Influence

by Chris Parker

Influence kills...Influence is the greatest force on earth. Influence equals power, the power to affect people and events. The most powerful people alive have the greatest influence. And they can use it for good or bad. Marcus Kline is the world's leading authority on communication and influence. He can tell what you are thinking. He can see inside you. He can step inside your mind. Yet when a series of murder victims bear the horrific hallmarks of an intelligent and remorseless serial killer, Detective Inspector Peter Jones turns to Marcus for help - and everything changes. As the killer sets a deadly pace, the invisible, irresistible and terrifying power of influence threatens friendships, reputations, and lives. When events appear to implicate the great Marcus Kline himself, everyone learns that the worst pain isn't physical...

Genres: Thriller, Mystery, Fiction, Psychological Thriller, Ebooks

360 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2014

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads database.

Chris Parker is a specialist in Communication and Influence. His fascination with the power of words and how they can be used to create intrapersonal and interpersonal change began in 1976. It became a lifelong study that has underpinned almost four decades of work in a variety of professional roles and contexts.

A Licensed Master Practitioner of Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP), Chris is a highly experienced management trainer, business consultant, lecturer and writer. He has provided Communication Skills and Influencing Performance training for a wide range of clients including blue-chip organisations, politicians, actors, sportsmen and women, LEAs, public and private leisure providers and healthcare professionals. He has taught on undergraduate and postgraduate programmes throughout the UK and Europe, and worked with many individuals to help create personal and/or professional change.

Chris is also an experienced martial artist. He began training in 1973 and is widely regarded as a leading practitioner and teacher of Pencak Silat, a Malaysian martial art. His particular interest is in the application of martial principles to improve corporate performance and enhance personal wellbeing.

Reviews

[Claire Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review: Influence by Chris Parker Publication date: 1st March 2014
 
Publisher: Urbane Publications
 
ISBN: 9781909273061
 
Source: Publisher
 
Rating: 5/5
 
Synopsis:
Marcus Kline is the world's leading authority on communication and influence. He can tell you what you are thinking. He can see inside you. He can step inside your mind. Yet when a series of murder victims bear the horrific hallmarks of an intelligent and remorseless serial killer, Detective Peter Jones turns to Marcus for help - and everything changes. As the killer sets a deadly pace, the invisible, irresistible and terrifying power of influence threatens friendships, reputations, and lives. When events appear to implicate the great Marcus Kline himself, everyone learns that the worst pain isn't physical...
 
Review:
Wow! This book is mesmerising, terrifying and engrossing - the carefully crafted characters are rich and multi-layered and this makes them utterly fascinating. The distinctly different sides of their personalities are revealed with shocking clarity as this rollercoaster of a read hurtles towards its conclusion, leaving the reader no option but to cling on for dear life, before being flung out like a piece of emotional rubbish as the ride ends. 
It's perfectly clear that the author has knowledge of interpersonal and intrapersonal communication in abundance. The great attention to detail leaves you in no doubt that these types of communication are supremely powerful, for better or for worse. 
In so looking forward to Believe, the second of Parker's Marcus Kline trilogy.
 
*I received a free copy of this novel from the publisher, in return for an honest review*
 

[T · Rating 2 out of 5]

Couldn't finish, I tried. Got to 27% and it was still dragging. Interesting left-brain right-brain concept but the authors pontificating writing style disengaged me every time I picked it up.

[Miriam Smith (A Mother’s Musings)]

Chris Parker is obviously a very talented and intelligent author, however, I just couldn't get into this book at all. Too much pyscho babble interfered with the story in my opinion and I found it hard to understand and concentrate on.
I have already bought the second in the series 'Belief' through the monthly Urbane Book Club and I will give it a go still, but unfortunately "Influence" just wasn't for me.

[Danni · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always hold my breathe with debut novels, hoping they meet my expectations. No problem with Influence. Very well structured, excellent writing and I love the idea behind the book of control. I hope this series goes from strength to strength.

[Peter Skurr · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started this book without knowing anything about it but its title, which I think was a good thing. I entered with no expectations. The book varied between interesting and gripping (but only after two thirds of the way through). Still I would recommend it, and would put on a shelf of, 'to be read again some day'. Reasonably quick and easy to read.

[crimethrillerhound.co.uk · Rating 4 out of 5]

From the pen of a renowned communications expert comes a serial killer story set in Nottingham. The murders are gruesome - one scene’s description is particularly chilling – with the victims scalped. The detective, Peter Jones, is a strong, and in some ways a typical, lead investigator but it’s his friend, Marcus Kline, that’s the star of the book. An expert in influencing people, he displays many of the traits that make mentalists so fascinating. He reads people, Derren Brown by way of Sherlock Holmes, and can influence how they think and act. Human interaction is a big part of the book. Relationships between lovers, colleagues, friends and rivals are explored alongside a whodunit that keeps you guessing. Some of the support cast – particularly the woman - are well drawn and there’s plenty to suggest that this will make a good trilogy.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm really pleased I am the first person to leave a review for Influence on Goodreads and hope it sets the trend going forward. I could actually sum the book up in just one word - excellent! I thought the idea of Influence and the way Chris Parker builds it into the fabric of the story was very original. His characters are very well developed, his plot was intricate but not overly complex and he has a very easy style of writing that is quick to get into. I hope this is the start of a new series!

[Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you approach this as more of a sci-fi book, then it is a good read. I found the premise of Influence particularly interesting; it sets out that it is possible to tap into the subconscious and use it to control the actions of those around you. The author's knowledge of the field is soon apparent and is used skillfully to make a story that might seem far-fetched appear vaguely plausible.
Influence is a great page-turner. I'm looking forward to more from Chris Parker.

[Simon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another well written and intelligent novel that I had the pleasure of reading this week. The concept behind Influence is actually quite chilling, the thought that we could, even are , manipulated so easily. Brilliantly written I can see this is going to be a very popular series.

[ReadsSometimes · Rating 5 out of 5]

An exceptional, intriguing and very unique crime novel. Uplifting, but very dark. It had me hooked until the last page. Brilliant!!

[Riddhi · Rating 5 out of 5]

A totally edge-of-the-seat thriller! Amazingly written.

[Patricia Burke-Grubbs · Rating 5 out of 5]

A page turner. A thriller with fingers pointing to one killer......hmmmmm!

[Tara · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don't get the high ratings, couldn't get into this book.

[Jane Willis · Rating 2 out of 5]

When I read a murder story I expect bodies early on in the book, not a quarter of the way through. Wasn’t really sure whether I was reading a novel, a psychology text book or a lecture on the history and culture of Nottingham. Dnf at 25%

[Jan Funnell · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found the idea behind this book horrendous in that a complete stranger can control someone's actions and thoughts to such a degree. I also had to force myself to finish the book as large parts of it read like a textbook to me and only small parts read as a very good suspense thriller. I'm not sure whether I will try another book by this author. Let's wait and see.

[Connie Zinsmeister · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastically creepy and fascinating.

Are there people who can knowingly influence anyone with intent? This tale shows how it could be. What if you were some one who could smell colors and see thoughts? Where could you go with that? Maybe somewhere you should NOT go.

[Lizzy Baldwin · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you’re looking for a book that will twist your brains you will love this book. It’s a mind numbing book of mystery, a little of the unexplained, and subtle but incredibly fascinating skills. The book revolves around the idea that there are a few people among us who are born or learn to read body language, facial expressions and other functions of the human body to an almost perfect level of sophistication. It is the subtlest of movements that can be picked up, yet the addressee has no idea that they are being read so closely.

I must admit the idea of being able to read someone so easily just by picking up their movement both scared me and interested me. I must admit the detail that the book goes into about this is at times a little overwhelming but the chapters are kept short to allow the reader to breathe and to take in the information easily. The book follows Marcus Kline who has developed this skill to almost perfection. However, when a series of gory murders start to surface it becomes obvious that Kline more to do with it than is being let on. Is he the killer or is a more subtle connection. Can they find the killer before it is too late? You’ll have to read to find out!

I really enjoyed this book; the characters were well built up and although it focused a lot on Peter and Marcus the smaller characters really stood up for themselves as minor characters helping to create contrast and a minor plot lines that weaved between the serial killer plot. I liked how current and modern the book felt especially in the writing style the writer uses; it doesn’t bog down in the description too much meaning the pace is quick which drives the suspense through the roof.

I like the playing with relationships and the perceptions we have with other people; it was a little frightening and unnerving but the concept was solid. Additionally I like the way I had no idea who the killer was until it was revealed and even then I was thinking who! It was quite refreshing because sometimes we are pulled in to thinking so many different characters are the killer that we are unable to pin down our own thoughts whilst here I has no idea which meant I HAD to keep reading!

My only big problem was that I detested Marcus Kline; I found him incredibly detestable that it made the book a little unreadable. It’s only my point of view but he seemed like a slightly more annoying version of Robert Downey Jr in the very popular Sherlock Holmes films. The problem is he’s a main character and that made me find the book a little hard to read. He is ultimately uninterested and arrogant which I found slightly tiresome. I have to add the Marcus Kline does have a lot of different characteristics and he is the main part of the story but for me I wish he were a little more understanding but I understand the reasoning behind it.

Overall I really liked this book because it was so different and the concept was something I had never read before. It was strongly written with a good premise and a real understanding of pace and character build up. Marcus Kline might not be likeable but he sure is intriguing; roll on book two!

*I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review*

[Mary Rowe · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cerebral, Esoteric Psychological Thriller

Deftly written by a neurolinguistic professional, the idea is slightly horrifying that an absolute stranger can suss out another person's subconscious and unconscious, exerting unexpected and unwelcome control over that target.

[Ray · Rating 1 out of 5]

Boring BS and a waste of $0.99. He thought this because of that. I thought that because of this. Was it his left brain or my right brain? Blah, blah, blah, blah. I was influenced alright. Influenced to quickly delete it from my Kindle.

[myrna michon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have to rate this book

I just realized how much I depend on people's ratings when I chose a book. And I never have rated any book I have read. This book changes that!
Read this book. You will finish it. It will not change your life, but it will entertain you .

[Carrie Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clever, dark, insightful. Solid writing with interesting characters/motivations and a totally unique storyline. I found the subject matter fascinating in and of itself, and enjoyed the slow build that grew ever-more intriguing and compelling as the story unfolded. Excited to see where the second book goes…

[Book Monitor · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher, for an honest review and to be honest I am not really sure what I thought of this book, and that isn't like me at all. I felt that the first third or so was quite slow and a bit preachy, in the way of a self-help guru being too passionate about the right way to live/overcome, whatever! I also felt that it was quite intense.

As the story unfolds and the crimes increase so does the narrative change, drawing you in to want to find out the who and the why.

The lead male characters are both good at what they do, indeed they excel in their field, and like many in real life have an arrogance and self-assuredness that grates a bit. However this is where their partners and colleagues come in, bringing balance and light and shade, humanising them perhaps. Things happen, Relationships are strained and questioned, external factors impact on the people portrayed, but this is not a whodunnit in the traditional style of things, although it does have the feel, if not the pace of a psychological thriller. The story is only partly about the crimes and the resolution, it is perhaps not surprising, given the title, also about self-awareness, insight into human behaviours and of course about influence: particularly the influence some people have over others and that some allow others to have over them (consciously or not). It is also about relationships and connections. It is the first part of a trilogy and some threads are left hanging at the end of this book, although not in a cliffhanger way, but clearly there is more story to tell. I plan to read the next book.

[Sara · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

I was a little disappointed with this book, but I still found it worth reading. There were some gems that I liked, like “if you keep wearing your heart on your sleeve, it will come off in the wash” (I doubt he created this quote but he did introduce me to it) and the Limbo Philosphy “under pressure I’ll bend as much as I need to and come straight back up again” (no idea if this was already a concept, but I like it). There’s also some great descriptions of how it feels going through trauma, medical or otherwise.

As for things I didn’t like, Marcus has a MASSIVE ego and it could be difficult listening to his crap.




**SPOILER**
Also, having all the buildup about the killer to find out he was a character we hadn’t yet been introduced to was a let down (unless I just don’t remember him being mentioned?). I think having it be Nic would’ve been a lot more shocking.
**/spoiler**



I’m not sure if I’d continue the series. I didn’t hate it, but I’m def not chomping at the bit too read the next one.

[D.P. Hardy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Having read ‘Monk’ and found it to be a great read with only minimal recorded errors, I decided to purchase Chris Parker’s trilogy, ‘Influence’, ‘Belief’ and ‘Faith’. Unfortunately, this first book began as a bit of a disappointment, not only from the point of view of storytelling but also because the proofreading and editing of this Kindle version left much to be desired. The errors (extra words, missed words, words repeated – sometimes two at a time!) could possibly be with the person who transposed the work from paper to E-book but, wherever the responsibility lies, it was a great distraction. Having said that, if you can get over the mistakes and persevere with the first few chapters, it really does get better.

[Cache Me If You Can · Rating 2 out of 5]

There is probably a great story in here somewhere but I just couldn't find it. Got to the second part and decided to DNF. Like others have said, the amount of psycho analysis babble and pompous writing style (although, I think, intentional, due to the protagonist) was just a massive turn off and felt like such a chore. Felt more like a complicated, deep dive, non fiction text book rather than a leisurely fictional story to relax with.

[Rhonda A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A nightmarish page turner

This was a very interesting read, and I read it very quickly. I needed to know what was going to happen. It’s written in a way that a sequel could very well exist. It came to a decent end, but there are a few unexplained details that could be explored further.

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really nice change from the usual

Really liked it. A very different sort of story than I'd been expecting. Not the normal thriller but lots of interesting insights into interpersonal relations. Well paced and consistently engaging.

[Booklover BEV · Rating 4 out of 5]

this is the first in the marcus kline book and i must say i loved it after a series of murders detective inspector peter jones asks marcus for help that changes everything. a gripping story that will keep you up late reading a physical story that will keep you on the edge of your seat

[Andreea Pausan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quite surprising, interesting read, with a lot of information pertinent to the world today on manipulation, hypnosis, therapy. I did not guess who the bad guy was, which is a plus for me when reading a book.

[Peter · Rating 2 out of 5]

Psychobabble rubbish

A book in which nothing happens apart from the occasional pointless murder while the author tries to prove to us how clever he is. Apparently this guy is real life expert in something ( I suspect BS)