A haunting, emotionally charged V.I. Warshawski mystery that digs deep into memory, trauma, and the scars of history.
 
When a man claiming to be a Holocaust survivor asks V.I. Warshawski to help him uncover his past, she expects a difficult but straightforward case. Instead, she’s drawn into a complex web of deceit that stretches from postwar Europe to present-day Chicago. As she investigates, V.I. confronts painful truths about identity, betrayal, and the persistence of evil—and discovers that some wounds never fully heal.
 
In Total Recall, Sara Paretsky delivers one of the most psychologically layered and socially resonant novels in her acclaimed V.I. Warshawski series. What begins as an investigation into a man’s missing past becomes a journey through the moral and emotional aftermath of the Holocaust.
When inconsistencies emerge in her client’s story, V.I. must untangle lies and half-truths that reach into her own circle of friends and mentors. As old memories resurface, she faces difficult questions about justice, compassion, and truth.
 
Equal parts mystery and meditation on memory, Total Recall shows Paretsky at her most profound—balancing gripping suspense with human empathy and moral depth.
 
💖 Why You’ll Love It
A powerful, emotionally intelligent mystery with historical depth.
Explores memory, trauma, and moral responsibility.
Features V.I. Warshawski at her most introspective and determined.
Blends psychological suspense with investigative intrigue.
A standout entry for readers who appreciate depth and humanity in crime fiction.
 
🌟 Perfect For
Fans of Louise Penny, Walter Mosley, and Ruth Rendell.
Readers who enjoy mystery with historical and ethical complexity.
Book clubs seeking thought-provoking, discussion-rich fiction.
Collectors of the V.I. Warshawski series and Chicago noir.
 
❤️ Fans Also Liked
If you enjoyed Total Recall, you might also like:
Blacklist by Sara Paretsky — another socially charged V.I. Warshawski investigation.
Defending Jacob by William Landay — suspense with deep emotional stakes.
A Trick of the Light by Louise Penny — mystery meets moral reflection.