This was such an intriguing story that has a very emotional punch. Wonderful characters and a unique story line that held me captive from the start.
Nora Roberts paints a very vivid picture of events throughout this story, and I felt so many emotions as the story unfolds. It’s tragic yet filled with love. It’s alarming yet filled with light. It’s different, heartfelt, loving, and so very interesting. I truly enjoyed it.

Fantastic novel! I didn't want to put this book down to go to bed. Nora Roberts really paints a picture with words and it makes it even more suspenseful!

Mind Games by Nora Roberts has a unique concept. I have been reading Nora Roberts since I was a tween, when the author published her first book. As with all of the author’s stories, I found Mind Games to be easy to read. The main characters are likeable (for the most part). The first third of the book was spent on Thea’s childhood. I understand providing background on the main characters, but this was a bit much (and it was a tad boring). I liked the paranormal premise, but it was tame. It could have been so much more. I wanted Thea to embrace her gift, hone it, and use it to help others. The love interest does not show up until the halfway point which is unusual for a romance. The ending was a letdown. I understood the video game aspect, but it was unexciting. My favorite character was Thea’s dog. Mind Games felt like it was written by another author.

Over the years, Roberts has shown how deeply she can tug at heartstrings regardless of the genre she is writing in. And Mind Games is no
different.
When Thea and her little brother are dropped off at their Grammie's for their annual two week summer vacation in Red Bud Hollow,
in Appalachia, they had no idea it would become their permanent home. Their parents are murdered in their beds at home and
both Thea and her Grammie saw it take place in nightmares. and Thea is able to identify him through her visions and he is caught and tried and sentenced to life in prison.
Her and Grammie have the gift of "psychic vision" which is passed down only through the women
in their family and it becomes a lifelong challenge to Thea to temper it and control it so it does not control her.
Recurring nightmares in which her parent's murderer shows up to taunt her become a mission she undertakes to remove him from her mind.
The characters are easy to follow and easy to fall into immediate like with.
But the stream of evil portrayed is a bit too too for me and a little less would have gotten the same message across equally as well.
Loved the love story woven through much of it and the goodness of most of the characters.
Not found in a lot of stories these days.

Ms. Roberts never fails to entertain in her books and this story is another hit. I’ve read her books for 30+ years and always eagerly waiting for the next.

Mind Games has a paranormal aspect with Thea and the women in her family having the ‘gift of sight’ although not all think of it as a gift. What starts out as a wonderful visit with Grammie for Thea and Rem and her parents plans for a child-free time, ends in a tragedy. I can’t even imagine how terrible it was for Thea to be able to ‘see’ events, but the psychotic killer is caught and placed in a supermax prison.

Although Thea, Rem, Grammie and other family members struggle with their grief losing two special people, Thea and Rem thrive living with Grammie. Feeding the chickens, cows, goat, helping Grammie with her business of making various soaps, lotions and more. Redbud Hollow seems an idyllic place for anyone to live. We see Thea and Rem as they go to college and eventually return to Grammie.

To me this story has a romantic element to it but it’s more suspenseful with the ‘mind games’ between Thea and Ray, the psychotic killer. It’s frightening at times to see how much control each one has over the other and how Ray tries to take advantage of those in prison. I don’t know how someone so young can be so cruel but, as in many serial killer-types, Ray started at a young age, small insects, animals and moved on to people. I can understand wanting more in life, but he was a bitter person even as a teenager. So much evil in one person and to take the lives of such wonderful people and affect families without a thought.

I’ve loved her stories that were mainly romance and also the mystery/suspense stories. Meeting the male romantic lead didn’t happen until later in the book but I loved Ty and his delightful, rambunctious, young son, Brayden. As in most of her stories, most of the characters are incredibly talented, attractive, and just the best type of people you hope to meet in life. The closeness with these characters made me want to move to Redbud Hollow and be a part of the family and friends.

There’s a very dramatic ending and I was a bit tense hoping that Thea’s plan would work and happy to see that good won over evil. The relationship with Ty was tied up in a bow with an expected HEA.

I’m not normally a paranormal reader but this story kept me turning the pages to see what happened next and I highly recommend this book.

I want to thank the author, publisher and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this new work.

The brutal murder of her parents awakens Thea Fox's psychic senses and allows her to witness and ultimate identify the perpetrator. Ultimately this talent forges and unwitting connection to the killer which allows him to play mind games with Thea. 
From spending summer vacations with their beloved Grammie, Thea and her brother now relocated to Redbud Hollow and make a life for themselves there.  Thea has used her talents and imagination along with her superior computer skills to become a highly successful games designer.  Every year on her parent's anniversary or when Thea is feeling weak and emotional the killer manages to invade her mind and on one occasion even leave physical evidence. 
Then Thea's childhood crush, famous rock and roll star Tyler Brennan moves in next door to her with his oh so adorable son.  Now the stakes have risen, Thea has a lot more to lose if the killer can invade her mind and cause physical and mental distress.  She's going to have to play the ultimate game and defeat him and keep him out of her life forever. 
 I am a total fan of these romantic suspense stories that keep readers on the edge of their seat.  I almost feel like this one might be one of her best but then I probably say that each year when I read that year's publication.  Everyday living in Redbud Hollow is a revelation, a great one. Living close to nature in a small town where everyone knows everyone else and people are friendly and caring. If it wasn't for the cold and snow I would move there. 
Another winner for Ms. Roberts but then she's definitely used to delivering winners.

Typically, Roberts' standalone romantic thrillers are my favorite books of hers, but this one didn't quite work for me. Despite the fact that in general I love supernatural/paranormal/fantasy elements, when Roberts uses these devices, I never find myself on board with the novel. This book focuses on Thea, whose psychic gift means she is able to remotely view the absolutely brutal murder of her parents when she is just twelve years old and visiting her Appalachian grandmother for the summer. Thea and her younger brother go on to be raised by their Grammie, but Thea has a twisted mental connection to the murderer that lasts even as he is caught and sent to a maximum security prison. I did enjoy the amount of time Roberts spent on Thea's childhood and adolescence; often she skips right ahead to adulthood with her heroines. The romantic interest is a too-good-to-be-true single dad and former rock musician, the crush of Thea's teen years who happens to move in next door to her house in Appalachia. Roberts is a remarkably proficient writer; her prose is always solid, her dialogue snappy, and her characters likable and strong. I have no idea how she cranks out so many books year after year; her work ethic must be off the charts. The supernatural nature of the conflict in this novel is what kept it from being one of my favorite stories of hers, though I flew through it and still enjoyed the book overall. Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for a digital review copy.

Mind Games
Nora Roberts
May 21, 2024

It’s that time in the summer when Thea and her brother, Rem travel down to Kentucky with their folks, John and Cora Fox, along with their dog, Cocoa. They spend two weeks with their grandmother, Lucy. What a terrific time they have. Her farm has chickens, goats, dogs and a world of time spent in the woods. She designs and creates health and body products made from goats milk and assorted herbs. Of course the duo help in the garden and walk with her to deliver products and help with the children of her patients.
Their parents enjoy their freedom of being together.
Mind Games will be published by St. Martin’s Press of New York. I am appreciative of the opportunity to be selected to read the ARC of Nora Roberts latest novel via NetGalley. This story appears to be a family journey of living in the mountains of Kentucky; of life, new experiences, and the wonders of living with grandmother. It is however as time goes on Ms. Roberts opens a new world for Thea, Ren and Lucy. True, life will go on but never the same as the years before. It shouldn’t be missed. I took my time reading Mind Games. This book was such a tremendous journey. It was enjoyable yet difficult with the reader given a wealth of emotions. I applaud Roberts' narrative, it is outstanding!

In all the Nora Roberts books I have read (and I'd say most), this is by far my favorite. I laughed. I cried (A LOT). Nora is an amazing storyteller and she spun this story so perfectly.

Thea and Rem tragically lose their parents at a young age while visiting their beloved Grammie, Lucy. They remain in Redbud Hallow, growing up under Grammie's wing.

Lucy and Thea share a gift passed down through the generations of women. But this gift doesn't come without it's tribulations. Thea has had to deal with the "gift" as she grows up and has to realize the power she has. Her parents killer also has the gift, which challenges Thea at every turn.

We share in the grief and the happiness of this family with every page. Nora wrapped the ending so eloquently.

I highly recommend this book.

Mind Games by Nora Roberts is a gripping novel that delves into themes of tragedy, trauma, love, and family, all while exploring the depths of evil. The story is filled with intriguing characters, set in a vividly depicted world, and driven by a captivating plot that seamlessly weaves together romance and heart-pounding suspense. This book is a must-read for fans of Roberts, as it delivers on all fronts - from romance to cliffhangers, there is no shortage of excitement.

I did not expect to love this book as much as I did! This book is truly unique in the way that it is so emotional and raw.
The story begins when 12 year old Thea and her brother go to visit Grammie in Appalachia. While there, something terrible happens to their parents. We discover that Thea has a "gift" and can "see" into people's minds. She will use her mind to catch the man responsible, but that that is only the beginning.
This kicks off a beautiful and heart wrenching story that I could not put down. With themes of family bonds, female power, romance, community, and sprinkling of magic, I just found this story so intriguing.
Thanks to the author, Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Well written with lots of detail. A family suffers a horrible, violent loss. This story follows Thea as she processes her loss and deals with dreams and feels haunted by the loss. Lots of detail!
A beautiful family dynamic and community that was loving and accepting of Thea and her family.


Thank you Netgalley and St. Martin's press for the ARC!!

What a story. It was heartbreaking at times, creepy at other times and above all about a family that sticks together. Thea was a child when her parents were murdered and she saw the killer and the killings with her "sight". It ran in the women side of her grandmother's family. She had it stronger than even her grandmother. The detectives that were sent to talk to her didn't believe her until she told them things about their own family (which shook them up). The killer (Ray) went to prison for life but also had psychic talent and continued to harrass her at times. She learned to keep him out most of the time but he was getting stronger.
She built a house on 5 acres a mile away from her Grannie and was happy there, developing games. To her surprise, Ty moved into the neighbors house and she almost swooned. He was part of a band that she had seen as a teenager and he was her crush. Slowly they got to know each other along with his cute little boy Bray, who wormed his way into her heart. There were misunderstandings, but love won out in the end

I got this book from NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review

"Mind Games" by Nora Roberts is a quintessential example of the author's mastery, weaving together elements that epitomize her signature style. Within its pages, readers will find the familiar hallmarks of a Roberts novel: a strong family dynamic, a compelling love interest, and an ominous antagonist lurking in the shadows.

The narrative unfolds with the idyllic setting of a picture-perfect family embarking on their annual summer retreat to visit their grandmother. Yet, tragedy soon strikes, shattering their illusion of perfection. At the heart of it all is Thea, a young girl with a unique ability that not only makes her a key witness to the tragedy but also entwines her fate with that of the malevolent force behind it all.

Unlike some of Roberts' other works, "Mind Games" spans multiple decades, a narrative choice essential for Thea's emotional growth and her eventual confrontation with the villain. While this expansive timeline may occasionally skim the surface of certain events, it ultimately serves to enrich the complexity of the story.

As the antagonist's presence intensifies, Thea finds herself locked in a battle of wills, struggling to protect herself while confronting her adversary head-on. The bond between Thea and her grandmother, forged through their shared gift, adds a layer of depth and tenderness to the narrative, anchoring the story in a poignant familial connection.

Moreover, Roberts skillfully integrates Thea's career trajectory into the narrative, enhancing the richness of her interactions and further developing her character. While romance plays a role in the story, it takes a backseat to Thea's personal journey, allowing her growth and resilience to take center stage.

In "Mind Games," Nora Roberts delivers a compelling tale brimming with suspense and emotion. Through its well-developed characters and intricate plot, Roberts captivates readers, weaving a tale of resilience, familial bonds, and the enduring power of love.

3.75 stars

Mind Games was a thrilling and suspenseful read with a hint of the supernatural. This intriguing story has many twists and turns as we follow Thea throughout her life and watch how she learns to deal with her gift. The psychic link between Thea and her parents’ killer will have the reader on the edge of their seat while they wait for what happens next. Built into this gripping tale is a heartwarming family dynamic and I loved watching the relationship develop between Thea and Ty and his son. Mind Games was an enjoyable story that effortlessly combines family, romance, and a psychological thriller into one.

WOW! This may be my favorite Nora Roberts book yet! The plot was a kaleidoscope of emotions, bring tissues for the first part. I cried, laughed, and even got angry.
Thea and all the women in her family, are born able to read minds, some think it is a curse, others a blessing. When Thea is able to help detectives catch the man responsible for the murders of her parents, it sets her on a 16 year "War of the Minds" with the killer, each determined to destroy the other.
Awesome characters, great setting with delicious sounding food!, and a plot that kept me reading all night.
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

This was my first Nora Roberts book and it definitely did not disappoint. Her writing style is fantastic and encompasses many genres all at once, without feeling overwhelming. The main plot is a slow thriller, and it follows Thea, from a preteen into adulthood, as she navigates life wanting to be “normal” but having an inherited gift of sight (or something of the sort). That ability enabled her to put a murderer behind bars, but also created a connection between the two that she can’t seem to sever. A large portion of the book is just about her growing into who she is a person and finding her own strength. The relationships are probably the best part, from her strong bond with her grandmother and brother, to the sweet love interest that’s perfectly corny and complicated. I even love her dog. It’s strange going back and forth from sweet/cozy to thrilling/creepy, but somehow it works. This won’t be my last Nora Roberts book!

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martins Press for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!

The women in Thea’s family have a gift of sight that can take them places. For Thea-it takes her to the murder of her parents, but the killer knows she’s there because he has the gift of sight as well…

This book was great overall! Some parts flew through time (like 10 years in two sentences) but it was necessary to keep the narrative moving. Initially, the ending was a bit “meh” for me, but I let it sit for a few days, and it was really deep and full of meaning.

Every summer Thea and her brother Rem stay with their Grammie in Kentucky for two weeks. The summer Thea is twelve years old her parents drop their children off—and they never see them alive again. Thea and her grandmother both share a gift, they are able to sense others’ feelings, and know what they are thinking. So when they both dream that Thea’s parents are murdered they know it to be true. With Thea’s help the police catch the killer, stopping him from hurting anyone ever again. Or so Thea hopes. For the killer shares Thea’s gift, using his to cause pain. Every year on the anniversary of her parent’s death Thea fights their killer in her dreams, fearing one day that she may have to fight him face to face.
I’ve been a fan of Nora Roberts for years. While thriller fans unfamiliar with her work may not find what they are looking for, fellow Nora Roberts fans will devour this tale of love, loss, murder and mind games.

Mind Games was definitely the right title for Nora Robert’s’ newest book. Loved the story and the supernatural elements.