Kaely Quinn’s talents as an FBI behavior analyst are impossible to ignore, no matter how unorthodox her methods. But when a reporter outs her as the daughter of an infamous serial killer, she’s demoted to field agent and transferred to St. Louis.When the same reporter who ruined her career claims to have received an anonymous poem predicting a string of murders, ending with Kaely’s, the … the reporter’s ulterior motives bring his claim into question. But when a body is found that fits the poem’s predictions, the threat is undeniable, and the FBI sends Special Agent Noah Hunter to St. Louis.
Initially resentful of the assignment, Noah is surprised at how quickly his respect for Kaely grows, despite her oddities. But with a brazen serial killer who breaks all the normal patterns on the loose, Noah and Kaely are tested to their limits to catch the murderer before anyone else–including Kaely herself–is killed.
more
First off, I must confess that I have a few other books by Nancy Mehl sitting on my shelf unread. It’s not due to lack of interest, but a case of way too many books and way too little reading time! I’ve often fantasized I could clone myself just to get more reading in! That being said, I wished I wouldn’t have waited this long to discover her writing because this book was beyond my expectations! I’ve read a LOT of suspense in a LOT of various topics & subjects written in this genre, however, the combination of thriller/psychological angle added an extra layer that had me hooked from the start. It’s just like the title conveys, a definite mind game for both the reader and Kaely Quinn. Step into her world and it’s as if you’ve stepped into a whole other dimension where the game of cat and mouse has dangerous & fatal consequences!
Kaely’s character was excellently portrayed; she’s smart as a whip, excels in her job as an FBI behavioral analyst, and has a natural knack for reading people. She’s what I would call a slayer of human monsters; those who kill without remorse or thought for life. The killer who has a personal vendetta against her wants to trip her up, make her doubt her abilities and mete out revenge for some unknown crime committed against him. She’s desperately racing against time to save not only herself but those who are victims in a sick & twisted poem the killer writes just for her. With the help of special agent Noah Hunter as lead, can they stop this reign of terror and bring the psycho to justice before its too late?
Like I said, this exceeded my expectations! I had an inkling of who might be behind it all about halfway through, but not until the very end did I find out if I was correct or not. Mehl throws in a lot of twists and turns to throw off the reader. The only thing I was a little disappointed in, there wasn’t a lot of romance in the story. It was hinted at, and subtly under the surface, but it never fully developed. I love romantic suspense and watching the hero and heroine falling in love in the midst of danger. In spite of this, it didn’t deter my enjoyment of the story. And I get to look forward to the second book where we revisit both Kaely and Noah, so there’s hope for romance yet! A definite page turner and a thrilling mind game all through the pages, I honestly couldn’t put this down. She hooked me from the start and never let up on the tension throughout. I really love an author who can stump you and keep you guessing until the very end.
*I received a complimentary copy from Bethany House and was under no obligation to leave a positive review. All opinions are my own. *
“As she poured the sparkling red claret into the serial killer’s glass, she wondered if it reminded him of blood.” (11)
Mind Games by Nancy Mehl will fill your mind with intrigue and interest. Chilling and at times haunting, this first book in the Kaely Quinn Profiler series makes for one unforgettable start.
Kaely Quinn is a talented profiler, but her unorthodox methods raised more than a couple of eyebrows. Her character is so unlike many heroines I’ve read. Her strength lies in her ability to read people easily, but what she’s unable to do may very well cost her more than her life. Poignant, yet profound in the underlying themes of trust and working around complex emotional stress.
By the end of Mind Games, anyone that have followed Kaely through the disconcerting poem will know this is one memorable story. I anxiously await for the next one in the series.
“Those who know God should be the ones to confront the darkness, to chase evil. We have the weapons.” (141)
This review first appeared on Just Commonly blog.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, and have not been compensated for this. This is my honest opinion.
This book quickly became a riveting page turner and most of what happens I never saw coming.
If you enjoy a suspenseful murder mystery, boy is this book for you, and you won’t be disappointed. This story is about an FBI behavior analyst and her uncanny gifts, a little odd to many, but she sure gets the job done.
Surprises abound and you will be changing your mind as to whom the culprit is several times, and even when you really find out, what a bomb shell.
Now I found amazements right up to the last page of this read, and I never would have guess!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Bethany House, and was not required to give a positive review.
“It was time. Let the mind games begin.”
Struggling constantly against the misconceptions of others, F. B. I. profile expert Kaely Quinn does use rather unconventional techniques. Being the daughter of a notorious serial killer doesn’t endear her to many of her colleagues, but her inclination to have conversations with imaginary suspects might typically place her into the “nutcase” category, except that she is incredibly talented in her field; some would even say brilliant.
When a chilling poem clearly targeting Kaely arrives on the desk of an overzealous newspaper reporter, it becomes up to Special Agent Noah Hunter to take the lead on the case, solve the riddles and keep Kaely Quinn alive. Her reputation and eccentric methodology precedes her, but Noah has been instructed to keep his “mind on the game” and not allow himself to be attracted to the person within; easier said that done, because Kaely’s broken spirit is wrapped in a tender and authentic faith, fully clothing her in courage and strength.
An absolutely brilliant thriller!
I received a copy of this book from the publisher, the opinions stated above are entirely my own.
Mind Games was an extremely suspenseful, and often times chilling, read. The opening instantly grabbed my attention and held me until the very end. There were so many anxiety-inducing moments that had my nerves constantly on edge. I don’t think I’ve ever read a book with so many twist, turns, and shocks. There were a couple times I audibly gasped at what had just happened and had to set my Kindle aside for a second to digest it all. I can honestly say this was a completely unpredictable thrill ride.
Kaely was quite an interesting character. The introduction to her was memorable and unique. Her profiling technique, while odd, was fascinating and highly effective. Learning about what goes into being a profiler was really interesting but, at times, it was unnerving delving into the killer’s mind. And let me tell you, this killer was super creepy. Their antics chilled me to the bone. If you read this at night, be sure to turn on all the lights.
Mind Games was a book that demanded to be read as fast as possible and one I think would make a great TV show. It’s a must read for any fan of suspenseful mysteries. I’m very eager for the next book!
I received a copy of the book from the publisher via NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.