This book was offered via NetGalley and Canelo Crime in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed here are my own.
Liv Reese has a rare and complex form of amnesia. Every time she goes to sleep, she wakes up, remembering absolutely nothing from the past two years. So, her solution is never to sleep. She drinks highly caffeinated drinks, espresso, energy drinks, and takes over-the-counter pills to stay awake. Despite all her efforts, occasionally, she falls asleep. Sometimes on a bus, sometimes on a park bench. She awakens to the same confusion and memory loss over and over again.
Except now, there is a murder with all the evidence pointing to her as the perpetrator. Liv has no memory of the person she wakes up next to, who is now dead. Yet, the fact that it is her ex-fiance gives detectives Halliday and Lavelle more reason to believe Liv has killed Ted Cole. I loved the depth of character the author exposed with both of these detectives. It was an interesting sub-plot.
The storyline drew me in from the first. However, I was confused at times, as the timeline went back and forth between present-day and two years prior when Liv Reese’s life as she’d known it came to a brutal and terrifying end. Once I got accustomed to the author’s technique of telling the whole story, it got easier to keep up, although I have to admit there were still some confusing scenes. For instance, when Liv wakes up in a dingy, rundown apartment with only a mattress on the floor for a bed, walls covered with writing, and the floor littered with empty caffeine drink containers, I had no idea how she rented or why and that part was never explained.
The most fascinating part of the story was the way Liv’s brain struggled, holding on to the trauma that created this type of amnesia for her. “Stay awake,” was a phrase she mumbled to herself over and over. She wrote it on her hand, so she would see it. She also wrote lots of other words on her hand, like “Don’t Trust the cops,” and “Don’t open the door.”
The way it came together in a climactic ending explained everything, the trauma that sent her brain into this Groundhog Day syndrome, the phrase “stay awake,” the obsession with a fleur de lise pattern, writing on her hands and arms—All of it made sense.
While I struggled with parts of the book, I gave it four stars. What a twisted tale!
Interest storyline. I can see how it might get confusing. I always enjoy your reviews Jan <3
Thanks for stopping by, Debby. I appreciate it!
I can’t imagine how horrible amnesia would be, but I had an aunt who would fall asleep in the middle of a conversation, wake up 10-15 minutes later, and carry on as though nothing had happened!
Great review, Jan. This sounds like an intense read.
Oh wow, Jacquie. Did your aunt have narcolepsy? At least she retained her memory. I felt so sorry for this character. She tried so hard to stay awake, but eventually, the body would win out and she’d be back at square one. Thanks for stopping by!
Yes, I believe that’s what they called it. I was fourteen when she passed away (in her sleep) but remember many wonderful times with her <3
This is a twisted tale! How very clever. Great review, Jan.
A very twisted tale for sure, Jacqui. Thanks for stopping by!
This one sounds interesting. Don’t think I’ve read anything quite like it before. Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Jan.
It was quite different, Joan. And honestly, I didn’t guess the identity of the real killer until close to the end of the book. Thanks for stopping by!
I like how authors can be inspired by what’s come before and still come up with something new. I think Drew Barrymore had a similar condition in an Adam Sandler movie. I’ve seen films where someone woke up next to a body. Blending them and putting a new twist is something magical.
I agree, Craig. I don’t think I saw that movie, but it sounds like something I would enjoy. Thank you for stopping by and leaving a comment.
I like the idea… but how long can one stay awake!! Sounds interesting! Thanks for the recommendation Jan.
It certainly took its toll on her mental and physical health. Eventually exhaustion would win and she would fall asleep to wake up remembering nothing again.
This sounds so good! Thanks for sharing, Jan. Enjoy your weekend!
It was quite a story, Jill. I think you would enjoy it. Thanks for stopping by and you have a great weekend also!
I like the sound of the story, Jan, although don’t like getting confused:)
The premise was most compelling for sure. Once I finally figured out what the author was doing, it got easier to keep up. Thanks for stopping by, Denise.
Ooh, I love the premise of this book! I’ll have to go check it out. Like you, I’ll probably get confused … it doesn’t take much! Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Jan 💕🙂
Lol! I thought maybe it was just me, Harmony, but if you read it I’d love to hear your thoughts on it. It’s definitely a good read!
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I thought the same thing while I was reading it, Yvette. Maybe it will make it to the big screen. Thanks for stopping by!
It sounds like it would make a great movie, Jan. Your review is great. Thanks for sharing! 🙂