Mind Games – Nancy Mehl – Kaely Quinn Profiler #1 – Bethany House Publishers – Published 4 December 2018

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Synopsis

Kaely Quinn’s talents as an FBI behavior analyst are impossible to ignore, no matter how unorthodox her methods. But when a reporter outs her as the daughter of an infamous serial killer, she’s demoted to field agent and transferred to St. Louis.

When the same reporter who ruined her career claims to have received an anonymous poem predicting a string of murders, ending with Kaely’s, the reporter’s ulterior motives bring his claim into question. But when a body is found that fits the poem’s predictions, the threat is undeniable, and the FBI sends Special Agent Noah Hunter to St. Louis.

Initially resentful of the assignment, Noah is surprised at how quickly his respect for Kaely grows, despite her oddities. But with a brazen serial killer who breaks all the normal patterns on the loose, Noah and Kaely are tested to their limits to catch the murderer before anyone else–including Kaely herself–is killed.

My thoughts

Mind Games is the first thrilling book in a new series that follows FBI profiler Kaely Quinn. Mind Games is a tantalising mix of suspense, solid detective work and a unique and interesting twist that Kaely’s individual talents bring to the story. I found the hunt for the serial killer intriguing but it was Kaely’s personal journey that kept me glued to the pages.

Kaely Quinn’s unique methods as a behaviour analyst and her past as the daughter of a serial killer has made her career with the FBI challenging. But despite a recent relocation and few friends within the Bureau, there is no doubting Kaely’s ability to close cases. When a letter is received hinting at the start of a killing spree that will end with Kaely’s death, it will take everything Kaely and her newly assigned partner, Special Agent Noah Hunter, have to stop the killer.

The idea of Kaely’s special analyst skills and ability to profile serial killers is what drew me to Mind Games. And I am pleased to report that Mind Games is a highly entertaining and gripping story. While I guessed the mystery of who the killer was pretty early on in the book it was always Kaely who kept my interest rooted to the story. Her history and profiling method remind me of other stories and TV shows I have loved (The Mentalist, The Naturals, The Evie Blackwell series). The big reveal for me in this story was the insight shared in the very last chapter about Kaely. It is sure to make the next book very intriguing.

There are only slight touches of romance in this book, with the majority of the plot focused on the crimes and the investigation. There is room for this to be explored in subsequent books, or it could remain a vague possibility as it was in Mind Games. Either way, the story doesn’t need romance to make it interesting.

I look forward to the continuation of Kaely’s story, learning more about her past and what the future holds for her as she faces evil and delivers justice to those who need it. I recommend Mind Games to readers who enjoy suspense with a solid investigative focus and touches of faith.

The publishers provided an advanced readers copy of this book for reviewing purposes. All opinions are my own.

More information

Category: Fiction

Genre: Christian suspense.

Themes: Murder, serial killers, FBI, Profiling, psychology, behaviour analysis, family, betrayal. 

Advisory: References to and descriptions of violent murder.

Published: 4 December 2018 by Bethany House Publishers.

Format: Hardcover, paperback, ebook, audiobook. 336 pages.

ISBN: 9780764232817

Find it on Goodreads