Member Reviews

This was a good read. The story slowly builds up, with a lot of suspense, as Quinn and the detective try to outsmart a dangerous murderer. The mix of Quinn’s unusual memory problem and the police investigation makes the book interesting.

Was this review helpful?

Echoes of Memory was the first book that I had the pleasure of reading by author, Sara Driscoll. It can best be described as a stand-alone gripping mystery thriller. I listened to the audiobook that was very well narrated by Cynthia Farrell. She really brought this well plotted, fast paced book alive. It was so easy to visual the scenes and the characters as she expertly narrated Echoes of Memory. It took place in San Diego, California in the Gaslamp District.

Quinn Fleming had been a victim of a vicious attack that had left her with a post-traumatic brain injury. The brain injury interfered with Quinn’s ability to remember details and pertinent information. To compensate for this loss, Quinn had started using a journal to record anything that had occurred during the course of her day and simple directions, routines, appointments and placement of things she needed on daily basis. Since Quinn relied heavily on her journal, she always kept it close by to her.

After Quinn recovered enough physically and emotionally, she returned to her job as an assistant in a flower shop. Since her injury, it took Quinn a little longer to complete the tasks that she was expected to complete. There were some nights that she stayed a little later to finish her tasks. On one of those evenings, Quinn had just finished everything she had to complete for the following day, when she decided to take the trash out rather than leave it for boss. The container for the trash was located in the alley behind the flower shop. As Quinn tossed the trash in the receptacle she sensed that she was not alone. She saw a shadow of a man hovering on the opposite side of the ally. He appeared to be hiding. Suddenly, more shadows appeared and the man disappeared. What had she witnessed? Had the man who had been hiding in the alley been the victim of foul play? Quinn knew that she had to write down everything that she had witnessed before those memories were gone forever. After Quinn recorded everything that she witnessed, she called the police. To Quinn’s frustration, the police officers didn’t believe Quinn’s account of what she had witnessed. There was no body, no trace of a fight and Quinn could not recount the events that just occurred without reading it from her journal. When the report passed Detective Nura Reyes desk, though, the detective remembered Quinn’s harrowing attack and the post- traumatic brain injury she suffered as a result. To Quinn’s frustration, she was unable to convince the police officers to what she had witnessed but was rewarded with Detective Reyes’s complete belief in the things Quinn had seen. Memories of that night started to come back to Quinn through dreams she had. Quinn was a gifted artist. She was able to sketch what she remembered from her dreams. Would Detective Reyes and Quinn be able to piece together the fragments of Quinn’s memories to solve the murder mystery? Would Quinn’s involvement put her in danger? Will Detective Reyes be able to keep her safe?

Sara Driscoll created believable characters who were interesting, flawed and quite compelling. There were lots of twists and turns that kept me guessing until the very end. The ending was very satisfying and tied up all the loose ends. Quinn’s challenges were many but she almost never felt sorry for herself for long. She accepted what had happened to her and was making baby steps in her recovery. Mental illness played a major role in this riveting book. I really admired Quinn’s character and how she handled her recovery, made the connections and friendships she did and used her talents to help solve the mystery. Echoes of Memory was well written and very much worth reading. I highly recommend it.

Thank you to RB Media/Recorded Books for allowing me to listen to the audiobook of Echoes of Memory by Sara Driscoll through Netgalley in exchange for an unbiased review.

Was this review helpful?

Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for the ARC!

I really enjoyed the concept of this book, however I have to admit amnesia plots can get confusing. This was fast paced and bingeable, however I struggled to connect with the main character. I would also recommend checking trigger warnings on this book if you have any, because I was personally blind sided by certain subjects that eluded to my own triggers even if they were not actively described in depth.

Was this review helpful?

Echoes of Memory by Sara Driscoll is a gripping psychological thriller that combines suspense, mystery, and a unique exploration of memory loss. Quinn Fleming, recovering from a traumatic attack that erased her ability to form new memories, finds herself at the center of a murder investigation after witnessing a crime she can’t remember. With only her notebook to rely on, Quinn must piece together the fragments of her forgotten past to uncover the truth. Driscoll skillfully builds tension, keeping readers on edge as Quinn battles both external dangers and her own mind. A fast-paced, suspenseful read for fans of psychological thrillers.

Was this review helpful?

A riveting thriller that will keep the reader on edge. The story blends suspense with emotional depth, creating a captivating tale. The plot is well crafted and engaging as the reader learns more about Quinn’s amnesia and what happened to her previously.
Many thanks to Kensington and to Netgalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

Was this review helpful?

After being brutally attacked, Quinn has lost her short term memory capabilities. Though she struggles, she finds ways to cope When she witnesses a murder outside her workplace, she quickly writes down everything she saw before the memories fade. The first officers at the scene are skeptical when she can’t recall the events without her notebook. Only Detective Nura Reyes, who is familiar with Quinn’s earlier attack, is willing to believe her.

This is a captivating thriller that has it all. An intriguing mystery, a vulnerable main character and a strong secondary cast. Though the mystery is central to the book, this is definitely a character drive story. Quinn's journey wasn't easy. At the beginning, she is unsure and still figuring out how to adapt to her life after the attack. She is embarrassed by what she sees as shortcomings and can't give her self credit for the changes she has made for her to move forward. By the end, through her own determination and the encouragement of those around her she finds her strength.

Sara Driscoll is a masterful storyteller, creating a thriller full of interesting twists and turns. Her ability to develop real, believable characters is exceptional. Their emotions are real and the suspense and intensity make this real page turner

Was this review helpful?

ECHOES OF MEMORY by Sara Driscoll is a fascinating suspense/crime thriller police procedural featuring a protagonist with a severe Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) who witnesses a murder, or did she? This standalone slow burn thriller has a sense of foreboding throughout that kept me turning the pages.

Quinn Fleming is a florist in San Diego who survived a horrific mugging. She is back to work, but her TBI has her finding ways to compensate for her inability to retain new memories. She relies on recording everything she must remember in a notebook she always carries with her. After work, as she is emptying the shop’s trash in the back alley, she witnesses a murder as she hides in the shadows.

Detective Nura Reyes knows about Quinn’s attack and challenges and believes her tale of witnessing a murder even though there is no proof. Bits and pieces of that night return in flashbacks, dreams, and Quinn’s art, so when she goes to find proof that what she saw was real, someone else realizes she is a threat. Det. Reyes is now in a race to uncover the truth with Quinn’s life on the line.

This is such an interesting plot twist with a protagonist that does not remember anything past approximately an hour unless it is reinforced by repetition or a traumatic incident. Her coping skills were amazing and yet she was embarrassed when anyone found out about them. The explanations of her TBI complications are well integrated throughout the story between Quinn’s actions and thoughts and her TBI therapy group instructor, Will. The plot does start out a little slow, but there is always a shadow of foreboding and as more clues come together, the plot pace increases exponentially. This is an all-around gripping story.

I highly recommend this intense crime thriller/police procedural.

Was this review helpful?

Echoes of Memory by Sara Driscoll – 4 stars

Echoes of Memory delivers a captivating mystery centered around Quinn Fleming, a San Diego florist with post-traumatic amnesia. After surviving a brutal attack, Quinn relies on her notebook to capture fleeting memories before they fade. When she witnesses a murder and records the details, she’s thrown into a tense investigation—despite no one believing her due to the lack of evidence and her memory loss.

Quinn’s struggle with amnesia adds an intense layer to the mystery. The concept of her forgetting everything within hours creates a constant urgency, and her resourcefulness makes her a strong protagonist. While the medical explanations sometimes slowed the pace, they added depth to her character. The partnership with Detective Reyes and the vivid San Diego setting added to the intrigue.

Overall, a gripping and emotional read that kept me engaged, despite a few slower moments. Driscoll’s unique premise and well-developed mystery make this a standout thriller.

Was this review helpful?

Quinn has dealt with a traumatic brain injury since she was attacked outside a nightclub. She had a full recovery... other than losing virtually all her short term memory.

Now, if she doesn’t write something down…poof! It’s gone!

So when Quinn witnesses a murder behind the flower shop where she works, she immediately jots everything down. Detective Reyes, familiar with Quinn’s background, understands Quinn and knows how to work with her to help find the killer.

Are Quinn’s notes enough for the police to go on? Will Quinn recognize the man responsible? And what happens if the killer recognizes her first?

Was this review helpful?

After being the victim of a violent attack, Quinn Fleming is unable to remember anything that happens for more than a brief time. She maintains a journal that she carries with her at all times to remind her of the days of her life and has post-it notes throughout her apartment to tell her where things are. While taking out the trash in the alley behind her workplace, she witnesses a brutal attack and murder - the only problem is without her notebook she is unable to remember exactly what she saw. Over time she begins to use her art skills to recreate memories as they come to her and she begins to look into the case on her own - all putting herself in serious danger. The most disturbing part of this was what it would be like to not be able to remember your own day as it was happening and having the slate reset each morning.

Was this review helpful?

What a gripping story. Read in one sitting.

We follow Quinn who after being assaulted loses her ability to have new memories. So to remember things she uses a notebook in hopes to get through each day and have memories. When she comes about and witnesses a murder, the notebook soon becomes a way that will put her in danger.

This was an excellent read and it is definitely action packed. Keeps you interested and i plan to read more by the author in the future.

Thanks NetGalley for letting me read and review.

Was this review helpful?

After surviving an assault, Quinn has lost her ability to retain new memories. All she has is her notebook where she writes everything down to help get through each day. When she witnesses a murder, her handwritten notes put her in danger.

This was an excellent thriller/mystery! It starts off with Quinn already dealing with amnesia, and takes off into an action-packed story. Perfect pacing that kept me interested until the end. This is my first book by the author, but I plan to read others.

Thanks so much for the opportunity to read!

Was this review helpful?

Echoes of Memory by Sara Driscoll

This one took me back to patients I cared for when once a nurse working in neurosurgical intensive care and later in a skilled nursing facility for mentally alert neurologically impaired patients…loved reading about someone with the strength to pursue a better life than some in my care managed to have.

What I liked:
* Quinn Flemming: survivor, dealing with TBI and residual amnesia, witness to a murder, brilliant coping skills, mad art skills, florist, driven, intriguing character that I really liked
* Detective Nura Reyes: dedicated, capable, intelligent, protective, methodical, team player, believed in and was there for Quinn, someone I would like on my side
* Will Dawsey: medical professional, certified brain injury specialist, runs support groups for TBI survivors, supportive, kind, intelligent, sharing, possible love interest for Quinn
* Some of the supporting characters: Detective Felip Cerveló, Jacinta, and Vivian
* The police procedural aspects of the story
* Quinn’s artistic abilities and how they played into providing clues
* That I was drawn in, felt part of the story, and cared about the outcome
* The plot, pacing, setting, and writing
* The new information I learned about traumatic brain injuries and thinking about what goes into living with them
* That all the threads were tied up by the end of the story
* Wondering what will happen in the future

What I didn’t like:
* Who and what I was meant not to like
* The evil some are willing to do and the impact it has on others

Did I like this book? Yes
Would I read more by this author? Definitely

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the ARC – This is my honest review.

5 Stars

Was this review helpful?

At first I didn’t think I would like this book, but it drew me in. I found the whole not remembering this to be annoying. It starts slow, despite the murder, it’s focused on what happened to Quinn & her disability. In the beginning Quinn is helpless & weak. But she progresses to a strong woman. It’s nice to see. I’d give this a 3 1/2 stars if I could., not sure it’s up to a 4. #EchoesofMemory #NetGalley

Was this review helpful?

This review is coming from someone who suffers from PTSD as well. Knowing what I do and having experience with PTSD myself some of the things in this book hit close to home. I can understand the forgetfulness because when something traumatic happens all you want to do is block it out.

However, I don't know what it was about this story but at times it was hard to get through. I don't know if it felt slow or something else. I LOVE all of Sara's other books but this one just felt different. It is still a great read and I do recommend it.

Was this review helpful?

After she has been attacked, Quinn Fleming, recovers bodily but she is not able to remember recent events, even something that happens an hour ago … She witnesses a murder, and that is when memory would be good thing, especially as there is no body.
Each new chapter, each time she reviews her notes, I felt the frustration, and as fragments of her memory come back, I cheered, but was scared for her.
Excellent read!

Was this review helpful?

Quinn works at a flower. While dumping trash in the alley she witnessed a murder. With her recent attack Quinn suffers from memory problems so she took notes of the scene. When the police arrived with no body and no crime scene they discredited her immediately. Then Detective Reyes is handed the case and she decides to look into Quinn’s past. With some coaxing Detective Reyes was able to read Quinn’s notes which she found to be beneficial.

Quinn has been struggling with her lapse in her ability to retain memories. It’s caused her to doubt herself. She joined a support group where the team leader has provided some helpful tools.

Echoes of Memory is about a woman who suffers from memory loss after being attacked. On a daily basis she claws her way back to those memories. Her daily routine is to study her notes from the day before. She also sketches pictures from dreams she’s had to help her with those memories.

Let’s talk about the show stopping cover design. It sold me. When I saw this cover I knew I had to invest more time reading the synopsis. The synopsis was solid. But the author name Sara Driscoll wasn’t one I’m familiar with, yet sometimes I take necessary risks to invest my time in new authors. While I found the concept fascinating I wasn’t completely satisfied with the slow progression of the storytelling process. However, Choosing to use a character with memory issues was satisfying. Even more satisfying was the character’s ability to sketch memories from dreams.

Was this review helpful?

I've read many of Sara Driscoll's FBI K-9 series so was not surprised at the well written suspense in ECHOES OF MEMORY, a stand alone thriller. The plot line was an unusual spin on a victim of violent crime losing their memory. In Echoes, Quinn Fleming has short term amnesia. She's unable to retain memories of current events, recording everything that happens to her in a notebook so she'll have a frame of reference when she needs recall. This causes anxiety in every one of her interactions with customers at her florist shop. It also is a very good baseline story when Quinn witnesses a murder.....or did she?

Driscoll has done an excellent job of letting readers inside Quinn's world as she struggles to regain a "normal" life complete with memories. The tension builds with each chapter as Quinn faces disbelief from crime investigators and worries about the return of a killer to prevent her memory from returning. Driscoll's series work is a favorite of mine. Here's hoping we'll see a Quinn Fleming series in our future.

Was this review helpful?

I got total Memento vibes from this book and I loved it! The idea of an amnesiac witnessing a murder and trying to help the cops solve it is such a cool idea. I can only imagination the frustration that goes along with that. I found the book to be clever and exciting and really enjoyed it.

Was this review helpful?

Echoes of Memory has an unusual plot. The main character, Quinn, was attacked, and after that is unable to retain new information and starts every day as if it were a totally new life. She works hard to find a "new" normal but everything becomes even harder when she witnesses a murder. She will then embark in a mission of discovering what did she really see, who she saw, and help the police to bring the culprits to justice. The story is well-written, engaging and thrilling and kept me pinning for Quinn to solve the mystery.
I thank Ms. Driscoll, her publisher and NetGalley for this ARC.

Was this review helpful?