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Mind Games

Review

Mind Games

Part thriller, part love story and part ode to rural Kentucky, MIND GAMES is New York Times bestselling author Nora Roberts' latest addition to her huge library of work (over 200 books and counting). Often, Roberts dabbles in the paranormal in her novels. In this one, the main character can read the minds of others. This ability has been passed on to the women in her family for generations, and her gift is strong.

In fact, as a 12-year-old, Thea Fox "saw" the murder of her parents by a psychopath named Ray Riggs. Her grandmother "saw" it at the same time, although not with the detail that Thea experienced. Because of the specifics that Thea gave law enforcement, the perpetrator was caught, and she was able to provide additional information she gleaned from his mind regarding other murders he had committed. Although the two officers on the case were skeptical at first, they soon realized that while they had a hard time believing in Thea's abilities, they had to admit it was a real thing.

"Without giving away any spoilers, I will merely say that this novel presents a most unusual climactic battle between good and evil --- one that is cleverly executed and quite effective."

Now orphaned, Thea and her brother, Rem, live with their Grammie, and they thrive in the small Kentucky town where their mother's family had lived for generations. Grammie is a superb cook, makes candles, has farm animals, gardens, and is the local healer with her herbs and salves. Thea and Rem each grow up to be successful in their chosen field. Both decide to live in Redbud Hollow, Kentucky, named for the beautiful eastern redbud tree that blooms with beautiful purple flowers every spring.

The first half of the novel is about Thea growing up and dealing with the terrible connection she has with Riggs. It’s a link that was strengthened the night of her parents' murder when she entered his mind to see his identity and follow his steps. With Grammie’s help, she learns to keep him out of her head most of the time. The book’s second half is about Thea's adult life and the attraction she feels for her new neighbor, Ty. There is some backstory here, and Roberts creates a humorous tie between the two.

As one knows to expect from Roberts' thrillers, there must be a climax in which Thea will face Riggs before she can find her "happily ever after." Without giving away any spoilers, I will merely say that this novel presents a most unusual climactic battle between good and evil --- one that is cleverly executed and quite effective.

MIND GAMES weighs in at over 400 pages, many of them a paean to rural life in the Appalachian Mountains of Kentucky. The food, the handicrafts, the history, the culture and the community are all discussed and described to add color to the characters and the story. Could there have been some editing that might have made the book a bit more impactful? I believe so, but it's Nora Roberts, and her folksy manner of narrative makes it all eminently readable and quite enjoyable. It is sure to become one of this summer's standout beach reads.

Reviewed by Pamela Kramer on May 25, 2024

Mind Games
by Nora Roberts