Mike Omer is a "must read" author for me. I'm never disappointed in his books and always recommend them to my fellow thriller readers. A DEADLY INFLUENCE introduces us to a new series where the MC is a hostage negotiator with a very "story behind the story" history. This first book sets the scene for soe very intersting books to follow. Mike Omer manages to keep the story moving quickly even as he develops the characters into realistic people you could imagine meeting on the street. The solve comes as a complete surprise, the clues along the way serve as diversion and keep the tension on high. If you have never read any of Omer's back library, this is a great place to start.

A web of secrets and lies. Thought provoking and intricately layered. Suspenseful and thrilling. Read it!

Mike Omer's A Deadly Influence is a gripping thriller that will keep readers on the edge of their seats from start to finish. The novel follows FBI Agent Abby Mullen as she investigates a series of murders that appear to be the work of a serial killer. As she delves deeper into the case, she uncovers a sinister plot that threatens to destroy everything she holds dear.

One of the strengths of this book is its fast-paced and suspenseful plot. Omer expertly weaves together multiple storylines, creating a complex and intricate narrative that keeps readers engaged and guessing until the very end. The characters are well-developed and relatable, and their individual stories are interwoven seamlessly throughout the novel.

Another positive aspect of the book is the way it explores various themes, such as the dark side of social media and the impact of childhood trauma on adult behavior. The story is thought-provoking and raises important questions about the nature of evil and the human psyche.

Overall, A Deadly Influence is a masterful thriller that will satisfy even the most discerning readers. With its engaging characters, complex plot, and thought-provoking themes, it is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a good mystery. Mike Omer is a talented writer who knows how to keep his readers on the edge of their seats, and this book is a testament to his skill and expertise.

Wow just wow! I did not see that coming at all and now I must read the next book and I’m so excited that there is one. It’s definitely the worst when you finish a wonderful book in the second one isnt out yet. If you want a book that is captivating an action packed this is totally yet. From start to finish it had me guessing and I can tell you I was so very wrong. I definitely don’t want to give any spoilers but Abby is fantastic and I look forward to seeing where Ivy and carvers friendship goes. The storyline was fantastic and now I must know who the heck she’s talking to. This will Book had me on my edge of my seat and Is a must read for any thriller enthusiast!

Mike Omer writes the best police procedural books, and this one is no exception. I found the cult aspect of this book very interesting, along with the main character, Abby, being a Hostage negotiator.

This book is full of twists, and you never know what is going to happen next. I'm very excited that this is book 1 in a new series, and I can't wait to read more!

I love (!) Mike Omer's writing and especially adore his Zoe/Tatum series - she's a profiler, he's an agent - so when I saw that Omer had a new series I had to read it. But... it took me three different times of reading, putting down the book, reading and putting it down again before I actually read all the way through it. I would have been so stupid if I had not convinced myself to pick up A Deadly Influence once last time. This is one terrific book!

Abby Mullins is first and foremost a single mom of two kids, both of whom are very bright and, at times, more than one or two or even ten parents can handle. She also is a crisis negotiator and a former member of cult that was involved in a serious showdown with the FBI, a showdown that went terribly wrong. See, it's a very eclectic and intriguing premise for a series and I knew it would be great. I just had to get Omer's other series out of head before I could fully immerse myself in this one.

A child has been kidnapped and the child happens to be the son of one of Abby's surviving cult members (there were only three of them.) Abby immediately thinks the cult is involved but a different angle emerges revolving around the child's older sister who is a social media "influencer." As the FBI follows both of the leads, the kidnapper and the cult grow more anxious and impatient until the very climatic conclusion.

For the first time in a long time I honestly can say this was a suspenseful suspense/thriller. Not only did I thoroughly enjoy reading the book but I absolutely had no clue "whodunit" until the end and, wow, what an ending it was!! If you haven't read A Deadly Influence yet, I highly recommend it. If you've not read any of Mike Omer's book then, by all means, start now. Go.... grab a book. They are terrific!

I'm starting to think it's not possible for Mike Omer to write anything less than a stellar five star book. I love a good cult story and Abby was a brilliant protagonist and the twists in this story consistently blew my mind. I thoroughly enjoyed this and can't wait to read more about Abby.

A shared past paves the way to clues to the reason a boy is kidnapped. Abby , the mother reaches out to Eden desperate to find the reason her son is missing and the kidnappers ask for money she certainly on 5he surface doesn’t have. As the clock ticks louder, memories are not as black and white as Eden thought. Abby is very reluctant to help when the questions hit too close to home. This is the first in a new series, I can only smile in anticipation.

First of all, I cannot understand, how come Eden did not controlled better her daughter? After all, they were running from a cult!
Abbey Mullen, a crisis negotiator has to find Nathan, who was abducted and they are asking for lots of money.
Great suspense!
Thank you Netgalley for this book.

New series from author Mike Omer and it does not disappoint. Action packed, entertaining, and full of all things creepy. The series introduces readers to new character, Abbey Mullen, who is a crisis negotiator with her own traumatic past and ongoing family drama. The narrative is fast paced and addicting as it examines an exploration of cult life. Hold on tight because the ending is as crazy as the beginning! Absolutely loved it!

Thank you to #NetGalley for the ARC of #ADeadlyInfluence which was read and reviewed voluntarily.

#policeprocedurals #crimereads #bookstagram #readreviewrepeat #thomasandmercer #mikeomer #readingstack #bookblogs

NYPD Lieutenant Abby Mullen has survived a fiery massacre at the hands of a psychotic cult leader, rigorous police training, and an unhappy marriage. When someone kidnaps the son of a fellow cult survivor, Abby applies her many life experiences in an effort to locate the child and negotiate his return.

Incorporating the risks and benefits of social media, the novel speaks to this additional concern as it relates to successful parenting in the 21st century.

While avid suspenseful thriller fans may find A DEADLY INFLUENCE a bit too uncomplicated, I enjoyed the novel overall, and I hope to read other works by Mike Omer. Many thanks to the author and Thomas & Mercer for the ARC.

A Deadly Influence by Mike Omer
Abby Mullen Thriller #1

Cults are creepy things, and this book has people that seem to have cults woven into their very beings. Some seem to have been able to leave the cult behind but others…not so much. Often, cults scare the bejeebers out of me because, in my opinion, they are scary controlling and never lead to anything good for those that join them. This book will probably continue to deal with cults as the series progresses but it is my hope that it will also deal with other issues a police negotiator has to contend with.

What I liked:
* Abby Mullen: police hostage negotiator, mother, divorced, adopted, cult survivor, good work partner, dealing with issues from her past, human, interesting and intriguing.
* Will Vereen: Abby’s partner at work, married, supportive, good listener, will enjoy learning more about him.
* Sam & Ben: Abby’s children, complete opposites, care for one another, typical, add texture to the story, look forward to getting to know them better.
* Steve: Abby’s ex is not the most admirable husband but seems to be a good father. He adds dimension.
* Detective Jonathan Carver: police academy classmate of Abby, divorced, from a large family, good at his job, potential love interest for Abby, interested in seeing what trajectory his character will take in the series.
* Abby’s adoptive parents: good people that worked together to ground and love Abby. I can see them featuring in future books of the series.
* The cult-stalker-kidnapping-police procedural plot and how it was presented and eventually resolved. The plot forwarded the relationships of the past and helped tell of Abby’s past.
* Learning a bit more about social media influencers…kind of on the fence about them.
* Ben’s menagerie…remember my brother coming home with a snake and it disappearing…made me wonder if the snake was released into the wild or killed by my parents…don’t think they were as accepting/tolerant as Abby was of Ben’s collection.
* That I wasn’t sure who the stalker-kidnapper was till near the end…good job of hiding it even though I often read the end before I get there.
* Wondering who the “Isaac” is that has been in touch with Abby.
* Reading a new-to-me author that I hope to read again. I felt he had done in-depth research on cults and it showed through in the story.
* Getting to the end and having the bad guys, at least most of them, dealt with and the hope that one or more cult member will rearrange their brain(s) to be free of the cult indoctrination.

What I didn’t like:
* Thinking about how real this story could actually be…stalker, kidnapper, cults, and all the rest.
* Having to say goodbye to the cast of characters until the next book in the series is ready to read.

Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more in the series? Yes

Thank you to NetGallley and Thomas & Mercer for the ARC – This is my honest review.

4-5 Stars

Absolutely phenomenal. Abby is not your typical detective and hostage negotiator. Her previous childhood and experiences make her uniquely qualified to help talk people down. She also is the mother of 2 kids who she constantly has to negotiate down as well.

But she will be put to the test when an old acquaintance pulls her in to a kidnapping, she's reluctant but can't let anyone down. And what a mystery it is. I didn't go in to this trying to solve it at all. I just rode the story where ever it went. I loved the added characters, the slow reveal of history and getting to know the whole cast. I liked the multiple POV because it added to the story and really added the creep factor to try to understand what was going on.

I loved the twist at the end, even if I'd been wondering the whole time. I will definitely be looking for a book 2 and I can't wait to read it!

All I need to hear is the name Mike Omer and I know that it's going to be a great read! I have read quite a few of his books and have never been disappointed! The story starts off with Abby trying to talk a suicidal man off a ledge...very tense-filled moment! She finds herself in many tense-filled situations that seem to meld into the main issue in the story.

The characters are well-defined which makes it easier for us the reader. Sometime some authors tend to use their character names starting with the same letter and it confuses me! But in this story, you get to know every single character pretty well!

I highly recommend this and all of his books. What I'm trying to say is "add Mike Omer to your favorite author list!" And strap on because it's going to be a heck of a ride!

Fresh from the success of his Zoe Bentley mystery series, Mike Omer is back – and he’s kicked it up to eleven with a new heroine and a whole new mystery.

Abby Mullen, hostage negotiator and single mother of two, has rebuilt her life after a childhood spent in the grip of a cult. But when one of her fellow survivors calls to ask for help, that past is brought right back to the present – accompanied by one man’s dangerous obsession.

I enjoyed the Zoe Bentley series, but A Deadly Influence shows what Mike Omer is really capable of. His books are always impeccably researched, and this is no exception – whether it’s stalkers, cults, or violins and grass snakes, the details are absolutely spot on. It makes for characters who feel real, who have idiosyncrasies and lives that exist outside their place in the narrative. Abby Mullen is a single mother who relies on help from her family, but her children are people in their own right; frequently in procedurals the family exists to serve simply as set dressing, perhaps to be bumped up to potential victims if the drama needs a nudge. Instead, here, they build a family that supports and surrounds the main character with love – and irritation, but that just makes them more believable.

It’s not just the characters who have been expertly realized, though – this is a procedural, and without a compelling mystery, there wouldn’t be much of a book. I can happily report that the mystery here is excellent – plenty of twists, a good deal of intrigue, and a play between obsession and the secretive world of cults that kept me well aware of the high stakes throughout. The foundation of an excellent cast makes the reader truly care about the outcome – and the unpredictability of the suspects means you can never be sure what will happen next.

A Deadly Influence is an exciting start to a new series from this author, one that I’m sure will delight previous fans and attract plenty of new ones.

A Deadly Influence is a really hard book for me to review. While I did end up giving it 4 stars there are several elements that do seem like a stretch. The main one, without spoilers is simply the whole premise that a hostage negotiator would be the lead "detective" in a kidnapping case. I understand she is good at reading people but so is the majority of actual detectives that work cases. While good for this book, I don't see this happening in the real world.

This book is also over 450 pages long and it is somewhat fast paced there are sections that do drag. There are whole chapters that could have simply been summarized in three sentences of dialog between characters. The ending is also a cliff hanger for the second book so if you don't like those I would wait until closer to that ones publication date.

I did like Abby's character well enough and the book did keep me engaged however I believe some editing would have made the story flow better. Overall I did enjoy this book and would recommend to someone that enjoys police procedural shows or books.

This book is absolutely fantastic and I love Mike Omer’s “A Deadly Influence,” the first in a series. The MC Abby Mullen is an NYPD hostage negotiator who has grit determinationand a great witty personality.

Abby starts working on a kidnapping case of a five year old child who is taken on his way home from school. The demand for his return is $5 million an amount very difficult to come up with. As Abby begins negotiating will she be able to discover the true motives behing tge kidnapping.and bring the boy home safely?

This book is a taut thriller and masterfully written. So much so it had me on the edge of my seat. I'm into my third read as I devour the story-line. The overall plot is complex and very detailed as one question is answered new ones arise.

I was fascinated by the hostage negotiator angle and fully intend to devour the series as it cones out.. Having absolutely loved other books from this author. Absolutely excellent theiller/procedural andci highly recommend it. Hands down one of Mike Omer's best books yet!!

WOW! I don't know why, but I was not expecting to love this book as much as I did. Between the amazing character development and the suspenseful nail biting plot, I have nothing but good things to say about this read. I thoroughly enjoyed that it kept me guessing all along and that I was never sure what was going to come next. Absolutely would recommend this read.

Thank you to Netgalley for gifting me this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I read this in one sitting. It was an easy book to get into, fast-paced from the start and suspense maintained throughout. The characters felt highly believable and I warmed to the main character, Abby Mullen, quickly. I enjoyed the layers of plot and liked the ending to the book. Whilst I had ideas about the ending of the book, that turned about to be close, there were still surprises that made it gripping to read.

I enjoyed Omer's writing style and I am looking forward to reading the second book in this new series.

A Deadly Influence by Mike Omer. Abby Mullen Thrillers, Thomas & Mercer, 2021.

This book has everything going for it – a strong female lead, positive supporting characters all with great character development, a believable, multi-faceted plot, fabulous writing style and a satisfying ending that will have readers begging for the next one. Content giving insight into cults and social influencers added to the whole thing.

The best first in a series I’ve ever read.

Disclosure: I received a review copy of A Deadly Influence for free via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. #ADeadlyInfluence #NetGalley