The Memory Man

Amos Decker is a budding football star until he sustains a life threatening head injury during a match which almost ends his life. After a long recovery he is diagnosed as an “acquired savant” which in medical terminology, describes a person with profound and prodigious capacities or abilities far in excess of what would be considered normal. People with savant syndrome may have neurodevelopmental disorders, notably autism spectrum disorders, or brain injuries.

As he comes to terms with the fact that his football career is over, he joins the Police Force, where his savant skills enhance his reputation as an extremely effective member of the Force. 

One night he arrives home to discover his wife and daughter murdered, plummeting him into grief and despair. As a consequence, his life spirals out of control and he loses his job, house and self-respect.

Some months after this event, his former partner in the police, Mary Lancaster, visits him to let him know that someone has confessed to killing his family and this prompts Decker into seeking justice for his wife and child. As Decker slowly comes to terms with this news, tragedy strikes at the local school where a gunman kills several students and staff.

The police decide to bring Decker on board as they believe his remarkable gift will be able to assist in the apprehension of the murderer/s. He reluctantly agrees to assist with the investigation and gradually suspects there may be a connection between the school killings and the murder of his family.

As Decker strives to unravel the mystery encompassing both his family’s murder and the school shooting, he is challenged to remember past events which may, or may not, have triggered these events, stirring up memories he would rather forget.

I really enjoyed this murder mystery and the build up to the conclusion was steady and sustained. The plotting, action and characters all kept me involved until the end. Recommend.

THE MEMORY MAN by David Baldacci

Available for $20.95 via Booktopia