Title: I Remember Now
Author: Robert W Kirby
ISBN: 978 1837 5626 40
Publisher: Inkubator Books
Source: NetGalley
Melinda never really knew her husband. Until he died.
When Melinda’s husband, Gabriel, is murdered while walking their dog in some local fields, her world is smashed to pieces.
Melinda, who was also attacked and knocked out during the terrifying ordeal, tries to get her life back on track, but the grief is overwhelming.
Then, months after the incident, she has an intense flashback. The killer said something to Gabriel in the moments before stabbing him, something that seems to indicate they knew each other.
Now convinced Gabriel was targeted on purpose, Melinda becomes obsessed with discovering the truth about her husband’s death. But her daughters are concerned she’s becoming delusional and she’s seeing conspiracies where there are none.
As she digs deeper into his past, Melinda begins to realise that Gabriel had secrets, that despite all their years together, she may never have really known him.
What she doesn’t realise is that she is inching towards the biggest secret of all, a secret that people have killed for – and died for. Can Melinda uncover it before she becomes its next tragic victim?
Official Summary
26 October 2023
Browsing through titles on NetGalley, this book’s blurb caught my eye. This book was even better than the blurb. I raced through the pages of this psychological thriller and could not put this book down. This is a “new-to-me” author whose book I enjoyed from start to end. “I Remember Now” is a riveting and emotionally charged book that immerses you in a gripping story about grief, secrets and a quest for the truth in the wake of a shocking murder. The author weaves a tale that keeps you on the edge of your seat, leaving you eager for more.
The story begins with a brutal murder, leaving Melinda shattered by the loss of her husband, Gabriel. As the tale unfolds, the author explores the profound impact of Gabriel’s murder on Melinda. Her grief is vivid and you are immediately drawn into the depths of her pain and loss. The author beautifully portrays the complex emotions and trauma that accompany such a tragic event.
The story takes an unexpected turn when Milinda experiences an intense flashback months after the incident. This pivotal moment sets the stage for the heart of the story as she becomes convinced that Gabriel’s murder was not a random mugging; it was a targeted attack. The author effectively conveys Melinda’s growing obsession with uncovering the truth, making her a relatable and engaging protagonist. As she delves deeper into her husband’s past you are gradually introduced to the secrets Gabrial had kept hidden, leading to a sense of profound mystery and suspense.
I loved how the author kept me guessing. Melinda’s daughters grow concerned about her as she becomes increasingly consumed by her quest for the truth and the tension escalates. Kirby plays with the notion of whether Melinda is chasing delusions or legitimate conspiracies which creates an intricate psychological landscape that adds depth to this story.
The slow reveal of Gabriel’s secrets adds layers of intrigue, turning this book into a compelling exploration of identity, trust and the complex nature of human relationships. The suspense builds as Melinda inches closer to a revelation that people have been willing to kill and die for. You are kept wondering if Melinda will discover the truth, or if she will become the next victim.
This book is an enthralling thriller that combines the emotional depth of grief with a suspenseful mystery. This book is full of relatable characters and maintains a high level of tension throughout. As the layers of secrets are peeled back, you will be captivated by an intricate web of lies and the intense psychological journey of the protagonist.
Just in case you are not sure – I loved this book and I cannot wait to read more of this author’s work.
“I Remember Now” is due for release in November, this is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a blend of psychological suspense and emotional depth in their thrillers.
About the Author
Author bio from the author’s site
I was born in 1979 and live in Kent with my wife and children. I ran a private investigation agency for over fifteen years, dealing in cases that involved breach of contract claims, commercial debt recovery, and process serving. My agency also specialised in people tracing, so much of my work revolved around tracking down debtors, dealing in adoption matters and locating missing persons. At times, I worked on some pretty bizarre cases and dealt with plenty of interesting and sometimes colourful individuals. I’ve had a huge passion for screenwriting for many years and started writing novels during the first lockdown. My first novel, The Tests, published on Amazon in 2021, was based on a spec screenplay that I originally wrote back in 2009. The Tests was then republished with Inkubator Books in 2022 under the new title – The Wrong Girl. I have since started writing a new series set in the South of England and the Netherlands (The Bartell crime thriller series) the first of which, The Feud on Dead Lane, is now available on Amazon. The second book in the series will be available in autumn 2023. My next standalone release, The Visit, is a psychological thriller set in the seaside town of Whitstable. This will be out in May 2023 published with Inkubator Books.
Thank you for visiting the blog and reading my review. This is yet another ‘new-to-me’ author whose book I could not read fast enough. Are you a Robert W Kirby fan? What is your favourite book? Please leave a comment below and I will try to add your suggestion to my TBR.
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