No Memory Lost

Dublin Murder #4

by Valerie Keogh

When Detective Garda Sergeant Mike West and his partner, Garda Andrews, are called to a suspicious death they are shocked to find the small body of a child abandoned in a suitcase.

Who is she? No child has been reported missing.

Their search reaches outside Ireland but without success and soon another dead body takes their attention. There is a surfeit of suspects this time, but as the case evolves, the two detectives are stunned where it leads.

Meanwhile, someone is making trouble for Edel Johnson, and she is forced, eventually, to ask West for help.

Can West sort personal problems, solve professional cases and restore peace to Foxrock?

Genres: Audiobook, Mystery, Fiction

273 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 10, 2017

About the author

Valerie started to write several years ago. She self-published eight crime novels and one psychological thriller before signing a two book contract with Bookouture in March 2018. The first of these, Secrets Between Us, is available now and the second is due in Feb 2019. She is a registered nurse with a degree in English and a Masters in American Literature. Recently she has given up nursing to concentrate on her writing career.

Reviews

[Linda Strong · Rating 4 out of 5]

*** This book was previously published as Death in Foxrock ***

A small body is found stuffed in an abandoned suitcase. No one knows who she is ... and there has been no child reported as missing.

Garda DS Mike West, along with his partner, Garda Andrews, are called to investigate. But where to start?

When it rains, it pours. Three men are attacking women in busy places like a mall. They choose their victim, then it's a grab and run ... taking purses, wallets, even jewelry in some cases. Although it should be taken care of by the robbery division, West has been appointed to get this one solved.. it has gone on way too long.

And if he didn't have any hands already full, someone has targeted Edel, his partner. He receives pictures of her in compromising positions, but very soon discovers these were photo-shopped. The real meanness is that the pictures were also sent to her publisher and editor and they now have cancelled her contracts for the children's books she written.

Well written, this is a page turning, action packed mystery with deftly drawn characters and a tightly woven plot. I appreciated how the cases were all solved amid a flurry of twists and turns leading to an unexpected conclusion.

Many thanks to the author / Bloodhound Books for the digital copy of this crime fiction/mystery. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Picking up the series again and returning to Dublin, the story continues straight on from its predecessor. With references to the previous story and, in fact, some earlier events, this is definitely to be enjoyed at its best when read as part of the series.

Likeable Mike returns, investigating what seems to be three separate cases. However, over the course of the story, two cases become linked and this was completely unexpected. I appreciated the way that Keogh simply drives the plot forwards and, whilst I did not find it the most thrilling or gripping of books, it was pleasant to read and immerse myself into. I could not predict the direction of the story which made up for the lack of the “thrill factor”.

Edel, Mike’s partner, continues to attract drama wherever she goes! This time, Edel is attempting to become a published writer. I really enjoyed the glimpses into the publishing industry and so was disappointed when this suddenly comes to a halt. Edel comes across as a bit of a spoilt brat and I was frustrated by her questionable feelings towards Mike. Perhaps if I had read the other books in the series, I would be a bit more sympathetic and connected with her? Nonetheless, Edel’s story does not feature too largely in the narrative and I was relieved this time that she was not leading the police investigations.

Enjoying the Irish setting, this was a pleasant piece of crime fiction. It is not my favourite detective series out there but I appreciate the slower pace and the fact that this is not a lengthy, prolonged narrative. It was straight forward and I am enjoying less complicated narratives at the moment during such distracting times. However, I think to truly enjoy this story, starting the series from the beginning would be beneficial.

With thanks to Bloodhound books for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

NO MEMORY LOST is the fourth book in the Dublin Murder Mysteries Series by Valerie Keogh. This crime mystery novel was previously published as “Death in Foxrock”. No Memory Lost can be read as a standalone read, as sufficient background information is supplied or referenced, to enjoy this book.

The Dublin Murder Mysteries include:

No Simple Death (Book 1)
No Obvious Cause (Book2)
No Past Forgiven (Book3)
No Memory Lost (Book4)

Detective Garda Sergeant West and his partner Detective Garda Andrews handle violent crimes with the Foxrock Station in Dublin. They are called to a crime scene…a suspicious death, a Skelton body of a child was found abandoned in a suitcase, tossed away like garbage. The child was about two or three. Who is she? No child has been reported missing.

The post-mortem reveals there were no bone injuries, and the time of death to be no more than eight months. The child was of African, Middle Eastern or Asian descent. The search reaches outside Ireland involving other forces but without success and soon another dead body takes their attention. There are many suspects, and nothing concrete.

In the interim, someone is trying to destroy (Edel Johnson) West’s girlfriend personally and professionally. Eventually, she is forced to ask West for help.

Can West solve the crimes and bring peace again to Foxrock?

A murder mystery with a touch of romance, set in the Dublin suburbs. A very enjoyable read that now has me intrigued to go back and read the previous novels in the series to gain further development of the relationship between West and Edel as well as the working relationship of West and Andrews as the series progresses.

Many thanks to the author, and Bloodhound Books for my digital copy.

Publication date: April 14, 2020 by Bloodhound Books

[Booklover BEV · Rating 5 out of 5]

D.G.S.Mike west another cracker from this author along side his partner D.C. Peter Andrews are sent out to investigate a battered small suitcase lay among the weeds in a abandoned house in Beech Park Road, a small female skeletonised body is inside. The house is up for sale and nobody has lived there for a year. This is a gruesome find and harrowing for a little boy Toby Ferguson on his way to school. A big case is on for the team. they are also kept busy with a gang of muggers in the area. Mike's relationship is still on going with Edel she does love him but does he feel the same? Mean while her work as a published author of her children's novels take a dramatic turn for her as you read on. This book contains human trafficking, and the learning of sickle cell anaemia, startling stuff. The suitcase child gives off a lot more and will grip you and pull you right into the story. I love all the books in this series by the author. And hope and look forward to more.

[Natasha Orme · Rating 5 out of 5]

As with the others in this series, Death in Foxrock was a fantastic read and one that I would highly recommend. If you’ve been following the story of Mike West and Kelly Johnson from the beginning or if you are simply picking it up for the first time, then you won’t be disappointed.

I love how Keogh can weave together multiple storylines that keep you guessing to the very end. I didn’t have a clue where this was going at the beginning and the plot twists really keep this fresh and engaging.

I’m trying really hard not to give anything away because you really do need to read it for yourself!

[Alyson Read · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have already thoroughly enjoyed books one, two and three in this series, and book four is equally as good. In the Foxrock suburb of Dublin it looks to be business as usual for Detective Garda Sergeant Mike West and his partner Garda Peter Andrews, particularly since there has been a nasty spate of muggings in car parks lately which will need undercover stakeouts by the Gardai if they are to catch the culprits. Whilst most of the team are working on this and other routine cases, Mike and Pete are called to an overgrown garden where the body of a young child has been found, bizarrely stored in a suitcase. They have no means of knowing how the child died, and indeed whether death occurred before or after being put in there. Trawls of missing children reports throw up nothing by way of identification, and the detectives are forced to extend their search abroad. Here they first uncover the possibility of people smuggling. With success on the mugging enquiry they are able to devote their resources to investigating the child's death but are soon dealing with another suspicious death, this time one where the victim was universally hated and feared. Two seemingly unrelated crimes that eventually show disturbing links to each other. Edel Johnson is still trying to decide whether to commit fully to Mike when once again she finds herself at the centre of an enquiry. This woman really is a bit of a liability, as trouble seems to follow her around and she repeatedly has to be rescued by Mike one way or another. As if Mike doesn't have his hands full at work! The team plough through all the evidence and suspects, and it starts to look like they are getting precisely nowhere until a random clue, together with some great detective work sets them off on a road that they could have never imagined. Once again the story is well written with a clever plot and great characters that are easy to take to, except for Edel who I struggle to like at times. There is now quite a lot of history that gets referred to and so, whilst the books are very enjoyable on their own, I would suggest reading them to order to get the most out of the series. I understand book five is in the pipeline, which is great news for fans of this series like myself. 5*

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reviewed for Bloodhound Books

I enjoyed this. Detective Garda Mike West is a solid functional example of the classic emotionally stunted police officer that has two parallel futures ahead of him. One, the classic hard drinking, lonely, dysfunctional and work-obsessed cop. Or two, a successful career and relationships and someone who makes sensible risk judgements. I suspect he might be in for the former. Lets face it, it makes for better novels.

Garda Andrews is the real star of the piece. His sardonic wit, humour and often tender watching eye makes for a classic cop pairing.

Unfortunately the female characters are little more than foils; ying and yang, good versus evil, high heels versus track suit bottoms.

The plot spirals in complicated circles and loops of West’s personal life and a child’s murder merge together. It’s clever and intricate.

Despite the occasional street reference, the darkness and criminality could be anywhere. The only criticism is that the style lacks any real sense of that gritty urban Dublin atmosphere.

I look forward to seeing what the future holds for Garda West and Andrews.

[Nancy Muldoon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stunning story

Fabulous! I love these characters, and this may be the best so far. I am eagerly looking forward to future books.

[Alan · Rating 4 out of 5]

She’s getting better. The plot was actually obscure. 3.5 stars, rounded up for good progress as a writer.

[Marnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just when you think that this series can not get any better, Valerie comes up with another gem that just outdoes the previous book! No Memory Lost, the fourth instalment is a stellar read that I devoured in one sitting! I could not put it down as Valerie’s transported me back to Foxrock and into the lives of Detective Garda Sergeant Mike West, Edel Johnson and the latest horrifying case to be solved.

Detective Garda Sergeant Mike West and his partner Garda Andrews, are faced with the most harrowing case of their careers when a local schoolboy discovers the body of a child in a suitcase on the grounds of abandoned property. What makes this case worse is that no child has been reported as missing and the men have their work cut out for them in trying to find out who the child is. Meanwhile, Edel is facing her own problems. when Mike receives incriminating photos of her and where she finds herself at the mercy of him again and his help.

For Mike and Edel not everything is rosy this time around for them and their relationship is at times quite tense and strained. It does have you rooting for them throughout that they can overcome these issues and move forward. With everything that Valerie throws at poor Edel, she really is a strong character that holds her own in each book and I really can resonate with her. Mike is also loveable, though his actions at times in this one had me doubting him… I also really like Andrews. He is a great partner for Mike and they both work really well together.

Once again Valerie incorporates first-class writing to a well-researched and intriguing plot. A diverse author that is able to write in multiple genres, I adore her work and I will always be the first to shout her praises from the rooftop! From the first book I read of hers, there was an instant connection and each book I read is like discovering her work for the first time. Each story is fresh, engaging and I look forward to more of her books to come.

No Memory Lost is another fantastic addition to this series. It is a fast-paced crime mystery with strong characters and I can’t wait to see what Valerie has in store for the next instalment. It was an absolute pleasure to read No Memory Lost which I highly recommend.

Thank you to Bloodhound Books and Valerie Keogh for allowing me to read an advanced copy of No Memory Lost which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

[Patricia Burton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Binge reading has left me bereft.....I need book 5

My last review for this fabulous series after reading them one after the other, not even pausing to review each one, until now! My apologies to the author for my failings, but it is her fault in all honesty, this series is quite frankly very addictive. Not just because of clever storylines that lead you in so many directions and the perpetrators are never who you're convinced they are. A wonderful rich cast of characters pull you into the storylines. Detective Garda Sergeant Mike West and his partner Garda Andrews, are a great duo who feed of one another, leading a cast of characters in their team each with their own different strengths making an enviable team!

Not going into the story, as there's the blurb and what other reviewer's have probably said, what I will say is, there is sadness regarding a small child and the team will stop at nothing in finding out who the child is. Of course there's lots going on, nothing is ever what it seems, which is what I've come to admire with this author's work.
This is a wonderful series, each book could be read as a standalone, although they do follow on from each other their personal lives would become clear as you get into each book, but personally you'd miss so much great storytelling, it would be a shame!

I can't wait for book five!

[Ken the incredible · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another excellent story featuring DS Mike West, his incredibly supportive side-kick DC Pete Andrews and Mike's improbable, glamorous, insecure partner Edel. The plot follows 4 simultaneous story-lines that eventually link through the author's clever twists into a page-turning conclusion. Despite the various sub-plots, it is easy to follow, and the characters do have some depth that makes them more than mere pegs for the story, although I find the romantic narrative a bit tiresome as applied to what should be adults, it does actually link into the sleuthing narrative. The final twists are excellent, very imaginative and plausible although there is a confession narrative that I cannot imagine happening but I suppose it saves on another 100 pages of sleuthing to get the information by a more normal route. That doesn't detract much from the story, particularly as it occurs towards the end, rather like the signature confessions in Columbo.
It's a super book; a good read.

[Liam Murphy]

I have read four of Valerie Keoghs murder mystery and now on my 5th. I cannot praise them enough, they are absolutely brilliant. Page after page of drama and action. My sleep was suffering for a time because I could not put the books down. These books are up with the best, in fact they are the best I have read. I have read all the thriller writers books, but the stories about Garda Mike West are by far in a class of their own.. Keep up the great writing Valerie.

[Rosemary Hughes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Garda Sgt Mike West has a frustrating few weeks, with the unsolved child in the suitcase case, to the murder of a street thug, he gives as much time and effort to both cases.
The background problem of someone trying to destroy his girlfriend's career and well-being is also a continuous concern.
However, as always, each meticulous detail is weaned from those who know the facts, and eventually, each jigsaw puzzle of crime is completed, and the whole picture can be revealed in each case.

[Anne Hill · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not the best of the 4

This was probably the weakest book in the series. Really how much grief is poor Edel to suffer? Her main man is looking a bit like a dope in the romantic area as well. The plot was somewhat convoluted, almost gave up a few times. I hope there is another in the series.

[vERA wHEEELER · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Irish Murders

I have read and enjoyed the first 4 books in this series, all of which have been republished under new titles. I have actually bouxght no 4 twice, thinking I hadn't read it. Just a bit puzzled as to why the author would do this, and a bit annoyed. Enjoying no 5 at the moment, which I definitely haven't read.

[Karen Breakell · Rating 3 out of 5]

I guessed one out of two of the challenges taking place in this book ... so maybe I’m getting better at sleuthing or the twists are getting less twisty .... I do feel sorry for Edel ... she doesn’t have a quiet life bless her .... I like the characters a bit more but I don’t love them ... If the next one is “what Edel did next” then I’m done with the series

[Sebastian Barrow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very cleverly written.

I loved the way that two unseemingly connected plots came together into one harrowing story. A very neat piece of writing in my opinion.
I am not one for spoilers, but the relationship between Mike and Edel certainly strengthens nicely through no fault of her own. Definitely worth reading and more so if read in order of the series.

[Mr Kenneth L Mullen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great story

Another great story in the Dublin Murder mysteries series featuring Yards West and the rest of the team. Well written with plenty of twists and turns and a good ending.Looking forward to reading more in the series.

[Marilyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series just gets better

What a great series this has turned out to be, well written characters and places. It's often the case by the time number four comes along the writing appears lazy, but not here. I'm now just about to start number five. Keep the coming.

[beverly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good

The story line is well done. More than one thing going on throughout. The characters are also well done. Finally, a copper capable of having a normal personal relationship.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a sad tale and includes several murders to solve which this series seems to do. Each book has at least 3 mysteries to solve and in many cases they seem to be interlocked together. Great read.

[Ann Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read

I really like the characters. The plot was also interesting and I like the details. I am going to read all of this series.

[Joyce Rigg · Rating 5 out of 5]

The fourth and possible the best of the series. Great likeable characters and a believable plot. I cannot wait for the next in the series.

[Miriam · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m really enjoying this series of books mainly because they are based in Dublin and I’m familiar with places mentioned. This got my attention from the first page right to the end.

[Joni Truex · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting murder mystery

Good book and good series. Language, sexual inuendos. Great characters. Good plot with twists. Worth the read. Enjoyed this book.

[Maureen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. Different threads to the book and all made sense by the end, with an unexpected twist. Love the main characters. Have enjoyed the series so far.

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

Different plot very good

[Mary Callister · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm really enjoying this series. A horrible crime you really want Mike and his colleagues to solve. I liked the Adele sub plot too.

[Julie McCartney · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5