Amnesia

by G.H. Ephron

Book Overview

Sylvia Jackson was shot in the head and left for dead in a cemetery in Boston, her boyfriend lying dead a few yards away. She's in a coma for six weeks, and when she wakes up, she can't remember anything--until three months later, when suddenly she begins to recall details of the crime and the killer. Finally, Sylvia accuses her ex-husband, remembering what seems like incontrovertible evidence of his guilt. Enter Dr. Peter Zak. Peter, the director...

• Format: Mass Market Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0312981244
• ISBN13: 9780312981242
• Release Date: September 2001
• Publisher: St. Martin's Press
• Length: 320 Pages
• Weight: 0.35 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 4.3" x 6.8"

Customer Reviews

More than Mystery

I liked this book not just because Peter Zak is sympathetic and engaging, and not just because it has a suspenseful and well-constucted plot. I liked this book because it explored the idea of memory and made me think differently about eye-witness testimony. A great read!

Can't put it down

This is the kind of book that grips you from page one and makes you want to re-read the whole thing when you're done to see if you could have spotted whodunnit. Very much looking forward to "Addiction" next and hopefully a whole series of books by such great writer(s).

Mystery Lover's Delight

As a mystery novel, "Amnesia" has it all! The location (Boston) is beautifully described, the characters are multi-dimensional and deftly drawn, and the plot is complex enough to pose an intellectual challenge but suspenseful enough to surprise the reader in the final chapters."Amnesia" was written by two people: a writer and her collaborator, a practicing forensic neuropsychologist. Their combined strengths result in the creation of a masterful mystery.

Memories are tricky...

What a great mystery! This book is a delight to read. The writing style is taut and crisp, the characters (especially Peter Zak)multidimensional, and the theme profound. To what extent can we trust memories? With what confidence can someone (especially someone who has been hit in the head!) be trusted to recollect critical events? This psychological question is explored in a wonderful setting (Boston is the place, and it is beautifully described!). I really enjoyed some of the details of how psychological evaluations are conducted. Peter Zak shares with readers his myriad interests,such as Mission furniture,pottery and rowing on the Charles River. You can't put thjis book down! If you arelooking for a fun mystery, with an interesting and engaging main character,acolorful setting and a thought-provoking theme - this is it.It would be great to discuss in book clubs. I understand that anotherPeter Zak mystery is in the works (check the web site) and can't wait to read it!

Great book-raises some fantastic issues

Forensic psychologist Dr. Peter Zak of the Pearce Psychiatric Institute used to work as a consultant at the Massachusetts Public Defender's Office. Two years have passed since he offered his services there. He advised a patient to plead not guilty by reason of insanity. When the person was freed, he stalked Peter and his wife because he took umbrage with the doctor calling him a lunatic. The maniac ultimately killed Peter's spouse. Peter vowed never again would he work for the Public Defender.However, a colleague asks Peter to help on a case, which peaks the doctor's interest and he agrees. Sylvia Jackson was found in a graveyard with a bullet in her head. She remained in a coma for six weeks before regaining consciousness without any memory of what happened to her. She does not recall someone killed her boyfriend, leaving him in her bed. As her memory returns, she believes her former husband killed her boyfriend and tried to murder her. Peter and the defense tame believe her ex-spouse is innocent or is he just a clever psychopath.This is a fine start to what appears to be an exciting medical mystery series. AMNESIA is a fascinating story centering on how professionals can manipulate real and false memories of a weakened person. Peter is an appealing character as an individual who has lost part of his soul, but is finally starting to recover his equilibrium. G.H. Ephron has created a fresh mystery that sub-genre fans will relisg.Harriet Klausner