Mind Games by Nora Roberts delivered a standalone novel of loss, suspense, magical realism, and romance that held me captive from beginning to end. The audiobook narrated by January LaVoy was brilliant and one I highly recommend.
by Nora Roberts
Narrator: January LaVoy
Length: 14 hours and 52 minutes
Genres: Romantic Suspense
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Heat Level:
Narration: 5 cups Speed: 1.5x
The #1 New York Times-bestselling author of Identity presents a suspenseful new novel of tragedy and trauma, love and family, and the evil that awaits.
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…
I started off reading Mind Games and then devoured the audiobook when it became available. I am a huge Roberts fan and generally prefer her trilogies, but Mind Games was a fantastic five star listen that held me captive, made me cry and left me yearning to raise chickens.
We are introduced to the Foxes as they travel to the Appalachians to drop their children off for a two-week summer vacation at their grandmother’s farm. Twelve-year-old Thea and her ten-year-old brother are excited to spend time with their maternal grandmother as their parents return to Virginia, unaware that trouble is coming.
Roberts is a masterful storyteller as she takes us through the tragedy of the parent’s murder, introduces us to Thea’s gift, and dives into the mind of the killer. She weaved magical realism and the police investigation into the story, then giving us a glimpse of the children’s lives on the farm before moving the story to their adulthood where Thea will find acceptance, love and face the evil that stole her parents.
The story was wonderfully paced, with touching moments, family, heartbreak, misunderstandings and humorous moments that made me laugh and cry. The suspense angle built slowly as we became connected to the Foxes, their maternal grandmother and uncles. Then she wove in, a sexy neighbor, a loveable dog, a cute little boy and more to make the story complete.
I love when I become completely immersed in the characters and story. Roberts did just that. As I stated, I began reading, but switched over to audio. January LaVoy beautifully captured the characters, the emotions and helped heighten the suspenseful moments of the story. I highly recommend grabbing your earbuds for this one!
About Nora Roberts
Nora Roberts is the number-one New York Times–bestselling author of Whiskey Beach, The Witness, Chasing Fire, and The Search, among other titles. She is also the author of the bestselling In Death series, written under the pen name J. D. Robb. There are more than 400 million copies of her novels in print.
About January LaVoy
January LaVoy is a stage, television, and voice actress. She performed on Broadway in Enron and on television in One Life to Live, All My Children, Law & Order, Law & Order: Criminal Intent, Law & Order: SVU, and Guiding Light.
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About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Rolé @ Hooked By That Book
I couldn’t put this one down. I loved what she did with the mind games theme.
Katherine
I just finished this and really loved it too. I’ve always enjoyed her books but I feel like the past few years have been especially strong. January LaVoy is one of my favorite narrators!
Anne- Books of My Heart
We are review twins on this one. I loved it and am a fan of January LaVoy.
Rachel @Waves of Fiction
I absolutely loved this one too! January LaVoy enhanced an already amazing story!
Sophia Rose
Wow, that would be a stunner to have visions like that and connect with the evil killer. I can see why it really hit you hard.