What do you think?
Rate this book
Mickey Parsons Mysteries #1
The Murder of Janessa Hennley
A brutal mass murder...
With the murders of the entire Hennley family, Sheriff Suzan Clay is left with a crime scene unlike any she has ever dealt with. The savagery of the killer is something the small community of Kodiak Basin, Alaska has never seen before. With nowhere else to turn, the Sheriff is forced to enlist the help of the FBI.
A special agent with a mysterious past...
Special Agent Mickey Parsons of the FBI's Behavioral Science Unit receives the Sheriff's request and flies to Alaska to help in the investigation. Parsons has the most closed cases of any special agent in Behavioral Science's history, but the mental and physical scars of the last case he handled in the field nearly six years ago has left him tired and contemplating retirement.
Uncertain if he has the strength to follow a killer into the darkness again, Parsons may need the Sheriff as much as she needs him.
A monster in the making...
Parsons believes the Hennleys to be the killer's first victims. But the sheer brutality has him convinced he's dealing with someone more monster than man. Someone that is escalating in their sadism, and if left free, will bring terror on the community unlike any they have ever experienced.
With the murders of the entire Hennley family, Sheriff Suzan Clay is left with a crime scene unlike any she has ever dealt with. The savagery of the killer is something the small community of Kodiak Basin, Alaska has never seen before. With nowhere else to turn, the Sheriff is forced to enlist the help of the FBI.
A special agent with a mysterious past...
Special Agent Mickey Parsons of the FBI's Behavioral Science Unit receives the Sheriff's request and flies to Alaska to help in the investigation. Parsons has the most closed cases of any special agent in Behavioral Science's history, but the mental and physical scars of the last case he handled in the field nearly six years ago has left him tired and contemplating retirement.
Uncertain if he has the strength to follow a killer into the darkness again, Parsons may need the Sheriff as much as she needs him.
A monster in the making...
Parsons believes the Hennleys to be the killer's first victims. But the sheer brutality has him convinced he's dealing with someone more monster than man. Someone that is escalating in their sadism, and if left free, will bring terror on the community unlike any they have ever experienced.
306 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 20, 2013
900 people are currently reading
220 people want to read
About the author
Victor Methos
75 books2,092 followersVictor Methos is the Edgar Award nominated bestselling author of over forty novels. He has been a criminal and civil rights lawyer in the Mountain West, conducting over 100 trials, and produces two books a year with his dog Fraiser by his side.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
July 13, 2019
Compulsive
Don't start this book if you can't spare some reading time - it will suck you in, it's that good. Not often does a book do that to me after only a few pages; you just know it's going to be a winner. The characterisation, atmosphere, plot and writing style are completely engrossing. After reading a dozen of this author's books it's has become clear that he has knowledge of what he's writing about, especially the law. He even had me viewing the bad guy as someone who's was ill rather than simply a psycho. A character called Jon Stanton appears in this book but I don't know for sure which series comes first, this or the Jon Stanton series. Either way, it didn't seem to matter. At the end of the book I discovered a short Mickey Parson story that was bonus material.. Don't dismiss it as it's also very good and explains MP's personal issues.
Don't start this book if you can't spare some reading time - it will suck you in, it's that good. Not often does a book do that to me after only a few pages; you just know it's going to be a winner. The characterisation, atmosphere, plot and writing style are completely engrossing. After reading a dozen of this author's books it's has become clear that he has knowledge of what he's writing about, especially the law. He even had me viewing the bad guy as someone who's was ill rather than simply a psycho. A character called Jon Stanton appears in this book but I don't know for sure which series comes first, this or the Jon Stanton series. Either way, it didn't seem to matter. At the end of the book I discovered a short Mickey Parson story that was bonus material.. Don't dismiss it as it's also very good and explains MP's personal issues.
May 8, 2017
The atmosphere in this book was spot on. I immensely enjoyed being transported to Alaska, together with the main character, Mickey Parsons, an FBI agent, who hasn’t been in the field because he contracted HIV. When Mickey decides to help with a case in a small town in Alaska, this will change things for him.
I didn’t enjoy the nature of the killings. I did however learn something about Cotard disease, which is very rare psychological disorder. I was glad when Mickey was able to crack the case, even if it took him awhile. Mickey is a very interesting character. I hope to read more about him.
As for Alaska, a friend of mine went on vacation there last year, and she said it was the most beautiful nature she has ever seen. I gladly believe that.
I didn’t enjoy the nature of the killings. I did however learn something about Cotard disease, which is very rare psychological disorder. I was glad when Mickey was able to crack the case, even if it took him awhile. Mickey is a very interesting character. I hope to read more about him.
As for Alaska, a friend of mine went on vacation there last year, and she said it was the most beautiful nature she has ever seen. I gladly believe that.
December 1, 2024
Very weird book
The guy was in vietnam, had aids and it was quite sad. When he talked about his wife it was heartbreaking. He goes to Alaska when a family is found dead. Quite gruesome too so brace yourself. Very awful gore galore. So why did I keep reading because I wanted yo see the monster behind it. Who could do.this. and it was scary. The murderer was so messed up. I can't believe someone could actually do that to themselves. So horrible. I really liked mickey and the sheriff Suzan. I liked how it ended too. I don't know if.I am twisted but this author intrigues me. Its.like horror but its A crime thriller. his other books too. I thonk.they scare me more than horror.
The guy was in vietnam, had aids and it was quite sad. When he talked about his wife it was heartbreaking. He goes to Alaska when a family is found dead. Quite gruesome too so brace yourself. Very awful gore galore. So why did I keep reading because I wanted yo see the monster behind it. Who could do.this. and it was scary. The murderer was so messed up. I can't believe someone could actually do that to themselves. So horrible. I really liked mickey and the sheriff Suzan. I liked how it ended too. I don't know if.I am twisted but this author intrigues me. Its.like horror but its A crime thriller. his other books too. I thonk.they scare me more than horror.
May 25, 2020
A different angle
I liked this book it included some others from his books. Also the fbi factor was different! I learned something new too. He always has a new angle and this was bizarre!
I liked this book it included some others from his books. Also the fbi factor was different! I learned something new too. He always has a new angle and this was bizarre!
April 12, 2023
I’ve only known Victor Methos as a legal thriller author, this was my first mystery by him. It was a good one, but I did feel like there was just a certain something missing.
July 18, 2021
This is my first time to read Victor Methos, an apparently prolific author. This book may be the start of a series for an FBI profiler named Mickey Parsons. It grabbed my interest. It's well written and the main character is intriguing to me, possibly because I'm about the same age and so can identify with some of his thoughts and experience of life in this day and age.
I suspect that if I read a whole series of books like this, I might find more fault. But the fresh experience of an author who is new to me and a well written mystery was an exciting find. I'd become bored with mysteries that are not nearly as well written. This was a welcome, fresh experience. I'm buying the next book in the Mickey Parsons series immediately!
The quibbles: there area few loose ends that seem to get left out of the story's resolution, and there's a story line that is a bit gratuitous in its salaciousness. But these are minor complaints. The story is mostly very well written with tight prose, effective characters you come to care about, and a unique mystery.
The story starts with a horrific crime. Fortunately, most of the worst parts are inferred which is still chilling. Next the two main characters are introduced. They haven't met yet, but wind up doing so because of the investigation into this crime. From there the story unfolds in a very satisfying way that, as I've said, is refreshingly well written
Recommended.
I suspect that if I read a whole series of books like this, I might find more fault. But the fresh experience of an author who is new to me and a well written mystery was an exciting find. I'd become bored with mysteries that are not nearly as well written. This was a welcome, fresh experience. I'm buying the next book in the Mickey Parsons series immediately!
The quibbles: there area few loose ends that seem to get left out of the story's resolution, and there's a story line that is a bit gratuitous in its salaciousness. But these are minor complaints. The story is mostly very well written with tight prose, effective characters you come to care about, and a unique mystery.
The story starts with a horrific crime. Fortunately, most of the worst parts are inferred which is still chilling. Next the two main characters are introduced. They haven't met yet, but wind up doing so because of the investigation into this crime. From there the story unfolds in a very satisfying way that, as I've said, is refreshingly well written
Recommended.
June 16, 2020
Mickey Parsons Book 1
This was an interesting book because it has details about the Inner workings and Politics of the FBI . The main character ( Mickey Parsons) has 2 years to go before retiring and he also has HIV. He is an instructor and doesn't do Field Work anymore. He also reviews cases sent to him by Law Enforcement Agencies and decides if the FBI should get involved. One case catches his eye , a Family is murdered in a small Alaska Town. The Female sheriff of the town convinces Mikey to personally investigate. The author understands small town life and Politics. The plot is well developed and the ending makes you look forward to the next book in the series.
This was an interesting book because it has details about the Inner workings and Politics of the FBI . The main character ( Mickey Parsons) has 2 years to go before retiring and he also has HIV. He is an instructor and doesn't do Field Work anymore. He also reviews cases sent to him by Law Enforcement Agencies and decides if the FBI should get involved. One case catches his eye , a Family is murdered in a small Alaska Town. The Female sheriff of the town convinces Mikey to personally investigate. The author understands small town life and Politics. The plot is well developed and the ending makes you look forward to the next book in the series.
April 18, 2018
"Finding A Reason To Live"
This is another winning novel for a very prolific author. The entire Hennley family has been murdered. It was a very brutal crime in the small town of Kodiak Basin in Alaska. It's too big of a crime Sheriff Suzan Clay is facing. Special Agent Mickey Parsons from the FBI Behavioral Science Unit flies to Alaska to assist in the investigation. He believes the killer to be a monster ... who is just starting his crime spree. This is a fast-paced thriller, an exciting and compulsive read. Highly recommend for those who enjoy high action suspense stories.
This is another winning novel for a very prolific author. The entire Hennley family has been murdered. It was a very brutal crime in the small town of Kodiak Basin in Alaska. It's too big of a crime Sheriff Suzan Clay is facing. Special Agent Mickey Parsons from the FBI Behavioral Science Unit flies to Alaska to assist in the investigation. He believes the killer to be a monster ... who is just starting his crime spree. This is a fast-paced thriller, an exciting and compulsive read. Highly recommend for those who enjoy high action suspense stories.
June 14, 2024
I See You!
This author is fantastic. He manages to have several storylines going on at once and yet makes each one wanting the reader to keep following until they come up with their own theory as to who is the murderer or murderers. a.m. and yet there was no way this book was not going to let me put it down! I had to complete it to see who the murderer was and what was going to occur to the various characters of the book. I sincerely hope the author writes more for I shall be waiting to purchase them asap.
This author is fantastic. He manages to have several storylines going on at once and yet makes each one wanting the reader to keep following until they come up with their own theory as to who is the murderer or murderers. a.m. and yet there was no way this book was not going to let me put it down! I had to complete it to see who the murderer was and what was going to occur to the various characters of the book. I sincerely hope the author writes more for I shall be waiting to purchase them asap.
July 16, 2025
Just finished The Murder of Janessa Hennley by Victor Methos, one of my favorite legal thriller writers. I had low expectations for this book and I was pleasantly surprised. 4/5 stars for me. The gore could be a bit graphic for some folks, but for me it wasn’t too much. If you’re fine with watching your typical crime shows with some gore, this shouldn’t bother you! Victor Methos is great because you feel like you’re PART of the investigation. Every step of the way, it’s like you’re following the detective. Can’t wait to start book two to add it to my ABC challenge 😁
November 22, 2019
Good short story
Just like everything Victor Methos puts out, this story tests the strength of the human spirit. Granted, his work is centered around life and death and show the many atrocities, we, as humans, are capable of committing.
His stories also prove there are monsters and evil, goodness and light around all of us.
Just like everything Victor Methos puts out, this story tests the strength of the human spirit. Granted, his work is centered around life and death and show the many atrocities, we, as humans, are capable of committing.
His stories also prove there are monsters and evil, goodness and light around all of us.
June 29, 2022
An intriguing story
This was an intense, unique, and intriguing story that will hook you from the beginning. I also enjoyed the bonus story about a previous case that Parsons worked. (Would've been great for the prequel to this series!)
I would definitely recommend this book, series, and outstanding author.
This was an intense, unique, and intriguing story that will hook you from the beginning. I also enjoyed the bonus story about a previous case that Parsons worked. (Would've been great for the prequel to this series!)
I would definitely recommend this book, series, and outstanding author.
August 16, 2025
Another Horrifying Ordeal
Victor Methos is a master of psychological horror, gruesome descriptive writing,non stop twists,most of all a master of horrifying ways to kill people. I LOVED this book. Hoping he will follow up as I want to know if Suzan has recovered.
The second story contains a description of a POW camp torture that I cannot get out of my head.
For me,he is the definition of psychological horror
Victor Methos is a master of psychological horror, gruesome descriptive writing,non stop twists,most of all a master of horrifying ways to kill people. I LOVED this book. Hoping he will follow up as I want to know if Suzan has recovered.
The second story contains a description of a POW camp torture that I cannot get out of my head.
For me,he is the definition of psychological horror
July 20, 2019
Disturbing read
Gross and disturbing. Stick to the lawyer characters and not this stuff. Disappointed. Xxxxxx. Xxx xxxxxxxxxc. Xxxxx xxxxd xxxxxx xxxxx xxxxx xxxxx dxxxx xxxxx x xx x xxxxx xxxxx XX
Gross and disturbing. Stick to the lawyer characters and not this stuff. Disappointed. Xxxxxx. Xxx xxxxxxxxxc. Xxxxx xxxxd xxxxxx xxxxx xxxxx xxxxx dxxxx xxxxx x xx x xxxxx xxxxx XX
February 18, 2020
A Convoluted plot, with lots of angles
Good characters,engrossing plot. However, I always thought the seasons there were six months of daylight in varying degrees, and darkness for six months in degrees. Not really important, but a distraction.
Good characters,engrossing plot. However, I always thought the seasons there were six months of daylight in varying degrees, and darkness for six months in degrees. Not really important, but a distraction.
May 10, 2020
This is not an easy one to get to the bottom line
Any idea how to make sure that I have been using my way to work with a lot of therires of how to rate except do an excellent book rating.
Any idea how to make sure that I have been using my way to work with a lot of therires of how to rate except do an excellent book rating.
July 16, 2020
Mickey Parsons
I am hooked on the character of Mickey Parsons. This author is brilliant and you are drawn into Mickey 's world as he fights the effects of His whole working to bring down a killer.
I am hooked on the character of Mickey Parsons. This author is brilliant and you are drawn into Mickey 's world as he fights the effects of His whole working to bring down a killer.
August 1, 2020
Excellent read! I’ve now read a variety of books from this author , they are not all the same but the characters in this murder-suspense have depth and real personality. Great story! Highly recommend.
March 7, 2021
Scary
Janessa is the nice and pretty girl next door, or is she? In a small town where everyone knows everyone and everyone's business, a community is rocked to its core when a well-respected family is slaughtered. This novel would be a great horror movie.
Janessa is the nice and pretty girl next door, or is she? In a small town where everyone knows everyone and everyone's business, a community is rocked to its core when a well-respected family is slaughtered. This novel would be a great horror movie.
May 22, 2022
Terribly sad but very great book
I enjoyed the fast pace and the detail of the main character and of his make up. All the people who died was very hard but necessary. I am going to send my friend Tina a copy I think she'll love it.
I enjoyed the fast pace and the detail of the main character and of his make up. All the people who died was very hard but necessary. I am going to send my friend Tina a copy I think she'll love it.
November 4, 2023
Fast paced
This author never disappoints. The characters are well developed and there is never a lull in the action. Great momentum that keeps you thoroughly engaged and turning pages into the night.
This author never disappoints. The characters are well developed and there is never a lull in the action. Great momentum that keeps you thoroughly engaged and turning pages into the night.
January 17, 2024
Great book.
Method does it again. This was another great book. There are parts in this that may be a trigger for some. Just a heads up. This book is a bit on the gruesome side, but I still enjoyed it.
Method does it again. This was another great book. There are parts in this that may be a trigger for some. Just a heads up. This book is a bit on the gruesome side, but I still enjoyed it.
August 25, 2018
Great character.
Enjoyed Mickey Parsons and can’t wait to read more of his adventures. Relatable character with a level head and drive forward attitude.
Enjoyed Mickey Parsons and can’t wait to read more of his adventures. Relatable character with a level head and drive forward attitude.
June 12, 2019
First Parsons book
I will read this book again, very captivating and fairly easy to follow. I will read more of this detective
I will read this book again, very captivating and fairly easy to follow. I will read more of this detective
December 1, 2019
Love his books
Easy read, hate when you have to use a certain amount of words in a review. Good book, liked it
Easy read, hate when you have to use a certain amount of words in a review. Good book, liked it
January 3, 2020
Mickey is a great character; immediately downloaded the next book.
Interesting plot and wonderful setting.
Interesting plot and wonderful setting.
June 13, 2020
Good writing.
Good writing and good editing. I’ve enjoyed all of Victor Methos’s works. I recommend them to be read in order as there is character progression.
Good writing and good editing. I’ve enjoyed all of Victor Methos’s works. I recommend them to be read in order as there is character progression.
July 13, 2020
Interesting Plot
The storyline was very unpredictable, which made for a good and entertaining read. The main character, Mickey is likable and identifiable.
The storyline was very unpredictable, which made for a good and entertaining read. The main character, Mickey is likable and identifiable.
September 9, 2020
Author of many talents
Enjoyed reading this author s books particularly his legal novels.
His FBI novels seem to be on the gruesome side and not for the faint of heart.
Enjoyed reading this author s books particularly his legal novels.
His FBI novels seem to be on the gruesome side and not for the faint of heart.
Read
October 10, 2020Strong plot...
Always a good plot with plenty of twists and action with this author. Will definitely read more books by this author.
Always a good plot with plenty of twists and action with this author. Will definitely read more books by this author.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews