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Mind Games
MJ LaBeff has probed the dark recesses of the human heart to craft a riveting page turner. MIND GAMES scared the stuffing out of me! --- NYT Bestseller Vicki Lewis ThompsonSparrow Von Langley had a childhood that was anything but typical. Born into the privilege of wealth in Crystal Cove, California, her father is Dr. Theodore Von Langley, a well respected, nationally known behavioral therapist. Tormented by frightening visions brought on by a series of mysterious deaths, Sparrow is determined to search for the truth behind the tragedies and reconnects with Dr. Derrick Sloan. Derrick has been searching for his missing sister, Kathlyn “Kat” Sloan since her disappearance ten years ago. A hypnotherapist helps Sparrow pull together the pieces of her traumatic past, and her repressed memories reveal the twisted truth behind the mysterious deaths and Kat’s disappearance. She is shocked to discover her father’s possible involvement, and when her hunt collides with Derrick’s search for Kat, she must decide if she can trust him enough to follow the evidence trail together or risk losing the man she loves. Will the only daughter of the respected doctor prove his guilt or innocence in his quest to change lives?
294 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 10, 2015
35 people want to read
About the author
M.J. LaBeff
6 books29 followersM.J. LaBeff is an American author best described as the girl-next-door with a dark side. She's drawn to writing suspense novels, featuring complicated characters and twisted plot lines that will keep readers turning page after page. When she's not writing or plotting her next novel, MJ enjoys reading, running, lifting weights, and volunteering for the American Cancer Society. She lives in southern Arizona with her husband, Jeff, and their two big dogs, Samson and Wally.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
May 23, 2016
“The girl in the ocean. She’s dead.”
Our principal protagonist, Sparrow Von Langley, the yoga-loving daughter of wealthy socialites, finds that her day to day reality has suddenly become distorted in this prismatic tale of sordid secrets and repressed memories.
Losing herself through transcendental meditation, our heroine is able to inhabit portentous events as if she was right there in person.
In one such occurrence she indulgently wills her sleazy, but suicidal ex-boyfriend to choke at the end of his noose while he “gurgled and choked, piss running down his leg.”
For the most part Sparrow has the hots for dreamy Dr Derrick, her former teenage crush, who valiantly struggles to keep his own eagerness for her smoking hot bod in check.
Seeking to unearth dark practices that are close to home, their fledgling relationship is forged against a backdrop of exploitation and sordid secrets.
In fact, there are rather more skeletons in closets here than you’d expect to find in a natural history museum!
And pleasingly there is some agreeable raunch among the maze-like twists and turns. The sex here is aesthetic and sensuous, rather than wham-bam-thank-you-ma’am gratuitous.
There are some inconsistencies in the POV, switching from the third person omniscient to the first person narrative, but the story was so absorbing that this idiosyncrasy soon ceased to be a distraction.
LaBeff’s writing is of a high standard; her prose is crisp and the enigmatic storyline was well-conceived and utterly compelling.
A great read!
December 12, 2020
Sparrow is the daughter of wealthy people and she has down disturbing visions which she does not understand. Derek has demons of his own as he helps her uncover the reason for her visions. The premise was developed brilliantly well. The writing is amazing and the characters were thoroughly enjoyable. Liked it.
November 18, 2016
Mind Games is a romantic suspense thriller written in alternating third-person viewpoint, which allows the reader to get into the heads of the two main characters and follow their doubts, secrets, and motives. It's a good story with twists and turns that create a lot of suspense.
October 9, 2016
How perfect that MJ Labeff welcomes us to Mind Games by playing a little mind game of her own. I'll give nothing away here, but I will say that I was hooked within the first few lines. But then came the usual worry. After such a great opening, there would have to be a let down. Surely, the author would never be able to maintain that level of intrigue throughout the book. Fortunately though, I needn't have worried, because Ms Labeff did that, and she did it in spades.
Once we are properly introduced to our heroine, Sparrow, we meet a prospective love interest, Derrick, and as their budding relationship blossoms and grows and teeters and falters, we discover that their problems stem from the fact that they are both deeply-scarred by their respective pasts. In fact, everyone in this story seems to bear scars and harbour secrets, but what part of those secrets are tied to the mystery, and how on Earth do the pieces of the puzzle fit together?
The ability to keep the reader on the ragged edge of discovery is an art, and Ms Labeff performed it masterfully. That, plus an interesting cast of characters, a thoroughly genuine prose, and the author's willingness to take an occasional dip into other genres to add spice more than amply deliver on the promise of those first few lines. I enjoyed every moment of Mind Games from first page to last, and I eagerly await Ms Labeff's next novel.
Well played, MJ Labeff. Well played indeed!
Once we are properly introduced to our heroine, Sparrow, we meet a prospective love interest, Derrick, and as their budding relationship blossoms and grows and teeters and falters, we discover that their problems stem from the fact that they are both deeply-scarred by their respective pasts. In fact, everyone in this story seems to bear scars and harbour secrets, but what part of those secrets are tied to the mystery, and how on Earth do the pieces of the puzzle fit together?
The ability to keep the reader on the ragged edge of discovery is an art, and Ms Labeff performed it masterfully. That, plus an interesting cast of characters, a thoroughly genuine prose, and the author's willingness to take an occasional dip into other genres to add spice more than amply deliver on the promise of those first few lines. I enjoyed every moment of Mind Games from first page to last, and I eagerly await Ms Labeff's next novel.
Well played, MJ Labeff. Well played indeed!
January 24, 2019
MJ LaBeff has written a terrific book with characters that leap off the page with their vibrancy, authenticity and demons in this riveting romantic thriller.
It is said that you have to capture a reader’s interest in the first few paragraphs of a book, let's give the author an A+ here. I've never read a book that starts at a funeral, at the casket no less, and immediately I was thrust into Sparrow's world of heartbreak, visions and nightmares. Throughout this expertly-paced and well-written thriller, the author keeps the reader slightly off balance in terms of what is real and what is a manifestation of Sparrow's volatile emotional state. As the story progresses—from her falling in love with a doctor who brings medical care to runaway teens to reflecting on her privileged childhood in a new light—the pieces of the puzzle emerge in a way that had me turning the pages long past midnight.
I liked the back story about the teen runaways; the author did a great job of bringing us to a world of lost children and the many tragedies that befall them. This is a richly-layered book with many secrets that are revealed as Sparrow comes to terms with the present, past and all that has transpired. An excellent debut novel, highly recommend!
It is said that you have to capture a reader’s interest in the first few paragraphs of a book, let's give the author an A+ here. I've never read a book that starts at a funeral, at the casket no less, and immediately I was thrust into Sparrow's world of heartbreak, visions and nightmares. Throughout this expertly-paced and well-written thriller, the author keeps the reader slightly off balance in terms of what is real and what is a manifestation of Sparrow's volatile emotional state. As the story progresses—from her falling in love with a doctor who brings medical care to runaway teens to reflecting on her privileged childhood in a new light—the pieces of the puzzle emerge in a way that had me turning the pages long past midnight.
I liked the back story about the teen runaways; the author did a great job of bringing us to a world of lost children and the many tragedies that befall them. This is a richly-layered book with many secrets that are revealed as Sparrow comes to terms with the present, past and all that has transpired. An excellent debut novel, highly recommend!
May 9, 2020
Since I read this book completely out of order, I read the Cold Case series first and this being MJ's first book it had high standards to live up to. So that being said, this book did not disappoint in the least. In typical MJ fashion she had me hooked within the first two chapters with Sparrow's visions of a dead girl and boyfriends suicide from her past. I wouldn't call her a psychic but she definitely has a gift that is scaring the hell out her and making her think she's loosing her mind. Enter Dr. Derrick Sloan a long lost crush who has returned to the LA area to run a mobile medical clinic to help homeless kids and look for his runaway sister. As their feelings for each other grow stronger the visions also become stronger and more vivid, her reluctance to share these visions with Derrick is fueled by the fact her father is highly regarded psychiatrist Dr. Theodore Von Langley who she feared would have her committed if she said anything. Sparrow finally confides in Derrick what she's been experiencing and the race is on to find out what her visions mean. This story ends with a mind blowing twist that forever changes the lives both Derrick and Sparrow, and a death count higher than originally expected. You won't want to put this book down and will find yourself lost inside and not wanting to leave.
April 5, 2019
I found this romantic thriller, with its somewhat unusual storyline, intriguing from start to finish. To give a brief outline: Derrick, a physician and workaholic, runs a mobile clinic for the homeless and is on a mission to find his errant sister whom he fears may also be living on the streets. Sparrow, the privileged daughter of a renowned psychologist, is battling with her own private hell. Are the frightening visions she’s recently been experiencing a product of her troubled mind, or do they relate to real events that lay buried deep within her subconscious? These questions loom large as Sparrow and Derrick’s budding romance begins to unfold. When he’s given reasons to suspect that Sparrow’s father is at the root of it all, the tension that erupts threatens to derail their relationship and raises the temperature in this engaging thriller.
I liked LaBeff’s style and I’ll be reading more of her books. The characters are vibrant and the story is well paced. I was particularly impressed by her handling of the erotic scenes. There is so much badly written sex in today’s market, it made a refreshing change to find an author bold enough to be explicit, yet describing the steamy scenes with a great deal of finesse. Hats off to you, Ms LaBeff!
I liked LaBeff’s style and I’ll be reading more of her books. The characters are vibrant and the story is well paced. I was particularly impressed by her handling of the erotic scenes. There is so much badly written sex in today’s market, it made a refreshing change to find an author bold enough to be explicit, yet describing the steamy scenes with a great deal of finesse. Hats off to you, Ms LaBeff!
January 10, 2022
Mind Games by M.J. LaBeff
Sparrow is the daughter of well known and respected behavior therapist Dr. Theodore Von Langley. She is haunted by visions, tragedy and repressed memories. She connects with Dr. Derrick Sloan who has been searching for his missing Sister (Kat). As the two come together to unravel the truth, she will uncover family secrets and the mystery behind the disappearance of Kat.
The story moves at a fast pace with intense page-turning moments. Secrets, twist, turns and suspense continue to build up as Sparrow begins to question her own sanity. Mind Games is (a) psychological thriller that will keep you on edge until the end. I highly recommend to those who enjoy thrilling reads.
Sparrow is the daughter of well known and respected behavior therapist Dr. Theodore Von Langley. She is haunted by visions, tragedy and repressed memories. She connects with Dr. Derrick Sloan who has been searching for his missing Sister (Kat). As the two come together to unravel the truth, she will uncover family secrets and the mystery behind the disappearance of Kat.
The story moves at a fast pace with intense page-turning moments. Secrets, twist, turns and suspense continue to build up as Sparrow begins to question her own sanity. Mind Games is (a) psychological thriller that will keep you on edge until the end. I highly recommend to those who enjoy thrilling reads.
January 2, 2019
I have read all of MJ LaBeff’s books, and the author excels in the genre of psychological crime thrillers. Ms. LaBeff has the reader from the first pages hooked into her riveting story, “Mind Games”. She is great writer who knows how to weave the psychological, mystery, sociopathy and suspense in the perfect manner to keep the reader on the edge of their seat doing detective work with the sleuths. LaBeff has a knack for making the reader feel welcome into the book as an unwritten character helping to solve the mystery. I highly recommend ‘Mind Games’ as it is a great read!
May 27, 2024
In this intriguing story, Sparrow Von Langley discovers her reality is not what it seems. Through meditation, she uncovers dark secrets and memories. She is drawn to Dr. Derrick, but their relationship is tested by hidden truths. Despite some writing quirks, the story is gripping and full of mystery. Recommended for those who enjoy suspenseful and sensual tales.
June 14, 2019
narration was boring to me. Couldn't keep from skimming, but if not for that could have been great
October 6, 2019
Mind games good read
May 5, 2021
I've been a fan of LaBeff's since I read her first book of the Cold Case series. Mind Games didn't let me down.
January 31, 2016
Mind Games by MJ LaBeff is one wild ride! I picked it up right before I left for a holiday trip, and was sad that it took so long to finish. I truly enjoyed reading this suspenseful mystery—Its numerous twists will keep you guessing, while enough hints are dropped that the reader is able to piece everything together along with our protagonists. It deserves at least a four-star rating!
Sparrow is the main character. She is a yoga instructor who volunteers part-time at a health clinic with Derrick, her current boyfriend. The story opens at the funeral of Sparrow’s ex-boyfriend, Dana, where his brother Tony is also introduced. You can tell right off there’s animosity between him and Derrick, which coupled with Dana’s abusiveness creates tension between all three. Other characters include the runaways Angel and Sly whom Derrick tries to help, and Sparrow’s father, Theodore. Throughout, Sparrow tries to piece together the mysteries of her past; forgotten memories that crop up unexpectedly.
The scenes involving yoga meditation are my favorite. They are detailed and have a natural feeling, while leaving you on the edge of your seat. You know something is going to happen, but you can’t imagine what. When the truth about Sparrow’s practices comes to light, you’re in for a wicked surprise!
Speaking of surprises—I am happy that Sparrow has the courage she does. By the end of the story, she shows a lot of growth; the way she comes to accept everything and move on with her life.
I love the way the ends of the chapters usually change scenes. It’s the first book I’ve read in a while that allows the reader the relief of finishing a portion of a story. When you know you don’t have a lot of time to read, it’s great to feel a little bit of closure so you’re not too anxious about setting the book down for a few hours of work. I applaud the way LaBeff has turned each chapter into manageable, conclusive sections that keep you thinking without fretting. I need more stories designed in this fashion!
One problem I encountered while reading is the point of view, as well as unnecessary changes in points of view. The story is written in the third person, and with an omniscient viewpoint, you shouldn’t need to ever change it. Third person means the narrator is all-knowing, so it’s alright to showcase everyone’s thoughts and fears at once. In Mine Games, characters thoughts were difficult to pick out of the text because they were not italicized or set off from the prose in any way. While LaBeff does not tell you who’s thoughts we’re listening in on, I could tell whose they were because she does change points of view. However, I had a hard time picking out these sections, and then would have to reread the passage. I had similar problems reading Dana’s diary and his other scattered notes. I would be unsure where they began and when we were being brought back to the present and everyone’s reactions.
One other thing I stumbled over is name of Derrick’s portable clinic, The Mobile Health Clinic RV. It could easily be abbreviated, or dubbed something such as the “Mobile Clinic” or even the “RV Clinic”. It takes up a lot of space on the page and it feels a little like a tongue twister. It doesn’t sound like natural speech when the characters speak the long phrase several times per page.
Overall, I loved the story. I savored my time reading it, taking breaks from the chaos of Christmas and other holiday celebrations. I spent my moments alone tearing through this wonderful work, needing to know the outcome. The pacing is fantastic, and we learn the necessary facts so we can try to put things together ourselves. It’s a mystery that reads smoothly and easily, drawing you into Sparrow’s perplexing world.
Sparrow is the main character. She is a yoga instructor who volunteers part-time at a health clinic with Derrick, her current boyfriend. The story opens at the funeral of Sparrow’s ex-boyfriend, Dana, where his brother Tony is also introduced. You can tell right off there’s animosity between him and Derrick, which coupled with Dana’s abusiveness creates tension between all three. Other characters include the runaways Angel and Sly whom Derrick tries to help, and Sparrow’s father, Theodore. Throughout, Sparrow tries to piece together the mysteries of her past; forgotten memories that crop up unexpectedly.
The scenes involving yoga meditation are my favorite. They are detailed and have a natural feeling, while leaving you on the edge of your seat. You know something is going to happen, but you can’t imagine what. When the truth about Sparrow’s practices comes to light, you’re in for a wicked surprise!
Speaking of surprises—I am happy that Sparrow has the courage she does. By the end of the story, she shows a lot of growth; the way she comes to accept everything and move on with her life.
I love the way the ends of the chapters usually change scenes. It’s the first book I’ve read in a while that allows the reader the relief of finishing a portion of a story. When you know you don’t have a lot of time to read, it’s great to feel a little bit of closure so you’re not too anxious about setting the book down for a few hours of work. I applaud the way LaBeff has turned each chapter into manageable, conclusive sections that keep you thinking without fretting. I need more stories designed in this fashion!
One problem I encountered while reading is the point of view, as well as unnecessary changes in points of view. The story is written in the third person, and with an omniscient viewpoint, you shouldn’t need to ever change it. Third person means the narrator is all-knowing, so it’s alright to showcase everyone’s thoughts and fears at once. In Mine Games, characters thoughts were difficult to pick out of the text because they were not italicized or set off from the prose in any way. While LaBeff does not tell you who’s thoughts we’re listening in on, I could tell whose they were because she does change points of view. However, I had a hard time picking out these sections, and then would have to reread the passage. I had similar problems reading Dana’s diary and his other scattered notes. I would be unsure where they began and when we were being brought back to the present and everyone’s reactions.
One other thing I stumbled over is name of Derrick’s portable clinic, The Mobile Health Clinic RV. It could easily be abbreviated, or dubbed something such as the “Mobile Clinic” or even the “RV Clinic”. It takes up a lot of space on the page and it feels a little like a tongue twister. It doesn’t sound like natural speech when the characters speak the long phrase several times per page.
Overall, I loved the story. I savored my time reading it, taking breaks from the chaos of Christmas and other holiday celebrations. I spent my moments alone tearing through this wonderful work, needing to know the outcome. The pacing is fantastic, and we learn the necessary facts so we can try to put things together ourselves. It’s a mystery that reads smoothly and easily, drawing you into Sparrow’s perplexing world.
January 21, 2017
Although I love an entertaining read – and Mind Games is definitely that – I appreciate when a story gives you something to think about as a reader. And that’s definitely the case with this debut novel by MJ LaBeff.
I found it especially chilling the way the author turned safe, familiar concepts on their heads. Things we usually trust – like doctors, fathers and therapy – are suddenly suspect. It’s a tone that kept me on edge from the first page.
I also enjoyed the way the author was able to thread romance into the story without losing the tension of the plot. There’s an image from one love scene that I just can’t forget. It’s suggestive and intimate, but very tasteful. However, it takes place in front of a mirror which reflects (no pun intended!) the idea that you’re never sure what’s real in this book and what’s an illusion. That’s because the main character is haunted by visions and she’s not sure what to trust either.
Original, creepy little details help reel out the suspense too. “Reaching into the box, she took out the magazine on top, Psychology Today. The word ‘psychology’ had been partially blackened out so it read ‘psycho.’” Again, it’s an example of something familiar and trustworthy – a popular magazine – that gets turned into something eerie. What a great touch! It reminded me of Jack Torrance’s “All work and no play” pages in The Shining. It’s a unique way to see into the mind of a psychopath.
As fresh as the book is, nothing feels out of place or careless. From dead boyfriends to missing sisters, everything is carefully woven into the story. Descriptions ring with authenticity. Characters constantly surprise. As a reader, you never stop guessing. This is a psychological thriller with a creepy dose of supernatural in the mix. LaBeff’s such a strong, clean writer, it makes me excited to get my hands on her next book! Well done!
I found it especially chilling the way the author turned safe, familiar concepts on their heads. Things we usually trust – like doctors, fathers and therapy – are suddenly suspect. It’s a tone that kept me on edge from the first page.
I also enjoyed the way the author was able to thread romance into the story without losing the tension of the plot. There’s an image from one love scene that I just can’t forget. It’s suggestive and intimate, but very tasteful. However, it takes place in front of a mirror which reflects (no pun intended!) the idea that you’re never sure what’s real in this book and what’s an illusion. That’s because the main character is haunted by visions and she’s not sure what to trust either.
Original, creepy little details help reel out the suspense too. “Reaching into the box, she took out the magazine on top, Psychology Today. The word ‘psychology’ had been partially blackened out so it read ‘psycho.’” Again, it’s an example of something familiar and trustworthy – a popular magazine – that gets turned into something eerie. What a great touch! It reminded me of Jack Torrance’s “All work and no play” pages in The Shining. It’s a unique way to see into the mind of a psychopath.
As fresh as the book is, nothing feels out of place or careless. From dead boyfriends to missing sisters, everything is carefully woven into the story. Descriptions ring with authenticity. Characters constantly surprise. As a reader, you never stop guessing. This is a psychological thriller with a creepy dose of supernatural in the mix. LaBeff’s such a strong, clean writer, it makes me excited to get my hands on her next book! Well done!
July 28, 2016
M.J. LaBeff's Mind Games is a very thought-provoking and well written romantic suspense thriller. I consider myself rather jaded when it comes to surprises in thrillers but I have to say the first third of the book had me wondering just what in the world was going on. Nicely done! Then I wondered if LaBeff would be able to tie together all of the disparate plot threads. She did with assurance, particularly since this is her first novel. Why then did I give it four instead of five stars? It boils down to nothing more than a personal preference. In the middle of the book, LaBeff writes two consecutive chapters detailing lovemaking between two of the characters. Now, having said that, LaBeff's writing style leans toward the classy, non-vulgar side of sex scenes and it is very well written. But, for me (as a non romance fan), it slowed down the plot. Which is somewhat of a backhanded compliment: the plot was so compelling, I wanted to get back to it! If you like thrillers, give Mind Games a shot. However, if you love romantic suspense thrillers, what're you waiting for? The book's tailor-made for you! Personally, I can't wait to see what LaBeff writes next.
November 25, 2015
What happens when those entrusted with the well-being of others are a danger themselves? This riveting debut by exciting new author, MJ LaBeff, takes us down a treacherous road where nothing is as it seems and offers a terrifying answer that very question. Mind Games sucked me in from the opening lines and LaBeff's well-crafted story kept me on the edge of my seat. The author's pacing was on-point and I had a hard time not devouring the whole thing in one sitting. I thoroughly enjoyed this suspenseful tale and I look forward to LaBeff's next offering! Bravo!
December 31, 2015
Mind games is an excellent psychological thriller. It was very difficult to put down it kept me guessing as to what was going to happen next and who was incorrectly presenting themselves. It had a lot of twists and turns in the plot line. I would recommend this book to all of my friends. LaBeff is a fabulous writer and can't wait for her next book.
April 29, 2016
A page turning mystery, that will keep you guessing. A young woman has visions of her late boyfriend, and a dead girl. Her current boyfriend is looking for his missing sister. Together they must confront her past, to unlock the answers they seek.
January 11, 2017
Smart and well written. My favorite aspect of the story is the mix of mystery, romance, paranormal with enough "what is going on here?" to keep the pages moving. I could not wait to get to the conclusion. Well done, exciting, steamy even a little disgusting all in the perfect quantity.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews