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Fiction. Mystery. Suspense. Thriller. HTML:From the author of The 6:20 Man, �??Memory Man�?� Amos Decker�??an FBI consultant with perfect recall�??delves into a bewildering double homicide in this new thriller in David Baldacci's #1 New York Times bestselling series. When Amos Decker is called to South Florida to investigate a double homicide, the case appears straightforward: A federal judge and her bodyguard have been found dead, the judge�??s face sporting a blindfold with two eye holes crudely cut out, a clear sign that she�??d made one too many enemies over her years on the bench. What at first seems cut and dry is anything but: Not only did the judge have more enemies than Decker can count�??from violent gang members, drug dealers, and smugglers to a resentful ex-husband�??but the bodyguard presents additional conundrums that muddy the waters even further. Who was the real target in this vicious attack? Meanwhile, Decker must contend with a series of unsettling changes, including a new partner�??Special Agent Frederica �??Freddie�?� White�??and a devastating event that brings Decker�??s own tragic past back to the present . . . and forces him to reckon with his future. As potential witnesses start disappearing, Decker and White are inexorably pulled down a twisted tunnel of secrets, crimes, and scandal�??at the end of w… (more)
User reviews
LibraryThing member thewanderingjew
Long shadows, Book 7, Memory Man Series; David Baldacci, author; Kyf Brewer, Orlagh Cassidy, narrators
This is a very simple story that the author has tried to make a bit too complicated. When a very wealthy judge and her quasi-bodyguard are found murdered in her home, Amos Decker and his new
As the story progresses, and more murder victims pile up, it seems possible that more than one murderer has been involved. Were the first two victims killed for the same reason? If so, what was the reason? Why did other murders follow? The connection seems nebulous. Perhaps the murder of the judge and her lover were unrelated. Soon, big business and politics, in bed with each other, also reveal espionage that takes the reader as far as Czechoslovakia and Russia. What is the connection? You won’t discover until the end, as the author has woven in many tangents extending far into the past, with spies, conmen and hired assassins to distract the reader as the crime is solved.
The novel also reveals the fragile nature of relationships between parents and children, spouse and spouse. Explanations and actions related to relationships are often misread and overblown in the effort to remain loyal, prove our love and to protect each other. In the process, the author also engages the reader with the very real effects of greed, immorality and severe mental illnesses that are untreated or untreatable, of adults and emotional and intellectually challenged children. Several of the characters had to deal with drastic issues. In addition, Decker’s new partner’s name seemed a bit contrived, and I wondered why. These are just some of the varied themes introduced. Perhaps the wokeness that is seeping into the books of so many progressive authors has now infected his writing. Men are not painted in the finest of lights, but as highly toxic. The idea of the questionable superiority of women seems to have crept into the pages, as their value is seemingly questioned, sometimes unfairly and unkindly. There is also an apparent attempt to highlight the corruption in police forces and the FBI.
I enjoy reading about the Memory Man and his issues as he works to protect citizens; I realize that this new partner will appear in future books. I hope she is developed with more depth. Right now, she seems simply to be an accessory with a sharp tongue, a single mother, struggling to provide and succeed in a world Hell-bent on preventing her from dong that. Still, she was able to save Decker’s life. I hope the future books are a bit more interesting and lot less filled with hackneyed and obvious dialogue.
This is a very simple story that the author has tried to make a bit too complicated. When a very wealthy judge and her quasi-bodyguard are found murdered in her home, Amos Decker and his new
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partner, Frederica White, are sent from Washington DC to South Florida, to investigate. Both are on thin ice with the Agency. Amos is somewhat of a loose cannon, and the powers that be resent him. Freddie, who is a woman of color with a bit of a smart mouth, who also seems to have a little chip on her shoulder that was born from events in her past, is also a thorn in the agency’s back.As the story progresses, and more murder victims pile up, it seems possible that more than one murderer has been involved. Were the first two victims killed for the same reason? If so, what was the reason? Why did other murders follow? The connection seems nebulous. Perhaps the murder of the judge and her lover were unrelated. Soon, big business and politics, in bed with each other, also reveal espionage that takes the reader as far as Czechoslovakia and Russia. What is the connection? You won’t discover until the end, as the author has woven in many tangents extending far into the past, with spies, conmen and hired assassins to distract the reader as the crime is solved.
The novel also reveals the fragile nature of relationships between parents and children, spouse and spouse. Explanations and actions related to relationships are often misread and overblown in the effort to remain loyal, prove our love and to protect each other. In the process, the author also engages the reader with the very real effects of greed, immorality and severe mental illnesses that are untreated or untreatable, of adults and emotional and intellectually challenged children. Several of the characters had to deal with drastic issues. In addition, Decker’s new partner’s name seemed a bit contrived, and I wondered why. These are just some of the varied themes introduced. Perhaps the wokeness that is seeping into the books of so many progressive authors has now infected his writing. Men are not painted in the finest of lights, but as highly toxic. The idea of the questionable superiority of women seems to have crept into the pages, as their value is seemingly questioned, sometimes unfairly and unkindly. There is also an apparent attempt to highlight the corruption in police forces and the FBI.
I enjoy reading about the Memory Man and his issues as he works to protect citizens; I realize that this new partner will appear in future books. I hope she is developed with more depth. Right now, she seems simply to be an accessory with a sharp tongue, a single mother, struggling to provide and succeed in a world Hell-bent on preventing her from dong that. Still, she was able to save Decker’s life. I hope the future books are a bit more interesting and lot less filled with hackneyed and obvious dialogue.
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LibraryThing member alanteder
Long Shadows Run Deep
Review of the Grand Central Publishing audiobook edition (October 11, 2022) released simultaneously with the Grand Central Publishing hardcover.
"This is the messiest case I've ever been involved in." - FBI Special Agent Frederica White to FBI Consultant Amos Decker.
[4.5 rounded
After a shocking personal incident at its start, Long Shadows introduces a new partner for FBI consultant Amos Decker. He is of course resentful and is his usual crotchety self to start with, but there is a gradual growing respect between himself and FBI Special Agent Frederica White. They definitely will need it and have to watch each other's backs throughout this case which takes many bizarre turns from what at first seems like a straightforward hit-job.
Federal Judge Julia Cummins and her apparent bodyguard Alan Draymont are found murdered inside her house. Complications quickly arise and Decker's suspicions are aroused by the two different murder methods. Can there really be two different killers at the same crime scene within minutes of each other? Draymont's employer, the Gamma Protection Agency is suspiciously unhelpful about his status. Then witnesses start to disappear. Then it begins to look like the FBI has set Decker and White up to fail in order to find an excuse to either sideline or fire them. The cast of characters is not overly large and by Ebert's Law of the Economy of Characters it shouldn't be that hard to figure out the prime suspects. But everyone seems less and less likely to be the villain or villains. Can Decker's vaunted memory solve the case or will he fail at last?
I've always thought that Decker's hyperthymesia (total memory recall) and colour synesthesia (his 'feeling' in colours) is under-utilized in this series, but his gruff manner is endearing nevertheless. I've even come to appreciate the now regular 'in-joke' where he forgets something. That wasn't quite so evident in this outing, but he does have a time struggling to remember a key clue at one point. New partner Frederica White is a great addition to the cast.
I listened to the audiobook edition and the narration performances by Baldacci regulars Kyf Brewer (all male voices) and Orlagh Cassidy (all female voices) was completely outstanding and earns an extra half star, bumping this into 5 star territory.
Review of the Grand Central Publishing audiobook edition (October 11, 2022) released simultaneously with the Grand Central Publishing hardcover.
"This is the messiest case I've ever been involved in." - FBI Special Agent Frederica White to FBI Consultant Amos Decker.
[4.5 rounded
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up]After a shocking personal incident at its start, Long Shadows introduces a new partner for FBI consultant Amos Decker. He is of course resentful and is his usual crotchety self to start with, but there is a gradual growing respect between himself and FBI Special Agent Frederica White. They definitely will need it and have to watch each other's backs throughout this case which takes many bizarre turns from what at first seems like a straightforward hit-job.
Federal Judge Julia Cummins and her apparent bodyguard Alan Draymont are found murdered inside her house. Complications quickly arise and Decker's suspicions are aroused by the two different murder methods. Can there really be two different killers at the same crime scene within minutes of each other? Draymont's employer, the Gamma Protection Agency is suspiciously unhelpful about his status. Then witnesses start to disappear. Then it begins to look like the FBI has set Decker and White up to fail in order to find an excuse to either sideline or fire them. The cast of characters is not overly large and by Ebert's Law of the Economy of Characters it shouldn't be that hard to figure out the prime suspects. But everyone seems less and less likely to be the villain or villains. Can Decker's vaunted memory solve the case or will he fail at last?
I've always thought that Decker's hyperthymesia (total memory recall) and colour synesthesia (his 'feeling' in colours) is under-utilized in this series, but his gruff manner is endearing nevertheless. I've even come to appreciate the now regular 'in-joke' where he forgets something. That wasn't quite so evident in this outing, but he does have a time struggling to remember a key clue at one point. New partner Frederica White is a great addition to the cast.
I listened to the audiobook edition and the narration performances by Baldacci regulars Kyf Brewer (all male voices) and Orlagh Cassidy (all female voices) was completely outstanding and earns an extra half star, bumping this into 5 star territory.
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LibraryThing member Judiex
Amos Decker’s FBI boss sent him to southern Florida from DC to investigate a double homicide. One of the victims was a federal judge. The second was her bodyguard. He is assigned a new partner, Special Agent Frederica White, who knew about his reputation but didn’t know why she was being
The head of FBI in Florida had no warning that they were coming and deeply resented their intrusion into his territory, assuming it showed a lack of confidence in him and his department.
Meanwhile, Amos received a letter from his doctor about possible changes in his medical condition and didn’t know what was happening. (Amos had total memory recall following damage to his brain several years previously.)
The bodies were discovered in the judge’s home. The bodyguard was shot (with something planted in his mouth) and the judge had multiple stab wounds in her body.
At one point, someone tells of wanting to commit suicide following the murder of someone very close. Amos can understand the feeling, having experienced following the murders of his daughter and wife and recent suicide of a close friend.. He advises, “...If you really want to feel guilty, try taking your own life. It’s like you’re spitting all over their graves....
“Because you’re trying to take something away from yourself that was taken away from them without their consent.”
The plot has its expected twists and turns in the investigations and the characters. The team discovers lies and omissions as well as multiple possibilities for the killer or killers. Mental illness and bias play large roles.
LONG SHADOWS refers to both the news of the condition of his brain and the motive(s) behind the murders.
As usual for David Baldacci stories, LONG SHADOWS is well-written and hooks the reader very quickly. The end is quite unexpected
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assigned to accompany him on this case.The head of FBI in Florida had no warning that they were coming and deeply resented their intrusion into his territory, assuming it showed a lack of confidence in him and his department.
Meanwhile, Amos received a letter from his doctor about possible changes in his medical condition and didn’t know what was happening. (Amos had total memory recall following damage to his brain several years previously.)
The bodies were discovered in the judge’s home. The bodyguard was shot (with something planted in his mouth) and the judge had multiple stab wounds in her body.
At one point, someone tells of wanting to commit suicide following the murder of someone very close. Amos can understand the feeling, having experienced following the murders of his daughter and wife and recent suicide of a close friend.. He advises, “...If you really want to feel guilty, try taking your own life. It’s like you’re spitting all over their graves....
“Because you’re trying to take something away from yourself that was taken away from them without their consent.”
The plot has its expected twists and turns in the investigations and the characters. The team discovers lies and omissions as well as multiple possibilities for the killer or killers. Mental illness and bias play large roles.
LONG SHADOWS refers to both the news of the condition of his brain and the motive(s) behind the murders.
As usual for David Baldacci stories, LONG SHADOWS is well-written and hooks the reader very quickly. The end is quite unexpected
Show Less
LibraryThing member lamb521
Title: The Long Shadows (Memory Man Series #7)
Author: David Baldacci
Pages: 448
Year: 2022
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
My rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Here is a truly epic, suspense-filled story written without some of the fillers that have been in books recently! Amos Decker is back, solving a
Together, White and Decker head to Florida to assist in figuring out how a judge was killed along with her protection. While investigating the murders, the inconsistencies from interviews with neighbors, ex-husband and others make the case look impossible to solve. Moreover, it seems the agency is looking for a way, any way to get rid of Decker because he doesn’t play the office political game.
Well, hang on readers, this is a classic “who dunnit” by David Baldacci! After reading his two earlier books this year and being disappointed in them somewhat, I was ready to no longer read the author’s tales. Thankfully, this novel is gritty, suspenseful, and mind-bending with humor and some touches of humanity. I was glad to read how some of the past major characters in the Amos Decker series make brief appearances.
Next spring the author has a book being released titled, Simply Lies. There isn’t much information being released about the novel at this time. I will read the novels by this author if he tells a good, solid tale without all the other stuff that add nothing to the story. Maybe readers will see another Amos Decker, maybe not. Time will tell. Enjoy the series! It is worth the time it takes to read from start to finish!
Note: The opinions shared in this review are solely my responsibility.
Author: David Baldacci
Pages: 448
Year: 2022
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
My rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Here is a truly epic, suspense-filled story written without some of the fillers that have been in books recently! Amos Decker is back, solving a
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very convoluted case for the FBI and with a new partner, Fredricka White. Fredricka is a young agent who has worked hard to advance her career at the Bureau, along with raising two children.Together, White and Decker head to Florida to assist in figuring out how a judge was killed along with her protection. While investigating the murders, the inconsistencies from interviews with neighbors, ex-husband and others make the case look impossible to solve. Moreover, it seems the agency is looking for a way, any way to get rid of Decker because he doesn’t play the office political game.
Well, hang on readers, this is a classic “who dunnit” by David Baldacci! After reading his two earlier books this year and being disappointed in them somewhat, I was ready to no longer read the author’s tales. Thankfully, this novel is gritty, suspenseful, and mind-bending with humor and some touches of humanity. I was glad to read how some of the past major characters in the Amos Decker series make brief appearances.
Next spring the author has a book being released titled, Simply Lies. There isn’t much information being released about the novel at this time. I will read the novels by this author if he tells a good, solid tale without all the other stuff that add nothing to the story. Maybe readers will see another Amos Decker, maybe not. Time will tell. Enjoy the series! It is worth the time it takes to read from start to finish!
Note: The opinions shared in this review are solely my responsibility.
Show Less
LibraryThing member silversurfer
Another excellent chapter in the Memory Man series.
LibraryThing member waldhaus1
Amos Decker becomes very interesting. Watching his characters evolve and become more human adds a lot to the series. I am certainly a Baldacci fan. It’s been twenty years or so since I read absolute power in hardback. I thought it great. By chance I happened to watch the movie version for the
This starts as an investigation of a double murder in southwest Florida. For some reason a fictional town name was used as the setting, although many other real town names were used. As a resident of the area I enjoy stories set in these surroundings. Many pieces to the puzzle but in the end they come together in a satisfying way. There are small tie ins to earlier Amos Decker stories as well.
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first time a couple of nights ago. A well done movie. This starts as an investigation of a double murder in southwest Florida. For some reason a fictional town name was used as the setting, although many other real town names were used. As a resident of the area I enjoy stories set in these surroundings. Many pieces to the puzzle but in the end they come together in a satisfying way. There are small tie ins to earlier Amos Decker stories as well.
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LibraryThing member nyiper
What's not to LOVE with Amos Decker in another complicated mystery---and with her new partner? GREAT!!
LibraryThing member lbswiener
Long Shadows is a good title for the book. Amos Decker and his new partner Federico White are sent to Florida to solve two murders with no clues. The story is believable. The settings are believable. There is a case that ties into the murders from twenty years past. This is the case that brings the
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long shadows. Five stars were given to this book for the consistency, plausible situations and just good detective work from beginning to end. Show Less
LibraryThing member BONS
**TRIGGER WARNING: Suicide & replaying of suicide.***
Amos has a new partner for this assignment, Freddie. Amos meets Freddie when he has been sent to Florida as a special assignment. Freddie gets called up from Baltimore and has no warning that a new partner assignment has taken place.
Amos has a new partner for this assignment, Freddie. Amos meets Freddie when he has been sent to Florida as a special assignment. Freddie gets called up from Baltimore and has no warning that a new partner assignment has taken place.
LibraryThing member Baochuan
It was always a pleasure reading the series. New character, Freddie was introduced in this book, it was a nice change of pace, but still feel familiar.
LibraryThing member juju2cat
A first rate mystery! This is one of the best in the Amos Decker series. It had me crying full out twice. Not too impressed with his new partner but there was a lot of action and intrigue. I had skipped the last two books I think because the last one I read didn't impress me but this was truly
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great! Show Less
LibraryThing member ZachMontana
Another great Baldaccci thriller in the Memory Man Series with Amos Decker, who gets a new partner, Freddie. Complex plot makes reading a constant pleasure and following the story of Decker and his interactions with others is well done.
LibraryThing member srms.reads
Former police detective turned FBI consultant, Amos Decker is back! Grappling with a personal loss, adjusting to working with a new partner and experiencing changes in his own medical condition(a sports injury from years ago that altered his brain function resulting in his perfect recall and
Complicating things further is the question of why, despite having FBI presence in the area were Decker and White sent to Florida to take lead on this case? With internal changes happening in the FBI, what does this mean for Decker’s future?
The plot of Long Shadows is complicated (in a good way) and I thoroughly enjoyed the investigative/procedural aspect of crime solving involving multiple probable suspects, red herrings and a lot of surprises on the way to a thrilling end! With its well-developed and suspenseful plot, short chapters and consistent pacing , Long Shadows is a great addition to David Baldacci’s Memory Man Series (this is Book #7), the first featuring Decker’s new partner FBI Special Agent Freddie White who is very likable. I was concerned when I saw that Alex Jamison didn’t return as Decker’s partner ( but she does contribute her bit to the case in a minor role!) but I was really impressed with White and thought she and Decker made an awesome crime –solving team!
I look forward to more stories featuring Decker and White in the future. Not just the Memory Man Series, I would love more stories featuring John Puller and/or Will Robie! Atlee Pine too!
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synesthesia), he has a lot on his plate. When a federal judge Julia Cummins and her bodyguard Alan Draymont are murdered in the judge’s home, he travels to Florida with his newly assigned partner FBI Special Agent Frederica “Freddie” White to take lead on the case assisted by the local FBI office. It appears that the MO for both murders was different. While the judge was brutally stabbed to death, her bodyguard was shot with a wad of foreign currency shoved down his throat. Decker suspects more than one perpetrator. Working together or separate agendas? What follows is a deep – dive into the personal and professional lives of both victims. What follows is a complex web of murder, lies, deception, corruption and blackmail and cover-ups of crimes that date back decades.Complicating things further is the question of why, despite having FBI presence in the area were Decker and White sent to Florida to take lead on this case? With internal changes happening in the FBI, what does this mean for Decker’s future?
The plot of Long Shadows is complicated (in a good way) and I thoroughly enjoyed the investigative/procedural aspect of crime solving involving multiple probable suspects, red herrings and a lot of surprises on the way to a thrilling end! With its well-developed and suspenseful plot, short chapters and consistent pacing , Long Shadows is a great addition to David Baldacci’s Memory Man Series (this is Book #7), the first featuring Decker’s new partner FBI Special Agent Freddie White who is very likable. I was concerned when I saw that Alex Jamison didn’t return as Decker’s partner ( but she does contribute her bit to the case in a minor role!) but I was really impressed with White and thought she and Decker made an awesome crime –solving team!
I look forward to more stories featuring Decker and White in the future. Not just the Memory Man Series, I would love more stories featuring John Puller and/or Will Robie! Atlee Pine too!
Show Less
LibraryThing member decaturmamaof2
This was a great one - Amos is one of my favorite characters, and Freddie White really grew on me.