Mindsight

by Dean Kenyon

No idea is so good it can’t go bad. Frank Mallory is a private detective working for a new type of national detective a well-organized one. Private Eyes, Inc., has the latest in data analysis, training techniques, cross-discipline integration, illicit back-door deals, and cynical programmers who don’t care what they have to do as long as they don’t lose their benefits while doing it. PEI has it all covered. The right mix of idealism and plausible deniability can work wonders. But that doesn’t mean that Frank’s in the clear when he starts work on a case involving the new designer drug Mindsight. Mindsight is a miracle drug. It won’t give you telepathy, but it comes close, triggering a wave of pure empathy that helps treat everything from domestic violence to schizophrenia. The problem is, if you take too much of it, you’ll understand someone else’s point of view…all the way to death. Of course a serial killer starts butchering Mindsight addicts. As if nobody could see that coming. All he has to do is ask nicely. And maybe offer a little something the victim can’t refuse. The real twist is when a Mindsight addict fights back…and takes down a cop, saying that he admitted to being the serial killer before he died. Frank’s hired to find solid, incontestable proof that the man, someone he used to work with, is actually the murderer, so a rich man’s daughter, the purported victim, can walk free. Seems straightforward, right? Right. Book 1 in the Company Justice series, starring Frank Mallory.

Genres: Science Fiction, Fiction

252 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 7, 2018

Reviews

[Tina · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book in exchange for a review.

I struggled with this book. It isn't my usual genre but the idea of a drug to increase empathy intrigued me.
This book starts off well, introducing the mystery and the main protagonist with ease.
The plot seemed both slow and jumpy until about 3/4 of the way when my attention was captured.
The twist came out of nowhere, as the best of them do, and makes me want to know what will happen.
I can't say for sure I will continue with this series, but despite a few spelling errors and some continuity with one characters name, this was a well written book and the series has a lot of promise.

[Mardra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have only one complaint about this book, I couldn’t put it down. I chose this book because it looked like an entertaining, “easy read” to enjoy while on a transatlantic flight. It fulfilled both those promises, however it also had a mystery element and a very interesting premise- (keeping me up turning pages instead of sleeping on the flight). So my advice is if you’re looking for a page turner that makes you think a bit about what is manipulation and what is true kindness, while working through a mystery in the near future, this is the book to pick up. If you are looking for a relaxing read to help you sleep, save this one for later.

[Kevin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!!
After reading all the way through -- 5 stars!! I normally do not go after this genre, but the pacing, the build-up -- it really worked for me. I *do* love it.

Strongly recommended -- and if you start it, stick with it. This just gets better the more you read.


About 1/3rd through I said:
At 32% through I have gotten really caught by the story (and gave it 4 stars)

While detective novels are OK with me, I usually do not seek the genre. This one has an element of SF added, not overwhelming though and remains a solid detective story.

I like it, I may love it when I get further.

Recommended.

[Jennifer Rials · Rating 5 out of 5]

A mind blowing read!

This book was a slow burn to explosive unexpected finale! I'm not sure who I enjoyed more private detective Frank, girl Friday Sheila or cousin Rosemary - they were a great combination! I highly recommend this book! Thanks D. Kenyon! I am really looking forward to another book and especially about how Frank is... Sorry no spoilers!

[Craig · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story was quite interesting. The author kept me guessing throughout. This was certainly a great introduction to a series, though the way it set up a possible second one felt off to me. Still, I would recommend this book to any fan of sf/detective stories. I think they will enjoy it.

[Leslie Wiederspan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is normally not my choice of genre, so I had a hard time getting into it. It was difficult to follow at times, but I like the author, so I stuck with it. The end brought up a few questions, so I will read the second book to hopefully get those answered.

[Kaye Lynne Booth · Rating 5 out of 5]

A pulp detective novel set in a future where designer drugs rule, or do they?

See my full review here: https://kayelynnebooth.wordpress.com/...

[ladymurmur · Rating 5 out of 5]

Though-provoking mystery set in a world that feels not-that-far from next week... Explores ideas of self and identity, while telling a solid, engaging story. Keeps coming to mind days and weeks after I finished reading. Very much looking forward to the sequel!

(Read this title very close to a re-read of Spider Robinson's Mindkiller, which made for some fantastic literary conversation!)

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very strange book, so much so that I THINK I enjoyed it.. but one part of my brain's not entirely sure! I'll leave the blurb to fill you in on the storyline, and just say that the one thing I found a little frustrating was the way so many things were left unexplained and shrugged off as being related to the drugs - I like answers, not loose ends! Anyway, if you like mysteries set in futuristic societies where all is not as it seems, this could be the book for you. Just be prepared for lots of weirdness!
NB I received a complimentary copy of this book, but I always give an HONEST review based wholly on my own opinions

[Laura Ruetz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This took me a chapter or two to get into but once I got into it, I was hooked. This has a slow start, but then it picks up quickly. Part mystery, part thriller and a little bit of cyberpunk makes this a compelling book about a not-so distant future with a decidedly noir voice. Solid read and an enjoyable read that really takes the readers down a twisting rabbit hole in a future that really isn't all that far off....

[Mike W. · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent book from new writer Dean Kenyon. Looking forward to reading the next book!

Good dialog, plot and pacing. Set in a very near future (self driving cars are still new enough that the protagonist, Frank Mallory, is uncomfortable with them), the world is still familiar and new at the same time. Good secondary characters, and a very scary organization compliment the story.