Blood Memory

By: Greg Iles

Narrated by: Joyce Bean

Length: 18 hrs and 49 mins

Publisher's summary

Catherine "Cat" Ferry is a forensic odontologist, a specialist in bite marks and the clues they provide. But while Cat's colleagues know her as a world-class scientist, she secretly attempts to manage her fragile psyche with alcohol, delving into the minds of rapists and murderers yet never allowing her own frightening past to creep into the foreground.

Cat's latest case involves a disturbing murder in New Orleans. Banishing her personal demons, she focuses on the potential killer, until one morning she's paralyzed by a panic attack at a grisly murder scene. Praying the attack is a onetime event, she continues her job as a consultant to the New Orleans Police Department, but when another victim dies in the same shocking way - raising fears that a serial killer is at large - Cat blacks out over the victim's mutilated corpse.

Suspended from the FBI task force, plagued by nightmares, and at odds with her married lover - a homicide detective - Cat finally reaches her breaking point. In a desperate effort to regain control over a life spiraling out of control, Cat retreats to her hometown of Natchez, Mississippi. But her family's secluded antebellum estate provides no sanctuary.

When some of Cat's forensic chemicals are spilled in her childhood bedroom, two bloody footprints are revealed. This sight shocks her more than any corpse she has seen in her career. Cat's father was murdered when she was eight years old, but she always believed the crime occurred in the garden outside their home. The bloody footprints suggest otherwise.

Driven by this fragment of her past, Cat attempts a forensic reconstruction of the decades-old crime, even as developments with the New Orleans task force pull her back into the case she left behind.

©2005 Greg Iles (P)2005 Brilliance Audio

A riveting look at the underbelly of evil

One of the world's best story tellers does it again! Kept me up at night

This book has it all.

What did you love best about Blood Memory?

My wife and I listen to fiction titles (mostly mysteries or thrillers) together. Lately we have been looking for new authors. I heard the sample from this book and was immediately drawn to it by the character of Cat Ferry, a southern forensic odontologist with a drinking problem. I had no idea how many serious problems she would prove to have and how she would confront them. Once we began to listen, we had trouble turning it off. The intricate plot has many twists. On another level, Cat' s relentless inquiry into the circumstances of her father's murder leads her through repressed memories of childhood sexual abuse to understanding of herself. I wouldn't have thought I would have enjoyed this aspect but ended with a better understanding of this problem. We look forward to exploring more books by this author.

What other book might you compare Blood Memory to and why?

This book is unique.

What does Joyce Bean bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

She brings a very realistic Delta drawl to the character of Cat Ferry.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

There were many moving moments. We couldn't single out one.

Any additional comments?

This was one of the best books we have listened to, on many levels. It is a fast paced thriller, set in three interesting venues (New Orleans, Natchez and DiSalle Island which is supposed to be in the Mississippi River near Natchez). The forensic inquiry is well researched and presented. The secrets of an old southern aristocratic family are revealed. The heroine is fearless.

Great listen

This was a really good story.... I could not put it down. I highly recommend it.

Not for the squeamish

If I could have fast forwarded through the explicit details of the sexual abuse, I would have. The only reason I stuck it out was to how the murders were solved. My least favorite novel by Greg Iles.

The Truth is painful

All facets of this story kept me glued to the end. The truth of real life played out in Greg Iles mystery. Well written, the suspense not revealed until the very end.

Worst "Nawlins" accent ever!

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

No. It was painful listening to the faux New Orleans accent and the faux Southern accents. The story was fair -- definitely not up to Greg Iles standards. Intriguing enough to want to finish listening but my ears hurt getting through to the end.

Would you recommend Blood Memory to your friends? Why or why not?

No. Painful narration.

How did the narrator detract from the book?

So NOT authentic. New Orleans can't be faked. Southern is difficult to fake. Either read without insulting fake accents or have someone do it naturally.

Did Blood Memory inspire you to do anything?

Stab myself for not being able to ever not finish a book, no matter how badly narrated.

at this point I want to cancel my review

enjoyed it. i didn't want to stop listening. a great time passer. I really would prefer few words requirements.

I love all of Greg's books,!

This book was not as good as his other books but I love all his other books, I just liked this one a lot! Joyce is a wonderful narrator, and kept me and captivated throughout the whole book.

Intense Story

The story is one that you are stricken to the core for victims. This is a great plot line to bring a silent "killer" to light to those who know very little of it. The reader is good with her voices, but lacks some of the intensity which I think Iles painted with his words. Read this book! It's a great stand alone for the Iles library!

Held my attention all the way through.

This is my second Greg Iles book. I really enjoyed this one too and will definitely be reading more of his books. The story was great with some interesting plot developments and even the ending surprised me.