Well what can I say apart from this book is fantastic, addictive and so damn clever I can’t praise it enough I just loved it. The characters are captivating especially the wonderful Augusta Bloom and are so well written and real combined with a unique plot line this makes it a book that is surely going to be a big big hit. Oh and how could I forget Seraphine she is one hell of a character and a huge favourite of mine. A game of Dare, people seemingly going missing after a birthday card, psychopaths well wow this is an intriguing mystery full of suspense I really do hope we see more of Augusta, Marcus and others in any future books by the fabulous Leona Deakin.
So it’s hard to say more without giving things away so I will say no more than read this riveting book it’s one definitely not to missed and a big 5 star read for me.
My thanks to NetGalley, Leona Deakin and Random House UK for giving me the chance to read the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

BRILLIANT DEBUT
which will keep you gripped
read it in one sitting
It's everything you want from a psychological thriller,
suspense, tension and completely chilling
with an ending that will make you gasp

Thank you netgalley, Leona Deakin and Random House UK for allowing me to read and review this book.

Brilliant!!! Outstanding debit novel which is a real page turner... I couldn't put it down. Very pacy, a really original read. Scary... But in a good way loved it ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I loved this book, and having finished it I want more! well-written and wonderful mixture thrills and suspense brilliant well worth reading.

Wow if ever there was a perfect title for a book, as the saying goes, "it does exactly what it says on the tin".... if you love psychological thrillers that will blow your mind literally! People disappear and in their wake a birthday card is left "your gift is the game, dare to play?"... hmmm intriguing from the off, it grips you from the getgo, WTF is going on? Psychopaths collecting psychopaths..... the premise of this book will have me looking at people differently now given the odds of how many people display traits of a psychopath... without even knowing!!! I thoroughly enjoyed this story, it was riveting, dark, thrilling and the twists!!!! Seriously guys, you need to read this!

Many thanks to Netgalley and Random House UK, Transworld Publishers for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

gripping. Chilling. People receive a card on their birthday inviting them to play a game and then they disappear. Held me enthralled from beginning to end.

I really enjoyed this book, it's such a clever premise; people are disappearing and leaving behind birthday cards with the message 'Your gift is the game, dare to play?' What follows is the interesting tale of a psychologist and ex MI6 agent, who decide to solve this puzzle.

The characters are well written and interesting and I thoroughly enjoyed the Yorkshire setting.

Overall, a good, satisfying read.

I would like to thank Netgalley and Random House UK, Transworld Publishing for an advance copy of Mind Games, a psychological thriller set in London and Yorkshire featuring psychologist Dr Augusta Bloom and her PI partner Marcus Jameson.

When teenager Jane asks Jameson, a family friend, to help find her mother he is determined to help but Augusta is less convinced until she learns the details. Lana received a first birthday card on her birthday saying “Your gift is the game. Dare to play?” then she disappeared and she isn’t the only one. A social media appeal has given Jane the names of three other people who have disappeared after receiving a card.

I must admit that I found Mind Games to be a compulsive, thrilling read in terms of the plot and action but there were other parts that I really didn’t like so overall it is a bit of a mixed bag for me. I have erred on the plus side in my rating because the plot is exciting and has an unusual premise - not anything I was expecting. I found myself turning the pages feverishly to find out what was coming next and walking away for a few minutes when it got tense. Initially the book was hard to get in to with constant changes of perspective, Augusta and Jameson, Lana and the mysterious scenes between Augusta and her teenage patient Seraphine which do not have any obvious relevance although it’s fairly obvious what Seraphine is. I did, however, like the way Augusta’s past and Seraphine’s role in it are slowly revealed, again it’s quite unexpected.

My main reservation about the novel is the labelling and generalisation of one class of people (I can’t say more without issuing spoilers) but it made me deeply uncomfortable. I prefer to see people as individuals rather than one of many with the same characteristics.

The characters are interesting. Jameson an ex British Intelligence Officer is smart, warm and caring. Augusta is cool, private and fiercely analytical. Aspects of her past are explored but we learn little about him. This and the way the novel ends rather inconclusively lead me to suspect there may be a sequel in the pipeline.

On the whole Mind Games is a good read. 3.5*

Wow I loved this. Clever & original. Likeable characters. Plenty twists I would recommend this book to anyone.

A very enjoyable read! I was very interested in getting my hands on this one after I read the blurb and I am pleased to say that I was not let down.

The story is written very well and the characters are interesting and jump off the page. I would recommend this read!

I LOVED this.

Definitely the most addictive debut I’ve read recently, peppered with extraordinarily engaging and fascinating characters with a central theme I am always drawn towards. I say no more on that particular thing.

Dr Augusta Bloom is my favourite type of main protagonist, aptly backed up by ex MI6 agent Jameson, a brilliantly readable duo brought to vivid life by the author and thrown into an absolutely intriguing drama that will keep you up late turning those pages. And then there’s Seraphine. Who I’m absolutely crazy about.

Mind Games indeed. I hesitate to give too much away but this is excellent story telling done with spot on pacing and pitch perfect twist placement, characters to die for and a game of wits that will challenge yours.

A refreshing take on a theme, beautifully written, cleverly crafted and has left me longing for more.

Highly Recommended.

Wow! Mind Games is clever without being cocky much like the Birthday Card Game and it's players. It's so refreshing to read a book with a unique plot and I absolutely loved this book.

People around the country are receiving birthday cards "YOUR GIFT IS THE GAME. DARE TO PLAY?" and then once joining the game they leave their life behind but what ties them together? These players are all different ages, backgrounds and are both male and female. What makes someone just up and leave their life?

I really enjoyed the characters and would highly recommend this book to everyone!

So why four stars you ask? Unfortunately I can't say without giving away huge spoilers but I'll bring that up privately with the publisher.