Veena’s review of Mind Games by Nora Roberts
Romantic Suspense published by St. Martin’s Press 21 May 24
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 an 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 have 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 the anniversary of her parents’ deaths 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, and 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 to 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 seats. I almost feel like this one might be one of Ms. Roberts’ best, but then I more than likely 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.
Grade: A+
Summary:
As they do each June, the Foxes have driven the winding roads of Appalachia to drop off their children for a two-week stay at their grandmother’s. Here, twelve-year-old Thea can run free and breathe in the smells of pine and fresh bread and Grammie’s handmade candles. But as her parents head back to suburban Virginia, they have no idea they’re about to cross paths with a ticking time bomb.
Back in Kentucky, Thea and her grandmother Lucy both awaken from the same nightmare. And though the two have never discussed the special kind of sight they share, they know as soon as their tearful eyes meet that something terrible has happened.
The kids will be staying with Grammie now in Redbud Hollow, and thanks to Thea’s vision, their parents’ killer will spend his life in supermax. Over time, Thea will make friends, build a career, find love. But that ability to see into minds and souls still lurks within her, and though Grammie calls it a gift, it feels more like a curse—because the inmate who shattered her childhood has the same ability. Thea can hear his twisted thoughts and witness his evil acts from miles away. He knows it, and hungers for vengeance. A long, silent battle will be waged between them—and eventually bring them face to face, and head to head…
No excerpt available.
