When Memory Lies

by Mereda Hart Farynyk, Jessica Leigh Mason (Illustrator)

Memory Implantation is perfectly safe.

At least, that’s what the Clinic would have you believe, but Meredith Horton has always been skeptical. The idea that a fake memory can be inserted into a person’s mind for the purposes of emotional resolution is certainly fascinating, but Meredith knows that there must be risks involved—not to mention the potential for the technology’s serious misuse. But despite the combined forces of her skepticism and embarrassment, at twenty-nine years old, Meredith goes in for a procedure.

It’s bad enough when her brain begins to glitch, causing her to see things that aren’t there, but her mounting fears are made all the worse when she realizes that the experience has placed her in the middle of a gruesome murder investigation.

Unexpectedly befriended by one of the investigators on the case, Meredith must work with him in order to prove that she is innocent, all the while uncertain of whether or not she really is—and equally uncertain of his motivations for helping her.

Quick, clever, and riveting, Mereda Hart Farynyk’s psychological crime thriller is a thoughtful and touching exploration of what it is to be human.

197 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 8, 2018

About the author

Mereda Hart Farynyk has always been captivated by fairy tales and far off places. From the earliest age, she would wander the forest, looking at the light filtering through the branches, and dream up endless fantasies of fairies and princes and great evils being overcome. She would drink up the study of ancient civilizations and marvel at how mysterious and foreign they were. Growing up in theatre and dance, she immersed herself in countless lives and emotions and perspectives, and what started out as a simple fascination with the magic and mystery of other worlds soon became a deep love of how those other worlds could help us to better understand the richest truths of this one.

Spanning a variety of genres, her books explore questions of spirituality, love, the search for truth, and the motivations of the human heart.

She grew up in North Carolina and resides there still with her husband and two sons.

Reviews

[Emily Sanchez · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Memory Lies, right off the bat I knew this would be different than any of Meredas’ other books and as someone who never reads crime books I was hesitant going in. But I have loved all of Meredas’ books so far, so I gave it a shot. Good decision. It did take me a few chapters but I slowly became obsessed (lol) with this book! I didn’t want to put it down, I had so many theories about what was really going on and the twists just kept coming. I love a book that has such creative thought that I can’t figure it out before I’m meant to. This book is a workout for the brain and had a satisfying ending. (No spoilers!). I highly recommend this book!

[Gina Mendola · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again Mereda Hart Farynyk has outdone herself. I was hooked from the first paragraph. I just love her characters and feel myself rooting for them to have a happy ending. They are so real that I even began to have a crush on one with a certain “mischievous” grin! The mystery revolves around new technology that causes the protagonists to question their reality and each other. As the reader you begin to question what is and isn’t real as well. I thought of a hundred scenarios in which this mystery would be resolved, but was wrong on all accounts. Another winner in a long line of terrific novels by this author.

[Diane Helfrich · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun Read!

This was a very different theme from most of Mereda’s books. It was quite captivating! It is based on elements of technological advances that are morally questionable and easily abused—not that we have this one, but I could see it happening. There were psychotic, selfish, and vindictive people, along with good-hearted ones and the ever-present love story—and a twist at the end that I didn’t see coming.

[Chelsea · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Memory Lies was SO different from Mereda's other books. But I loved it. I had about a million theories while reading through it and - in the end - I was surprised that I hadn't guessed at all correctly! Worth a read if you like mystery and a twisty-turny plot that keeps your gears turning!

[Lindy Leonard · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was an enjoyable read until chapter 12. That's when it really sucked me in. The mystery kept me guessing. I had no idea what would happen and couldn't wait to find out. I finished it too fast and now I'm sad it's over, but that's my problem. Great characters, great pacing, great plot. Well done!

[Mereda Hart Farynyk]

Update from October 2023 reading: I don’t think I really appreciated before how quirky this book is in certain ways 😜🤣🙈
—

Good news. I still really enjoy this book :-p. Really fun, quick read.

[Carole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!!!