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The Memory Trap
In the early 1960s, Rob Chambers, a brilliant young Dallas attorney, finds himself ensnared in a dangerous game of money laundering by the son of his firm’s largest client. If Rob refuses to participate, everyone dear to him will be murdered, starting with Wanda, the woman he cherishes.
Propelled by fear for Wanda’s safety, Rob is thrown into a world of lies, deceit and abuse of the legal system he swore to uphold. He manages to keep his involvement hidden until an unexpected connection to the Kennedy assassination exposes him to the FBI, and his skillful efforts of concealment come unraveled.
Hunted by the FBI and in the crosshairs of ruthless drug lords, Rob is inescapably cornered and desperate to save Wanda. He’s left with one take matters into his own hands and break free from this trap before it destroys both of them.
“Riveting! The Memory Trap is a gripping, suspense thriller that possesses elements of literary romance. A masterful storyteller, Joppie spins a unique tale of intrigue, involving a young lawyer, Rob Chambers, whose remarkable photographic memory lands him in dangerous waters with a vile drug-cartel organization and the FBI. Brace yourself, the shocking twists and turns will hold you captive.”
—Sherry Maysonave, award-winning author of The Girl Who Could Read Hearts and Tatae’s Promise
“Joppie’s The Memory Trap is a thriller, with lawyers and drug dealers and blackmail, but what a thriller! Better written and less fantastical than the usual trite genre fare—though our hero, Rob, is a champion swimmer with a photographic memory—it takes the reader on a compelling ride that starts in Texas, ends in Texas and visits lots of other places in between. The characters are well developed; the plot and subplots are tight. Stuff happens; twists happen, suspense and danger happen in spades, all weaving an engaging story for genre and literary readers alike.”
—William H. Reid, best selling author of A Dark Night in Aurora
Propelled by fear for Wanda’s safety, Rob is thrown into a world of lies, deceit and abuse of the legal system he swore to uphold. He manages to keep his involvement hidden until an unexpected connection to the Kennedy assassination exposes him to the FBI, and his skillful efforts of concealment come unraveled.
Hunted by the FBI and in the crosshairs of ruthless drug lords, Rob is inescapably cornered and desperate to save Wanda. He’s left with one take matters into his own hands and break free from this trap before it destroys both of them.
“Riveting! The Memory Trap is a gripping, suspense thriller that possesses elements of literary romance. A masterful storyteller, Joppie spins a unique tale of intrigue, involving a young lawyer, Rob Chambers, whose remarkable photographic memory lands him in dangerous waters with a vile drug-cartel organization and the FBI. Brace yourself, the shocking twists and turns will hold you captive.”
—Sherry Maysonave, award-winning author of The Girl Who Could Read Hearts and Tatae’s Promise
“Joppie’s The Memory Trap is a thriller, with lawyers and drug dealers and blackmail, but what a thriller! Better written and less fantastical than the usual trite genre fare—though our hero, Rob, is a champion swimmer with a photographic memory—it takes the reader on a compelling ride that starts in Texas, ends in Texas and visits lots of other places in between. The characters are well developed; the plot and subplots are tight. Stuff happens; twists happen, suspense and danger happen in spades, all weaving an engaging story for genre and literary readers alike.”
—William H. Reid, best selling author of A Dark Night in Aurora
320 pages, Hardcover
Published October 8, 2024
3 people are currently reading
49 people want to read
About the author
Donna Joppie
7 books4 followersDonna Joppie was born with an insatiable desire to create. This desire has dominated most of her life in many forms. Painting, interior design, photography, but none have been as rewarding and fulfilling as her love for writing.
Donna was born into a large family and raised in South Louisiana. She has traveled the world, but she and her husband Rick chose the beautiful hill country of Texas as home.
The Memory Trap is her first novel to be release. Three more will follow.
Donna was born into a large family and raised in South Louisiana. She has traveled the world, but she and her husband Rick chose the beautiful hill country of Texas as home.
The Memory Trap is her first novel to be release. Three more will follow.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
October 23, 2024
Thank you to @dartfrogbooks for the #gifted copy.
I have always been a fan of crime thrillers and this one did not disappoint.
Set in the early 60s, Rob has just finished up law school and about to take the Bar exam. He has his dream job and is in love. Until suddenly, he finds that befriending the wrong person years ago and having the gift of memory suddenly makes him an asset. Now he is in over his head and the people he loves are being threatened. Rob has no choice but to go into business with bad people to protect them. Can he get out alive?
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. I loved the pacing, the characters and the storyline. The plot was a bit predictable.
I have always been a fan of crime thrillers and this one did not disappoint.
Set in the early 60s, Rob has just finished up law school and about to take the Bar exam. He has his dream job and is in love. Until suddenly, he finds that befriending the wrong person years ago and having the gift of memory suddenly makes him an asset. Now he is in over his head and the people he loves are being threatened. Rob has no choice but to go into business with bad people to protect them. Can he get out alive?
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. I loved the pacing, the characters and the storyline. The plot was a bit predictable.
October 20, 2024
The Memory Trap follows Rob Chambers, a new attorney in Dallas. It’s the early 60s and Rob is on the verge of taking the bar exam, cautiously confident he will pass. After all, Rob is not your typical lawyer. He is one with a photographic memory, a fact he doesn’t disclose often. But his talent isn’t the only secret Rob has. Rob is also in a relationship with a woman he works with, Wanda, something that is formally frowned upon as the firm where they both work.
Matters grow further complicated when Rob is recruited to work laundering money for a dangerous man, Carlos. Rob’s involvement is no coincidence. Carlos selected him after getting wind of his amazing memory. Although Rob wants no part of the crime, his career, his life, and the lives of the people he cherishes, all are in grave danger if he doesn’t concede.
As Rob’s involvement in the seedy side of law and justice grows deeper, so do the complicated entanglements and complications. Now Rob has to fight to save his career and the woman he loves. But what can a man who remembers everything do when his only hope is to erase the past?
The Memory Trap is a fast paced legal thriller, throwing the reader into the action in the first few pages. The fresh faced, yet multi-faceted Rob reminded me a bit of the character Mike Ross from Suits, both men’s desire to do good often eclipsed by the game they must play.
However, there is A LOT to unpack in this story, Rob’s witness to corruption taking him on some break-necking twists and turns. I also couldn’t help but to have wanted more out of where Rob’s magnificent memory could have been better utilized-a missed opportunity in many respects. All of this comes to a close in a rather rushed manner given the sheer breadth of manipulation that takes place in this novel.
In summation, The Memory Trap is a tenacious thriller, but ironically it may not be quite as memorable as I’d hoped given its promising premise.
Matters grow further complicated when Rob is recruited to work laundering money for a dangerous man, Carlos. Rob’s involvement is no coincidence. Carlos selected him after getting wind of his amazing memory. Although Rob wants no part of the crime, his career, his life, and the lives of the people he cherishes, all are in grave danger if he doesn’t concede.
As Rob’s involvement in the seedy side of law and justice grows deeper, so do the complicated entanglements and complications. Now Rob has to fight to save his career and the woman he loves. But what can a man who remembers everything do when his only hope is to erase the past?
The Memory Trap is a fast paced legal thriller, throwing the reader into the action in the first few pages. The fresh faced, yet multi-faceted Rob reminded me a bit of the character Mike Ross from Suits, both men’s desire to do good often eclipsed by the game they must play.
However, there is A LOT to unpack in this story, Rob’s witness to corruption taking him on some break-necking twists and turns. I also couldn’t help but to have wanted more out of where Rob’s magnificent memory could have been better utilized-a missed opportunity in many respects. All of this comes to a close in a rather rushed manner given the sheer breadth of manipulation that takes place in this novel.
In summation, The Memory Trap is a tenacious thriller, but ironically it may not be quite as memorable as I’d hoped given its promising premise.
November 1, 2024
In The Memory Trap by Donna Joppie, we are introduced to Rob Chambers, who is fresh out of law school in the Spring of 1962. He has been interning for the past two years at the Tolland Law Firm in Dallas, Texas. Now, Gary Tolland, the owner of the firm, has offered Rob an associate position because Rob has proven to be such an asset during his internship with them. Although this sounds like a wonderful opportunity, senior associate James Horton is bothered by Gary’s decision to offer Rob the very position that James had promised someone else, but ultimately ending up recanting. To say there is extreme tension between James and Rob is an understatement.
When Gary chooses Rob to go on an important trip with James and other associates to conduct meetings with their largest client, Mexicana Oil, James decides he’s going to make Rob’s life a living hell by ensuring that Rob isn’t present for the necessary meetings. But Rob can’t help but try convincing James that the paperwork that Mexicana Oil intends to sign is legally inaccurate, so James spitefully decides to destroy all evidence that Rob has spent hours producing to support his claim. If this hasn’t caused enough controversy, Rob gets entangled in a deceitful web of lies with Carlos, the son of the owner of Mexicana Oil. Life gets even more complicated by the minute for Rob. Does the inaccurate paperwork get signed by Mexicana Oil after all? Does the truth come out regarding what James did to Rob’s legal evidence? What tangled web does Rob find himself in with untrustworthy Carlos?
This book is a crime thriller that grabs hold of readers right from the very first page and takes them on an intense roller coaster ride right until the very last page. As James tried everything within his power to compromise Rob’s position with the firm, it became obvious that the work relationship between the men was going to be anything but civil. Readers will immediately dislike James not only for his deception toward Rob, but more importantly, the very firm he had been senior associate at for the past 15 years. One had to wonder if James had other intentions instead of just doing business with the firm’s largest client and sealing the deal with Mexicana Oil to have the paperwork state inaccurate information.
It was extremely easy to fall in love with Rob’s character. You have a young guy who had worked hard throughout law school, while doing a two year internship at the Tolland Law Firm. He had gained plenty of respect during his tenure there to secure an associate position with the firm before even taking his bar exam. He had a loving relationship with his girlfriend, Wanda, who he hoped to propose to once he passed his bar exam. Things just seemed to have fallen into place for him. That was until dishonest Carlos asked him to do something he never should have been asked to do. Rob’s perfect life was quickly turned upside down and there didn’t seem to be any resolution to correct everything that was shattering around him. Readers will find themselves trying to come up with solutions to offer Rob as if he were a real person you wanted to help.
Quill says: The Memory Trap by Donna Joppie is full of mystery, intrigue, and plenty of white knuckle moments where you can’t help but hold your breath. Well done, Ms. Joppie!
When Gary chooses Rob to go on an important trip with James and other associates to conduct meetings with their largest client, Mexicana Oil, James decides he’s going to make Rob’s life a living hell by ensuring that Rob isn’t present for the necessary meetings. But Rob can’t help but try convincing James that the paperwork that Mexicana Oil intends to sign is legally inaccurate, so James spitefully decides to destroy all evidence that Rob has spent hours producing to support his claim. If this hasn’t caused enough controversy, Rob gets entangled in a deceitful web of lies with Carlos, the son of the owner of Mexicana Oil. Life gets even more complicated by the minute for Rob. Does the inaccurate paperwork get signed by Mexicana Oil after all? Does the truth come out regarding what James did to Rob’s legal evidence? What tangled web does Rob find himself in with untrustworthy Carlos?
This book is a crime thriller that grabs hold of readers right from the very first page and takes them on an intense roller coaster ride right until the very last page. As James tried everything within his power to compromise Rob’s position with the firm, it became obvious that the work relationship between the men was going to be anything but civil. Readers will immediately dislike James not only for his deception toward Rob, but more importantly, the very firm he had been senior associate at for the past 15 years. One had to wonder if James had other intentions instead of just doing business with the firm’s largest client and sealing the deal with Mexicana Oil to have the paperwork state inaccurate information.
It was extremely easy to fall in love with Rob’s character. You have a young guy who had worked hard throughout law school, while doing a two year internship at the Tolland Law Firm. He had gained plenty of respect during his tenure there to secure an associate position with the firm before even taking his bar exam. He had a loving relationship with his girlfriend, Wanda, who he hoped to propose to once he passed his bar exam. Things just seemed to have fallen into place for him. That was until dishonest Carlos asked him to do something he never should have been asked to do. Rob’s perfect life was quickly turned upside down and there didn’t seem to be any resolution to correct everything that was shattering around him. Readers will find themselves trying to come up with solutions to offer Rob as if he were a real person you wanted to help.
Quill says: The Memory Trap by Donna Joppie is full of mystery, intrigue, and plenty of white knuckle moments where you can’t help but hold your breath. Well done, Ms. Joppie!
January 16, 2025
If you have a passion for legal thrillers reminiscent of John Grisham or Michael Connelly, then “The Memory Trap” by Donna Joppie promises to be exhilarating. The novel unfolds in 1962, a pivotal time in American history marked by the presidency of John F. Kennedy. The spotlight falls on the Mexicana Oil Company, the Tolland Law Firm’s largest and most influential client, where the story’s protagonist, Rob Chambers, begins his journey.
Rob is a bright and ambitious law clerk who is fully confident in his abilities and is preparing to take the bar exam. His remarkable gift of eidetic memory—or photographic memory—gives him an edge over his peers, and he dreams of making a meaningful impact in the world of law.
However, Rob’s life takes a dramatic turn when he accidentally uncovers a dangerous web of deceit that could threaten the very foundation of his firm. Desperate to find the truth, as the stakes rise he grapples with whether he will emerge from this perilous situation alive.
Amidst the chaos, Rob is haunted by a burning question: will he finally have the chance to become a lawyer and leave his troubled past behind, or will his entanglements forever bind him to a life of crime? The choices he makes in this treacherous landscape will ultimately determine his fate.
Donna Joppie has skillfully created characters meant to elicit a wide array of emotions from readers. One of the central characters, Rob, is depicted as youthful, ambitious, and somewhat naive. These qualities make him relatable and play a significant role in his eventual downfall as he navigates the complexities of his environment.
The legal elements woven throughout the novel are presented with clarity and depth, ensuring readers can quickly grasp the intricate details. Joppie elaborately integrates themes surrounding the oil industry, the influence of the Mexican cartel, and the workings of legal firms, which together form a dynamic and riveting storyline.
I particularly appreciated how the narrative thoughtfully incorporates key historical events from the 1960s such as the assassination of JFK in Dallas. These events enrich the plot with a sense of authenticity and historical context and add layers to the character’s motivations and the overall storyline.
Additionally, I found the comprehensive information on codicils and mineral rights to be fascinating, as it highlights the complexities and legal nuances that play a significant role in the characters’ lives and the unfolding drama. This detail enhances the narrative and provides substantial insights into the story’s legal conflicts and ethical dilemmas. Individuals who appreciate legal thrillers will likely find “The Memory Trap” by Donna Joppie particularly engaging. I would assign it a rating of five stars for its suspense, intrigue, and plot development. The experience left me captivated until the very last page.
Rob is a bright and ambitious law clerk who is fully confident in his abilities and is preparing to take the bar exam. His remarkable gift of eidetic memory—or photographic memory—gives him an edge over his peers, and he dreams of making a meaningful impact in the world of law.
However, Rob’s life takes a dramatic turn when he accidentally uncovers a dangerous web of deceit that could threaten the very foundation of his firm. Desperate to find the truth, as the stakes rise he grapples with whether he will emerge from this perilous situation alive.
Amidst the chaos, Rob is haunted by a burning question: will he finally have the chance to become a lawyer and leave his troubled past behind, or will his entanglements forever bind him to a life of crime? The choices he makes in this treacherous landscape will ultimately determine his fate.
Donna Joppie has skillfully created characters meant to elicit a wide array of emotions from readers. One of the central characters, Rob, is depicted as youthful, ambitious, and somewhat naive. These qualities make him relatable and play a significant role in his eventual downfall as he navigates the complexities of his environment.
The legal elements woven throughout the novel are presented with clarity and depth, ensuring readers can quickly grasp the intricate details. Joppie elaborately integrates themes surrounding the oil industry, the influence of the Mexican cartel, and the workings of legal firms, which together form a dynamic and riveting storyline.
I particularly appreciated how the narrative thoughtfully incorporates key historical events from the 1960s such as the assassination of JFK in Dallas. These events enrich the plot with a sense of authenticity and historical context and add layers to the character’s motivations and the overall storyline.
Additionally, I found the comprehensive information on codicils and mineral rights to be fascinating, as it highlights the complexities and legal nuances that play a significant role in the characters’ lives and the unfolding drama. This detail enhances the narrative and provides substantial insights into the story’s legal conflicts and ethical dilemmas. Individuals who appreciate legal thrillers will likely find “The Memory Trap” by Donna Joppie particularly engaging. I would assign it a rating of five stars for its suspense, intrigue, and plot development. The experience left me captivated until the very last page.
January 21, 2025
For those who appreciate legal thrillers in the vein of John Grisham or Michael Connelly, Donna Joppie's "The Memory Trap" presents an engaging narrative. Set against the backdrop of 1962, a significant year in American history during John F. Kennedy's presidency, the novel centers on the Mexicana Oil Company, a prominent client of the Tolland Law Firm. The story follows the journey of the protagonist, Rob Chambers.
Rob is depicted as a bright and ambitious law clerk with commendable confidence in his abilities as he prepares for the bar exam. His exceptional gift of eidetic or photographic memory gives him a unique advantage over his peers, fueling his aspirations to make a meaningful contribution to law.
However, the trajectory of Rob's life shifts dramatically when he inadvertently uncovers a troubling web of deception that threatens the integrity of his firm. He faces rising stakes as he navigates this complex situation in search of the truth. Rob confronts a pivotal question: will he successfully transition into a career as a lawyer and move past his challenging past, or will he become entangled in a life of crime? The decisions he makes in this intricate landscape will ultimately shape his future.
I find it commendable how the narrative thoughtfully weaves in key historical events from the 1960s, including the assassination of JFK in Dallas. These events enhance the plot with a sense of authenticity and historical context while adding valuable layers to the character's motivations and the overarching storyline.
Rob is depicted as a bright and ambitious law clerk with commendable confidence in his abilities as he prepares for the bar exam. His exceptional gift of eidetic or photographic memory gives him a unique advantage over his peers, fueling his aspirations to make a meaningful contribution to law.
However, the trajectory of Rob's life shifts dramatically when he inadvertently uncovers a troubling web of deception that threatens the integrity of his firm. He faces rising stakes as he navigates this complex situation in search of the truth. Rob confronts a pivotal question: will he successfully transition into a career as a lawyer and move past his challenging past, or will he become entangled in a life of crime? The decisions he makes in this intricate landscape will ultimately shape his future.
I find it commendable how the narrative thoughtfully weaves in key historical events from the 1960s, including the assassination of JFK in Dallas. These events enhance the plot with a sense of authenticity and historical context while adding valuable layers to the character's motivations and the overarching storyline.
October 22, 2024
I really enjoyed this thrill ride of an adventure and I loved the non-stop action whether it was a mental or physical challenge.
Rob is an intriguing character with a photographic memory and plenty of quick thinking street smarts when the need arises. And it does throughout most of the book. It was fascinating to see where his mind went and how he solved problems when trying to make up with his girlfriend or on the run from Mexican drug lords.
The plot was very interesting and I learned a lot of basic little gold nuggets of trivia information as I read and I'm not referring to the potentially illegal info regarding the money laundering and drug trafficking. Although that information made for a few truly harrowing scenes and kept me turning the pages.
This suspense thriller will appeal to those that like a solid intelligent storyline with lots of intrigue, travel, and a touch of romance. I'm looking forward to reading more from this author in the future.
I received a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.
Rob is an intriguing character with a photographic memory and plenty of quick thinking street smarts when the need arises. And it does throughout most of the book. It was fascinating to see where his mind went and how he solved problems when trying to make up with his girlfriend or on the run from Mexican drug lords.
The plot was very interesting and I learned a lot of basic little gold nuggets of trivia information as I read and I'm not referring to the potentially illegal info regarding the money laundering and drug trafficking. Although that information made for a few truly harrowing scenes and kept me turning the pages.
This suspense thriller will appeal to those that like a solid intelligent storyline with lots of intrigue, travel, and a touch of romance. I'm looking forward to reading more from this author in the future.
I received a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.
October 23, 2024
This was an immediately intriguing read, and the suspense made it compulsive as ever. I flew through it. It was good, but I do think maybe there was *too* much going on which prevented ALL of it from being done extremely well. Rob reminded me so much of Mike Ross (IYKYK) and I loved that aspect, but I also think his special memory abilities were underutilized (as they primarily only served as the reason he was “chosen”). I wish we’d gotten to see more of that aspect. I liked the fun littles nods to the time period and enjoyed the “Ozark” vibes (because I loved that show!) But I do think a few story lines were unnecessary in the end; the conflict with Horton and Wanda’s engagement, specifically. They added some drama in the beginning but were ultimately insignificant to the big picture. It wrapped up a little abruptly after SO much action and tension build up, but I was glad it ended the way it did. While it wasn’t anything glaringly unique or new, it was certainly a decent little white collar crime suspense novel! I appreciated @DartFrogBooks giving me the opportunity to read it.
November 14, 2024
Joppie is like a Master Chef serving up a seven-course meal. She builds intrigue by dishing up a dashing, brilliant corporate attorney and mixes it with portions of law firm friends and foes, acquaintances from the past, an up-and-coming drug cartel, and touches of romance. The result is a twisty, tasty crime drama that is innovative and engrossing.
It will make you wonder what you would do if you were in a similar situation, what makes a person guilty if they are being bribed, and how justice is best served. I thoroughly enjoyed "The Memory Trap"... just like a gourmet meal that leaves you full and contented, while wanting to come back again for more.
It will make you wonder what you would do if you were in a similar situation, what makes a person guilty if they are being bribed, and how justice is best served. I thoroughly enjoyed "The Memory Trap"... just like a gourmet meal that leaves you full and contented, while wanting to come back again for more.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews