Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Madigan Amos Zoo Mystery #6

A Memory for Murder

Rate this book
A zoo abandoned for years.
An entire family vanished into thin air.
Everyone at Avery Zoo knows the story of the Abraham family’s disappearance. They were planning to open a rival zoo just five miles away from Avery.

And then one day… they were gone.

Seven years later, a new team of investors has decided to complete the project the Abrahams started. When they contact Madi and offer her a consulting job, she can’t resist the opportunity to help shape the future of the new zoo.

But when Auryn reacts to her new job with anger, she can’t help but wonder… how far would one family go to keep away the competition?

Madi is determined to find out what really happened to the Abraham family, but the old mystery proves to be more dangerous than she’d ever anticipated.

Someone doesn’t like the questions she’s asking… and they’re willing to do anything to keep the mystery unsolved.

Pick up this page-turner today and you’ll be up all night figuring out ‘whodunnit’!

240 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 1, 2018

202 people are currently reading
162 people want to read

About the author

Ruby Loren

98 books126 followers
Ruby Loren was born and raised in East Sussex, England. She writes cozy mysteries, paranormal mysteries, and stories about rockstars. Her books are designed to take you away to a little slice of a different world, often set in a rural corner of South East England. Full of ideas, she is always busy writing her next bestseller!

Ruby is the author of the Madigan Amos cozy mysteries, a funny, twisty series that stars zookeeper, Madigan Amos, and is set in Sussex. She has many other cozy mystery series under her belt, including the Blooming series, the Emily Haversson Mysteries, the Hayley Argent Mysteries, and the Holly Winter Mysteries, all set in England.

The themes of her books range from cunning, twisty plots, to slightly silly, humorous mysteries, designed to make you laugh. Her books are perfect for readers, who love to get a know a character, and like to look on the lighter side of life.

Ruby still lives near Brighton, in East Sussex, with her fox-fighting, bird-murdering cat, Jasper. When she’s not writing, she’s travelling the world with her musical duo, Rumours, playing electric guitar and singing lead vocals.

To find out more about Ruby and pick up 3 free books, visit her website: www.rubyloren.com

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
109 (50%)
4 stars
64 (29%)
3 stars
30 (13%)
2 stars
8 (3%)
1 star
5 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
Profile Image for Sharon.
717 reviews7 followers
April 16, 2018
Madi is doing some consulting work for a new zoo just down the road from the Avery Zoo. Something just doesn't feel right. The zoo is going up pretty fast. Madi hasn't even checked out the animal enclosures and the elephants arrive. Then an old mystery comes to light. A whole family disappeared from this very place seven years earlier. One day they were there and the next day they weren't. They were never seen or heard from again. What ever happened to them? Madi's ex-boyfriend shows up. What's he doing there? Why is there a security team guarding the zoo? There is still a lot of work to be done. The zoo isn't ready for other animals yet. What's going on?
This is truly the best story yet. I just loved it. Plenty of action, mystery, suspense, a little romance. You will love this one.! Get a book and come along with Madi as she follows the mystery trail.
I voluntarily received a copy of this book and I'm voluntarily posting a review. My opinion is entirely my own.
Profile Image for Linda.
463 reviews
January 26, 2018
I truly loved this book. it just might be my favorite of the series. We've got Madi in her element. She's been back at Avery zoo for a while now and her romance with Auryn is coming along nicely. She's been contacted about becoming a consultant for a new zoo. The only problem is that it is only a few miles from the Avery Zoo. After talking too Auryn, Madi decides to take the job. after all both zoos are completely different. Avery Zoo is for smaller animals while the Mellon Zoo will be for larger animals with more eco friendly habitats.
All the while Madi's cartoon strip is catching fire. Contracts are signed, advances given, pre-orders put up.
Everything's going so good what could go wrong? Does seeing "secret agent" Lowell count? Seeing him at the zoo as Security is one thing but seeing him at her publishers is too much of a not so good thing.
I received an advance copy of the book in exchange for an honest review
Profile Image for Elsbeth.
837 reviews
August 3, 2018
Lowell is back! And with him, more trouble.
The first cold case in this series. But is it really cold?
And is Madi overwelmed by the succes of her comic, or...
And of course there is an elephant in the room, but I'm not allowed to talk about him...
Complicated, mysterious and a great read!
I received a copy and chose to review it.
Profile Image for Megan.
3,605 reviews45 followers
June 14, 2021
This was an interesting read.

It wasn't the murder mystery I expected and the set up was different to how the other murder mysteries have been but it was still a good read.
2,868 reviews11 followers
February 4, 2018
Great story. Madi is wonderful. Fearless and naive. Always looking out for the animals.

Katya is a delightful addition. I hope that she becomes a recurring part of the series.

I was provided this book as an ARC by the author; however, the review is my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Texas.
1,685 reviews394 followers
July 15, 2018
Parrots and Payback (a prequel) - A cute, little prequel about another day at the zoo with some of our favorite characters. A quick read where readers familiar with Mad's zoo will know what's going on. I personally would read this after The Peacock's Poison, but that's how I did it. LOL. 5*

Penguins and Mortal Peril #1 - A good thriller. A well written, intriguing suspense with a well thought out, twisting plot and believable characters. There's interesting information about the zoo and its animals. Madi is an intelligent, caring person, especially with the animals, and takes loving care of the zoo. There's also humor; beware of furry pyschos. The animals are a good part of the story and some even have their own personalities. I finished the book in one sitting, immersed in the mystery. If you liked Blooming, you'll like this book, too. 5*

The Silence of the Snakes #2 - Spellbinding! Ruby just gets better with each book she writes. A well written, intriguing suspense with believable characters and a plot that doesn't let the reader put down the book until the last page. This is a substantial story, not a weak cozy, that would make Christie proud to write. Don't let this series pass you by, they're must reads. 5*

Murder is a Monkey's Game #3 - Another well written, intriguing suspense this time set in France. There's an interesting plot that holds the reader's attention, although a bit slower when compared to the previous two books. The characters are still interesting and the relationships between the characters are realistic and entertaining. While not necessary since each book is a standalone, I would recommend reading the books in order. Madi's story is continuously evolving and her growth as a character, too. I contacted the author to review her work many books ago. 5*

Lions and the Living Dead #4 - Her best book yet! This is a substantial and intriguing suspense with a well written, fast paced plot and believable characters. The main characters continue to evolve and the new characters are developed enough to have weight. The descriptions and storylines are vivid and full. The dialog realistic. The story flows from page to page making it difficult to put the book down. I stayed up late to finish it. 5*

The Peacock's Poison #5 - Another well written, well thought out story with our Madi and her crew. A longer book than usual, but just as substantial, that keeps the reader immersed in the pages until the end. Someone did their homework and makes it look bad for Madi. Poor dummy, bad move. Each book in the series gets better and the books always have you thinking. I watched this author mature as an author and her work doesn't disappoint. I have to recommend this series as must reads. Start with Penguins #1 to meet Madi and finish with Lions. If these are the only two books of the series you read, you picked well. But don't miss out on Silence and Monkey's Game. Sequentially is how they should be read, but it's not necessary, they're all standalones. 5*

A Memory for Murder #6 - Oh my gosh! This book has it all: intrigue; romance; subterfuge; romance; stings; murders; and the list goes on. Every book in this series gets better and better, and this is the "betterest". The amazing plot swings the reader in every direction; yah, some things are figured out, but there are some characters that are questionable. The characters, old and new, are interesting, have grown or have enough background where needed. Their dialog is realistic and there's no stupidity in second guessing or questioning everything - just straight thoughts and actions. I couldn't put this book down until I had finished it. The is the most substantial book by Ms. Loren and I'm looking forward to #7. I'm happy I volunteered to review her work. She has immense growth as an author since the first book I read by her, Snowed In With Death. 5*

Whales and a Watery Grave #7 – What what a way to die! Sorry, but the murder of this victim is extremely different from the usual murders found in other mystery books, which complicates the investigation. Ms. Loren does another fabulous job with this book, its characters and the murder itself. Well written, intriguing and suspenseful, the story line holds the reader glued to the pages, which zip by quickly. There’s continued growth with our favorite characters and the new characters are developed enough to either like or dislike them. The animal characters always add something to the stories. A simple, relaxing holiday in Mallorca isn’t in the cards for Madi and Auryn with the complex, intriguing murder, there’s suspects everywhere. 5*

Foxes and Fatal Attraction #9 - I just love the expressions of the fox and the hound, such a funny cover; it makes you wonder what has the clever fox happy and the hound worried. Well the story does give you that info. Another intriguing, substantial murder mystery with all of our favorite characters and the return of an old favorite or two, of which one brings even more secrets and subterfuge to Madi's present and future. The animals still play a large part in the story and add to the humor, which blends in well with the drama and intrigue. Another wonderful addition to a great series. 5*
Profile Image for Cath.
950 reviews17 followers
February 1, 2018
Another story in the Avery Zoo series with Madi and her friends. This starts with rumours of another zoo being opened nearby, on the same site that was trying to open as a zoo some 7 years before, until the Abraham family disappeared suddenly overnight. No one found out what had happened all those years ago and various theories were bandied about.

Madi is still working on her comic and has a book deal pending, whilst doing odd jobs at Avery Zoo and waiting for her next consultancy job. She is now in a committed relationship with Auryn, the owner of the zoo. They decide to check out the competition by sending Madi over to offer her services.

The new zoo is a very eco-friendly build, the structure and design having been done by the missing Abraham family years ago and just the enclosures and some general work needs to be done. Madi is hired to check out the enclosures and has big concerns over the new elephant enclosure. Apparently, protesters have been quite vocal about this.

Someone from Madi’s past turns up unexpectedly and almost ruins things for Madi. Other matters in her current life get complicated and she tries to figure out what happened to the Abraham family as well as sorting out the safety and wellbeing of the animals in the soon to be opened zoo.

Expect the usual mix of mystery and confusion, with great characters, wonderful animal interactions and eccentricities, life somewhat complicated and investigations falling into Madi’s lap. Another great read – which I had to read all in one go! It can be read by anyone new to the series as a standalone book as enough background is given for readers to follow the story and characters easily. More of the series still to come and I can’t wait!
Profile Image for Pete.
895 reviews7 followers
January 31, 2018
I have said before that I thought that this series of books was one of the best 'Cosy Mystery' series around, although being British, I do have to admit to a bit of bias towards British books! This book continues the trend with 2 intertwined plots, one fully contained within this book, and a second one that explains things that have happened in the previous books in the series, normally I would highlight this as a cause for concern, but in this case there is sufficient 'back story' in this book that it can be quite happily read as a stand-alone, in my opinion a very clever piece of writing.
At the risk of repeating myself from previous reviews, I really like the way that the characters are drawn and developed through the series, the amount of research the the author has carried out into animal behaviour and the quality of the plots, which are very imaginative (in this particular case there is a very nice little surprise at the end, just when I thought that the story had ended. If you like cosy mysteries with great characters, clever plots and love animals, then this series, and this book in particular is a must-read.
I received a complimentary advance copy of this book from the author, but I have voluntarily written this honest review based on my own opinions.
Profile Image for Merry Chapman.
2,559 reviews23 followers
February 1, 2018
Another winner for the author in the fantastic and unique Madigan Amos Zoo mystery series!
Another home run for Ruby Loren! This is a different and fun series and each book is even better than the previous one if that is at all possible. A Memory for Murder is no exception! There is so much involved with a crazy murder, mystery, twists and turns and a little romance. You just can't put the book down! Madi gets involved in an undercover way, with Auryn's ok and goes to "help" the new zoo to see how it would impact the Avery Zoo. This new zoo was supposed to open many years ago, but the family that was to open it then mysteriously disappeared. More Mystery. Some of the questions left in the previous book is taken care of in this adventure very cleverly and of course we are left with some cliff-hangers for our next adventure with Madi, Auryn and the rest of the Zoo crew! The ending is a surprise and totally unexpected. I love this series and enjoy every one of the adventures! Can't wait for book number 7! I received and ARC from the author but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own!
6,020 reviews45 followers
February 1, 2018
A whole family disappears while in the process of building a small zoo not far from our own cherished Avery Zoo.

This one is allegedly designed to house larger animals, and to be environmentally conscious in terms of design for the animals and it's use of building materials.

But does the gal now heading construction really understand working with animals?

Or are several darker plots afoot?

I was pleased to read an advance copy of this book. I also bought it, as I'm a great fan.

SPOILERALERT!

You'll find out much more of what's going on behind the scenes with Madi's publications of her e comics, what's up with the suspicious Ex of hers, more about her relationship with Auryn, and meet a few new friends, and a lot of unfriendlies.

If you aren't familiar with the series yet, no worries. So many back stories are clarified, you'll have no trouble following.

If you know and love the Avery Zoo stories, yeah. Great stuff.

Another fun adventure with spy stuff, murder, romance and mayhem that may have an eww factor, but is somehow not graphically gory or gross.

A great Cozy read with lots of juicy elements.
Profile Image for Lenni Jones.
850 reviews19 followers
January 28, 2018
This is definitely my new favorite book in the series! I could tell just from the summary that I was going to love this book. Although my heart still hurts for Lowell, I'm happy that Madi's happy with Auryn. Also, I'm so happy her comics are popular. Is it bad that I'm starting to think of Madi as someone I know? I think it is. I just can't help it, I love these books!

The only thing I really wanted to say about this book (other than how awesome it was) is that it reminded me a little TOO much of a movie I saw. Except for a few minor tweaks, this was EXACTLY like "The Julius House." A whole family missing and a worried grandmother... I knew exactly where Madi was going to find the bodies and who committed the murder because of these connections. It leads me to believe that the author saw the same movie.

That's all I had to say, really, other than this was a FANTASTIC book. Even though it did resemble the movie I saw, it was still a thrilling book. There wasn't just one mystery, there were at least three that I can count. Ruby Loren wrote herself a thrilling masterpiece here.
Profile Image for Susan Foulkes.
995 reviews3 followers
January 31, 2018
This is another delightful episode in the life of Madigan.

The main thread of the story involves a rival zoo, and the disappearance of a whole family. Can Madi solve the mystery?

Madi is asked to be a consultant......she realises that the number of security people is somewhat OTT for a zoo. What is going on and why is Lowell involved?

Her comic books are proving to be a hit....but what is the story behind her publishers. And why is Lowell involved?

As Madi deals with her work, her comic books, and her discoveries about Lowell, her romance with Auryn goes from strength to strength.

This book was fun, easy read with enough "mysteries" to keep one guessing.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
Profile Image for Lisa Denn.
510 reviews2 followers
February 1, 2018
Memory For Murder, book 6 in Ruby Loren's Madigan Amos Mystery Series, brings together all the necessary requirements of a must read cozy mystery. Great characters, a strong storyline and a not so easy to solve mystery thanks to a handful of well placed plot twists.

The book can be read as a stand alone but I recommend reading it as part of the series beginning with the first book.

I am looking forward (very much so in fact) to the next book in the series after reading Memory For Murder. The ending not only tied up some bothersome loose ends that had arisen in the five previous books but also established new opportunities for Madi, Lucky, Auryn, Tiff and the rest of Avery Zoo's staff and animal population!
169 reviews2 followers
February 11, 2018
I think this is the best of the Madigan Amos Zoo Mysteries. I enjoyed the suspense added to the mystery in this story. I was surprised to find that not everyone in the previous books were who they seemed to be and I'm not talking about Maddi's ex-boyfriend Lowell who works for ??? Well, I'm still not sure who he is or who he works for. Maybe we will eventually find out who he really is! Thank goodness Maddi, her boyfriend and owner of Avery Zoo, Auryn, and best friend Tiff are all ok at the end of this adventure but we are left with tons of questions about where these new revelations will take this series. I was impressed how Ms Loren wove so much intrigue and deception into this book and am excited to see where she will take these characters.
Profile Image for Claudia.
2,986 reviews38 followers
January 31, 2018
You know I really love this series, so it will come as no surprise at all how much I liked this new instalment.

Intrigue, romance, maybe a ghost, animals and murder will keep you glued to the pages, and the plotlines are clever and first-rate. As always, the writing itself is superb, and the characters keep growing. I also enjoy the development of the secondary characters and the additions to their backstories.

An amazing read, one you won't want to miss.

I received a complimentary advance copy of this book from the author, but I have voluntarily written this honest review based on my own opinions.
Profile Image for Nancy Silk.
Author 5 books82 followers
February 21, 2018
"Well Written Multi-Mysteries For Madi To Solve"

This is a British story written in the British style. But it certainly doesn't slow down your reading nor your enjoyment. The Abraham family had planned to open a zoo about five miles from the Avery Zoo. But suddenly the completion of the zoo is abandoned the family has disappeared. Seven years later several investors decide to complete the zoo project. They hire Madigan as a consultant which angers her boyfriend Auryn. Madi decides to look further into what really happened to the Abraham family. This is a fast page turner and you'll not be able to put it down until every mystery is solved. It's very enticing.
Profile Image for Nadine.
1,905 reviews2 followers
February 1, 2018
Elephants can remember; an ‘old mystery’ with twists and turns

This series keeps getting better! I love that it’s different from any other series that I’ve read. And I love the animals!

Madi has got some new challenges… Her personal life is a bit of a mess, to say the least. And professionally: consulting for a new zoo just five miles away from Avery Zoo?! What is Auryn gonna think of that?

Definitely a page-turner I couldn’t put down! An ‘old mystery’ with twists and turns and OMG whodunnit?! It didn’t keep me up ALL night, but right until the wee hours of the night…
7,755 reviews49 followers
February 1, 2018
A MEMORY OF MURDER by Ruby Loren
Ghost story or real, when Abraham family started a zoo next to another, did someone not want competition. Today, Auryn thought a petting zoo there would be good, with a peacock enclose, then Madi agreed. If she could help, by the two zoo’s helping each other, she would look over the flatpack plans. Was everything on the up and up with these investors, or would Madi veto the plans. Another delightful story within the zoo and changes being made. Given ARC for my voluntary review and my honest opinion.
324 reviews4 followers
February 17, 2018
Slow start but quickly became a good read

Shortly after starting this mystery, I came down with a second upper respiratory infection. I almost gave it this story a 4 instead of a 5 because I really couldn't get into the characters and plot. After a break to read a story on my phone, I decided to finish despite my health. I really enjoyed the book and liked the rising development of the plot and the characters . There are many surprises which added to the development of the story. I look forward to reading more by this author.
Profile Image for Mererid Evanna.
272 reviews5 followers
February 9, 2020
An especially good entry in this wonderful series. The concept of the ecological zoo is so exciting. I just wished we could have spent more time with the animals there, but there was a lot going on. We hear most about the elephants, and there is a mischievous raccoon, and Madigan is training her cat, Lucky (well, if anyone can train a cat, she can). And then there is her comic being published (I so want to read that comic!). Madi takes it on herself to solve a seven-year-old mystery, runs into some other secrets and is as brave and stubborn as ever.
Profile Image for Caroline Doig.
5,452 reviews49 followers
February 1, 2018
This is book 6 of the Madigan Amos Zoo Mysteries and it’s the best one so far. I won’t be giving any spoilers because Ruby says it all in her blurb, but what I will say is that I’m such a big fan of Ruby’s that she is in my top 10 favourite authors. If you love a good mystery and a heroine that will do anything to find out the truth then this book and the series are for you. I highly recommend this book and I can’t brag enough about this whole series, this book is totally worth more than 5 ⭐️.
Profile Image for Mom2three.
2,029 reviews16 followers
February 1, 2018
Each book in this series becomes my new favorite. The mystery in this one had me stumped until the very end, and all the twits and turns kept thing interesting. Madi's life gets a shake-up in this one, too, and it added a whole new level to the story. Another thing that I absolutely love about this series is the info on the animals. I love all the time and energy Ruby Loren puts into her research. I believe it is all that research that makes her cozies some of the best.
Profile Image for Eirlys.
1,763 reviews16 followers
February 20, 2018
Maddie and Murder

I loved this extremely mix of mirth and murder. I liked how much Madigan cares about animals, especially the ones in captivity. I found the descriptions of the efforts made to ensure that the elephant's environment in the zoo was as comfortable and safe as possible. I liked the way that it was like being in a maze, trying to solve the mysterious disappearance of a family. A fun read.
Profile Image for Theunis Snyman.
253 reviews6 followers
March 18, 2018
I got this book free from Bookbub. Because it seemed like a LRM I immediately started to read the book. And it indeed was a LRM. This is the first story I have read about a zoo. The story is a whodunit and filled with mysteries and a satifying conclusion. The book loses a point because the LRM element was discoverd by accident and not by detective work. I will certainly read more stories by Ruby Loren.
490 reviews9 followers
February 13, 2019
Might have been a good read if it didn't move so slow and be so convoluted. I had to force myself to go back time and time again to continue reading just because I wanted to know how it ended. The whole premise of this secret-type (purportedly government) service spending a fortune to trap a couple of con artists is beyond laughable. I am afraid that this series has just made it to my "non grata" list.
Profile Image for Roger.
5,593 reviews28 followers
January 31, 2018
I've lost track of how many Ruby Loren books I've read. This is an enjoyable, well-written mystery (maybe the best mystery of this series to date) as the series has progressed the books have gotten longer & longer, allowing a deeper & more involved plot and since the primary characters are already familiar if you read the other Madigan Amos Zoo Mysteries this is like a visit with an old friend.
Profile Image for Janet Graham.
2,506 reviews11 followers
February 1, 2018
Wild Elephants, Crazy Raccoons and Machete Wielding Activists!
I love this series! This is the best episode yet – but I always say that! This episode ties up some loose ends and creates a few more. The plot is tight and the ending is excellent. I can’t wait for the next book!
1,272 reviews6 followers
March 14, 2018
An intriguing, clever plot, combined with great characters (and animals) make this book an enjoyable mystery. Ms. Loren never fails to deliver on her cozy mysteries and each edition to this series gets even better and more complex.
Profile Image for Ciayrra The Scorpion Flower.
318 reviews4 followers
April 26, 2018
This is an exciting read. With the mystery of a family disappearing, and Maddie may be getting published. And perhaps the end of one of her relationships, this book has lots of drama and excitement to look forward to!
4,505 reviews38 followers
July 14, 2018
This one may be the beset of the Madigan Amos Zoo mysteries. The new zoo is just miles from Avery Zoo. Madi cannot ignore helping the animals but what will Auryn think? Plot and characters are stellar as always. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a good mystery.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.