the setup…
Homicide Detective Vincent Ruiz suddenly gains consciousness, finding himself in the Thames, at night with a bullet in his leg, hanging onto a buoy. He has no memory of how he got there or what happened to him. He’s rescued, taken to the hospital and grilled by colleagues who don’t believe his amnesia. Ruiz reaches out to Joe O’Loughlin, renowned psychologist and friend who does believe him and works with him to remember what happened and why he had a photograph of Mickey Carlyle in his pocket. Three years ago he investigated the then 7-year old girl’s disappearance, now presumed dead and her supposed murderer convicted.
the heart of the story…
Vincent is the sole voice for this story, highly unusual though Joe has a major presence but still in the backseat. Together they work to piece together how Ruiz ended up in the Thames. I enjoyed Joe’s subtle methods in getting him to remember bits and pieces by scenes, drawing on the likelihood of normal behaviors in specific circumstances. But it was also frustrating a bit to be working backwards to get there as it was difficult to keep things coherent in my mind.
the narration…
Ray Lonnen was outstanding as Vincent Ruiz, sounding exactly as I’d imagined in my own head. His storytelling was wonderful as it felt like the way Ruiz would tell it.
the bottom line…
I liked the story, just didn’t love it as it was difficult to keep pace. With that said, it was still a crafty piece of writing to thread this together so skillfully. I had a hunch and was sort of on the right track but not quite there. Not only did I learn a lot about the enigmatic detective but have a new respect for Joe O’Loughlin who I wasn’t that enamored with in the first story. I’m even more intrigued to continue the series.
Book Info
- Release Date: February 2, 2006
- Series: Joseph O’Loughlin #2
- Narrator: Ray Lonnen
- Audio Length: 12 hours, 26 minutes
- Publisher: Recorded Books
Blue Mood Café 
Thanks for sharing. It sounds like a series I would enjoy.
Anne – Books of My Heart
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Thanks, Anne💜 Definitely one to consider.
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Fab review Jo, glad you want to carry on with the series!
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Thank you, Nicki💜 Definitely a case of me not him. My brain couldn’t handle his clever approach.
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Wonderful review Jonetta! I’m glad you enjoyed it enough to want to carry on with the series.
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Thank you, Jodie💜 It certainly wasn’t his writing. My linear brain just couldn’t handle the format.
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A fine review and I am happy you want to carry on with the series, Jo.
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Thank you, Marialyce💜 Most definitely.
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I’ve read a couple of books in this series and they’re really good, great review, glad you liked it although you didn’t love it.
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Thank you, Ani💜 It’s such a compelling series.
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Fab review! The plot going backward does sound a bit tricky… I’m glad you still enjoyed it enough to want to continue the series. xx
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Thanks, Yvo💜 My brain went haywire with that structure. Hats off to the author even if it confounded me.
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It sure isn’t a structure you come across often… It reminds me of Megan Miranda’s All The Missing Girls. I did love that book, but you sure have to be in the proper headspace for it.
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Nice review, Jo. I don’t always get along with stories working backwards. Glad you still enjoyed it enough to want more.
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Thanks, Carla💜 Great writing, weak mind😏
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