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, and in this one, the main character has a “gift” and is able to read the minds of others. This is a gift that has been passed on to the women in her family for generations, and Thea’s gift is strong.
In fact, as a twelve-year-old child, Thea and her brother Rem were staying for a vacation with their grandmother Lucy when Thea “saw” the murder of her parents by a psychopath named Ray Riggs. Her grandmother “saw” the murders at the same time, although not with the detail that Thea experienced. Because of the details that Thea was able to provide to law enforcement, the perpetrator was caught, and she was able to also provide information she “received” from his mind regarding other murders he had committed. While at first the two law enforcement officers were skeptical, they soon realized that what Thea could do was something they had a hard time believing in.
Thea and Rem go to 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, and is the local healer with her herbs and salves. Both Thea and Rem grow up to be successful, each 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, dealing with the terrible connection she has with Riggs, the murderer, which was made strong the night of her parents’ murder when she entered his mind to see his identity and follow his steps. With her grandmother’s help, she learns to keep him out most of the time. The second half of the novel is about Thea’s adult life and the attraction she feels for her new neighbor, Ty. There is some backstory there and Roberts creates a humorous tie between Ty and Thea.
As one knows to expect from Roberts’ thrillers, there must be a climax in which Thea will face Riggs before she can find her “happy ever after.” And without giving away any spoilers, I will merely say that this is a most unusual climactic battle between good and evil. But cleverly done and quite effective.
The book weighs in at over 400 pages, much of them a paean to rural life in the Appalachian mountains of Kentucky. The food, the handicrafts, the history, the culture, the community are all discussed and described to add color to the characters and the story. Could there have been some editing to shorten the story which might have made it 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.
This review was first posted on Bookreporter.com.