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Deadly Memories
Who is the beautiful Jayne Doe? And why does someone want to kill her? Ex-detective Saul Becker learned the hard way not to get involved in the troubles of beautiful women. But what else can he do when a barefoot, catatonic Jayne Doe turns up practically in his backyard? Who is she, and what is she so afraid of? Jayne Doe doesn't remember anything about her life before she crawled into a hollow tree at the lake next to Saul's home. All she knows is that she's afraid of something-or someone. Together, Saul and Jayne set out to uncover her past. But they are in more danger than they know, and it will take all of Saul's skill and training to track down the past that's stalking them.
326 pages, Paperback
First published January 24, 2013
20 people are currently reading
651 people want to read
About the author
S.D. O'Donnell
3 books7 followersS.D. O'Donnell was born in Louisiana, raised in New Mexico, and currently resides in the Denver, Colorado area, where the book Deadly Memories takes place. After years of working with words in the non-fiction arena as a freelance writer, technical writer, and multimedia producer(among other positions), S.D. decided to write a novel. The end result is Deadly Memories, the first of a four book series about Saul Becker and Jayne Doe. She is hard at work on the second novel, Deadly Bayou.
She knows she's done something unusual in writing from a male point of view but believes herself to be well-qualified. Her house is the gathering grounds for her former-Special Forces husband and his contingent of buddies (many of them former military, too). She gives them food and drink, all the while observing what she considers her private laboratory of male behavior.
She knows she's done something unusual in writing from a male point of view but believes herself to be well-qualified. Her house is the gathering grounds for her former-Special Forces husband and his contingent of buddies (many of them former military, too). She gives them food and drink, all the while observing what she considers her private laboratory of male behavior.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
May 28, 2015
A respectable thriller with an interesting setup and engaging characters. Not really good and not really bad.
February 14, 2014
Deadly Memories by S. D. O'Donnell is recommended.
When his elderly neighbor Mrs. Blackstone calls him to help, retired detective Saul Becker finds himself thrust into the life of a beautiful woman who is found in a catatonic state on Saul's property. The police and doctors call her Jayne Doe. Because Saul managed to get her to say a few words after she was found, he's persuaded to visit her daily in the hospital until she comes out of her self-induced catatonic state. But Jayne is still suffering from amnesia and has no clue about her past.
Saul is very aware of his past, and he is trying to steer clear of any entanglements in his current life when Jayne shows up. He has had plenty of danger in his past and reason's to keep his life simple and quiet. The arrival of Jayne changes all of that and soon Saul finds himself working with her, trying to untangle the answers found in her mysterious past. At the same time there are odd things going on around Saul that makes him wonder if someone is stalking Jayne. Maybe she has a reason to hide too.
Deadly Memories did manage to keep me engaged and entertained. It is well written and proved to be a quick and easy read with a clear, linear plot. O'Donnell keeps the action moving along with just a few slowdowns here and there along the way. Don't expect any startling plot twists in this solid debut mystery with hints of a psychological thriller.
There are a few places that ask you to take some leaps of faith to accept the actions of the characters. For example Becker has had no contact with anyone on the police force, including his ex-partner, until Jayne shows up and then he's down there talking to them again - and they are all hail-and-hearty good with his actions. Even if he was a legend on the force there would be some animosity. Additionally, there seemed to be no rhyme or reason for this to turn into a love story.
Disclosure: My Kindle edition was courtesy of WindStorm Books for review purposes
When his elderly neighbor Mrs. Blackstone calls him to help, retired detective Saul Becker finds himself thrust into the life of a beautiful woman who is found in a catatonic state on Saul's property. The police and doctors call her Jayne Doe. Because Saul managed to get her to say a few words after she was found, he's persuaded to visit her daily in the hospital until she comes out of her self-induced catatonic state. But Jayne is still suffering from amnesia and has no clue about her past.
Saul is very aware of his past, and he is trying to steer clear of any entanglements in his current life when Jayne shows up. He has had plenty of danger in his past and reason's to keep his life simple and quiet. The arrival of Jayne changes all of that and soon Saul finds himself working with her, trying to untangle the answers found in her mysterious past. At the same time there are odd things going on around Saul that makes him wonder if someone is stalking Jayne. Maybe she has a reason to hide too.
Deadly Memories did manage to keep me engaged and entertained. It is well written and proved to be a quick and easy read with a clear, linear plot. O'Donnell keeps the action moving along with just a few slowdowns here and there along the way. Don't expect any startling plot twists in this solid debut mystery with hints of a psychological thriller.
There are a few places that ask you to take some leaps of faith to accept the actions of the characters. For example Becker has had no contact with anyone on the police force, including his ex-partner, until Jayne shows up and then he's down there talking to them again - and they are all hail-and-hearty good with his actions. Even if he was a legend on the force there would be some animosity. Additionally, there seemed to be no rhyme or reason for this to turn into a love story.
Disclosure: My Kindle edition was courtesy of WindStorm Books for review purposes
July 20, 2013
It was an interesting read. A bit slow paced in the beginning but not so much towards the other half of the book. There was a lot more action and excitement for sure. I particularly didn't like most of the characters in this book (which is a first). There a few parts in the book that will surprise you though.
June 12, 2013
I just got done reading Deadly Memories,I have to say I think it is the BEST book I've read this year. Its moving, a love story, a mystery, tons of twists and turns. I didn't want to put it down. I look forward to reading any other books by S.D. O'Donnell ASAP.
August 20, 2013
Wow, very suspenseful. Couldn't wait to see what would happen next.
March 15, 2017
Book Readers Review
This first novel by Sarah O’Donnell led to many surprises. Lots of action, suspense, and clean romance to keep the reader interested. Saul Becker, an ingenious ex-detective and Jayne Doe a tenacious woman, are the main characters. Jayne is in a catatonic state when discovered by Mrs. Blackstone near Saul’s backyard. Saul attempts to unravel the mystery of Jayne, becoming more involved with her than is really comfortable for him considering a recent relationship that ended in tragedy.
A well woven plot that is fast paced and with a few twists that are quite unexpected. I liked the development of the characters and the unfolding of the story giving you time to enjoy each new development. The bond between the two main characters is developed with the realization that both have experienced something terrible in their past. This is a debut novel by Ms. O’Donnell who is obviously an experienced writer. The novel is presented as a well edited, grammatically correct, and intriguing story. I have no hesitation in recommending this book and give an unbiased five stars as my rating. I received a copy of this book courtesy of the author in return for an unbiased opinion.
https://bookread-mumswritings.blogspo...
This first novel by Sarah O’Donnell led to many surprises. Lots of action, suspense, and clean romance to keep the reader interested. Saul Becker, an ingenious ex-detective and Jayne Doe a tenacious woman, are the main characters. Jayne is in a catatonic state when discovered by Mrs. Blackstone near Saul’s backyard. Saul attempts to unravel the mystery of Jayne, becoming more involved with her than is really comfortable for him considering a recent relationship that ended in tragedy.
A well woven plot that is fast paced and with a few twists that are quite unexpected. I liked the development of the characters and the unfolding of the story giving you time to enjoy each new development. The bond between the two main characters is developed with the realization that both have experienced something terrible in their past. This is a debut novel by Ms. O’Donnell who is obviously an experienced writer. The novel is presented as a well edited, grammatically correct, and intriguing story. I have no hesitation in recommending this book and give an unbiased five stars as my rating. I received a copy of this book courtesy of the author in return for an unbiased opinion.
https://bookread-mumswritings.blogspo...
June 3, 2018
This is a mystery~thriller that has an unusual feel to it. I just like it. I can also appreciate that the author's matter~of~fact way of telling a story.
P.S. ~ Free from NoiseTrade.
P.S. ~ Free from NoiseTrade.
November 24, 2020
This book had enough mystery and intrigue to keep me reading to the end. I was as keen as Saul (who has his own back history) to discover who Jayne Doe was and what she was running from.
August 13, 2024
Excellent read
Suspenseful with twists I didn't see coming. Looking forward to reading the next one. Name of sequel? Was Great ending.
Suspenseful with twists I didn't see coming. Looking forward to reading the next one. Name of sequel? Was Great ending.
May 8, 2013
When Saul inherited some property, he quit the police force to focus on being a landlord. A catatonic woman is found in a tree next to Saul's property. No one knows anything about her so she is called "Jane Doe". She only speaks once ... to tell Saul at the police station that she's not a "plain Jane" so he jokingly adds a "Y" to her name, hence she becomes Jayne Doe.
Saul visits her every day, hoping to get a response ... and he eventually does. She's comes out of her catatonic state but had amnesia. Saul's elderly neighbour takes Jayne to live with her and Jayne and Saul become close.
As Jayne starts to remember things, Saul's past starts catching up with him which puts him, Jayne and his tenants in danger.
This is the first book I've read by this author and I enjoyed it. I liked the writing style ... I found that it flowed well and kept me wanting to read more. I found the story interesting and believable.
I liked the characters. I could feel the connection between Saul and Jayne. He had an alcoholic mother and finds it hard to trust anyone. Jayne, despite having amnesia, goes with her attraction to Saul. Mrs. Blackstone, Saul's elderly neighbour, is a great support to them both. Unlike a lot of books, the cops, who are Saul's former co-workers, are likeable, helpful and include Saul in their investigations.
As a head's up, the language is mature at times.
I would recommend this book and look forward to reading more by this author!
Blog review post: http://www.teenaintoronto.com/2013/05...
Saul visits her every day, hoping to get a response ... and he eventually does. She's comes out of her catatonic state but had amnesia. Saul's elderly neighbour takes Jayne to live with her and Jayne and Saul become close.
As Jayne starts to remember things, Saul's past starts catching up with him which puts him, Jayne and his tenants in danger.
This is the first book I've read by this author and I enjoyed it. I liked the writing style ... I found that it flowed well and kept me wanting to read more. I found the story interesting and believable.
I liked the characters. I could feel the connection between Saul and Jayne. He had an alcoholic mother and finds it hard to trust anyone. Jayne, despite having amnesia, goes with her attraction to Saul. Mrs. Blackstone, Saul's elderly neighbour, is a great support to them both. Unlike a lot of books, the cops, who are Saul's former co-workers, are likeable, helpful and include Saul in their investigations.
As a head's up, the language is mature at times.
I would recommend this book and look forward to reading more by this author!
Blog review post: http://www.teenaintoronto.com/2013/05...
October 7, 2016
I really enjoyed this book. The character development is steady and there's immediate intrigue trying to figure out who Jayne is and what's lurking in her past. I really liked the slow chipping away at both Jayne's and Saul's mysterious background, skeletons, and the attraction as well as tension in their relationship without this becoming a romance novel. Saul is a bit dark and mysterious but his experience and skills are appreciated as the story unfolds.
As the story progresses, the action and anxiety level continue to ramp up. The intensity and danger build to a feverish pitch, followed by a final page turning climax. While this book tends to follow the action/excitement pace one would expect--and hope for--in a respectable, 300-ish page whodunit-with-action novel, there are enough twists & turns to keep this from being predictable. To me, this is a really well constructed story that pulled me in quickly and had me not wanting to put the book down until I had finished it. I am anxious for more from this author.
As the story progresses, the action and anxiety level continue to ramp up. The intensity and danger build to a feverish pitch, followed by a final page turning climax. While this book tends to follow the action/excitement pace one would expect--and hope for--in a respectable, 300-ish page whodunit-with-action novel, there are enough twists & turns to keep this from being predictable. To me, this is a really well constructed story that pulled me in quickly and had me not wanting to put the book down until I had finished it. I am anxious for more from this author.
February 19, 2013
You've got to love a book with a great cover that reels you in, and Deadly Memories keeps you there. (Almost too well, I stayed up way past bedtime a couple nights in order to read “just one more chapter!”)
The characters struck a chord with me, from the former police detective with a dark past to the vulnerable yet impressively direct amnesiac woman and the crusty and caring elderly neighbor. They were imperfect people, which made them very real to me.
The story did what all good psychological suspense novels should. It provided twists and turns enough to keep me turning the pages, but had a surprising and realistic ending that didn’t defy belief. And one that left me wanting more! I’m relieved the author is planning a follow up novel, as this could be a great book series in the making.
The characters struck a chord with me, from the former police detective with a dark past to the vulnerable yet impressively direct amnesiac woman and the crusty and caring elderly neighbor. They were imperfect people, which made them very real to me.
The story did what all good psychological suspense novels should. It provided twists and turns enough to keep me turning the pages, but had a surprising and realistic ending that didn’t defy belief. And one that left me wanting more! I’m relieved the author is planning a follow up novel, as this could be a great book series in the making.
June 26, 2014
3 stars
The story starts out with a terrified young woman hiding in a hollow tree, she has amnesia and is catatonic, no one knows a thing about her.
Mrs. Blackstone is ex-cop Saul's neighbor and she is the one who finds the woman on Saul's property and begs his help with "Jayne Doe". He gets her to the hospital, visits her every day until she slowly comes out of it but, still no recollection of who she is. Saul and "Jayne" become close and he decides to help her find out the mystery of her life and why someone is after her and what in the world was so frightening to send her into a catatonic state .
This is a great mystery with some surprising twists and it's also a love story. I wasn't sure what I would find at the end of this story and I was pleasantly surprised.
The story starts out with a terrified young woman hiding in a hollow tree, she has amnesia and is catatonic, no one knows a thing about her.
Mrs. Blackstone is ex-cop Saul's neighbor and she is the one who finds the woman on Saul's property and begs his help with "Jayne Doe". He gets her to the hospital, visits her every day until she slowly comes out of it but, still no recollection of who she is. Saul and "Jayne" become close and he decides to help her find out the mystery of her life and why someone is after her and what in the world was so frightening to send her into a catatonic state .
This is a great mystery with some surprising twists and it's also a love story. I wasn't sure what I would find at the end of this story and I was pleasantly surprised.
June 20, 2014
Deadly Memories is an unusual mystery/thriller – it starts with lots of mystery as to who Jayne is and moves onto the action and more of the thriller-type story in the second half of the book. Jayne’s story is captivating and really draws you in along with Saul’s compassionate actions towards someone he doesn’t even know. But who was Jayne and why is someone out to get her? She is lucky to have Saul and his elderly neighbour on her side. They make an entertaining trio that you are rooting for as the mystery unravels and the danger ramps up. This is a gripping read with an unusual pace and lots of intrigue.
For some snippets of previously unknown trivia about the author and her books, please check out: http://simonjenner.com/deadly-memories/
For some snippets of previously unknown trivia about the author and her books, please check out: http://simonjenner.com/deadly-memories/
April 29, 2013
The two main characters have something terrible in their past. One is found catatonic in a hollow tree as she tries to hide from hers while the other throws himself into his work and tries to distance himself from the pain. Their two pasts collide when he finds her in the tree.
The plot is very fast paced and so I found myself unable to stop reading even when I thought I had pieced the whole mystery together, and knew the plot twist. The details of the mystery were a suprise to me, but the twist I managed to figure out. That didn't matter it was still a page turner.
The plot is very fast paced and so I found myself unable to stop reading even when I thought I had pieced the whole mystery together, and knew the plot twist. The details of the mystery were a suprise to me, but the twist I managed to figure out. That didn't matter it was still a page turner.
February 27, 2014
This book was a very intriguing thriller that was a real page turner. The plot was very fast paced with many twists and turns to keep the reader guessing the outcome.
A young woman is found suffering from amnesia and in a catatonic state.
An ex-cop helps her to recover and they develop a relationship.
As the story unfolds they discover that her life may be in danger.
The conclusion was very satisfying with no loose ends
I enjoyed this book very much and I will be reading more work by S.D. O'Donnell
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
February 27, 2013
This is an enigmatic thriller, about an ex-cop with baggage who finds a woman with amnesia. After forging a bond with this woman it appears she's fleeing her old life and from someone but who?
I loved this thriller, it was a little predictable but written well enough to be engrossing. I loved the character of Saul Becker and his tenant, Mrs Blackstone. Kennedy made a gruesome villain. There are enough twists and turns for this book to be full of action. Be warned of bats!
I loved this thriller, it was a little predictable but written well enough to be engrossing. I loved the character of Saul Becker and his tenant, Mrs Blackstone. Kennedy made a gruesome villain. There are enough twists and turns for this book to be full of action. Be warned of bats!
December 2, 2014
This was an engaging book from the very first page. I liked the development of the characters and the unfolding of the story gradually, giving you time to enjoy,wonder,and hope each new development. Pace was great, not so fast you had to re-read and not so slow you wanted to scream or skip pages. Had some laugh out loud moments making the characters very relate-able. Big hearted guy with baggage and a gun. Good combo.
Read
November 30, 2014good story line. kept plot moving with some good twists.
August 30, 2013
I couldn't put it down. Great read, can't wait to read the sequel.
I'm actually still thinking about the characters a month after I finished.
I'm actually still thinking about the characters a month after I finished.
June 13, 2013
This was a good suspense.I would have liked a longer more in depth story but this was still good.It had moments that I didn't want to put it down.Overall a good read
October 8, 2013
Definitely better than the average freebie.
December 11, 2013
Quite a good and interesting plot. Characters not quite believable in certain circumstances. The ending was a bit rushed.
February 10, 2015
Thriller
Definitely keeps you wanting to read more. Several good surprises so you cannot know the next stage in the story.
Definitely keeps you wanting to read more. Several good surprises so you cannot know the next stage in the story.
December 29, 2016
This is S.D. Odonnell's first attempt at writing a novel and I've got to say - it's really good. I enjoyed it a lot.
April 28, 2013
Good Book, recommend it!
July 26, 2013
Fun, engaging mystery that I read pool-side.
November 15, 2013
Deadly Memories is the best book I've read in awhile! I've suggested it to everyone I know!
December 27, 2013
Great Book!
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews