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3.56 AVERAGE
3.56 AVERAGE
Disclaimer: I got this book from a Goodreads giveaway and I don’t normally read this genre.
Summary of review: interesting premise; poor execution.
Exposition felt rushed. Hard to get into but picked up about halfway through the book. Use of scientific vernacular is overdone and places a barrier between the work and the average reader. The conflict isn’t pressing enough to warrant continued engagement. About halfway through it starts to get interesting because more subconflicts get added. If you can make it through the laboring first half of the book, you are rewarded…until the end. The book wraps up far too quickly and far too easily. The last ten pages feel like this: ☝️
Summary of review: interesting premise; poor execution.
Exposition felt rushed. Hard to get into but picked up about halfway through the book. Use of scientific vernacular is overdone and places a barrier between the work and the average reader. The conflict isn’t pressing enough to warrant continued engagement. About halfway through it starts to get interesting because more subconflicts get added. If you can make it through the laboring first half of the book, you are rewarded…until the end. The book wraps up far too quickly and far too easily. The last ten pages feel like this: ☝️
I enjoyed this book overall. The story was interesting and fast-paced, and I appreciated the insight into traumatic brain injuries. The author did a fantastic job explaining Quinn’s condition and illustrating the challenges she faced after her attack. The end wasn't anything to rave about, but I like that it was well explained.
On the downside, some explanations and descriptions felt a bit long-winded. Since I was listening to the audiobook, I occasionally found myself drifting off when the narrative became overly detailed and slightly boring. While thorough descriptions are helpful for understanding, I don’t need to know every single thing the character sees on the street if it doesn’t significantly add to the story. Also, some of the dialogue seemed too formal or detached for characters who were familiar with each other and experiencing stressful and traumatic situations.
The narration was just okay for me. Even though the detective was described as having a husky voice, I often forgot she was female because her parts were read very similarly to the male voices. At times, I wasn’t sure if it was her or Will speaking if I happened to drift off. Additionally, some of the reading felt a bit robotic and overly formal during dialogue.
On the downside, some explanations and descriptions felt a bit long-winded. Since I was listening to the audiobook, I occasionally found myself drifting off when the narrative became overly detailed and slightly boring. While thorough descriptions are helpful for understanding, I don’t need to know every single thing the character sees on the street if it doesn’t significantly add to the story. Also, some of the dialogue seemed too formal or detached for characters who were familiar with each other and experiencing stressful and traumatic situations.
The narration was just okay for me. Even though the detective was described as having a husky voice, I often forgot she was female because her parts were read very similarly to the male voices. At times, I wasn’t sure if it was her or Will speaking if I happened to drift off. Additionally, some of the reading felt a bit robotic and overly formal during dialogue.
Last 100 pages was thrilling. The first 200 pages were quite repetitive for me, and I didn’t enjoy that aspect. The ending was satisfying though.
I recently had the chance to read an advanced copy of "Echoes of Memories" by Sara Driscoll, marking my first encounter with this author. The story follows Quinn Fleming, who is grappling with a traumatic brain injury and becomes entangled in a mystery involving a suspected murder—though no body or crime scene is found when she reports it.
I particularly appreciated the detective character assigned to the case and how Driscoll explored Quinn's life both before and after the injury. While the book earned 3.5 stars from me, I felt that the pacing in the middle could have been tighter. The narrative seemed to drag a bit, and a more concise approach might have intensified the suspense and driven the story forward more effectively.
I particularly appreciated the detective character assigned to the case and how Driscoll explored Quinn's life both before and after the injury. While the book earned 3.5 stars from me, I felt that the pacing in the middle could have been tighter. The narrative seemed to drag a bit, and a more concise approach might have intensified the suspense and driven the story forward more effectively.
Get ready for an intense and emotional ride with "Echoes of Memory"! From the very first page, this gripping thriller had me hooked. But fair warning, it contains some sensitive topics, so brace yourself.
I have a thing for books that explore mental illness and the complexities of the human mind. In "Echoes of Memory," Quinn is battling a traumatic brain injury following a vicious attack. Her struggle to retain short-term memories leads her to rely on journaling and sketching to hold onto the important moments. To make matters worse, she becomes a witness to a murder and finds herself teaming up with Detective Reyes, the only person in law enforcement who believes her tale.
After reading countless thrillers, it's rare to come across a fresh, intriguing plot filled with compelling characters like this one. I can't imagine being in Quinn's shoes, much less with no family to lean on. The author's writing is captivating, and I'm already itching to dive into more of her books, especially if she has other standalone novels up her sleeve.
Sincere thanks to RB Media for providing this audiobook through NetGalley. All opinions are my own and left voluntarily.
I have a thing for books that explore mental illness and the complexities of the human mind. In "Echoes of Memory," Quinn is battling a traumatic brain injury following a vicious attack. Her struggle to retain short-term memories leads her to rely on journaling and sketching to hold onto the important moments. To make matters worse, she becomes a witness to a murder and finds herself teaming up with Detective Reyes, the only person in law enforcement who believes her tale.
After reading countless thrillers, it's rare to come across a fresh, intriguing plot filled with compelling characters like this one. I can't imagine being in Quinn's shoes, much less with no family to lean on. The author's writing is captivating, and I'm already itching to dive into more of her books, especially if she has other standalone novels up her sleeve.
Sincere thanks to RB Media for providing this audiobook through NetGalley. All opinions are my own and left voluntarily.
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
This book follows Quinn’s journey in trying to remember her own attack and one she witnessed. It goes through some of her tactics for remembering. It was interesting reading some of the things she implemented to help her get through her day to day and help solve the cases. The concept of her sketching the perpetrator and clues was a nice touch. The ending was a twist I did not see coming!
This is my second Driscoll book. She is becoming one of my new favorite authors I enjoy her choice in writing this in third person view. It helped build the story line nicely in my opinion.
Thank you NetGalley, Sara Driscoll & Kessington books for the opportunity to read this early. Publishing date 7/23/2024.
This is my second Driscoll book. She is becoming one of my new favorite authors I enjoy her choice in writing this in third person view. It helped build the story line nicely in my opinion.
Thank you NetGalley, Sara Driscoll & Kessington books for the opportunity to read this early. Publishing date 7/23/2024.
After surviving a terrible attack, Quinn Fleming has lost her ability to retain new memories. She has to rely on a notebook she carries with her at all times. So when she witnesses a murder in the shadowy alley behind the florist shop, Quinn immediately writes down every terrifying detail of the incident before her amnesia wipes it away. By the time the police arrive, there’s no body, no crime scene, and no clues. But somebody else has realized Quinn is a threat that needs to be eliminated. Now, with her life on the line and only her notes to guide her, Quinn sets out to find a killer she doesn’t remember, but can’t forget . . .
I was expecting this to be a popcorn thriller, but it turned out to be more of a crime fiction. I wasn’t disappointed, though. In fact, I found this to be truly riveting. I loved seeing the various tricks Quinn employed to remind herself of important details that she knew she wouldn’t remember the next day.
The plot was gripping, and I didn’t guess the whoddunit right till the reveal. Quinn’s self explorations, including the way she had to discover herself again every day was so interesting to follow. This book would make a great movie, if adapted well. The audiobook narration was great, with on-point pacing and tone. I’d recommend this to all crime fiction fans!
(Thanks to NetGalley and Recorded Books for a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review)
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I honestly can't remember how I came across Echoes of Memory by Sara Driscoll, but it was probably Bookstagram, and I am happy. I've never read anything by this author under this pen name or her real name (Jen J. Danna), but now I will definitely not be forgetting about either of her names! This was unlike anything I have previously read, and I fell in love with Quinn and the complexities of her life now that her retention of new memories is impaired. She keeps a notebook which in a way reminded me of the movie 50 First Dates, except this is a mystery where that is a rom-com.
I listened to the audiobook while following along in the physical book, and I absolutely loved the narrator, Cynthia Farrell. I thought she did a really exceptional job bringing Quinn to life, and everything about her narration was on point. Not only did I love Quinn, but I also loved many of the other characters such as the detective handling the murder case she witnesses, and her support group leader Will. There is mystery, suspense, and a touch of romance all wrapped up in this unique storyline, and if you are looking for something fresh while still pacey and bingeable I would highly recommend Echoes of Memory!
I listened to the audiobook while following along in the physical book, and I absolutely loved the narrator, Cynthia Farrell. I thought she did a really exceptional job bringing Quinn to life, and everything about her narration was on point. Not only did I love Quinn, but I also loved many of the other characters such as the detective handling the murder case she witnesses, and her support group leader Will. There is mystery, suspense, and a touch of romance all wrapped up in this unique storyline, and if you are looking for something fresh while still pacey and bingeable I would highly recommend Echoes of Memory!
dark
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
I received this book as a giveaway winner with Goodreads. This was the first book I read by Sara Driscoll and it will not be my last. This standalone truly captivated me with every twist and turn. Imagine having a brutal accident happen in your life causing a TBI and then witnessing a murder and YOU are how this murder will be solved. Phew! I enjoyed this book so much and plan to recommend it to others!!