Reading Between the Wines book review #62/130 for 2024:
Rating: 4 ½ 🍷 🍷 🍷 🍷
Book: I Remember Now
Author: Robert W Kirby
Available now!

Sipping thoughts: This was such a good book! I have not read any books by Kirby but after this one, I will be looking out for more. Who knew a murder mystery could uncover lies and a cover-up that would be so shocking. I really loved how there were twists that you do not see coming but they are not far out twists and they tie into the storyline so well. I have to admit, I was pretty upset about one part of the ending and wish that part would have been left out.

Cheers and thank you to @InkubatorBooks and @Netgalley for an advanced copy of @IRememberNow.

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Thank you Netgalley for the ARC of this book. The storyline and characters in this were fabulous! The storyline is very different from the typical thrillers I have red recently. Highly recommend

I liked this story and it had me engrossed however there were quite a few occasions when 2 storylines almost ran alongside each other and you were questioning how it was relevant to one another, until it all starts piecing together towards the end.

Would recommend to others but for this reason I found it tricky to follow on occasion.

'I Remember Now' seems like a very stereotypical novel of how the murder behind the husband is linked towards the wife. It didn't have any excitement for myself when reading the summary.

Gosh this was a good book! revenge it SWEET! it had suspense, fear, disbelief, sad ending for Shaun but great story. be sure your sins will find you out!

loved this one!!! Kirby’s skillful storytelling and knack for building tension make this novel a standout in the thriller genre. With its blend of mystery, suspense, and psychological depth, “I remember now” is sure to leave a lasting impression on readers long after they’ve turned the final page.

A shocking and sinister twist left me gobsmacked! So addictive and I love games played between the characters.

When Melinda’s husband, Gabriel, is murdered while walking their dog in some local fields, her world is smashed to pieces.

Melinda, who was also attacked and knocked out during the terrifying ordeal, tries to get her life back on track, but the grief is overwhelming.

Then, months after the incident, she has an intense flashback. The killer said something to Gabriel in the moments before stabbing him, something that seems to indicate they knew each other.

Now convinced Gabriel was targeted on purpose, Melinda becomes obsessed with discovering the truth about her husband’s death. But her daughters are concerned she’s becoming delusional and she’s seeing conspiracies where there are none.

As she digs deeper into his past, Melinda begins to realize that Gabriel had secrets, that despite all their years together, she may never have really known him.

What she doesn’t realize is that she is inching towards the biggest secret of all, a secret that people have killed for – and died for. Can Melinda uncover it before she becomes its next tragic victim?

I love when the tangled webs we weave start to become untangled. This book delivered on the emotional aspect of it, and then we see how strong Melinda is. She is in for the fight for her life. Intense thriller. I will recommend to others.

This one sounded so amazing, the beginning really hooked me but unfortunately the ending did not live up to it. I just felt underwhelmed by the end.

In the suspenseful and emotionally charged mystery thriller the author plunges us into the shattered world of Melinda, a widow grappling with the sudden and brutal murder of her husband, Gabriel. As Melinda attempts to rebuild her life in the aftermath of the tragedy, she is haunted by a terrifying realization: she never truly knew the man she called her husband.

The narrative begins with Gabriel's murder, a shocking event that leaves Melinda emotionally shattered. The author skillfully portrays the overwhelming grief and trauma Melinda experiences, capturing the depth of her pain and disorientation. The attack leaves Melinda not only bereaved but also physically scarred, adding layers to the complexity of her emotional journey.

Months later, a crucial revelation during a vivid flashback sparks Melinda's determination to unravel the mystery surrounding Gabriel's death. The killer's words imply a personal connection with her husband, leading Melinda on a relentless quest for the truth. However, her pursuit raises concerns among her daughters, who fear she may be succumbing to delusions and paranoia.

The novel expertly navigates the fine line between Melinda's pursuit of justice and her daughters' concerns, creating tension and uncertainty. As Melinda delves deeper into Gabriel's past, she discovers hidden secrets that shatter the illusion of the life they shared. The author masterfully builds suspense, keeping us on edge as Melinda inches closer to a revelation that has motivated both murder and sacrifice.

The exploration of Melinda's evolving understanding of her husband adds depth to the psychological aspects of the story. The tension intensifies as she confronts the possibility that Gabriel harbored secrets that could have deadly consequences for those left behind.

This is a gripping psychological thriller that delves into the complexities of grief, deception, and the quest for truth. The book challenges perceptions and keeps us guessing until the final revelation. The novel is a poignant exploration of the fragility of relationships and the hidden depths within those we think we know. If you enjoy mystery thrillers that blend emotional depth with suspense, this book is a must-read.

Heart pounding thriller that left me on the edge of my seat. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this one. Definitely one of the best books this year.

This story is connected by two seemingly unrelated incidents, one in the present day were Melinda's husband is attacked and killed, a horrific event where she herself was also attacked. The other is flashback from an incident in the past where a group of young people witness the aftermath of an accident.
It did not look as though the two stories were linked in any way but as the story unfolds Melinda remembers something which connects the dots

I received an ARC copy of I Remember Now by Robert W Kirby.

This book had me hooked from the very beginning! When Melinda's husband Gabriel is out walking their dog, he is murdered, and Melinda trying her hardest to figure out what has happened. When she has a flashback, she knows where she has to start digging to get to the truth, which leads her further and further down a rabbit hole that reveal shocking things about the past.. what will she sacrifice to find out? will she get hurt along the way? did she really know her husband at all? the author does an excellent job telling the story from both past an present timelines that will eventually merge into the horrible truth. I really enjoyed reading this book .. and loved the dog's name.. NUTMEG! how cute!

Do you ever read a book and you're like why is nobody going to the DAMN POLICE ?!?!?!
Why are these characters investigating and doing all these weird "brave" shit?!?! Hahahaha I felt this with this book like wtf is everyone thinking?!?! What the heck is going on?!?!
And trust me there's a loooooot going on. It starts great and I even thought 'I'll love this one' and it kept me engage for a good 25% of the book until everyone decided to be an investigator. I just hate that.

Now, the book doesn't have the best writing, at least personally I didn't love it. I felt the book was too long, the characters weren't likable and the plot was too messy. I really feel it had it all to be amazing but it just wasn't. For me. There were points I didn't even want to pick it up to keep reading it.

I do recommend you all to try it and have your own opinion.

Thank you netgalley, publisher and author for the arc in exchange for an honest review.

‘Life would never be the same again. She’d just seen two people die… Die in the most hideous fashion. The pools of blood, dark like blackberry jam’. What a way to start a book!

The novel jumps between Melinda’s point of view as she tries to cope with the loss of her husband, & Shaun’s point of view as he tries to deal with the lows in his life.

The author throws the reader into a scene of chaos from the first chapter. After a spousal spar, Melinda goes to the local park to drop off Gabriel’s bag. What she encounters at the park will change her life forever.

Melinda witnesses the brutal murder of her husband Gabriel. Despite her heartache and grieving, she is convinced that something isn’t right.

Melinda tries to put together the pieces that led to her husband’s demise, while Shaun realises he has to face the truth from many years ago. As the story unfolds, Melinda and Shaun’s life and truths will come crashing together and will set the story ablaze.

All it took was the title...

I Remember Now

Where are you going with this Robert W. Kirby?

I was intrigued and needed to know more, the cover was strangely adorable and I knew this would be the book to send chills up my spine...

What a naive little girl I was...

This book is straight up terrifying. When something can feel so real you feel it in your gut, you know this is an author to be reckoned with.

Well hot damn this book delivers over!! After I concluded I was left in awe and would continue to think about what I had read, long into the night. My head was spinning, gahh, that was twisted.

Check out this teaser :

Melinda never really knew her husband. Until he died.

When Melinda’s husband, Gabriel, is murdered while walking their dog in some local fields, her world is smashed to pieces.

Melinda, who was also attacked and knocked out during the terrifying ordeal, tries to get her life back on track, but the grief is overwhelming.

Then, months after the incident, she has an intense flashback. The killer said something to Gabriel in the moments before stabbing him, something that seems to indicate they knew each other.

Now convinced Gabriel was targeted on purpose, Melinda becomes obsessed with discovering the truth about her husband’s death. But her daughters are concerned she’s becoming delusional and she’s seeing conspiracies where there are none.

As she digs deeper into his past, Melinda begins to realise that Gabriel had secrets, that despite all their years together, she may never have really known him.

What she doesn’t realise is that she is inching towards the biggest secret of all, a secret that people have killed for – and died for. Can Melinda uncover it before she becomes its next tragic victim?

Thank you NetGalley for giving me the chance to read this book ahead of time in exchange for a review. It didn't disappoint! Must read!!

Amazing! Thank you for letting me read it, The blurb absolutely hooked me in. I could not put this book down. I loved how the author kept me guessing. Melinda’s daughters grow concerned about her as she becomes increasingly consumed by her quest for the truth and the tension escalates .The characters are well written, even if some of the events and reveals were a tad too dramatic to be realistic. It's a fiction though and we can ignore these things for the sake of a good book.

Browsing through titles on NetGalley, this book’s blurb caught my eye. This book was even better than the blurb. I raced through the pages of this psychological thriller and could not put this book down. This is a “new-to-me” author whose book I enjoyed from start to end. “I Remember Now” is a riveting and emotionally charged book that immerses you in a gripping story about grief, secrets and a quest for the truth in the wake of a shocking murder. The author weaves a tale that keeps you on the edge of your seat, leaving you eager for more.
The story begins with a brutal murder, leaving Melinda shattered by the loss of her husband, Gabriel. As the tale unfolds, the author explores the profound impact of Gabriel’s murder on Melinda. Her grief is vivid and you are immediately drawn into the depths of her pain and loss. The author beautifully portrays the complex emotions and trauma that accompany such a tragic event.
The story takes an unexpected turn when Milinda experiences an intense flashback months after the incident. This pivotal moment sets the stage for the heart of the story as she becomes convinced that Gabriel’s murder was not a random mugging; it was a targeted attack. The author effectively conveys Melinda’s growing obsession with uncovering the truth, making her a relatable and engaging protagonist. As she delves deeper into her husband’s past you are gradually introduced to the secrets Gabrial had kept hidden, leading to a sense of profound mystery and suspense.
I loved how the author kept me guessing. Melinda’s daughters grow concerned about her as she becomes increasingly consumed by her quest for the truth and the tension escalates. Kirby plays with the notion of whether Melinda is chasing delusions or legitimate conspiracies which creates an intricate psychological landscape that adds depth to this story.
The slow reveal of Gabriel's secrets adds layers of intrigue, turning this book into a compelling exploration of identity, trust and the complex nature of human relationships. The suspense builds as Melinda inches closer to a revelation that people have been willing to kill and die for. You are kept wondering if Melinda will discover the truth, or if she will become the next victim.
This book is an enthralling thriller that combines the emotional depth of grief with a suspenseful mystery. This book is full of relatable characters and maintains a high level of tension throughout. As the layers of secrets are peeled back, you will be captivated by an intricate web of lies and the intense psychological journey of the protagonist.
Just in case you are not sure – I loved this book and I cannot wait to read more of this author’s work.
“I Remember Now” is due for release in November, this is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a blend of psychological suspense and emotional depth in their thrillers.

A haunting event from their adolescence casts shadows on the lives of a group of friends, but who truly knows what transpired that fateful day? Witnessing a car crash during their youth, these teenagers find themselves making choices that reverberate far into their adult lives. Later, a woman is devastated by the loss of her husband in what's labeled as a "mugging gone wrong." Determined to unearth the truth, she grapples with haunting memories of her husband's death, leading her to doubt the official police narrative.

The narrative is densely packed with characters, each holding fragments of the past. While I found myself occasionally questioning the realism of certain events and found the portrayal of the police somewhat detached, the story still kept me engaged. Some moments felt rather conveniently orchestrated, yet the tale as a whole was undeniably engrossing. A heartfelt thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for providing an advance copy in exchange for my candid feedback.