Editorial Content for Mind Games
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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.
Teaser
The Foxes have driven the winding roads of Appalachia to drop off their children for a two-week stay at their grandmother’s. But as 12-year-old Thea’s 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, and thanks to Thea’s vision, their parents’ killer will spend his life in supermax. Over time, Thea will make friends, build a career and find love. But that ability to see into minds and souls still lurks within her --- and the inmate who shattered her childhood has the same ability.
Promo
The Foxes have driven the winding roads of Appalachia to drop off their children for a two-week stay at their grandmother’s. But as 12-year-old Thea’s 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, and thanks to Thea’s vision, their parents’ killer will spend his life in supermax. Over time, Thea will make friends, build a career and find love. But that ability to see into minds and souls still lurks within her --- and the inmate who shattered her childhood has the same ability.
About the Book
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, 12-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 and 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.
Audiobook available, read by January LaVoy
