Memory Man

By: David Baldacci

Narrated by: Ron McLarty, Orlagh Cassidy

This "impossible to put down" #1 New York Times bestseller introduces Amos Decker, a gifted police detective with a perfect memory who must solve a mystery he wishes he could forget: his family's murder (Washington Post).

Amos Decker's life changed forever--twice.

The first time was on the gridiron. A big, towering athlete, he was the only person from his hometown of Burlington ever to play in the NFL. But his career ended before it had a chance to begin. On his very first play, a violent helmet-to-helmet collision knocked him off the field forever, and left him with an improbable side effect--he can forget nothing.

The second time was at home nearly two decades later. Now a police detective, Decker returned from a stakeout one evening and entered a nightmare--his wife, young daughter, and brother-in-law had been murdered.

His family destroyed, their killer's identity as mysterious as the motive behind the crime, and unable to forget a single detail from that horrible night, Decker finds his world collapsing around him. He leaves the police force, loses his home, and winds up on the street, taking piecemeal jobs as a private investigator when he can.

But over a year later, a man turns himself in to the police and confesses to the murders. At the same time a horrific event nearly brings Burlington to its knees, and Decker is called back in to help with this investigation. Decker also seizes his chance to learn what really happened to his family that night. To uncover the stunning truth, he must use his remarkable gifts and confront the burdens that go along with them. He must endure the memories he would much rather forget. And he may have to make the ultimate sacrifice.

Memory Man will stay with you long after the turn of the final page.

Critic reviews

"David Baldacci has written another thriller that will have readers engaged from the first page....Baldacci is a master storyteller...MEMORY MAN works because Amos Decker is an amazing character. Reading how Decker journeys from hitting rock bottom to finding ultimate redemption is nothing short of rewarding." —Associated Press

"Perennial bestseller Baldacci unveils an offbeat hero with an unusual skill set and tragic past who takes on the evil mastermind behind a devastating school shooting..[Decker] proves a quirky, original antihero with a definite method to his madness...Readers will want to see Decker back on the printed page again and again." —Kirkus Reviews

"It's big, bold and almost impossible to put down...Decker is one of the most unusual detectives any novelist has dreamed up...I called this novel a master class on the bestseller because of its fast-moving narrative, the originality of its hero and its irresistible plot....Highly entertaining."—Washington Post

"[A] strong first in a new thriller series from bestseller Baldacci....Baldacci supplies a multitude of clever touches as his wounded bear of a detective takes on a most ingenious enemy." —Publishers Weekly

"Compelling...David Baldacci has definitely hit a home run with Memory Man."—Crimespree Magazine

"Baldacci weaves a suspenseful story right up to the climactic face-off between these complex and compelling characters. Highly recommended for all thriller fans who love elusive, taunting criminals and the slightly bent but always determined detectives who pursue them." —Library Journal (Starred Review)

"Baldacci makes it feel fresh." —Booklist

"Baldacci's novels always have an emotional component...But MEMORY MAN stands out among his thrillers for its deeply felt - and earned - sense of catharsis and healing...Baldacci's last few books have been among his best, and it's a pleasure to see him produce emotionally and dramatically intense work at the height of his maturity as a novelist."—Richmond Times-Dispatch

Another great Baldacci novel

What did you love best about Memory Man?

The story

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

All Baldacci books

Who would you have cast as narrator instead of Ron McLarty?

Anyone but Ron McLarty. His stop go method of talking was really irritating.

New hero, new special talent.

Could not take hardly any breaks from the listening. It integrated some insights of the workings of human brain.

Exceptional

Very different, spellbinding. I hated to have it end and will look for more books continuing this intriguing story and carry of characters!

excellent story and narration

great character, loved the narrator, edge of my seat. can't wait to listen to the next one.

Average at best...

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

No, very weak story-line. Illogical plot with characters that really didn't mesh well.

Has Memory Man turned you off from other books in this genre?

no.

Could you see Memory Man being made into a movie or a TV series? Who should the stars be?

no

Any additional comments?

Baldacci usually puts out great work. This was barely mediocre.