Detectives Ellie Hatcher and J.J. Rogan are called to a homicide to 212, a swanky building named after Manhattan’s famous area code.  The victim is Robert “Robo” Mancini, the “protection specialist,” aka bodyguard for Sam Sparks, a real estate developer. When they attempt to retrieve company information from Sparks in order to investigate the crime, their efforts are thwarted by those higher up.

Meanwhile, NYU student Megan Gunther is in the middle of class when she discovers a Web site full of college gossip. What she doesn’t expect to see is information about herself…a detailed list of her every action.  Along with her parents, she goes to the local police precinct to file a report, only to learn there isn’t much the police can do.

When these two cases become linked, Ellie is forced to put her life, and her job, at risk to solve both cases as the bodies continue to pile up.

This is my first sampling of Alafair Burke’s writing and let me say, I’m impressed.  I’ve stated on a number of occasions how much I appreciate thrillers written with strong, female characters.  Ellie, without a doubt, is one of those characters. Forced to go to jail for a night for contempt of court doesn’t stop her, it just reinvigorates her determination to get to the root of these killings.

The plot involves current events: the Craig’s list killings and politicial scandals.  In many books I’ve read that attempt this, it seems to desperate an attempt to add a current feel to the book. Not in this case! The events in 212 are unique enough that they can carry their own without seeming copied from real-life events.  This book is not only a thriller, but an examination of humanity at large.

Another thing I particularly enjoyed about his novel was that the reader gets to see every side of Ellie, not only her work persona but also her personal side, with her relationship with her brother Jesse, her partner and friend, J.J,  her love interest, Assistant District Attorney Max Donovan, and her mother back in Wichita.  We see every aspect of Ellie, allowing us to learn more about her as an individual, and therefore trusting her more as a character.

And the action? Let me tell you, it’s non-stop! The multi-layered plot might seem complicated and confusing at first, but Burke weaves the two together seamlessly. The characters, the plot, the writing, had me wanting to savor this book but the action had me turning the pages.  I read this book in two sittings, only because I had to sleep at some point!

I intend to read more of Alafair’s work, starting with the other books in the Ellie Hatcher series.  Readers new to Ellie Hatcher won’t feel as they are missing out if they start the series with  212 but I guarantee you’ll want to get your hands on everything Alafair has written once you finish it!  Highly recommended.

Note: I have to say thank you once again to Jen Forbus (Jen’s Book Thoughts).  As long as I’ve known her, Jen has been recommending Alafair’s books to me. I’m sorry I waited so long.  Thank you, again, Jen!

Thank you to TLC book tours for giving me the opportunity to review this book.  Please be sure to check out the other stops on this tour:

Wednesday, June 8th: The House of the Seven Tails
Thursday, June 9th: A Bookish Way of Life
Monday, June 13th: Chaotic Compendiums
Wednesday, June 15th: Life In Review
Thursday, June 16th: My Reading Room
Monday, June 20th: Chick With Books
Tuesday, June 21st: A Bookworm’s World
Thursday, June 23rd: Rundpinne
Monday, June 27th: red headed book child

Be sure to check out Alafair on her website, connect with her on Facebook, and follow her on Twitter!

Due to a horrible accident several years in the past, Christine now suffers from two types of amnesia. One prevents her from recalling the instance of her accident, but should allow her to have memories of the time before the accident.  The second, a rare form of amnesia, prevents short-term memories from being transferred to long-term.  The combination of the two forms of amnesia prevents Christine from recalling past memories, as well as making new ones.  

At the suggestion of her doctor, Christine keeps a journal in which she jots down things she would like to remember. Each night, before she goes to bed, she writes in this journal, knowing full well that she will not recall anything when she wakes up the next morning.

Each morning, Dr. Nash, her neuropsychologist, calls her to remind her to read her journal.  She meets with Dr. Nash in secret; her husband, Ben, was hesitant for Christine to undergo under any additional treatment for her condition.

Upon reading her journal, Christine notes a statement, written in her own handwriting: “Don’t trust Ben.” As she begins to recall and retain her memories, she discovers that the truth that has been buried in her mind for a reason.  The truth may be more dangerous than she could have ever imagined.

I was extremely excited about this book when I learned of it. I studied psychology in college; I’ve always been amazed at the power of the mind and its ability to suppress memories to horrible to recall.  Add the fact that this book is a thriller and I was sold!

I’d be remiss not to mention the stunning cover, one of my favorites in some time.  It truly captures the essence of the book. When Christine wakes, and peers at her reflection, it is only her eyes that she recalls.  The body she lives in now is completely foreign to her.  But her eyes, the window to her soul, is a source of comfort and recollection to Christine.

The reader walks alongside Christine as she unveils the memories buried within her subconscious.  We learn about her character and her past as she does.  This reveal is done at a slow pace.  I understand the author’s choice in pacing; recovering from amnesia happens at a very slow pace, often prompted by visual settings or memories.  There were instances in which the pacing and the overall progress of the book was often hindered. There would be a brief moment of excitement at Christine’s recollection of a memory, but then the next morning all would be for naught.  Ultimately, I believe this was an incredible tactic used by the author.  The reader, just like Christine herself, suffers and is forced to take a step back each time Christine goes to sleep, waking up the next morning devoid of all memories of the previous day.

It is my hope that this doesn’t discourage readers from appreciating the power of his book. In the end, all the patience is rewarded, ten-fold.  This was one of those books that caused me to shout in shock and disbelief, a rare trait for a book to have.  I do highly recommend this book, but read it with patience, knowing in the end that all will be revealed. 

Thank you to TLC Book Tours for providing me the opportunity to participate in this tour. Please be sure to check out the official tour page for additional stops on this tour.

Like Before I Go To Sleep on Facebook – Harper is launching a massive Facebook campaign starting in May that aims to make available up to the complete text of the book via a snazzy online reader.  Harper is setting rolling goals for the number of followers, and each time a new goal is reached, a new excerpt will be made available. Giveaways and contests will be hosted through that page as well, so check back for opportunities that you can share with your readers.