A Memory of Grief is a joyful ride through a fast-paced story with plenty of twists and turns. The protagonist, Zack Taylor, is a guy you wish you could have had as a big brother. He has a sense of honor, an actual conscience and gift for one-liners. His willingness to stick up for the small guy, to be a a righter-of-wrongs and to be able to kick butt because of his martial arts expertise makes him a thoroughly lovable character with whom you can sympathise for his constant hard-won battle with the bottle and bouts of rage. There is authentic (and sometimes hilarious) dialogue from the motley cast of characters found in this murder mystery. An extremely entertaining read with captivating descriptions of Maine and its denizens that makes one long for a road trip. Can't wait to read number #2 of the series.