Skip to main content

Member Reviews

Loved reading the mesmerizing and spellbinding story. While Thea and Rem are staying with their grandmother, Lucy, Thea dreams in detail the murder of her parents. Read the highly recommended, wonderfully written full of suspense and romance, and a must read riveting story by the phenomenally amazing author Nora Roberts.

Was this review helpful?

Thea has a special ability passed down through her mother’s lineage. Her psychic ability allows her to connect with the serial killer that took her parents life as a young girl. The story begins as she settles in her grandmother’s home town to carry on with life after a huge loss. Thea becomes a celebrated video game creator and uses her ability to find missing children and toys. Thea and her brother Rem build a world of safety far away from the horrors of their childhood home. Thea falls for Ty, a musician who struggles accepting Thea’s gift. The meat of the story is Thea’s constant connection with her parent’s murder and the ways she uses the connection to create a world that he cannot escape mental while physically in jail. I was hoping this book would be more of a thriller and less of a romance, but Nora Roberts is true to her brand.

Was this review helpful?

Fabulous is a good word to describe Mind Games, by Nora Roberts. It's an engaging and immersive story with a beautiful setting and wonderful characters. The book is a well pace fast read. I found myself having trouble putting it down.

Was this review helpful?

I love Nora’s writing style, it is always guaranteed to hook a reader in. This rollercoaster of emotions of a book had characters you loved and another you feared. This book had suspense that kept growing and kept the readers on their toes. It was an interesting twist and play on words, which made the story unique and enjoyable!

Was this review helpful?

Thea has a gift, she can see where others are and how they feel. All of the women in her family have this trait but hers is stronger. One day she sees what no child ever should and watches her parents murder, but because of her gift, he gets caught and sentenced to life in prison. She can never quite leave him alone and that forms a mind connection between them. Thea continues to grow up and deal with the consequences of being different but she finds her place and ends up back home in Kentucky with her remaining family and the life she has built. Her connection to her parents' murderer continues to grow and she has to find a way to end it.

Roberts expertly weaves the paranormal into a contemporary story in a way that very few people can. The reader can see the mountains and the dirt roads of rural Kentucky. Throughout the story, Thea lives a regular life but she can see beyond what everyone else can. This story is one of hope and acceptance for who we are. It shows the importance of love and the strength that love gives you.

Was this review helpful?

I am a big Nora Roberts fan and look forward every year to seeing a new book from her! I was so excited to get this ARC! Love the family connection and seeing the generations of family story. The gift of seeing into others minds was kind of criminal mindish and while reading it i could feel some goosebumps. I loved this book and highly recommend it. I even look forward to re-reading it down the road! Thank you netgalley and the publisher for the arc in exchange for a review.

Was this review helpful?

As an avid reader and dedicated fan of Nora Roberts, I had the unique opportunity as an ARC reader to delve into "Mind Games" and it was a thrilling experience that left me utterly captivated. Roberts, with her trademark storytelling prowess, weaves a tale of suspense, tragedy, and the enduring power of family bonds that kept me eagerly turning the pages from beginning to end.

From the picturesque backdrop of Appalachia to the intricately drawn characters, Roberts effortlessly transports you into the heart of the story. The Fox family's annual pilgrimage to their grandmother's home sets the stage for a gripping narrative that unfolds with a sense of foreboding from the very first page.

What I love most about her novels is her ability to craft multifaceted characters who feel like old friends, and "Mind Games" is no exception. Thea and her grandmother Lucy leap off the page with their shared gift of sight, adding an element of mystique to an already compelling story. As Thea navigates the complexities of her abilities and grapples with the weight of her past, I found myself drawn deeper into her journey, rooting for her every step of the way. It's as if you are walking beside her on her journey.

The cat-and-mouse game between Thea and the inmate who shattered her childhood is masterfully executed, building tension with each twist and turn. Roberts skillfully ratchets up the stakes, which kept me on the edge of my seat as the inevitable showdown between the two drew nearer.

Overall, "Mind Games" is a testament to Nora Roberts' storytelling prowess, delivering a gripping tale that will linger in the mind long after the final page is turned. Fans of suspense, romance, and family drama alike will find much to love in this compelling novel. This is fantastically written, draws you into the story, and you are drawn into a totally different world. Awesome read. Thank you

Was this review helpful?

The latest thriller from Nora Roberts is, quite simply, one of her best yet. Mind Games tells the tale of Thea, from 12 years old when her parents are murdered, and she and her brother come to live with their Grammie, Lucy, in Eastern Kentucky, to the present day. Through twists and turns, not only physical and emotional but also mental and psychical, With her loved ones by her side, Thea encounters, challenges, and finally confronts her parents' killer. But who will prevail and overcome the ultimate 'Mind Game' in the end?

Roberts proves herself to be a master storyteller once again -- a true 5-star recommendation!

Was this review helpful?

I’m trying to recall if I’ve ever cried while reading a Nora Roberts book before, and I’m 99% certain the answer is no. Needless to say, I was shocked to find myself tearing up during Part I. Guh. Ms. Roberts knows EXACTLY what she’s doing to pull the exact emotion she wants out of her readers. This is a really great psychological familial drama, with a touch of “other”, and a love interest I honestly did not expect. Definitely the best NR book I’ve read in years.

I received a copy of this book from St. Martin’s Griffin.

Was this review helpful?

This was a terrific story. I already am a fan of Nora Roberts so i was inclined to like the book, but it was a very suspenseful book. Thea and Rem are spending a couple of weeks visiting Grammie Lucy. Thea and Lucy wake up to the same dream/not a dream. Thea's parents have been murdered at home in Virginia. Lucy lives in Kentucky, and everyone knows she has the sight so when she calls the Sheriff, he agrees to check on it. They found out it was true. Both parents were murdered. Thea gave a great description and location for the murderer. unfortunately, she connected with the killer and he was able to be in her mind and torment her through the years. I don't want to go much more into detail but it is a good story. Thea is a really strong woman and her family is a big part of her strength. Try this book , you will not be sorry.
I received and free copy from NetGalley for an unbiased opinion.

Was this review helpful?

The twists and turns in this story are mind boggling. I loved the characters
The situations were very hard on my
head but the family filled with love was a beautiful way to tell this story.
It is complex and I loved it all.

Was this review helpful?

Nora is a master at mind twisting plots and stories! This book was no different and I LOVED IT. I was here for all the pages of wonderment, romance, fantasy. Every time I read one of her books I can't help but think, "she's amazing, how on earth did she think of that?" BUT SHE DOES and she executes it with perfection!

She gives the romance that she gives in every book, even if its a slow burn with this one. She gives us the impossible with the women of sight who can also be hurt by it. She gives HEA but turmoil within the pages of the story. The characters are well thought of, well loved, and well put down on paper.

I simply cannot say enough about this. I read the book and listened to the audio and IMMEDIATELY told everyone I know to preorder. And preordered it myself for my shelves. Nora never lets me down, this book was no different. In fact, some how she makes it so that I love every book I read better than the last. HOW IS THAT POSSIBLE!?

I raise my hands, glass and hat to you Ms Roberts. Wonderful job!

Was this review helpful?

“When the fates handed you a gift, who but a fool would refuse it?”

Nora Roberts does it again with her new masterpiece – Mind Games! Thea and Rem visit their grandmother Lucy every summer in Redbud Hollow, but one year while on their trip, their parents are brutally murdered. Lucy and Thea both have a special gift, and Thea actually witnessed the murders with her abilities through a dream. Thanks to Thea, Ray Riggs will be in custody for life – but he’d also “been born with a calculating and knowing mind, a special talent.” Now, it’s one mind versus the other in a psychological stunner about mental control, compartmentalization, acceptance, and family.

I was definitely shocked by this new concept for Roberts, and the way the book was framed – knowing the enemy from the beginning, and I felt like this novel was more gruesome than most of her others. With Roberts we have a consistent story arc which I have come to appreciate, but the story focused too much on the childhood of Thea and Rem and took a while to get into the current events. Plus, when do we have to wait half of the book to meet the love interest?!?!?

I really did enjoy the characters (and careers! – sign me up to meet Code Red!) and the amazing family connections. However, while I understand we are in Kentucky, it took me a good bit to “read” like Lucy and Thea and their particular sayings.

Controlling dreams and playing mind games was such a fun approach, I love strategy-based games and the intelligence characters must have to plot and think ahead, but the ending fell short for me, I truthfully didn’t understand exactly what was happening even though the buildup and narration after helped some.

I will continue to read everything that Roberts writes but her last several books are moving into the women’s fiction genre from the romance category for sure. She is a creative, amazing storyteller and will be known as one of the best authors of our time. I rate this 4 stars.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for this magical arc! All opinions are honest and my own.

“While we can’t lock the past away, not when it holds the ones we love, we have a real present, and a future. And that’s where we look.”

“Pretty brilliant, using a game. Mind game – get it?”

Was this review helpful?

Ooof. The first half of this book was an emotional doozy! It was very heavy and sad, and I do agree with some other reviews I've seen that this book isn't technically a 'romantic suspense' as much as a literary fiction novel. I wish there would have been more set up as a series (all of the characters in the small town deserved their own stories!) but I do think this particular story wrapped up in a satisfying way. 4 stars

Was this review helpful?

Nora Roberts is pretty much a hit every time. This was an enjoyable book and I loved the whole family. Interesting take on the relationship between Riggs and Thea. It wasn't the best of her writing ability but it was still good.

Was this review helpful?

Nora Roberts has been an auto-read for me for decades now, and for good reason. Her stories abound with well-drawn characters--both human and animal!--spectacular locations, and extraordinary plots! This latest work of hers is no exception and I just couldn't put it down till I was finished. Her lead characters we meet when they are pre-teens and have gone through a devastating loss. However, they then live with their grandmother, a local Appalachian businesswoman, herbalist, and seer, the last of which is something inherited by her grandaughter, who uses her ability to help the police apprehend her parents' killer. We see the young girl and her younger brother grow into accomplished, intelligent, loving adults, though the girl is plagued ocasionally by the still-imprisoned killer's psychic abilities. Both of the grandkids still live near their grandmother, helping her with her business, and make the acquaintance of Ty, who has moved to his late grandmother's house with his young son. Things move along and they fall in love, have difficulties in their relationship, and battle with a killer psychically. An HEA is required in this author's books, thank goodness, and a happy outcome ensues. Even though the author has written probably well over 200 books now, she still manages to make her writing fresh and interesting, and I still look forward eagerly to each new book. That old chestnut, "getting better, not older," applies here very well! Don't miss this book, it is great, and continues Roberts' winning streak!

Was this review helpful?

Never disappointed with a Nora Roberts novel! Mind Games is no different. Such a solid read.

Mind Games follows the story of Thea and her family: brother, Rem and Grammie, Lucy after the murder of her parents. Thea has psychic powers that are powerful from a young age. The story unravels her life and struggle to balance the powers and an uncanny connection to the murderer while trying to live life and find love.

The characters in the novel are all so lovable. Grammie is the grandmother we all want Rem is the little brother that oozes charm and Thea herself is easy to connect with and feel the emotional roller coaster she travels throughout the novel. Lets not forget the absolutely adorable and enjoyable Bray, who has to be one of the cutest 4 year olds around and his dremay father that moves in next door.

The book overall was very enjoyable. There is mystery and suspence, just never quite sure how the story will unravel. The added psychic element adds a different twist to the story. There is enough Romance to keep with Nora's usual expectations but does not ooze romance. For me, thats a plus!

Overall, i recommend this book!

Thank you to Nora Roberts, St. Martins Press and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Was this review helpful?

Nora Roberts has another hit with the new book, Mind Games. Divided into three parts, the story begins in suburban Virginia, and ends up in Redbud Hollow, Kentucky---deep in Appalachia. The Fox family visits their Grammie every summer as soon as school is out. The parents would leave the morning after their arrival, returning in two weeks. "There would always be a before, and there would come an after." Tragic circumstances put an end to the parent's lives, but the children must go on. The lovely prose, and easy pace made this book a joy to read. The women in the family have second- sight, seeing events before they occur. This is what turns the story into more of a thriller than a women's fiction read. I loved every twist and turn. The paranormal aspects of the storyline elevate the mystery from slow and easy, to fast and furious. Nora Roberts knows how to squeeze out every emotion from laughter and tears, to heart-pulls and disgust.

I was so happy to be approved for an advanced copy to read early. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you to #NetGalley, St.MartinsPress

#MindGames #NetGalley

Was this review helpful?

Nora Roberts is one of my favorite authors and I love how lately she's been writing books that are edgier. This is one of them. It took me some time to get into the story (hence the 4 stars instead of 5); in my opinion the beginning should have been shorted a bit? It took awhile to get into the romance part of the story. However, the character development was excellent and I found myself wanting to live on a farm and make my own food.

Thank you NetGalley for the advanced copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

Was this review helpful?

Much thanks to Nora Roberts, MacMillan Audio, St. Martin's Press, and NetGalley for allowing me use of free galleys in exchange for an honest review.

*thumbs down fart noise*

DNF 34%---about 5 hrs of listening. 5 hrs of plodding through a story that couldn't find a plot with three editors and a diagram.

Some might call this a "slow burn," but I feel that phrase gets used more and more as a cop-out for a pace that's somewhere between boring and mindnumbing, a story that takes the scenic route toward making any kind of point, and a word count goal that holds a manuscript hostage until its requirements are met. So sure, we can call this a slow burn, but I definitely mean the cop-out kind.

Roberts likes to tell her stories in a straight line, which speaks to my heart, but I wonder if a prologue and strategic flashbacks instead wouldn't trim the fat in her style. She includes soooo much useless information. A mere sample of the straw that broke my back in this instance was "[A]t fourteen, she cut her hair to chin length, an impulse she regretted for months after. She won an award in math, an accomplishment that both thrilled and embarrassed her. When she was fifteen, they lost Aster and grieved. The best of best friends, Maddie brought them flowers. They called the new cow Betty Lou."

Now, it could be that the climax of this---what genre is this supposed to be, anyway? So far the story would suggest paranormal thriller, but I doubt it was marketed as such---hinges on Thea's bad style choices, the death of an old milk cow, or the name of her replacement. But somehow, I doubt that as well.

A huuuuuuge chunk of the 34% I managed to get through could have been cut out. And I decided not to let Roberts's ego waste any more of my time.

Was this review helpful?