gripping. Chilling. People receive a card on their birthday inviting them to play a game and then they disappear. Held me enthralled from beginning to end.

I really enjoyed this book, it's such a clever premise; people are disappearing and leaving behind birthday cards with the message 'Your gift is the game, dare to play?' What follows is the interesting tale of a psychologist and ex MI6 agent, who decide to solve this puzzle.

The characters are well written and interesting and I thoroughly enjoyed the Yorkshire setting.

Overall, a good, satisfying read.

I would like to thank Netgalley and Random House UK, Transworld Publishing for an advance copy of Mind Games, a psychological thriller set in London and Yorkshire featuring psychologist Dr Augusta Bloom and her PI partner Marcus Jameson.

When teenager Jane asks Jameson, a family friend, to help find her mother he is determined to help but Augusta is less convinced until she learns the details. Lana received a first birthday card on her birthday saying “Your gift is the game. Dare to play?” then she disappeared and she isn’t the only one. A social media appeal has given Jane the names of three other people who have disappeared after receiving a card.

I must admit that I found Mind Games to be a compulsive, thrilling read in terms of the plot and action but there were other parts that I really didn’t like so overall it is a bit of a mixed bag for me. I have erred on the plus side in my rating because the plot is exciting and has an unusual premise - not anything I was expecting. I found myself turning the pages feverishly to find out what was coming next and walking away for a few minutes when it got tense. Initially the book was hard to get in to with constant changes of perspective, Augusta and Jameson, Lana and the mysterious scenes between Augusta and her teenage patient Seraphine which do not have any obvious relevance although it’s fairly obvious what Seraphine is. I did, however, like the way Augusta’s past and Seraphine’s role in it are slowly revealed, again it’s quite unexpected.

My main reservation about the novel is the labelling and generalisation of one class of people (I can’t say more without issuing spoilers) but it made me deeply uncomfortable. I prefer to see people as individuals rather than one of many with the same characteristics.

The characters are interesting. Jameson an ex British Intelligence Officer is smart, warm and caring. Augusta is cool, private and fiercely analytical. Aspects of her past are explored but we learn little about him. This and the way the novel ends rather inconclusively lead me to suspect there may be a sequel in the pipeline.

On the whole Mind Games is a good read. 3.5*

Wow I loved this. Clever & original. Likeable characters. Plenty twists I would recommend this book to anyone.

A very enjoyable read! I was very interested in getting my hands on this one after I read the blurb and I am pleased to say that I was not let down.

The story is written very well and the characters are interesting and jump off the page. I would recommend this read!

I LOVED this.

Definitely the most addictive debut I’ve read recently, peppered with extraordinarily engaging and fascinating characters with a central theme I am always drawn towards. I say no more on that particular thing.

Dr Augusta Bloom is my favourite type of main protagonist, aptly backed up by ex MI6 agent Jameson, a brilliantly readable duo brought to vivid life by the author and thrown into an absolutely intriguing drama that will keep you up late turning those pages. And then there’s Seraphine. Who I’m absolutely crazy about.

Mind Games indeed. I hesitate to give too much away but this is excellent story telling done with spot on pacing and pitch perfect twist placement, characters to die for and a game of wits that will challenge yours.

A refreshing take on a theme, beautifully written, cleverly crafted and has left me longing for more.

Highly Recommended.

Wow! Mind Games is clever without being cocky much like the Birthday Card Game and it's players. It's so refreshing to read a book with a unique plot and I absolutely loved this book.

People around the country are receiving birthday cards "YOUR GIFT IS THE GAME. DARE TO PLAY?" and then once joining the game they leave their life behind but what ties them together? These players are all different ages, backgrounds and are both male and female. What makes someone just up and leave their life?

I really enjoyed the characters and would highly recommend this book to everyone!

So why four stars you ask? Unfortunately I can't say without giving away huge spoilers but I'll bring that up privately with the publisher.