Mind Games (Kaely Quinn Profiler Book #1)

Nancy Mehl

Dec 2018 · Kaely Quinn Profiler Book 1 · Baker Books

About this eBook

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.

When the same reporter who ruined her career claims to have received an anonymous poem predicting a string of murders, ending with Kaely's, the reporter's ulterior motives bring his claim into question. But when a body is found that fits the poem's predictions, the threat is undeniable, and the FBI sends Special Agent Noah Hunter to St. Louis.

Initially resentful of the assignment, Noah is surprised at how quickly his respect for Kaely grows, despite her oddities. But with a brazen serial killer who breaks all the normal patterns on the loose, Noah and Kaely are tested to their limits to catch the murderer before anyone else--including Kaely herself--is killed.

Ratings and reviews

Intense. Stunning. Suspenseful. There aren’t enough adjectives to describe this fabulous new thriller from Nancy Mehl, first in the Kaely Quinn Profiler series. The primary characters and the mysteries have incredible depth, two of whom are Christians despite their chosen line of work requiring facts rather than the unseen. I have read several novels by this author, but this one is head and shoulders above the rest. Her publisher has saved their very best new release to be one of the last of 2018. Kaely Quinn is a brilliant FBI profiler with a unique gift, one of the best in the bureau. She is also the daughter of a serial killer who knew nothing of her father’s activities. Even her mother never suspected anything. Jerry Acosta, journalist, followed Kaely to Virginia to get an exclusive from her to write a book about her father. Acosta, discouraged with her refusal to cooperate, writes articles in the local papers about her career and her familial ties, so she had to change her name and was transferred to the St. Louis field office. Acosta then followed her to St. Louis, convinced the novel will be a big seller. It is this creepy reporter who receives the first threat on Kaely’s life, with a poem about elephants enacting the murders to take place. The end for Kaely, unless someone find the UNSUB, will not be pretty. Solomon, the Special Agent in Charge of her office assigns an agent, Noah, to take lead on the case, and Kaely will be co-case, highly unusual for an agent to be when the threat is against her. Kaely is more concerned about those who are at risk of being murdered simply by being around her. Then they learn the first person has already been murdered the morning the threat is delivered. Kaely is my favorite, and my next favorite is Noah. Even though they have not worked together before, Kaely eventually sees the wisdom in Solomon’s pairing them up. They are the most 3-dimensional character in the novel; all are defined as necessary for their roles. There are surprises about Kaely up thru the final pages. One thing that making Kaely my favorite is how she receives healing from the Lord for the trauma of her past, and even though there is more to be remembered, she still is an excellent, focused agent. Her faith in the Lord continues to grow, and she does a great job of sharing how she came to faith in Jesus and justifies her faith in the same manner as she comes to find truth about any case or UNSUB. This novel is beyond intriguing, and very challenging to solve. With a near photographic memory for certain case-related documents and photos, Kaely, and her prayers are an asset. I appreciate that this is an FBI novel that is has great depth without the language or graphic descriptions of crimes as seen in some novels or television shows. The author can change genres with skill and with this novel has far exceed her readers’ expectations. I am glad this is the beginning of a series, as I am not ready to let go of Kaely this easily. I highly recommend this crime thriller; it is an exciting, yet very thoughtful, novel and a hugely fabulous thriller taut with suspense and intrigue and ending not only with some complete surprises but left this reader hoping for more. From a grateful heart: I received an e-Arc of this novel from the publisher and CelebrateLit, and this is my honest review.

Mind Games Kaely Quinn Profiler #1 By Nancy Mehl As Behavioral Analyst for the FBI Kaely Quinn is considered odd - she has conversations with the individuals she is profiling. And her father, convicted a serial killer, has done nothing to endear her to her fellow agents who wonder how she never saw him for who he was. And someone has now decided to challenge Kaely in a game of wits that will end in her death. With a killer who seems bent on making Kaely pay for a perceived offense, she is in a race against time to solve the clues he's left in a cryptic poem. But how do you find a killer who seemingly has no MO upon which to create a profile? This may be the toughest case Kaely has ever had to work on. Add to the stress having to deal with a new partner who doesn't yet know, understand or trust her or her methods. Special Agent Noah Hunter has been assigned to a case in which one of their own has been targeted. He's heard the rumors and scuttlebutt about Kaely Quinn and now finds himself stuck with her after she managed to somehow send her last one out of state. And being assigned to "mind" Kaely isn't high on his list of preferred assignments. But their boss Solomon Slattery, Special Agent in Charge of the St. Louis office has absolute confidence in Kaely and her skills so Noah finds himself getting to see Kaely in action. As far as a first book goes in a series this one absolutely keeps the reader's attention engaged from the first word to the last. With a cast of potential suspects, one is kept guessing until the final reveal as to who is the guilty party and just what crime they've laid the blame for upon Kaely. I will admit that I stayed up late to read this one I couldn't put it down wondering just what was going to happen, so word of warning - start this early in the day or when you don't have to be up early the next. Kaely Quinn just might be your next favorite read - it certainly has moved into my top 10 list. I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher with no expectations but that I offer my honest opinion - all thoughts expressed are my own.

No enough killing for a killer.could have been more than seven kills in this book.

About the author

Nancy Mehl (www.nancymehl.com) is the author of more than thirty books, including the Defenders of Justice series. She received the ACFW Mystery Book of the Year Award in 2009. Nancy writes from her home in Missouri, where she lives with her husband, Norman, and their puggle, Watson.