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Nick Heller #3
Guilty Minds
Guilty Minds
400 pages, Hardcover
First published June 7, 2016
1129 people are currently reading
3211 people want to read
About the author
Joseph Finder
70 books2,687 followersJoseph Finder is the author of the forthcoming novel JUDGMENT and fourteen other novels, many of them New York Times bestsellers, published in 35 countries around the world. His book HIGH CRIMES was adapted into a movie starring Morgan Freeman and Ashley Judd; PARANOIA was made into the Harrison Ford/Gary Oldman film.
He was born in Chicago, lived in the Philippines, Afghanistan, Washington State, and upstate New York. His novels have won numerous awards, including the Strand Critics award, the Barry Award, and the International Thriller Writers’ Thriller Award for best novel. His first novel, THE MOSCOW CLUB, was named by Publishers Weekly as one of the 10 best spy novels of all time.
He lives with his wife in Boston and Cape Cod, where he roots for the Red Sox and mourns his Golden Retriever rescue dog, Mia. He’s currently trying to convince his wife to get another dog.
He was born in Chicago, lived in the Philippines, Afghanistan, Washington State, and upstate New York. His novels have won numerous awards, including the Strand Critics award, the Barry Award, and the International Thriller Writers’ Thriller Award for best novel. His first novel, THE MOSCOW CLUB, was named by Publishers Weekly as one of the 10 best spy novels of all time.
He lives with his wife in Boston and Cape Cod, where he roots for the Red Sox and mourns his Golden Retriever rescue dog, Mia. He’s currently trying to convince his wife to get another dog.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 664 reviews
February 14, 2020
“If the Monroe was like any other hotel I’d ever stayed in, it used a piece of software called a property management system, which kept track of every time a guest room door was opened from the outside using a keycard. So there was always what’s called an audit trail.”
― Joseph Finder, Guilty Minds
I always enjoy Finder's books. Out of the half dozen or so I have read there is only one I did not like.
In this book, we have a judge being blackmailed, an online gossip site, murder and a detective trying to figure the whole mess out.
Guilty Minds is a fun book. It moves extremely fast so I found it to be a quick read.
It's delicious "popcorn" reading and a great book to read if you are wanting something quick and fun.
Yet it is not my favorite by Finder. I did not find the story as "unforgettable" as some of his others. But what it was is a it was a fast paced breezy and fun read. Sometimes that is exactly what I am looking for so 3.5 stars for a quick moving enjoyable mystery!
― Joseph Finder, Guilty Minds
I always enjoy Finder's books. Out of the half dozen or so I have read there is only one I did not like.
In this book, we have a judge being blackmailed, an online gossip site, murder and a detective trying to figure the whole mess out.
Guilty Minds is a fun book. It moves extremely fast so I found it to be a quick read.
It's delicious "popcorn" reading and a great book to read if you are wanting something quick and fun.
Yet it is not my favorite by Finder. I did not find the story as "unforgettable" as some of his others. But what it was is a it was a fast paced breezy and fun read. Sometimes that is exactly what I am looking for so 3.5 stars for a quick moving enjoyable mystery!
August 30, 2024
Slander Sheet, a website notorious for seedy gossip, plunges Jeremiah Claflin, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, deep into its tawdry inferno. And Heidi L’Armour (AKA Karla Pitts), a prostitute who has, reputedly, serviced Claflin on more than one occasion, stands by as eager to fan the flames as Nick Heller is to extinguish them. That’s exactly what Finder’s protagonist — a former Special Forces intelligence operative turned private investigator— intends to do. The problem? He has only 48 hours to discredit the story.
When Nick obtains substantial evidence easily disputing Claflin’s involvement, his instincts convince him the resolution much too easily attained. When a body turns up in his hotel bathtub, he suspects the attempted defamation but a cover-up for another’s more grievous misconduct and doggedly sets out to expose the truth.
Connoisseurs of complex thrillers may find the character development, action, and plot somewhat lacking. A Joseph Finder fan, I recommend The Fixer instead.
When Nick obtains substantial evidence easily disputing Claflin’s involvement, his instincts convince him the resolution much too easily attained. When a body turns up in his hotel bathtub, he suspects the attempted defamation but a cover-up for another’s more grievous misconduct and doggedly sets out to expose the truth.
Connoisseurs of complex thrillers may find the character development, action, and plot somewhat lacking. A Joseph Finder fan, I recommend The Fixer instead.
March 1, 2024
Nick Heller is called to Washington DC where hé is employed to stop a press release concerning a sex scandal with a supreme court judge.
A Swift and easy to read thriller that is kind and fun but never moves you to the edge of your seat.
A great thriller to read travelling to and from work, it never requires your full attention.
.
A Swift and easy to read thriller that is kind and fun but never moves you to the edge of your seat.
A great thriller to read travelling to and from work, it never requires your full attention.
.
September 3, 2016
Bringing Nick Heller back for a third thriller, Joseph Finder pulls out all the stops and offers a wonderful story with just enough mystery to keep the reader hooked. When Heller is summoned to meet with a high-powered attorney under veil of secrecy, he cannot guess what might be going on. Gideon Parnell is a legend in the legal world, having made a name for himself amongst the Washington elite, but also spent his youth marching with Martin Luther King, Jr. and pushing the envelop. Parnell seeks to retain Heller's services, but won't divulge anything until he commits. As a matter of habit, Heller will not take the bait until he meets with the actual client, forcing an impasse between the two men. After much banter and a non-disclosure agreement, Heller agrees to head to Washington to meet with the Chief Justice of the US Supreme Court, who is being accused of sleeping with an escort on numerous occasions. A sleazy online rag is about to publish the story, offering 48 hours before they post it. While the Chief Justice has a strong alibi, he refuses to let it become public knowledge, for it relates to a medical condition. Heller must dig a little deeper, uncovering that many of the accusations do not hold up to basic fact-checking and that the escort has been hired as part of a large fabrication and paid handsomely by a mysterious group of businessmen. Before he can approach Mandy Seeger, the journalist who is penning this story, the article appears online early and the 24 hour news cycle begins. Acting quickly, Heller presents some concrete facts he has uncovered, forcing a retraction. The website's reputation is ruined and the journalist is sent packing. Case closed, as least as far as the Chief Justice and Parnell are concerned. With residual curiosity and the momentum of the investigation, Heller wants to know more about who might have put the escort up to this and greased the wheels for this erroneous story. Trying to protect her, Heller hides the escort away and seeks to get to the bottom of the entire scheme, only to return to the hotel and find her body in the tub, victim of an apparent suicide. Heller does not buy it and and reaches out to Seeger for some help, along with a rookie homicide cop who has some questions of his own. Working together,Heller and Seeger dig a little deeper and realise that there are people in positions of power who want to use political backers to bring down the Chief Justice, an everyday sport in Washington. They soon learn of a security firm that will go above and beyond to protect its clients, scrubbing out any issue rather than reacting to breaches. Heller finds himself up against a serious threat and in the crosshairs of a rogue cop, but will not stand down until he gets all the answers, even if it ends up killing him. Finder offers a wonderful thriller that gets better the further the plot advances. A treat for series fans and general thrill seekers alike.
Finder has mastered the art of the thriller through his years of writing and numerous novels. I am constantly impressed when offered the chance to explore Finder's work and this novel was no exception. Nick Heller has been well developed and his character fits perfectly into this story, quirks and all. The plot flourishes and takes quick turns, forcing the reader to remain attentive as the action stops for nobody. There is little idle time as the narrative takes Heller on his most daring adventure yet. While none of it is unique within the genre, its fresh approach keeps readers curious. Finder also uses a variety of great characters, developing those who play some role in the larger plot, but does not stuff chapters full of trivial names on which the reader will trip. Finder reveals little as he drops literary breadcrumbs towards possible future alliances, should Nick Heller live to see a fourth novel, which forces the reader to ponder. Full of fast-paced storytelling and a plot that mixes politics with nefarious criminals, Finder has a wonderful novel for readers to enjoy without cutting any corners.
Kudos, Mr. Finder for this wonderful novel. You always have a way to lure readers into your narratives so effortlessly.
Like/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
Finder has mastered the art of the thriller through his years of writing and numerous novels. I am constantly impressed when offered the chance to explore Finder's work and this novel was no exception. Nick Heller has been well developed and his character fits perfectly into this story, quirks and all. The plot flourishes and takes quick turns, forcing the reader to remain attentive as the action stops for nobody. There is little idle time as the narrative takes Heller on his most daring adventure yet. While none of it is unique within the genre, its fresh approach keeps readers curious. Finder also uses a variety of great characters, developing those who play some role in the larger plot, but does not stuff chapters full of trivial names on which the reader will trip. Finder reveals little as he drops literary breadcrumbs towards possible future alliances, should Nick Heller live to see a fourth novel, which forces the reader to ponder. Full of fast-paced storytelling and a plot that mixes politics with nefarious criminals, Finder has a wonderful novel for readers to enjoy without cutting any corners.
Kudos, Mr. Finder for this wonderful novel. You always have a way to lure readers into your narratives so effortlessly.
Like/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
June 8, 2017
This was a first Finder for me. I am not disappointed at all. The story is fast and kind of edge-of-the-seat thriller. Nick Heller is hired by a high profile power broker / attorney to investigate charges on a liaison between a Supreme Court judge and a call girl and prove wrong the allegations levelled by a gossip website Slander Sheet. Later the call girl is found dead and the twists begin ending with an unpredictable climax.
I loved the character of Nick Heller and Mandy Seeger. The writing is good and the story just flows. Commendable writing skills which keeps the reader engaged throughout. As in all feel-good stories and novels, the hero manages to escape death by a whisker each time. It was a good book and I enjoyed reading this.
I loved the character of Nick Heller and Mandy Seeger. The writing is good and the story just flows. Commendable writing skills which keeps the reader engaged throughout. As in all feel-good stories and novels, the hero manages to escape death by a whisker each time. It was a good book and I enjoyed reading this.
July 20, 2016
Another fabulous thriller from Mr Joseph Finder with Nick Heller once again back in full form. I really like Nick and think he is a great character, smart, street wise and always out to find the truth, a guy that would be very handy to have on your side if you were in trouble. Nick is a private investigator based in Boston and his latest case involves a prostitute who is trying to discredit a Supreme Court Justice, Nick is hired to solve the issue but only has 48 hours to do so. Exciting, thrilling and highly addictive, loved every minute of it.
February 5, 2017
Another great book in the Nick Heller series. In this one, Heller is operating out of DC instead of Boston, but the suspense level remains ratcheted just as high.
Finder uses great tech tricks and has all the weapons expertise readers expect. The climactic scene is quite a payoff, yet it leaves open looming threats for subsequent books.
The writing itself maintains nice rhythm throughout. There's a clichéd early scene (always with the Germans) but the rest of the plotting and all of the characters are fresh and inventive.
Well worth reading.
Finder uses great tech tricks and has all the weapons expertise readers expect. The climactic scene is quite a payoff, yet it leaves open looming threats for subsequent books.
The writing itself maintains nice rhythm throughout. There's a clichéd early scene (always with the Germans) but the rest of the plotting and all of the characters are fresh and inventive.
Well worth reading.
November 4, 2017
I'm a fan of Joseph Finder. He's never let me down when I'm in need of an in-between book. An "in-between" book for me is a quick read, not demanding of too many brain cells, and is a genuinely fun ride. First let me say, I mean no disrespect to Finder and I certainly don't want to imply he's not a formidable author, because he is. I just find that the work I have read of his is written (as I've said before in other reviews I've written for him) that his novels are similar to a movie plot. And accordingly so. I won't Google the list of his novels that have been turned into motion pictures because whoever you are reading this review, should do some work as well (heehee). I'm just stating in no uncertain terms that I can picture the scene in a movie as I'm reading this particular author.
And really! What author wouldn't want to make it to the big screen? I mean... how cool is that.
So... I've been meaning to read the Nick Heller series for some time but I have no time... no time at all. Between working full-time and taking three classes I just have no time. Finder's novels fit right in the few moments I have to get lost in a story and he never disappoints.
Nick Heller is a bad-ass and is very good at his chosen profession of being a private spy after serving in the Army, and working in Special Ops for the Department of Defense. Suffice it to say he's well equipped and super capable of handling any job thrown his way. Heller is asked to investigate and kill a scandal that threatens a Supreme Court Justice by bringing to light an alleged affair with a call-girl. Before long, Heller discovers there's more to the scandal than meets the eye. His investigation causes him to cross paths with some very dangerous people who will stop at nothing to destroy whoever's in their way.
When I began Guilty Minds I was nervous that since this title is the third in the series I would be missing out on a lot but Finder quickly calmed that fear. It matters to me that I can pick up a book in a series and not feel lost or deprived. Finder weaved enough character background that I didn't feel like I'd missed anything. The first-person narrative provided insight to Heller's character which helped us to bond. Yes! I must bond with my protagonist.
I could end this review here and not get into my gripes but... that would be dishonest. Gripe #1 (and a little hypocritical of me) is that I felt a little more description could have helped Guilty Minds shift from the movie-option feel and fall better into the literal category. Those who first discover Finder may feel there was too much missing with the thinly placed characters, too short action scenes, and the quintessential love interest and damsel(s) in distress. The speed this novel moves at didn't allow these moments to develop. They simply happened and then we were on to the next adventure.
I guess when you say gripe #1 that means you have a gripe #2. My #2 gripe is that the ending was too abrupt. Way too abrupt.
Overall, I really did enjoy reading Guilty Minds. Finder is one of my favorite authors. Sure, I usually read his work before diving back into something a little more... literary but that in no way should diminish his work. Fans understand that you find Finder will provide a fast-paced rollercoaster of a ride that demands the reader's attention to the last page.
Copy provided by Penguin Group via Netgalley
And really! What author wouldn't want to make it to the big screen? I mean... how cool is that.
So... I've been meaning to read the Nick Heller series for some time but I have no time... no time at all. Between working full-time and taking three classes I just have no time. Finder's novels fit right in the few moments I have to get lost in a story and he never disappoints.
Nick Heller is a bad-ass and is very good at his chosen profession of being a private spy after serving in the Army, and working in Special Ops for the Department of Defense. Suffice it to say he's well equipped and super capable of handling any job thrown his way. Heller is asked to investigate and kill a scandal that threatens a Supreme Court Justice by bringing to light an alleged affair with a call-girl. Before long, Heller discovers there's more to the scandal than meets the eye. His investigation causes him to cross paths with some very dangerous people who will stop at nothing to destroy whoever's in their way.
When I began Guilty Minds I was nervous that since this title is the third in the series I would be missing out on a lot but Finder quickly calmed that fear. It matters to me that I can pick up a book in a series and not feel lost or deprived. Finder weaved enough character background that I didn't feel like I'd missed anything. The first-person narrative provided insight to Heller's character which helped us to bond. Yes! I must bond with my protagonist.
I could end this review here and not get into my gripes but... that would be dishonest. Gripe #1 (and a little hypocritical of me) is that I felt a little more description could have helped Guilty Minds shift from the movie-option feel and fall better into the literal category. Those who first discover Finder may feel there was too much missing with the thinly placed characters, too short action scenes, and the quintessential love interest and damsel(s) in distress. The speed this novel moves at didn't allow these moments to develop. They simply happened and then we were on to the next adventure.
I guess when you say gripe #1 that means you have a gripe #2. My #2 gripe is that the ending was too abrupt. Way too abrupt.
Overall, I really did enjoy reading Guilty Minds. Finder is one of my favorite authors. Sure, I usually read his work before diving back into something a little more... literary but that in no way should diminish his work. Fans understand that you find Finder will provide a fast-paced rollercoaster of a ride that demands the reader's attention to the last page.
Copy provided by Penguin Group via Netgalley
August 19, 2016
Boring, predictable and Heller escapes ridiculous situations almost with ease. 0 of 10 stars
July 19, 2016
A special thank you to PENGUIN GROUP Dutton and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Stunning Cover!
Following (2015) standalone (now in paperback), 5 Stars The Fixer, New York Times bestseller, Joseph Finder returns with first-rate action, spy thriller of the year, GUILTY MINDS.
Razor Sharp, top-of-the-line thriller author, the proficient storyteller, returns with our favorite mysterious spy, (#3 Nick Heller) the best of the series!
High-powered Nick Heller, Boston-based private intelligence operative meets his latest challenge: Slander Sheet, a prostitute, Washington, Chief Justice, scandal, a dangerous conspiracy, corruption, power, extortion, murder.
A deadline: 48 hours. Tick-Tock.
Nick Heller’s job is nothing more than figuring out who’s lying and why, and to catch them at it. He has a knack for detecting lies. Lies are his business. White lies are the grease that keeps the social engines running.
But lies—real lies are the source of all trouble. He specializes in digging up secrets that powerful people would rather keep hidden. Nick Heller is tough, smart, and cultured.
He does the same sort of stuff he used to do for the government, only for the private sector — individuals, politicians, corporations.
“A lie gets halfway around the world before truth has the chance to put its pants on.”
Slander Sheet is about the publish an expose about Supreme Court Chief Justice’s Jerry Claflin’s relationship with a call girl.
An escort service, Lily Schuyler. They offered the most beautiful, exquisite, and sensual young ladies ever to work in the escort industry. All the girls were ladies and all potential clients were gentlemen.
He has never heard of the name (Kayla Pitts) Heidi L’Amour (five diamonds). He was supposedly given three nights with the hooker by a casino mogul in whose favor he had ruled in a recent case.
An alibi? Electroshock therapy at an inpatient mental health clinic. Depression. He was allegedly seeing a call girl during the same time he was being treated at Sibley. A set up? One of the finest hotels in DC, only a few blocks from the White House.
Nick Heller has 48 hours to discredit the allegation. Who is the power and money behind Slander Sheet?
Things get complicated. Pitts is found dead, an apparent suicide. Who murdered Kayla? Did the defendant intend to commit the crime? Literally, guilty mind.” Who is trying to destroy him? Who benefits?
It doesn’t get any better!
Finder pulls out all the stops with his latest adventure. One of my favorite action thriller authors, whether a standalone or series, Finder, first-class with his research and the latest trends –from plot, pacing, twists, to unforgettable characters. If you have read Finder’s bio you will learn he always wanted to be a spy.
Joseph, you are truly a spy! You were meant to write spy novels. You have to be a spy at heart in order to deliver a convincing dynamic series.
One of the most important aspects of spying is collecting relevant information, which is why it is often referred to as intelligence. To write good spy suspense, takes the same skill set, plus more. You get to create your own characters, scandals, settings, and your superb endings. What could be better?
PS. A rock star with execution, wit, innovation, and non-stop action; top of this genre.
Often I am asked as a female reader why I love spy thrillers? They are edgy, intriguing, sophisticated, contemporary, mysterious, sexy, intelligent, action-filled and dangerous! A fan of political thrillers, crime, mystery, and modern detective techniques = Guilty Minds!
Your “Reverse—Reveal—Surprise” works!
Read more Between the Lines: Joseph Finder “Building the Perfect Hero.” Learn more about Nick and his background by reading the previous books in the series.
Highly Recommend the series as well as his famous standalones!
JDCMustReadBooks
Following (2015) standalone (now in paperback), 5 Stars The Fixer, New York Times bestseller, Joseph Finder returns with first-rate action, spy thriller of the year, GUILTY MINDS.
Razor Sharp, top-of-the-line thriller author, the proficient storyteller, returns with our favorite mysterious spy, (#3 Nick Heller) the best of the series!
High-powered Nick Heller, Boston-based private intelligence operative meets his latest challenge: Slander Sheet, a prostitute, Washington, Chief Justice, scandal, a dangerous conspiracy, corruption, power, extortion, murder.
A deadline: 48 hours. Tick-Tock.
Nick Heller’s job is nothing more than figuring out who’s lying and why, and to catch them at it. He has a knack for detecting lies. Lies are his business. White lies are the grease that keeps the social engines running.
But lies—real lies are the source of all trouble. He specializes in digging up secrets that powerful people would rather keep hidden. Nick Heller is tough, smart, and cultured.
“Born into great wealth–his father, the odious Victor Heller, was the Dark Prince of Wall Street–and then lived in poverty after his father was imprisoned for securities fraud. He is equally comfortable around rich people as well as blue collar. He knows the world of high finance. He went to Yale and worked for a few summers at McKinsey, the consulting firm, but then he rebelled by doing the unthinkable—dropping out and enlisting in the army, where he did a few tours in the Special Forces in Iraq and Afghanistan and other places, and then went into intelligence work for the Defense Department.”
He does the same sort of stuff he used to do for the government, only for the private sector — individuals, politicians, corporations.
“A lie gets halfway around the world before truth has the chance to put its pants on.”
Slander Sheet is about the publish an expose about Supreme Court Chief Justice’s Jerry Claflin’s relationship with a call girl.
An escort service, Lily Schuyler. They offered the most beautiful, exquisite, and sensual young ladies ever to work in the escort industry. All the girls were ladies and all potential clients were gentlemen.
He has never heard of the name (Kayla Pitts) Heidi L’Amour (five diamonds). He was supposedly given three nights with the hooker by a casino mogul in whose favor he had ruled in a recent case.
An alibi? Electroshock therapy at an inpatient mental health clinic. Depression. He was allegedly seeing a call girl during the same time he was being treated at Sibley. A set up? One of the finest hotels in DC, only a few blocks from the White House.
Nick Heller has 48 hours to discredit the allegation. Who is the power and money behind Slander Sheet?
Things get complicated. Pitts is found dead, an apparent suicide. Who murdered Kayla? Did the defendant intend to commit the crime? Literally, guilty mind.” Who is trying to destroy him? Who benefits?
It doesn’t get any better!
Finder pulls out all the stops with his latest adventure. One of my favorite action thriller authors, whether a standalone or series, Finder, first-class with his research and the latest trends –from plot, pacing, twists, to unforgettable characters. If you have read Finder’s bio you will learn he always wanted to be a spy.
Joseph, you are truly a spy! You were meant to write spy novels. You have to be a spy at heart in order to deliver a convincing dynamic series.
One of the most important aspects of spying is collecting relevant information, which is why it is often referred to as intelligence. To write good spy suspense, takes the same skill set, plus more. You get to create your own characters, scandals, settings, and your superb endings. What could be better?
PS. A rock star with execution, wit, innovation, and non-stop action; top of this genre.
Often I am asked as a female reader why I love spy thrillers? They are edgy, intriguing, sophisticated, contemporary, mysterious, sexy, intelligent, action-filled and dangerous! A fan of political thrillers, crime, mystery, and modern detective techniques = Guilty Minds!
Your “Reverse—Reveal—Surprise” works!
Read more Between the Lines: Joseph Finder “Building the Perfect Hero.” Learn more about Nick and his background by reading the previous books in the series.
Highly Recommend the series as well as his famous standalones!
JDCMustReadBooks
May 16, 2019
A gossip site is about to break a story about the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court consorting with paid escorts. Nick Heller has 48 hours to prove the story false. This doesn't seem an insurmountable task, but then the murders start.
A pretty good entry in the series.
A pretty good entry in the series.
August 16, 2016
3 ½ stars. Kept my interest.
I want to smile because of something unexpected or being surprised, and the book didn’t have that. It was more like a complicated many-layered mystery. We slowly learn things throughout the book. There is a happy ending for the good guys. There are a few beat-em-up scenes.
This is a private investigator Nick solving a mystery. It’s told in first person point of view. I prefer third person.
This is book 3 in the Nick Heller series. I preferred books 1 and 2 (Vanished and Buried Secrets).
AUDIOBOOK NARRATOR:
Holter Graham narrated all three audiobooks. I had problems with some of his character voices in the first two books. But this was much better. He didn’t do those weird things. So my only remaining problem is that he sounds like a college kid, not a 30 or 40 year old former military tough guy. I don’t think he’s the best choice to narrate Nick Heller - especially since the story is told in Nick’s first person point of view.
DATA:
Narrative mode: 1st person Nick. Unabridged audiobook length: 9 hrs and 39 mins. Swearing language: none that I recall. Sexual content: one sex scene referred to, no details shown. Setting: current day mostly Washington DC area. Book copyright: 2016. Genre: PI mystery suspense.
I want to smile because of something unexpected or being surprised, and the book didn’t have that. It was more like a complicated many-layered mystery. We slowly learn things throughout the book. There is a happy ending for the good guys. There are a few beat-em-up scenes.
This is a private investigator Nick solving a mystery. It’s told in first person point of view. I prefer third person.
This is book 3 in the Nick Heller series. I preferred books 1 and 2 (Vanished and Buried Secrets).
AUDIOBOOK NARRATOR:
Holter Graham narrated all three audiobooks. I had problems with some of his character voices in the first two books. But this was much better. He didn’t do those weird things. So my only remaining problem is that he sounds like a college kid, not a 30 or 40 year old former military tough guy. I don’t think he’s the best choice to narrate Nick Heller - especially since the story is told in Nick’s first person point of view.
DATA:
Narrative mode: 1st person Nick. Unabridged audiobook length: 9 hrs and 39 mins. Swearing language: none that I recall. Sexual content: one sex scene referred to, no details shown. Setting: current day mostly Washington DC area. Book copyright: 2016. Genre: PI mystery suspense.
August 2, 2016
Halfway through I was sure this would be 5 stars. By the time I finished that was cut in half.
I’ve always felt that Joseph Finder is a decent writer. Good, not great. His books are mildly entertaining, not pulse-pounding thrillers. His writing is mediocre—better than some, not nearly as good as others. His novels pass some time, kill a few nights and really, isn’t that what a book’s supposed to do?
Guilty Minds, in my opinion, doesn’t even meet Finder’s “mediocre” standards.
Nick Heller is a little of everything. He’s Rambo in that he knows how to use all sorts of weaponry to kill people. He’s John McClane because he can simply beat the crap out of you. He’s MacGyver because he can bypass a high-tech security system with a paper clip. Oh, and he’s also a cyber sleuth as well. Sure, why not.
I’ve read every book with Nick Heller and still am not sure what he is. He’s not a spy. He’s not a PI. He’s not a lawyer.
I have two complaints about this book.
One is the overabundance of technology. If you are someone who is into technology and all the high-tech stuff in today’s world, then you probably will like this book a lot. Me? I’m sort of old-fashioned. I tolerate technology, I don’t embrace it. And I found it to somewhat overwhelming. I understand the author must give us some background and explain “how things work.” But many times I felt this went from a suspense novel to a tech manual.
This goes along with my other big complaint: The author’s style. As stated above numerous times I felt like I was reading a technical manual, not a fiction novel.
**spoiler***
In one scene Nick and Merlin are trapped in a room. There’s no escape. They cant get out. The cops are coming. There’s poison gas leaking in to the room. They’re coughing. They’re choking. They’re suffocating. Exciting stuff, right? But Mr. Finder takes an analytical approach. In what should be a scene that has the reader’s pule skyrocketing, it slows down to a crawl. The author, rather than telling us how Nick feels, what’s going through his mind as his life is possibly minutes away from ending, turns this dramatic scene into a handbook. We’re told the thickness of the walls, the inner workings of the security panels, the circuitry and so forth. Zzzzz.
***end spoiler***
The only analogy I came come up with is this. Think of a car chase scene. Bullitt. The French Connection. The Seven-Ups. You want to hear screeching tires. You want to see cars fishtailing. You wanna see a woman with a carriage almost getting run down. You wanna see people diving out of the way. You wanna see the speedometer rising. You wanna see mail boxes obliterated and bus stops turned into wood splinters. You DON’T want to know how an engine works. You DON’T want to know how gas flows from the gas tank to the engine. You DON’T want to know how a transmission works.
Joseph Finder takes the latter approach. Analytical, systematic, methodical. B O R I N G
To be honest, this is a book that in 5-6 weeks I wont even remember. I’ve read 5 others books by Mr. Finder and honestly, I only remember one of them.
I’ll probably read another one of his books….maybe…possibly…if I have nothing else to do. Guilty Minds is a fast-moving book (though predictable) with short chapters. It’s better than watching crap on TV but again, not even up to his standards of mediocrity.
I’ve always felt that Joseph Finder is a decent writer. Good, not great. His books are mildly entertaining, not pulse-pounding thrillers. His writing is mediocre—better than some, not nearly as good as others. His novels pass some time, kill a few nights and really, isn’t that what a book’s supposed to do?
Guilty Minds, in my opinion, doesn’t even meet Finder’s “mediocre” standards.
Nick Heller is a little of everything. He’s Rambo in that he knows how to use all sorts of weaponry to kill people. He’s John McClane because he can simply beat the crap out of you. He’s MacGyver because he can bypass a high-tech security system with a paper clip. Oh, and he’s also a cyber sleuth as well. Sure, why not.
I’ve read every book with Nick Heller and still am not sure what he is. He’s not a spy. He’s not a PI. He’s not a lawyer.
I have two complaints about this book.
One is the overabundance of technology. If you are someone who is into technology and all the high-tech stuff in today’s world, then you probably will like this book a lot. Me? I’m sort of old-fashioned. I tolerate technology, I don’t embrace it. And I found it to somewhat overwhelming. I understand the author must give us some background and explain “how things work.” But many times I felt this went from a suspense novel to a tech manual.
This goes along with my other big complaint: The author’s style. As stated above numerous times I felt like I was reading a technical manual, not a fiction novel.
**spoiler***
In one scene Nick and Merlin are trapped in a room. There’s no escape. They cant get out. The cops are coming. There’s poison gas leaking in to the room. They’re coughing. They’re choking. They’re suffocating. Exciting stuff, right? But Mr. Finder takes an analytical approach. In what should be a scene that has the reader’s pule skyrocketing, it slows down to a crawl. The author, rather than telling us how Nick feels, what’s going through his mind as his life is possibly minutes away from ending, turns this dramatic scene into a handbook. We’re told the thickness of the walls, the inner workings of the security panels, the circuitry and so forth. Zzzzz.
***end spoiler***
The only analogy I came come up with is this. Think of a car chase scene. Bullitt. The French Connection. The Seven-Ups. You want to hear screeching tires. You want to see cars fishtailing. You wanna see a woman with a carriage almost getting run down. You wanna see people diving out of the way. You wanna see the speedometer rising. You wanna see mail boxes obliterated and bus stops turned into wood splinters. You DON’T want to know how an engine works. You DON’T want to know how gas flows from the gas tank to the engine. You DON’T want to know how a transmission works.
Joseph Finder takes the latter approach. Analytical, systematic, methodical. B O R I N G
To be honest, this is a book that in 5-6 weeks I wont even remember. I’ve read 5 others books by Mr. Finder and honestly, I only remember one of them.
I’ll probably read another one of his books….maybe…possibly…if I have nothing else to do. Guilty Minds is a fast-moving book (though predictable) with short chapters. It’s better than watching crap on TV but again, not even up to his standards of mediocrity.
June 12, 2017
Once again Joseph Finder give us an exciting, thoughtful thriller. I really like Nick Heller, and am surprised that someone hasn't pick this character for a movie or TV series. I have the next book lined up to listen to, but will wait a bit to start it.
February 15, 2021
Finder brings our intrepid PI, fixer, spec ops operator, Nick Heller back to DC to deal with the usual politics, scandal & corruption...This time dealing with a TMZ-like purveyor of internet rumors that may bring down the Chief Justice...fast-paced & topical-as-all-get-out!...Fun read!
September 13, 2016
3 stars. The first 3/4 of the book was very good. The last 1/4 not so great.
September 25, 2017
Finished just 24 hours ago and had to read the GR synopsis to remember what it was. 2 stars because I was entertained enough by the narrator to finish it.
June 13, 2018
A scandal sheet is about to defame the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court with a prostitute scandal and Nick Heller has 48 hours to disprove it before it goes public.
February 27, 2017
Guilty Minds is the third book in Joseph Finder’s Nick Heller series. Please check my archives if you are interested in reading my reviews of books one and two: Book Haunt
Investigator Nick Heller has had some harrowing cases so far and he comes into the ring fighting on each new case. His clients are usually very rich and powerful and if there’s one thing Nick has known since childhood, it’s that the rich and powerful usually have secrets. Nick might be a little paranoid but he’s pretty sure there’s always a lie at the bottom of each case he takes on, and once he uncovers that lie, that’s when he’s really onto something.
Nick agrees to return to Washington D.C. to meet with a mysterious client who won’t reveal his identity or any details until Nick meets him in person. His client is revealed to be Gideon Parnell, senior counsel at Shays Abbot. Gideon is the ultimate Washington insider and power broker with friends in high places. His dear friend, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, is about to have a gossip rag publish a scurrilous story involving the judge’s relationship with an escort. Parnell wants Nick to derail this explosive story before it gains momentum. But when the call girl is killed and political scandal is certain, Nick once again begins to search for the truth behind the lies he’s been fed.
Nick Heller continues to be a strong, many-faceted and likeable lead character. The books in this series are real page-turners; escapist thrillers that touch on contemporary topics and investigative techniques. Joseph Finder’s writing is excellent and he keeps the energy level high.
I want to thank the publisher (PENGUIN GROUP Dutton) for providing me with the ARC through NetGalley for an honest review.
Investigator Nick Heller has had some harrowing cases so far and he comes into the ring fighting on each new case. His clients are usually very rich and powerful and if there’s one thing Nick has known since childhood, it’s that the rich and powerful usually have secrets. Nick might be a little paranoid but he’s pretty sure there’s always a lie at the bottom of each case he takes on, and once he uncovers that lie, that’s when he’s really onto something.
Nick agrees to return to Washington D.C. to meet with a mysterious client who won’t reveal his identity or any details until Nick meets him in person. His client is revealed to be Gideon Parnell, senior counsel at Shays Abbot. Gideon is the ultimate Washington insider and power broker with friends in high places. His dear friend, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, is about to have a gossip rag publish a scurrilous story involving the judge’s relationship with an escort. Parnell wants Nick to derail this explosive story before it gains momentum. But when the call girl is killed and political scandal is certain, Nick once again begins to search for the truth behind the lies he’s been fed.
Nick Heller continues to be a strong, many-faceted and likeable lead character. The books in this series are real page-turners; escapist thrillers that touch on contemporary topics and investigative techniques. Joseph Finder’s writing is excellent and he keeps the energy level high.
I want to thank the publisher (PENGUIN GROUP Dutton) for providing me with the ARC through NetGalley for an honest review.
April 21, 2016
Heller is brought to Washington DC to investigate and put an end to a tawdry accusation of a Supreme Court Justice having a relationship with a young escort. He is given about 48 hours to find evidence it is not true. This leads to murder, paradoxes, a business that is less than honorable and a twist that will grab every reader. Excellent reading. Thanks to Net Galley and Dutton for an ARC for an honest review.
October 27, 2018
A great fast pace book. Another diamond from Joseph Finder . One of those authors that I know I am going to love every book he publish.
August 25, 2019
A real thriller. See if you can guess the real bad person behind the scenes. I did
August 9, 2016
Another solid Heller Novel
March 15, 2020
A strong 4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ stars— We were first introduced to Nick Heller in Vanished - book 1 of 4 in the series. From the publishers blurb here is what you need to know:
“Previously trained in Special Forces, Nick is now a high-powered intelligence investigator, exposing secrets that powerful people would rather keep hidden. He is tough, smart and stubborn, essential qualities in his line of work. He is what many call a “fixer” or a private spy. Hired by lawyers, politicians and even foreign governments, he is the man you call when you you need a problem fixed. He is not a man many would want to mess with either.”
I really like Nick and very much enjoyed Vanished back in the day. For whatever reason I’ve been lax in keeping up with the series, in fact skipped book 2 which I intend to go back and read later. This is book 3, and it’s been very exciting for me this week to get reacquainted with Heller in Guilty Minds.
Fast paced, with nary a dull moment, this is appropriate with the times in several ways, the current technology, the ardor of the Press, the rush to judgments.
Now that we’re all doing our part to control the spread of COVid-19 virus by staying indoors away from the public whether symptomatic or not, reading is a great way to pass the time. This novel will have you so engaged you won’t have a chance to think about anything else while you have the book open. I happened upon it at my local library last week in large print and both hubby and I enjoyed the heck out of it. Glad I picked it up then as public libraries are sadly closing for weeks until further notice here in So. Calif. in an effort to avoid the spreading of this virus.
GUILTY MINDS is available at online retailers and through kindle downloads. ENJOY!
Recommended to crime/thriller fans.
“Previously trained in Special Forces, Nick is now a high-powered intelligence investigator, exposing secrets that powerful people would rather keep hidden. He is tough, smart and stubborn, essential qualities in his line of work. He is what many call a “fixer” or a private spy. Hired by lawyers, politicians and even foreign governments, he is the man you call when you you need a problem fixed. He is not a man many would want to mess with either.”
I really like Nick and very much enjoyed Vanished back in the day. For whatever reason I’ve been lax in keeping up with the series, in fact skipped book 2 which I intend to go back and read later. This is book 3, and it’s been very exciting for me this week to get reacquainted with Heller in Guilty Minds.
Fast paced, with nary a dull moment, this is appropriate with the times in several ways, the current technology, the ardor of the Press, the rush to judgments.
Now that we’re all doing our part to control the spread of COVid-19 virus by staying indoors away from the public whether symptomatic or not, reading is a great way to pass the time. This novel will have you so engaged you won’t have a chance to think about anything else while you have the book open. I happened upon it at my local library last week in large print and both hubby and I enjoyed the heck out of it. Glad I picked it up then as public libraries are sadly closing for weeks until further notice here in So. Calif. in an effort to avoid the spreading of this virus.
GUILTY MINDS is available at online retailers and through kindle downloads. ENJOY!
Recommended to crime/thriller fans.
March 15, 2021
Nothing earthshaking or new, but a good story.
February 22, 2017
This is the 3rd in the Nick Heller series- and I did enjoy it. In this one, someone is trying to damage a Supreme Court justice with scandalous charges to be published in the tabloid rag Slander Sheet. Nick must attempt to head off the article and, failing that, reverse the damage. As he winds his way through DC and beyond, he and those helping him are placed in mortal danger at every turn. Who is behind the death and destruction? Who would want to damage a member of the court? And why? And are there even deeper and darker secrets? Nick must navigate an explosive minefield to uncover the answers
Nick Heller is a private spy—a private intelligence operative based in Boston, hired by lawyers, politicians, and even foreign governments. Known as both a maverick and a dedicated, high-powered investigator.
Every now and again I just love to pick up these kinds of books- different from my insane, psycho, serial killer books!
I can only hope that there are more Nick Heller books to come !!
Nick Heller is a private spy—a private intelligence operative based in Boston, hired by lawyers, politicians, and even foreign governments. Known as both a maverick and a dedicated, high-powered investigator.
Every now and again I just love to pick up these kinds of books- different from my insane, psycho, serial killer books!
I can only hope that there are more Nick Heller books to come !!
December 31, 2022
2 1/2 Stars -- Entertaining But Not Up To Finder's Very High Standards!
Previously, whenever I read a Joseph Finder thriller -- and I've now read all twelve of them -- the only ingoing question I had was HOW good would it be; it had never been an issue of will it to be good. Through the first eleven books, my opinion of his works had always ranged between very good and excellent (i.e., a 4-star or 5-star rating). Regarding Guilty Minds, although I found it entertaining, I did not consider it to be of the same high standards I've come to expect from this author, and thus felt somewhat letdown by it, resulting in my giving it a 3-star rating. Nonetheless, I still consider Joseph Finder to be one of the best of the best of today's thriller writers.
I won't summarize the plot of Guilty Minds, as this is well-described in the Amazon Book Description above. I'll just say that Guilty Minds is the third book in the series featuring Nick Heller, a former high-powered private intelligence company operative with Special Forces training who has now gone "private." In this book Heller is hired to help resolve a potentially explosive situation when the chief justice of the Supreme Court is about to be defamed by a powerful website that specializes in dirt on celebrities and politicians.
Typical of a Joseph Finder thriller, Guilty Minds has its share of suspenseful and exciting moments, and is written in a fast-paced style. However, these moments are not as plentiful and sustaining as in Finder's other books, including the two previous books in the Nick Heller series (i.e., Vanished and Buried Secrets). Further, comparatively speaking, I did not find that Finder maintained his high standards in regards to providing interesting and well-developed characters, and in regards to having his characters speak realistic dialogue. For me, the character development and dialogue in Guilty Minds were just workmanlike. And, one of the biggest issues I had in Guilty Minds is Finder's going too deep in describing the workings of all the high tech equipment and various weapons Heller uses to resolve his case to the desired outcome. Too often, these descriptions made me feel like I was reading an instructions manual; which, in turn, served to slow down the book's pace a lot more than I would have preferred.
Bottom line: Although Guilty Minds did not live up to the high expectations I've come to expect from a Joseph Heller thriller, it is still a book that can "walk proudly" alongside most other books in this genre, and one that is worthy of your consideration.
Previously, whenever I read a Joseph Finder thriller -- and I've now read all twelve of them -- the only ingoing question I had was HOW good would it be; it had never been an issue of will it to be good. Through the first eleven books, my opinion of his works had always ranged between very good and excellent (i.e., a 4-star or 5-star rating). Regarding Guilty Minds, although I found it entertaining, I did not consider it to be of the same high standards I've come to expect from this author, and thus felt somewhat letdown by it, resulting in my giving it a 3-star rating. Nonetheless, I still consider Joseph Finder to be one of the best of the best of today's thriller writers.
I won't summarize the plot of Guilty Minds, as this is well-described in the Amazon Book Description above. I'll just say that Guilty Minds is the third book in the series featuring Nick Heller, a former high-powered private intelligence company operative with Special Forces training who has now gone "private." In this book Heller is hired to help resolve a potentially explosive situation when the chief justice of the Supreme Court is about to be defamed by a powerful website that specializes in dirt on celebrities and politicians.
Typical of a Joseph Finder thriller, Guilty Minds has its share of suspenseful and exciting moments, and is written in a fast-paced style. However, these moments are not as plentiful and sustaining as in Finder's other books, including the two previous books in the Nick Heller series (i.e., Vanished and Buried Secrets). Further, comparatively speaking, I did not find that Finder maintained his high standards in regards to providing interesting and well-developed characters, and in regards to having his characters speak realistic dialogue. For me, the character development and dialogue in Guilty Minds were just workmanlike. And, one of the biggest issues I had in Guilty Minds is Finder's going too deep in describing the workings of all the high tech equipment and various weapons Heller uses to resolve his case to the desired outcome. Too often, these descriptions made me feel like I was reading an instructions manual; which, in turn, served to slow down the book's pace a lot more than I would have preferred.
Bottom line: Although Guilty Minds did not live up to the high expectations I've come to expect from a Joseph Heller thriller, it is still a book that can "walk proudly" alongside most other books in this genre, and one that is worthy of your consideration.
July 27, 2016
This was my first acquaintance with Nick Heller, and starting with book # 3 in the series is hardly the most ideal place, but I already know that I will read the earlier books at a later time.
Nick Heller has started out on his own, a sort of Private Investigative firm, after having broken up with his partner. Despite being located in Boston, he gets contacted by a prominent law firm in Washington DC to uncover a lie.
A Supreme Court justice has allegedly had some trysts with a high-priced call girl, something the justice firmly denies. The top man at the law firm is a friend of the justice and is trying to broker an agreement with the on-line sleaze rag, Slander Sheet, before it gets published.
Nick Heller takes the case and soon realizes that things are entirely as obvious and simple as they were first presented.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, was surprised numerous times and got caught on my rear end by the conclusion. For those that like books in this genre, this book will be highly enjoyable, and as mentioned, I will be going back to the earlier books in this series to catch up. Highly recommended. [The ARC used for this review was generously provided by the First-to-Read Program]
Nick Heller has started out on his own, a sort of Private Investigative firm, after having broken up with his partner. Despite being located in Boston, he gets contacted by a prominent law firm in Washington DC to uncover a lie.
A Supreme Court justice has allegedly had some trysts with a high-priced call girl, something the justice firmly denies. The top man at the law firm is a friend of the justice and is trying to broker an agreement with the on-line sleaze rag, Slander Sheet, before it gets published.
Nick Heller takes the case and soon realizes that things are entirely as obvious and simple as they were first presented.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, was surprised numerous times and got caught on my rear end by the conclusion. For those that like books in this genre, this book will be highly enjoyable, and as mentioned, I will be going back to the earlier books in this series to catch up. Highly recommended. [The ARC used for this review was generously provided by the First-to-Read Program]
December 4, 2016
I really, seriously wish Joseph Finder would give us more Nick Heller books...although seeing his tendency to go several years between new entries in this series as opposed to churning out one new book each year like clockwork makes them pretty special in the world of thriller novels. Guilty Minds is no exception, with its fast-paced, topical-as-hell exploration of politics and scandal and corruption. It's a world Heller's pretty used to, given how many incarcerated family members he's got, but perhaps not to the degree featured here.
Sure, the plot for this novel sounds like a mashup of a bunch of the Shondaland and imitation-Shondaland potboilers that ABC's been saturating their schedule with in recent years (Scandal and Notorious come to mind the most), but Finder, being a skilled storyteller, delivers a more-than-satisfactory political tale that leans far more towards thriller than drama, and is most certainly not a pleasure of the guilty variety.
I don't know how long it'll be until we get a fourth Heller book, but I'll be eagerly awaiting its arrival on library and/or bookstore shelves.
Sure, the plot for this novel sounds like a mashup of a bunch of the Shondaland and imitation-Shondaland potboilers that ABC's been saturating their schedule with in recent years (Scandal and Notorious come to mind the most), but Finder, being a skilled storyteller, delivers a more-than-satisfactory political tale that leans far more towards thriller than drama, and is most certainly not a pleasure of the guilty variety.
I don't know how long it'll be until we get a fourth Heller book, but I'll be eagerly awaiting its arrival on library and/or bookstore shelves.
August 6, 2016
#3 in the Nick Heller series. Nick is a small Boston private investigator called in by a famous lawyer when his friend, a Supreme Court justice, is threatened with a scandal sheet exposé. Nick manages to dispel the charges, but it's almost too easy. Why were there holes in the call girls story and who is the tough ex-cop who keeps popping up? When he gets a plea for help from the call girl, he decides to stick around Washington, D.C. for a few more days.
Nick Heller - is called in to help out in a delicate, potentially explosive situation. The chief justice of the Supreme Court is about to be defamed by a powerful gossip website called Slander Sheet, which specializes in dirt on celebs. In mere days they will publish an exposé documenting that the chief justice had liaisons with an escort, paid for by a wealthy casino mogul—who recently had a case before the court. Nick has forty-eight hours to prove the story is baseless. But when the call girl is found murdered, the case takes an unexpected and dangerous turn.
Nick Heller - is called in to help out in a delicate, potentially explosive situation. The chief justice of the Supreme Court is about to be defamed by a powerful gossip website called Slander Sheet, which specializes in dirt on celebs. In mere days they will publish an exposé documenting that the chief justice had liaisons with an escort, paid for by a wealthy casino mogul—who recently had a case before the court. Nick has forty-eight hours to prove the story is baseless. But when the call girl is found murdered, the case takes an unexpected and dangerous turn.
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