Blood Memory

By: Greg Iles

Narrated by: Joyce Bean

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

Endearing and flawed herione

Almost didn't get this book because of the reviews but very glad I did. The subtopic of child molestation can be a slippery slope for any author. I think Mr. Iles did a good job, thoughtful and empathetic. As a child abuse survivor I was drawn to the book. What I got was a good suspense story along with some comfort from the heroine who mirrored some of my own behaviors and thoughts. This may not be the book for everyone and as one reviewer stated it may "turn your stomach" to hear the details. The reality is that many, many children are abused every day by their fathers, uncles, brothers or mothers. They frequently feel alone and helpless. I know this is not a forum for my special cause but would like to say keep your minds and eyes open.

I read every day mostly suspense/mysteries and actually do know the gendre so don't miss a really good read because of the "unpleasant" content.

Bad narration.

The story kept my interest for sure, but the narration was terrible! I live one hour north of New Orleans and have been to Natchez, MS many times. WE DO NOT TALK LIKE THAT. And, there was every southern cliche you can imagine. I almost gave up.

Keeps you guessing

Where does Blood Memory rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Loved this book! The plot kept twisting and twisting as more and more characters were introduced. I would think that I had the solution and then there would be another twist!

Twisty Psycho Thriller/Mystery

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes. Great listen. Excellent story. Reader voices, accents, and pace were all good.

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

Any Greg Iles thriller. They're all complex, character driven, twisty tales.

Have you listened to any of Joyce Bean’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No.

An unfolding drama with many plot twists

The story moves at a steady pace but seems to drag and then rush forward, depending upon events. It became a roller coaster ride of emotions and actions. I could never guess what was next! The setting was vivid and the reader brought it to life.