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Jessica Shaw #2
Zrádná paměť
Soukromá vyšetřovatelka Jessica Shawová žije klidný život na malém městě v kalifornské poušti a tráví čas prací na rutinních případech. Avšak jednoho dne ji někdejší obyvatelka města požádá, aby pomohla její sestře Rue Hunterové - odsouzené vražedkyni, do jejíž popravy zbývá jen několik málo dní -, a Jessica této nabídce nedokáže odolat.
Rue si nepamatuje, co se stalo tu noc před třiceti lety, kdy byli zavražděni dva středoškoláci, avšak všichni ve městě jsou si jistí, že je vinná. Jessica se pustí do pátrání a zjišťuje, že zatímco místní šeptanda ukazuje určitým směrem, důkazy říkají něco jiného. A nikdo nechce čelit pravdě. Jessica se navíc nedokáže zbavit pocitu, že ji někdo sleduje � a více než kdy dřív si uvědomuje, že nemůže nikomu věřit.
Vyšetřovatelka proniká hlouběji do minulosti a odhaluje tajemství na nečekaných místech � včetně místní policejní stanice. Avšak hodiny ubíhají a Jessica musí odhalit pravdu co nejrychleji � nebo zrádná paměť Rue Hunterové připraví o život i ji samotnou.
Rue si nepamatuje, co se stalo tu noc před třiceti lety, kdy byli zavražděni dva středoškoláci, avšak všichni ve městě jsou si jistí, že je vinná. Jessica se pustí do pátrání a zjišťuje, že zatímco místní šeptanda ukazuje určitým směrem, důkazy říkají něco jiného. A nikdo nechce čelit pravdě. Jessica se navíc nedokáže zbavit pocitu, že ji někdo sleduje � a více než kdy dřív si uvědomuje, že nemůže nikomu věřit.
Vyšetřovatelka proniká hlouběji do minulosti a odhaluje tajemství na nečekaných místech � včetně místní policejní stanice. Avšak hodiny ubíhají a Jessica musí odhalit pravdu co nejrychleji � nebo zrádná paměť Rue Hunterové připraví o život i ji samotnou.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published October 24, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 689 reviews
December 14, 2024
Rue Hunter's memory of the night her boyfriend and best friend died, had left her. But being discovered with a bloodied knife in her hands, covered in blood herself plus two dead bodies at Devil's Gap made the police think they had an open and shut case. And when Rue finally confessed to the murders, she was locked away in prison where she'd been for the past thirty years. With only ten days until her execution, Rue's sister Rose hired PI Jessica Shaw to find evidence that Rue was not a killer. Jessica dug deeply, travelled to places people who'd lived in the area at the time, had moved to, interviewed Rue, and others. And she knew there was something there; plus there was someone who wanted her to leave it alone. Would Jessica manage to find the answers before the ten days were up?
is the 2nd in the Jessica Shaw series by and I enjoyed it very much. Fast paced, intense and chilling, Jessica was determined not to stop until she found what she was looking for. I'll be checking out the rest in the series. Recommended.
is the 2nd in the Jessica Shaw series by and I enjoyed it very much. Fast paced, intense and chilling, Jessica was determined not to stop until she found what she was looking for. I'll be checking out the rest in the series. Recommended.
October 16, 2019
Jessica Shaw #2
Rue Hunter is in prison for double murder. She is due to be executed in a weeks time. Her sister Rose hires Private Detective Jessica Shaw to investigate the crime that happened thirty years ago. Rue was charged with killing her est friend and her boyfriend. But Rue can't remember killing them.
I did not know that this was the second book in this series. I don't think you need to read the first book as this one reads well as a standalone. But I always recommend, if you can, to read a series in order. At first it looks like this is going to be an open and shut case for Jessica. But the more she delves into the evidence, she discovers hidden secrets. The locals are ot happy that Jessica is investigating this case. The story is a bit far fetched at times. The story is told from multiple points of view and from different timelines. Was Rue innocent? You will need to read the book to find out.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Amazon Publishing UK and the author Lisa Gray for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Rue Hunter is in prison for double murder. She is due to be executed in a weeks time. Her sister Rose hires Private Detective Jessica Shaw to investigate the crime that happened thirty years ago. Rue was charged with killing her est friend and her boyfriend. But Rue can't remember killing them.
I did not know that this was the second book in this series. I don't think you need to read the first book as this one reads well as a standalone. But I always recommend, if you can, to read a series in order. At first it looks like this is going to be an open and shut case for Jessica. But the more she delves into the evidence, she discovers hidden secrets. The locals are ot happy that Jessica is investigating this case. The story is a bit far fetched at times. The story is told from multiple points of view and from different timelines. Was Rue innocent? You will need to read the book to find out.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Amazon Publishing UK and the author Lisa Gray for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
March 5, 2020
Private Investigator Jessica Shaw has been approached by a woman whose sister is on death row. Rue Hunter confessed to the murder of her two best friends thirty years ago. With her execution only a week away, Rue's sister has asked Jessica to look into the case. Rue is questioning the accuracy of her memory and what happened that night. Jessica jumps at the chance to work the case. But when she mentions the case to her friend, Detective Jason Pryce, he becomes upset. Jason doesn't want Jessica stirring up questions on this case because his former partner, Charlie Holten, was the arresting officer at the time. He doesn't want Charlie's memory and integrity being questioned, especially since his former partner was murdered.
This is the second book in the Jessica Shaw series and there is a lot going on. Not only is there the investigation into the murder of two teenagers thirty-year-ago; but we also have the murder of the arresting officer, Charlie Holten. Detective Pryce concedes that Jessica should continue looking into the murder of Rue's friends, Lucas & Megan. In the meantime, he has pulled the cold case file on the Charlie Holten murder.
The story is told from two timelines (1987 & present) from the point-of-view of many different characters. Each chapter tells us whose POV it is, so it is easy to follow. We learn something new with each chapter. I liked this storytelling technique. It made me want to just read another chapter...and another...and another. My rating: 4.5 Stars.
This is the second book in the Jessica Shaw series and there is a lot going on. Not only is there the investigation into the murder of two teenagers thirty-year-ago; but we also have the murder of the arresting officer, Charlie Holten. Detective Pryce concedes that Jessica should continue looking into the murder of Rue's friends, Lucas & Megan. In the meantime, he has pulled the cold case file on the Charlie Holten murder.
The story is told from two timelines (1987 & present) from the point-of-view of many different characters. Each chapter tells us whose POV it is, so it is easy to follow. We learn something new with each chapter. I liked this storytelling technique. It made me want to just read another chapter...and another...and another. My rating: 4.5 Stars.
March 23, 2020
It was interesting and a solid read, would recommend to any one who likes dramatic plots.
October 28, 2019
Bad Memory is the second book in the Jessica Shaw series about a prickly Private Investigator working cold cases in small towns in California. I had enjoyed Thin Air and this was another well-rounded and carefully plotted thriller. While you’ll understand Jessica’s character a lot better by reading them in order, this story stands alone.
Jessica has been working as a PI in Hundred Acres for six months when she is approached by the sister of a death row inmate, Rue Hunter, who is facing imminent execution for a double murder over thirty years earlier. As a teenager Rue confessed to killing her two best friends at a local lover’s lane while drunk and high, but now doubts her own memories. Jessica takes the case, which upsets her friend from the Thin Air case, Detective Jason Pryce, as his former partner, who was subsequently murdered, was the Sheriff at the time, but when he sees the inconsistencies Jessica finds, agrees to help her before time runs out for Rue.
This was an excellent mystery, with an intriguing cast of characters, and enough clues that the eventual denouement felt satisfying without being too much of a shock. I enjoyed the different character POVs and flashback scenes without having any difficulty following what was going in. There was a little too much reliance on coincidence but not in a way that felt annoying. Gray writes extremely well, with just enough scene-setting and character description for me to feel immersed in the narrative without getting bogged down by extraneous details. She manages to wrap up all the disparate plot threads very cleverly and deliver a pleasing ending. I will definitely look forward to the next book about Jessica’s adventures.
My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc which allowed me to give an honest review. Bad Memory is available now.
Jessica has been working as a PI in Hundred Acres for six months when she is approached by the sister of a death row inmate, Rue Hunter, who is facing imminent execution for a double murder over thirty years earlier. As a teenager Rue confessed to killing her two best friends at a local lover’s lane while drunk and high, but now doubts her own memories. Jessica takes the case, which upsets her friend from the Thin Air case, Detective Jason Pryce, as his former partner, who was subsequently murdered, was the Sheriff at the time, but when he sees the inconsistencies Jessica finds, agrees to help her before time runs out for Rue.
This was an excellent mystery, with an intriguing cast of characters, and enough clues that the eventual denouement felt satisfying without being too much of a shock. I enjoyed the different character POVs and flashback scenes without having any difficulty following what was going in. There was a little too much reliance on coincidence but not in a way that felt annoying. Gray writes extremely well, with just enough scene-setting and character description for me to feel immersed in the narrative without getting bogged down by extraneous details. She manages to wrap up all the disparate plot threads very cleverly and deliver a pleasing ending. I will definitely look forward to the next book about Jessica’s adventures.
My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc which allowed me to give an honest review. Bad Memory is available now.
September 11, 2019
In trying to help a death row inmate with her last request, PI Jessica Shaw learns small towns are often the ones with the BIGGEST secrets! Is this death row inmate actually guilty? If not, who could want her to stay in jail, and why? Jessica Shaw is forced to do what she can to find out the truth as fast as she can since the clock is ticking, and there are some secrets some people are willing to kill to keep. In this pulse pounding thriller, Bad Memory, Lisa Gray will have your heart racing from beginning to end. I can't wait to read more from this very talented Author!
November 11, 2019
An Improvement Over Book One
This novel is an improvement over book one for sure. The mystery itself is very well-developed and planned iout. My only issue is a continuation from the previous book, primarily that "people just don't talk like that," that just because you're in a small town, it doesn't mean everyone knows everyone, and I have never seen these numbers of hard liquor guzzling, freight train smoking, strip-club going people in real life.
This novel is an improvement over book one for sure. The mystery itself is very well-developed and planned iout. My only issue is a continuation from the previous book, primarily that "people just don't talk like that," that just because you're in a small town, it doesn't mean everyone knows everyone, and I have never seen these numbers of hard liquor guzzling, freight train smoking, strip-club going people in real life.
November 6, 2019
I read book #1 in this series but my memory was a little vague. Luckily, it didn't impact my enjoyment of this book. It's helpful to read the first book in this series, but it's not necessary. The plot of this book is a stand alone read.
I was definitely impressed with this second book. I'm so glad I decided to continue this series. I liked Jessica's character and really liked the plot (see book description). I like cold case plots and thought this one was really good. It was fast paced and I liked how Jessica's investigation progressed.
I recommend this book and I'm now looking forward to a third book in this series.
Thanks to NetGalley for an ARC!
I was definitely impressed with this second book. I'm so glad I decided to continue this series. I liked Jessica's character and really liked the plot (see book description). I like cold case plots and thought this one was really good. It was fast paced and I liked how Jessica's investigation progressed.
I recommend this book and I'm now looking forward to a third book in this series.
Thanks to NetGalley for an ARC!
October 26, 2022
This was a fast paced who-done-it. I never figured out the murder mystery until the very end!
Loved it! Looking forward to reading more in this series. Great characters, zigs and zags, lots of excitement! Wonderfully written! Thanks for my win in its giveaway.
Loved it! Looking forward to reading more in this series. Great characters, zigs and zags, lots of excitement! Wonderfully written! Thanks for my win in its giveaway.
July 3, 2021
Thought the first book was a bit better. On to the third book in the series.
August 27, 2019
Bad Memory was a really interesting 2nd book in the Jessica Shaw Series. In this one, Jessica is asked to try to solve a murder that occurred over thirty years earlier. She has only a few days to figure out what really happened, as the woman, Rue Hunter, who was convicted of the double murder when she was a teenager is due to be put to death in a few days. When Jessica visits Rue in prison, she finds that Rue doesn't remember what happened that night. It is up to Jessica to determine what really happened before a possibly innocent women is executed.
I thought that the most compelling aspect of this book was that Rue really didn't remember if she killed her boyfriend and best friend or not. She had not appealed her conviction earlier, but as her execution date draws near, she starts to wonder if it's possible that she didn't commit the murders.
I liked seeing Jessica again and seeing her work on this case. I'm enjoying her character and empathize with the struggles she has over her own past.
I'm looking forward to seeing more of Jessica Shaw. I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy.
I thought that the most compelling aspect of this book was that Rue really didn't remember if she killed her boyfriend and best friend or not. She had not appealed her conviction earlier, but as her execution date draws near, she starts to wonder if it's possible that she didn't commit the murders.
I liked seeing Jessica again and seeing her work on this case. I'm enjoying her character and empathize with the struggles she has over her own past.
I'm looking forward to seeing more of Jessica Shaw. I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy.
March 21, 2020
Pretty good thriller mystery, didn't want to put it down lol I liked that it didn't have any sex scenes too. couldn't stop thinking about pooh-bear everytime they said the town name tho lmfao
May 8, 2021
2nd book of the series and was great!
August 27, 2020
3.75 stars rounded up
After solving the case of her own mother's murder -- -- Jessica Shaw decides to stay in California so she can appeal in getting her California PI license. She settles in Hundred Acres, a desert community, sixty miles north LA, and working on cases for a small detective agency. Then a sister of a death-row inmate, Rue Hunter, comes to Jessica, asking Jessica to investigate Rue's case. Thirty years ago Rue confessed to a double murder. Rue is set to death sentence and will be executed in mere days. However, the sister thinks Rue is innocent...
A case of an innocent person sent to jail for crime they don't commit always appeal to me. Because of the set-up, there's no doubt in my mind that Rue is innocent. So I committed to enjoy the ride, reading how Jessica would uncover who was the real murderer. It was sad though, because Rue lost 30 years of her life inside the prison, especially because when she was sentenced, Rue was only 18 years old. Imagine, she came out the prison almost half-decade years old!
There was side case too, and Jason Pryce, an LAPD detective who was a friend of Jessica's father, handled this one: a murder of a detective with connection to Hundred Acres. When he was the Sheriff of Hundred Acres, Charlie Holten, was the one taking charge of Rue Hunter's case. Pryce discovered that Holten's death might be related to that case.
I thought the book was better than the first one. I felt that Jessica indeed showed potential of good detective. Jessica was said to be excellent PI in the first book, but I thought it was more told not shown. Here though, she did the legwork and I could see how she made the deduction. BUT, I also thought that Jessica was a bit reckless in her method, especially because it ended up with her ().
Still, I can see myself following this series ...
After solving the case of her own mother's murder -- -- Jessica Shaw decides to stay in California so she can appeal in getting her California PI license. She settles in Hundred Acres, a desert community, sixty miles north LA, and working on cases for a small detective agency. Then a sister of a death-row inmate, Rue Hunter, comes to Jessica, asking Jessica to investigate Rue's case. Thirty years ago Rue confessed to a double murder. Rue is set to death sentence and will be executed in mere days. However, the sister thinks Rue is innocent...
A case of an innocent person sent to jail for crime they don't commit always appeal to me. Because of the set-up, there's no doubt in my mind that Rue is innocent. So I committed to enjoy the ride, reading how Jessica would uncover who was the real murderer. It was sad though, because Rue lost 30 years of her life inside the prison, especially because when she was sentenced, Rue was only 18 years old. Imagine, she came out the prison almost half-decade years old!
There was side case too, and Jason Pryce, an LAPD detective who was a friend of Jessica's father, handled this one: a murder of a detective with connection to Hundred Acres. When he was the Sheriff of Hundred Acres, Charlie Holten, was the one taking charge of Rue Hunter's case. Pryce discovered that Holten's death might be related to that case.
I thought the book was better than the first one. I felt that Jessica indeed showed potential of good detective. Jessica was said to be excellent PI in the first book, but I thought it was more told not shown. Here though, she did the legwork and I could see how she made the deduction. BUT, I also thought that Jessica was a bit reckless in her method, especially because it ended up with her ().
Still, I can see myself following this series ...
August 14, 2022
Another great book in this series! I enjoyed the first one more, but this was still a great read. I’m looking forward to the next one!
August 19, 2019
I read this book without having read the first book in the series, but about halfway through this book I decided that I wanted to read the first book, and any subsequent ones. I also feel that even though I didn’t read the first book I was confused about very little in the story, and nothing relating to the main plot.
The main character, Jessica Shaw, is obviously flawed which makes her that much more relatable. I really liked seeing not only her character flaws but also her weaknesses, it was refreshing to have a main character who wasn’t perfect, and who accepted help.
The plot immediately sucked you in, and the resolution was something that you will never see coming, but which makes perfect sense once it is revealed. I dislike when authors add twists into their story that don’t fit with everything else that has happened, but that isn’t the case in this book.
My one problem with this book is that there was a second crime investigation going on at the same time as the main one, and at first they seemed unrelated and I was confused about why it was occurring. However, as you read the book all the pieces fall into place. In the beginning I was also confused about which character was offering their point of view and whether I was reading something from the past or present. but this also resolved itself as I continued reading and began to recognize the names of the characters.
Just like any other crime series, the plot is wrapped up nicely within this book, but there is promise for another book with another crime investigation which I look forward to.
This review can also be found on my blog at
The main character, Jessica Shaw, is obviously flawed which makes her that much more relatable. I really liked seeing not only her character flaws but also her weaknesses, it was refreshing to have a main character who wasn’t perfect, and who accepted help.
The plot immediately sucked you in, and the resolution was something that you will never see coming, but which makes perfect sense once it is revealed. I dislike when authors add twists into their story that don’t fit with everything else that has happened, but that isn’t the case in this book.
My one problem with this book is that there was a second crime investigation going on at the same time as the main one, and at first they seemed unrelated and I was confused about why it was occurring. However, as you read the book all the pieces fall into place. In the beginning I was also confused about which character was offering their point of view and whether I was reading something from the past or present. but this also resolved itself as I continued reading and began to recognize the names of the characters.
Just like any other crime series, the plot is wrapped up nicely within this book, but there is promise for another book with another crime investigation which I look forward to.
This review can also be found on my blog at
March 23, 2020
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
This second installment continues to be a solid 4 starts for me! I’m really enjoying the characters and stories. I like Jessica quite a bit, and the plot continues to be intriguing.
I think I’ll continue to stick around this series to see what Jessica gets herself up to in the future books!
This second installment continues to be a solid 4 starts for me! I’m really enjoying the characters and stories. I like Jessica quite a bit, and the plot continues to be intriguing.
I think I’ll continue to stick around this series to see what Jessica gets herself up to in the future books!
October 16, 2019
I was a big fan of Thin Air, the first Jessica Shaw book and so jumped at the chance to review the second in the series. Easily read as a stand-alone, I really loved the follow up, Bad Memory.
Jessica is drifting as she moves around California, stopping in the desert community of Hundred Acres to work for a while in a PI’s office in order to secure her California Investigator’s licence. She has hooked up with the local diner owner and son of the local Sheriff, Dylan, which at least ensures she isn’t overpaying for her burgers.
Most of her work is domestic, as befits a small town, but then one day she is hired by Rose, the sister of a woman who used to live in the town; a woman whose execution is scheduled in 10 days time. California has not executed a prisoner since 2006, and no woman has been executed since 1964, so Rue Hunter is making the news for all the wrong reasons.
Rue Hunter confessed to murdering her two best friends Megan and Lucas some 30 years ago at Devil’s Point, a local spot used by teens to make out. Rue and Lucas had been dating and the town is convinced that Rue killed the teens in a fit of jealousy. But Rue has never been able to remember what happened; she only knows that she was found covered in blood and clutching the murder weapon.
Now there is one last chance to find the truth and it’s up to Jessica to do the digging.
Told in two timelines and from different P.O.V.’s Bad Memory is a quick read as Gray’s short chapters and fast pace keep the rhythm going, switching between current events and flashbacks to 1987 with an easy flow.
There are two investigations here running in parallel. One is Jessica’s digging into the murders; the second is that of the murder of Det. Holten, former partner of her cop friend, Det. Pryce, also a cold case that has never been satisfactorily resolved.
The small town backdrop works well and the rumours and theories that abound are all grist to the mill that condemned Rue Hunter even before her trial. Rue and Rose had not come from the best of homes and everyone knew that Rue just had to take after her mother, about whom no-one has a good word to say.
As Jessica looks into the case, she begins to find disturbing things that should have come into light but never have. Has someone been suppressing evidence that doesn’t fit?
Gray creates a strong and convincing atmosphere and her protagonist Jessica shows yet again that she is no-one’s patsy and will get to the truth whatever the personal cost. The trail that the clues lead to do offer the reader a good chance of working out the solution, though the twisty narrative works hard to prevent that, and so this doesn’t detract from the pleasure of reading this highly entertaining work of detective fiction.
Verdict: Bad Memory is a fantastic and enjoyable read. Gray brings the intrigue and drama around a crime investigation alive. Her depiction of scandal and secrets in small-town community life adds to the thrilling action and suspense in this investigation. I like protagonist P.I. Jessica Shaw more with every book and am already looking forward to Book Three!
Jessica is drifting as she moves around California, stopping in the desert community of Hundred Acres to work for a while in a PI’s office in order to secure her California Investigator’s licence. She has hooked up with the local diner owner and son of the local Sheriff, Dylan, which at least ensures she isn’t overpaying for her burgers.
Most of her work is domestic, as befits a small town, but then one day she is hired by Rose, the sister of a woman who used to live in the town; a woman whose execution is scheduled in 10 days time. California has not executed a prisoner since 2006, and no woman has been executed since 1964, so Rue Hunter is making the news for all the wrong reasons.
Rue Hunter confessed to murdering her two best friends Megan and Lucas some 30 years ago at Devil’s Point, a local spot used by teens to make out. Rue and Lucas had been dating and the town is convinced that Rue killed the teens in a fit of jealousy. But Rue has never been able to remember what happened; she only knows that she was found covered in blood and clutching the murder weapon.
Now there is one last chance to find the truth and it’s up to Jessica to do the digging.
Told in two timelines and from different P.O.V.’s Bad Memory is a quick read as Gray’s short chapters and fast pace keep the rhythm going, switching between current events and flashbacks to 1987 with an easy flow.
There are two investigations here running in parallel. One is Jessica’s digging into the murders; the second is that of the murder of Det. Holten, former partner of her cop friend, Det. Pryce, also a cold case that has never been satisfactorily resolved.
The small town backdrop works well and the rumours and theories that abound are all grist to the mill that condemned Rue Hunter even before her trial. Rue and Rose had not come from the best of homes and everyone knew that Rue just had to take after her mother, about whom no-one has a good word to say.
As Jessica looks into the case, she begins to find disturbing things that should have come into light but never have. Has someone been suppressing evidence that doesn’t fit?
Gray creates a strong and convincing atmosphere and her protagonist Jessica shows yet again that she is no-one’s patsy and will get to the truth whatever the personal cost. The trail that the clues lead to do offer the reader a good chance of working out the solution, though the twisty narrative works hard to prevent that, and so this doesn’t detract from the pleasure of reading this highly entertaining work of detective fiction.
Verdict: Bad Memory is a fantastic and enjoyable read. Gray brings the intrigue and drama around a crime investigation alive. Her depiction of scandal and secrets in small-town community life adds to the thrilling action and suspense in this investigation. I like protagonist P.I. Jessica Shaw more with every book and am already looking forward to Book Three!
August 29, 2020
Bad Memory is book two of Jessica Shaw series by Lisa Gray. One night leaving her office Jessica Shaw was asked to investigate a murder case before Rue Hunter execution. Jessica could not resist investigating this case. However, more she explores this case, the more community secrets Jessica finds. Will Jessica Shaw's investigation into the thirty-year-old murder investigation get her killed. The readers of Bad Memory will continue to follow Jessica Shaw investigation into the murder conviction of Rue Hunter.
Bad Memory is the first book I have read of Lisa Gray. I enjoyed reading this book. I love Lia Gray's portrayal of her characters and the way they intertwine with each other throughout this book. Band Memory is well written and researched by Lisa Gray. I like Lisa Gray's description of the settings of Bad Memory that compliment the plot of this book. Lisa Gray wrote Bad Memory in the first person, and each character has their chapter.
The readers of Bad Memory will learn about law enforcement corruption and how it affects everyone who is involved. Also, the readers of Bad Memory will learn about being a Private Investigator in a small desert community.
I recommend this book.
Bad Memory is the first book I have read of Lisa Gray. I enjoyed reading this book. I love Lia Gray's portrayal of her characters and the way they intertwine with each other throughout this book. Band Memory is well written and researched by Lisa Gray. I like Lisa Gray's description of the settings of Bad Memory that compliment the plot of this book. Lisa Gray wrote Bad Memory in the first person, and each character has their chapter.
The readers of Bad Memory will learn about law enforcement corruption and how it affects everyone who is involved. Also, the readers of Bad Memory will learn about being a Private Investigator in a small desert community.
I recommend this book.
February 13, 2020
This is the second book in the Jessica Shaw series. The first book, Thin Air, was fantastic and I knew I wanted more of PI Jessica Shaw. She formerly was a PI in New York, but after the death of her father she left NY and headed west, settling in California. She’s a very smart investigator, definitely knows how to get things done, and will not take any bull from anyone.
In this book she is hired by a woman who has a sister, Rue, on death row. The tricky thing is Rue has been in prison for 30 years and is scheduled to be executed in 7 days. Impossible to dig back 30 years and investigate a double homicide? With a PI like Jessica on your side, nothing is impossible.
I can’t wait for Jessica to return, soon I hope, in the the next book in the series.
In this book she is hired by a woman who has a sister, Rue, on death row. The tricky thing is Rue has been in prison for 30 years and is scheduled to be executed in 7 days. Impossible to dig back 30 years and investigate a double homicide? With a PI like Jessica on your side, nothing is impossible.
I can’t wait for Jessica to return, soon I hope, in the the next book in the series.
February 20, 2020
Rating: 3.5 stars
The plot of Bad Memory was not as confusing as Thin Air, but it still seemed a bit contrived. I think that there will be a 3rd book (although I haven't seen proof). I like the idea that she would be working as a PI in Los Angeles and have a less random (more mature) relationship with someone (no spoilers).
The plot of Bad Memory was not as confusing as Thin Air, but it still seemed a bit contrived. I think that there will be a 3rd book (although I haven't seen proof). I like the idea that she would be working as a PI in Los Angeles and have a less random (more mature) relationship with someone (no spoilers).
November 7, 2023
“Rue Hunter, come on down!�
Finally, Rue Hunter was special.
•Ģ�
Ok, I’m officially hooked. I really enjoyed the first book in this series but this one was so much better. I cannot wait to see what happens next, & where life takes PI Jessica Shaw.
Finally, Rue Hunter was special.
•Ģ�
Ok, I’m officially hooked. I really enjoyed the first book in this series but this one was so much better. I cannot wait to see what happens next, & where life takes PI Jessica Shaw.
January 25, 2020
Hard to put down
I liked the way this moved along quickly. The main character Jessica is like able and the story kept you guessing.
I liked the way this moved along quickly. The main character Jessica is like able and the story kept you guessing.
June 9, 2020
would have been 5 stars but for the dreaded hateful "back & forth" in time, would have been 4 stars if not for the very, very improbable killer...
September 14, 2022
great read
I liked the first book. This second book in the series is better though. The ending was much better. Very good who dun-it.
I liked the first book. This second book in the series is better though. The ending was much better. Very good who dun-it.
August 16, 2024
Wow
Wo Book had Me IN from the 1st chapter..Love Jessica Shaw..On to the next book..... I am looking forward to it..Nice addition to my reading list.
Wo Book had Me IN from the 1st chapter..Love Jessica Shaw..On to the next book..... I am looking forward to it..Nice addition to my reading list.
November 14, 2019
This book ticked all the boxes for me. I love a mystery/thriller and this one shows how it's done. Set in Small Town USA, it took very little time to get up to speed and we're presented with Jessica's new investigation. The plot is full of intrigue, secrets, deceit and a town full of people who might be lying. All set against the backdrop of an impending death row execution that might need to be stopped. I never encountered a dull moment and genuinely couldn't pull myself away from it. I enjoyed the first book but found this much better.
January 18, 2021
Enjoyable. Though the judicial system does not work that way in real life. But jessica is an interesting detective character. This book stands alone but I would read the first one if you can.
December 17, 2022
Η Ρου Χάντερ έχει καταδικαστεί σε θάνατο και θα εκτελεστεί σε δέκα μέρες. Δε θυμάται τι συνέβη το βράδυ πριν τριάντα χρόνια που βρέθηκαν νεκροί δύο φίλοι της από το σχολείο όμως η πόλη τη θεωρεί ένοχη. Τελικά η αδερφή της ζητάει τη βοήθεια της ιδιωτικής ντετέκτιβ Τζέσικα Σο, η οποία αναλαμβάνει την υπόθεση για να διαπιστώσει σύντομα πως η μικρή αυτή πόλη κρύβει πολλά περισσότερα μυστικά απ� ό,τι περίμενε.
Η Τζέσικα Σο ζει εδώ και έξι μήνες στο Χάντρεντ Έικερς της Καλιφόρνια και εργάζεται στο μικρό γραφείο ιδιωτικών ερευνών του Εντ Κρόζερ. Είμαστε ένα χρόνο περίπου μετά την πρώτη υπόθεση, η οποία τροφοδότησε αρκετά πρωτοσέλιδα εφημερίδων, με αποτέλεσμα η Υπηρεσία Αδειοδοτήσεων να αντιληφθεί πως η Τζέσικα εργαζόταν εκτός των ορίων δικαιοδοσίας. Ο ντετέκτιβ της Αστυνομίας του Λος Άντζελες Τζέισον Πράις που τη βοήθησε στο προηγούμενο βιβλίο τής συνέστησε να εργαστεί στον φίλο του, Εντ, ώσπου να βγει η άδειά της για την Καλιφόρνια. Σύντομα, στην πορεία των ερευνών, η ντετέκτιβ διαπιστώνει πως ξέρουν όλοι τους πάντες, πως ό,τι κι αν κάνει δεν κρύβεται και πως έμμεσα ή άμεσα πολύς κόσμος στην πόλη έχει αναμιχθεί με την υπόθεση της Ρου κι ακόμη χειρότερα δεν έχει σβήσει ο θυμός τους ούτε έχουν αλλάξει γνώμη για την ενοχή της. Αυτό είναι εντελώς αντίθετο με τη ζωή της στην αχανή Νέα Υόρκη κι αρχίζει να πνίγεται. Σε προσωπικό επίπεδο έχει ξεκινήσει μια σχέση με τον Ντίλαν Μακντόνα, ο οποίος γνωρίζει για κείνη και καταλαβαίνει γιατί υπάρχει μια απόσταση ανάμεσά τους, γιατί είναι δύσπιστη η Τζέσικα απέναντι στους ανθρώπους, γιατί δεν τον αναφέρει ως σύντροφό της.
Ταυτόχρονα, ο Τζέισον Πράις (αυτήν τη φορά η σύζυγός του, Άντζι, και η κόρη του, Ντιόν, εμφανίζονται ελάχιστα) και ο συνεργάτης του, επίσης ντετέκτιβ της Αστυνομίας του Λος Άντζελες, Βικ Μεντίνα, ξεκινάνε να εξιχνιάσουν τη δολοφονία του αστυνόμου Τσάρλι Χόλτεν που είχε αναλάβει την υπόθεση της Ρου Χάντερ τριάντα χρόνια πριν. Ο Πράις θυμώνει που η Τζέσικα δέχτηκε την υπόθεση, αφού έμμεσα αμφισβητεί τον παλιό του συνάδελφο, ο οποίος μάλιστα ένα χρόνο μετά είχε βρεθεί δολοφονημένος. Με αφορμή λοιπόν την έρευνα της Τζέσικα Σο, ο Πράις ξανανοίγει τον φάκελο του παλιού του συνεργάτη κι έτσι παρακολουθούμε τα βήματα των ερευνών του, τις πληροφορίες που μαζεύει, τις ανακρίσεις που κάνει.
Η νέα υπόθεση της Τζέσικα Σο είναι μια από τις καλύτερες ιστορίες που έχω διαβάσει γιατί μπλέκει αριστοτεχνικά δύο σχεδόν παράλληλες έρευνες μόνο και μόνο για να τις ενώσει αναπάντεχα σ� ένα σημείο τομής, μετά το οποίο κανείς και τίποτα δε θα είναι πια το ίδιο. Από τη μια η Τζέσικα Σο μπλέκει σ� ένα κουβάρι ψεμάτων και μαρτυρικών καταθέσεων, με τη συμπεριφορά της Ρου να μην τη βοηθάει καθόλου, μιας και οι αναμνήσεις της είναι τόσο έντονες από εκείνη τη νύχτα και η ίδια τόσο πεπεισμένη ότι το έκανε που πιο πολύ δυσχέρειες επιφέρει παρά βοηθάει. Μικρές λεπτομέρειες χτίζουν έναν ασφυκτικό κλοιό γεμάτο αναπάντητες ερωτήσεις, όπως: η Ρου σκότωσε τον Λούκας Τζέιμς και τη Μέγκαν Μικς, δυο συμμαθητές και στενούς της φίλους, ή κάποιος άλλος; Τι συνέβη εκείνη τη νύχτα στη Χαράδρα του Διαβόλου; Τι ρόλο έπαιξε στην όλη ιστορία η αδελφή της μελλοθάνατης, Ρόουζ; Πόσο δύσκολη είναι να μεγαλώνουν δυο κορίτσια με μια αλκοολική μητέρα που κυνηγά τις εφήμερες σχέσεις; Πόσο εύκολο είναι να μεταπείσεις την κοινή γνώμη για κάτι για το οποίο έχει ήδη δικάσει και καταδικάσει; Η Ρόουζ Χάντερ ήθελε κάποιον που να μη ζει στην πόλη ώστε να δει με αντικειμενικότητα την υπόθεση της αδελφής της κι αυτό είναι η αρχή από μια σειρά γεγονότων που θα τινάξουν στον αέρα την ήρεμη ως τότε ζωή της πόλης.
Η πλοκή είναι γεμάτη εκπλήξεις και αναπάντεχες εξελίξεις ενώ η γραφή είναι ρεαλιστική, γρήγορη, σχεδόν κινηματογραφική. Μάλιστα, βρήκα έντονα ανατριχιαστικό το αίσθημα από τις περιγραφές της διαβίωσης στις φυλακές της Πολιτείας και ειδικά στους θαλάμους των θανατοποινιτισσών. Μπόχα απολυμαντικού και απλυσιάς, ίσως και μια εσάνς φόβου, φωνές, κλάματα, σφυρίγματα και πόρτες κελιών που έκλειναν με δύναμη δημιουργούν έναν συγκεχυμένο θόρυβο. Η συγγραφέας χαρίζει αφειδώς μια πλειάδα χαρακτήρων με σχεδόν διπλούς ρόλους και μικρά μυστικά που με άφηναν με ανοιχτό στόμα όποτε έβγαιναν στην επιφάνεια, συμπληρώνοντας το καλοσχεδιασμένο παζλ της πλοκής. Κυρίως η ιδιοσυγκρασία και ο ψυχισμός της Ρου, με εναλλαγές εκφράσεων και συναισθημάτων, δείχνει γυναίκα αποφασισμένη να τιμωρηθεί που σκότωσε, τώρα όμως αποφάσισε πως κουράστηκε να βλέπει εφιάλτες από κείνη τη νύχτα και θέλει επιτέλους να συνδέσει τις αποσπασματικές εικόνες που την έχουν στοιχειώσει από τότε. Θέλει να βρεθεί ο πραγματικός ένοχος που ζει ελεύθερος και ανεμπόδιστος τριάντα ολόκληρα χρόνια, μόνο που οι αναμνήσεις της συνδέονται με κάτι που δεν περίμενε κανείς. Ακόμη χειρότερα, θα είναι η πρώτη θανατοποινίτης που θα εκτελεστεί στην πολιτεία της Καλιφόρνια μετά από εξήντα χρόνια!
Σε κάποια σημεία επιστρέφουμε στις δεκαετίας του 1970 και του 1980 για να γνωρίσουμε από κοντά την παρέα του Λούκας, της Μέγκαν και της Ρου, να δούμε τη φιλία των δύο κοριτσιών που άρχισε να κλονίζεται όταν ο Λούκας διάλεξε μία από τις δύο για να προχωρήσει μαζί της αλλά και τη ζωή του Τσάρλι Χόλτεν και τους χειρισμούς της υπόθεσης. Ο Χόλτεν έφυγε από το Λος Άντζελες για ένα νέο ξεκίνημα στη ζωή του, ίσως με γυναίκα και παιδιά, από τη νύχτα των φόνων όμως κάθε μέρα ήταν και μια γροθιά στο στομάχι του: «Τον είχε κουράσει αυτή η πόλη, αυτοί οι άνθρωποι, αυτή η δουλειά» (σελ. 199). Το Χάντρεντ Έικερς είναι μια πόλη που αρνείται να δει την αλήθεια κι αυτό το διαπιστώνει ο Χόλτεν με τον πιο σκληρό τρόπο όταν οι δικές του έρευνες αντιτίθενται σε προσωπικές φιλοδοξίες και επιδιώξεις κάποιων που δε θα διστάσουν να τον βγάλουν από τη μέση. Έτσι σχηματίζεται ένα δίπολο μεταξύ Τζέσικα Σο και Τσάρλι Χόλτεν, ανθρώπων που έχουν ανάγκη τη φυγή κι ένα σωρό υποχρεώσεις, ευθύνες αλλά και πείσμα τους αναγκάζουν να μείνουν σ� έναν τόπο που τους διώχνει με τη στάση του ώσπου να φέρουν στο φως τον ένοχο. Τα «Κενά μνήμης» είναι μια δυνατή, έξυπνη, σκληρή, ανατρεπτική και άκρως ανθρώπινη ιστορία, με γρήγορες εξελίξεις, ενδιαφέροντες χαρακτήρες και απρόσμενο μα λυτρωτικό τέλος. Η Τζέσικα Σο ήρθε για να μείνει κι ας απεχθάνεται αυτό το ρήμα!
Πρώτη δημοσίευση στο site μου:
Η Τζέσικα Σο ζει εδώ και έξι μήνες στο Χάντρεντ Έικερς της Καλιφόρνια και εργάζεται στο μικρό γραφείο ιδιωτικών ερευνών του Εντ Κρόζερ. Είμαστε ένα χρόνο περίπου μετά την πρώτη υπόθεση, η οποία τροφοδότησε αρκετά πρωτοσέλιδα εφημερίδων, με αποτέλεσμα η Υπηρεσία Αδειοδοτήσεων να αντιληφθεί πως η Τζέσικα εργαζόταν εκτός των ορίων δικαιοδοσίας. Ο ντετέκτιβ της Αστυνομίας του Λος Άντζελες Τζέισον Πράις που τη βοήθησε στο προηγούμενο βιβλίο τής συνέστησε να εργαστεί στον φίλο του, Εντ, ώσπου να βγει η άδειά της για την Καλιφόρνια. Σύντομα, στην πορεία των ερευνών, η ντετέκτιβ διαπιστώνει πως ξέρουν όλοι τους πάντες, πως ό,τι κι αν κάνει δεν κρύβεται και πως έμμεσα ή άμεσα πολύς κόσμος στην πόλη έχει αναμιχθεί με την υπόθεση της Ρου κι ακόμη χειρότερα δεν έχει σβήσει ο θυμός τους ούτε έχουν αλλάξει γνώμη για την ενοχή της. Αυτό είναι εντελώς αντίθετο με τη ζωή της στην αχανή Νέα Υόρκη κι αρχίζει να πνίγεται. Σε προσωπικό επίπεδο έχει ξεκινήσει μια σχέση με τον Ντίλαν Μακντόνα, ο οποίος γνωρίζει για κείνη και καταλαβαίνει γιατί υπάρχει μια απόσταση ανάμεσά τους, γιατί είναι δύσπιστη η Τζέσικα απέναντι στους ανθρώπους, γιατί δεν τον αναφέρει ως σύντροφό της.
Ταυτόχρονα, ο Τζέισον Πράις (αυτήν τη φορά η σύζυγός του, Άντζι, και η κόρη του, Ντιόν, εμφανίζονται ελάχιστα) και ο συνεργάτης του, επίσης ντετέκτιβ της Αστυνομίας του Λος Άντζελες, Βικ Μεντίνα, ξεκινάνε να εξιχνιάσουν τη δολοφονία του αστυνόμου Τσάρλι Χόλτεν που είχε αναλάβει την υπόθεση της Ρου Χάντερ τριάντα χρόνια πριν. Ο Πράις θυμώνει που η Τζέσικα δέχτηκε την υπόθεση, αφού έμμεσα αμφισβητεί τον παλιό του συνάδελφο, ο οποίος μάλιστα ένα χρόνο μετά είχε βρεθεί δολοφονημένος. Με αφορμή λοιπόν την έρευνα της Τζέσικα Σο, ο Πράις ξανανοίγει τον φάκελο του παλιού του συνεργάτη κι έτσι παρακολουθούμε τα βήματα των ερευνών του, τις πληροφορίες που μαζεύει, τις ανακρίσεις που κάνει.
Η νέα υπόθεση της Τζέσικα Σο είναι μια από τις καλύτερες ιστορίες που έχω διαβάσει γιατί μπλέκει αριστοτεχνικά δύο σχεδόν παράλληλες έρευνες μόνο και μόνο για να τις ενώσει αναπάντεχα σ� ένα σημείο τομής, μετά το οποίο κανείς και τίποτα δε θα είναι πια το ίδιο. Από τη μια η Τζέσικα Σο μπλέκει σ� ένα κουβάρι ψεμάτων και μαρτυρικών καταθέσεων, με τη συμπεριφορά της Ρου να μην τη βοηθάει καθόλου, μιας και οι αναμνήσεις της είναι τόσο έντονες από εκείνη τη νύχτα και η ίδια τόσο πεπεισμένη ότι το έκανε που πιο πολύ δυσχέρειες επιφέρει παρά βοηθάει. Μικρές λεπτομέρειες χτίζουν έναν ασφυκτικό κλοιό γεμάτο αναπάντητες ερωτήσεις, όπως: η Ρου σκότωσε τον Λούκας Τζέιμς και τη Μέγκαν Μικς, δυο συμμαθητές και στενούς της φίλους, ή κάποιος άλλος; Τι συνέβη εκείνη τη νύχτα στη Χαράδρα του Διαβόλου; Τι ρόλο έπαιξε στην όλη ιστορία η αδελφή της μελλοθάνατης, Ρόουζ; Πόσο δύσκολη είναι να μεγαλώνουν δυο κορίτσια με μια αλκοολική μητέρα που κυνηγά τις εφήμερες σχέσεις; Πόσο εύκολο είναι να μεταπείσεις την κοινή γνώμη για κάτι για το οποίο έχει ήδη δικάσει και καταδικάσει; Η Ρόουζ Χάντερ ήθελε κάποιον που να μη ζει στην πόλη ώστε να δει με αντικειμενικότητα την υπόθεση της αδελφής της κι αυτό είναι η αρχή από μια σειρά γεγονότων που θα τινάξουν στον αέρα την ήρεμη ως τότε ζωή της πόλης.
Η πλοκή είναι γεμάτη εκπλήξεις και αναπάντεχες εξελίξεις ενώ η γραφή είναι ρεαλιστική, γρήγορη, σχεδόν κινηματογραφική. Μάλιστα, βρήκα έντονα ανατριχιαστικό το αίσθημα από τις περιγραφές της διαβίωσης στις φυλακές της Πολιτείας και ειδικά στους θαλάμους των θανατοποινιτισσών. Μπόχα απολυμαντικού και απλυσιάς, ίσως και μια εσάνς φόβου, φωνές, κλάματα, σφυρίγματα και πόρτες κελιών που έκλειναν με δύναμη δημιουργούν έναν συγκεχυμένο θόρυβο. Η συγγραφέας χαρίζει αφειδώς μια πλειάδα χαρακτήρων με σχεδόν διπλούς ρόλους και μικρά μυστικά που με άφηναν με ανοιχτό στόμα όποτε έβγαιναν στην επιφάνεια, συμπληρώνοντας το καλοσχεδιασμένο παζλ της πλοκής. Κυρίως η ιδιοσυγκρασία και ο ψυχισμός της Ρου, με εναλλαγές εκφράσεων και συναισθημάτων, δείχνει γυναίκα αποφασισμένη να τιμωρηθεί που σκότωσε, τώρα όμως αποφάσισε πως κουράστηκε να βλέπει εφιάλτες από κείνη τη νύχτα και θέλει επιτέλους να συνδέσει τις αποσπασματικές εικόνες που την έχουν στοιχειώσει από τότε. Θέλει να βρεθεί ο πραγματικός ένοχος που ζει ελεύθερος και ανεμπόδιστος τριάντα ολόκληρα χρόνια, μόνο που οι αναμνήσεις της συνδέονται με κάτι που δεν περίμενε κανείς. Ακόμη χειρότερα, θα είναι η πρώτη θανατοποινίτης που θα εκτελεστεί στην πολιτεία της Καλιφόρνια μετά από εξήντα χρόνια!
Σε κάποια σημεία επιστρέφουμε στις δεκαετίας του 1970 και του 1980 για να γνωρίσουμε από κοντά την παρέα του Λούκας, της Μέγκαν και της Ρου, να δούμε τη φιλία των δύο κοριτσιών που άρχισε να κλονίζεται όταν ο Λούκας διάλεξε μία από τις δύο για να προχωρήσει μαζί της αλλά και τη ζωή του Τσάρλι Χόλτεν και τους χειρισμούς της υπόθεσης. Ο Χόλτεν έφυγε από το Λος Άντζελες για ένα νέο ξεκίνημα στη ζωή του, ίσως με γυναίκα και παιδιά, από τη νύχτα των φόνων όμως κάθε μέρα ήταν και μια γροθιά στο στομάχι του: «Τον είχε κουράσει αυτή η πόλη, αυτοί οι άνθρωποι, αυτή η δουλειά» (σελ. 199). Το Χάντρεντ Έικερς είναι μια πόλη που αρνείται να δει την αλήθεια κι αυτό το διαπιστώνει ο Χόλτεν με τον πιο σκληρό τρόπο όταν οι δικές του έρευνες αντιτίθενται σε προσωπικές φιλοδοξίες και επιδιώξεις κάποιων που δε θα διστάσουν να τον βγάλουν από τη μέση. Έτσι σχηματίζεται ένα δίπολο μεταξύ Τζέσικα Σο και Τσάρλι Χόλτεν, ανθρώπων που έχουν ανάγκη τη φυγή κι ένα σωρό υποχρεώσεις, ευθύνες αλλά και πείσμα τους αναγκάζουν να μείνουν σ� έναν τόπο που τους διώχνει με τη στάση του ώσπου να φέρουν στο φως τον ένοχο. Τα «Κενά μνήμης» είναι μια δυνατή, έξυπνη, σκληρή, ανατρεπτική και άκρως ανθρώπινη ιστορία, με γρήγορες εξελίξεις, ενδιαφέροντες χαρακτήρες και απρόσμενο μα λυτρωτικό τέλος. Η Τζέσικα Σο ήρθε για να μείνει κι ας απεχθάνεται αυτό το ρήμα!
Πρώτη δημοσίευση στο site μου:
February 22, 2020
Story line was interesting. The constant back and forth between characters and time lines was tedious.
Main character kept refering to characters and story line from the 1st book. I dont remember their story and this book did not provide any refreshers. It would be difficult for a first time reader to follow along.
Main character kept refering to characters and story line from the 1st book. I dont remember their story and this book did not provide any refreshers. It would be difficult for a first time reader to follow along.
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