Hidden in Plain Sight

Hidden in Plain Sight is the first full fledged novel from poet and essayist T.S Teller. And for a debut novel, it is quite impressive.

Roberta Lake is an assassin for the CIA, although not in the conventional sense. She has psychic abilities, and use them to perform the tasks assigned to her by a black project (one could imagine is an offshoot of the old MK-ULTRA program). She’s not the only operative in this program, as we get to meet several others, each with specific skills, but none being near as powerful as Roberta.

Despite being a dark project, the purpose of Roberta’s employers seems quite benevolent. The people she is asked to dispatch more than deserve their fate.

To distance herself from the killings, Roberta built herself a second, cold, personality, Bobbi Waters. She invokes her when she has to work. At many points along the story, we are led to wonder if Bobbi is just a tool she’s using to cope, or if her mind ended up fracturing. Could the murderous Bobby one day take over (as the Hulk persona takes over Dr Banner in moments of great anger), and maybe permanently ?

Several other questions arise even earlier, from the very premise of the book. How do the « ungifted » supervisors of the program can assert control over such powerful individuals ? (And we indeed witness some tensions at the top management). Are there factions in the agency that would use her for more nefarious goals, and/or try to build an army of similar assassins ? Are there outside parties aware of the program, and eager to acquire similar powers ?

As a consequence of several events, Roberta comes to ask herself the same questions, and starts doubting who she can and should trust, thus sending the story on an enthralling path.

In spite of its supernatural premise, Hidden in Plain Sight mostly reads like a well crafted spy thriller. The final acts are fast paced and action packed. The first chapters captured my attention through curiosity and then, the sheer intensity held me captive for the reminder of the novel. I’ve read this book in one sitting, and this speaks for itself.

T.S Teller managed to build a very interesting universe and I, for one, wouldn’t mind to see more of it. A few clues let me think the author kept some doors open to return to this world at some point, and I would gladly jump aboard for the ride.

Thanks to BHC Press and Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for this unbiased review.

A debut novel by TS Teller, Hidden in Plain Sight tells the story of Roberta Lake, someone with psychic abilities that allows her to wear two hats: computer genius and professional assassin hired by the CIA.

Though the idea of assassins having psychic abilities isn't new, the abilities that Roberta possesses along with the psyche of her character are ingenious, which makes for an intriguing read. She has all the hallmarks of a classic heroine: kind and giving, strong, smart, empathetic and morally upright, and the assassin aspect only adds depth.

Roberta goes to great lengths to conceal the true nature and depths of her abilities in order to prevent the development of less-honourable brain psychics who could be well-trained as CIA killing machines. However, she is not alone in this; she has three CIA handlers who are true to her and will protect her rights always, as well as her supportive family who are hiding a few secrets too.

I am intrigued by the world TS Teller has built around Roberta and I can't wait to find out more. There is so much more that could be explored in this world and I look forward to doing so. This book is an easy read, and I highly recommend it to those who like thrillers and suspense-type novels.

#HiddeninPlainSight #NetGalley

As always, I have received a free copy of this ebook and all opinions are my own.

Roberta works on computers at the Brain Trust. Actually the company's real initiative is to be able to access people's brains and make them do what the trust commanded them to do.
Roberta and others at the Brain Trust have special abilities. The ability to control minds.
I enjoyed this book immensely. It has a lot of plot twists. It has strong main characters, and the sub characters all have interesting back stories.
I would recommend this book to readers. It has everything a novel needs to be entertaining and hold you through to the very end.

Meet Roberta Lake ... or her 'other' side .... Bobbi Waters. Roberta does not what anyone would a normal job. She's actually a highly valued psychic assassin for the CIA. Her mental capacity is not to be challenged. Mind control comes second nature to her. Her assigned assassinations are helped by her alter ego.

Until the Brain Trust turns on her, and she must fight to not only survive, but protect the coveted secrets to unlocking her abilities. If she fails, a force of psychic killers could be trained in her image, and she’ll no longer be around to stop them.

Who can she trust? Will her psychic skills help?

This is a debut novel, well crafted, with nicely paced suspense and action packed pages. Roberta is a unique character, driven to serve justice. This is a psychic thriller, as well as an espionage/spy thriller.

Many thanks to the author / BHC Press / Netgalley for the digital copy of this debut novel. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.

I enjoyed this book. I couldn’t help but love the characters and I enjoyed all the twists and turns. Looking forward to, what I’m guessing will happen, the next book in the series.