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Mastermind Murderers #3
The Carbon Effect
One man believes he is being watched. Another fears he may be a murderer. Psychologist Raine Walsh may be the only person who believes either of them.
When one of Raine’s clients claims he is being stalked, the police dismiss his fears as paranoia. Raine is not so certain. Then her client disappears, and what looked like a delusion becomes a terrifying reality.
Suspended detective Jonah Heely refuses to believe the kidnapping is a coincidence. Raine has been connected to too many strange crimes, and he is determined to uncover what she knows, even if his obsession costs him everything.
Meanwhile, college freshman Alex Wood is plagued by vivid dreams in which he murders someone. When disturbing clues suggest the nightmares may be memories, Alex begins investigating the darkest corners of his own mind.
Three investigations are about to collide, and someone may be manipulating them all.
The Carbon Effect is the third book in the completed Mastermind Murderers series, packed with fractured memories, dangerous obsessions, and mind-bending revelations.
When one of Raine’s clients claims he is being stalked, the police dismiss his fears as paranoia. Raine is not so certain. Then her client disappears, and what looked like a delusion becomes a terrifying reality.
Suspended detective Jonah Heely refuses to believe the kidnapping is a coincidence. Raine has been connected to too many strange crimes, and he is determined to uncover what she knows, even if his obsession costs him everything.
Meanwhile, college freshman Alex Wood is plagued by vivid dreams in which he murders someone. When disturbing clues suggest the nightmares may be memories, Alex begins investigating the darkest corners of his own mind.
Three investigations are about to collide, and someone may be manipulating them all.
The Carbon Effect is the third book in the completed Mastermind Murderers series, packed with fractured memories, dangerous obsessions, and mind-bending revelations.
186 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 4, 2018
About the author
Kristin Helling
24 books43 followersKristin Helling writes stories that invite readers into small-town secrets and edge-of-your-seat suspense. She is the author of the Roastwood Hollow Cozy Mystery series, where charming coffee shops, quirky neighbors, and autumn festivals are never too far from a chilling murder. Kristin also writes thrillers and suspense novels, blending heart-pounding twists with deeply human characters who face danger, deception, and dark truths.
A lifelong booklover, Kristin grew up with a passion for storytelling and the idea that even the coziest places can hold the deepest mysteries. When she’s not writing, she owns a coffeehouse/roastery/bakery, co-owns her publishing company Wordwraith Books, is married to a photographer, and is Mama of two.
Her writing reflects her love of community, mystery, and the delicate balance of warmth and danger. Whether you prefer a comforting whodunit by the fire or a thriller that keeps you up all night, Kristin has a story to share.
📚 Series: Roastwood Hollow Cozy Mystery (In Roast Mortem, In Cold Brewed, Roastly Apparitions, with more to come!)
🔎 Genres: Cozy mystery, thrillers, suspense
☕ For fans of: Gilmore Girls, Agatha Christie, and stories that blend charm with chills
A lifelong booklover, Kristin grew up with a passion for storytelling and the idea that even the coziest places can hold the deepest mysteries. When she’s not writing, she owns a coffeehouse/roastery/bakery, co-owns her publishing company Wordwraith Books, is married to a photographer, and is Mama of two.
Her writing reflects her love of community, mystery, and the delicate balance of warmth and danger. Whether you prefer a comforting whodunit by the fire or a thriller that keeps you up all night, Kristin has a story to share.
📚 Series: Roastwood Hollow Cozy Mystery (In Roast Mortem, In Cold Brewed, Roastly Apparitions, with more to come!)
🔎 Genres: Cozy mystery, thrillers, suspense
☕ For fans of: Gilmore Girls, Agatha Christie, and stories that blend charm with chills
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
May 16, 2018
Having read the previous two books in these series I was expecting a little more than this one delivered. The first two books in the series at least closed out their storylines to some extent even though parts were carried over into the next book. The Carbon Effect didn't clear up anything. I finished the book with more questions that when I started. I really hate being left on a cliffhanger and this, to me was even worse. The story just ended. No resolution; no nothing. Just done. I really resent being forced to get the next book, but I'm three stories in, how can I quit now? I'm beginning to follow Detective Helley's feeling that there's something wrong with Raine and this book just pushed all of those feeling to the forefront. I'm not exactly sure why, but this story felt very disjointed. At times Marcus is hinted at having something to do with everything that's gone wrong in Raine's life and then it's Professor Jensen, when there isn't any concrete evidence to point to either one.
Also, as with the other two books, Ms Helling needs to find a proofreader, even if it's just a close friend. There are missing words, wrong words, run-on sentences, and sentences that don't make sense. Most of these are so obvious it wouldn't require an English Professor to spot them. It would make such a difference. I expected much more but was highly disappointed. I received a copy from the author but this is my own opinion
Also, as with the other two books, Ms Helling needs to find a proofreader, even if it's just a close friend. There are missing words, wrong words, run-on sentences, and sentences that don't make sense. Most of these are so obvious it wouldn't require an English Professor to spot them. It would make such a difference. I expected much more but was highly disappointed. I received a copy from the author but this is my own opinion
May 7, 2018
This third installment of the Mastermind Murderers was quite entertaining and I enjoyed the Alex character, and the dog, of course! The one thing that really brought it down a star for me was how Detective Heely's character has suddenly done a 180° in regards to Raine. This doesn't really make sense and has not really been explained - even illogically. The murder case is more of a one hit wonder this time, but is still interesting. This book oddly enough feels a bit rushed to me, but I can't really explain why. Nothing seems to be properly explored before moving on to the next thing. Like it could use another 4 or 5 chapters to really flesh things out and finish them off. I can never work out if these things are done deliberately with this author, in order to represent a character's state of mind? Anyway, an excellent chapter in an altogether fun and captivating series! I received a free ARC in return for an honest review of this book.
May 4, 2018
Another great story in this series.
Raine is a fantastic character, and the storyline in this one is as good as it was in the previous two. What I particularly like in these books is the way they delve into the darkness of the human mind and give us a better understanding of it.
A very interesting read, totally worthy of your time.
Raine is a fantastic character, and the storyline in this one is as good as it was in the previous two. What I particularly like in these books is the way they delve into the darkness of the human mind and give us a better understanding of it.
A very interesting read, totally worthy of your time.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews