Review: Mind Games

Mind Games by Nancy M. Griffis

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



Book Info: Genre: Speculative Fiction/Paranormal Police Procedural/Science Fiction
Reading Level: Adult
Recommended for: People who enjoy police procedurals, a lovely F/F romance, mysteries
Trigger Warnings: Murder, violence, discrimination

My Thoughts: This book has so many levels and ideas it's almost dizzying, but at the same time it's very well done and easy to read. On the one level, you have a police procedural where the main characters are trying to track down a dangerous murderer. On the next level you have a slow-building partnership that leads to friendship and then, maybe, something more. And then you have the whole underlying theme about humans and how they are always threatened by new and different things they consider “scary” and seek to destroy them. Here the discrimination is against telepaths, and the sort of horrific cruelty—mental and physical—that is directed toward them. Telepaths have been added to the list of people against whom discrimination is a hate crime; they are known as “mind-sluts” and people are afraid telepaths will read their mind and control them... you know, the typical sort of irrational nonsense that occurs when someone is “diff'ern't'n' us”. On the other hand, it's just lovely how in this world two women in a relationship is completely normal.

There were a number of editing errors, though. Since this book is (I think) out of print (which is a pity, because it's a good book), I don't think a new edition will be forthcoming any time soon, but if the author decides to republish this, say in e-book format (hint, hint), I would strongly suggest having it carefully edited first to clear these out.

At any rate, I really enjoyed the story. I loved the quiet, slowly building romance (nothing overt), and I was completely unable to guess who might've be responsible (red herrings all over the place!) for the murders. Very nicely done! I recommend this to those who have been seeking something a little different in a paranormal police procedural with a mild romance in the background. Terrific book, and I do hope the author will consider republishing this in e-book format so more people can enjoy it.

Disclosure: No disclosure is really necessary, since I purchased this book for myself after finding I liked the author's style. All opinions are my own.

Synopsis: In 2081, Washington, DC is one of the most violent cities in the world, despite an age of unprecedented, worldwide political peace. Dealing with this excess is the Violent Crimes Division of the 31st Precinct, located in the heart of the city. One of the few telepaths in law-enforcement, Detective Rebecca Curtains was recruited by the VC Captain and signed on with very little persuasion. Despite her exceptional record, the other detectives view her with suspicion and she struggles to keep a balance in the face of their hostility. Detective Genie Marshall has seen some of the worst that life has to offer and keeps coming back for more. Driven by a dark past and a need to set things right, she gives no quarter and expects none from those she brings to justice. Partnered together, the two women quickly become embroiled with a killer who stays a step ahead and uses Becky's psychic abilities against her. Can the two women form a true bond to protect one another before the serial killer destroys Becky's very sanity?



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