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Dark Corners Of The Mind

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After Bea's beloved husband mysteriously disappears without a trace, she becomes fixated on one man: Lucas Cohen. The man caught on a traffic camera fleeing from her husband's last known location. In an unexpected twist of fate, a life-or-death situation brings Bea and Lucas together.

As Bea dives headfirst into a labyrinth of mystery and danger. Her life starts to unravel leading her siblings to question her sanity. When shocking revelations surface, Bea is forced to confront her darkest fears and face the ultimate question: How far would you go to find the one you love?

240 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 10, 2023

7 people are currently reading
96 people want to read

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Mikayla Buckman

4 books48 followers

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5 stars
36 (54%)
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21 (31%)
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9 (13%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
Profile Image for celeste.reads.
74 reviews24 followers
November 28, 2023
⭐️ 4
👻 2


I'm not usually into thrillers, but right from the first page, I was totally hooked! It completely shocked me and made me second guess myself and the opinions I had formed. If you love a book that keeps you guessing until the very end, this one's for you!

This book is on par with authors such as Freida McFadden, Riley Sage Etc & definitely deserves more hype!
PS I looooooved the FMC (her drive & her story really made me feel like I was IN the book)
Profile Image for Shayna.
189 reviews72 followers
January 3, 2025
First - the love the FMC, Beatrix (Bea), has for her husband, Stephen, needs to be noted. She never gives up on looking for Stephen even when it feels like the rest of her world did. It’s emotional as you learn that Bea is losing herself in trying to find Stephen - she quit her job to have more time to search for him and is barely scraping by. As a wife of baseball card collector, my heart ached for Bea as she sold Stephen’s baseball cards for money.

You learn there are so many smaller connected pieces to the puzzle and Bea gets more than what she bargained for in the search for Stephen. I loved the creativity and tie-in of the major breakthrough. Talk about a twist!

Throughout the story, just when you think you’ve got it figured out, Mikayla throws you a twist. It’s intriguing and will keep you vested, that’s for sure!
Profile Image for Lu.
632 reviews56 followers
November 19, 2023
This was a pretty good thriller that kept me wondering and making assumptions on all the characters until the end. I struggled when I had to go to work and had to put the book down and kept thinking about my theory LoL.
It's well written, I really liked being in Beas head and sharing her fears, her theories, even her mistakes.

Ultimately, her main purpose is finding the truth, regardless of what actually happened to Stephen what really is making her lose her sanity is having to live with the uncertainty, made worse by the fact that pretty much nobody around her believes her instinct. Without spoilering anything, I did enjoy the ending, as I did the whole book.
Profile Image for Monica Mil-Homens.
546 reviews27 followers
November 23, 2023
Opinião: Este livro foi oferta da autora, em troca de uma opinião honesta. E cá estou eu para dar a minha opinião honesta. Que livro bom! É o primeiro livro da Mikayla e acertou em tudo para que seja um bestseller sem qualquer dúvida! Personagens bem construídas, narrativa fluída e com aquele suspense e mistério que se quer num Thriller que nos prenda até ao Fim. Imaginem irem a uma bomba de gasolina com o vosso marido e de repente ele desaparecer sem deixar rasto? Como é que ficavam? É o que acontece a Bea, que não desiste de encontrar o esposo e com um possível culpado em vista, Lucas Choen, ninguém a consegue parar, nem o irmão que pertence às forças policiais, nem a irmã que lhe ampara as loucuras. Mas aqui, o final é de mestre. É que com tantas certezas que vamos tendo ao longo que Bea se coloca cada vez mais em perigo para descobrir a verdade, no final, nem ela sabe a verdade. Recomendo vivamente, só existe em inglês mas podem adquirir na Amazon, ou gratuitamente com o kindle unlimited.

ENG REVIEW: This book was a gift from the author, in exchange for an honest opinion. And here I am to give my honest opinion. What a good book! It's Mikayla's first book and she got everything right to make it a bestseller without a doubt! Well-constructed characters, fluid narrative and with that suspense and mystery that you want in a Thriller that keeps us hooked until the end. Imagine going to a gas station with your husband and suddenly he disappears without a trace? How do you feel? This is what happens to Bea, who doesn't give up on finding her husband and with a possible culprit in sight, Lucas Choen, no one can stop her, not her brother who belongs to the police forces, nor her sister who supports her madness. But here, the ending is masterful. It's just that with so many certainties that we have throughout, Bea puts herself more and more in danger to discover the truth, in the end, not even she knows the truth. I highly recommend it, it only exists in English but you can purchase it on Amazon, or for free with Kindle Unlimited.
@bibliotecamil_insta
Profile Image for Katie Komissar.
64 reviews6 followers
November 18, 2023
Just finished this book, all I can to start off is.. WOW. I was not expecting half of what happened… to happen; especially the ending. 😳 This book had me hooked from the first chapter.

Beatrix, “Bea”, is searching high and low for her husband, Stephen, who mysteriously disappeared while pumping gas. Weird right? It gets weirder.

There’s many different suspects, but one sticks out to Bea and follows her gut. Along the way, she meets two high-schoolers destined to find Stephen as well because they are very passionate about true crime and unsolved mysteries. But instead of solving the disappearance of Stephen, they run into another crime in the making.

During Bea’s search, she has the WORST luck of anyone, from not being able to pay for her everyday life to be mugged and being saved by someone she was least expecting to see.

There’s lots of twists, turns and OMG moments that you’d have to read it for yourself!!
Profile Image for Diana.
39 reviews13 followers
November 19, 2023
A solid storyline that keeps you guessing until the end.

I enjoyed the author’s descriptive writing style; however, I found myself wanting more information regarding how characters were connected, and some of the scene settings and transitions were confusing.
For example, I was about 50% through the book before I realized that Bea and Stella were sisters, not friends or sisters-in-law. Not a big deal, but sometimes a few extra details can really tie things together nicely. And while I admire Bea’s stubborn, determined approach to finding her husband, I tend to get frustrated by these FMCs who act recklessly (and sometimes to their own detriment). Additionally, I became distracted by the spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors.

Overall, I think this is a really good debut novel and I’m looking forward to reading more by Mikayla Buckman. For me, this was 3.5/5 stars.
Profile Image for Chiara Cooper.
503 reviews29 followers
March 18, 2024
Really good thriller with a good mix of suspense and twists!

This is my first book from this author, but the writing was so fluent that I'd definitely pick up another one. The plot was well concocted, with all the right elements to keep the reader entertained and curious about the events unfolding.

I didn't particularly like the main character Bea. Although I could sympathise with her a little, I didn't understand her choices and behaviour at times. I failed to connect fully with her character, but I have to say that it didn't hinder my reading experience.

I enjoyed the twists, and even if some confirmed my expectations, I still liked how they have been laid out and written.

All in all a very good read that will definitely attract all those wanting a good mystery and a bit of investigative work!

Thanks to the author for a copy and this is my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Allyssa Cook.
140 reviews
February 3, 2024
3.5 ⭐️

When I first started reading this book there were a few parts that I felt were a little far fetched. Such as Bea having so much access to the police station that her brother worked at as well as working with high schoolers who could hack computer databases/security cameras to find her missing husband. These points threw me off a little bit but as the book progressed the pieces started clicking together and it made the book more interesting.

I enjoyed reading the book and definitely did not see the twists as to what happened to the missing girls as well as what happened the Stephen coming!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Melissa Richards.
2 reviews
March 5, 2024
This book started out fast which intrigued me and kept me wanting to learn more. I enjoyed the plot, but had a hard time connecting with the characters. The relationships/connections between some of the characters seemed to develop really quickly which didn’t feel as authentic as I would have liked. I also felt this way about some of the events throughout the story. They didn’t feel like believable events. The twists were somewhat predictable. Despite that, I still enjoyed the read and finished it in two days, which is quick for my norm. I really did enjoy the author’s descriptive style which added to my reading experience.
Profile Image for Mikayla Buckman.
Author 4 books48 followers
October 2, 2024
With the anniversary of my debut novel approaching, I thought it was time to finally rate it myself—5 stars, of course, because I truly loved writing it! Bea will always hold a special place in my heart; she was the first character I ever created. I know she's stubborn, flawed, and not everyone loves her, but I appreciate every bit of feedback, whether you loved or hated her. In Bea, I see a fighter—someone determined to find the love of her life, but also someone so focused on that goal that she misses the impact she has on others. Thank you to everyone who took a chance on this story. Your support means more than words can express.
Profile Image for Katie Dickerson (DeMaio).
591 reviews134 followers
November 16, 2023
The beginning was a little abrupt and I was itching for more character development but that was definitely delivered as I read on; so many seemingly unconnected situations and people that all come together in the end; two big plot reveals- one of which I found predictable, but both of which had me on the edge of my seat to see what would happen; tons of twists & turns & very descriptive

A fantastic debut novel!

Special thank you to the author, Mikayla Buckman, for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review ❤️
324 reviews2 followers
March 4, 2024
Thank you Author Mikayla Buckman for the book. I am voluntarily leaving this review. This book will definitely keep you guessing. When I say that Beatrix is put through the ringer I am not exaggerating! One minute she's waiting for her husband to come out of the gas station and the next she is thrown into a mind-boggling mystery. I love the fact that Bea refused to give up her search. Read this book and prepared to be shocked!
31 reviews
November 16, 2023
I enjoyed this book very much! It was quite intense throughout the book and I read late into the night every night. The only negative I could mention is that there were a couple of things that I thought couldn't happen in the current times we live in such as walking freely through a school. Otherwise a very suspenseful read. I would recommend it to lovers of this genre. Great twists!
Profile Image for leigh earman.
26 reviews2 followers
November 20, 2023
What a great book. I love a good mystery and I love a good thriller. And I like a good female lead that is a little crazy! This book has me intrigued in the first chapter. And did I mention I love a book I don't want to put down? Dark Corners of the Mind hit on all cylinders for me. Great book Mikayla Buckman, I am looking for your next one!
Profile Image for Lauren.
19 reviews1 follower
November 14, 2023
When Bea’s husband goes missing she does everything necessary to find him…even when the search takes her to the dark corners of her mind.

This was a well written thriller. It had a good pace and plenty of suspense. I couldn’t put it down! I look forward to reading more by this author.
Profile Image for Chairee Hart.
32 reviews2 followers
November 15, 2023
I enjoyed reading Dark Corners of the Mind

I enjoyed reading this book. I liked that there were several twists. There was an event or two that were predictable, but there were some that surprised me too. The end of the book ties the story together nicely.
Profile Image for Sonia Tomas.
108 reviews7 followers
January 18, 2024
What a fast paced engaging book this was! Bea ‘s search for her husband is moving, and although her love and hope keep her on the go, a lot of incidents come along the way, providing turns only surpassed by the unpredictable twists of the narrative. The ending was truly jaw dropping!

There is only a but… a major but I have to say! Bea is one of the most unlikeable characters I have ever come across! Sure, she moves heaven and earth to find the answers she is looking for, but everything she does is reckless, juvenile and infuriating! But that is only another one of the hotspots of this novel. The author’s ability to make the reader want to punch the main character is outstanding! ;) Looking forward to reading more of her work!
Profile Image for Chelsea Worrell.
42 reviews1 follower
March 5, 2024
I absolutely love the way that the author has wrote such an amazing story. I was truly captivated and was right along with Bea trying to figure out the mystery. No matter what, I just couldn’t put my finger on it. It was a truly surprising ending. Absolutely loved it!
2 reviews
March 11, 2024
I really enjoyed this book! It had some great characters and kept me guessing with every twist. However, I found myself wanting more in some places and some of the scene transitions seemed a bit off at times. But like I said, I really enjoyed it and can’t wait to read the next one.
Profile Image for Megneto♓️ .
131 reviews2 followers
March 19, 2024
4.5 🌟 Rounded up to 5 on here

What a brilliant read! Did not expect that ending at all! Lots of plot twists which keeps you on your toes. You can really connect with Bea the main character as well. Definately recommend.
Profile Image for Victoria.
8 reviews6 followers
April 11, 2024
O.M.G!!!! So good! This book kept me on the edge of my seat. Just when you thought you had it figured out, Mikayla threw you a curve ball!

This is definitely a must read!

I cannot wait to read more by this author!
Profile Image for Judy Morris.
1,325 reviews30 followers
November 13, 2023
New author to me. Wow what a book. I loved it.You did a great job. So many twist and turn.

Fantastic read really enjoyed it.
How good was it you asked, I read it in one day! That how good it was!
16 reviews
January 29, 2024
Dark Corners of the Mind

Good, but won’t give you nightmares. Easy to figure out the killer. Author show promise. Starting her 2nd book now.
1 review
March 11, 2024
I love this book. She kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time and I didn’t want to put it down at all!!! So many unexpected twists. I can’t wait to read more from this author!
2 reviews
July 20, 2024
I was the narrator for this book on audible. I hope you enjoy listening to it as much as I enjoyed reading it. Thanks Mikayla!
Profile Image for Melinda.
416 reviews35 followers
December 28, 2023
I am so honored for the opportunity to receive an ARC of this book because I read the whole thing in one sitting and I absolutely loved it. It is such an incredible debut novel and I can’t wait to read future books from Mikayla Buckman. There were so many twists and turns throughout the story that had me hooked the whole way through and the ending had me in total and complete shock because I didn’t see it coming.
Profile Image for Leah Kasdorf .
4 reviews
October 17, 2023
That twist at the end was crazy! I was convinced he was not the one who was involved with Stephen's disappearance. This is Mikaylas first thriller, and she did it well! I did enjoy this. There were just some plot points I didn't like. I liked the way Bea did not give up looking for her husband, and as much as I was annoyed at some of her behaviors, I thought I would literally do the same.
450 reviews15 followers
October 4, 2023
How far would you go to for the person you love?

This book answers this question when Bea, FMC, loses herself and faces devastating consequences in the search for her missing husband. This story is an emotional rollercoaster as you watch Bea lose her sense of self, her relationships with her siblings and starts to question her sanity. As the reader, you watch Bea’s world unravel as she has a single-minded focus on finding who caused her husband’s disappearance. As she uncovers clues, she twists and turns and keeps the reader involved in this mystery.

The author describes Bea’s fixation on a singular suspect and her inability to stop investigating in such a way that you while you feel empathy for her struggles you and can also side with her family in wanting her to move on. The secrets Bea uncovers put her life in danger as well as those who want to help her.

While the first half of the book focuses on the emotional aspects of Bea’s journey, the second half is where the action is found. What I really liked about this story is that even though all clues point to a singular event, you learn that there are many pieces to the puzzle.

The Dark Corners of the Mind is story of how losing oneself into one truth can not only change but also take your life. The author’s writing style is captivating and easy to follow. If you like psychological thrillers, read this book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews

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