(2005)Very good story of a forensic dentist who is trying to sort thru recovered memories of her abuse be either her father or grandfather at the same time as trying to help solve serial murders of abusers.(PW) Iles's previous thriller, 2003's provocative The Footprints of God, featured an omnipotent supercomputer and an on-the-run duo racing around the globe from North Carolina to Jerusalem. This time, Iles returns to more familiar ground: Natchez, Miss.; New Orleans; and the Mississippi delta, where a serial predator has been killing middle-aged men. Forensic odontologist Cat Ferry, an expert on teeth and the damage they can inflict, is called in by the New Orleans PD to explain the bite marks found on the bodies. Cat, the alcoholic granddaughter of Dr. William Kirkland, owner of the sprawling Malmaison estate and the richest, most powerful man in Natchez, has solved previous murders with her married detective lover, Sean Regan. This time, though, she's pregnant with Sean's baby, and this plus the discovery of old bloody footprints hidden in the carpet fibers of her Malmaison childhood bedroom threaten to plummet her into the depression that's plagued her since she was 15. She thinks one footprint might be hers, made on the night her father died of an ill-explained gunshot wound. Iles weaves in dark strains of child sexual abuse and the resulting repressed memories as Cat searches for the serial killer and for answers about her father's death. This overlong novel lacks the scintillating originality that made Iles's last outing so memorable, but he ties up all the loose ends in an exciting climax.

Blood Memory, my ninth read from author Greg Iles. An enjoyable, 18-hour, 49-minute read/listen. I have to say that the author packs a lot into the pages of his work. Well-developed characters and plot developed over the lengthy novel. Joyce Bean’s narration adds to the book's enjoyment. I'll be reading more from this author as I'm trying to get all of his books on audio as discretionary income permits in this new, COVID normal.. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).

This being my seventh Greg Iles book, it's unique as compared to others. Set in both Natchez and New Orleans, the narrative is an emotionally troubled female which Greg executes with perfection. Cat Ferry's life explodes in the midst of an investigation of a mysterious serial murderer. In parallel, her desire to uncover the childhood death of her father, illuminates how she was abused, the root of her troubles as an adult. Her dreams expose some of the pieces; as she slowly assembles them, a link with the serial murders clarifies. Greg's mastery of building momentum, this story rockets from the first chapter and like a growing snowball as it speeds down a hill, explodes towards the end. With each revelation, danger grows from the dark side as well as the law, a contradiction in terms if there was one. With today's #Metoo movement, its hard not to draw parallels. For those are new to this author, we're introduced to Dr. Cage and Agent Kaiser, two characters that play pivotal roles in the Natchez Burning series. Highly recommended page turner, driven by a child abuse theme I can't wait to read the next one! ( )

Welcome back, old friend. One of my favorite books ever is Greg Iles' Mortal Fear. He's written four books since then and none have measured up. But the drought is over. Catherine (Cat) Ferry is a forensic odontologist with some issues of her own. And she's smack in the middle of a serial killer's rampage. The killer's mark? Teeth bites. This book has it all. It's a big, fat meaty read with great characters and a plot that moves right along. ( )

A fast-paced read by Iles, but not one of my favorites. When forensic odontological, "Cat" Kelly starts suffering from panic attack S at crime scenes, she is suspended from the force. Cat returns to her Mississippi hometown suffering from alcoholism, nightmares, and doubt about an affair with a married man. As she seeks answers to her father's death, she finds the link too close with the brutal murders she was trying to solve. Although I am a HUGE fan of the Natchez series, this one fell short for me. I didn't especially like Cat, even knowing some of the circumstances which caused her to be the woman she grew to be. ( )