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Memory #1
Time Release
The surprise hit debut of last summer, Time Release was hailed as..".A whipcord thriller". James Ellroy "A suspenseful ride". Kansas City Star "Powerful...Memory expert Jim Christensen confronts the darkest corners of the soul". Pulitzer Prize-winner Mary Pat Flaherty of The Washington Post
96 pages, ebook
First published March 1, 1997
40 people are currently reading
263 people want to read
About the author
Martin J. Smith
35 books29 followersAuthor Martin J. Smith was editor-in-chief of the monthly Orange Coast magazine from 2007 to 2016, and a former senior editor of the Los Angeles Times Magazine. He wrote three crime novels, "Time Release," "Shadow Image," and the Edgar Award-nominated "Straw Men," before turning his writing energy to nonfiction books, including "Oops: 20 Life Lessons from the Fiascoes That Shaped America," "Poplorica: A Popular History of the Fads, Mavericks, Inventions and Lore That Shaped Modern America" (both with co-author Patrick J. Kiger), and "The Wild Duck Chase," upon which the award-winning documentary film "The Million Dollar Duck" is based. Diversion Books published his fourth series novel, "The Disappeared Girl," in March 2014, and released his first stand-alone suspense-thriller, "Combustion," in September 2016. Globe Pequot published his collection of journalistic essays about the people, places, and peculiarities of the American Southwest, "Mr. Las Vegas Has a Bad Knee," on Nov. 1, 2017. His latest nonfiction book is "Going to Trinidad: A Doctor, a Colorado Town, and Stories from an Unlikely Gender Crossroads," which Bower House and Tantor Media will publish in April 2021. Smith lives in Granby, Colorado.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
January 6, 2014
Pittsburgh, 1986: The city is gripped in a panic as a maniac slips poison onto pharmacy shelves. All of the evidence has pointed to Ron Corbett, but shoddy policework let Corbett off the hook, left the crime unsolved.Ten years later, it’s happening again. This time, for the most personal of reasons, Detective Downing has made it his mission to see Corbett behind bars. He enlists the help of Jim Christensen, a psychologist who specializes in memory, to interview Corbett’s son, now a young man with a painful past and problems of his own. Does the boy remember his father poisoning pill containers? Has he blocked memories of a horrific crime spree enacted in his own house? As Christiansen explores the boy’s memory and Downing grows more obsessive investigating the case, both men fear that the killings now may not be as random as they once thought, and that unlocking memories may draw them too close to a vicious predator.
Time Release by Martin J Smith was totally absorbing. Downing and his friend Jim Christensen race to stop a killer, who Downing failed to previously convict, before he can kill more innocent people. The pace is fast and the twists and turns hugely enjoyable. There is misdirection everywhere, but at no point do you feel the author is playing with the reader. A great story, well told. If you like Harlen Cobden you’ll like Martin J Smith.
I received a copy of this novel from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Time Release by Martin J Smith was totally absorbing. Downing and his friend Jim Christensen race to stop a killer, who Downing failed to previously convict, before he can kill more innocent people. The pace is fast and the twists and turns hugely enjoyable. There is misdirection everywhere, but at no point do you feel the author is playing with the reader. A great story, well told. If you like Harlen Cobden you’ll like Martin J Smith.
I received a copy of this novel from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
July 2, 2017
I read The Disappeared Girl by this author a couple of years ago without realising it was book 4 in this series. Highly annoying as I prefer to read a series in its order. However, I've forgotten a lot of that now so it didn't matter as it turned out. Think I'll revisit once I've finished with books 2 and 3.
I thought this one was better (I gave The Disappeared Girl 4*). The action keeps on coming and you've no idea what Jim is going to unearth, if anything, from the depths of Sonny's memory. I did like Sonny. I wasn't keen on Detective Downing who seemed to be keen on getting everyone involved in his investigation, whether or not it was the right thing to do. Talk about a blinkered view !! There was some funny little remarks in it as well which made me giggle at times. However, the author doesn't think he's a comedian and persists with those all the time. That would be one way to get it deleted for me !!
There was a great deal for me to Google afterwards as well, like the Forbes Field homeplate, what a Barcalounger looks like, what hysterical blindness is, etc...
I did find it odd that there was a mention of some people pouring shampoo directly onto their heads...not something I'd ever do !! Also, there was a little too much of people looking out of windows-a lot of them spent time doing this for some reason.
There were a couple of mistakes I spotted....tb used instead of to, had and not have, bam and not barn, he lost my from ..on way home. Plus he mentioned Molly's goosedown comforter then a chapter or two later it seemed Brenna had one too ??
Anyhow, they're very few errors in an e-book these days. I have book 2 already downloaded so look forward to that in due course.
I thought this one was better (I gave The Disappeared Girl 4*). The action keeps on coming and you've no idea what Jim is going to unearth, if anything, from the depths of Sonny's memory. I did like Sonny. I wasn't keen on Detective Downing who seemed to be keen on getting everyone involved in his investigation, whether or not it was the right thing to do. Talk about a blinkered view !! There was some funny little remarks in it as well which made me giggle at times. However, the author doesn't think he's a comedian and persists with those all the time. That would be one way to get it deleted for me !!
There was a great deal for me to Google afterwards as well, like the Forbes Field homeplate, what a Barcalounger looks like, what hysterical blindness is, etc...
I did find it odd that there was a mention of some people pouring shampoo directly onto their heads...not something I'd ever do !! Also, there was a little too much of people looking out of windows-a lot of them spent time doing this for some reason.
There were a couple of mistakes I spotted....tb used instead of to, had and not have, bam and not barn, he lost my from ..on way home. Plus he mentioned Molly's goosedown comforter then a chapter or two later it seemed Brenna had one too ??
Anyhow, they're very few errors in an e-book these days. I have book 2 already downloaded so look forward to that in due course.
January 15, 2023
Sort of interesting ... more of a psychological drama than a mystery, and some of the "psychological" parts don't really ring true for me, so I had a little trouble staying engaged until 75% when it turns into a thriller and I was turning pages to. keep up.
It starts of with a somewhat unbelievable premise, that a cop enlists aid of a psychologist to try to uncover "repressed memories" in a person who the cop believes can provide evidence of who is the killer in a series of killings. The idea that "recovered" memories would be legitimate evidence in a murder trail sounds implausible. Almost DNF after the first few chapters, but hung in there.
Then there are numerous aspect of the therapist-client relationship that seem unlikely, including having the client join the therapist on family outings. And finally, in the climactic scene the way the seems unrealistic and overly dramatic.
There are numerous places where the writing was unclear or ambiguous. E.g., "I found one of the letters he wrote to JoAnn after the funeral" I thought meant the letters were written after the funeral but what is really meant is the letters were found after the funeral.
I found the "twist" at the end, when we learn who the killer is, to be a stretch, sort of "deus ex machina" or pulling a rabbit out of a hat.
On the plus side, there are a few moments of emotional scenes that were done well and felt genuine and moving.
It starts of with a somewhat unbelievable premise, that a cop enlists aid of a psychologist to try to uncover "repressed memories" in a person who the cop believes can provide evidence of who is the killer in a series of killings. The idea that "recovered" memories would be legitimate evidence in a murder trail sounds implausible. Almost DNF after the first few chapters, but hung in there.
Then there are numerous aspect of the therapist-client relationship that seem unlikely, including having the client join the therapist on family outings. And finally, in the climactic scene the way the seems unrealistic and overly dramatic.
There are numerous places where the writing was unclear or ambiguous. E.g., "I found one of the letters he wrote to JoAnn after the funeral" I thought meant the letters were written after the funeral but what is really meant is the letters were found after the funeral.
I found the "twist" at the end, when we learn who the killer is, to be a stretch, sort of "deus ex machina" or pulling a rabbit out of a hat.
On the plus side, there are a few moments of emotional scenes that were done well and felt genuine and moving.
September 30, 2017
I originally read this book back in Jan of 2014 but decided to reread all of Smiths’ books in order this time. This book still shocks you that this event actually took place here in the U.S. The writing is excellent how the main suspect gets away the first time and then ten years later is a suspect again is the problem for the police department. Having his son involved and against his own father makes it that much more difficult to deal with. This could have been a true crime book if it had been written about our Tylenol poisoning’s that happened. A great book. Hopefully it won’t happen again!
May 30, 2025
This was a decent read but I understood early on who the killer was.
Lots of red herrings and red flags.
The majority of the characters were likeable and I wouldn't be averse to reading more about them.
Lots of red herrings and red flags.
The majority of the characters were likeable and I wouldn't be averse to reading more about them.
December 23, 2013
Panic swept Pittsburgh in 1986 when a serial killer slips poisoned medication onto store shelves. Shoddy police work keeps the lone suspect out of jail. Then ten years later, the killings happen again. Detective Grady Downing, determined to see the killer behind bars, enlists the help of psychologist Jim Christensen to interview the suspect's son. But the son has plenty of demons of his own, and Christensen must navigate the boy's memories without causing him any more damage. As the clock winds down, Downing and Christensen realize that the killings may not be random. And that the investigation has put them directly in a maniac's cross-hairs.
If the mystery drew me to this book, the characters kept me turning the pages. Christensen stole the show even though he and Downing shared about the same amount of time on the page. He's not completely familiar with the risks of police work, and his reactions to the investigation--especially when he realizes the dangers--seem true to life. His worry over his daughters juxtaposed against his professional responsibility to the suspect's son add a layer of consistent conflict that had me on edge.
Downing, on the other hand, didn't achieve that same level of sympathy or conflict. He has a lot at stake in this serial killer investigation, and the danger he faces is very real. The difference between him and Christensen is that Downing seems to be in conflict with shadows and memories. The bad guy doesn't appear to be as bad as Downing makes him out to be when they meet again. I just didn't find him as compelling as Christensen.
The biggest problem that I had with this novel was that I felt like I was missing something. The death of Christensen's wife and that Downing and Christensen had teamed up before made me believe that Time Release had to be part of a series. But after a check of the author's website, I learned that this book is actually the first in the Memory Series. Perhaps the author will one day write about the beginning of Downing and Christensen's working relationship.
I expected this book to delve into the forensics of the crime and for the case to be solved that way. However Time Release focused on "pounding the pavement" police work and the psychology of repressed memories instead. That's just something to keep in mind for readers who prefer forensic thrillers.
This book would be good for anyone who enjoys a good mystery that doesn't necessarily focus on the forensics of the investigation.
Rating: three of five stars
Time Release by Martin J. Smith is published by Diversion Books and is available as an eBook.
*I received an advanced copy of this book in return for an unbiased review.
If the mystery drew me to this book, the characters kept me turning the pages. Christensen stole the show even though he and Downing shared about the same amount of time on the page. He's not completely familiar with the risks of police work, and his reactions to the investigation--especially when he realizes the dangers--seem true to life. His worry over his daughters juxtaposed against his professional responsibility to the suspect's son add a layer of consistent conflict that had me on edge.
Downing, on the other hand, didn't achieve that same level of sympathy or conflict. He has a lot at stake in this serial killer investigation, and the danger he faces is very real. The difference between him and Christensen is that Downing seems to be in conflict with shadows and memories. The bad guy doesn't appear to be as bad as Downing makes him out to be when they meet again. I just didn't find him as compelling as Christensen.
The biggest problem that I had with this novel was that I felt like I was missing something. The death of Christensen's wife and that Downing and Christensen had teamed up before made me believe that Time Release had to be part of a series. But after a check of the author's website, I learned that this book is actually the first in the Memory Series. Perhaps the author will one day write about the beginning of Downing and Christensen's working relationship.
I expected this book to delve into the forensics of the crime and for the case to be solved that way. However Time Release focused on "pounding the pavement" police work and the psychology of repressed memories instead. That's just something to keep in mind for readers who prefer forensic thrillers.
This book would be good for anyone who enjoys a good mystery that doesn't necessarily focus on the forensics of the investigation.
Rating: three of five stars
Time Release by Martin J. Smith is published by Diversion Books and is available as an eBook.
*I received an advanced copy of this book in return for an unbiased review.
December 11, 2013
In 1986 Homicide Detective Grady Downing blows the case of his career when Ron Corbett, key suspect in a mass poisoning case, walks free.
And now, ten years later it’s happening again: random poisonings have the city and its residents living in fear.
This time Downing’s near retirement and he’ll do whatever it takes to get Corbett behind bars so he enlists the help of psychologist Jim Christensen to work with Corbett’s son.
Downing believes that Sonny, now in his early 20s, may have repressed memories of his father’s actions a decade before which can aid in his arrest thing time around.
Jim agrees to work with Sonny, but it soon becomes obvious that Downing’s been keeping key information from him: information which may put Jim’s young family in jeopardy.
I have to admit, it wasn’t until I read more about Martin J Smith’s previous books that I realised that Jim was intended to be the main character in Time Release. I didn’t really bond with Detective Grady Downing and now better understand why!
I really enjoyed this latest novel from Smith and I was certainly surprised by the ‘big reveal’ at the end. I most certainly did not see it coming! (Which is a good thing of course!)
The novel kept a great pace throughout and now that I realise I don’t need to suffer guilt over my lack of connection with the difficult detective I feel even better.
This is actually a 3.5 star novel from me and I’m definitely keen to read Smith’s previous work.
And now, ten years later it’s happening again: random poisonings have the city and its residents living in fear.
This time Downing’s near retirement and he’ll do whatever it takes to get Corbett behind bars so he enlists the help of psychologist Jim Christensen to work with Corbett’s son.
Downing believes that Sonny, now in his early 20s, may have repressed memories of his father’s actions a decade before which can aid in his arrest thing time around.
Jim agrees to work with Sonny, but it soon becomes obvious that Downing’s been keeping key information from him: information which may put Jim’s young family in jeopardy.
I have to admit, it wasn’t until I read more about Martin J Smith’s previous books that I realised that Jim was intended to be the main character in Time Release. I didn’t really bond with Detective Grady Downing and now better understand why!
I really enjoyed this latest novel from Smith and I was certainly surprised by the ‘big reveal’ at the end. I most certainly did not see it coming! (Which is a good thing of course!)
The novel kept a great pace throughout and now that I realise I don’t need to suffer guilt over my lack of connection with the difficult detective I feel even better.
This is actually a 3.5 star novel from me and I’m definitely keen to read Smith’s previous work.
June 25, 2014
Another thrilling novel by Martin J. Smith!
I barely remember the Tylenol tampering case long ago but this novel brought it back swiftly. Every death in this book makes you think. When you go to the grocery store do you wonder w who has touched this before? How easy someone could tamper with the item and you not notice. Because of the Tylenol case we are so diligent about checking the tamper resistant packaging but read this book and then realize there are so many other ways to mess with our consumer goods. I get nervous buying fresh produce much less looking for evidence of tampering. Smith's novels are not only entertaining but thought provoking as well. Don't miss out on this great author.
I barely remember the Tylenol tampering case long ago but this novel brought it back swiftly. Every death in this book makes you think. When you go to the grocery store do you wonder w who has touched this before? How easy someone could tamper with the item and you not notice. Because of the Tylenol case we are so diligent about checking the tamper resistant packaging but read this book and then realize there are so many other ways to mess with our consumer goods. I get nervous buying fresh produce much less looking for evidence of tampering. Smith's novels are not only entertaining but thought provoking as well. Don't miss out on this great author.
December 30, 2016
A great book
Well it was definitely a great book. The characters were well established, with their own personalities. I felt like I knew the characters and I felt what they were experiencing, the suspense, shock, confusion and sometimes fear for them and their families.
This book is about unsolved murders that took place ten years prior. The lead detective, who he was consumed with the case,, made some critical errors that ruined an y chances of bringing it to court.
Now, the murderer has returned and Detective Downing who is not allowed on the case is working behind the scenes to bring his Perp to justice. Only problem, he's got the wrong person and has h a d from the beginning.
In fact it wasn't even the person I suspected.
Well it was definitely a great book. The characters were well established, with their own personalities. I felt like I knew the characters and I felt what they were experiencing, the suspense, shock, confusion and sometimes fear for them and their families.
This book is about unsolved murders that took place ten years prior. The lead detective, who he was consumed with the case,, made some critical errors that ruined an y chances of bringing it to court.
Now, the murderer has returned and Detective Downing who is not allowed on the case is working behind the scenes to bring his Perp to justice. Only problem, he's got the wrong person and has h a d from the beginning.
In fact it wasn't even the person I suspected.
September 6, 2008
This is a great suspense story. If you like reading books in the suspense/psychological thriller genre then I highly recommend this one. Smith creates vivid and believable characters and keeps the reader wondering from page to page "who done it?" You will be stuck to the pages of this book until you know its outcome. Martin J. Smith is a great writer. He has a series of novels - this is my first and I intend to read the others as well.
December 29, 2013
Not everybody can write a good mystery. I came across this book when it was available as a "Free Kindle download" and I'll admit that set the bar pretty low. Many of the free downloads are riddled with typos and formatting errors. Not Time Release. More impressively, Martin J. Smith is able to pack a few surprises in that don't feel contrived or expected like so many stories with a "twist" nowadays. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to reading the other Jim Christensen novels.
January 30, 2014
A gritty cop thriller set in the mid 90s before the proliferation of mobile phones and social media. Det Downing has been haunted by one case for many reasons but when the killer starts up again he calls for help and enlists psychologist Christiansen to help unlock the memory of the only potential witness to the crime.
I loved this crime thriller and the twist it contained. The characters were plausible if not always likeable. This had a realistic gritty edge to it.
I loved this crime thriller and the twist it contained. The characters were plausible if not always likeable. This had a realistic gritty edge to it.
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June 26, 2014What a thriller!!
whew....this one was a very good read. it had feelings of sorrow for the detective and how out of control his life was. the decisions the psychologist had to make and how that affected his family. the mother and kids of another family and the abusive husband. all 3 stories intertwined while you are guessing who was the guilty party. pace was fast and difficult to put down. great read!!
whew....this one was a very good read. it had feelings of sorrow for the detective and how out of control his life was. the decisions the psychologist had to make and how that affected his family. the mother and kids of another family and the abusive husband. all 3 stories intertwined while you are guessing who was the guilty party. pace was fast and difficult to put down. great read!!
March 20, 2014
this was impressively involved as well as being pretty damn terrifying. I loved the way the story was developed, revealing more and more about each character, but still keeping the immediate threat of the killer present. Really nicely done, good concept, good flow and great intelligent, likeable characters.
April 29, 2016
Great plot line! A psychologist is asked to probe a potential witness for repressed memories in a product tampering/murder case. His success leads to unexpected results, including a personality dissociation that allows an abused woman to get revenge on her husband by framing him for the killings that SHE committed.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 6, 2015
So not what I expected. Right through the book I was sucked into what the author wanted me to believe and so when it was all blown out of the water, I felt like I'd been smacked in the face by a brick wall. Fantastic piece of writing!!!
March 13, 2015
Intriguing enough to keep you reading.
Some twists and turns keep you guessing just enough to keep you reading. Good characters that you get to know and tidbits to figure it out as you go through the story.
Some twists and turns keep you guessing just enough to keep you reading. Good characters that you get to know and tidbits to figure it out as you go through the story.
November 18, 2015
In Pittsburgh, 1986, products in a pharmacy have been tampered with resulting in several deaths.
Ten years later it starts again and Detective Downing knows that the guilty person is Ron Corbett. But how to prove it.
Ten years later it starts again and Detective Downing knows that the guilty person is Ron Corbett. But how to prove it.
June 20, 2016
An OK read that doesn't stretch you too much. Had good pace and the twist wasn't expected! I think the characters were a little flat at times (for wont of a better description) but for a free read off Amazon it was better than many!
December 21, 2013
Now there was a twist I wasn't expecting!
December 20, 2013
This book had all the right elements I really enjoy it.
December 22, 2013
Couldn't put this book down, even with it's sometimes disturbing & heartbreaking story line. A great read.
January 11, 2014
Great read
Great read, riveting and interesting. Will be looking for other books from this author very soon. interesting characters, good plot.
Great read, riveting and interesting. Will be looking for other books from this author very soon. interesting characters, good plot.
May 5, 2014
Great entertainment!! Well worth a read.
May 24, 2014
surprise ending !
June 4, 2014
Time Release
Outstanding book. Well paced, well written and a surprising ending.
Martin J Smith writes a terrific book. I highly recommend this book.
Outstanding book. Well paced, well written and a surprising ending.
Martin J Smith writes a terrific book. I highly recommend this book.
June 12, 2014
This book kept my interest. I thought I knew who the guilty party was early on but the details behind it were never suspected. I would recommend this book.
May 13, 2015
A good read
Interesting and kept you wondering what was around the next corner. I'll be looking for more of Smith's books. This was the first I read one of his books.
Interesting and kept you wondering what was around the next corner. I'll be looking for more of Smith's books. This was the first I read one of his books.
April 14, 2016
Excellent book! Will keep you guessing until the end.
June 12, 2019
Unusual but clever
Really enjoyed this book. I’m hoping there will be more Jim Christensen episodes, whether murder related or not. Good read.
Really enjoyed this book. I’m hoping there will be more Jim Christensen episodes, whether murder related or not. Good read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews