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The Memory Game

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The Memory Game

By: Nicci French
Narrated by: Harriet Walter
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About this listen

The Memory Game is a haunting psychological thriller from the top-ten best-selling author Nicci French.

You remember an idyllic childhood. But your memory is deceitful. And possibly deadly...

When a skeleton is unearthed in the Martellos' garden, Jane Martello is shocked to learn it's that of her childhood friend Natalie, who went missing 25 years ago.

Encouraged by a therapist to recover lost memories, Jane hopes to find out what really took place when she was a child - and what happened to Natalie. But in learning the truth about her and Natalie's past, is Jane putting her own future at terrible risk?

©2012 Joined-up Writing (P)2014 Audible, Inc. Crime Fiction Fiction Suspense Exciting

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Editor reviews

The Memory Game, written by Nicci French is a chilling psychological thriller audiobook narrated by English actress Harriet Walter. At once a mystery but also a fascinating example of attempting to recover those early childhood memories people can never recall in adulthood. Two little girls always play in their garden until one goes mysteriously missing. Her body is not discovered until 25 years later, buried in the same garden. It is a dangerous task to unravel the mystery of who killed the girl. Available now from Audible.
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Okay but not great. I felt the main character was similar in nature to Frieda Klein in other Nicci French stories. Too often the behaviour of certain characters was implausible and I found it hard to like anyone. Decent enough holiday listen.

Three and a half stars

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.Strange to say, I enjoyed this audio book. Strange because this is not the type of fiction I would normally prefer and I also try to avoid female narrators finding their voices irritating. over time. However, in this book, for me Harriet Walter's reading is what made the story so engaging. She really became the main protagonist whose search to discover what happened to her friend 25 years previously is the basis for the novel. A body is found in the grounds of the house during an extended family gathering. it is that of her missing friend, the daughter of the central family. She had been strangled and buried , but why? And by whom?
All that happens is written from a first person perspective as she tries to piece together the memories of her friend and, in particular, the last time she was seem. But she can't remember clearly : it has been too long. As she feels her life crumbling around her, she seeks help and slowly her remembrances clarify even if her personal life does not.
I found the main storyline rather tedious and predictable, but the characterisations were excellent and Ms. Walter's interpretation held my attention throughout. However, i think that, had I been reading the printed book , i would have become bored fairly quickly.
Would I recommend it? As an audio book, possibly As a written work alone, no.

A mirror image.

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Well thought through and brilliant twists. Well narrated a classic theme well written Thoroughly enjoyed

The uncertainty of truth

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Harriet Walters reading of this novel is superb one of the best read audiobooks I`ve listened to

excellent

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Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

Not really time worth spent. The story seemed implausible, as if it was merely a vehicle for the authors to examine the concept of false memory syndrome. The characters weren't likeable, particularly the main character, Jane.

If you’ve listened to books by Nicci French before, how does this one compare?

Not good at all. I kept listening to it because I'd always enjoyed Nicci French books in the past so hoped it would get better. It didn't really.

Which scene did you most enjoy?

Probably the final scene.

If this book were a film would you go see it?

I really would rather watch paint dry than sit through the film of this book.

Any additional comments?

I'm glad I've listened to other Nicci French books and enjoyed them immensely. If this is your first Nicci French book, don't let it put you off the authors - everything else they've done has been first-rate.

Hard to care by the end-usually love Nicci French

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At times I wondered where this story was going but the reader was so good I decided to keep with the flow. Thoroughly enjoyed it

Really good and interesting

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This book had me completely gripped up to the last minute. Its an excellent story.

Great book

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I didnt get into the book until chapter 26. The swearing, Smoking & drinking put me off the characters, along with the use of words I couldn't understand.

Rather Confusing

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Good story and well written and very well narrated sort of Guessed what was going on quite early but maybe that's because I have read about the subject, Don't let that put you off and overall it was quite excellent.

very good if a little predictable

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Detailed unwinding of the story, fascinating in parts. Enjoyed the writing but dragged here and there. Kept alive because of the brilliant narration

Well, that took a long time to get there!

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