Thursday, April 15, 2010

Review: Mind Games


Mind Games is the first book in the Justine Jones Urban Fantasy series by Carolyn Crane.

Book Blurb:

JUSTINE KNOWS SHE'S GOING TO DIE. ANY SECOND NOW.

Justine Jones has a secret. A hardcore hypochondriac, she's convinced a blood vessel is about to burst in her brain. Then, out of the blue, a startlingly handsome man named Packard peers into Justine's soul and invites her to join his private crime-fighting team. It's a once-in-a-lifetime deal. With a little of Packard's hands-on training, Justine can weaponize her neurosis, turning it outward on Midcity's worst criminals, and finally get the freedom from fear she's always craved. End of problem.

Or is it? In Midcity, a dashing police chief is fighting a unique breed of outlaw with more than human powers. And while Justine's first missions, including one against a nymphomaniac husband-killer, are thrilling successes, there is more to Packard than meets the eye. Soon, while battling her attraction to two very different men, Justine is plunging deeper into a world of wizardry, eroticism, and cosmic secrets. With Packard's help, Justine has freed herself from her madness - only to discover a reality more frightening than anyone's worst fears.

I really wanted to like this book. The back blurb sounds intriguing - an all new take on crime fighting - harnessing ones mental instability and projecting it onto criminals in order to bring them to justice.

But I have to be honest - I only made it to page 150 before putting Mind Games down and walking away.

I did not connect with the characters at all and the story proved not my cup of tea.

What I did read was well written and the cover is wonderful.

I do have a question for those who read the entire book: Does Justine ever use a knife? I was wondering because the lady on the front cover is holding a knife.

Mind Games was a DNF.

M

**Don't forget the Interview and Giveaway with Author MK Mancos - giveaway open internationally to all followers of this blog and runs through Monday April 19, 2010.

13 comments:

Patti (@TheLoveJunkee) said...

I'm sorry you didn't like it. I read it earlier this week and couldn't put it down...

There is a knife later in the story and she does us it but it's not the scenario you'd think.

Lea said...

Hey Michelle:

Sorry you didn't like Mind Games. It was a keeper for me too. But hey, what floats one person's canoe, tips another's. ;)

Patti filled you in on the knife scenario!

Michelle Greathouse said...

Patti and Lea,

I have to admit I was reluctant to post my review - because I know I am in the minority. :) Every review I've read has raved about Mind Games - and I am very happy for Carolyn. :)

I'm glad you both enjoyed it. Thanks for stopping by and taking the time to comment.

Have a wonderful day.

M

Blodeuedd said...

Oh no :( sorry that you didn't like it. Too bad cos it sounds way cool

Michelle Greathouse said...

B,

It does sound cool. And I would suggest to anyone that they read other reviews - because like always, my reviews are my opinions only.

Have a great day. :)

M

Carolyn Crane said...

Hey Michelle! As a fellow sort-of book blogger, I do appreciate your honesty! That's what a book blog is for. And I appreciate that you took the time and spent the money to give the book a try. Heck, I knew that not everybody would enjoy it. Or else, that would be weird. You're still on my sidebar, dude.

I think knives automatically go on UFs these days! No matter what. Gah.

Michelle Greathouse said...

Carolyn,

:)

Well just to show how it goes - I passed it on to my Mom and she is reading it now. She loves it.

She told my sister about it - who is a nurse - and she said 'Man, if everyone could harness there issues like that it would sure put a dent in the pharmaceutical companies.' Leave it to a nurse to have a completely different take on everything. LOL

Have a wonderful day.

M

Lea said...

See, Carolyn is cool. *g*

It's all about the canoe. lol

I hope your day was good too Michelle.

L

Anna said...

Hi Michelle,

Sorry this was DNF for you. I really enjoyed it. Honestly I was surprised how much I did loved it. I love Urban Fantasy, but sometimes it doesn't always work for me.

:)

Lori said...

No Worries Michelle, we all have books like that. Hell, I just had one the other day. I really wanted to like the book, forced my self to read it, but I just didn't connect with it. There was nothing wrong with the book, it was technically good, it just rubbed me the wrong way. I happened to love the book, but that is me...different strokes. I still enjoy your blog. :) Probably more now, that I believe you to be honest with your opinions..there are plenty of blogs that I find kiss ass of the author.

SusiSunshine said...

So sorry to hear it was not your king of book. I always thought the story sounds very promising. But we don't all like the same and it's good this way.
Hope your next read is more to your liking.

CHRISTIE said...

I’m sorry you didn’t like this one. I’ve heard so many great reviews.

P.S I’m stopping by from the Blog Hop :)

Unknown said...

Hi Michelle!

What Lea said, and Anna! Sometimes what works for one, doesn't for another. Glad your mom is enjoying it now though.

Carolyn is pretty cool, no worries there. She's right, if everyone said they loved it, someone would be lying.

Dottie :)