Monday 6 May 2013

Book ~ "Deadly Memories" (2013) S.D. O'Donnell

From Goodreads ~ Who is the beautiful Jayne Doe? And why does someone want to kill her? 

Ex-detective Saul Becker learned the hard way not to get involved in the troubles of beautiful women. But what else can he do when a barefoot, catatonic Jayne Doe turns up practically in his backyard? Who is she and what is she so afraid of? 

Jayne Doe doesn't remember anything about her life before she crawled into a hollow tree at the lake next to Saul's home. All she knows is that she's afraid of something - or someone. Together, Saul and Jayne set out to uncover her past. But they are in more danger than they know and it will take all of Saul's skill and training to track down the past that's stalking them.

When Saul inherited some property, he quit the police force to focus on being a landlord.  A catatonic woman is found in a tree next to Saul's property.  No one knows anything about her so she is called "Jane Doe".  She only speaks once ... to tell Saul at the police station that she's not a "plain Jane" so he jokingly adds a "Y" to her name, hence she becomes Jayne Doe.

Saul visits her every day, hoping to get a response ... and he eventually does.  She's comes out of her catatonic state but had amnesia.  Saul's elderly neighbour takes Jayne to live with her and Jayne and Saul become close.

As Jayne starts to remember things, Saul's past starts catching up with him which puts him, Jayne and his tenants in danger.

This is the first book I've read by this author and I enjoyed it.  I liked the writing style ... I found that it flowed well and kept me wanting to read more.  I found the story interesting and believable.

I liked the characters.  I could feel the connection between Saul and Jayne.  He had an alcoholic mother and finds it hard to trust anyone.  Jayne, despite having amnesia, goes with her attraction to Saul.  Mrs. Blackstone, Saul's elderly neighbour, is a great support to them both.  Unlike a lot of books, the cops, who are Saul's former co-workers, are likeable, helpful and include Saul in their investigations.

As a head's up, the language is mature at times.

I would recommend this book and look forward to reading more by this author!

1 comment:

Masshole Mommy said...

I think this would be a great beach read for me this summer.