Memory Man

Written by David Baldacci

Narrated by Ron McLarty and 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.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Hachette Audio
• Release date: Apr 21, 2015
• ISBN: 9781478985563

David Baldacci

Nacido en 1960, David Baldacci se licenció en Derecho por la Universidad de Virginia y ejerció como abogado en Washington durante nueve años. El reconocimiento unánime con que el público y la crítica recibieron sus primeras novelas le llevó a abandonar la abogacía para dedicarse por entero a la escritura. Desde entonces, David Baldacci es uno de los grandes nombres del género thriller contemporáneo; su obra ha sido traducida a treinta y cuatro idiomas y se publica en más de ochenta países. David Baldacci colabora también con el mundo del cine: es autor de seis guiones y su primera novela Poder absoluto (1996) fue llevada a la gran pantalla bajo la dirección de Clint Eastwood.

Reviews for Memory Man

[atticusfinch1048 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The Memory Man is the first book in the Amos Decker series by David Baldacci where we have a complicated and complex former detective. Rather than use the typical defective detective synopsis he used the characteristics of hypermnesia and synaesthesia to create the character of Amos Decker a driven investigator.

Having come home from a stakeout to find his wife murdered and mutilated, his daughter and brother-in-law murdered he has fallen in to a spiral of despair. This has led to him losing his house his job and now sleeping rough. He is now working as a PI living in a motel and just about holding it together.

Sixteen months later someone walks in to Burlington Police Department and confesses to the murder of Decker’s family. Sebastian Leopold confessed to the murder, but Decker does not believe him as he is sure something is off. On the same day someone entered Mansfield High School and shot up the school killing students and two teachers. Decker had attended this school himself and had been the school’s star quarterback.

Captain Miller brings Decker on board to help with the murder and utilise his ‘special’ talents, hypermnesia and synaesthesia. This had been caused in his professional debut when he received a near fatal injury, and he was left with hypermnesia and synaesthesia. The Burlington PD had been joined by the FBI and the evidence was slow in being found and when it was it made no sense. Special Agent Bogart at first held Decker in complete contempt but as the case continued so did his opinion of Decker.

With his former PD partner Mary Lancaster and then with former journalist Alexandra Jamison they start to run down leads looking for a break in the case. With Decker’s brain things started to fall in to place for him before anyone else could see it and he cracks the case wide open. Once the case is over, Decker and Jamison are invited to join a special unit of the FBI

[cebellol · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

I'll start by saying this: I'm not a huge fan of what I call "serial authors". While I'm aware that he is one, I can't say I've read a lot of Baldacci's works, despite his popularity. That being said, if this was the first of his books I'd read, I would probably not, purposefully, read another.

The story itself is, a little farfetched. A now ex cop spirals into a crazy downward spiral after his family is killed while he's on duty. Their murder remains unsolved. Oh, by the way, this ex cop has a crazy fantastic memory after a hit on the football field in his one and only professional game, hence the title. He never forgets anything. He uses it to help solve a school shooting years later at his old high school, which JUST SO HAPPENS to be related to his family's murder AND his early years with his new "gift" (or curse, depending on how he's feeling about it that day).

If I'm being completely honest, it's a couple hundred pages too long. It's so repetitive and most of it has to deal with Amos Decker (the afor mentioned ex cop), going over and over and OVER things from some aspect of the murders or of his life, or SOMETHING that just keeps making you think "Would you PLEASE GET ON WITH IT" after a few dozen repetitions.

Regardless, for its length and repetition, it is a pretty quick, mindless read and would be a decent plane book or beach read for those needing one. Best part, since it's actually the first book in the series for this new character, you don't feel like you're missing out on anything because there's an excessive amount of background info on the main character. Overall, for a serial author, it's not bad. Not a "go out and get this book now" kinda piece, but not bad. 2.5 *s, overall.

[elisabethzguta · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I thoroughly enjoyed Amos Decker, a very refreshing character. He's not the typical police officer or P.I. and he certainly has a unique manner. The plot of the story, long and short arc, were unique as well. I recommend this for crime thriller readers who want something a little different.

[lbswiener · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Memory Man is a difficult story because of all of the tragedy and murder. The characters have terrible personal troubles. The story is believable as well as the settings. Five stars were awarded to this review because from the beginning to the end the story established a feel and kept it until the end. It is a book that tears at one's heart.

[bons_11 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I'm a fan of Baldacci. I'm a fan of crime fiction so of course I was curious about the Amos Decker series. I will admit it's intense and high with the graphic gore that I will usually try to skim thru because I'm afraid I will miss something. I admire Baldacci's development of Decker. The topics of memory/brain phenomenon/disorders certainly intrigues me. From lewy body dementia, left neglect to as in this story, hyperthmesia and synesthesia, I am interested. I enjoyed Memory Man and will move on to the next book in the series.

[josephking6602 · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

Never-ending mess of a story; violent gory for lack of anythig else

[judygibson-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Usually I won't pick up a story about a serial killer but I'm reading through a friend's collection of Baldaccis and this one was among them. interesting character and good action.

[lee.gabel · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I enjoyed this book. The main character is as damaged as they come, plus the supporting characters all have quirks about them that make them compelling and different. The story did seem to get a wee bit tedious at the end when it seemed it was going in circles without moving forward, but it didn't last long. The book has a satisfying ending and very clearly sets up another series.

[zachmontana · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Unlike any other mystery novel I've read and totally engrossing. I'm anxious to read the next books in this Baldacci series and wonder if they can be as good as this one.

[sennebec · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

It's been years since I read one of the author's books. I grabbed it on vacation after running out of reading material. I have to say that I'm very impressed by the complexity of the plot and how it was so skillfully revealed.

[hemlokgang · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

David Baldacci introduces the reader to a new protagonist, Amos Decker. Decker remembers everything. EVERYTHING! Helpful trait in a detective, but a tad troublesome to heart & soul. This is good murder mystery with a well paced plot and intriguing psychological twists and turns. Well done!

[jldarden · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

I have read a couple Baldacci books in the past and they were ok. I found this series starter chock full of cliche's. Washed up former athlete turned detective with tragic life circumstances. It's been done better by others. Also, one of the chief antagonists characters were not even mentioned til over halfway through the book. Doesn't that break some kind of rule? Then the climactic final showdown falls back on the ol' lets have the bad guys explain the whole thing monologue. It's got as well the requisite reporter and fed entangled. Can't recommend this rehash of genre tropes.

[smik_3 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

In the 18 months since his brother in law, wife, and daughter were murdered Amos Decker has let himself go. He was a detective in the police at the time, but eventually they had to let him go.

This novel begins with someone confessing to his family's murder, and his former detective partner from Burlington C.I.D contacting him with the news. Later this person retracts his confession, but by then Amos has been seconded as a consultant when a gunman has killed 13 people at the local high school. For Amos Decker is a man with special qualities: he is a detective who get results. He asks the questions who asks the questions no-one else seems to think of asking.

The turning point comes when the police discover that the gun used in the high school massacre is the gun that was used to shoot his wife eighteen months earlier. Amos realises that the shooting at the school is somehow about him.

An engrossing read, despite the fact that it is a very long book.Well plotted and believable, well almost.

[shrivenne · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This book is the best crime thriller. I have read many but this is the first one wherein the antagonist is not introduced till it is required. antagonist makes entry but in disguise which makes Amos to think really hard. Loved this book so it's a GOODREAD...

[baochuan-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A very good start of the series, building up characters. A lot of twist and turn in the plot but it is an easy read.

[jimgysin_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Baldacci is consistently good and this one is no exception as he introduces us to Amos Decker. At the outset, personal tragedy has left Decker far from the person he once was, both personally and professionally. But events occur that bring that past into the present and give Decker the opportunity to get his life back on track and solve the case that ruined his life in the first place. Fans of redemption stories will be particularly fond of this one.

[daftboy1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

This is the first book in the series.
Main character is Amos Decker he is an ex Policeman he has a great photographic memory. He got this after an American football injury.
His wife and daughter were murdered, by an unknown killer.
Decker receives a message then later the same day there is a spree killing at the local high School.
Decker teams up with his old partner Mary Lancaster. Also the FBI and a reporter called Alex Jamison assist.
They are on the hunt of the Murderers
They eventually catch the 2 criminals both are murdered.
Decker decides he will come and work with the FBI in future.
Fast paced good but silly book.

[decaturmamaof2 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Very interesting... cool divergence from Baldacci's standard M.O. Some of the writing seems a bit flat, but I loved the exploration of Amos Decker's persona.

[kathy89_1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Amos Decker never forgets anything as a result of a football injury scrambling the circuits in his brain. Former cop, he’s become a recluse after coming home and finding the horrific murder of his wife and daughter. New evidence has come out and Decker is asked to consult on the investigation. There’s an over-complicated high school terrorist situation and lots of grisly murders before Decker teaming up with an FBI agent and a former journalist solve the crimes and how they relate and revolve around Decker.

[brakketh-1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Enjoyable character Amos who has a perfect memory and synesthesia from an American Football accident. Enjoyable twists and turns with a satisfying ending.

[smcgovern-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Excop detective family murdered. Hunts down killer. Excop had special memory from football injury..loved the plot page turner

[tonifgmamtc · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This author is becoming a favorite of mine. I just recently started reading his books, and the ones I've read have been wins for me.

I was interested the entire time. The plot didn't take a simple route. There were lots of turns, and it totally kept up the momentum. Amos has a couple of extremely rare brain abilities or disorders, depending upon which way you look at them. He remembers every single thing that happens. He also has almost psychic abilities with seeing colors which tell about a subject at first glance. Amos has problems with regular emotions though. He really doesn't have any. In this book, a killer is on a spree which focuses around him. He must be the one to stop them.

[bingereader87 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This book is what got me into reading David Baldacci's works. This is about Amos Decker, a former detective who now does PI work. He is a heavy man who has synesthsia, where he will see colors and associate them with certain aspects of life and events. The thing that drew me to the character of Amos Decker was the fact that he was heavy. I am not small and I am working towards changing that, but I have never once came across a crime novel with the leading man being heavier than others. It may sound weird for someone to enjoy a character based on their weight, but to me it means alot that he is heavyset, because being heavy myself, it fills me a weird sense of confidence.

Aside from that, the story is really great with plenty of plot twists and suspense. I really enjoyed it and recommend it to other readers.

[dianekeenoy · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This was my audiobook for putting my make-up on. I have to admit to wearing make-up more often to finish up this book! It was exciting and kept me interested until the very last word!

[jtsolakos · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Interesting and unconventional hero. It is one of those books that you don't want to put down.

[mhanover10 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I really enjoyed this book. David Baldacci is one of my favorite authors and he did not disappoint me with this one. I really felt sorry for Amos Decker. His story made me stop and think about what really is happening with some of the homeless out there and why they are homeless. The murders were brutal and there are some twisted and sick people out there. Unfortunately Amos is one who has been affected be twisted people. David does a great job of not letting the reader know who the killer is, he hides clues and slowly releases them. This really kept my attention and I found myself sitting in the parking garage at work finishing it because I wanted to know what happened. I couldn't wait to get home to finish. If you like murder mysteries then pick this one up.

[sunnydrk · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Fantastic story from David Baldacci - one of his best books ever. I couldn't put it down. Amos Decker can't forget anything and that includes the gruesome murder of his family. The characters and plot were so well developed and I loved the twists and turns.

[lewilliams-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Baldacci has created a character in former detective Amos Decker who never forgets anything and can recall past events with ease. He's a sort of anti hero. Decker's physical description is not what comes to mind of your typical ex police officer I enjoyed reading how Decker put all the pieces together at the end, however, the book did seem a bit long.

[jenniferrobb · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

What would happen if you couldn't forget anything you heard, read, or saw? It could be a blessing. It probably was to Amos Decker at first (well, once he got used to it). He could pass any test and the ability gave him unique insight into solving cases when he was a police detective. It could also be a curse--such as never being able to forget finding his family dead one night when he arrived home. Now, it seems that killer has resurfaced and is daring Decker to catch him or her. Join Decker on this suspenseful journey to discovering the truth.

[susan.macura · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Baldacci does not disappoint! This is hopefully the beginning of a new series based on the misfortunes of a new central character – Amos Decker. Decker is an overweight ex-detective that lost everything after his wife, daughter and brother-in-law were brutally murdered one night. Despite having a perfect memory after a football accident, he could not solve this crime and ended up homeless, hopeless and unemployed. However, one day a man walks in off the street and confesses to the triple homicide, and things heat up.
Decker joins forces with the Burlington cops and the FBI to solve this crime, a school shooting and a handful of other related murders before confronting the forces behind it all. This is another great book filled with great characters. I can’t wait to see what lies ahead for Decker!