Nora Roberts has created a compelling page turner in Mind Games.

Its heroine, Thea, is a powerful psychic, capable of reading minds and feelings, seeing into both the past and future, and influencing others' actions. Thea comes into her full powers when her mother and father are murdered. She sees the event as it happens. By visualizing the killer and tracking his movements, she helps the police arrest him. This pivotal and traumatic event results in a psychic connection with the killer who also possesses strong psychic abilities. While Thea uses her gift to help, the killer has abused his gift to manipulate and defile others.

While a story about a link between an innocent and a murderer seems very dark, Mind Games has lots of uplifting moments. Set in a small Appalachian town, it centers around family, friendship and community and the importance of good food and everyday celebrations. We see Thea grow up and use her creative story telling abilities to become a successful game designer.

The novel includes some traditional Roberts plot points, including the brave young girl who is instrumental in solving a crime, the loving grandmother figure, the honest and upright police. These tropes don't feel tired or repetitive; Roberts brings a fresh take to Mind Games.

It's easy to like Thea; you are routing for her throughout the book. You empathize with her fear of sharing her abilities and being mocked or criticized by others, as well as her hesitance to open herself up and make herself vulnerable by helping to solve crimes.

I was unable to put this book down. The plot really gripped me.

Special thanks to the author, publisher, and netgalley.com for an advance copy. This is an honest review.

Having read only Nora Roberts' last (fantasy) trilogy and the first book of her new trilogy, I wasn't sure what to expect of her new standalone. So I was surprised to find a unique combination of an idyllic rural setting and intense trauma that kept me reading compulsively to the end.

Thea and Rem are 12 and 10 when their lives change forever. Although they love spending two weeks each summer with their grandmother in rural Kentucky, they find themselves moving there permanently when their parents die tragically at the hands of a crazed 18-year-old man. Thea suddenly discovers that she is able to see into the murderer's mind and to give the police enough detailed information to apprehend him quickly and send him to a maximum security prison for the rest of his life. But that's just the beginning of the story. The murderer is also able to see into Thea's mind, and they become locked in a mental struggle to defeat each other that physically drains both.

I admire the way the author follows the siblings through college, into their careers, and even into romantic connections. The way that Thea engages the killer is fascinating and sometimes difficult to read--a fierce good vs. evil battle. But it is also the engaging secondary characters that make this a memorable read. Lucy, who shares Thea's "talent" to a lesser degree, is the ultimate nurturing grandmother. Rem develops into a lively, supportive brother, and Ty, a former rock star, and his adorable young son make all of their lives richer. And who doesn't love a huge dog who loves everyone back. My only quibble is that I would have liked more development of Ty's relationship with Thea to lend authenticity to events late in the book.

My thanks to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and provide an honest review of this book.

Mind Games is a typical Nora Roberts book - and by typical I mean, it's a gripping read with engaging characters that you want to have a good outcome, normally has a bad guy you want to get his, and a plot that delivers. Every. Single. Time. In other words, it's a no-brainer to buy and enjoy!

A young Thea and her family go visit her grandma in KY every summer and Thea and her brother stay for two weeks to spend time with her. This year promises to be the best time ever and it delivers on that until her parents are brutally murdered, with Thea seeing it happen in a nightmare vision.

Thea is able to identify the killer and he is in jail, but the killer has the same ability to have visions that Thea and her Grammie have, and he goes into Thea's mind trying to wreak havoc and vengance.

The novel has a pace that slowly builds, both the characters and the plot, and kept me hooked the entire time. Throw in a handsome and interesting man, terrific secondary characters and you have a another winner.

I always look forward to every Nora Roberts book because I know I won't be disappointed. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC for an honest opinion. All views are my own.

“Mind Games” by Nora Roberts is a delightful story and a fantastic thriller, as is every one of Ms. Roberts stand alone books. I am saying up front that I am a devoted fan and have read all her books. The wonderful part of this book is that we get to follow the main character through decades and become intimately involved with her, all of her family and especially her sensational grandmother. Without giving too much away, the story is about a young woman with a highly developed gift of sight and her connection to an evil serial killer. The women in the book are strong, smart and admirable and the background story & cast of supporting characters unique. This is not your average suspense thriller and I highly recommend this to anyone who loves this genre!

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Nora Roberts is my go-to author. When I have had a run of so-so books I know I can pick up one of her books and I’ll have a pleasant read. It’s just like being wrapped in a hug by a fireplace. Soothing and comfortable!!
Mind Games is another beautiful story. Set in the mountains of Kentucky, this novel brings a touch of magic to America’s Appalachian mountains. Thea and Rem are left orphaned and being raised by their Grammie Lucy after the murder of their parents. Somehow Nora Roberts takes a difficult subject and blends it masterfully with family bonds and love.
Trigger warnings for animal cruelty, Murder. Discussion of suicide.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

The perfect blend of mystery and romance with all of the warm, cozy feels of home and family! This wasn't like Nora's typical stand-alone novels. More like a cross between her SA mysteries and her fantasy book sets. I loved it even more for that and this book had it all! The scenic beauty of Kentucky, the Southern atmosphere filled with love, togetherness and family, the perfect cast of loveable characters, and the FOOD! My goodness, I just wanted to crawl inside the book and eat all of it. Everything was so vivid! The pacing was a little slow, but necessary, I think, because it added so much more depth to the story and played on my emotions. I found myself choked up quite a few times. I really loved this book and highly recommend it! And as always, look forward to whatever Roberts comes up with next.

Thank you to the author, St. Martin's Press, and NetGalley for granting me early access in exchange for my honest review!

Huge Nora Roberts fan!! I have read most of her books and love most of them! Mind Games is no different. I LOVED all of the characters of this book. It had a great story with good suspense. I was a bit surprised with the climax of the story… it was not what I expected but fit the book perfectly! A bit of romance in the story but not too much. Like all Nora Roberts books, she gives enough details that you can imagine exactly what is going on, from the setting and environment to what people “look” like.

Oh my! It's tough to let go of a book I really like. I'll start to drag it out somewhere around 80%. I'll distract myself with other things, all to avoid ending the read. So - my floors are vacuumed, the muffins are in the freezer, the beef stew is done. In its way, sadly so is the book.
I've been a big fan of the author for many decades (I've got many decades under my belt). This is one of her lovely cross-over books. Romance, some of what we consider magic or at least not ordinary talent, bad guys, and of course the happily ever after.
Wonderful.

I just knoooow the critics are going to come for this book and say that it's a classic Nora Roberts standalone (derogatory) but I won't stand for that slander. What I love about Nora's longer standalone is that you get the JD Robb-style dialogue alongside the classic romance, typically centered around family dynamics spanning generations. My anxious little brain loves knowing exactly what I'm going to to get, and for the first time in many years, I was WRONG (spoilers below). Continuing to be one of Nora's biggest fans, and I especially enjoyed how much time we got with our MC in this one – it was really satisfying to get to see her grow up.

At the very beginning of the book, they mention Will, the Sheriff's son, doing some chores around the farm. I was like there it is! Her future partner! Maybe she'll rebel and she won't want to settle down at home, or maybe they're going to have some big third act breakup, but that's definitely going to be him because there's his intro. But then! THEN! No. It's the rock star. Which also feels pretty standard for a Nora Roberts book, but she got me. I thought for sure it was going to be small town Sheriff's son and a full circle.

As usual, Nora does not disappoint. This book is unlike her usual, and I loved it. There was so much heartbreak and tears in the beginning. But dang, I didn't see how she would end these mind games, and I kept turning the page in anticipation.

Thank you St.Martin's Press, for the advanced copy.

I was excited to snag this Nora Roberts copy of “Mind Games”! As per Nora Roberts usual, this is another great read with a well thought out approach to this plot. This book is suspenseful, this book has tragedy, this book has love, this book has supernatural abilities. It’s got it all. The character development is on point. There were times I felt Thea’s emotion and worry. And let’s not even mention the anger I felt towards a fictional inmate.
This would make an excellent book club pick.

Nora Roberts has outdone herself with this newest book. All the feels are here and I admit, I cried, laughed and felt the true, bright love wrapped in this story along with a side of her signature magic. A definite “do not miss” read. If you love Ms. Robert’s past books, you will not be disappointed. If this is your first Nora read, an excellent place to start your journey.

I’m going to be completely honest - when I signed up to become an ARC reader, it was solely done because I hoped to be able to be an ARC reader for none other than Nora Roberts. I could go on about how much I love her writing, and she’s a HUGE reason as to why I’m writing my own.

That being said - the other day I received an email about Mind Games being available for a limited number of readers I jumped on it. F A S T.
This book has to be, hands down, my favorite standalone book of hers, and honestly, it’s not enough. I need more. I need to know what happens next. I need to know about the life Thea builds, I need to more about Ty’s career moving forward. I need to know Riggs is done for. I need to know more about Rem. I just need so much more.
I. HAVE. QUESTIONS.
I seriously loved every word of this book.

Admittedly, I’m not a Nora Roberts reader! I didn’t request this one, but felt terrible not giving to a go once it appeared on my list. Just hasn’t been my vibe— I’ll try again another time.

Five stars to be fair.

Good luck!

I'm a huge Nora Roberts fan since I first picked up one of her books many years ago. I enjoyed the story and thought I had the conclusion all figured out. Wrong! There were a couple of twists that didn't follow the usual script, although it didn't veer too far. The story moved along and most definitely kept me engaged. The characters were likeable (absolutely LOVED Braydon) and comfortable in their own skin. From personal experience, a family tragedy can either push a family to the brink or bring them together, closer than ever. So glad this was the latter.

I loved Mind Games and was sorry to see it end. The detail of the characters had me feeling I actually knew them and was invested in their lives. The plot was unique, exciting and heart stopping. The writing as always, wonderful. What a great storyline. I would love if Roberts continued with these characters in other plots.

Round this up to 4.5 stars.
I haven't read a Nora Roberts book in several years, but have always enjoyed her stories as well as those of J.D. Robb and other pseudonyms. This one is one of her better books. Twelve year old Thea Fox and her brother Rem spend the first two weeks of every summer at their grandmother Luci Lannigan's house/farm in rural Kentucky. Those weeks are their favorite time of the year - learning to make candles, milking goats and feeding chickens, not to mention learning life's inevitable lessons. But tragedy comes into this idyllic setting and the Kentucky farm becomes their refuge after their world is blown apart.
A psychic ability runs through the Fox/Lannigan women and the force is strong with Thea. This ability is a central theme running through the book and provides it resolution. Mind Games takes Thea and her family through 18 years of the aftermath of a world changing event. Roberts does such an excellent job of letting the reader see, hear and smell the setting. There is a languid quality in the writing that permeates the book creating a slow moving life that rings true for the setting. I really liked this book. The grief is palpable. The joy as well. Emotions run the gamut. Best book I have read in a while.

Very good book! I usually don't like books dealing with mind readers but I really enjoyed this. I felt that the story could of continues delving into the key characters further into their married lives. Top pick for me.

The book was much more than expected:

✔️ former rockstar hero
✔️ single dad
✔️ video game designer heroine
✔️ small town
✔️ close-knit family
✔️ cute child and dog

and if you are like me, you are going to devour this book!!

Mind Games is a captivating story about a girl becoming a woman and her rather unique gift. She was a really fascinating heroine. Strong but also vulnerable, dedicated and smart. And the support she got from her family and friends was heart-warming.

Especially the cast surrounding her was what makes this book such a wonderful read.

Her grandmother ♡ - I have so much love for her!!!

I had the best time with Mind Games. Loved the story, the setting and the closeness of the characters. There were so many parts of this book, scenes, and little tidbits that were utterly charming and endearing. And I love it when an author gives me actual background to a story. When I feel like I'm right there, moving through the years with the characters, witnessing them grow and change.

Most of all, the ending was surprisingly different and cool, and nothing like I expected. BRAVO!!

Oh, Nora Robert’s, how I’ve missed you! This book had all the elements of a great book: family, love, devotion, loss, and a bit of supernatural thrown in. I loved Thea and Grammie and reveled in their lives in the country. Such a well-written, great book!