Cover Image: Mind Games

Mind Games

Pub Date:   |   Archive Date:

Member Reviews

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

Was this review helpful?

Mind Games is probably the most nerve-wracking superbly suspenseful book I have read in the Christian fiction genre to date.  I was blown away by Nancy Mehl's intense characters, dark situations, horribly invisible and unpredictable criminals, and very raw and real emotions. I don't think I've read a book like this in a really long time that kept my nerves on edge until the final page. Wow!   
Kaely Quinn is not your typical behavior analyst, although she works for the FBI, she still is completely different from her co-workers and competitors. She has unique methods to achieve her results and often digs so deep into her "UNSUB" (Unknown subject...a.k.a. the criminal behind the crimes) that she appears to be living outside of reality to those around her.  Kaely has a dark past and has many scars and issues that she is working through, but in addition to all of those, she is singled out in a strange anonymous poem predicting several murders ending with hers as the finale.  Although Kaely has been threatened many times before in her line of work, this time the threat by an unknown individual is extremely personal and very deadly: serial killer deadly.  Determined to find and stop this madman before anyone is hurt, Kaely throws herself entirely into the profiling of this new psychopath.  Will she be able to find him before he kills another?  Will she be able to save herself?     
Special Agent Noah Hunter maintains the stereotype of the strong, iron-faced, stoic FBI agent sent in to a special assignment to work alongside Kaely and keep her from harm. Although Noah lacks enthusiasm in his newest assignment and partner, he is committed to his assignment and seeking of justice, playing a huge role in attempting to stop the developing terror that is the "Elephant Man."  I appreciated Noah's character as he brought in some humor and practicality to counter Kaely's eccentricity. Noah and Kaely's partnership was very interesting to see bud from complete and distrusting strangers to a trusting friendship and partnership. I appreciated both of these main characters, their faults, strengths, faith, and doubts.

This work by Ms. Mehl was outstanding!  I was especially impressed with the detail that she included without bogging the reader down with irrelevant information to the case. Ms. Mehl provided such real characters with chinks in their armor without making them too broken or impossibly perfect. I also greatly enjoyed the mystery, suspense, and surprise at the ending.  I was shocked with each new suspect that was added to the FBI's list, yet still was surprised by the actual killer. What a great thriller!  I also appreciated the great clarity that the faith of Kaely was presented even in the very dark situations that she was going through. Well done!  I hope you have the chance to read this excellent work, but be prepared for the intense suspense!    

Disclaimer: Bethany House Publishers graciously provided me with a copy of this book.  All opinions are my own and part of an unbiased honest review.

Was this review helpful?

Nancy Mehl's Mind Games welcomed me to a world of intrigue and suspense. With the introduction of her latest heroine, Kaely Quinn, readers come head to head with a daughter of a serial killer. In Mind Games, Mehl places the readers in a police procedural novel where they follow Quinn and her new accomplice Noah for a hunt for a serial killer who is out to seek revenge on Quinn. The plot definitely showed the inner workings of a police case with evidence and some moments for down time to understand and round out the characters. But majority of the plot showed their process to solve the case. I did like Kaely Quinn as a character. She is like nothing I have ever seen. She is strong, brave, and has a unique way of solving crimes. I really liked her. Overall, Mind Games had a unique heroine with a strong plot even though I did figure out who the bad guy was early on. I believe fans of Dee Henderson's latest works and Janice Cantore might enjoy this novel.

I received a complimentary copy of Mind Games by Nancy Mehl from Bethany House Publishers, but the opinions stated are all my own.

Was this review helpful?

This book is amazing! I loved the story and the twists and turns to the plot. It was such a hard book to put down! I can't wait to read the next book in the series!

Was this review helpful?