Lest She Forget

October 2, 2023
In Malice’s far-fetched debut, a woman wakes up in a long-term treatment facility after a car accident, suffering from “global psychogenic amnesia”—a fugue state that results from “a severe psychological shock,” according to her psychiatrist. Kay Smith (a name the woman’s taken on courtesy of her rescuer) remembers nothing about the accident nor any details of her former life. Incredibly, Smith’s doctor urges her to wait a few days before “going to the authorities”; even more incredibly, she complies, and starts using the internet to try jogging her memory. What begins as a tale of psychological suspense quickly turns into a full-bore thriller when a visitor to the facility chats Smith up, setting her on edge with his suspicious eagerness to help her remember her past, and readers are subsequently introduced to Felix Jager, a former agent of a “clandestine intelligence service” ordered to ensure his “target” (Smith) is neutralized. Gradually, the stakes become much more significant—and political—as answers drip out about who Smith is and why power brokers might want her dead. Malice’s prose is mostly solid (if a bit florid), but any suspense she generates is marred by clumsy, contrived plotting, including a ludicrous twist that sucks the air out of the denouement. This brings nothing new to the well-trod territory of amnesiac thrillers.

November 3, 2023

DEBUT Malice's debut is a thriller that will keep readers guessing. It follows a woman who wakes up with amnesia after a car crash. She takes the name Kay Smith, as she doesn't recall anything about her previous life. While she attempts to figure out who she is, she only remembers one thing: trust nobody. She realizes that the wreck might not have been an accident after all. Kay also learns that there's a man who is after her and wants her dead. She has no idea why he is after her, but she knows that he will stop at nothing to get to her, even if that entails a trail of bodies. She cannot trust anyone in her quest for answers, not even herself. Malice does a good job of weaving together Kay's story, which will hook readers from the very beginning. A lot happens throughout the book, but it never feels rushed or convoluted. VERDICT Fans of authors such as Alex Michaelides or Paula Hawkins will enjoy this amnesia thriller.--Victoria Kiszka

Copyright 2023 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Starred review from June 10, 2024

In her twisty debut, Malice weaves a web of deception, intrigue, and fast-paced adventure into a psychological thriller that captivates until the last second. The story focuses on an unidentified car crash victim who awakens from a coma with amnesia. No one knows how or why she got in the accident, but something is undeniably wrong. Unable to trust others--and especially not herself--the woman, known to the hospital as Kay Smith (though this name is unfamiliar to her), must get to the bottom of the mystery. As she investigates, more and more questions arise. Why did she drive into that dangerous blizzard? And why is she now being pursued by two men with different agendas? Through alternating points of view, listeners are treated to the vocal talents of Kimberly M. Wetherall and Nelson Hobbs. Both narrators are emotive performers, believably taking on the personas of their characters and bringing them to life. Listeners will be held rapt by the anger, frustration, and panic that Hobbs brings to his narration and will be moved by Wetherall's empathetic portrait of Kay. VERDICT A fresh and surprising psychological thriller from a promising new author. Share with fans of Paula Hawkins and Clare Mackintosh.--Katy Duperry

Copyright 2024 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.