I've read two of this author's books in the past, and loved them both! I was immediately intrigued by this story the moment I read the description, and was excited to read it.
But, sadly it fell flat for me. It was a good read and there were some things about it that I loved, Kaely's profiling system in particular was fascinating to read about! While I really wanted to love this one, I just didn't ever fully connect with it, and I'm not really sure why that was.
Overall, even though I didn't love Mind Games I am still glad I read it, and I do plan to read the next book in the series. I'm sad to say this book just wasn't a favorite for me, but I am well aware that I am in a tiny minority, because so many people I know have loved it. So, please don't just take my word alone, and if this book interests you then I highly recommend you give it a try.


I received an ebook copy of this book from the publisher. The above review is my honest opinion. All thoughts and opinions are one hundred percent my own.

I absolutely loved this book! It was one of the best suspense novels I have read in a long time. I did not want to put this book down until the last page. One thing I absolutely love about Nancy Mehl's books is that she is from my neck of the woods. That means a lot of her settings are places I know or have been to. Mind Games was set in St. Louis! The city I was born in and still live 25 minutes from. This just adds so much excitement to the book!

I also loved the suspense. I really thought I had it figured out, but boy was I wrong. I love a good mystery like that. A book that is unpredictable. This one was perfect and I can't wait to see what this Author offers her readers next!

Nancy Mehl has definitely upped her supsense game with the release of Mind Games. I've read several of Nancy's previous novels and really enjoyed them. Something about this book just goes to the next level. I'm not sure if it's the subject matter or just the evolving skills of the writer but it captured my attention and held it like none of the others have.

With this new series we also get a new heroine. Her name is Kaely Quinn and she's an FBI Behavioral Analyst. She's also the daughter of a notorious serial killer. Obviously Kaely has chosen this career to right some wrongs but as you'll find out her motives go deeper than that. She is a character that is not only believable but likeable as well. Nancy's writing allows us to see her from both her professional side and her personal side.

I think I'm like most suspense readers in that I love to try to figure out the killer before the story reveals it. About mid-way through I knew I had it. But then there were some very believable red herrings thrown in that I fell for. I began to doubt my assumptions and waffled back and forth. The fun part is that my original guess turned out right . . . but I wouldn't have voted for that if I had to. To me that is the sign of a wonderfully written tale.

I cannot wait to get my hands on the next installment that will be released later this year. If this first book is any indication, it's going to be a thrilling series. There's a little bit of romance thrown in that I look forward to seeing develop further. If romantic suspense is your interest then I recommend you pick this book up.

It’s been a while since I’ve read a Nancy Mehl book and it was a delight to be able to read and review this one! And I love the suspense and thrills that are always present in Ms. Mehl’s books. Being the daughter of a known series killer, Kaely Quinn was hoping she has finally put her dad’s horrible reputation behind her. But when a reporter shows up with a poem written predicting a string of murders, including Kealy’s, she’s back to her old life and all that comes with it.

This is a Wow journey that takes readers on a wild goose chase as we try, along with Kaely and law enforcement to figure out who the killer will target next! But it’s not easy to try and get into the mind or someone so horrific and just plain evil. And what was their read motive? Why Kaely? She was a child when her dad was arrested. Her brother was the only one who may have a motive but Kaely couldn’t believe he would try something so evil.

Ms. Mehl does an amazing job of creating characters that will tell the story so realistic. It was like watching the local news or reading the local newspaper. Only Karly and Soecial Agent Noah Hunter were in the middle of this news story and they wanted this morbid killer stopped, and NOW!

I always like to try my hand at figuring out who the evil person is. Could it be someone everyone knows? Someone running around in front of everyone during the day? Well, I had a good idea of a couple of people it could be, which I was right, but it took a lot of sleuthing on my part. If you enjoy a fast paced thriller, Mind Games would be a fantastic read for you!

The opinions in this review are mine only. I was not required to write a positive review.

I had a hard time with this book. I thought it sounded super interesting and unique, and I really wanted to like it, but I really struggled with the plot and the characters. Kaley especially.

She was so hard to like as she had zero personality. There was nothing about her I could relate to or even like about her. She was touted as being this incredible behavior analyst, and she's such a great agent, and on and on and on, but there was really nothing there to show the reader why she was so great. And if she's so great, why does she always seem to need a babysitter?

Kaley's methods, if you will, were just a little too weird to me. I can understand thinking out loud as a way to process, but talking as if there is really someone else there and responding in such a way just left me feeling uncomfortable about the whole thing.

The plot itself wasn't exactly unique. I had the killer figured out from the very beginning and I just wanted to get to the end so I could be done with it.

The biggest issue for me though was how the story seemed like a total knock off of Agatha Christie's And Then There Were None. Had there been somewhere in the story where a character had called attention to the fact that the killer was copying Agatha Christie's story then maybe I could have been okay with it, but completely ignoring the fact just felt weird to me.

Surprisingly I am curious to see where the next book goes. I might give it a try and hopefully it will be better! Although I probably won't write a review on it. I hate writing negative reviews but unfortunately sometimes books just don't live up their expectations.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

The hardest reviews for me to write are the ones were I didn’t like a book but it wasn’t horrible. I don’t like to be overly critical and want to find something constructive or nice to say but sometimes there are just books that, even though I cannot explain it, just rub me the wrong way. And this was one of those books, unfortunately.

I think the biggest reason is that early on the main character, Kaely, started to grate on me. For some reason her somewhat brass and impulsive personality just didn’t fit with the “I’m a broken woman loved by God” persona the author was trying to get across. On top of that, as the story unfolded it became clear, at least to me, that Kaley suffers from mental illness. Now this alone isn’t a reason to dislike her, but the way that the other characters and she have dealt with it and the author has wrote it, are. This may be too spoilery but basically Kaely speaks and interacts with people and others who aren’t real as if they are. She later admits to someone that she knows they are not real, now to me this seems like an issue. But instead her friend simply becomes a crutch to keep her sane when he is around and then later passes the buck to the new man in her life to do the same. I felt that this was completely wrong in that the author was putting out there that it’s okay to ignore a mental health problem and let the person deal with it on their own or not at all. Especially within the narrative of Kaely saying that God is healing her from her past trauma, if she were truly letting him heal her then she would be seeking help for what she is doing/experiencing, and others would be trying to get her help as well. I get that with God everything is a process but it was obvious from multiple points in the narrative that Kaley was unstable emotionally and mentally and needed someone to step-in and help her but because of her “skills” as a behavioral analyst, people think she is too capable to need help. This was my biggest gripe with the book overall.

I knew from the start that there was going to be some sort of romantic undercurrent with Kaely and Noah but I’ll admit that it irritated me when it went from about a 0-50 around the 50% mark of the book. Suddenly Noah couldn’t stop thinking about her and was almost like a hormonal, jealous teenager. He waffled back and forth like that the entire book, even though supposedly his wife was his ultimate love he kept thinking about Kaely over and over, it was irritating, either admit you have feelings or don’t. Then, adding in her old friend Alex as some sort of love triangle just didn’t work for me. Honestly it made no sense that Kaely wouldn’t have been interested in him, she practically depended on him completely and they shared their faith in common as well. I felt bad for Alex that he was so in love with her and she was sending all the signals that of any woman would who reciprocates those feelings but Kaely is like “nope, we’re just friends”, um when you love the smell of his cologne and say you miss him so desperately and need him in your life, news flash, he isn’t just your friend.

The UNSUB plot was good, but I felt like towards the end it unraveled in favor of the personal narrative. I got invested in the sleuthing aspect and liked the outline of the poem as a means for the killer and the agents to be engaged in a sort of cat-and-mouse game but after about 60% through the book it was like the plot no longer focused on the mystery anymore and just how it all affected Kaely. The tension of the earlier chapters was no longer there, and so when the book tried to make bigger moments happen they just fell flat because they resolved too quickly.

This wasn’t a bad book, the pacing was good, the story came together nicely and I didn’t figure out who the UNSUB was before the end so overall the plot was well written. It just lost my attention because at first this book was very story driven, but then the potential romance and personal matters got introduced and I feel like that’s when it all went off the tracks and just lost the real guts of the original story.

I believe this is supposed to be the beginning in a series so maybe it will get better from here. As I said above, I enjoyed the mystery/thriller aspect in the beginning, but for me it’s the characters that will keep me coming back to a series or book over and over again, so for this one I’ll have to say this will be the only one I am likely to read.

With a writing style that reminds me of Tosca Lee, one of my very favorite authors, Mind Games was quickly devoured leaving me wanting more.
Trying her hardest to keep her past of being the daughter of a serial killer a secret, Kaely Quinn has had her name changed and kept close relationships to a minimum. She works as an FBI behavior analyst and is more talented than any other in her department with her unorthodox methods. Her career is threatened when a reporter finds out who she is and she is transferred to St. Louis. This same reporter follows her to St. Louis and receives an anonymous poem predicting murders and the end of Kaely’s life. At first no one takes his claims seriously until a body turns up just as the poem said it would. There is no pattern to this like with a normal serial killer, which makes trying to profile him even harder. Kaely’s new partner is unsure of her at first but quickly comes to respect her and the unlikely methods she uses to solve cases. Both will be tested to their limits trying to solve their hardest case yet.
I have read several books by Nancy Mehl and enjoyed them all. Mind Games has to be the best yet by her. The writing style here just took an upturn and reminded me a lot of one of my favorite writers, Tosca Lee. I loved the story here and the way it all played out. There was much more Suspense than romance which helped to move the story along at a very fast pace. The characters had great chemistry with each other and the relationships played out smoothly. The way the bad guy was revealed at the end and the motive made me smile, I saw it coming partly but was still a little surprised. Kaely is a great protagonist and readers will enjoy following her story. Her past is complicated and she lets it push her to evolve as the person she is meant to become. There is so much more to this story that I can’t wait to see unfold in the following books in the series. The relationship with her and Noah is bound to continue along with other members of her family. Mehl did a great job introducing characters that I’m sure will have a bigger role to come and I for one will be along for the ride.
I received a complimentary copy of this title from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.

The first in the exciting new Kaely Quinn Profiler series!

FBI Special Agent Kaely Quinn's unusual background (her father was a serial killer) and creative process for profiling (she 'has dinner' with her unknown suspects as part of her process) have kept her at a distance from the rest of the world. Her unique skill set, combined with a passionate focus on her work, allows very little time for friendships of any kind.

When the St. Louis FBI office receives a "eulogy for Kaely Quinn" poem, they quickly realize there is likely a budding serial killer on the loose - and the killer's end game is Kaely's death. Recently widowed Special Agent Noah Hunter is assigned to lead the case; he is initially leery to partner with Kaely - and more than a little curious - but is determined to be professional and work with her to figure it out.

Although I did have my suspicions on who the culprit eventually was, I was truly kept guessing up until the literal last minute. I also loved all of the unexpected and very clever surprises that were sprinkled throughout the book, especially at the end. This is not the usual crime/FBI/suspense novel - it is extra creative, interesting, and just plain good overall. I can't wait for the second book!

I was provided a copy of this book by Baker Publishing Group in exchange for my honest review.

As the daughter of a convicted serial killer, Kaely Quinn, formerly Jessica Oliphant, has a unique perspective on the criminal mind. Honing her skills as a profiler for the FBI, Kaely has come under scrutiny for her past, and has been forced to change locations to continue her career. However, the evil in her childhood continues to pursue her, with a news reporter hounding her for her story, and now it seems, a serial killer is targeting her. Can Kaely profile and find the culprit, or is she too close to the source and too far from her memories of that part of her life to see clearly?

Books about murderers are always tough to read, without feeling that shadow of darkness that clings to their stories. Yet, within that dark place, there is so much room for the Light to shine. Kaely Quinn has known so much darkness, and yet she manages to continue to cling to God, knowing that He is bigger than the evil she confronts on a daily basis. She is a complex character, battling with not just the criminals she profiles, but with the nagging guilt that she should have seen that evil in her father, even as a child. She may have trust issues, and she may choose her friends carefully, but she is trying to move forward and do her work well.

While the plot of this book is a bit stomach-twisting, with innocent bystanders being put in jeopardy so that the villain can take out his or her anger on Kaely, the characters are really well written, and there are several plausible options for the suspect. The author sends her reader down multiple paths of possibilities, while never outright hiding the true criminal. Kaely's relationships served the purpose of giving insight into her as well, showing where she puts her trust and how she does what she does.

I give this book 3.5 stars; I am intrigued by Kaely, and am interested in following the hints laid down at the end of this book into the continuing series.

I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for my honest review.

I devoured this book. I can’t remember the last time I read a book so fast. This is probably the best Nancy Mehl book I have read. I am so happy this is a series and we get to be with these characters more.

Nancy had me guessing the whole time until the moment of reveal. She had so many plausible suspects.

Faith was woven in seamlessly without seeming forced and there was even a time of miraculous intervention, I loved that Nancy had that as part of her story.

If you love suspense this is MUST read. I can’t wait for the next one.


A copy of this book was given to me through Netgalley.com. All opinions are my own.

Mind Games by Nancy Mehl follows FBI profiler Kaely Quinn as she tracks down a serial killer before he kills her. Her clue is a poem outlining upcoming kills, and it is arace against time before the killer strikes again. This story reminded me of Agatha Christie as she often used nursery rhymes in her novels. Like Christie, Mehl provides several red herrings before the the identity of the serial killer is revealed. A must read and highly recommended.

Kaelly Quinn is a behavioral analyst with the FBI. Her father was a famous serial killer which, along with her rather unique method for profiling monsters, makes it difficult for her to fit in. A journalist bent on revealing all her secrets has made her life even more difficult, but that's nothing compared to the fact that she is now the target of one of the monsters she spends so much time hunting. Working alongside fellow FBI agent Noah Hunter they race to figure out just who has a vendetta against Kaelly before anyone else is killed.

I'll admit that I wasn't too sure about this book at the beginning. Dialogue seemed awkward and there seemed to be more telling than showing, but things got much better as the book progressed, and I found myself not wanting to put it down. I had a hunch of who I thought the killer was at the beginning, but author Nancy Mehl did a good job of throwing out possibilities and red herrings. I found the character of Kaelly Quinn especially interesting. I wish she had progressed a bit more as the book went on, but as this is the first of a series, I'm not too surprised at where it ended. I'll be interested to know more about Noah as the series continues as well. I'm definitely invested enough that I'll have to read the next book in the series.

If you can get past the rough beginning I think you'll really enjoy this suspense novel by Nancy Mehl. You may be a little frustrated in the end, but in a good way. I'm looking forward to the next book!

Mind Games begins with a prologue from the killer's perspective (though the killer's identity doesn't become clear for a very long time) ... and I was completely pulled into the novel right there.

The whole concept of this series is so interesting—FBI profiler Kaely Quinn is really Jessica Oliphant, daughter of a serial killer who terrorized Des Moines. Though Kaely is highly talented, she has some idiosyncrasies that, paired with her past, make her a bit of an outcast. This first book in the series begins with a new killer arriving on the scene—one who has a vendetta against Kaely.

As Kaely and her new partner attempt to solve the case, nearly everyone in Kaely's world becomes a suspect, and Kaely's own mental health comes into question.

Mind Games is a thrill ride from beginning to end! I kept changing my mind as to the killer's identity; when the person was finally revealed, I had it narrowed down to two. The killer does make sense, but I also understand why it took Kaely so long to identify the killer.

The romance in this novel is practically non-existent, though I suspect that will change in future novels. Here, I was happy just to get to know Kaely, Noah, and the other people in the FBI office, and I can't wait to continue the series.

Mind Games, one of Nancy Mehl’s best books, introduces Kaely Quinn, an FBI profiler stationed in the St. Louis field office. Kaely Quinn, a devout Christian, does everything in her power to overcome her past and the name that haunts her—convicted serial killer Ed Oliphant—her father.

One of the best in the FBI, Kaely’s unusual methods have earned her censure from her colleagues. After all, standard protocol does not include sitting down for dinner with an imaginary serial killer in order to get into his mind. In fact, some of her colleagues think Kaely has lost touch with reality.

When a pesky reporter brings a letter to the field office that has all the markings of the work of a serial killer, Noah Hunter gets the dubious honor of agent in charge. And the task of keeping Kaely Quinn safe. A job Kaely resists—even though the letter clearly points her demise as the end game.

Kaely and Noah work desperately to stay ahead of the killer—to no avail. As they delve deeper into the case, evidence points to someone close to Kaely. Can they unravel the clues before the killer’s scenario plays out with gruesome accuracy?

Mehl masterfully plants red herrings, dead ends, and twists that keeps the reader wondering what will happen next (and makes it difficult to predict the outcome). Kaely’s faith comes across as natural and authentic—an integral part of who she has become since her childhood.

Read this book at night...if you dare...

When I started Mind Games I was expecting the usual romantic suspense fare, something that I absolutely love, as this was the first book that I've read by Nancy Mehl. I was wrong. Boy, was I wrong! What I got was a taut thriller with such depth of psychological drama that it fairly hummed on the page.

Dark and riveting, readers get the chance to go with Kaely as she delves into the mind of a serial killer. Which is a bit of an uncomfortable place to be, even when it's only on the printed page and you are safe at home in your own living room.

To say that I had a hard time putting Mind Games down would be an understatement. Saying I was glued to the page wouldn't do it justice. I've read literally hundreds of suspense books over the years and I have to say that I've not run into one quite like this one before. The closest would probably be Brandilyn Collins.

The heroine is just not what you EXPECT which keeps the hero, and readers, a little off balance. I loved it! Nancy Mehl kept me guessing from beginning to the end. I've read and watched, even listened to, so many suspense and mystery stories that I've gotten fairly good at identifying the killer(s), sometimes within a few minutes. This time I had 3 strong suspects and 1 lesser, and, while it was 1 of the main 3 and the one my mind kept going back to every so once in awhile, Nancy Mehl really did play Mind Games with readers in the getting there.

I can honestly say that I am really looking forward to reading the next Kaely Quinn Profiler book and that I just can't wait for it to release!

(I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)

I'm a huge fan of this author. I could hardly wait to read this book. And it completely lived up to my expectations!!

Incredible, nail-biting suspense, captivating characters, and much more.

I hardly know where to start on this story. I really, really liked the thrilling suspense of this ride.

I love riddles, and the suspense in this book is based entirely around a riddle.

Kaely Quinn’s father was a serial killer. And now someone is determined to make her pay.

Why is she dealing with this now? Who is after her?

I just love Kaely. Her methods are intriguing. I love how she uses her past to help her catch those bad guys. Her abilities as an FBI profiler are incredible.

Kaely has to deal with issues from her past. She's forced to confront her feelings and try to analyze things.

The story unfolds bit by bit. As I read, I of course madly tried to solve this mystery before the book ends. There were so many twists and turns. Red herrings. Unexpected events. And more.

The ending was bittersweet. I was so glad to be able to read the ending and know who the perpetrator was, but I really didn't want the suspense to end!

If you like suspense and mystery, be sure and read this book ASAP! I eagerly look forward to more in this series!

Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review, and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

First of all, let me say, “Whoa!” Kaely Quinn is one complex character. And you really don’t find out just how complex until the end of this novel, so I am really looking forward to learning more about her in the next novel in this series. And this plot pretty much had me suspecting everyone at some point. It was an intriguing race to outwit the person behind the killings as he drew closer and closer to his objective: Kaely Quinn aka Jessica Oliphant.

Yet, for all that, there were a few things that I felt prevented this novel from reaching its full potential. The first was the slow beginning, with lots of info-dumping and background filling, some of which wasn’t all that relevant to the story in my opinion (eg, background on SAC Solomon Slattery). The second was the writing style. This author doesn’t make much use of deep POV and there’s a tendency to explain things to the reader—interpret the characters’ actions, explain their motivations, etc—rather than just letting the reader experience the story and interpret things for themselves. And subtext was virtually non-existent. Those kinds of things weigh a story down for me.

The other thing that occasionally raised my eyebrows was Kaely’s ability to read people. Or perhaps more accurately, her ability to make inferences from the small “tells” she picks up on. I’m somewhat familiar with the “tells” investigators look for when conducting interviews, but some of the inferences she was then able to draw felt a bit far-fetched. Like, Benedict Cumberbatch’s Sherlock far-fetched. Then again, as more facets of her character were revealed . . . well, I won’t say anything more because I don’t want to spoil the discovery process, but let’s just say there’s some lingering scepticism.

On the whole, however, this was a story that was difficult to put down, and I won’t hesitate to pick up the next in the series—to learn more about Kaely if nothing else!

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. This has not influenced my review, which is my honest and unbiased opinion.

Wow! Such a great start to this series! I enjoyed getting to know the characters and their backgrounds and personalities. The characters are well developed, you've got a facinating storyline, and even more adventures to come! I recommend this book and look forward to the rest of the series.

I was provided a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

If I haven't said so yet, I love thriller/contemporary mystery/FBI stories. I haven't read many of them, but one of my favorite trilogies in the Christian fiction market is the If I Run trilogy by Terri Blackstock.

This book is on the level of an Agatha Christie novel . . . but a GOOD Agatha Christie Novel. Kaely, the daughter of a serial killer, is an FBI agent with an unorthodox method, but is VERY good at her job. When she receives a poem predicting a string of murders, she is determined to stop a potential serial killer from achieving their goal.

This book covers it all: fast action, suspense, a touch of romance, wonderfully written characters, psychoanalysis, faith, and a bit of banter.

I didn't expect such a well thought out mystery aspect to this book: a lot of times, Christian fiction is more focused on the romance and the Christian "fluff" than an actual plotline, but this one is an exception. The storyline is strong all the way through (I read this in a day . . . AT COLLEGE . . . the week before finals--I literally couldn't stop until I finished the book) and it is amazing. The mystery is truly strong in this one . . . AND the plot twist at the end was STUNNING. also that little sentence at the end about the cat CREEPED. ME. OUT. You'd think a book about a serial killer and murders would do me in, but THE CAT.

This is the first book by Mehl I've read (I've been meaning to read some of her other work, but this is the first I've read, it being Book 1 in a series), and I've heard that it's the best one . . . which makes me a little sad for her other books, but I'm definitely going to check the rest of them out!

So if you haven't read this one yet and like mystery/suspense, definitely check this one out! It's one that will not disappoint.

My Rating-

10/10

Things Liked-
-Kaely!!! She was such a well defined character, and the character development was REAL
-Very little romance!
-SUCH A WELL WRITTEN MYSTERY
-THE PLOT TWIST
-Talk about God . . . but woven in and not preachy

Things Disliked-
-There ARE murders and stuff described . . . buuuuut then, it's literally a book about a serial killer SO

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with a free e-copy of this book in exchange for my honest review; I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

This book review first appeared on- https://losingthebusyness.wordpress.com/2018/12/05/book-review-mind-games-by-nancy-mehl-blogmas-2018-day-5/

The author has really outdone herself with this book. I have never been so engrossed in a story like this one. The title is perfect because the story is gritty, intriguing, heart pounding, and filled with deceit and unimaginable mind games that can give you nightmares. I have to put this author at the top of my list as favorite mystery writer.

Kaely is a very high tech, super smart woman who has a gift of discernment. Her savvy attitude drew me in right away. I could sit with her for hours and watch her as she deciphers clues. Someone is out there taunting her with a cryptic poem which will lead to untimely deaths if Kaely can't catch them in time. The brilliance of the writing is so powerful I am in awe of how creepy the character who is taunting her gets. She is not liked by some on her team in the Behavioral Analyst Unit. It made me think of the show Criminal Minds and this book would make a perfect story for the show.

I loved the background on Kaely and especially who her father was. That was a very pivotal part of the story and the author used it seamlessly to weave it throughout the book. There is a Christian element to the story that I found very tasteful and perfect as a addition to the story. Why does God let bad things happen? That's a question Kaely is asked by her partner. The way she answers the question is well done and shows her trust in God. Kaely is fighting an enemy that thinks they have the upper hand, but Kaely is very determined and has a mind that looks past the obvious.

I was extremely surprised by who the serial killer was and the author had me guessing throughout the story. It is non stop action with a battle of wits mixed with a powerful good vs evil quality to it. Hold on for a bumpy and psychological ride where you don't know when the next strike of the enemy will happen.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.