logo

61 pages 2 hours read

Memory Man

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2015

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Book Brief

logo
David Baldacci

Memory Man

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2015
Book Details
Pages

509

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Contemporary

Publication Year

2015

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

Memory Man by David Baldacci follows Amos Decker, a former football player turned detective who can’t forget anything due to a unique brain condition caused by a head injury. Traumatized by the unsolved murders of his family, Decker becomes a private investigator. When a suspect confesses, Decker realizes it’s a ruse and investigates a connected school shooting, uncovering a personal vendetta from a past victim. The story includes themes of violence and trauma surrounding the murders of Decker’s family and a school shooting.

Suspenseful

Mysterious

Dark

Unnerving

Gritty

Reviews & Readership

4.2

248,186 ratings

82%

Loved it

13%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

David Baldacci's Memory Man features an intriguing protagonist with hyperthymesia, which readers find captivating. Positive reviews highlight the novel's gripping plot and strong character development. However, some critics note a reliance on familiar crime thriller tropes, which may detract from originality. Overall, it's praised for its compelling mystery and fast pace.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Memory Man?

A reader who would enjoy Memory Man by David Baldacci is likely a fan of intricate crime thrillers with complex characters. They might also appreciate works like Michael Connelly’s The Lincoln Lawyer or James Patterson’s Alex Cross series, given their similar focus on suspense, detective work, and psychological depth.

4.2

248,186 ratings

82%

Loved it

13%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

Character List

Amos Decker

A 42-year-old private investigator who is six-foot-five and has a condition called hyperthymesia, meaning he never forgets. He struggles with social interactions and is haunted by the murder of his family.

A reporter with the News Leader in her late twenties, who is tall and slim with bobbed brunette hair. She initially seeks a story from Decker but ends up joining him as an investigator.

Decker's former partner, a tough detective and the only female officer in the Burlington Police Department. Concerned about Decker's mental state, she encourages his involvement in a school shooting investigation.

A senior FBI agent in his forties with an athletic build who is impeccably dressed. He assembles an elite task force, seeing potential in Decker and Jamison's unique skills.

A medium-height individual with drug tracks on his arms, carrying scars and a tattoo, claiming to have murdered Decker's family as revenge. He preys on victims of unsolved crimes through manipulation.

An individual with augmented mental abilities after a traumatic assault at 16, who is intersex and underwent a sex-change operation to become Billy. Wyatt harbors resentment toward past adversaries, including Decker.

Decker’s former police captain, who is stocky and respects Decker’s abilities as a detective. Although displeased with Decker’s involvement in an investigation, he seeks his help with a high school shooting case.

Book Details
Pages

509

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Contemporary

Publication Year

2015

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Continue your reading experience

Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.