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In the Mind of a Spy
When Jesse Bolger ran into an old acquaintance from his high school days, Robert Gleason, he wondered if the man still had an imagination that was unencumbered by reality. His question was answered in the affirmative that evening. After insisting they talk inside his homemade, electronically shielded room so no one could listen to their thoughts—no tinfoil hat was good enough for Robert—he confided that he’d stumbled onto two KGB-era Russian spies intent on destroying the United States. And he wanted Jesse’s help to stop them. Jesse was certain, of course, that it was just a hoax, but he played along. It didn’t prove to be one of his better decisions, however, as the next thing he knew, he was being detained by the FBI under suspicion that he was a double agent. And where was Robert Gleason, the man who had started this whole fiasco, the unemployed eccentric who lived in his grandmother’s basement in a retirement community while he was learning to talk to self-aware computers? He was nowhere to be found. Knowing he was out of his league to investigate a missing persons case, Jesse hired private investigator Rebecca Marte, hoping she could unravel a case that one minute looked like a spy spoof and the next, a terrorist plot that would plunge the United States into financial pandemonium.
203 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 25, 2024
2 people are currently reading
1061 people want to read
About the author
Bruce M. Perrin
14 books127 followersBruce Perrin has been writing for more than 20 years, although you will find most of that work only in professional technical journals or conference proceedings. But, after completing a PhD in Industrial Psychology and a career in psychological R&D, he is now applying his background and fascination with technology and the human mind to writing novels. Besides writing, Bruce likes to tinker with home automation and is an avid hiker, logging nearly 2,500 miles each year in the first two years of Fitbit ownership. When he is not on the trails, he lives with his wife in St. Louis, MO. For a closer look at his writing life, book reviews, and progress on his upcoming works, please join him at www.brucemperrin.blogspot.com.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
April 7, 2024
This was an interesting read. It's split into two parts. The first part involves Jesse bumping into an old schoolmate who informs him of a seemingly improbable tale of Russian spies and his involvement with them. The spies are apprehended but the schoolmate, Robert, has disappeared and suddenly Jesse finds himself accused of being a double agent. The second part involves Jesse hiring a private investigator to track down Robert.
This is a short but fast-paced read. I was a bit stunned reading it initially with the improbability of things but it was quite humourous. Things became more serious with the allegations aimed at Jesse being a double agent and I really liked the attempts to track down the elusive Robert. The twists at the end totally threw me. Overall, a quite enjoyable read.
This is a short but fast-paced read. I was a bit stunned reading it initially with the improbability of things but it was quite humourous. Things became more serious with the allegations aimed at Jesse being a double agent and I really liked the attempts to track down the elusive Robert. The twists at the end totally threw me. Overall, a quite enjoyable read.
April 26, 2024
Jesse is considering changing jobs since his girlfriend left as he’s always away working… In two parts we see Jesse meet an old schoolmate who tells him of stumbling upon two agents spying for the Russians and takes him to his proofed home to speak without detection… speaking of bringing United States to collapse. Jesse fancies that Robert is the same fantasyland man as boy. He plays along even though he’s positive he must be a hoax, however when Robert goes missing the FBI brings Jesse in on suspicion of being a double agent… intrigue and suspense . An entertaining read . I read an advance of the book and leave a voluntary review.
May 12, 2024
Spies
This was a very interesting read. I enjoyed reading about Jesse. His friend Robert and grandmother. It was nice to see how everything transpired. The ending was unexpected.
This was a very interesting read. I enjoyed reading about Jesse. His friend Robert and grandmother. It was nice to see how everything transpired. The ending was unexpected.
April 6, 2024
Review of eBook
When Jesse Bolger’s girlfriend, Loren, packs up and leaves their Denver, Colorado home because Jesse's work takes him away far too much, Jesse idly wondered if perhaps he ought to change jobs. His boss at Ruger-Phillips West, Miles Sennett, commiserated with his loss, and offered Jesse some vacation time, but Jesse insists he’d rather be busy with his procurement work.
But a chance encounter with Robert Gleason, an eccentric acquaintance from high school [some ten years earlier] throws Jesse into the midst of a caper involving two Russian agents intent on destroying the United States. It isn’t long before the FBI is involved, convinced that Jesse is a double agent.
When Robert Gleason vanishes, Jesse knows that he does not have the skill to track him down. So, despite the unexpected actions of the FBI, he hires private investigator Rebecca Marte.
Does Gleason’s disappearance have anything to do with the Russian agents? And will Rebecca be successful in finding him?
=========
Seventh in the author’s Mind Sleuth series, this stand-alone book is a complete story. With well-developed characters and a twisty plot, the narrative is both complex and intriguing.
Told mostly from Jesse’s point of view, this tale is filled with secrets, spies, and terrorists, leaving readers to speculate as to whether there is truly a threat against the United States or if Robert Gleason is, for some unknown reason, spoofing Jesse. Readers must ferret out the truth as the unfolding tale spins a web of schemes and deception.
The inventive plot keeps readers guessing as the surprising revelations change things in unexpected ways as the story heads toward a satisfying denouement readers simply won’t see coming.
Highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this book from Booksprouts and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
When Jesse Bolger’s girlfriend, Loren, packs up and leaves their Denver, Colorado home because Jesse's work takes him away far too much, Jesse idly wondered if perhaps he ought to change jobs. His boss at Ruger-Phillips West, Miles Sennett, commiserated with his loss, and offered Jesse some vacation time, but Jesse insists he’d rather be busy with his procurement work.
But a chance encounter with Robert Gleason, an eccentric acquaintance from high school [some ten years earlier] throws Jesse into the midst of a caper involving two Russian agents intent on destroying the United States. It isn’t long before the FBI is involved, convinced that Jesse is a double agent.
When Robert Gleason vanishes, Jesse knows that he does not have the skill to track him down. So, despite the unexpected actions of the FBI, he hires private investigator Rebecca Marte.
Does Gleason’s disappearance have anything to do with the Russian agents? And will Rebecca be successful in finding him?
=========
Seventh in the author’s Mind Sleuth series, this stand-alone book is a complete story. With well-developed characters and a twisty plot, the narrative is both complex and intriguing.
Told mostly from Jesse’s point of view, this tale is filled with secrets, spies, and terrorists, leaving readers to speculate as to whether there is truly a threat against the United States or if Robert Gleason is, for some unknown reason, spoofing Jesse. Readers must ferret out the truth as the unfolding tale spins a web of schemes and deception.
The inventive plot keeps readers guessing as the surprising revelations change things in unexpected ways as the story heads toward a satisfying denouement readers simply won’t see coming.
Highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this book from Booksprouts and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 25, 2024
I’m a fan of Bruce Perrin’s stories and enjoyed this departure from his trademark psychological sci-fi thrillers to a romping, twisty tongue-in-cheek spy story. This is a plot that I thought I had figured out early on. I was partly right, but mostly the events spun in a completely different direction. The author brings in a familiar character from prior books, private investigator Rebecca Marte, to help the protagonist, Jessie, make sense of events. But mostly these are fresh characters and a very fresh story.
It is impossible to write a thorough review without spoiling the intricate plot. Suffice to say that things are not always what they seem to be (which readers will figure out pretty quickly) and there are plenty of twists and surprises. And look out for Charlie, the incredible farting dog.
As always, Mr. Perrin’s prose is clean and well-edited. There is plenty of exposition from the characters, but it is neatly woven into the story. The device of using the PI to help uncover facts, including a lot of speculation about what the facts could be, both works and causes the story to drag a bit after the action-packed beginning. The explanation in the end requires close attention to follow properly, and still may leave you puzzled about what really happened and why. But it’s a mystery that’s worth figuring. The Mind of a Spy is a quick read and one you won’t want to put down.
It is impossible to write a thorough review without spoiling the intricate plot. Suffice to say that things are not always what they seem to be (which readers will figure out pretty quickly) and there are plenty of twists and surprises. And look out for Charlie, the incredible farting dog.
As always, Mr. Perrin’s prose is clean and well-edited. There is plenty of exposition from the characters, but it is neatly woven into the story. The device of using the PI to help uncover facts, including a lot of speculation about what the facts could be, both works and causes the story to drag a bit after the action-packed beginning. The explanation in the end requires close attention to follow properly, and still may leave you puzzled about what really happened and why. But it’s a mystery that’s worth figuring. The Mind of a Spy is a quick read and one you won’t want to put down.
July 17, 2024
Tough review to do as I think anyone who writes a novel deserves kudos for going the distance to put it together in the first place. I almost never abandon a book without finishing but I seriously considered not finishing this after slogging through the first half.
Early on, it seemed like it might have been meant for younger readers but then there was an aside about a off color boys locker room nickname that didn't seem like that could be the case. Then it seemed the protagonist's high school acquaintance might have a severe mental disorder and the chaos wording may have been intentional. That was about halfway through when I decided to look other reviews and noted the average was 4+. There were comments about a great twist so I soldiered on.
The second half of the book did seem to be better with the addition of the PI character, but then again toward the end things skewed more toward how the beginning felt to read. I think the author had some good ideas and plot points, and in reading his bio, is likely highly knowledgeable in some of the areas of the book, but had difficulty in translating those skills into a novel.
Thank you to Goodreads as I won a digital copy of this book in a giveaway.
Early on, it seemed like it might have been meant for younger readers but then there was an aside about a off color boys locker room nickname that didn't seem like that could be the case. Then it seemed the protagonist's high school acquaintance might have a severe mental disorder and the chaos wording may have been intentional. That was about halfway through when I decided to look other reviews and noted the average was 4+. There were comments about a great twist so I soldiered on.
The second half of the book did seem to be better with the addition of the PI character, but then again toward the end things skewed more toward how the beginning felt to read. I think the author had some good ideas and plot points, and in reading his bio, is likely highly knowledgeable in some of the areas of the book, but had difficulty in translating those skills into a novel.
Thank you to Goodreads as I won a digital copy of this book in a giveaway.
April 26, 2024
Received the book for a voluntary ARC review.
Jesse Bolger travels around the world as an IT procurement specialist, always away from home. Because of this, Loren, his girlfriend, moves out.
Jesse then runs into a high school classmate, Robert Gleason, who acts like a spy. Robert passes Jesse a note that sends them on a chase for two Russian spies. The spies are captured, but there is no Robert.
Jesse is held by the FBI as a traitor, since he is the only one with connections to the captured spies. Jesse is freed by someone high in the chain of command.
Jesse decides to hire Rebecca Marte, PI, to find Robert and Olivia Majoris, his grandmother. Through hard work, Rebecca finds Robert and Olivia. However, Rebecca also finds Jesse with them.
The story takes a major plot twist that is totally unexpected.
The book is full of twists and turns, which makes for an entertaining, enjoyable read.
Jesse Bolger travels around the world as an IT procurement specialist, always away from home. Because of this, Loren, his girlfriend, moves out.
Jesse then runs into a high school classmate, Robert Gleason, who acts like a spy. Robert passes Jesse a note that sends them on a chase for two Russian spies. The spies are captured, but there is no Robert.
Jesse is held by the FBI as a traitor, since he is the only one with connections to the captured spies. Jesse is freed by someone high in the chain of command.
Jesse decides to hire Rebecca Marte, PI, to find Robert and Olivia Majoris, his grandmother. Through hard work, Rebecca finds Robert and Olivia. However, Rebecca also finds Jesse with them.
The story takes a major plot twist that is totally unexpected.
The book is full of twists and turns, which makes for an entertaining, enjoyable read.
May 12, 2024
What can you say that will really make your point when you're so gobsmacked when the array of vibrant, colorful and quirky characters are so engaging yet remember to remind you that this is a mystery so there's a schemer hidden somewhere causing trouble and even though it's the characters that first capter your attention it's the plot so full of humor, intrigue, betrayal, red herrings and more betrayal, more humor that's keeping you turning exciting page after thrilling page from start to finish with out notice of time moving forward then pow you've reached its unexpected and climatic conclusion and then there's another unexpected side ending .How dose one say all that and there's still more. Acquire " In the Mind of a Spy " today for hours of intriguing and enjoyable entertainment in the seventh mystery of (The Mind Sleuth Series) Kat.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 1, 2024
When Jesse Bolger encounters his former classmate,Robert Gleason, Jesse is unsure how to react. When he ultimately decides to meet with Robert, a series of events begins that will change their lives forever. It seems Robert is convinced that Jesse is a spy and he needs his help to prevent a couple of Russians from hatching a plot against the United States. This story is full of twists. Just who is a spy and who might be suffering from some mental illness changes frequently and there are some very funny scenes involving a chase and a strange selection of running attire. Most questions are answered and the ending is very satisfying. I enjoyed this unique book and would recommend it to anyone who is searching for a fast-paced, quick read that will entertain and even make you laugh at times. If you’re looking for a rainy weekend read, try this one.
April 28, 2024
Jesse Bolger runs into Robert Gleason who was an old friend from his high school days, Robert Gleason. Who had imagination that was hard to tell from the truth. It sound as if Robert had not changed. Robert tells Jesse that he’d stumbled onto two KGB-era Russian spies intent on destroying the United States. Robert askes Jesse for help to stop them, believing it is a hoax, but he played along. But he is detained by the FBI under suspicion that he was a double agent. Robert is nowhere to be found. So Jesse hires private investigator Rebecca Marte, soon a missing persons case turns into a terrorist plot that would plunge the United States into financial pandemonium.
May 4, 2024
In the Mind of a Spy (The Mind Sleuth, #1)
By Bruce M. Perrin
Interesting fictional story! The story held my interest from beginning to end. When I was 95% through, my Kindle Device ran low in battery power. I was frustrated with the low battery but determined to finish this interesting story. My recharger had a short cord and I needed to stand over my dresser to continue reading the story. It was worth it.
A story of proving the innocence of one character and the guilt of others. You'll read of Russian spies and a Drug Cartel in Colombia.
I'm rating this work five stars!
By Bruce M. Perrin
Interesting fictional story! The story held my interest from beginning to end. When I was 95% through, my Kindle Device ran low in battery power. I was frustrated with the low battery but determined to finish this interesting story. My recharger had a short cord and I needed to stand over my dresser to continue reading the story. It was worth it.
A story of proving the innocence of one character and the guilt of others. You'll read of Russian spies and a Drug Cartel in Colombia.
I'm rating this work five stars!
May 16, 2024
There are so many twists in this book that by the end, you are still confused what happened.
This makes the book even more exciting to read.
Who are these people and why are they creating an environment that incorporates the Russians and drug trafficing?
All this is answered by the end of the story.
Stay tuned for more!!!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This makes the book even more exciting to read.
Who are these people and why are they creating an environment that incorporates the Russians and drug trafficing?
All this is answered by the end of the story.
Stay tuned for more!!!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 13, 2024
Enjoyable mystery
The author draws you into a bit of mystery following an encounter with an old acquaintance. It's split into two with the first half covering the descriptive reengagement with Gleason. The second half which I won't spoil has a number of twists which enhance the mystery. Recommended read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The author draws you into a bit of mystery following an encounter with an old acquaintance. It's split into two with the first half covering the descriptive reengagement with Gleason. The second half which I won't spoil has a number of twists which enhance the mystery. Recommended read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 15, 2024
#GoodreadsGiveaway
I was torn on what to rate this. I think the series has a lot of potential, but I wasn't thrilled about this first one. Things moved very quickly and made seemingly no sense until a very long monologue at the end that wrapped it all up. I don't think I will continue the series unless they're given to me in another giveaway.
I was torn on what to rate this. I think the series has a lot of potential, but I wasn't thrilled about this first one. Things moved very quickly and made seemingly no sense until a very long monologue at the end that wrapped it all up. I don't think I will continue the series unless they're given to me in another giveaway.
May 14, 2024
Set aside a day for this twisty contemporary spy spoof procedural thriller satire with some chortles that takes place mainly in Denver, Colorado.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 10, 2024
This book was definitely an interesting read. It kept me on my toes till the end. It was very interesting to read about Jesse’s life. I would absolutely recommend this book to anyone who like this genre!
September 22, 2024
I had received this book from the Author (Bruce Perrin) and Booksprout in return for an honest review.
This was a different read and is split into two parts: the first part details how an almost non-intrusive character, Jesse Bolger, runs into a former schoolmate from high school in a chance encounter in Denver Colorado.
When Jesse Bolger runs into an old acquaintance from his high school days, throws Jesse into the midst of a caper involving two Russian agents intent on destroying the United States. It isn’t long before the FBI is involved, convinced that Jesse is a double agent.
When Robert Gleason vanishes, Jesse knows that he does not have the skill to track him down. So, despite the unexpected actions of the FBI, he hires private investigator Rebecca Marte.
Bolger hopes that she could unravel a case that one minute looked like a spy spoof and the next, a terrorist plot that would plunge the United States into financial pandemonium.
Told mostly from Jesse’s point of view, this tale is filled with secrets, spies, and terrorists, leaving readers to speculate as to whether there is truly a threat against the United States or if Robert Gleason is, for some unknown reason, spoofing Jesse.
I am told that this story is a stand-alone (I might have enjoyed the story a little more if I knew that the main character was supposed to be an intelligence agent as opposed to thinking that this was just a civilian dealing with the paranoid fantasies of a former schoolmate). As I hadn't read any of the backstories of the characters, I found the first part to be mildly entertaining and then it appeared to be a bit rushed as you get halfway through the book and discover that he is a CIA agent working domestically.
Without knowing the backstories (did not realize that this was the seventh book in a series), I would feel safe in giving this story three stars as I found that parts were entertaining and others seemed rushed.
As with all my literary ramblings, this is my five cents worth.
This was a different read and is split into two parts: the first part details how an almost non-intrusive character, Jesse Bolger, runs into a former schoolmate from high school in a chance encounter in Denver Colorado.
When Jesse Bolger runs into an old acquaintance from his high school days, throws Jesse into the midst of a caper involving two Russian agents intent on destroying the United States. It isn’t long before the FBI is involved, convinced that Jesse is a double agent.
When Robert Gleason vanishes, Jesse knows that he does not have the skill to track him down. So, despite the unexpected actions of the FBI, he hires private investigator Rebecca Marte.
Bolger hopes that she could unravel a case that one minute looked like a spy spoof and the next, a terrorist plot that would plunge the United States into financial pandemonium.
Told mostly from Jesse’s point of view, this tale is filled with secrets, spies, and terrorists, leaving readers to speculate as to whether there is truly a threat against the United States or if Robert Gleason is, for some unknown reason, spoofing Jesse.
I am told that this story is a stand-alone (I might have enjoyed the story a little more if I knew that the main character was supposed to be an intelligence agent as opposed to thinking that this was just a civilian dealing with the paranoid fantasies of a former schoolmate). As I hadn't read any of the backstories of the characters, I found the first part to be mildly entertaining and then it appeared to be a bit rushed as you get halfway through the book and discover that he is a CIA agent working domestically.
Without knowing the backstories (did not realize that this was the seventh book in a series), I would feel safe in giving this story three stars as I found that parts were entertaining and others seemed rushed.
As with all my literary ramblings, this is my five cents worth.
July 29, 2024
An interesting story. A great beginning to a new series. Ray meets up with an old acquaintance but realizes he’s extremely strange. Is what he’s talking about real, or made up. Fast paced, not to be missed.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews