enjoy thrillers, this is a must-read for you.
December 6, 2019
Intermittent amnesia
Well, sometimes I have selective amnesia or so my family tells me. I can't imagine what it would be like to have amnesia about your whole past. Scary. This story really brought the reader into the protagonist's life as he experiences amnesia.
Jed Allen wakes up at his desk where he's a senior partner in a New York City architectural firm - and he remembers absolutely nothing about his prior life.
As time passes he finds out things about himself that he is not proud of. Soon he has law enforcement after him and he's not sure they shouldn't be.
I highly recommend this to readers that like psychological thrillers and mysteries.
Well, sometimes I have selective amnesia or so my family tells me. I can't imagine what it would be like to have amnesia about your whole past. Scary. This story really brought the reader into the protagonist's life as he experiences amnesia.
Jed Allen wakes up at his desk where he's a senior partner in a New York City architectural firm - and he remembers absolutely nothing about his prior life.
As time passes he finds out things about himself that he is not proud of. Soon he has law enforcement after him and he's not sure they shouldn't be.
I highly recommend this to readers that like psychological thrillers and mysteries.
January 4, 2018
The introduction to this book drew me in and made me curious,unfortunately the rest of the story did not live up to the intro. It took far too long to get to the point although there was a twist at the end.
June 11, 2018
This book starts off with a muddled mind. It progresses into a muddled life. Then there are the murders and the missing girlfriend and the strange occurrences. It gets better and better as you go.
June 14, 2019
Definitely a page turner!
I really liked this book! It’s hard to believe that almost the entire story takes place in less than 3 days. The details are well-established and the characters are so life-like.
I really liked this book! It’s hard to believe that almost the entire story takes place in less than 3 days. The details are well-established and the characters are so life-like.
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January 21, 2020Didn't disappoint
I really enjoyed this book. Keith kept me on the edge the entire read. From beginning to end I was captured. This was the first book by Keith that I read, oh but it will not he the last.... totally satisfied 😁👏
I really enjoyed this book. Keith kept me on the edge the entire read. From beginning to end I was captured. This was the first book by Keith that I read, oh but it will not he the last.... totally satisfied 😁👏
January 2, 2018
Copy courtesy of NetGalley
The writing style was confusing initially, but it was a great story line and an enjoyable read.
The writing style was confusing initially, but it was a great story line and an enjoyable read.
January 3, 2018
Thanks to Netgalley, the publisher. and the author for allowing me to read and review a digital copy of this book.
Reads like a story that was in search of word count instead of a plot.
Reads like a story that was in search of word count instead of a plot.
February 9, 2018
Quite enjoyable, though I guessed who dunnit way before the end, and the denoument was a little staged and too brief for my liking.
July 16, 2018
Started a couple of days ago and can't put it down.
April 22, 2019
Surprising interesting plot that was suspenseful throughout. Was confusing at times, but kept my interest and had an unexpected twist at the end.
May 18, 2021
Jed Allen wakes in front of his computer desk at work with no idea who he is.
A post-it note on his computer screen reminds him that he suffers from intermittent amnesia since a car accident 9 months ago. A photo in his wallet tells him he has a beautiful girlfriend called Cassie who he hopes will fill in his blanks.
The doctor says the amnesia is usually triggered by stress - stress from his high profile job? Or is it to do with the bloodied dress he found in the trunk of his car?
I really enjoyed this book because Jeds character is so easy to picture and feel for. The more he learns about himself he realises that his 'previous self' before the amnesia is a narcissistic architect and loathes him. He's unable to track down his girlfriend, Cassie, and worries for her health amid a serial killing spree and turns into his own private detective to find answers and trace her.
Most of the book is from his own perspective - His confusion and his feelings for Cassie, even though he doesn't remember her, shine through. There are so many twists and unanswered questions that make you keep wanting to read on and find out more. As soon as you think you know what's going on there's another stone thrown into the mix.
I did guess the ending before I read it, but that's to be expected when the loose ends are being tied to come to the final conclusion. However, I still wanted to read on to see the final outcome.
A post-it note on his computer screen reminds him that he suffers from intermittent amnesia since a car accident 9 months ago. A photo in his wallet tells him he has a beautiful girlfriend called Cassie who he hopes will fill in his blanks.
The doctor says the amnesia is usually triggered by stress - stress from his high profile job? Or is it to do with the bloodied dress he found in the trunk of his car?
I really enjoyed this book because Jeds character is so easy to picture and feel for. The more he learns about himself he realises that his 'previous self' before the amnesia is a narcissistic architect and loathes him. He's unable to track down his girlfriend, Cassie, and worries for her health amid a serial killing spree and turns into his own private detective to find answers and trace her.
Most of the book is from his own perspective - His confusion and his feelings for Cassie, even though he doesn't remember her, shine through. There are so many twists and unanswered questions that make you keep wanting to read on and find out more. As soon as you think you know what's going on there's another stone thrown into the mix.
I did guess the ending before I read it, but that's to be expected when the loose ends are being tied to come to the final conclusion. However, I still wanted to read on to see the final outcome.
May 7, 2020
We are the sum of our last experiences
The author takes the reader on a roller coaster ride through the mind of privileged architect suffering from intermittent amnesia.
Jed Allen has recovered from a horrific car accident that has robbed him of his much needed memory. As he stumbles through important life events, he desperately searches for the "old" Jed to kick in.
Normally, his memory loss was stress induced with bits and pieces returning after medication. Suddenly, when he needs them the most, it appears his memories will not be returning anytime soon.
As he desperately tries to remember, he learns things about himself that disappoint and disgust him. He barely manages to close a life-changing business deal amid his search for a missing girlfriend. I'm addition, he Hasbro deal with the law, others that he knew prior to the accident, and the Central Park Slasher.
The story moved along nicely providing clues to Jed to confuse and clarify what type of man he once was. Pleasant read.
The author takes the reader on a roller coaster ride through the mind of privileged architect suffering from intermittent amnesia.
Jed Allen has recovered from a horrific car accident that has robbed him of his much needed memory. As he stumbles through important life events, he desperately searches for the "old" Jed to kick in.
Normally, his memory loss was stress induced with bits and pieces returning after medication. Suddenly, when he needs them the most, it appears his memories will not be returning anytime soon.
As he desperately tries to remember, he learns things about himself that disappoint and disgust him. He barely manages to close a life-changing business deal amid his search for a missing girlfriend. I'm addition, he Hasbro deal with the law, others that he knew prior to the accident, and the Central Park Slasher.
The story moved along nicely providing clues to Jed to confuse and clarify what type of man he once was. Pleasant read.
January 11, 2022
Jed Allen has been experiencing intermittent bouts of amnesia ever since awakening from a medically induced coma following a severe car wreck. Usually the memory loss lasts only a few minutes, occasionally as much as an hour or two, and then it all comes back to him. This time is different -- the amnesia isn't going away. As Jed tries to figure out who he is and what he's all about it becomes increasingly clear that he doesn't much like the picture of himself that's coming into focus.
It's an interesting premise that never really amounts to much. The biggest problem is that there isn't much in the way of suspense. I believe the theme the author was going for was something along the lines of the grey areas on the edges of right and wrong but because the main character is more or less a blank slate there's not much to build that on. There is no real tension and the plot twists are pretty easy to see coming... In fact, the longer it takes the character to figure out a few of the more (painfully) obvious clues the less "realistic" the whole thing becomes.
It's an interesting premise that never really amounts to much. The biggest problem is that there isn't much in the way of suspense. I believe the theme the author was going for was something along the lines of the grey areas on the edges of right and wrong but because the main character is more or less a blank slate there's not much to build that on. There is no real tension and the plot twists are pretty easy to see coming... In fact, the longer it takes the character to figure out a few of the more (painfully) obvious clues the less "realistic" the whole thing becomes.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 274 reviews