A Dark Mind

Lizzy Gardner #3

by T.R. Ragan

A serial killer is terrorizing Sacramento, preying on happily married couples and unleashing unspeakable cruelties upon his victims. The ordeal rekindles disturbing memories for private investigator Lizzy Gardner, who barely escaped a serial killer clutches only years ago. But while most Sacramento residents are hiding in the shadows, paralyzed by fear, Lizzy is compelled to go after the Lovebird Killer. So it no surprise that, when a routine workers- compensation case suddenly leads her and her two young assistants onto the killer trail, she welcomes the chase, determined to bring him to justice before he can claim another victim. She never imagines he could be two steps ahead, watching her every move and plotting his bloodiest, most triumphant conquest of all.

Genres: Mystery, Thriller, Crime, Fiction, Suspense, Mystery Thriller, Audiobook

375 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 18, 2013

About the author

T.R. Ragan (Theresa Ragan) is a New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestselling mystery and thriller author.

Readers interested in signing up for a monthly newsletter or getting their name in a TR RAGAN book should check out her website at www.trragan.com

Facebook • Twitter • Instagram: @trraganauthor

LIZZY GARDNER SERIES
Abducted
Dead Weight
A Dark Mind
Obsessed
Almost Dead
Evil Never Dies

FAITH MCMANN TRILOGY
Furious
Outrage
Wrath

JESSIE COLE SERIES
Her Last Day
Deadly Recall
Deranged - 10/18
Buried Deep - 4/19

Reviews

[James Thane · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Lovebird Killer is a sick, twisted psychopath who's been preying on Sacramento couples for years and terrorizing the city in the process. This is a freak who gets his kicks, not by killing one person at a time, but rather by targeting couples who are obviously in love. Young or old, it really doesn't matter, as long as the two people involved are devoted to each other.

Lizzy Gardner is a talented P.I. who coincidentally happens to be dating the F.B.I. agent who's leading the hunt for the Lovebird Killer. But so far the clever antagonist has stayed several steps ahead of the bureau and everyone else. Gardner has two young female assistants and the three of them are following what appears to be a normal, straight-ahead workers' comp fraud case. But in a strange turn of events the fraud investigation leads Lizzy right into the sights of the Lovebird Killer.

Gardner is no stranger to this kind of terror and her troubled past has perhaps prepared her to understand--and to deal with--a sicko like this better than a lot of other investigators. But having involved herself in the case, she suddenly finds herself a target in a gruesome game where there can be only one winner.

To say any more would be to say too much, but T.R. Ragan has crafted here a dark and engrossing tale that will keep the reader guessing until the very end. It will also keep him or her up long into the night watching this contest of wills unfold.

[Camille · Rating 5 out of 5]

Continuing to enjoy this series!! Book 3 is now my fav :)

[Deneé · Rating 5 out of 5]

Originally posted at Novel Reveries

‘I’m the darkness when you’re afraid. I’m the screams you hear in your sleep. I’m the creak in the other room when you’re all alone.’ (loc.2636)

With a serial killer hitting close to home, Lizzy Gardner and friends fight to get to the bottom of the murders. Through the eyes of A Dark Mind, we’re taken through the abysmal pit of the passion of death.

“If he couldn’t love and be loved, why should anyone else?” (loc.321)

I found this book very suspenseful! Any book that can have me staying up to finish it at five in the morning is aces in my book; I couldn’t put it down! I became anxious, with each chapter, to find out what the Lovebird killer was up to next as he turned his focus on Lizzy Gardner for ruining his idol, Spiderman. A lot of things that happened in this book also made me want to read the first two books, because it looks like a lot has happened to Lizzy to make her so paranoid and jumpy, but this book is also good being read out of the series. I admit I was a bit confused and frustrated when the timeline kept jumping back and forth, but it really made a lot of sense in the end, as it explained the Lovebird killer’s attitude and actions. Another thing that got a little frustrating were the sheer amount of people in the book; there became so many names that I had to sit and think for a moment on who the person was before moving on. This probably could be remedied by reading the first two books and getting to know the main characters better first.

“...he listened from the kitchen and was surprised to hear them talking about one of the boys having a dark mind.
A dark mind.” (loc.993)

After I got used to the book’s structure, with it’s multiple point of views and characters, I easily became engaged in each person’s storyline. The author, T.R. Ragan, does a great job in description and characterization because I could feel the characters emotions and see their actions as if they were real. Everybody was different and had a different background, and they all worked for this book. I enjoyed seeing Lizzy’s growth and empowerment from being constantly scared to standing her ground and staying determined to find the killer. I also liked Hayley (although I don’t know here that well yet,) softening her rough spirit towards people she normally wouldn’t have thought to get along with; her character really reminded me of Lisbeth Salander from Stieg Larsson’s Millennium trilogy. The ending, dealing with Hayley is brutal! I know I want to read more about that!

In all, I am stoked both to read the first two books of this series, and to read whatever comes next. This book, personally, was right up my ally as I recall “serial killer week” in my psychology class, years ago in university, was the most exciting week. A Dark Mind delves into the soul of a serial killer and helps us analyze how the person got that way, and even let’s us see the world through their eyes. I recommend this book to those who love a good thriller with suspense and intrigue.

First Line: “John Robinson loved the way his fingers felt, entwined with hers.” (loc.36)
Last Line: “Fuck you all.” (loc.4887)
--------------------

Quotes

“And it was all chaos, broken glass, and regret from there on.” (loc.99)

“One of the reasons the FBI would never catch him was because he knew how to change things up every once in a while.” (loc.317)

“‘The people who don’t listen to their instincts are the ones who end up in trouble... or worse.’” (loc.1102)

“Mother, Mother, Mother.
Everything had been perfect until the day he found her in the barn.” (loc.1913)

“Lizzy Gardner was going to suffer for her bad behavior. No more silly cat-and-mouse games. She would die, but not before he strategized long and hard over her demise.” (loc.2939)
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Galley provided by NetGalley via Thomas & Mercer (AmazonPublishing)

*Quotes are from uncorrected advanced galleys and may change before going to press. Please refer to the final printed book for official quotes.

[Kai · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm enjoying this series very much! I love how T.R. Ragan comes up with all of these different stories that are so entertaining and full of suspense. Leaving you anticipating who the culprit is. This book was good! It pulled me in right from the start. A serial killer targeting couples in love is a great premise! This is the 3rd book in this particular series, and it comes in 3rd place of which ones I like the most. I definitely recommend this series!

[Alex Duncan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lizzy is a private investigator who is shacking up with an FBI agent. A couple come in asking her to investigate a worker's comp case when Jennifer (the woman) is murdered in a bizarre and grotesque way. A

[Muzmuz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was Epic, the story was much more interesting than the previous one…. I guess I have a thing for crazy serial killers.
So far I am really enjoying this series and I hope to finish it soon…. Three more books to go.

[Stephanie ((Strazzybooks)) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another enthralling installment of the Lizzy Gardner series. I'm not completely sold on Lizzy, but I love the supporting characters and fast, thrilling pace. But be advised - This serial killer was pretty sadistic and at times tough to read, even for me.

[Patty · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Dark Mind
by
T.R.Ragan

My " in a nutshell" summary...

A crazed serial killer is killing all sorts of couples.

My thoughts after reading this book...

Totally creeped out after reading this book...but a good creeped out. I believe that this is the third Lizzy Gardner novel...but it's really not necessary to have read any of the others before this one.

Lizzy is recovering from past issues...she is living with her FBI boyfriend and is immersed in her career. Unfortunately her investigative work lines her up to be in close proximity with the weird serial killer who is taking couples, doing horrific things to them and escaping...so far.

The killer...deemed the Lovebird Killer...has an awful backstory that only makes him even creepier...and seriously...he is creepy enough!

He is smart, evil, and determined...to hurt others and Lizzy. Did I say he was creepy...bears mentioning again! Lol...

What I Loved About This Book...

Love is not a word I should use on this intense book...my feelings about this book were these...once I started it...it was so good I could not put it down...but there were so many parts that made me want to put it down...but I knew that I wouldn't be able to until I found out everything that was going on in sicko Lovebird's head.

What I Did Not Love About This Book...

Oh my...I despised all of the horrible things that the " bad guy" did! Especially the way he threatened his former teacher.

Final Thoughts...

Whew! Fast paced, chilling, perfect as a last days of summer beach book. Just don't read this alone!

[Dan · Rating 5 out of 5]

T.R. Ragan outdid herself with "A Dark Mind", book three in the Lizzy Gardner thriller series.

Lizzy has a knack for attracting dangerous serial killers, and this time it's "The Lovebird Killer" stalking Lizzy through the shadows. Ragan furthers the character arcs of Lizzy, Jared, Jessica, and Hayley, with one of the supporting characters stepping into the spotlight in a big way. The scenes are well-composed and tense, and Ragan had me guessing who the killer was for a good portion of the book.

Ragan introduces a new style to the series by leading each chapter with a quote from an infamous serial killer. Some of the passages are truly disturbing and set a dark mood for the forthcoming scenes.

The Lovebird Killer exhibits traits which remind me of Buffalo Bill in "Silence of the Lambs" and Norman Bates in "Psycho". Ragan infuses him with a preternatural ability to pop up when you least expect it while avoiding the authorities.

If you don't like squeamish thrillers, you should give this series a pass. But if you don't mind a little depraved fun, T.R. Ragan delivers a perfect blend of suspenseful thriller and psychological horror. It's clear Ragan knows her horror. I imagine her watching a Wes Craven or John Carpenter movie as much as I do her reading classic thrillers.

Oh, and the ending...

Wow. I won't give it away. But it floored me. Now I can't wait to dive into book four.

If you can handle dark psychological thrillers, this is your book. Great series.

[Kelly_Hunsaker_reads ... · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was a difficult read, but not because the story is complex or the mystery complicated. It is a difficult read because it is messy, simplistic and populated by characters that we never really get to know. I love mysteries. I call then junk food for my brain. They are my guilty pleasure. I love sweet and cozy mysteries such as the Hannah Swensen bakery stories. I love dark and twisted mysteries such as the Prey series. And I love the hard-edged detective stories such as those featuring Harry Bosch. This book fits into none of those spaces. I wasn't shocked or startled at any point, and I didn't fall in love with any particular characters.

Kate Rudd does well enough with the content she was given. However, her voices isn't distinguishable for the various female characters and it is easy to lose track of who is talking in the story.

[Darcia Helle · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a difficult book for me to review. The writing is engaging, but the book as a whole just didn't work for me.

The book is broken into relatively short scenes, jumping back and forth in time, with a ton of POV characters. Victims long since dead in the current time have POV parts on and off throughout. People that could be minor characters have many POV scenes. Everyone has a story here, which overshadows what should have been Lizzy's story. Consequently, it all felt disjointed and didn't flow in a way I could relax into.

Each scene is well written and, on its own, would rate a 4- or even 5-star read for me. But, put together, it's a bumpy and chaotic ride.

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Liked the first book of this series loved it,read the second was good,loved the third book even better.I'm loving reading this series the mind of a serial killers love the character's wanting more.great writer won't be disappointed with the series got more to read.

[Charlotte Skibicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Favorite of the series so far! Loved that it dove more into Hailey's story. Can't wait to read the next book!

[Angela DeSilva · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my wow! I'm reeling from that suspenseful read. Great series. On to book four.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

*listened to audiobook*

I really loved this one! Best in the series so far.... I especially loved the real serial killer quotes before each chapter.

[Meralia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super Buch. Sehr spannend und ich mag auch die Charaktere gerne. Lese die Reihe sicher weiter.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

I continue to like these characters. This book was much darker than the first two.

[Janice Dudley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another brilliant book, straight onto Book 4!!!

[C.E. Clayton · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’ve been on a kind of thriller/suspense kick lately. It’s an odd mix, I like to go back and forth between fantasy and this for reasons I can’t explain. So after reading books by Robert Bugoni, I picked up “A Dark Mind” on the Kindle Unlimited. I thought I’d be kicking myself by starting the Lizzy Gardner series with this book (it’s the 3rd) but it was fine. Like any crime drama, each in the series is a nice contained experience. So if you haven’t read any of the other in the series, not a big deal in my opinion and honestly, starting with the first in the exploits of Lizzy Gardner was probably not going to help the story or the writing all that much regardless.

First things first, this book, and probably the series, is not a suspense/thriller. There was no sense of “who did it, whose next, what’s happening?” You get all of that pretty immediately. Then the book becomes a “well, what’s the killer going to make the next victim suffer through?” It felt more like a soft core slasher porn than anything else and since that’s not what I went into this wanting or expecting, I was kind of disappointed. If you like and are into books like that, then go for it, T.R. Ragan’s series is right up your alley.

Now, let’s talk about characters for a moment, perhaps the other novels do a better job of this, but I never cared much for Lizzy or her assistants. They all felt shallow and fit too well into their tropes for my liking. Stereotypes can be fine if done well, these characters were not that. This was most glaring with the serial killer where his back story was uninspiring and frankly not that creepy, gross for sure, but didn’t make my heart pump. He was stereotypical to the point of predictable and using his love for killing chaotically didn’t make him interesting. I thought the serial killer in “The Butterfly Garden” by Dot Hutchinson did an exceedingly better job with creating a deranged and obsessed man then Ragan did.

Which, unfortunately, ties into the plot.

I won’t spoil anything but since there was little mystery to this book, I don’t think it IS actually spoiling anything. There are instances where I just felt flat out lied to. It was meant to be a twist, that M. Night Shaymalan moment where all the little hints click into place. But those hints just simply weren’t there. She gives her serial killer a convenient mental disorder that’s supposed to explain things away but don’t, instead it comes across as the author forgot she did a thing half way through the story and then had to force a fix. For example, there is a scene where Lizzy goes to a florist and talks to the owner and notes the owner’s big eyes. But that’s about it. Then later it’s revealed that the florist was a man dressed like a woman and OMG THAT’S THE ANSWER TO EVERYTHING! That’s fine, or would be, if it had been treated more like a clue. That Lizzy noted how odd it was and wondered if anyone noticed or cared that the owner couldn’t pull off being a woman very well. But that never happens so it just felt shoe horned in to help sell the ending. There were a lot of moments like that where the story felt overly stereotypical and convenient in a bad way. Which maybe you can get away with in fantasy with a wave of your hand and call it magic, but not for these kinds of stories.

Perhaps if the book had been honest about what it was, which is not a mystery or thriller because really, the answer pretty much introduces himself and we get to see his perspective as he torments Lizzy, then I may not be as disappointed as I am. But overall, the characters are unremarkable and I never really liked them enough to root for them (which may be different if you read the other books and somehow like them enough to get to the 3rd in the series), I never felt shocked or startled at any point or for any “revelation”, just grossed out on occasion. It was as if the author used the “gross” factor and thought that made it mysterious. On top of that, the story is so uncomplicated that the writing just never shines in a way to make up for any of these short comings. Unfortunately, I don’t know if I trust the author to do better with others in the series so I won’t be continuing with Lizzy’s story and give this particular book in the series only 2 stars.

[Keith Curran · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not a bad story, BUT...

No one in the book behaves in any way even remotely like a real person would behave. Everyone does stupid, idiotic, clueless, ignorant, implausible, moronic, very dangerous things. All of the characters act without any awareness whatsoever of how, FIRST: all of the events in the book connect to reveal an INCREDIBLY obvious scenario, and SECOND: how what they are about to do, whatever it is, BECAUSE THE OBVIOUS SCENARIO HAS YET TO OCCUR TO ANY OF THEM, that what they are about to do will only make things worse, murkier, less controllable, more dangerous, is outside the realm of even FICTIONAL reality, as well as idiotic, insane, illegal, BEYOND dangerous AND just... BADLY WRITTEN. This book makes things up, particularly anything procedural, EVERYONE always breaks into the seemingly empty dark, isolated, rat-infested, most likely lived in by a serial kill, house, has information that one person learns then ALWAYS leaves untold - FOR NO SANE REASON - to the very person or people who desperately need the information ("Oh, I'll just tell my FBI boyfriend LATER that someone just tried to kill me, because I'm a little tired after fighting off my attacker, who, okay, was the very serial killer he's desperately trying to find, but, frankly, I need a sandwich."), while treating as trivial, attempts at vehicular homicide, murder attempts along jogging trails, clues that could ONLY have been left by the main serial killer, as well as home break-ins, blood-splashed trailers, phone calls FROM said serial killer, and a child, on house arrest after just just being released from juvenile retention for cutting off a man's penis, and while she lives with her guardians, a PI and an FBI AGENT, dismantles her monitor and acts like Nancy Drew on crystal meth; visiting strip clubs, tserial killer's homes, and also repeatedly dismantled her guardian's home security alarm while they are being stalked by a madman. I may come back later and point out a few of the characters more ludicrous choices, but for now, I am just astonished that a book that gets SO MUCH wrong, with every character either a liar, deeply delusional, or just an absolute idiot, could even get SELF published.

[Kristen Jett · Rating 4 out of 5]

I might touch up this review to shine it up later...and add quotes once the final copy is released, but viola for now:

Man oh man was I happy to get my little grabby fingers on this book....and then I was happy to have read it. The Lizzy Gardner series is quickly proving itself to be one of my favorite crime thriller series.

Forget Alex Cross, I'll take Lizzy Gardner any day.

Why? I love every single character. Lizzy is strong, tough, with a huge chink in her armor. If you've read the whole series, her chink is entirely explainable - and I think makes her tougher in a way. Jessica is average girl relatable - I think she does what most girls would do in these experiences. Hayley is the girl you want to be, despite her issues. Jared is tough, yet cuddly. What isn't there to love from a main cast like this?

Actual note I wrote while reading:
"OH [EXPLETIVE, EXPLETIVE, EXPLETIVE]. THIS TRICKY CLEVER BASTARD PLANNED THIS."

As you might be able to note, I was a little involved in the story. A little on the edge of my seat. Just a little.... (Note that sarcasm.) I did eventually solve the mystery...but I was completely satisfied when I did. There were several gasps during realizations, shocked looks, and general bracing myself against the walls as I tried to wrap my head around this mystery.


Side note - I absolutely loved the serial killer quotes at the beginning of each chapter. I think those tied in with the criminal of the book brilliantly.

Overall: I'd recommend to this to all thriller fans. If you loved the first Lizzy Gardner story, you'll love this one. I found A Dark Mind to be much stronger than Dead Weight. What I enjoyed best from the book is that you solve the crime with Lizzy, as if you're actually in her head.

[Mike Nemeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author T.R. Ragan has said delving into the depths to research antagonists for her Lizzy Gardner series proved somewhat harrowing. But her success proves evident with each ensuing novel. In "A Dark Mind," Gardner and her FBI boyfriend Jared encounter an especially depraved psychopath investigators have dubbed the Lovebird Killer for his propensity to target, torture and kill couples who have an especially strong bond. Ragan starts each chapter with a quote from a killer, offering insight into the chilling lack of empathy and emotion exhibited by real-life serial murderers. Despite her trials and efforts tracking and collaring criminals, things still haven't gone all that well for Lizzy personally. Her sister blames her on multiple levels for her messed up life, and her parents are steaming piles who are unable to move beyond the damage done by her abduction at 17. Through this, Lizzy gathers an eclectic group of assistants, dominated by the enigmatic Hayley, who has her own demons to exorcise. In general, this novel moves forward with the pace of a well laden freight train. Nothing stops the story, and I stole every spare moment to read until I was done. Then, of course, I ordered the next installment and started reading again. I did this until I'd finished the entire series. Going back several weeks later to post these reviews is kind of a trip.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

Auch im Juli habe ich weiter gemacht mit angebrochenen Reihen und habe zum 3. Teil der Lizzy Gardner Reihe gegriffen. Nachdem mir der zweite Teil vom Fall her nicht besonders gut gefallen hat, ist Teil 3 wieder mehr nach meinem Geschmack.

Wie bereits gewohnt haben wir einen Hauptstrang, der verfolgt wird und ebenso Nebenstränge. Wir begleiten Lizzy und ihre Mitarbeiterinnen, die Stück für Stück den Fall lösen. Die Mordserie zieht sich bereits über mehrere Jahre und man bekommt als Leser häppchenweise Informationen zugeworfen. Anfangs kann man damit nicht sehr viel anfangen, aber irgendwann ergibt sich ein stimmiges Gesamtbild. Hierbei ist sogar ein kleiner Twist eingebaut, den man als aufmerksamer Leser aber durchaus vorausahnen könnte.

Wie auch schon bei den ersten beiden Teilen bin ich mit den Nebenfiguren nicht wirklich warm geworden und auch die Hauptprotagonistin ist keine sonderlich sympathische Figur für mich. Ich finde die Betonung darauf, dass sie ja so besonders ist langsam etwas anstrengend und auch nicht nachvollziehbar.

Trotzdem gehörte ‚Seelische Abgründe‘ wieder zu den Büchern, die sich recht angenehm und rasch lesen lassen. Kein Buch, über das man groß nachdenken muss und damit perfekt für zwischendurch.

[Jo Anne B · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am surprised this book got a higher rating than the first two. I didn't like the story of the Lovebird killer at all. I also thought the writing of back and forth between past and present and all the different story lines got confusing. Poor Hayley. She gets out of prison and gets the ankle bracelet on but soon gets around that. What happened in this book didn't seem as believeble as the previous two. I really liked the pairing up of Jessica and Hayley in this one. Hayley goes through a lot with her mom. Jared wasn't it in much. I wanted more of his and Lizzy's relationship. There just seemed to be too many characters and too many different things going on I lost interest. I did like seeing Jessica with a love interest. Jessica really dominated this book and I liked her bigger role. The ending sure left us thinking Hayley is headed for darker waters again. I hope the next one has a more interesting story.

[Katherine · Rating 1 out of 5]

If you love stories like The Silence of the Lambs then you would have scored this a 5* I'm guessing. However I absolutely hate horror stories hence my lowly 1* rating here. So why did I even pick this up? First of all I believed, having read the first two Lizzie Gardner books, this to be a detective thriller. I love a good thriller but I don't want to be scared witless and lose two nights' sleep to nightmares. So this is definitely horror. Yup, it was just too gruesome with far too many horrific details for me. In spite of the fact that I was invested in the 3 leading characters who are all women, I was just too upset and scared to continue. It is a rare thing for me to abandon a story unfinished. Pick it up if you dare but don't say you haven't been warned. Personally I'll be giving anything from T R Ragan a wide berth henceforth.

[Caia_In_Wonderland · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reread 11 years later and I can’t say I loved it as much, or was a shocked as much, as on the first read. However, it has a unique perspective into the mind of a very demented serial killer, and the horror inflicted upon its victims. The investigative skills from our heroine and her side kicks are truly impressive, and sound reasonably realistic. Some reactions seem under or overrated, and some more insight into the characters trauma would make the story even more compelling and profound, I believe.


Original review:
And I thought Stieg Larson's Millenium Trilogy was hardcore. No! This series made my skin crawl, my blood freeze and for moments I dreaded the images running through my mind. I was blown away by the realism and complexity of the characters both "good" and evil. Awesome series I read the 3 books in less than 2 days.

[Kat (Books are Comfort Food) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book and great series

I have been enjoying this series and watching the characters grow throughout the stories. Each story has twists and turns. Some of the stories are disturbing but I don't think they are any worse that other books in this genre. This book has me worries about Haylie, but I won't give anything away. This book was also interesting how each chapter started with a quote form various, famous serial killers.,
Now, on the the next book in the series ...

[Tiffany Bryant · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've enjoyed the whole series! this third book by far was the darkest one yet. I will definitely be reading more by this author!

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my god! This is the third T R Ragan book I've read and could be her best one, the story was amazing so deep! The ending literally gave me chills. I love this author!!

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely read this series! This book 3 of the Lizzy Gardner series. Great characters and intense serial killer thrillers.