Imagine waking one morning in a strange bed, in a body you don't know, your unfamiliar face bruised and battered, with a bloody sweatshirt lying next to you. ( )

This is a promising first novel in which the lead character provides an immediate hook by suffering from complete amnesia. Her condition is complicated by the strangers trying to kill her. Why are they doing this? Is it mistaken identity or did she do something before she forgot everything that was provocative? The final denouement is not until the end, and it's worth waiting for. Some of the characters are attractive and nicely drawn. The villain is a bit silly and over-the-top. There's also a slackness in plotting and execution: a good editor probably would have cut one-fifth of the book to improve the pacing. ( )

Ariel is a great character as a strong, independent woman standing on her own. And many in supporting cast are interesting characters. But I don’t want to say too much about them. You should learn about them while Ariel does.

Fast Forward was a re-read for me, but it’s been thirteen years. So I couldn’t remember whom she should trust. I find myself wondering why there’s nothing else by Judy Mercer on my shelf. I may have to correct that.

My complete review is on my Blog, Nate's Library, specifically at: http://nates-library.blogspot.com/2008/08/judy-mercer-fast-forward.html ( )