Her Last Memory

by C.A. Wittman

Serene Hokulani only knows she's in Hollywood, but nothing else looks familiar. Her last memory is leaving her house in 1996 as a suspect in a murder investigation.

Diagnosed with a dissociative fugue state, Serene learns that she is now Dora Jones. Dora has a loving wife, three children, and a thriving business. But, the part of herself who became Dora has now vanished, leaving Serene to manage the life, challenges, and relationships Dora has forged along the way.

As Serene struggles to put together the pieces of her troubled past, one night repeatedly comes into question—the night of the dinner party. The night Taylor Davis was murdered. Anyone of Serene's friends had reason to hate Taylor. Anyone of them had reason to hurt her.
Maybe Dora knows the truth. Dora, who is diametrically different in every way from Serene, or is she?

"Her Last Memory is a haunting tale of identity loss, loyalty, fierce love, and regret. If you like Lisa Jewell, Liane Moriarty, and Ruth Ware, then you'll love this gripping psychological thriller."

Genres: Mystery, Ebooks, Fiction

376 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 11, 2020

Reviews

[Diane (IF U'RE PRIVATE, PLEASE SKIP ME!!!) Wallace · Rating 3 out of 5]

**'Some writers should sometimes be worried about how their stories come across to readers..'

Interesting read!
An okay story -- trying to understand the premise (think the blurb is a bit misleading). Displeasing outcome and ending...

[Heather Mood Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

**I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.**

Her Last Memory was a different take on a psychological suspense thriller with so many twists and turns throughout. I really enjoyed trying to figure out who killed Taylor and thought the reveal was clever.

While I enjoyed this book, the pacing was slow and it took me some time to get invested in the characters and plot. But once I hit the 50% mark, I was definitely curious to continue with the story. I also thought this book was a little too long and could have been condensed some.

I really enjoyed the parallels this story made to real-world issues and how close to home it felt with real-world events going on in today's society. It felt like I was living along with the characters.

This is a solid thriller with that talks about important sunjects, such as racism, discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community, mental health issues, therapy, familial issues, murder, including many other trigger warnings.

[The Book Gawdess · Rating 5 out of 5]

**I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.**

Her Last Memory was surprisingly good. It started off with Dora, a 40 year old woman who can't remember the last 24 years of her life. Her last memory of life was when she was 16 and her name was Serene. She was also a suspect in the murder of a school acquaintance. But now she's a married mother of three. She's diagnosed with dissociative identity disorder and her therapist starts working with her to fit the pieces of her life together. It quickly becomes clear to her that the murder itself has something to do with what's going on with her now. The question is how much does she know.

This book dealt with a lot of issues. LGBT issues, political issues, the pandemic, child abuse, polygamy, the list goes on. The author somehow made them all fit into a psychological thriller with a lot of twists and turns.

I found myself genuinely liking Serene / Dora. The author did a great job of writing the different mannerisms that showed them to be the same person yet somehow completely different people. It was particularly noticeable when she interacted with her ex-husband, Steve.

When I first started reading, the names threw me off at first but then I realized they were originally living in a hippie commune and I got it. I liked how the story alternated between 1996, the last days Serene could remember, and 2020 just before the pandemic fully took over. The author even fit in an argument about Trump which made the book complete. The book flowed well and the ending was truly a surprise.

This was my first book by this author and I would be reading more by her if they're similar to this.

Due to many adult issues and themes, this should be read by adults mainly. There was a lot of sexual content. There was also mention of child abuse and mass suicide.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Her Last Memory started out a little confusing with everyone's name changes and time jumps. Though once you get past chapter 3 you begin to know who all the characters are. This was well done and really gave you a look at what loosing chunks of time does to your memories. This managed to touch on murder, same sex couples, mental health, politics, love and family all while still being a thriller. Quick enjoyable read.

Thank you to booksirens and the publisher for the opportunity to read Her Last Memory. All opinions are my own

[Kelli Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a quick read. It’s suspenseful enough to keep me wanting to continue reading. It did start out a bit confusing with so many characters and name changes. But by chapter 4 or 5, it seems to click as to who was who. I loved the different points of view, both from past or present. The back story is so important for this book. And revealing it the way it was done added that suspenseful aspect. I was hoping for something more from the ending but overall a good book.

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (10/28/2020)! 🎁

[Brianna Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow, this book was a wild ride! It kept my attention from start to finish. This is definitely a plot driven book, and there was a lot to it. I liked that in several side plots tied into the main plot. I also liked that so many of the supporting characters were given their own story and their own time to shine in the book.

That all being said, I did have some trouble keeping all the characters straight. You would be wise to jot down quick notes about who is who when you start this one. There were many characters that I knew without having to think about it, but there were a few that I had to stop half the time their name was mentioned and work out in my head who was who.

As much as I enjoyed the book and how full the plot was, I think it could've earned an even higher rating if there wasn't quite so much jammed into this one book. The author tackled a LOT of different issues, plot points and tropes, and I think trying to fit so much into one story took away from it a bit. At one point a huge twist was dropped and then not fleshed out. I was feeling a big frustrated that it was just glossed over - I even thought maybe I misunderstood what I read. And while this twist was later addressed, it almost felt like it didn't need to be part of the story at all. There was another very heavy topic that was mentioned several times and served as an explanation for the main character's behavior, and yet it too was merely mentioned in passing - it was never truly explored.

Overall I would recommend this book to anyone that has an interest in psychology or that likes psychological mysteries. I will definitely check out future offerings from this author.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Dr. Raye of Sunshine · Rating 4 out of 5]

It took me a super long time to get into this book. The first few chapters are confusing as you try to figure out who is who and what is going on. I’m glad I picked it back up after being so confused at first.

Serene finds herself in Hollywood and meets up with someone who obviously knows her, but she doesn’t know who they are or why they are calling her by the name Dora.

Thus begins a journey into the mind and life of a woman who can’t remember how she got to the life she’s apparently living. She finds herself with three children and somehow married to a woman...none of whom she really remembers or knows at all.

As the story unfolds, we are brought back to the past through various perspectives to help us get a handle on who Serene is and how she got to where she is. There are complimentary stories all weaved together that flawlessly embed the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic and the current state of political affairs.

Despite the confusing start, this was a pretty awesome read.

Thank you to BookSirens and the author for a complementary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Natasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

This a surprising good thriller mystery. I must admit I found the names confusing for the first 3 chapters but stick with it, you won't be disappointed. It assists greatly if you understand that the characters in chapter 2 have made up hippy names from their time in a commune. Once you understand that the story starts to make some sense. This is a slow burn story. The story is revealed to you in small bites and unravels chapter by chapter, page by page. There is so much going on, as we get to know the characters, including Dora and Serene. Honestly, there are so many twists and turns and the story is so tightly woven, that its best to not try to preempt what is going on but just flow with it. The multiple perspectives and personalities were an interesting part of the story. It is a tragic story that is told as we try to solve the mysteries and secrets and have empathy for the characters as they try to find themselves dealing with circumstances that they find themselves in. This is not a fast paced page turner, so be prepared for that. That said, this is what makes this story interesting. And even when you think that you have learned all of the secrets, there is the final one that you didn't quite expect. This book is also set in 2020 where current events are touched on including covid 19, however it feels fitting in the story's context and is one of the most realistic ways that I have seen an Author this year address the pandemic and other 2020 events. This is the first time I am reading this Author, and enjoyed the writing style. Thank you to the Author, Publisher and Booksirens for the ARC. I am voluntarily reviewing a complimentary ARC and all opinions are my own and unbiased.

[nickiknackinoo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was written so well I couldn't put it down!! A story running over thirty odd years so it flowThiss back and forth but not in a confusing way, it all flows smoothly. The fact that Dora wakes up with chronic amnesia and remembers nothing of the last six years means she has to learn all about the changes she has made in her life . To find out who she is, has grown into . All the answers come out gradually and so the interest in the story kept me absorbed in the book to the end. There are lots of events in Serene's past that impact on her present and she has to come to terms with all that.

All in all, a fantastic book that you will love if you enjoy psychological thrillers!!.

Thanks to Book Sirens for the free ARC book.

[Gee · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a nicely written study of a woman who finds herself in the present day with no memory of the life she has now, nor of her partner and children. Her last memory is of being 16years old. The story moves between 16 year old Serene and 40 year Dora, and the effect it has on their family and friends. 2 totally different characters with no apparent connection. It was interesting to see how the two main characters came to grips with having to relearn their pasts. The story takes a while to tell, and at times I wanted to stop reading, it there was enough in it to make me want to see how the author managed to conclude the story. I was glad i did, the ending was slightly unexpected but nicely rounded.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily

[_booknerd.4ever_ · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I first started this book, it was hard to get into and confusing. Once I got through the first few chapters I was able to into the book. I couldn’t put it down after that. The plot was good and well written. Characters appear to be developed. I could have done without the political aspects of the plot. To me it didn’t add anything to the story. The other confusing part was the pronouns for Erica. It kept throwing me off. There were some questions that still weren’t answered at the end. The who done it part of the book was surprising.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book.

[Diane Secchiaroli · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good mystery set in 1996 when a teenage girl is mysteriously murdered and 2020 with Trump and the coronavirus are rampant. Serene/Dora is diagnosed with multiple personality disorder when Serene faints and doesn’t recognize her surroundings. People call her Dora, she has 3 children which she doesn’t remember and lives with a woman she doesn’t recognize. Her friends and family note that she acts and sounds differently. All the characters are well developed and interesting. There is a surprise ending which always is good for a mystery.

[Beverly Vespico · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a memory!

The story was complicated. It moved back and forth from one time period to another, from one person to another, from one identity to another, from one problem to another. When I finally understood that one character wanted to be known as "they" my confusion lifted. This was not a "feel good/happy ever after" book. So much better!
I was engrossed by its complexity and often had to set it aside so I could allow myself time to absorb it and often had to read parts a second and third time. A really great read!

[Bobbi Wagner · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story. This is a well written story about what happens when you have a loss of identity, loyalty and regret. I enjoyed being pulled into the story from the beginning. The characters brought life to the story and kept me turning pages to the end. This is a faster paced story that is engaging and I had a hard time putting it down. This is a thriller story that has twist and turns that had me sitting on the edge of my seat just waiting to see what would happen next. I really enjoyed this story and what the characters brought to the story. I highly recommend this book.

[Patricia McGovern · Rating 5 out of 5]

What if you woke up a stranger to yourself?

This novel revolves around a young woman who wakes up to find herself living a stranger’s life. Who is Dora and where did the last 24 years of her life go? In her last memories she was a happy heterosexual 16 and had just experienced a life-altering trauma. Now she is 40~with 3 children. She’s divorced from the love of her life and married to a woman. The unraveling of this dilemma results in a mesmerizing read.

[Leah Whitby Hansen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting, complicated premise and fairly well done, although the date jumping was a bit hard to follow. Ditto the many characters changing their names; while it was clear why, it took away from the main character.

The political posturing was unnecessary to the story and felt like the author’s personal soapbox. I found that very distracting.

Very poorly edited. Barbara or Barbra? Decide and stick with one.

[Debbie Rozier · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an excellent thriller set in multiple timelines. I liked memory/time loss thrillers so this was a great read for me. With parts of our country starting to re-shut down this definitely is very timely in setting. I liked the fact that I couldn’t just skim this one but needed to focus to understand the story and the mystery surrounding it!

[Sherry Vaughan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a really intriguing book about a woman with multiple personality disorder. Her family thinks she has amnesia but one of her personalities, Dora, has hijacked her life. She has no memories past 1996 when she was Selene. The story is convoluted switching characters and times. Following the storyline is as intriguing and mystifying as the story itself. A puzzling but worthwhile read.

[Louisa Hart · Rating 5 out of 5]

An original read, with unexpected twists and turns. The story also delves into some current big-world issues in an interesting way and I loved the fact that marginalised voices were given space in this book. A perfect read for anyone who enjoys psychological thrillers.

[Sammye · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a bit confusing in some ways, although the storyline was well written. It took me awhile to get into it. There were a lot of twists and turns which made it a good psychological thriller. I received a free copy of this book from BookSirens and this is my honest review

[Susan Kent · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got this book in a "free" promotion. Sometimes those books are incredibly bad, but this one was superb. Great plot, good writing, some interesting twists. Highly recommend this book and this author.

[Cindy Pendergraft · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was an interesting subject and was well written. You could feel the pain from Serene, her children, wife, and ex-husband. There were a couple of twists that I hadn't seen coming. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Ellen R OBrien · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read in one sitting and can’t stop processing

This non-linear, multiple perspective story required me to read and allow myself to be confused and follow characters and story. Deep love and pain are seen as trauma is processed.

[Eirlys · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gripping tale

A very strange story of a woman with memory loss. Intricate build up of emotions and how one is shaped by the past.

[Gail · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn’t enjoy this very much. The characters weren’t that likeable, and it was hard to follow. Sorry

[Denise Noonan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

Couldnt put it down! Kept you guessing all the way through. Cant wait to read another book of hers soon.

[Susan Gaines · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing writer!

Her books are so in depth and creative! This is my 2nd and will keep reading her! The subject matter fascinating.

[Dee Kendall · Rating 3 out of 5]

I give this book a 2.5. it's was a good story, but it ended bad. I feel like the ending was rushed after such a drawn out story. The characters were good, a bit confusing though.

[Michelle VanDaley · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story did not really hold my attention. Alot of filler and not necessary information. A good editor could make it a more engaging story