Publishers Weekly
10/02/2023
In Malice’s far-fetched debut, a woman wakes up in a long-term treatment facility after a car accident, suffering from “global psychogenic amnesia”—a fugue state that results from “a severe psychological shock,” according to her psychiatrist. Kay Smith (a name the woman’s taken on courtesy of her rescuer) remembers nothing about the accident nor any details of her former life. Incredibly, Smith’s doctor urges her to wait a few days before “going to the authorities”; even more incredibly, she complies, and starts using the internet to try jogging her memory. What begins as a tale of psychological suspense quickly turns into a full-bore thriller when a visitor to the facility chats Smith up, setting her on edge with his suspicious eagerness to help her remember her past, and readers are subsequently introduced to Felix Jager, a former agent of a “clandestine intelligence service” ordered to ensure his “target” (Smith) is neutralized. Gradually, the stakes become much more significant—and political—as answers drip out about who Smith is and why power brokers might want her dead. Malice’s prose is mostly solid (if a bit florid), but any suspense she generates is marred by clumsy, contrived plotting, including a ludicrous twist that sucks the air out of the denouement. This brings nothing new to the well-trod territory of amnesiac thrillers. (Dec.)
From the Publisher
"Lisa Malice’s debut, Lest She Forget, is filled with twists and turns that will leave you guessing until the very end!” —Debra Webb, USA Today Bestseller
“Brimming with intrigue, Lest She Forget takes readers on a dark and twisted journey with surprises around every corner. It’s a thriller that grips you from the first page!” —Ellery Kane, award-winning author of the Doctors of Darkness series
“This twisty thriller takes you deep into Kay’s psyche, even as she runs for her life. Whoever you think this woman is, whatever you think she’s seen or done, prepare to be surprised!” —Sarah Warburton, author of Once Two Sisters and You Can Never Tell
“Lisa Malice’s psychological thriller Lest She Forget is a tense and twisty debut, an intricately plotted story that grows more and more complex with each new revelation. Don’t even try to guess how this novel ends; just put yourself in Malice’s capable hands and enjoy the ride!” —Karen Dionne, author of the #1 international bestseller The Marsh King’s Daughter and The Wicked Sister
“Lisa Malice turns an amnesia story on its head in this twisty, unique tale of intrigue, suspense and unexpected turns. You won’t be able to predict the next chapter, much less the ending.” —Lisa Black, NYT bestselling author of the Gardiner & Renner and Locard Institute series
“Lisa Malice’s Lest She Forget is a chilling novel of psychological suspense and manipulation best read with the doors locked and the lights on. Learn from my mistake—don’t start this one at bedtime.” —Jane K. Cleland, Agatha Award-winning author of Mastering Plot Twists and Mastering Suspense, Structure & Plot
“In her debut novel, Lest She Forget, Lisa Malice ratchets up the suspense like a master! With each twist and turn of this gripping psychological thriller, you feel the tension build and your blood pressure rise. Plan on reading into the wee hours.” —Chris Goff, award-winning author of Dark Waters and Red Sky
“In her twisty debut, Malice weaves a web of deception, intrigue, and fast-paced adventure into a psychological thriller that captivates until the last second . . . VERDICT A fresh and surprising psychological thriller from a promising new author. Share with fans of Paula Hawkins and Clare Mackintosh.” —Library Journal, audio starred review
“With her debut, Lest She Forget, Lisa Malice manages to achieve the holy grail of thriller writing—a narrative that readers desperately want to race through to find out what’s going to happen next, written so stylishly that those same readers wish to slow down to savor every word for as long as possible.” —Kristopher Zgorski, The BOLO Books Review
Library Journal
11/03/2023
DEBUT Malice's debut is a thriller that will keep readers guessing. It follows a woman who wakes up with amnesia after a car crash. She takes the name Kay Smith, as she doesn't recall anything about her previous life. While she attempts to figure out who she is, she only remembers one thing: trust nobody. She realizes that the wreck might not have been an accident after all. Kay also learns that there's a man who is after her and wants her dead. She has no idea why he is after her, but she knows that he will stop at nothing to get to her, even if that entails a trail of bodies. She cannot trust anyone in her quest for answers, not even herself. Malice does a good job of weaving together Kay's story, which will hook readers from the very beginning. A lot happens throughout the book, but it never feels rushed or convoluted. VERDICT Fans of authors such as Alex Michaelides or Paula Hawkins will enjoy this amnesia thriller.—Victoria Kiszka
NOVEMBER 2023 - AudioFile
Kay Smith has awoken from a coma and can't remember who she is. She's haunted by nightmares and an inner voice that warns her to stay hidden. Kimberly Wetherell gives an amazing performance as the distraught heroine who copes with amnesia and a sense of doom. Wetherell's presentation is stunning as Kay relentlessly sets out to learn who she is. Nelson Hobbs steps in as the maniacal killer who is sent to "take care of Kay." With an impeccable sense of timing, he gives a performance that will make listeners love to hate him. Complicated and absorbing, the plot surprises as it unfolds, and it's well worth the wait. Bravo to this psychological thriller and its sensational cast. E.E.S. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2023, Portland, Maine
