Mini-review: Mind Games by Carolyn Crane

Publisher: Spectra
Release Date: March 23rd, 2010
Source: Bought from B&N

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. [from goodreads]

Man, oh man. WHY didn't I get to this book sooner? I bought it months ago, after seeing this cool guest post this author wrote up on another blogger's site but like always, the books I buy and intend to read immediately get left behind whenever a shiny new package shows up at my door. But I finally sat down to read Mind Games and it was so good that I feel the need to be a book bully and force all of you to read it.

I'm not a huge urban fantasy reader but I know something special when I read it--and this book had that. Justine Jones is a kickass heroine and despite her crippling medical fears (being a hypochondriac does that to you), I wouldn't mind going out to coffee with her and gossiping about her love life or helping her out with taking down bad guys. Aside from having an awesome main character, the plot for Mind Games is exceptionally unique (an MC who joins a psychological hit squad? um, 10 billion bonus points for originality!) and Crane has this wonderful way of capturing your attention with her writing: it's straightforward, concise and yet very, very addictive.

Final Verdict: Do you see me dissing anything about this book? Nope. I think a lot more people need to be more aware of this trilogy since the concept is unique AND it is well-written. I really enjoyed Crane's writing  and I think many of you will too--you don't even need to be an urban fantasy fan to appreciate this style of writing. Also...not gonna lie, I LOVED Packard's character as well as the other people on Justine's squad. Mind Games has my seal of approval. *nods*

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