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The Memory Thieves #2
Toxic Effects
Don't forget to be afraid.
Neuropsychiatrist Cristina Silva cannot escape her past. The voice in her head of her former identity won’t let her. Cristina also can’t quite manage to force herself to forget the ex-boyfriend she dumped: handsome police detective Gary Wilson.
Soon after beginning her new job at the Longwood Memory Center, Cristina receives a startling phone call from her contact at the FBI: an assassin is crisscrossing the country, killing anyone connected to the now-defunct pharmaceutical company ReMind—people like Cristina. The shadowy criminal enterprise Zero Dark is back.
Indeed, an assassin is tracking Cristina, a literal femme fatale known as Dama Branca. Like Cristina, DB’s memory was robbed by Zero Dark. Transfixed by the brilliant doctor, DB’s unsure what’s preventing her from killing Cristina. DB has memory glitches and longs to interpret them. Whether or not these have to do with Cristina, she doesn’t know, but she senses their fates are entwined—with any luck, not fatally.
Danger lurks in the shadows. Cristina’s spurned lover, Wilson, is investigating the suspicious deaths of local teens, convinced they’re not accidents. Before their bewildering ends, all the victims exhibit bizarre behavior, and there are now terrified whispers among their friends of a hooded boogeyman called Sack Man. One exceptional young man, Reggie Horne, is clearly in the middle of this bedlam. Wilson vows to prevent Sack Man from claiming Reggie as his next casualty.
And when Cristina’s in danger, Wilson is never far away. Just as it becomes apparent their two stories are entangled, the peril shoots sky-high. With at least one killer in their wake, they must quickly determine what’s real and what’s not. Unlocking Cristina’s memories could save many lives—her own included.
Neuropsychiatrist Cristina Silva cannot escape her past. The voice in her head of her former identity won’t let her. Cristina also can’t quite manage to force herself to forget the ex-boyfriend she dumped: handsome police detective Gary Wilson.
Soon after beginning her new job at the Longwood Memory Center, Cristina receives a startling phone call from her contact at the FBI: an assassin is crisscrossing the country, killing anyone connected to the now-defunct pharmaceutical company ReMind—people like Cristina. The shadowy criminal enterprise Zero Dark is back.
Indeed, an assassin is tracking Cristina, a literal femme fatale known as Dama Branca. Like Cristina, DB’s memory was robbed by Zero Dark. Transfixed by the brilliant doctor, DB’s unsure what’s preventing her from killing Cristina. DB has memory glitches and longs to interpret them. Whether or not these have to do with Cristina, she doesn’t know, but she senses their fates are entwined—with any luck, not fatally.
Danger lurks in the shadows. Cristina’s spurned lover, Wilson, is investigating the suspicious deaths of local teens, convinced they’re not accidents. Before their bewildering ends, all the victims exhibit bizarre behavior, and there are now terrified whispers among their friends of a hooded boogeyman called Sack Man. One exceptional young man, Reggie Horne, is clearly in the middle of this bedlam. Wilson vows to prevent Sack Man from claiming Reggie as his next casualty.
And when Cristina’s in danger, Wilson is never far away. Just as it becomes apparent their two stories are entangled, the peril shoots sky-high. With at least one killer in their wake, they must quickly determine what’s real and what’s not. Unlocking Cristina’s memories could save many lives—her own included.
400 pages, Hardcover
Published September 20, 2022
9 people are currently reading
1830 people want to read
About the author
Joel Shulkin
7 books362 followersJoel Shulkin, MD, is a developmental-behavioral pediatrician and United States Air Force veteran with a master’s in public health. Having been lucky enough to be mentored by the legendary Michael Palmer, his short stories have appeared in various print and online journals, and he has won several national and local writing awards for fiction and poetry. He lives in Florida with his wife and twin daughters.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
October 17, 2022
Dr. Cristina Silva is a neuropsychiatrist who struggles with her memories and the voice in her head. Her alter ego, Sabrina Carvalho and Cristina often debate their actions from opposing points of view. Confused? So is Cristina as flashes of old memories break through her lapses. She begins work at Longwood Memory Center, and is there only a short time before her FBI contact calls. He has the disturbing news that an assassin is traveling the country (Cristina calls Boston her home now) killing everyone associated with ReMind, her former employer, backed by the evil criminal operation known as ZeroDark. In fact, the assassin goes by the name Dama Branca (D.B.) and hesitates to assassinate Cristina, with whom she feels some sort of an affinity. D.B. has her own memory defects; she and Cristina were both the victims of memory tampering by ZeroDark. In the meantime, Cristina’s ex, Wilson (whom she still loves), has his hands full as the detective investigating the mysterious deaths of local teenaged boys. All of them were reported to have shown very erratic behavior before they died, and there are whispers that were all terrified of a man wearing a hood called “Sack Man.” Both Wilson and Cristina are in grave danger, and must work together to try to unlock Cristina’s memories—lives including hers are at stake.
This book was terrifying. No, it was not just because it was a thriller, but because people were used as test subjects for evil ends. Minds were tampered with, superimposing memories that did not belong to them to do criminals’ bidding. People who know they are not who they were told they are, memory breakthroughs, alter-egos, victims injected with some type of poison which inflicted bizarre behavior—it makes me shudder. Dr. Shulkin is a fabulous author who has clearly done research as a developmental and behavioral pediatrician but also police procedurals. The book was action-packed throughout, making it a page-turning, nail-biting success. I’m sorry I didn’t read “Adverse Effects,” Book 1 of the series, but I did feel “Toxic Effects” could be read as a stand-alone novel.
I’d like to thank NetGalley, Joel Shulkin, M.D., and Blackstone Publishing for allowing me to read and review this ARC.
This book was terrifying. No, it was not just because it was a thriller, but because people were used as test subjects for evil ends. Minds were tampered with, superimposing memories that did not belong to them to do criminals’ bidding. People who know they are not who they were told they are, memory breakthroughs, alter-egos, victims injected with some type of poison which inflicted bizarre behavior—it makes me shudder. Dr. Shulkin is a fabulous author who has clearly done research as a developmental and behavioral pediatrician but also police procedurals. The book was action-packed throughout, making it a page-turning, nail-biting success. I’m sorry I didn’t read “Adverse Effects,” Book 1 of the series, but I did feel “Toxic Effects” could be read as a stand-alone novel.
I’d like to thank NetGalley, Joel Shulkin, M.D., and Blackstone Publishing for allowing me to read and review this ARC.
October 26, 2022
The beginning of this book was pretty intense - lots of action; I was totally clueless. The unfolding of the plot - spectacular!
Christina Silva lands a research job - Longwood Memory Center. This allows Christina to research her own memory issues, her dual personalities warring for dominance.
Wilson is called to the scene of a dead teen - tragic case. His behavior had been erratic, including a tense situation at his school. As Wilson digs deeper, he discovers another teen missing. Connected by a supplement supposedly able to enhance test performance.
A terrifying plot - what have you forgotten? Shulkin uses our own fears regarding our forgotten memories to build the suspense and obsession with this story!
Christina Silva lands a research job - Longwood Memory Center. This allows Christina to research her own memory issues, her dual personalities warring for dominance.
Wilson is called to the scene of a dead teen - tragic case. His behavior had been erratic, including a tense situation at his school. As Wilson digs deeper, he discovers another teen missing. Connected by a supplement supposedly able to enhance test performance.
A terrifying plot - what have you forgotten? Shulkin uses our own fears regarding our forgotten memories to build the suspense and obsession with this story!
August 25, 2022
Complex Story With More Action Than Medical. I came into this book after having won an ARC of it in the Readers Coffeehouse (Facebook group) Great Big Book Giveaway Day 2022 and having not read Book 1 (Adverse Effects). Honestly, with the amount of story that happened before this book began (that gets repeatedly referenced when necessary here - in case anyone wants to avoid spoilers from that book), it seemed like this book was *much* deeper into the series than just Book 2. I honestly thought this was somewhere in the Book 3 - 5 range as I was reading it.
And while the overall story here is absolutely more action based than medical - though there is certainly a major medical mystery happening - and *is* very complex (more complex than say a typical Crichton, less complex than say a Robert Ludlum Bourne series book), it is also quite interesting and compelling. Shulkin here manages to take some scifi-ish concepts (ala, arguably most famously, Total Recall) and combine them with some more modern dissociative identity stories (ala Kerry Lonsdale's Everything trilogy) to create an innovative mythos and rare (in my vast reading) hero and villain who each share the same condition and use it in completely different ways.
As complex as this is - and perhaps those coming from Book 1 won't find it as complex - this is also one of the more interesting overall mythoi I've found in recent years, and I will absolutely be back for the next book, whenever that may come. Very much recommended.
And while the overall story here is absolutely more action based than medical - though there is certainly a major medical mystery happening - and *is* very complex (more complex than say a typical Crichton, less complex than say a Robert Ludlum Bourne series book), it is also quite interesting and compelling. Shulkin here manages to take some scifi-ish concepts (ala, arguably most famously, Total Recall) and combine them with some more modern dissociative identity stories (ala Kerry Lonsdale's Everything trilogy) to create an innovative mythos and rare (in my vast reading) hero and villain who each share the same condition and use it in completely different ways.
As complex as this is - and perhaps those coming from Book 1 won't find it as complex - this is also one of the more interesting overall mythoi I've found in recent years, and I will absolutely be back for the next book, whenever that may come. Very much recommended.
October 25, 2022
I am blown away; The Memory Thieves series is off to a phenomenal start. Dr. Joel Shulkin has outdone himself in his follow up to Adverse Effects. Having said that, this book works well as a standalone. I read Adverse Effects in 2020 and this book picks up where the other one left off while giving the reader the backstory needed to be on the same page.
I was immersed immediately and stayed up WAY to late to finish this one. I loved being back In ReMind along with neuropsychiatric Cristina Silva and Police Detective, Gary Wilson. I truly enjoy their chemistry as they go about solving crimes. I also like the banter between the two of them as they discuss possibilities.
I also enjoyed the adventure aspect of this book and what is not to love when you combine Big Pharma, ethics, human test subjects, FBI, female assassins, and memory thieves in one thrilling book.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a thriller/medical mystery with a cast of entertaining yet suspicious characters. I look forward to book 3!
I was immersed immediately and stayed up WAY to late to finish this one. I loved being back In ReMind along with neuropsychiatric Cristina Silva and Police Detective, Gary Wilson. I truly enjoy their chemistry as they go about solving crimes. I also like the banter between the two of them as they discuss possibilities.
I also enjoyed the adventure aspect of this book and what is not to love when you combine Big Pharma, ethics, human test subjects, FBI, female assassins, and memory thieves in one thrilling book.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a thriller/medical mystery with a cast of entertaining yet suspicious characters. I look forward to book 3!
September 25, 2022
*Thank you to Blackstone Publishing, Joel Shulkin MD, and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review*
Previously published at https://www.mysteryandsuspense.com/to...
“Our memory is a more perfect world than the universe: it gives back life to those who no longer exist.”
― Guy de Maupassant
When starting a book, I will normally check if it is a series. In books such as Toxic Effects , it is necessary to read the first book without being completely lost. There is a lot of back-story in the first book which explains why Cristina Silva, our protagonist, has the memories of two different people. There is so much story we miss without reading the first book, that I will do something I normally do and suggest you read the first book first as you may end up being lost like I was. Even without reading the first book, Joel Shulkin’s sophomore novel is an interesting and somewhat unbelievable mystery about those who have memories of multiple people and those who are having their memories taken away repeatedly. There are two separate storylines that don’t connect until the very end, but I will say the last 30 pages are the most suspenseful in the book.
When Cristina Silva begins her new position at Longwood Memory Center, assisting a Dr. Campbell with a memory study, She receives a telephone call from an FBI contact, that an unknown assassin is killing her old co-workers from the pharmaceutical company, Remind, that has now been shut down. Her contact believes it could be someone from Zero Dark, a criminal enterprise. Dama Branca, the female assassin, is one that had her memory stolen from Zero Dark, and is now targeting Cristina, though she is unsure why she could not kill her.
Gary Wilson, Cristina’s ex-lover, is a detective investigating the death of several teens after taking a memory enhancing drug, made in a specialized pharmacy. The three teens who have passed, all acted bizarrely in the days before their death, their only link being this memory pill, though Wilson is unsure how they were able to get the drug. They all speak of Sack Man before their deaths. Reggie Horne, the one connection to all of them that is still alive, describes Sack Man as a hooded boogeyman. Wilson realizes that Reggie’s connection may make him the next casualty and he vows to help him.
Though described as a medical thriller, Toxic Effects is much more action than medical, though I found the medical pieces interesting. But it is complex and not a light read, the reader must pay attention as there is so much to miss. But this novel mixes sci-fi, a little romance, medical mysteries while creating a memorable heroine and villain, who have the same memories. This is not my usual genre, but I enjoyed this very much and found the characters well-layered and relatable.
Previously published at https://www.mysteryandsuspense.com/to...
“Our memory is a more perfect world than the universe: it gives back life to those who no longer exist.”
― Guy de Maupassant
When starting a book, I will normally check if it is a series. In books such as Toxic Effects , it is necessary to read the first book without being completely lost. There is a lot of back-story in the first book which explains why Cristina Silva, our protagonist, has the memories of two different people. There is so much story we miss without reading the first book, that I will do something I normally do and suggest you read the first book first as you may end up being lost like I was. Even without reading the first book, Joel Shulkin’s sophomore novel is an interesting and somewhat unbelievable mystery about those who have memories of multiple people and those who are having their memories taken away repeatedly. There are two separate storylines that don’t connect until the very end, but I will say the last 30 pages are the most suspenseful in the book.
When Cristina Silva begins her new position at Longwood Memory Center, assisting a Dr. Campbell with a memory study, She receives a telephone call from an FBI contact, that an unknown assassin is killing her old co-workers from the pharmaceutical company, Remind, that has now been shut down. Her contact believes it could be someone from Zero Dark, a criminal enterprise. Dama Branca, the female assassin, is one that had her memory stolen from Zero Dark, and is now targeting Cristina, though she is unsure why she could not kill her.
Gary Wilson, Cristina’s ex-lover, is a detective investigating the death of several teens after taking a memory enhancing drug, made in a specialized pharmacy. The three teens who have passed, all acted bizarrely in the days before their death, their only link being this memory pill, though Wilson is unsure how they were able to get the drug. They all speak of Sack Man before their deaths. Reggie Horne, the one connection to all of them that is still alive, describes Sack Man as a hooded boogeyman. Wilson realizes that Reggie’s connection may make him the next casualty and he vows to help him.
Though described as a medical thriller, Toxic Effects is much more action than medical, though I found the medical pieces interesting. But it is complex and not a light read, the reader must pay attention as there is so much to miss. But this novel mixes sci-fi, a little romance, medical mysteries while creating a memorable heroine and villain, who have the same memories. This is not my usual genre, but I enjoyed this very much and found the characters well-layered and relatable.
September 20, 2022
Toxic Effects by Joel Shulkin, MD releases today! This is the sequel to his book Adverse Effects and both are absolute must reads if you are a thriller fan! When we first received this book I decided to read Adverse Effects first and I am glad that I did! I easily rolled over from one book to the next and I didn’t miss out on anything that was going on. Toxic Effects is definitely a continuation of Adverse Effects so I do suggest that you read both. It will really help explain some of the background details.
In Toxic Effects we continue to follow neuropsychiatrist Cristina Silva. She is now struggling with two personalities and neither one feel like her true self. She is also dealing with a stalker, someone she feels is trying to kill her as well as anyone else who was previously associated with Remind, the now defunct company responsible for her memory loss and multiple personalities.
Her ex-boyfriend cop is simultaneously investigating something strange happening with teenage boys dying after reportedly taking a supplement to help with memory. They soon find that Cristina’s case and the case of these teenagers are connected. What they need is to have Cristina’s memories fully come back so that they can finally figure out why everyone connected to Remind is being eliminated and finally get the answers that they have been seeking for so long.
Thank you so much @drjoelshulkin for sending us the advanced reader’s copy of Toxic Effects! I really like this series and can’t wait to read more from you!
Make sure to visit our Amazon Storefront today! Also check us out on TikTok! 🌺🧜🏻♀️
In Toxic Effects we continue to follow neuropsychiatrist Cristina Silva. She is now struggling with two personalities and neither one feel like her true self. She is also dealing with a stalker, someone she feels is trying to kill her as well as anyone else who was previously associated with Remind, the now defunct company responsible for her memory loss and multiple personalities.
Her ex-boyfriend cop is simultaneously investigating something strange happening with teenage boys dying after reportedly taking a supplement to help with memory. They soon find that Cristina’s case and the case of these teenagers are connected. What they need is to have Cristina’s memories fully come back so that they can finally figure out why everyone connected to Remind is being eliminated and finally get the answers that they have been seeking for so long.
Thank you so much @drjoelshulkin for sending us the advanced reader’s copy of Toxic Effects! I really like this series and can’t wait to read more from you!
Make sure to visit our Amazon Storefront today! Also check us out on TikTok! 🌺🧜🏻♀️
September 25, 2022
Toxic Effects
Joel Shulkin, MD
This is book 2 in this series. I recommend reading book 1, Adverse Effects, first, I didn’t, and I felt as if I had been dropped into the middle of a plot line and I found it extremely confusing. Apparently, a lot happened in book 1. This is a complicated tale.
Dr. Christina Silva, a neuropsychiatrist, has a lot of problems, memory loss, an extra personality living in her mind and someone is trying to kill her. Someone tampered with her memories leaving her with a unique problem. Bits and pieces of her memory comes back to her. There is a voice in her head that goes by the name Sabrina Carvalho (think split personality). They talk to each other, argue, hold discussions and occasionally Christina asks Sabrina for advice. Needless to say, this is all very confusing to both Christina and Sabrina. Christina takes a position at the Longwood Memory Center hoping to receive insight into what was done to her. Her former FBI contact warns Christina that an assassin is tracking down and killing people associated with ReMind, her former employer. ZeroDark is a wicked criminal organization backing ReMind. The assassin is Dama Branca, a female that goes by D.B; she feels a link to Christina but isn’t sure why. Both women had their memory altered by ZeroDark.
Gary Wilson Christina’s former boyfriend is a detective investigating the deaths of several teenaged boys. The deaths have several things in common: the boys exhibited erratic behavior, they knew each other, took a memory enhancing supplement, they had a connection to Reggie Horne, and someone they referred to as Sack Man. Who is Sack Man, a video game character or a murderer. When Wilson and Christina discover her case is connected the dead teenagers, they begin working together. The closer they get to the answers the more danger they court.
As I stated earlier this book is confusing if you haven’t read Adverse Effects. I found Christina a so-so character throughout the first half of the book. Once I got to know her better she made more sense. I liked the touch of romance between Wilson and Christina. I also like D.B. although she was an assassin, I liked her she was a victim. Wilson was a strong character and very likable. The third book in this series is The Memory Thieves.
Joel Shulkin, MD
This is book 2 in this series. I recommend reading book 1, Adverse Effects, first, I didn’t, and I felt as if I had been dropped into the middle of a plot line and I found it extremely confusing. Apparently, a lot happened in book 1. This is a complicated tale.
Dr. Christina Silva, a neuropsychiatrist, has a lot of problems, memory loss, an extra personality living in her mind and someone is trying to kill her. Someone tampered with her memories leaving her with a unique problem. Bits and pieces of her memory comes back to her. There is a voice in her head that goes by the name Sabrina Carvalho (think split personality). They talk to each other, argue, hold discussions and occasionally Christina asks Sabrina for advice. Needless to say, this is all very confusing to both Christina and Sabrina. Christina takes a position at the Longwood Memory Center hoping to receive insight into what was done to her. Her former FBI contact warns Christina that an assassin is tracking down and killing people associated with ReMind, her former employer. ZeroDark is a wicked criminal organization backing ReMind. The assassin is Dama Branca, a female that goes by D.B; she feels a link to Christina but isn’t sure why. Both women had their memory altered by ZeroDark.
Gary Wilson Christina’s former boyfriend is a detective investigating the deaths of several teenaged boys. The deaths have several things in common: the boys exhibited erratic behavior, they knew each other, took a memory enhancing supplement, they had a connection to Reggie Horne, and someone they referred to as Sack Man. Who is Sack Man, a video game character or a murderer. When Wilson and Christina discover her case is connected the dead teenagers, they begin working together. The closer they get to the answers the more danger they court.
As I stated earlier this book is confusing if you haven’t read Adverse Effects. I found Christina a so-so character throughout the first half of the book. Once I got to know her better she made more sense. I liked the touch of romance between Wilson and Christina. I also like D.B. although she was an assassin, I liked her she was a victim. Wilson was a strong character and very likable. The third book in this series is The Memory Thieves.
October 4, 2022
WOW! What did I just read?? Full disclosure - I received an e-copy of the ARC of Toxic Effects from the author through Net Galley. I had not read the first book in this Memory Thieves Series - did not even know there WAS a previous book. So, at first it was hard to follow what was going on with the main character which was pretty unusual and critical to the story. However, I was quickly sucked in to what was now going on and couldn’t put it down! Author, Joel Shulkin, has a way to keep a mystery going in twists and turns - like going through a maze - and you can’t stop until you get to the end!! I’ve now bought the first book, Adverse Effects, and will be reading it pronto! Then I will be impatiently waiting for the next in the series!! Awesome writing for a relatively new novelist!
April 15, 2023
Thank you NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing - Audiobooks for accepting my request to audibly read and review Toxic Effects.
Narrated by January LaVoy
Published: 09/20/22
It is the ease in which one can request books (no quota) from NetGalley and all that I have been approved for (many I have not) that kept this hidden gem sitting on the sidelines of my TBR. Let me quantify, this is a solid 4 star read. This is also a storyline that I would love on a snowy day.
No spoiling: There is an element of the main character that absolutely infuriated me. There are suggestions and bread crumbs throughout, I chose to overlook and not focus on what was going to be said at the end. I had high hopes, I wanted to be wrong. I wanted Shulkin to work harder, not take the easy road.
I enjoyed this story, enjoyed the changes in the characters. Then, I don't know how it happened, I saw that this is book 2 of a series; book 2! I have to admit, Shulkin may know more of what's going on than I do. Genre is mystery/thrillers. I would add a touch of sci-fi to that list.
Thoroughly enjoyable storyline. I look forward to exploring book 1 should no-one steal my memory.
Seriously, I don't appreciate all the profanity. I'm being fair and generous with four stars. It makes me feel dirty acknowledging the pleasure I received by this work. Four stars is for me, and they are against the stooping so low this potential hit will be found on a clearance rack. The author has talent, skill, higher education and resources available to him; the profanity wasn't necessary or appropriate.
Narrated by January LaVoy
Published: 09/20/22
It is the ease in which one can request books (no quota) from NetGalley and all that I have been approved for (many I have not) that kept this hidden gem sitting on the sidelines of my TBR. Let me quantify, this is a solid 4 star read. This is also a storyline that I would love on a snowy day.
No spoiling: There is an element of the main character that absolutely infuriated me. There are suggestions and bread crumbs throughout, I chose to overlook and not focus on what was going to be said at the end. I had high hopes, I wanted to be wrong. I wanted Shulkin to work harder, not take the easy road.
I enjoyed this story, enjoyed the changes in the characters. Then, I don't know how it happened, I saw that this is book 2 of a series; book 2! I have to admit, Shulkin may know more of what's going on than I do. Genre is mystery/thrillers. I would add a touch of sci-fi to that list.
Thoroughly enjoyable storyline. I look forward to exploring book 1 should no-one steal my memory.
Seriously, I don't appreciate all the profanity. I'm being fair and generous with four stars. It makes me feel dirty acknowledging the pleasure I received by this work. Four stars is for me, and they are against the stooping so low this potential hit will be found on a clearance rack. The author has talent, skill, higher education and resources available to him; the profanity wasn't necessary or appropriate.
October 26, 2022
This book has a quick start and jumps right into the action. I enjoyed the plot, but I’ll be honest I did guess the “twist” pretty quickly. This is the second book in a series; however, I didn’t feel like I was missing to much without reading the first book. One thing I did struggle with is the high level of medical jargon. It’s to be expected as the author is a doctor but I felt like I was getting bored during the parts of high medical conversations. I also struggled a little bit keeping up with all the characters and who was who and when. For me it was a 3.5/5 but I highly suggest it to anyone who really liked The Silent Patient and other medical thrillers/suspense.
November 6, 2022
This has got more twists than a twizzler. It has suspence, thrill, mystery, a bit of a romance love triangle, and loads of action! It's a very easy fast paced read that hooks you from start to finish. This whole Zero Dark, memory loss, double identity plot is right up my alley. I really loved the whole concept of the story and the twist and turns and the way it had me guessing till the very end. My favorite character was Detective Wilson. I was not a fan on how this whole thing ended for him it broke my heart. However, I really hope the author does a follow up book for this series so he can tie up all those loose ends and questions he left me with. I 100% recommend this to all my thriller, suspense, crime loving bookworms. Its a great novel!
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October 26, 2022Toxic Effects was a definite page turner. Once I started reading it, I did not want to put it down. I loved the characters, and it had lots of twist and turns. Imagine never knowing who to trust. This book was amazing, and I cannot wait for the next book. There's got to by another one, right?
September 19, 2022
Title: Toxic Effects
Series: The Memory Thieves #2
Author: Joel Shulkin M.D.
Audiobook Narrator: January LaVoy
Publisher: Blackstone Publishing Audiobook
Genre: Mystery Thriller
Pub Date: September 20, 2022
My Rating: 4.2 Stars!
Zero Dark’ is back!!
Soon after Neuropsychiatrist Cristina Silva began her new job at the Longwood Memory Center, Cristina receives a phone call that she is in danger as an assassin killing anyone connected to ReMind. .
Another story line is Cristina’s ex-boyfriend, Police Detective Gary Wilson, who is investigating the deaths of local bright teens. These teens are not known to use drugs. However, before their deaths they had been exhibiting bizarre behavior. ~ Detective Wilson believes there is more to this and perhaps ’Sack Man’ is not just a video game character but something much more.
Another young man, Reggie Horne, is clearly in the middle and knows more than he is telling. He is a young black teen and is fearful that anything he says will be used against him.
I liked the Wilson parts of this story more than Christina and her alter ego but I was curious about ‘DB’ - Dama Branca, who like Christina, was robbed of her memory by Zero Dark.
The story had me hooked ~ could not put it down!! I liked it more than I thought I would. I had concerns that the medical terms were going to be a bit much but since this is a bit Sci Fi the terms worked out great!!
It was a ride that I enjoyed.
~ I am ready for more Christina and Wilson in “The Memory Thieves #3”
Personal Note: I not a fan of profanity and hopeful there will be less in Book #3. Are you laughing?
Okay I know I am the only person alive who believes a sentence doesn’t have to contain an explicative!
I am a big audiobook fan and January LaVoy is one of my favorites. She does a wonderful job in performing all the characters.
Want to thank NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing Audiobook for this early eGalley.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for September 20, 2022
Series: The Memory Thieves #2
Author: Joel Shulkin M.D.
Audiobook Narrator: January LaVoy
Publisher: Blackstone Publishing Audiobook
Genre: Mystery Thriller
Pub Date: September 20, 2022
My Rating: 4.2 Stars!
Zero Dark’ is back!!
Soon after Neuropsychiatrist Cristina Silva began her new job at the Longwood Memory Center, Cristina receives a phone call that she is in danger as an assassin killing anyone connected to ReMind. .
Another story line is Cristina’s ex-boyfriend, Police Detective Gary Wilson, who is investigating the deaths of local bright teens. These teens are not known to use drugs. However, before their deaths they had been exhibiting bizarre behavior. ~ Detective Wilson believes there is more to this and perhaps ’Sack Man’ is not just a video game character but something much more.
Another young man, Reggie Horne, is clearly in the middle and knows more than he is telling. He is a young black teen and is fearful that anything he says will be used against him.
I liked the Wilson parts of this story more than Christina and her alter ego but I was curious about ‘DB’ - Dama Branca, who like Christina, was robbed of her memory by Zero Dark.
The story had me hooked ~ could not put it down!! I liked it more than I thought I would. I had concerns that the medical terms were going to be a bit much but since this is a bit Sci Fi the terms worked out great!!
It was a ride that I enjoyed.
~ I am ready for more Christina and Wilson in “The Memory Thieves #3”
Personal Note: I not a fan of profanity and hopeful there will be less in Book #3. Are you laughing?
Okay I know I am the only person alive who believes a sentence doesn’t have to contain an explicative!
I am a big audiobook fan and January LaVoy is one of my favorites. She does a wonderful job in performing all the characters.
Want to thank NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing Audiobook for this early eGalley.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for September 20, 2022
October 23, 2022
Thank you to the author and NetGalley for this free audio
This story is a wild ride! Definitely more action than medical thriller, this story follows a wide range of characters. The story is fast paced. I think I may have enjoyed it more if I read it versus listened
This is the second book in the series and I definitely recommend reading the first one beforehand. I was a bit confused and felt I had trouble keeping up with the motives of the story as well as the characters and the alter egos
In a nutshell, this story follows primarily Christina Silva as she navigates life while also listening to her alter ego Sabrina. It’s a battle of the minds as detectives are investigating concerning deaths of several teens related to a medication. There’s an assassin searching and killing all those who have been involved with the pharmaceutical company ReMind. Sack Man is on the loose causing harm to those under the influence and causing terror throughout the story. The ending was quite a shock and I definitely didn’t predict it
There’s a lot of characters and complex character relationships in this one. Out of my typical genre reads, I’m still glad I got the chance to listen even if I felt I didn’t grasp the full story
This story is a wild ride! Definitely more action than medical thriller, this story follows a wide range of characters. The story is fast paced. I think I may have enjoyed it more if I read it versus listened
This is the second book in the series and I definitely recommend reading the first one beforehand. I was a bit confused and felt I had trouble keeping up with the motives of the story as well as the characters and the alter egos
In a nutshell, this story follows primarily Christina Silva as she navigates life while also listening to her alter ego Sabrina. It’s a battle of the minds as detectives are investigating concerning deaths of several teens related to a medication. There’s an assassin searching and killing all those who have been involved with the pharmaceutical company ReMind. Sack Man is on the loose causing harm to those under the influence and causing terror throughout the story. The ending was quite a shock and I definitely didn’t predict it
There’s a lot of characters and complex character relationships in this one. Out of my typical genre reads, I’m still glad I got the chance to listen even if I felt I didn’t grasp the full story
October 2, 2022
Thank you Net Galley for an audio copy of Toxic Effects by Joel Shulkin. This story is an mystery/ thriller that is told with the main character Dr. Christina Silva. It was thrilling and complex and ultimately enjoyable listen.
September 22, 2022
Everybody against everybody and no one knows it. Honestly though, that’s almost how this book feels. There are so many weird twists and turns that bring two separate plots together into one big one. Plus, there’s an underlying romance story that’s actually pretty cute too.
🌀Synopsis
As a way to get over her past, Cristina Silva is ready to take on a new job. She’s also trying to get over her ex- boyfriend too, so a fresh start is just the ticket.
Until she gets a call from an FBI agent that someone out there is killing people from her past. Now she’s watching her every move and has multiple run ins with multiple people trying to attack her.
Meanwhile her ex-boyfriend is finding murdered teens who are running from a guy they call Sack Mann. When he meets up with Christina again the two get talking and realize both of the things they are dealing with are connected.
Sack Mann is killing kids because he’s trying to come up with an anecdote for memory loss. Something Sack Mann, Christina, and her assistant “Victoria” all have in common. Each person has their own goal and some are reporting to others too. When they all end up in the same room the truth, well most of it, comes out.
🌀Synopsis
As a way to get over her past, Cristina Silva is ready to take on a new job. She’s also trying to get over her ex- boyfriend too, so a fresh start is just the ticket.
Until she gets a call from an FBI agent that someone out there is killing people from her past. Now she’s watching her every move and has multiple run ins with multiple people trying to attack her.
Meanwhile her ex-boyfriend is finding murdered teens who are running from a guy they call Sack Mann. When he meets up with Christina again the two get talking and realize both of the things they are dealing with are connected.
Sack Mann is killing kids because he’s trying to come up with an anecdote for memory loss. Something Sack Mann, Christina, and her assistant “Victoria” all have in common. Each person has their own goal and some are reporting to others too. When they all end up in the same room the truth, well most of it, comes out.
September 25, 2022
Fantastic follow-up from Adverse Effects. Wondering how and who Dr.Silva really is? Still so many twists and turns, of who is who. So many unknown factors are still not answered. I need more answers.
November 9, 2022
Thank you Blackstone Publishing, Joel Shulkin, MD, and NetGalley for allowing me the pleasure of previewing this audiobook.
I have not read Adverse Effects, Book 1 of The Memory Thieves series. Therefore, initially, I thought I might be a little lost. Not to worry, the story pulled me in and I was quickly able to ascertain the situation.
Cristina Silva is trying to figure out who she can trust and who is out to get her, all while having her own internal struggle. Maria, Wilson, Victoria, a man from her past she thought was dead, who can she trust? Joel pulls you in with the action and twists of the story. I love a good medical mystery and this one did not disappoint. Can’t wait for the next in the series!!
January LaVoy does a great job with the narration with emphasis in all the right places. Accents were appropriate, not over the top.
Grab your copy today and start reading today!!!
I have not read Adverse Effects, Book 1 of The Memory Thieves series. Therefore, initially, I thought I might be a little lost. Not to worry, the story pulled me in and I was quickly able to ascertain the situation.
Cristina Silva is trying to figure out who she can trust and who is out to get her, all while having her own internal struggle. Maria, Wilson, Victoria, a man from her past she thought was dead, who can she trust? Joel pulls you in with the action and twists of the story. I love a good medical mystery and this one did not disappoint. Can’t wait for the next in the series!!
January LaVoy does a great job with the narration with emphasis in all the right places. Accents were appropriate, not over the top.
Grab your copy today and start reading today!!!
September 27, 2022
Toxic Effects is the second book in the Memory Thieves series, but I didn't read the first one. I felt like the author did a good job at explaining any information the reader may have missed.
We follow the main character, Christina who has created a memory-recovering drug, a project that is very near and dear to her heart because she has experienced memory loss herself. She quickly realizes that there is an assassin that is going after people that were involved in that memory recovering pharmaceutical company, so she realizes she is in danger.
This book was so fast paced, I felt like I was watching an action movie.
We follow the main character, Christina who has created a memory-recovering drug, a project that is very near and dear to her heart because she has experienced memory loss herself. She quickly realizes that there is an assassin that is going after people that were involved in that memory recovering pharmaceutical company, so she realizes she is in danger.
This book was so fast paced, I felt like I was watching an action movie.
November 25, 2022
Often used as a character trait and gimmick in movies and thriller novels, photographic memory unofficially refers to the ability of total recall of a document, a scene, or event, and the ability to remember it at will and examine it in detail. While certainly interesting and sensational, just like, say, being able to shoot spider webs from your wrists to para-glide through skyscraper canyons, photographic memory has never been proved to exist. Easily a hallmark of Boston, Fenway Park has seen its share of great remembered and recorded memories in baseball, football, hockey, soccer, concerts, and political events. Hosting the World Series eleven times since being built in 1912, Fenway park is the oldest active sports park in the MLB and sure to capture even more grand memories well into the future.
Plying her trade as the newest member of the Longwood Memory Center, the beguiling Brazilian Dr. Silva's office is within a stone's throw of Fenway Park, allowing her to fully commit to the study and restoration of memory. Cristina Silva is Sabrina Cavalho, and Sabrina Cavalho is Cristina Silva, thanks to the (fictional) drug Recognate and a criminal mastermind named Quinn. The conversations between Cristina and Sabrina, who sits firmly in her head, are enough to drive anyone to Clonedine and Doxepin. It's THE BOURNE IDENTITY meets TOTAL RECALL for those that haven't read book one, ADVERSE EFFECTS. And the coup de grace, she's not a world reknown assassin or a master spy, but a psychiatrist. Recognate was manufactured by ReMind, a big pharma juggernaut, and now in part two, someone's killing their employees across the SE United States. The good doctor, however, is nary worried, for she's a four times a week gym rat and a Jui-Jitsu expert to boot, a regular Brazilian badass. Plus she loves hummus more than life itself. Hot in pursuit, of both the killer and the brazen Brazilian babe in a bind, is DET Gary Wilson, who's excellent with case work but horrible with people and relationships. One of the latter would be with Dr. Silva and needless to say, it didn't end well. When things don't add up or Gary gets a hunch, he also gets an itch behind his ear, the right one. Instead of a gut feeling, this cop plays it by ear, a feat that magically switches to a neck prickling about half way through the book and then switches back for the finale.
So intricately plotted, TOXIC EFFECTS could cause major headaches just trying to keep all the threads straight and on top of all the identity switches, moles, assassins, killers, relationships both current and former. There is DB, or or Dama Branca, an assassin supreme, a killer, but also a prisoner in her own mind, "Sack Man" with a dubious and rather simple naming convention for a main antagonist, allegedly borne of nightmares, but quite real, and a bad drug nicknamed RAM Boost by the kids, like Rambo, just different. A faint memory of ADVERSE EFFECTS, book two is all about an ex-CIA man named Quinn who's now dead and schemed to take revenge on a former Alphabet Soup colleague, using Pharma Grade drugs to erase and recreate memories, in essence turning human brains into secure data storage drives. And it seems that it can all work out for the evil corporation Zero Dark and its killer minions, clearly marked by annular scars on the back of their necks a la THE MATRIX, were it not for one tenacious cop and for what's inside Cristina's head. Despite being a blatant copy of TOTAL RECALL minus the three-breasted barmaid, TOXIC EFFECTS throws down a nice drag of Donald Trump via a mention of the Central Park Five of 1989 and a good helping of solid science with Neuroanatomy, nootropics, MCH, neurobehavioral profiles, hippocampal plasticity, and AMPA switches. Given the obvious knowledge and research that went into this book, it opens the door to asking what exactly is a submachine rifle or a cervical spine. Easily read as a stand-alone, Book Two of the Memory Thieves Series, is suspenseful, obsessive, and compelling. For the memory of a lifetime, TOXIC EFFECTS is a medical mystery not to be missed.
November 5, 2022
Title: Toxic Effects
Author: Joel Shulkin, MD
Release Date: September 20th, 2022
Page Count: 367
Start Date: October 9th, 2022
Finish Date: November 1st, 2022
Review:
Story: This story covers so many aspects of mind-blowing events. We follow a woman who is split into two identities. She’s trying to adapt to life the way it is and get answers to why she’s like she is. We also see teens that are seemingly taking drugs and then allegedly killing themselves. Just when I thought I was figuring things out, the author threw another curve ball my way. I loved every moment. Full disclosure, this book is a sequel. I have not read the first book. It seems like it’s okay to be read as a standalone, but I can’t fully say. What I can say is that I will definitely be reading the first books. I would even give this author’s other books a chance too. I love the writing styles.
Characters: There are so many people in this book. So many strong personalities. I wish I wasn’t so horrible with names. I also feel like if I try to talk about all characters that this section will become somewhat a short story or novel. I loved reading about them all. Even the villains had a bit of a addictive story arc about them.
Critiques: None
Narration: The narrator did such a great job with this audiobook that I really believed that I was listening to a cast of narrators for a bit while listening to the book.
Final Thoughts: This book is intense and it took me through the ride. I wasn’t able to predict anything. I was floored at every single twist. I’m really beginning to wish that I had read the first book before I read this one. I fully believe that this gives me a good excuse to reread this one eventually. I do plan to read the first book when I’m able to. I also do fully recommend this book.
Author: Joel Shulkin, MD
Release Date: September 20th, 2022
Page Count: 367
Start Date: October 9th, 2022
Finish Date: November 1st, 2022
Review:
Story: This story covers so many aspects of mind-blowing events. We follow a woman who is split into two identities. She’s trying to adapt to life the way it is and get answers to why she’s like she is. We also see teens that are seemingly taking drugs and then allegedly killing themselves. Just when I thought I was figuring things out, the author threw another curve ball my way. I loved every moment. Full disclosure, this book is a sequel. I have not read the first book. It seems like it’s okay to be read as a standalone, but I can’t fully say. What I can say is that I will definitely be reading the first books. I would even give this author’s other books a chance too. I love the writing styles.
Characters: There are so many people in this book. So many strong personalities. I wish I wasn’t so horrible with names. I also feel like if I try to talk about all characters that this section will become somewhat a short story or novel. I loved reading about them all. Even the villains had a bit of a addictive story arc about them.
Critiques: None
Narration: The narrator did such a great job with this audiobook that I really believed that I was listening to a cast of narrators for a bit while listening to the book.
Final Thoughts: This book is intense and it took me through the ride. I wasn’t able to predict anything. I was floored at every single twist. I’m really beginning to wish that I had read the first book before I read this one. I fully believe that this gives me a good excuse to reread this one eventually. I do plan to read the first book when I’m able to. I also do fully recommend this book.
October 4, 2022
Toxic Effects by Joel Shulkin, MD
I have not read the first in the series, so my understanding of the overarching storyline is limited. Knowing this, the disjointed elements make more sense. Shulkin summarized the previous book well enough to get the basic framework of events. However, I think I would have appreciated the story and characters more if I had read the first book prior.
I had a hard time believing the conversations and interpersonal connections. Some of that can easily be attributed to the fact that I read the second book first, but there was a stilted feeling to the dialogue that I was unable to ignore.
Cristina’s duel personality and the effects of her memory loss were intriguing. The book followed her through some self-realization that felt a tad trite.
I think it is unlikely that I will pick up any of the other books in this series. There is unquestionably skill and practical knowledge behind the story, but ultimately I do not feel invested.
Vibes: The Bourne Identity by Robert Ludlum/ Eternal Sunshine if the Spotless Mind (Movie)
Plot - 4
Writing and Editing - 3
Character Development - 3
Narration - 5
Personal Bias - 3
Final Score - 3.6
Thank you Net Galley, Joel Shulkin, MD, and Blackstone Publishing - Audiobooks for my advanced copy! My opinions are my own.
I have not read the first in the series, so my understanding of the overarching storyline is limited. Knowing this, the disjointed elements make more sense. Shulkin summarized the previous book well enough to get the basic framework of events. However, I think I would have appreciated the story and characters more if I had read the first book prior.
I had a hard time believing the conversations and interpersonal connections. Some of that can easily be attributed to the fact that I read the second book first, but there was a stilted feeling to the dialogue that I was unable to ignore.
Cristina’s duel personality and the effects of her memory loss were intriguing. The book followed her through some self-realization that felt a tad trite.
I think it is unlikely that I will pick up any of the other books in this series. There is unquestionably skill and practical knowledge behind the story, but ultimately I do not feel invested.
Vibes: The Bourne Identity by Robert Ludlum/ Eternal Sunshine if the Spotless Mind (Movie)
Plot - 4
Writing and Editing - 3
Character Development - 3
Narration - 5
Personal Bias - 3
Final Score - 3.6
Thank you Net Galley, Joel Shulkin, MD, and Blackstone Publishing - Audiobooks for my advanced copy! My opinions are my own.
October 22, 2022
The twists and turns never stop in this story! Just when you think you have figured out who is who- you find out how wrong you are!
Dr. Christina Silva is back, still trying to sort out who she really is, and deal with the missing memories and the mental passenger she is carrying thanks to ZeroDark. Her new job may be a way to help her recover some of those memories- or it may bring her even closer to a person determined to kill her.
Filled with complex characters, lots of twists and turns and new mysteries for every partial answer, this book is almost impossible to put down once started!
A must read if you truly like fact paced mysteries that keep you constantly guessing!
Dr. Christina Silva is back, still trying to sort out who she really is, and deal with the missing memories and the mental passenger she is carrying thanks to ZeroDark. Her new job may be a way to help her recover some of those memories- or it may bring her even closer to a person determined to kill her.
Filled with complex characters, lots of twists and turns and new mysteries for every partial answer, this book is almost impossible to put down once started!
A must read if you truly like fact paced mysteries that keep you constantly guessing!
October 26, 2022
Cristina has created a memory recovering drug and as she understands what it's like to lose your memory we follow her on a dangerous journey as an assassin is going after people involved in the memory recovering pharmaceutical company.
I was thrilled that there is two story line's in this and that they connect in the end. The police procedural story line I felt was particularly gripping. Once again the characters are complex and hard to keep track of. But I loved that this book had it all action,mystery, suspense,sci-fi, thrills and even a little romance.
A fast paced thriller that will keep you on your toes and guessing until the very end.
I was thrilled that there is two story line's in this and that they connect in the end. The police procedural story line I felt was particularly gripping. Once again the characters are complex and hard to keep track of. But I loved that this book had it all action,mystery, suspense,sci-fi, thrills and even a little romance.
A fast paced thriller that will keep you on your toes and guessing until the very end.
October 30, 2022
This was book 2 in The Memory Thieves series. I wouldn’t say that it’s necessary to read book one first but it probably helps. The beginning of the book starts with so much action that I felt a little lost. I did catch up pretty quickly and really enjoyed the book. I feel like maybe that wouldn’t have happened if I had read book one. I can’t say much about the book itself without giving away spoilers. But I will say that it was a great thriller action adventure with a twist of sci-fi. I loved it! Judging from the ending, there will be a book 3. I’ll be watching for it.
October 24, 2022
TOXIC EFFECTS - Joel Shulkin, MD
I didn’t realise until near the end that this was the second part of the storyline and well, I was captivated by it…Not sure I would go back and read the first one because I enjoyed this one enough to leave it as it was.
Medical mayhem is how I would describe it, it’s a must read to anyone who likes a mystery. 👍🏻
“You can’t save everyone!”
I didn’t realise until near the end that this was the second part of the storyline and well, I was captivated by it…Not sure I would go back and read the first one because I enjoyed this one enough to leave it as it was.
Medical mayhem is how I would describe it, it’s a must read to anyone who likes a mystery. 👍🏻
“You can’t save everyone!”
November 15, 2022
Joel Shulkin MD is a new-to-me author. Cristina has voices in her head. Literally. She’s lost some of her memories and has others that aren’t her own. She’s not sure who to trust. An action-packed thriller with twists, turns, danger, suspense, and more.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
October 10, 2024
I highly recommend this book, I read it in 3 days, it was fast paced with lots going on.
November 3, 2022
Thank you to the publishers, author and NetGalley for the free copy of this audio book.
I went back and read the first book in this series but I think it would have been fine if I hadn't. Definitely fast paced, and I rather liked the characters quite a bit. The narrator was good as well.
I went back and read the first book in this series but I think it would have been fine if I hadn't. Definitely fast paced, and I rather liked the characters quite a bit. The narrator was good as well.
October 28, 2022
I first want to say thank you to the author for sending me a copy of this book!
This is the second book of this series, but can be read as a standalone. I suggest reading Adverse Effects first though to get more background on the story and characters.
This book is written from three different characters points of view and their stories that eventually all come together in one way or another. Full of suspense, action, and the feeling that you can’t trust anyone.
This book is easily one you can’t put down and will want to read in one sitting. The ending was left with another book to come and I can’t wait to read the next one!
This is the second book of this series, but can be read as a standalone. I suggest reading Adverse Effects first though to get more background on the story and characters.
This book is written from three different characters points of view and their stories that eventually all come together in one way or another. Full of suspense, action, and the feeling that you can’t trust anyone.
This book is easily one you can’t put down and will want to read in one sitting. The ending was left with another book to come and I can’t wait to read the next one!
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