“A chilling blend of intuition, trauma, and second chances — Mind Games reminds us that some connections never fade, even when evil tries to break them.”
Title: Mind Games
Author: Nora Roberts
Genre: Romantic Suspense | Women’s Fiction | Paranormal Elements
Publisher: St. Martin’s Press
Pub Date: May 21 2024
Rating: ★★★★½ (4.5/5)
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Book Description
Thea Fox is getting the life she always wanted. She’s become a renowned videogame designer, a job that allows her to move back to her childhood home in Redbud Hollow, Kentucky. Now she lives in her own cozy cottage, down the road from her beloved Grammie and the house where she grew up. And when her new neighbor turns out to be her teenage crush, the gorgeous lead singer of Code Red, Tyler Brennan, it seems that life can't get any better.
However, it hasn't been easy getting here. Thea carries the burden of a special ability, one that she shares with her Grammie. They can both see into people's minds and souls. Sometimes, they can even see the future. Grammie calls it a gift, but ever since the day when Thea saw her parents get murdered in a dream, it’s felt like a curse. Thanks to her vision, the police caught the man who did it and put him behind bars.
But no matter how far away the killer is, Thea can still hear his twisted thoughts and witness his evil acts. He knows it because he can see into her mind too—and now he's made it his mission to get the ultimate revenge.
My Review
Mind Games is classic Nora Roberts — emotional, eerie, and beautifully layered. Thea’s psychic bond with her parents’ killer adds a spine-tingling tension that feels both supernatural and frighteningly real. Yet beneath the danger beats the steady heart of family and love. The relationship between Thea and her Grammie radiates warmth, wisdom, and a resilience that holds the story together when everything else feels uncertain.
Roberts captures small-town Kentucky with such authenticity that you can almost smell the lavender and hear the cluck of chickens outside Grammie’s cottage. It’s a world full of handmade candles, family rituals, and the kind of quiet strength that rises from grief. Thea’s growth from traumatized child to confident game designer is beautifully done — a journey that feels hard-won and hopeful. The suspense builds slowly, but when it hits, it’s sharp and unforgettable.
Part romantic suspense, part psychological thriller, Mind Games strikes a near-perfect balance between tension and tenderness. I especially loved the slow-burn romance that unfolds with patience and honesty, never overshadowing Thea’s self-discovery but adding another layer of depth. Once I started, I couldn’t put it down — the pages hum with energy, empathy, and emotional truth.
Character Spotlight: Thea Fox
Thea is one of those rare heroines who quietly stay with you. Gifted with a psychic ability that feels as much curse as blessing, she’s a survivor shaped by both tragedy and love. From a twelve-year-old who witnesses the unthinkable to a woman designing worlds through her video games, Thea’s evolution mirrors her need for control, creativity, and connection. Her strength doesn’t come from magic — it comes from how she chooses to live with it, to protect others rather than retreat. She’s fierce in her loyalty, gentle with those she loves, and fearless when it counts most.
It’s that combination of vulnerability and quiet courage that makes Thea unforgettable. She’s not invincible; she’s human — and that’s what makes her powerful.
Mind Games is Nora Roberts at her most introspective — weaving family, fear, and fate into a page-turner that lingers long after the final chapter. Thea’s journey from haunted child to empowered woman feels deeply personal, a reminder that courage sometimes means opening your heart again even when the past refuses to stay buried.
Related Reading: Love Nora’s edge-of-your-seat suspense? Don’t miss Romantic Suspense favorites — stories that balance danger, love, and family bonds.
Why You’ll Love It
- Classic Nora suspense meets heart: The perfect balance of romance, intuition, and danger — all grounded in small-town Kentucky charm.
- A heroine worth rooting for: Thea’s resilience and empathy make her one of Roberts’ most memorable leads in years.
- Family at its core: Thea and her Grammie’s bond shines, proving love can be both armor and light.
- Emotional yet empowering: From grief to growth, every chapter feels purposeful — you’ll close the book feeling hopeful.
Why You Should Read Mind Games
If you love stories that blend danger with heart, Mind Games belongs on your list. It’s not just a thriller—it’s about rebuilding after loss, the quiet power of family, and how love can survive even the darkest nightmares. Roberts reminds us that courage isn’t loud; sometimes it’s simply choosing to keep going.
About the Author
NORA ROBERTS is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of more than 250 novels, including Inheritance, The Mirror, Mind Games, Identity, The Chronicles of The One trilogy, The Dragon Heart Legacy trilogy, and many more. She is also the author of the bestselling In Death series written under the pen name J. D. Robb. There are more than 500 million copies of her books in print worldwide.
Discover More: Explore more stories that blend mystery and emotion in Romantic Suspense and Women’s Fiction.
Join the Conversation!
Have you read Mind Games? What did you think of Thea’s gift—curse or blessing? Share your thoughts below!
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