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.
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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 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.
What a good book. You don’t know who the bad guy is til the very end. Kaely is a unique individual who has some big emotional issues from her childhood. She doesn’t make friends because she doesn’t trust anyone. People she has trusted before have turned out to be untrustworthy. The story has an ending but it leaves it wide open for the next book. I am looking forward to the next book with anticipation.
I was given this book by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated in any way.
Mind Games by Nancy Mehl is the first book in her Kaely Quinn Profiler series. Wow, I don’t even know where to start. I stayed up way too late so I could finish it! When the newspaper reporter that ruined Kaely’s career receives a letter predicting several murders with Kaely’s being the last one, the FBI aren’t sure that it’s a real threat until a body turns up. Now, with a serial killer threatening one of their own the Bureau must anticipate his next move or there’ll be more innocent lives lost. Special Agent Noah Turner is assigned to lead the investigation and watch Kaely’s back. This was a thrilling page-turner. I kept saying I was only going to read one more chapter before bed but I couldn’t put the book down. I loved how positive Kaely was even when things didn’t go her way. The positive spin she put on the situations that were meant to bring her down were an encouragement. Even tho’ she was in a life or death situation she didn’t forget to ask God for guidance. We could all learn a lesson from her positive attitude in the face of unspeakable horror.
I received this book from Celebrate-Lit in exchange for my honest review.
Intense. Stunning. Suspenseful. There aren’t enough adjectives to describe this fabulous new thriller from Nancy Mehl, first in the Kaely Quinn Profiler series. The primary characters and the mysteries have incredible depth, two of whom are Christians despite their chosen line of work requiring facts rather than the unseen. I have read several novels by this author, but this one is head and shoulders above the rest. Her publisher has saved their very best new release to be one of the last of 2018.
Kaely Quinn is a brilliant FBI profiler with a unique gift, one of the best in the bureau. She is also the daughter of a serial killer who knew nothing of her father’s activities. Even her mother never suspected anything. Jerry Acosta, journalist, followed Kaely to Virginia to get an exclusive from her to write a book about her father. Acosta, discouraged with her refusal to cooperate, writes articles in the local papers about her career and her familial ties, so she had to change her name and was transferred to the St. Louis field office. Acosta then followed her to St. Louis, convinced the novel will be a big seller.
It is this creepy reporter who receives the first threat on Kaely’s life, with a poem about elephants enacting the murders to take place. The end for Kaely, unless someone find the UNSUB, will not be pretty. Solomon, the Special Agent in Charge of her office assigns an agent, Noah, to take lead on the case, and Kaely will be co-case, highly unusual for an agent to be when the threat is against her. Kaely is more concerned about those who are at risk of being murdered simply by being around her. Then they learn the first person has already been murdered the morning the threat is delivered.
Kaely is my favorite, and my next favorite is Noah. Even though they have not worked together before, Kaely eventually sees the wisdom in Solomon’s pairing them up. They are the most 3-dimensional character in the novel; all are defined as necessary for their roles. There are surprises about Kaely up thru the final pages. One thing that making Kaely my favorite is how she receives healing from the Lord for the trauma of her past, and even though there is more to be remembered, she still is an excellent, focused agent. Her faith in the Lord continues to grow, and she does a great job of sharing how she came to faith in Jesus and justifies her faith in the same manner as she comes to find truth about any case or UNSUB.
This novel is beyond intriguing, and very challenging to solve. With a near photographic memory for certain case-related documents and photos, Kaely, and her prayers are an asset. I appreciate that this is an FBI novel that is has great depth without the language or graphic descriptions of crimes as seen in some novels or television shows. The author can change genres with skill and with this novel has far exceed her readers’ expectations. I am glad this is the beginning of a series, as I am not ready to let go of Kaely this easily. I highly recommend this crime thriller; it is an exciting, yet very thoughtful, novel and a hugely fabulous thriller taut with suspense and intrigue and ending not only with some complete surprises but left this reader hoping for more.
From a grateful heart: I received an e-Arc of this novel from the publisher and CelebrateLit, and this is my honest review.
Mind Games! This is one I couldn’t read at night because after the first night of reading late.. My dreams were replaying the “mind games”! Fast paced and continuous action! This is a profiler that is being stalked for something her father did.. Intense at times so if you like on the edge of your seat, oh my what next suspense.. you will really like this one! I was gifted a copy through NetGalley by the publisher, no review was required. My review is voluntary.
Mind Games is a wonderful start to Nancy Mehl’s Kaely Quinn Profiler series. The reader is introduced to Kaely Quinn, who is secretly a serial killer’s daughter. Well, secretly until a nosy reporter lets it be known. Kaely suddenly loses her FBI position as a behavior analyst. She gets reassigned to St Louis as a field agent. Then things start to get suspenseful. Her life is threatened as a serial killer hits the city. Kaely, with the help of special agent Noah Hunter, has to find who is responsible before she, too, becomes a victim.
Mind Games is one of those suspense filled mysteries that makes a reader captivated and not want to stop reading. It is full of action and adventure. I could not have predicted how it all ended.
Mind Games has got to be my favorite by Nancy Mehl I have read to date. I am giving it five plus stars. I highly recommend it.
I received this book from the publisher. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.
In the past, I have played those mind games online that say they help your brain function. You know those that tap into your neuroplasticity? Well if they work on rodents then perhaps they could be beneficial to me! However, all that I appeared to achieve by concentrating on those mind games was a plethora of frustration. There’s a knack to them no doubt. Fortunately, Kaely Quinn, the main character in Mind Games is not like me. She thrives on impossible tasks that tickle the mind.
My Penny’s Worth
Mind Games – The beginning makes sense when you have read the end!
Oh now I understand – that eureka moment when you go back to the beginning and re-read something that you thought made sense but know it wasn’t what you thought it was? Confused, yes there were times that the book confused me, but now I get it. Those mind games started right from the beginning, or at least from my first highlighted bookmark.
“Something’s coming, Kaely. I don’t know what it is, but I feel it. Don’t you?”
And sure enough, something did come.
A great read.
Kaely Quinn
Kaely, a complicated young lady, spiritual and broken heads up the cast in Mind Games. She is a one lady whirlwind, adamant to right the wrongs of her father by using her gifts to capture in her mind, dangerous criminals. It is a lonely quest, and one wonders how she copes with the horrors of such a job. She keeps everyone at arm’s length as she can’t trust anyone. Even she is wearing a mask.
“She couldn’t take the chance of turning out like her mother. Believing in a man who didn’t really exist, who was someone else behind a mask. It was too big a risk. One she wasn’t ready to accept now – or maybe ever. At this point in her life, all she wanted to do was rid the world of men like her father. It was the reason she got up in the morning. The reason she breathed. There wasn’t room for anything else. “
Kaely’s methods are odd, but I get them – especially the asking for guidance from God. And, this theme is active throughout the book.
What about the other characters
The supporting cast of characters are strong and the killer well wrapped up in deceit although I did guess who. Some twists and turns will get you thinking, reading and turning the pages. Noah is a bit stereotypical for an agent and left me wondering who he was; hopefully, more will be revealed in a future book. There are going to be more books….? I liked Solomon, grounded and well-rounded but also struggling with issues. Alex, you have to have a spanner in the works, and he stepped in over the mark.
There are definite themes
Themes such as forgiveness are strong as well as healing, letting go and learning to love again.
Would I recommend Mind Games?
I think you ought to check it out. Mind Games is a great read, and I would like to give it 4 stars.
Thank you, Nancy, for writing this book.
Don’t forget the GIVEAWAY at the end of this post.
*I was given this book for free. No compensation was received, and all opinions are my own.*
This was my first time reading a book by Nancy Mehl, and my “thinking cap” went straight into overdrive in an attempt to beat the agents at discovering the killer (because, you know, you can do that in books sometimes). This story certainly had my attention from cover to cover!
One thing I really loved about this story was the author’s incredible ability to send the reader’s mind in one direction… before jerking it in another… all to throw you off once again. I loved the element of unpredictability. I cannot go into any further detail because I don’t want to spoil anything, but the suspense had me pinned to my chair until I was through.
The piece that I struggled with in this story I don’t want to share because I think the author intended it to be hidden until later, but I will say that there was part of a character’s personality that I really wish didn’t exist as it was. It’s not enough that I wouldn’t have read the story, but considering the person was a Christian I don’t feel it should have been written into their character. (You’ll probably understand what I’m talking about when you read it).
If you’re a fan of crime fiction and suspense, I highly suggest you pick this book up and read it. I also suggest you plan to open it at a time when you won’t be needed anywhere anytime soon… because you won’t be wanting to get up until your through. This was the first book I’ve read by the author, but I’m sure I will be reading more from her in the future!
*I received a copy of this book from the author through Celebrate Lit Tours and NetGalley. Thoughts and opinions expressed are mine alone.
A few years ago, I read a book by this author that was, in my opinion, so-so. Admittedly, that probably had a lot to do with the fact it was the second or third book in the series and I hadn’t read the previous ones. Or that I just wasn’t in the right frame of mind for that genre at the time, but I haven’t picked up another Nancy Mehl book since then…until now.
Let me tell you, I am so glad I gave this author another chance with her newest series. First of all, the premise was intriguing to me. The one show that I will still watch occasionally is Criminal Minds and Kaely Quinn would fit right in with this profiling team.
But even better is the story Mehl weaves in Mind Games, which is aptly titles because even as a reader, the twists and turns had me continuously shifting my perception of who the unsub (unknown subject) who was taunting Kaely was. Even when I had it narrowed down to two possibilities, I was taken by surprise (which is always a positive point for a book with me). And then, when that is revealed, readers are hit with a couple more surprises they weren’t expecting.
Kaely is an interesting and complex character with her background and chosen profession. She’s intelligent but a bit ostracized from her co-workers because of her unusual method of profiling. Her desire to heal and her relationship with God go hand in hand and are natural in this story.
Even though it may feel like you’re dropped into the middle of this story (a novella about the investigation into Kaely’s father would have helped with this a lot), the story drew me in quickly. And I’m looking forward to what Mehl had next instore for this character next. Yes, you read that right. I’ll be reading this author again proving that sometimes second chances are worth giving–even in the book world! This may be the best suspense book I’ve read all year!
Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
#1 Mind Games = suspense + faith, but it’s not overbearing.
There is definitely a faith element to Mind Games, but it’s not too heavy. It felt authentic, but more than that, it was light enough that non-Christian readers would still really enjoy this book. I love very “Christian” novels too, but a non-Christian reader isn’t likely to pick them up and read them, and isn’t likely to keep reading them if they get started. Part of the power of story is giving us opportunities to grow, build relationships, discuss things with folks that might think differently than us, and for that to happen, we need to have stories that can be a bridge: authentically Christian but not written in a way that will make the not-yet-Christian feel like an outsider.
#2 Mind Games played mind games with me.
Yup. I didn’t figure out whodunit. I suspected, but I moved on to someone else. And there were some twists in there that I totally didn’t expect. Whaaaat? I was blindsided. It made sense. It was internally consistent. I just didn’t see it coming.
#3 Mind Games called out our very real need for friends.
But it also exposed some of the things that make it so hard for some of us to build close relationships. I really struggle in this area…in fact, many of us in leadership do. There often isn’t a safe space to process daily life, and it’s really easy for us to end up isolated and vulnerable, or not knowing how to trust people. I love how Nancy Mehl didn’t actually solve this problem for Kaely in Mind Games…because while it is something that can be solved, it isn’t something that can be solved in the course of a few weeks. It will take time, and I’m going to enjoy going on this journey with Kaely.
#4 Mind Games exposed some of the brokenness of our world.
Broken people break people, and hurt people hurt people. That’s this story. But that’s our real world, too. And just like God was present through Kaely’s story, and entered into her time of need, so he also desires to be present with us in our stories.
#5 Mind Games was really well researched.
I know what fakey law enforcement stories are like. I’ve read so many of them. Authors that try hard, but don’t quite pull it off. I enjoyed this story for how realistic the law enforcement interactions were, and I especially enjoyed reading Miss Mehl’s guest post (see below) where she talked about how many times she had to rewrite it with the help of a retired FBI behavioral analyst who poked holes in all the things she had gotten wrong. There is a value to a story that is just written, of course, and to the ones that require us to suspend more of our disbelief, but I really respect the research and feedback that makes for just a great story.
#6 Mind Games has a sequel.
Oh man. I’m so excited. Can’t wait. Miss Mehl left us with a cliffhanger…not with regards to whodunit, but in terms of the new friendships in the story and even in terms of the faith journies. Fortunately, this is book 1 in a series, and book 2 is already available for presale on Amazon. (Anyone want to order it for me for Christmas?). Only problem…I hate when the sequel isn’t actually out yet. But I love that the author didn’t tie up all the loose ends…on purpose. She left some of them intentionally. One loose end from the crime did bother me…but it bothered the characters too so I think it was supposed to be bothersome.
I received a review copy of this book; all opinions are my own.
What an incredible read! I was half way through when evening came and I regretfully put it way until the morning, lest I would dream about this book. The author has done a fabulous job of playing mind games not only with her characters, but also with us as readers. I will admit, that I never figured it out. Kaely, who has the unfortunate claim to be the daughter of a serial killer, has chosen profiling as her career, one that she is extremely good at. Her coworkers at the FBI find it difficult to develop working relationships with her, due to the unusual methods she uses. Her faith in God, keeps her from losing herself in the horror of this UNSUB who wants her to die and takes the lives of others without any hesitation.
I received a copy of this ebook through NetGalley and CelebrateLit. All impressions and opinions are my own.
Spine-tingling Suspense!
Intense. Spellbinding. Eerie. Heart-pounding. And deliciously creepy describes Nancy Mehl’s brilliant new suspense, Mind Games.
Who better to get inside of a brazen serial killer’s head than the daughter of one, Jessica Oliphant aka Kaely Quinn, FBI behavior analyst? Kaely is a highly intelligent and likeable heroine with incredibly unorthodox methods of hunting down evil. Sceptical at first, special agent Noah Hunter teams up with her to find a serial killer who pens a macabre poem implicating Kaely as one of his next victims!
Totally ensnared in this novel I found myself becoming an amateur sleuth—going back to the chilling poem, searching for clues, and then finally…I nailed him! Only to discover I had the wrong guy. Ugh! So I happily retire from my detective work until Ms. Mehl’s next book, which I await with bated breath. In my opinion this is her best novel to date, clearly establishing Nancy Mehl as a master at her craft—writing thrilling suspense using exemplary research and accurate details to pen one spine-tingling story!
*I received a complimentary copy of this novel from Bethany House Publishing. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.*
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WOW! This book grabbed my attention from the very beginning and it NEVER let go. I loved the characters in this book from Kaley & Noah to Alex and Solomon. There were several surprises along the way and I loved the way Nancy seamlessly wove together a spellbinding story. This is my favorite Nancy Mehl book by a mile and I can’t wait for the next book in this series!
I received this book from the author and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts expressed are my own.
A serial killer is on the loose. Noah and Kaely needs to figure out who it is. The are FBI agents. Kaely realizes it is someone from her past or maybe even present. Actually I figured if out but you have to read for yourself. Love how the killer wrote the poem, having them figure what was going to happen next. Kinda like a puzzle. I learned some new words used by the FBI. Guy I need to watch some FBI shows, Lol.
This is book one. It definitely a good start. The end does not leave you hanging but does built curiosity enough to want me to read the next book, Kaely was such an fascinating character. I just cannot wait to read more about her.
I received an complementary copy of the book from the publisher through Celebrate Lit. I was not required to write an positive review. This is my own opinion.
Riveting from beginning to the end!! As a fan of Nancy Mehl, I can honestly say this is by far my favorite book she has written.
Kaely Quinn is an intelligent, quirky, full of mystery and numerous layer character that you fall in love with. Her story is gripping and very emotional taking you on an incredible journey as it unfolds. As the daughter of a serial killer, she grows up to become an FBI profiler to help put away monsters like her father. You quickly learn she is a complex character as she tries to find the UNSUB that she has become the target of while learning to trust her new partner, Noah Hunter. We get a glimpse into Noah’s past showing us that he himself as some complexities he needs to explore. The story left me hopeful we will get to learn more about Noah in future books.
Mind Games is an absolute thriller that will leave you guessing until the end. Every time I thought I had it figured out, I was shocked to find out how wrong I was. This book will keep you up all night reading as it is near impossible to put down. Ms. Mehl has certainly outdone herself with a captivating storyline! I am anxiously awaiting the next book in the Kaely Quinn series!
I also want to give a shout out to the fabulous cover! It just adds to the mystery of what lies beneath. A cover can often tell of the power of the story and I feel this one captured it perfectly.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book from the author and Bethany House Publishers to review for my honest opinion. All opinions expressed are those of my own.
Mind Games, Kaely Quinn Profiler Book One
FBI Behavioral Analyst Kaely Quinn has a tough job ahead of her as she races to catch a serial killer with his eyes set on her. He taunts her and kills to challenge her. Her partner Special Agent Noah Hunter and past partner Alex help her hunt down clues with a taskforce team of special agents. This book is will keep you at the edge of your set, guessing who the killer really is. But be prepared you will never figure it out.
Mind Games was an extraordinary book. The main character Kaely Quinn had such a multifaceted personality. I loved her and look forward to learning more about her in future books. Nancy Mehl has done a suburb job of developing the story and characters. I give Mind Games 5 stars. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading Fire Store book 2, in August of 2019.
Remarkable! I predict that Nancy Mehl may have a winner in Mind Games, her latest release. If I were asked to list my top ten favorite reads of 2018, Mind Games would be in the top five!
We all know at least one reader who will read the last chapter or so to see if the book is worth reading, that is not me. It’s something I absolutely refuse to do. Folks, it took every thing I had to not read the last few chapters to find out who the bad guy was…I wanted to find out so bad! Fortunately I restrained myself, and it was well worth the wait. Plus, after the culprit was caught, Mehl added a few closing chapters that included even more I-didn’t-see-that-coming plot twists that blew me away!
I’m going to share a bit of the plot, without giving anything away. This is not going to be an easy feat.
Kaely Quinn is an FBI Behavior Analyst with a knack for ferreting out the UNSUB, and is generally more accurate than not, causing no small amount of envy amongst her peers. Add the unconventional methods she employs, an immediate supervisor who found her ways more than disconcerting, Kaely finds herself demoted and transferred to the St. Louis office. When a overzealous news reporter reveals her father is an infamous serial killer, Kaely has no choice but to leave everything behind in Quantico and start over in St. Louis.
There was one person she was unable to leave behind, the same news reporter who would do just about anything to get an exclusive with Kaely about her father. The reporter believes he can write a tell-all that will skyrocket him to fame and fortune. When the reporter receives an anonymous note, threatening Kaely’s life and others, the reporter hand delivers the note to her direct supervisor.
Kaely will be the last to die. When a body is found and circumstances fit the dire predictions found in the note, Kaely and her partner begin a race to save lives before the killer can kill again.
I highly recommend Mind Games by Nancy Mehl.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and am under no obligation to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions therein are solely my own.
Mind Games is the amazing first book in Nancy Mehl’s new Kaely Quinn Profiler series. Kaely is an FBI behavior analyst whose somewhat unusual methods have earned her plenty of criticism and detractors. Another unwanted claim to fame is that she is also the daughter of an infamous serial killer. Although she has changed her name and moved to a different city, Kaely is still plagued by a reporter who is intent on convincing her to grant him an interview. When a poem detailing several future murders surfaces, it is evident that Kaely is the poet’s final target.
I have read and enjoyed several books by this author but she has outdone herself with Mind Games. The tension grows with each page and the plot definitely played games with my mind. Unexpected twists and a few surprises along the way built the suspense. More than one suspect seemed viable and the mystery grew as several were ruled out. Strong characters brought the story to life. I was particularly fascinated by Kaely and her profession as well as her unique methods. A bit of romance and a strong thread of faith added just the right touch.
I loved Mind Games and recommend it to all who love a good suspense novel. It will be difficult to wait until August for the next installment.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Celebrate Lit. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
All I can say is wow! I’m not sure that 5 stars is enough! This book is a page turner. It kept me guessing and trying to figure out who was behind the murders. I was hooked immediately and read it in one day! Kaely is unlike any other character I have ever read about. I’m so looking for to reading the next book!
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
I have read several of Nancy Mehl’s romantic suspense novels, and I always enjoy them. In Mind Games, Mehl’s latest thriller, a vigilante is out to avenge himself on a serial killer’s daughter, Jessica Oliphant, now Kaely Quinn, a top FBI profiler. Noah Hunter, Kaely’s new partner, needs to get close enough to this strange agent to protect her, without repeating the mistakes of his predecessor.
We often expect FBI agents to be consummate professionals, but Mehl shows hers as human and flawed, thankfully. This is why her books are so enjoyable. I feel like the protagonists are actually within reach of the average person. While some situations in the novel may create extreme worry and tension for the reader, the circumstances seem so very possible. Kudos to Mehl. Also, I absolutely loved Mehl’s ending. I didn’t see it coming and I have been debating in my mind about how plausible it really is. That is one sign of a great book- it makes you think, ruminate, and wonder.
A quote to think about, when we as Christians wonder how others can deal with all the degradation of certain fields:
“Those who know God should be the ones to confront the darkness, to chase the evil. We have the weapons. Those who don’t know Him have only themselves.”
I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley and a paperback from Celebrate Lit. All opinions are my own and no review was required.
Mind Games ( Kaely Quinn Profiler #1 )
By: Nancy Mehl
Mind Games is the first book in a new series by Nancy Mehl and she has a winner. WOW, Mind Games needs to be a movie. I have read lots of books by this author, but this one is different. Once you start you do not want to put it down. The story holds your attention and the characters are real like. This is one of those page turners where I could not read fast enough to see what was going to happen next. I caught myself holding my breath several times. The cover really is perfect for this book. A serial killer is at large , FBI profilers, murder, and suspense. There are so many twist and turns that will keep you guessing till the end. I was trying to guess how things would turn out, but ! If you love a good suspense that will keep you glued to your seat, then you will love Mind Games. I highly recommend it.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book by Bethany House Publishers, but was not told that I had to give a positive review. All opinions are my own.