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Mind Games
In San Francisco, CSI Photographer Cameron Frost spends his nights capturing evidence from the latest crime. And he’s good at it. So when San Francisco citizens start disappearing, Cameron and his team jump on the case. But the trail of missing people leads Cameron straight into the den of a self-proclaimed mastermind bent on one terrifying goal. Cameron and his team must outwit the evil at the center of this crime web before time runs out. TJ Moore tells a gripping and thought-provoking story of manipulation and twisted motives in this beat-the-clock thriller.
- GenresThriller
311 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 31, 2015
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
January 26, 2016
The author sent me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I am very grateful for the opportunity, however this does not influence my personal opinion. Let's start with the positives; this book takes place in San Francisco, which in my opinion gives this book a nice atmosphere. It kind of feels like Zodiac in the sense that it's a mystery taking place in San Francisco. Also, the visuals in this book are stunning with the black and white photos of the golden gate bridge. The main issue I had with this book is that it has some cool concepts, but it was executed very poorly.
1) All of the characters in this book feel very robotic and fake. Maybe it's because this book is told in 3rd person, which I don't really care for, but for some reason all of these characters feel so distant. Cameron is our main character, but for some reason the story starts off with Amy's "perspective", then we get to Cameron a little later. I couldn't stand the character Vince, he's the typical know-it-all detective douche bag who makes fun of the new people working the job and I found his character to be so annoying. I didn't like the way the flashbacks of Cameron and his wife meeting were written. It felt so choppy. I feel like flashbacks should be woven into the story, not thrown at you in chunks. It jumped through 10 years within a few paragraphs trying to quickly explain his back story and I didn't care for that at all.
2) This book doesn't seem like it's been edited at all. I know this might seem like I'm being picky, but it's really annoying to read a book that has many errors in spelling and grammar. There are quotation marks in places there shouldn't be and it got very distracting for me as a reader to constantly see these errors in the book.
I just didn't care much for this book which is disappointing because I wanted to love it. The novel is only 200 something pages but it felt like it was dragging on and on. There are so many paragraphs and paragraphs of explaining things that don't really matter. I felt really bored while reading most of the story. I gave it 2 stars as opposed to 1 because I feel like it's an interesting concept, but the execution wasn't handled very well.
1) All of the characters in this book feel very robotic and fake. Maybe it's because this book is told in 3rd person, which I don't really care for, but for some reason all of these characters feel so distant. Cameron is our main character, but for some reason the story starts off with Amy's "perspective", then we get to Cameron a little later. I couldn't stand the character Vince, he's the typical know-it-all detective douche bag who makes fun of the new people working the job and I found his character to be so annoying. I didn't like the way the flashbacks of Cameron and his wife meeting were written. It felt so choppy. I feel like flashbacks should be woven into the story, not thrown at you in chunks. It jumped through 10 years within a few paragraphs trying to quickly explain his back story and I didn't care for that at all.
2) This book doesn't seem like it's been edited at all. I know this might seem like I'm being picky, but it's really annoying to read a book that has many errors in spelling and grammar. There are quotation marks in places there shouldn't be and it got very distracting for me as a reader to constantly see these errors in the book.
I just didn't care much for this book which is disappointing because I wanted to love it. The novel is only 200 something pages but it felt like it was dragging on and on. There are so many paragraphs and paragraphs of explaining things that don't really matter. I felt really bored while reading most of the story. I gave it 2 stars as opposed to 1 because I feel like it's an interesting concept, but the execution wasn't handled very well.
February 6, 2016
I received a copy of this book from the author for which I am very grateful for. One of my goals this year is to read a wider variety of books so when TJ Moore asked me if I wanted a copy of his suspense novel, I was ecstatic.
In person, Mind Games is a beautiful paperback with a gorgeous cover and full black pages in between chapters. The story takes place in San Francisco which I thought was pretty cool because it’s a place I’ve been to before. Despite its flaws, I enjoyed Mind Games and found myself caught up in the well-being of a few characters and though I didn’t exactly enjoy the choice of narration, the constant twists and unexpected turns kept me interested enough to finish the entire novel.
To go into more detail, the story begins with Amy, one of Cameron’s team members, which I found strange. I would have preferred Cameron’s perspective from the get-go. Also, the flashbacks of Cameron and Jen’s history together felt choppy and disjointed. Besides the fact that their entire courtship felt more hostile than romantic, I think it would have been more beneficial to get pieces of their history throughout the story rather than all at once in the beginning.
I didn’t enjoy the third person narration either, it made me feel distant from all the characters and I can’t say I cared for any of them. However, likability wasn’t really the issue because when it came down to it, I felt real terror in my chest for Cameron and Max. It was at this point in the novel, a little over halfway through that I wanted to keep reading rather than put the book down.
The novel’s strength lay in its unpredictable plot. The many twists and turns kept me interested in the story despite the sometimes unrealistic dialogue. I was actually surprised I guessed the twist correctly because I’m usually wrong about these things. Overall, TJ Moore keeps you guessing with each new revelation and the only way to find out the truth is to read until the end.
I can’t say Mind Games has convinced me to read more thriller/suspense novels, but it has given me some perspective about what I like to read about.
In person, Mind Games is a beautiful paperback with a gorgeous cover and full black pages in between chapters. The story takes place in San Francisco which I thought was pretty cool because it’s a place I’ve been to before. Despite its flaws, I enjoyed Mind Games and found myself caught up in the well-being of a few characters and though I didn’t exactly enjoy the choice of narration, the constant twists and unexpected turns kept me interested enough to finish the entire novel.
To go into more detail, the story begins with Amy, one of Cameron’s team members, which I found strange. I would have preferred Cameron’s perspective from the get-go. Also, the flashbacks of Cameron and Jen’s history together felt choppy and disjointed. Besides the fact that their entire courtship felt more hostile than romantic, I think it would have been more beneficial to get pieces of their history throughout the story rather than all at once in the beginning.
I didn’t enjoy the third person narration either, it made me feel distant from all the characters and I can’t say I cared for any of them. However, likability wasn’t really the issue because when it came down to it, I felt real terror in my chest for Cameron and Max. It was at this point in the novel, a little over halfway through that I wanted to keep reading rather than put the book down.
The novel’s strength lay in its unpredictable plot. The many twists and turns kept me interested in the story despite the sometimes unrealistic dialogue. I was actually surprised I guessed the twist correctly because I’m usually wrong about these things. Overall, TJ Moore keeps you guessing with each new revelation and the only way to find out the truth is to read until the end.
I can’t say Mind Games has convinced me to read more thriller/suspense novels, but it has given me some perspective about what I like to read about.
January 29, 2016
When I first started this book I expected it to be a typical crime book where there are a group of detectives that solve a murder case just in time. I was however, pleasantly surprised that the story had a more complex plot. I thought the story was unique and interesting. The author was very descriptive, which is something I really enjoy, and the characters were likable. Although, I'm not going to lie, I wanted to strangle Vince in the beginning. There were a few grammatical errors, so that would be my only gentle suggestion to the author.
April 1, 2016
I was sent a copy of this book by the author for an honest review and here it is guys. It took me forever just because it was so damn hard to want to pick it up.
I don't really have much to say about this book. There was a lot wrong with it. It this have his good though but it just lacked interest and flow.
First things first, the characters were not interesting at all. They were so robotic and I just really didn't care for them. Second, I really didn't enjoy that every line included the characters name it's so annoying, I already understand that we're talking about this character I don't really need to know that every little thing that happening needs to mention that character. It frustrated me.
On the other hand, I enjoyed the mystery in the book. The story was okay and it's the only reason I actually tried to finish it. Other than that I would have out it down without.
I don't really have much to say about this book. There was a lot wrong with it. It this have his good though but it just lacked interest and flow.
First things first, the characters were not interesting at all. They were so robotic and I just really didn't care for them. Second, I really didn't enjoy that every line included the characters name it's so annoying, I already understand that we're talking about this character I don't really need to know that every little thing that happening needs to mention that character. It frustrated me.
On the other hand, I enjoyed the mystery in the book. The story was okay and it's the only reason I actually tried to finish it. Other than that I would have out it down without.
August 11, 2017
Thanks so much to the author for sending me a copy of this book for an honest review, all opinions are my own.
It took me two days to read this book. Well, technically a little over one because I picked it up again before bed and next thing I knew, I had 10 pages left and it was 1 a.m. Yeah, this is that kind of book.
When I first started this book, I was really enjoying it! I love mysteries and crime type TV shows (even though I'm usually way too afraid to watch them) and this book was shaping up to be just like one of those. Snarky cop interactions, a crime scene photographer, a whip-smart electrical engineer trying desperately to create a security system to stop the infamous San Fran Bomber from breaking into the bank. It was going really great.
And then, it got weird. Like sucked into a cult/prison camp/alien thing meets Hansel and Gretel weird. But, by that point, I was invested. I needed to know how the story ended, how everything was connected. So I pushed ahead, and I am so glad I did!
Things started to become clearer, and I was beginning to see how the pieces of this puzzle fit together. However, I think the best part of this book was that it was so unpredictable. Some things would work out, I would think I would know what was going to happen, and I was totally in shock. Like when the whole thing was worked out, the identity was revealed and the motive... I sat there for a good 5 minutes in shock. I had no idea who the person behind everything was going to be. I don't want to spoil anything, so I won't say too much, but the details were all there, I just couldn't fathom it.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. It was very, VERY different than what I usually read, and I really liked that. With all the thrillers and mysteries coming out these days, this book is definitely not cookie cutter, this book plays by it's own rules.
I definitely recommend this book if you are looking for something with a good mystery and is unique!
It took me two days to read this book. Well, technically a little over one because I picked it up again before bed and next thing I knew, I had 10 pages left and it was 1 a.m. Yeah, this is that kind of book.
When I first started this book, I was really enjoying it! I love mysteries and crime type TV shows (even though I'm usually way too afraid to watch them) and this book was shaping up to be just like one of those. Snarky cop interactions, a crime scene photographer, a whip-smart electrical engineer trying desperately to create a security system to stop the infamous San Fran Bomber from breaking into the bank. It was going really great.
And then, it got weird. Like sucked into a cult/prison camp/alien thing meets Hansel and Gretel weird. But, by that point, I was invested. I needed to know how the story ended, how everything was connected. So I pushed ahead, and I am so glad I did!
Things started to become clearer, and I was beginning to see how the pieces of this puzzle fit together. However, I think the best part of this book was that it was so unpredictable. Some things would work out, I would think I would know what was going to happen, and I was totally in shock. Like when the whole thing was worked out, the identity was revealed and the motive... I sat there for a good 5 minutes in shock. I had no idea who the person behind everything was going to be. I don't want to spoil anything, so I won't say too much, but the details were all there, I just couldn't fathom it.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. It was very, VERY different than what I usually read, and I really liked that. With all the thrillers and mysteries coming out these days, this book is definitely not cookie cutter, this book plays by it's own rules.
I definitely recommend this book if you are looking for something with a good mystery and is unique!
March 7, 2016
Note: Thank you T.J.Moore for sending me a signed copy of your novel in return for an honest review.
And I assure you and all my friends who are going to read this post that this kind gesture will in no way affect my review.
I must say I had a good time reading this novel. There are a few glitches which I ignored because I liked the plot, but others might not.
There are some issues with the editing (spelling and grammar mistakes). The characters in the novel felt very artificial to me. The characters need more flesh, more oxygen.
Another thing that irritated me a little bit was the end. Once the novel told me who the villain is (which was a surprise), I felt it took too long to put an end to that character. Only the second last chapter left like a drag. Otherwise the rest of the novel is paced well.
Even after all this, I would say I enjoyed this novel. And this was only possible because the author is a good story-teller. I was hooked from the first word and wanted to know more. The author knows what he wants to write and how he wants to write. Seriously, I couldn’t see the twists coming. It really caught me off guard. It is just a matter of time and practice when the author will write novels full of awesomeness.
And I assure you and all my friends who are going to read this post that this kind gesture will in no way affect my review.
I must say I had a good time reading this novel. There are a few glitches which I ignored because I liked the plot, but others might not.
There are some issues with the editing (spelling and grammar mistakes). The characters in the novel felt very artificial to me. The characters need more flesh, more oxygen.
Another thing that irritated me a little bit was the end. Once the novel told me who the villain is (which was a surprise), I felt it took too long to put an end to that character. Only the second last chapter left like a drag. Otherwise the rest of the novel is paced well.
Even after all this, I would say I enjoyed this novel. And this was only possible because the author is a good story-teller. I was hooked from the first word and wanted to know more. The author knows what he wants to write and how he wants to write. Seriously, I couldn’t see the twists coming. It really caught me off guard. It is just a matter of time and practice when the author will write novels full of awesomeness.
January 15, 2016
'Mind Games' was an interesting read. I really wanted to give this more than a 3.5 star rating, but the books needs editing. Maybe I over-analyzed the realism pertaining to the caves and certain situations. I can't really go into detail without giving anything away. The storyline was good. It definitely took a twist I didn't see coming. The characters were a good mix of personalities. Cameron was a great lead. Amy was an asset to the P.D. with her ability to solve the most complex of crimes. Overall this is a good read that plays with your mind.
February 3, 2016
Unexpected
Surprising switch in midstream. What appeared to be the start of a dream sequence became a major plot change. Good read.
Surprising switch in midstream. What appeared to be the start of a dream sequence became a major plot change. Good read.
April 23, 2017
Note: This book was sent to me by the author in exchange for an honest review.
This book is a did-not-finish. I can't finish this book. And this review is going to be painfully honest as I explain why.
This book was a bit hyped when it came out, as the author sent it to a good number of book-Instagrammers (bookstagrammers) about a year ago. I waited for the hype to die down to read it, and it did give me a clear mind for my own opinions on it. Unfortunately, I can't find a reason to finish this. I lent it to my mom a few months ago, and she read it then. After describing the trouble I was having getting through it, she justified my opinions. She didn't want to sway my own reading/review of it at the time, but she didn't care for it either. I got about halfway through this book, and I don't want to read any more of it.
I wanted to like this book. The main character, Amy, is interesting, except that the story turns and she doesn't seem to be the main character anymore. The focus turns to Cameron, a coworker of Amy's. I didn't originally have an issue with him, but as the story progressed, his character/personality changed and it seemed like the author decided to change him later on with no development suggesting such a change. Cameron acted strange at times and it didn't make sense; any person (especially one working in crime-solving) would not have acted how he did when the focus turns.
Along the same lines of character personality, these characters were so trope-y. Vince especially bugged the hell out of me, as he was the stereotypical dimwitted dude who always tried to be funny, and amped up to the nth degree. I couldn't stand him, and by putting down this book, I am getting him out of my mind forever.
This book plot-wise got more and more unrealistic, and for a book that started out (and was marketed as) more realistic crime fiction, it just got weird. I kept getting the feeling that the author was changing his mind while writing, or thinking of a new plot device and putting it in.
In addition to all of this, there were grammar and spelling mistakes. I've mentioned how being an editor really makes these stand out to me and how distracting they can be. If a book is really good, I can get over it (especially if they're far and few between). But this book wasn't good at all, and the mistakes were the thing that were the last spark.
Overall, as I felt bad about how I felt about this book, I read some other reviews and realized I'm not the only one. After talking with my mom (who did finish the book), I knew I had to just put it down for good. The author has not been active online since early 2016, so I wonder if he's moved on (Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook). And now that this review is written, I can move on as well.
This review and others can also be found on my book blog: swimmingthroughliterature.wordpress.com
This book is a did-not-finish. I can't finish this book. And this review is going to be painfully honest as I explain why.
This book was a bit hyped when it came out, as the author sent it to a good number of book-Instagrammers (bookstagrammers) about a year ago. I waited for the hype to die down to read it, and it did give me a clear mind for my own opinions on it. Unfortunately, I can't find a reason to finish this. I lent it to my mom a few months ago, and she read it then. After describing the trouble I was having getting through it, she justified my opinions. She didn't want to sway my own reading/review of it at the time, but she didn't care for it either. I got about halfway through this book, and I don't want to read any more of it.
I wanted to like this book. The main character, Amy, is interesting, except that the story turns and she doesn't seem to be the main character anymore. The focus turns to Cameron, a coworker of Amy's. I didn't originally have an issue with him, but as the story progressed, his character/personality changed and it seemed like the author decided to change him later on with no development suggesting such a change. Cameron acted strange at times and it didn't make sense; any person (especially one working in crime-solving) would not have acted how he did when the focus turns.
Along the same lines of character personality, these characters were so trope-y. Vince especially bugged the hell out of me, as he was the stereotypical dimwitted dude who always tried to be funny, and amped up to the nth degree. I couldn't stand him, and by putting down this book, I am getting him out of my mind forever.
This book plot-wise got more and more unrealistic, and for a book that started out (and was marketed as) more realistic crime fiction, it just got weird. I kept getting the feeling that the author was changing his mind while writing, or thinking of a new plot device and putting it in.
In addition to all of this, there were grammar and spelling mistakes. I've mentioned how being an editor really makes these stand out to me and how distracting they can be. If a book is really good, I can get over it (especially if they're far and few between). But this book wasn't good at all, and the mistakes were the thing that were the last spark.
Overall, as I felt bad about how I felt about this book, I read some other reviews and realized I'm not the only one. After talking with my mom (who did finish the book), I knew I had to just put it down for good. The author has not been active online since early 2016, so I wonder if he's moved on (Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook). And now that this review is written, I can move on as well.
This review and others can also be found on my book blog: swimmingthroughliterature.wordpress.com
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews