This is my first read from Nancy Mehl and I was pleasantly surprised by the fast paced suspense. While I was able to accurately pick out the serial killer from early on in the story, the ending still had several surprises to keep me reading until the very last sentence. This is definitely a creepier mystery, and not a cozy one (not the typical romantic suspense like Lynette Eason or Dani Petri). However it is a great read for lovers of suspense and well crafted, especially give that Kaely is a profiler which adds interest to the plot.

For fans of psychological thrillers: the name of the book rings true. The intricate plot plays with your mind and you’ll still be thinking about the book long after you finish it. The chase for a serial killer is on, but Kaley Quinn’s method of investigation is unique. Now she’s the target and teams up with FBI agent Noah Hunter to try to get one step ahead of the killer by solving twisted riddles. So many red herrings and plot twists, you’ll be guessing who the killer is until the last page. You’ll suspect every character in the book by the end. The story is intense and the intrigue pulls you in. This is definitely a page-turner that you won't want to put down.

I received an ebook review copy of this book through NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

I really enjoyed Nancy Mehl's Defenders of Justice series so I couldn't wait to see what she had in store for her new series. I was not disappointed! This was a very suspenseful and exciting book with some well written romance and faith woven in. I was hooked from the first page and couldn’t stop reading it. I could have easily sat and read this entire book from start to finish in one day, it was just so difficult to put down.

The Christian theme was evident but like the romance, it was relatable and not overpowering. These were mere backdrops to the adventure and adrenaline pumping action.

The writing was so vivid it took me some time after reading this book to disassociate myself from this story. I felt like I was right there in the action and the twists and turns keep you turning page after page.

*I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher. A positive review was not required. All opinions are my own.*

Wow! This was an amazing book! It was the best start to a suspense series I’ve read in a while. I totally loved it. Kaely Quinn is an FBI profiler whose father was an infamous serial killer. She has a unique, unorthodox way of processing information. It was fascinating watching her work and seeing how she came up with her profiles.
The mystery and suspense were non-stop. A new potential villain seemed to pop up every chapter or two as new information came to light. I kept changing my mind on who looked most suspicious. I love it when you have to wait until the end to really figure it out. Even then there were shattering twists that will make things interesting in the coming books. I can’t wait for the next book in the series!
Thank you to Bethany House for providing me with a free copy of this book. I could hardly put it down! I was not required to leave a positive review. All opinions are my own.

The captivating cover of Mind Games by Nancy Mehl caught me and I had to know the significance of that bench and those trees!

Kaely Quinn is a fascinating character, multilayered and with a complex history. Opening with a creepy and disturbing poem detailing the upcoming deaths of several people and ending with Kaely’s, the chills are there from the beginning. The storyline is equal measures of intriguing and scary! The minds of psychopaths and serial killers are disturbing. Noah steps onto the case as Kaely’s partner, clear-headed and open-minded, a strong leader for the team.

The suspects list is long and Nancy keeps you guessing, which I love, and the journey is worth it! Be careful when you start this one, you won’t want to stop!

I’m excited that this book is the start of a series and await eagerly the next one! I highly recommend it and it’s a five out of five on the en-JOY-ment scale!

Get set for a wild ride in this new series featuring FBI behavioral analysis Kaely Quinn. Kaely is one of a kind with an unique ability to see into the minds of evil. She's made enemies as she has helped to solve some of the most horrendous crimes and now someone is after her. This thriller will keep readers guessing with lots of twists and turns as agents race against time to save one of their own. It will be hard to wait for the next book in this series. Highly recommended!

Nancy Mehl had another winner on her hands!! Kaely is a phenomenal FBI agent and along with agent Noah Hunter they set out to solve a baffling case that had some connection with her father, who is a serial killer serving time. There are so many twists and turns. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time and finished it in record time! I highly recommend it!!

5 stars
“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. “
This is a top 5 book for me this year! How have I missed reading Nancy Mehl books all of my life? Mehl has written an extraordinarily good book. Mehl writes characters who are fleshed out with real personalities and real flaws, yet they still love God.
I was hooked from the very first page. As someone who is hooked to the various FBI type shows, I was so excited to read a book about an FBI profiler.
Mind Games kept me guessing throughout the entire book. Each time I thought I had it figured out, I second guessed myself. I appreciate a book that keeps me guessing and intrigued without resorting to sex or foul language. Mehl has written a 5-star Christian suspense book filled with mystery, serial killers and betrayal.
I highly recommend this first book in the Kaely Quinn series.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley. The views given are my own. #MindGames #NetGalley #BethanyHouse

Mind Games was an extremely suspenseful, and often times chilling, read. The opening instantly grabbed my attention and held me until the very end. There were so many anxiety-inducing moments that had my nerves constantly on edge. I don't think I've ever read a book with so many twist, turns, and shocks. There were a couple times I audibly gasped at what had just happened and had to set my Kindle aside for a second to digest it all. I can honestly say this was a completely unpredictable thrill ride.

Kaely was quite an interesting character. The introduction to her was memorable and unique. Her profiling technique, while odd, was fascinating and highly effective. Learning about what goes into being a profiler was really interesting but, at times, it was unnerving delving into the killer's mind. And let me tell you, this killer was super creepy. Their antics chilled me to the bone. If you read this at night, be sure to turn on all the lights.

Mind Games was a book that demanded to be read as fast as possible and one I think would make a great TV show. It's a must read for any fan of suspenseful mysteries. I'm very eager for the next book!

I received a copy of the book from the publisher via NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.

Mind Games by Nancy Mehl hooked me from Page 1. It is a roller coaster of a thriller that doesn’t leave you much time to take a breath! I loved the characters and all of the procedures of the FBI. I truly wish there were more Christian thrillers of this genre and this attention to detail. In Mind Games, there is a serial killer loose in St. Louis that is ultimately targeting our main character, Kaely Quinn. Kaley’s an FBI Behavior Analyst whose past is that her father was a serial killer! But this new serial killer is a copycat of past serial killers who wants to see Kaley pay. While using a poem to leave clues for many victims, I was reminded at times of the movie Seven, though the killer wasn’t targeting the seven deadly sins. Throughout the entire book, I was sure this would be an easy 5 star review because I loved it so much; however, I thought the serial killer was obvious and was hoping my suspicions would be wrong. Oh well. The great writing, potential red herrings, realistic characters and dialogue, and references to God’s love and mercy give this a much deserved 4 star rating. This is my first Nancy Mehl book and it certainly will not be my last.

I received this book free from Netgalley and publisher Bethany House in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to Bethany House publishers for the free review copy. All opinions are my own.

I am a thriller lover. I am constantly looking for good thrillers that keep me guessing until the end. What I sometimes struggle to find, though, are wholesome thrillers. While this book is filled with evil, it is also a clean read, which I really enjoyed. I didn’t feel like anything was lost by not having any profanity in the book.

One of the best things about this book was how Mehl was able to incorporate God into this book. I really enjoyed how she used the faith of Agent Kaely Quinn to show why this character works for the BAU and chooses to catch people that are doing evil in the world. I think that the plot of this book was so well done. I didn’t figure out who the killer was until the end – which is the best thing! I liked the methods used in this book. I could tell that Mehl did her homework. The process in the book seemed frustrating because a killer was on the loose, but it was also realistic. It takes time to develop a profile and link the clues together.

Another really fun part about this book was its setting. I live in St. Louis, so I enjoyed being able to picture exactly where the characters were when places were mentioned in the book. I live close to Forest Park and enjoyed the references to Art Hill because it’s one of my favorite scenic places in the city.

This book is out today, and if you enjoy crime shows where they hunt serial killers, think Criminal Minds, then you will definitely enjoy this book.

I was totally drawn in by this haunting cover and the description of this book.  Pretty much if it says "serial killer" my interest is peeked!  Does that make me weird?  I don't know, but it's true! This was my first Nancy Mehl book.  I was so intrigued by the concept of a behavioral analyst who had a serial killer as a father.  The first chapters were grabbing and totally hooked me into this story.  The plot line itself is really what kept my interest in this story more than the characters.  I found that I had trouble connecting with Kaely based on some of her behavior and lack of emotion.  I had a suspicion early on who the killer might be, and my hunch was correct.  I thought the concept of the serial killer announcing his killings in a poem as a sort of game was brilliant.  However, I did feel that some of the conclusions that were reached about how the victims were chosen, or locations were too random to be realistic.  I didn't know if this book would have any sort of romance or love interest and it really didn't in my opinion.  Perhaps as this series develops we will see more in that area from the characters.  I didn't feel the edge of your seat suspense that I was hoping to feel from this book, however it wasn't uneventful in any way.  There was a plenty of danger related to the circumstances surrounding the serial killer's victims.  The conclusion of the book had a few surprises and revelations.  No spoilers, however motives were revealed and there was some closure to some situations.  There were a few things at the end of the book that did actually take me by surprise, which I do love it when that happens!  I can't really explain without giving too much away, but it is more character revelation type things, but still...did not see that coming!  All in all I would definitely read another book in this series, even though this may not have wowed me like I thought it might.  I'm interested in the behavior analysts aspect of these stories and I think that more exposure to these characters might make me become more of a Kaely Quinn fan.

I really liked this book and hope there are more books to come as I did have questions at the end. Especially about the cat. Very good story line and likable characters. Lots of twists and turns and a surprising ending. I Recommend this book to anyone who like a good romantic suspense

MIND GAMES by NANCY MEHL is a fast paced thriller which keeps you guessing right to the end.
When F.B.I. agent Noah Hunter is made lead agent in the Elephant serial killing case and told to work with Kaely Quinn, he is worried, having heard rumours about her being really strange. She is Jessica Oliphant, the daughter of serial killer Ed Oliphant, and has joined the F.B.I. In order to put away monsters like her father. Kaely is an amazingly clever profiler, but she is decidedly different.
The story is very exciting and contains a strong Christian message.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Bethany House Publishers. The opinions in this review are completely my own.

Nancy Mehl’s romantic suspense is full of heart-pounding plot twists, sizzling attraction, and deep insight into the mind. Readers will quickly fall in love with the strong heroine, Kaely Quinn. The daughter of an infamous serial killer, Kaely works for the FBI providing behavior analysis to profile and catch killers. She is dedicated solely to her job, having learned as a young girl not to trust anyone, especially men. But now that a serial killer has started writing poetry predicting the deaths of Kaely and others, she must learn to trust her handsome new partner--Special Agent Noah Hunter--no matter how much she’d rather go it alone. And the emotions she starts to feel toward him, well, those will just have to wait. They have to catch the killer before he targets his last victim--her. You won’t be able to put this book down.

This is another great suspense / mystery / FBI story from Nancy Mehl. Kaely Quinn is a profiler for the FBI in St. Louis. She is looking for a serial killer with her partner Noah Hunter. The killer appears to be targeting Kaely. Kaely’s father was a serial killer and despite her changing her name and moving the story follows her.

I loved all the twists and turns in this book. Kaely’s method of profiling was unusual and that made for some fascinating reading as well. I would highly recommend this if you would like a very intriguing read (but don’t expect to put the book down – just read right through).

I was given a digital copy of this book by Bethany House in exchange for a review.

4.5 stars

First off . . . that cover! It's so gorgeous and fits the books so perfectly! I will definitely be buying a hard copy, it's so gorgeous. ;)

This book was very . . . 'mindblowing' is the word that comes to mind. So many twists and turns! I am really looking forward to reading the rest of the series.

Kaely Quinn is a very complex and interesting character. Her quirks and her job make her so unique. I'm not sure I've read a book with a character that was even similar to Kaely. Noah Hunter was also interesting, but I feel like Mehl only scratched the surface of his character in this book, and I hope she'll delve deeper in the upcoming books.

The story and plot were also very unique and grabbed my interest from the beginning. The premise of Kaely's job and her methods were fascinating as well. While a little light on action (until the end, that is.) there was definitely loads of suspense, and, as I mentioned, a ton of completely unexpected twists and turns! I thought I had the villain pegged, but was completely shocked when his identity was revealed. The faith elements were woven in very effectively and weren't too backseat or too in-your-face. While overall the story was wrapped up by the end of the book and left you feeling satisfied, there are still a lot of threads to be continued in later books.

My one issue is with a few medical inaccuracies - such as a guy with a minor gunshot wound to the chest and a couple of broken ribs maneuvering himself around in a wheelchair . . . Um. Broken ribs alone are incredibly painful, and using your upper-body strength to push yourself in a wheelchair would be far more painful and taxing than just walking.

Overall, this is a masterfully-written novel of suspense, and I am greatly looking forward to reading more in the series! Highly recommended!

Mind Games by Nancy Mehl is the first book in her Kaely Quinn Profiler series. Wow, I don’t even know where to start. I stayed up way too late so I could finish it! When the newspaper reporter that ruined Kaely’s career receives a letter predicting several murders with Kaely’s being the last one, the FBI aren’t sure that it’s a real threat until a body turns up. Now, with a serial killer threatening one of their own the Bureau must anticipate his next move or there’ll be more innocent lives lost. Special Agent Noah Turner is assigned to lead the investigation and watch Kaely’s back. This was a thrilling page-turner. I kept saying I was only going to read one more chapter before bed but I couldn’t put the book down. I loved how positive Kaely was even when things didn’t go her way. The positive spin she put on the situations that were meant to bring her down were an encouragement. Even tho’ she was in a life or death situation she didn’t forget to ask God for guidance. We could all learn a lesson from her positive attitude in the face of unspeakable horror.



I received this book from Celebrate-Lit in exchange for my honest review

Mind Games is probably the most nerve-wracking superbly suspenseful book I have read in the Christian fiction genre to date.  I was blown away by Nancy Mehl's intense characters, dark situations, horribly invisible and unpredictable criminals, and very raw and real emotions. I don't think I've read a book like this in a really long time that kept my nerves on edge until the final page. Wow!   
Kaely Quinn is not your typical behavior analyst, although she works for the FBI, she still is completely different from her co-workers and competitors. She has unique methods to achieve her results and often digs so deep into her "UNSUB" (Unknown subject...a.k.a. the criminal behind the crimes) that she appears to be living outside of reality to those around her.  Kaely has a dark past and has many scars and issues that she is working through, but in addition to all of those, she is singled out in a strange anonymous poem predicting several murders ending with hers as the finale.  Although Kaely has been threatened many times before in her line of work, this time the threat by an unknown individual is extremely personal and very deadly: serial killer deadly.  Determined to find and stop this madman before anyone is hurt, Kaely throws herself entirely into the profiling of this new psychopath.  Will she be able to find him before he kills another?  Will she be able to save herself?     
Special Agent Noah Hunter maintains the stereotype of the strong, iron-faced, stoic FBI agent sent in to a special assignment to work alongside Kaely and keep her from harm. Although Noah lacks enthusiasm in his newest assignment and partner, he is committed to his assignment and seeking of justice, playing a huge role in attempting to stop the developing terror that is the "Elephant Man."  I appreciated Noah's character as he brought in some humor and practicality to counter Kaely's eccentricity. Noah and Kaely's partnership was very interesting to see bud from complete and distrusting strangers to a trusting friendship and partnership. I appreciated both of these main characters, their faults, strengths, faith, and doubts.

This work by Ms. Mehl was outstanding!  I was especially impressed with the detail that she included without bogging the reader down with irrelevant information to the case. Ms. Mehl provided such real characters with chinks in their armor without making them too broken or impossibly perfect. I also greatly enjoyed the mystery, suspense, and surprise at the ending.  I was shocked with each new suspect that was added to the FBI's list, yet still was surprised by the actual killer. What a great thriller!  I also appreciated the great clarity that the faith of Kaely was presented even in the very dark situations that she was going through. Well done!  I hope you have the chance to read this excellent work, but be prepared for the intense suspense!    

Disclaimer: Bethany House Publishers graciously provided me with a copy of this book.  All opinions are my own and part of an unbiased honest review.

Nancy Mehl's Mind Games welcomed me to a world of intrigue and suspense. With the introduction of her latest heroine, Kaely Quinn, readers come head to head with a daughter of a serial killer. In Mind Games, Mehl places the readers in a police procedural novel where they follow Quinn and her new accomplice Noah for a hunt for a serial killer who is out to seek revenge on Quinn. The plot definitely showed the inner workings of a police case with evidence and some moments for down time to understand and round out the characters. But majority of the plot showed their process to solve the case. I did like Kaely Quinn as a character. She is like nothing I have ever seen. She is strong, brave, and has a unique way of solving crimes. I really liked her. Overall, Mind Games had a unique heroine with a strong plot even though I did figure out who the bad guy was early on. I believe fans of Dee Henderson's latest works and Janice Cantore might enjoy this novel.

I received a complimentary copy of Mind Games by Nancy Mehl from Bethany House Publishers, but the opinions stated are all my own.