Mind Games

Mind Games was the first book by Nancy Mehl that I have read and it did not disappoint. With the setting being in St. Louis, which is my hometown, it made the story come to life even more. A few of the details were a bit predictable but for the most part I enjoyed the twists and turns. If you are like myself and enjoy psychology, Kaely (main female character) and her methods were very intriguing. I have a degree in psychology, so discovering Kaely's past and how it influenced her current life and occupation were fascinating. Hopefully the next book in the series will delve into Noah Hunter (male character) as his character felt distant and incomplete . Mind Games is a psychological suspense with an intelligent female character who has endured a terrible secret crime and uses it for good. Don't want to give away any spoilers! If you like non-gory, psychological crime shows or books, you will enjoy this read.

2.5 stars
I'd heard a lot of good things about this series and how mind-blowing it was, so I ended up requesting the whole series on NetGalley before I got around to actually reading any of them. I was able to get the audiobooks through my library and began listening in order to catch up on old review books.

Well, honestly, what draws me to FBI and procedural novels is the solving the crimes. I got some fun in this respect, but the author takes a shortcut to the solution by have Kaely have the ability to “summon” the culprits to a supper discussion and interview them to learn more about this. This was honestly creepy and gross and I can't agree with Kaely that it is ever proper for a Christian to consort with evil in a fashion like that. Spiritual warfare is driving it away, not calling it closer.

I felt annoyed by a grown woman in a serious book talking to an imaginary friend; it was more the sort of thing you'd expect in a light comedy tv show.

In the end, Kaely thinks she's equal to everything and gets herself in the power of the serial killer of the day and is heavily drugged by the guy. I really disliked some of the things that went on while she was under the influence.

If these objections hadn't been present, I would have enjoyed the book vastly more, so even though the prose is well written I can't be any more generous than a “good minus” rating.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for a free reading copy. A favorable review was not required.