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Mean Streak: Preview
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From #1 New York Times best-selling author Sandra Brown comes a heart-pounding story of survival, that takes the age-old question, "Does the end justify the means" and turns it on its head.
Dr. Emory Charbonneau, a pediatrician and marathon runner, disappears on a mountain road in North Carolina. By the time her husband Jeff, miffed over a recent argument, reports her missing, the trail has grown cold. Literally. Fog and ice encapsulate the mountainous wilderness and paralyze the search for her.
While police suspect Jeff of "instant divorce," Emory, suffering from an unexplained head injury, regains consciousness and finds herself the captive of a man whose violent past is so dark that he won't even tell her his name. She's determined to escape him, and willing to take any risks necessary to survive.
Unexpectedly, however, the two have a dangerous encounter with people who adhere to a code of justice all their own. At the center of the dispute is a desperate young woman whom Emory can't turn her back on, even if it means breaking the law. Wrong becomes right at the hands of the man who strikes fear, but also sparks passion.
As her husband's deception is revealed, and the FBI closes in on her captor, Emory begins to wonder if the man with no name is, in fact, her rescuer from those who wish her dead - and from heartbreak.
Combining the nail-biting suspense and potent storytelling that has made Sandra Brown one of the world's best loved authors, MEAN STREAK is a wildly compelling novel about love, deceit, and choices we must make in order to survive.
From #1 New York Times best-selling author Sandra Brown comes a heart-pounding story of survival, that takes the age-old question, "Does the end justify the means" and turns it on its head.
Dr. Emory Charbonneau, a pediatrician and marathon runner, disappears on a mountain road in North Carolina. By the time her husband Jeff, miffed over a recent argument, reports her missing, the trail has grown cold. Literally. Fog and ice encapsulate the mountainous wilderness and paralyze the search for her.
While police suspect Jeff of "instant divorce," Emory, suffering from an unexplained head injury, regains consciousness and finds herself the captive of a man whose violent past is so dark that he won't even tell her his name. She's determined to escape him, and willing to take any risks necessary to survive.
Unexpectedly, however, the two have a dangerous encounter with people who adhere to a code of justice all their own. At the center of the dispute is a desperate young woman whom Emory can't turn her back on, even if it means breaking the law. Wrong becomes right at the hands of the man who strikes fear, but also sparks passion.
As her husband's deception is revealed, and the FBI closes in on her captor, Emory begins to wonder if the man with no name is, in fact, her rescuer from those who wish her dead - and from heartbreak.
Combining the nail-biting suspense and potent storytelling that has made Sandra Brown one of the world's best loved authors, MEAN STREAK is a wildly compelling novel about love, deceit, and choices we must make in order to survive.
416 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 1, 2014
About the author
Sandra Brown
406 books19.9k followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
Sandra Brown is the author of more than sixty New York Times bestsellers, including STING (2016), FRICTION (2015), MEAN STREAK (2014), DEADLINE(2013), & LOW PRESSURE (2012), LETHAL (2011).
Brown began her writing career in 1981 and since then has published over seventy novels, bringing the number of copies of her books in print worldwide to upwards of eighty million. Her work has been translated into over thirty languages.
In 2009 Brown detoured from romantic suspense to write, Rainwater, a much acclaimed, powerfully moving historical fiction story about honor and sacrifice during the Great Depression.
Brown was given an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from Texas Christian University. She was named Thriller Master for 2008, the top award given by the International Thriller Writer’s Association. Other awards and commendations include the 2007 Texas Medal of Arts Award for Literature and the Romance Writers of America’s Lifetime Achievement Award.
Sandra Brown is the author of more than sixty New York Times bestsellers, including STING (2016), FRICTION (2015), MEAN STREAK (2014), DEADLINE(2013), & LOW PRESSURE (2012), LETHAL (2011).
Brown began her writing career in 1981 and since then has published over seventy novels, bringing the number of copies of her books in print worldwide to upwards of eighty million. Her work has been translated into over thirty languages.
In 2009 Brown detoured from romantic suspense to write, Rainwater, a much acclaimed, powerfully moving historical fiction story about honor and sacrifice during the Great Depression.
Brown was given an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from Texas Christian University. She was named Thriller Master for 2008, the top award given by the International Thriller Writer’s Association. Other awards and commendations include the 2007 Texas Medal of Arts Award for Literature and the Romance Writers of America’s Lifetime Achievement Award.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
October 13, 2014
Twists & turns the whole way through!
August 15, 2015
Interesting, believable characters, plot that kept me guessing, can't ask for much more than that. I could have done without the obligatory sex scenes, but it was a good read.
February 18, 2026
LOVED this read. Well written - the author has a wonderful vocabulary (as opposed to some writers who only THINK they do). Twists and turns kept the pages flipping. 100% recommend.
September 8, 2022
Very harlequin romance type book, which isn’t my cup of tea, but it also had lots of twist, which is my cup of tea. I couldn’t put it down and thought I had it figured, but no.
July 6, 2019
What's great about Sandra Brown's writing is the way she keeps the story interesting and moving. Her books are like reading a movie. They move fast. This is a good book. Not a lot of fluff, just action.
I recommend Sandra Brown as the perfect traveling story teller. Take one of her books, and this one is a good one, on your next trip.
I recommend Sandra Brown as the perfect traveling story teller. Take one of her books, and this one is a good one, on your next trip.
January 8, 2015
Sandra Brown is an old favorite of mine. This is not one of her best novels in my opinion, but still good. It had a twist at the end that I absolutely did not see coming... Which is nice!
May 18, 2018
Sandra Brown is a great suspense writer.
January 25, 2020
Dr. Emory Charbonneau, a pediatrician and marathon runner, disappears on a mountain road in North Carolina. By the time her husband Jeff, miffed over a recent argument, reports her missing, the trail has grown cold. Literally. Fog and ice encapsulate the mountainous wilderness and paralyze the search for her.
While police suspect Jeff of "instant divorce," Emory, suffering from an unexplained head injury, regains consciousness and finds herself the captive of a man whose violent past is so dark that he won't even tell her his name. She's determined to escape him, and willing to take any risks necessary to survive.
Unexpectedly, however, the two have a dangerous encounter with people who adhere to a code of justice all their own. At the center of the dispute is a desperate young woman whom Emory can't turn her back on, even if it means breaking the law. Wrong becomes right at the hands of the man who strikes fear, but also sparks passion.
As her husband's deception is revealed, and the FBI closes in on her captor, Emory begins to wonder if the man with no name is, in fact, her rescuer from those who wish her dead - and from heartbreak.
While police suspect Jeff of "instant divorce," Emory, suffering from an unexplained head injury, regains consciousness and finds herself the captive of a man whose violent past is so dark that he won't even tell her his name. She's determined to escape him, and willing to take any risks necessary to survive.
Unexpectedly, however, the two have a dangerous encounter with people who adhere to a code of justice all their own. At the center of the dispute is a desperate young woman whom Emory can't turn her back on, even if it means breaking the law. Wrong becomes right at the hands of the man who strikes fear, but also sparks passion.
As her husband's deception is revealed, and the FBI closes in on her captor, Emory begins to wonder if the man with no name is, in fact, her rescuer from those who wish her dead - and from heartbreak.
July 8, 2017
Mean Men
Excellent read in everyway!! I love this storyline and though only 4 characters have been introduced at this point they are very interesting and obviously the basis for this story. I don't yet have a clear understanding of the "mean man" and what he is up to. I'm fascinated by the "mean man" and his treatment of the doctor. I'm also interested in the "mean husband" and what his role is going to be. At this point in the story I'm not caring for him so much and ironically I like the mistress better than I do him! I failed to notice that I was only getting the first 7 chapters and I would need to purchase the book in its entirety for $8. Now I'm debating whether not I want to make the purchase as I am a bargain book shopper. This story is so good so far I might have to make the sacrifice to satisfy my intrigue. I really want to know what happens next.
Excellent read in everyway!! I love this storyline and though only 4 characters have been introduced at this point they are very interesting and obviously the basis for this story. I don't yet have a clear understanding of the "mean man" and what he is up to. I'm fascinated by the "mean man" and his treatment of the doctor. I'm also interested in the "mean husband" and what his role is going to be. At this point in the story I'm not caring for him so much and ironically I like the mistress better than I do him! I failed to notice that I was only getting the first 7 chapters and I would need to purchase the book in its entirety for $8. Now I'm debating whether not I want to make the purchase as I am a bargain book shopper. This story is so good so far I might have to make the sacrifice to satisfy my intrigue. I really want to know what happens next.
December 27, 2016
Very good and captivating. Hayes (the unknown man) is former FBI, escaping his past. Alice turns out to be the one to trail Emory to the mountain course and attempt her murder. Jeff is killed in the end by Alice as well. Alice is shot by local police. Hayes comes back into light and stays with E for good.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 29, 2017
Wow that's really all I can say because it completely blew my mind what an amazing author
June 30, 2018
Damsel in distress saved by white knight from villain. Sex added,starts fast but slows after first blood
January 28, 2020
This book was exciting ,interesting , and intriguing. The action with romance .I love this story.
July 27, 2020
I realized that I read this book before - it was excellent - great characters - nothing is as it seems.
August 13, 2020
Great read with lots and lots of suspense, twists and unexpected turns, sizzling chemistry and interesting characters. I like!
February 4, 2021
Twists and turns - Good read
August 12, 2023
Interesting take on several very human issues in today’s society. Surprise ending too!
May 22, 2024
One of Brown’s best thrillers in my opinion.
June 13, 2024
3.75 stars
November 3, 2024
Great book. Lots of twists and unexpected outcomes. Keeps you guessing. Just when you have it figured out something changes.
February 14, 2025
OMG! What a ride! I absolutely LOVED this book! Lots of excitement and even some romance! Highly recommend if you like fast moving activity and surprises.
March 8, 2026
What a plot twist
Good story
Good story
June 23, 2026
Great book!!!!
August 20, 2026
Great book!!!
August 29, 2026
Meh - 2.5 stars
September 22, 2026
Great read. Couldn't put it down.
November 20, 2014
Low Credibility
Do physicians take a passive role in their own health care after an injury? Do athletes train in adverse weather conditions? What are the odds that an intelligent, well mannered stranger saves you in the far flung wilderness without having something to do with your predicament? The answer is slim to none. The characterization was sloppy, the tension build-up was flat, and I was glad it ended.
Do physicians take a passive role in their own health care after an injury? Do athletes train in adverse weather conditions? What are the odds that an intelligent, well mannered stranger saves you in the far flung wilderness without having something to do with your predicament? The answer is slim to none. The characterization was sloppy, the tension build-up was flat, and I was glad it ended.
February 13, 2016
Suspense with romance and sex. The beginning is slow, ponderous and poorly written. Eventually the plot takes over and one doesn't notice the somewhat juvenile writing style. After several chapters I was ready to give it 1 star. Half way through it was improved and I was willing to up that to 2 stars. Reluctantly, I have to admit that I liked it! :) The book listed here is the Kindle Preview, but I read the entire book in epub format.
December 16, 2014
Mean Streak is a typical Sandra Brown novel. It is well-written, revised, and edited with smooth flow, a fast pace of action, and strong characters. It was disconcerting that the primary male character was somewhat unbelievable and unlikable.I didn't like the abrupt ending - it sounds like a set-up for a sequel.
November 7, 2014
Loads of mystery. Lots of detectives/cops. Part smut. My kind of book. What is not to love?? The ending was a bit rushed. The reveal was not overly surprising, but still, very well done. I can see this being made into a good movie.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews