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Ball & Chain #2
Fear
Her death has haunted him for over thirty years.
And he's hell-bent on making someone pay.
A father goes missing. Not just any father. But a person once worshipped for his world-class talent.
Enter the most unconventional team around: Willow Ball and Cooper Chain.
As a nurse at the community clinic, Willow has seen the painful effects of heroin addiction. But now she's compelled to help a grieving wife and mother.
Dodging the mob at every turn, Cooper has a plan to bring them down while getting traction on his upstart career. Is he marching into a trap?
With their relationship bordering the "friends with benefits" stage, Willow and Cooper team up to find the missing person. But it's not that simple. Nothing with them is ever simple.
The hunt corkscrews into an impossible maize of events -- their lives threatened by a swarm of twisted deviants and social misfits.
Emotions run rampant, stoking one savage response after another. A spark ignites the hate, but what is the real fuel for this wave of brutal crimes?
Ultimately, can Willow and Cooper save a family from the torment before it's too late?
Only if they can overcome their own…fear.
And he's hell-bent on making someone pay.
A father goes missing. Not just any father. But a person once worshipped for his world-class talent.
Enter the most unconventional team around: Willow Ball and Cooper Chain.
As a nurse at the community clinic, Willow has seen the painful effects of heroin addiction. But now she's compelled to help a grieving wife and mother.
Dodging the mob at every turn, Cooper has a plan to bring them down while getting traction on his upstart career. Is he marching into a trap?
With their relationship bordering the "friends with benefits" stage, Willow and Cooper team up to find the missing person. But it's not that simple. Nothing with them is ever simple.
The hunt corkscrews into an impossible maize of events -- their lives threatened by a swarm of twisted deviants and social misfits.
Emotions run rampant, stoking one savage response after another. A spark ignites the hate, but what is the real fuel for this wave of brutal crimes?
Ultimately, can Willow and Cooper save a family from the torment before it's too late?
Only if they can overcome their own…fear.
172 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 19, 2019
268 people are currently reading
44 people want to read
About the author
John W. Mefford
78 books401 followersAmazon #1 Bestselling Author, #2 bestselling author on Barnes and Noble, and a Readers' Favorite Gold Medal winner.
John W. Mefford has been writing his debut novel since he first entered the work force almost thirty years ago, although he never put words on paper until 2009. Once he started writing, however, he couldn't stop. Many readers ask John from where he gets his ideas. Well, he's a veteran of the corporate rat-race, a former journalist, and he's always been an astute observer of human and social behavior. On top of that, he's really good at embellishing.
A member of International Thriller Writers, John writes novels full of electrifying suspense -- the same types of books he has loved to read since before he could shave.
Learn more about John at www.JohnWMefford.com
Let's connect! Follow John on Facebook at www.facebook.com/JohnWMeffordAuthor
John W. Mefford has been writing his debut novel since he first entered the work force almost thirty years ago, although he never put words on paper until 2009. Once he started writing, however, he couldn't stop. Many readers ask John from where he gets his ideas. Well, he's a veteran of the corporate rat-race, a former journalist, and he's always been an astute observer of human and social behavior. On top of that, he's really good at embellishing.
A member of International Thriller Writers, John writes novels full of electrifying suspense -- the same types of books he has loved to read since before he could shave.
Learn more about John at www.JohnWMefford.com
Let's connect! Follow John on Facebook at www.facebook.com/JohnWMeffordAuthor
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
March 21, 2019
Honestly I took a while to get into this book, the banter between Willow and Cooper was brilliant but something was missing for me. I can't pin point what though. Having said that Mefford has once again delivered a great story, Willow and Chase are the most unlikely crime-fighting-investigators ever, they unwittingly became PI's in the last book and in this one they get caught up in looking for a missing person purely by a fluke as it happened to be a former athlete that Cooper was looking to interview.
There is still much to be said about this couple that I hope comes out in future books, I feel there is still a lot of back story to be told. There is also this undeniable attraction still there for them both, and I am interested to see if and how that will develop as Willow is engaged to a wealthy man - though I think there is more to him that meets the eye considering his association with Dr V - who has a noose around Coopers neck.
The Ball & Chain series is vastly different from the other series, but in its own right it is coming to a grower on me, slowly. I love the humour that runs through the book between Willow and Cooper, giving the story a little lightheartedness amongst the seriousness of the case they get wrapped up in.
There is still much to be said about this couple that I hope comes out in future books, I feel there is still a lot of back story to be told. There is also this undeniable attraction still there for them both, and I am interested to see if and how that will develop as Willow is engaged to a wealthy man - though I think there is more to him that meets the eye considering his association with Dr V - who has a noose around Coopers neck.
The Ball & Chain series is vastly different from the other series, but in its own right it is coming to a grower on me, slowly. I love the humour that runs through the book between Willow and Cooper, giving the story a little lightheartedness amongst the seriousness of the case they get wrapped up in.
March 18, 2019
This is the second story in the "Ball and Chain" series, and as usual the author portrays the characters so well, all their good and bad points, that we feel like friends and are involved in every mystery they encounter!! The story is exciting with the suspense building from several twists and turns made by family and friends!! The exchanges between characters are witty, sarcastic and at times shocking, keeping you on your toes throughout!!
I received an ARC from author John Mefford, who I thank for an enjoyable evening, and I put my thoughts in this review so others may enjoy an exciting new mystery!!
I received an ARC from author John Mefford, who I thank for an enjoyable evening, and I put my thoughts in this review so others may enjoy an exciting new mystery!!
March 19, 2019
After getting a taste of John Mefford’s work in ‘Mercy’ -the first book in the Ball and Chain series- I eagerly anticipated a follow up book and ‘Fear’ finally put me out of my misery.
‘Fear’ brings the return of Willow Ball and Cooper Chain, the mystery chasing duo that I can’t help become more absorbed with.
I am vastly becoming a fan of the thriller genre through Mefford’s tantalising mysteries that always hook and reel me in. The twists and turns of the plot always capturing my attention and making me want to know more.
The writing style is clever, engaging and and I love Willow as a character. With every book I warm that little bit more to her relationship with Cooper and the romance plot that is there amongst the thrills and suspense.
This book has something for everyone, it has a mystery of a missing person, a mob for the suspense and threat, a romance between friends and some funny moments thrown in amongst the drama. It is action packed and I can’t wait to continue to see where this series goes.
It’s a must read and I’d recommend it to anyone who is already a fan of the mystery/ thriller genre, someone who would like to mix up their current reading list and anyone who likes romance and excitement. It is an entertaining read and provides a good basis of a series to become addicted to.
‘Fear’ brings the return of Willow Ball and Cooper Chain, the mystery chasing duo that I can’t help become more absorbed with.
I am vastly becoming a fan of the thriller genre through Mefford’s tantalising mysteries that always hook and reel me in. The twists and turns of the plot always capturing my attention and making me want to know more.
The writing style is clever, engaging and and I love Willow as a character. With every book I warm that little bit more to her relationship with Cooper and the romance plot that is there amongst the thrills and suspense.
This book has something for everyone, it has a mystery of a missing person, a mob for the suspense and threat, a romance between friends and some funny moments thrown in amongst the drama. It is action packed and I can’t wait to continue to see where this series goes.
It’s a must read and I’d recommend it to anyone who is already a fan of the mystery/ thriller genre, someone who would like to mix up their current reading list and anyone who likes romance and excitement. It is an entertaining read and provides a good basis of a series to become addicted to.
April 5, 2019
Fear by John W. Mefford is the second book in the Ball and Chain series. Although it features a different case, it is recommended that the books be read in order of release, as this will allow readers to follow the lives of Willow and Cooper. I enjoyed book one and looked forward to spending more time with the characters.
I liked this installment, but it did not have the wow factor I expect from the author. The excitement was missing. It took some time for me to get into the story. The first 40% focused on the events in the character’s life since the first installment. There were hints of nefarious things happening but that aspect of the story did not develop until the 40% mark. Just when I thought things would take an exciting turn, the story tapered off, and the focus was on Cooper and Willow’s personal issues, than on their investigation into the missing athlete. There was a moment during these events where I found myself on the edge of my seat. This was because of the loan shark/mobster who wanted to keep Cooper under his thumb. Meanwhile, someone is kidnapping persons whom they perceive to be racists and torturing them, but it was not until 80% into the story that this thread took life.
Cooper is juggling several things in his life. A nosy neighbor, a loan shark, his feelings for Willow and a cop who wants more than friendship and the investigation. Meanwhile he is trying to revive his career as a sports writer. Willow and Cooper have yet to come to terms with their feelings for each other.
I loved the interaction between Willow and Cooper. From their cheesy banter to the dangerous situations they find would themselves in. Their chemistry was undeniable, but past and current events proved a hindrance.
The story had several plot threads with an interesting cast of characters.
Conclusion/Recommendation
Despite this not being my favourite by the author I still liked the story and I am curious to discover what is in store for Willow and Cooper.
I liked this installment, but it did not have the wow factor I expect from the author. The excitement was missing. It took some time for me to get into the story. The first 40% focused on the events in the character’s life since the first installment. There were hints of nefarious things happening but that aspect of the story did not develop until the 40% mark. Just when I thought things would take an exciting turn, the story tapered off, and the focus was on Cooper and Willow’s personal issues, than on their investigation into the missing athlete. There was a moment during these events where I found myself on the edge of my seat. This was because of the loan shark/mobster who wanted to keep Cooper under his thumb. Meanwhile, someone is kidnapping persons whom they perceive to be racists and torturing them, but it was not until 80% into the story that this thread took life.
Cooper is juggling several things in his life. A nosy neighbor, a loan shark, his feelings for Willow and a cop who wants more than friendship and the investigation. Meanwhile he is trying to revive his career as a sports writer. Willow and Cooper have yet to come to terms with their feelings for each other.
I loved the interaction between Willow and Cooper. From their cheesy banter to the dangerous situations they find would themselves in. Their chemistry was undeniable, but past and current events proved a hindrance.
The story had several plot threads with an interesting cast of characters.
Conclusion/Recommendation
Despite this not being my favourite by the author I still liked the story and I am curious to discover what is in store for Willow and Cooper.
March 26, 2019
This book. Every time I think Mefford can't possibly top himself I read another one of his books and I'm blown away. If you haven't fallen in love with Cooper and Willow already, you soon will. Together they make this book thrilling, funny, and at times downright infuriating. A must read!
April 1, 2019
Cooper Chain has finally started back to work on his sports journalist career. He and Willow Ball are still friends and sometimes work together when they are investigating missing people. Apparently, Willow Ball was to get married to a very rich accountant, but when a Cooper showed up at the wedding, she began to wonder if she really did love her fiancé, or was he just a fantasy for a better life. Consequently, the wedding did not happen. And to make matters worse, Cooper is still being hounded by the Sack Brothers, who were hired by his nemesis, Dr. V. He had paid Dr. V back on his gambling debts, but Dr. V mentioned that he still had to do him two favors before he was paid in full. What else could he possibly do for Dr. V.? While Willow was working at the clinic, one of her patients, Jada Hatley lived her concerns about her husband. Jada is the wife of a very famous basketball player, Rashad Harley. Jada was extremely worried that her husband had gone back to using drugs. She mentioned that she had not seen him in few weeks. Willow contacted Cooper and asked for his help to try to track Rashad Hatley down. Of course, he agreed, since he would be able to hopefully get a story out of it for his newspaper. It seems as if there are all kinds of family dysfunctions going in the Hatley family. Could this be one of the reasons for Rashad to disappear? Where is he? What happened to have caused him to take off and not to have had any contact with his family? As they start to investigate clues, it seems as if more people are disappearing. The perpetrator is driving a white van. Who is the culprit, and why is he snatching people? Will they find Rashad? Will he be alive? What will they uncover? Will Cooper and Willow rekindle their past romantic relationship? The plot was one that definitely kept the attention of the reader. The character development certainly kept the reader captivated with all their faults and flaws. I was surprised by the ending. It was not what I had expected. The culprit was not who I thought it would be. I did not really like the ending of the book though. It seemed to be too abrupt. Other than that I can’t wait to see what kind of trouble these two will get into.
March 26, 2019
Cooper and Willow are undeniably a couple who will end up on my all-time favorite list. Their connection is being revealed piece by piece and despite outward influences and expectations, this couple is deeply rooted together. I just can't wait to keep unfolding the layers! FEAR gives us a more intimate look into this pair while taking us on a dark, brutal path into the world of crime. Cooper is one of those guys that we shouldn't want for Willow. He's in debt to the mob and not exactly stable in life. Yet, he has this side that you know he's a good guy deep down and has potential. We get to see a bit more insight to Willow's mother -- I find her character to be quite amusing and slap-your-cheek-gasping type of character (like, did she really say/do that??!). Mefford brings FEAR right to your fingertips and makes you tingle from head to toe because of the realistic reactions you have throughout the book. Ball & Chain has the classic Mefford thrill -- but this series is different -- and I really, really like it!I have volunteered to share my review and all the opinions are 100% my own.
March 19, 2019
I am hooked.
I read Book 1 in the Ball & Chain series and felt we were missing things that thankfully, we started to get a little bit of in Book 2.
We continue to see the light-hearted banter with slight romantic jist between Cooper and Willow while we follow them on a crazy journey that the seem to just ‘fall into’.
Cooper and Willow remind me a lot of Alex and Ozzie, but with a history of their relationship and a bit more… future between the two of them.
Unlike our previous friends (police, HALO, private investigator); Cooper and Willow really have no business getting wrapped in such troubling events yet they seem to find themselves in the midst of them all of the time!
This time, we are looking for a missing father. More or less because of Willow’s big heart and because the same missing man is the main character in Cooper’s new article. But, he’s missing.
Unbeknownst to them; there is much more to the story and they fall into some crazy stuff.
The relationship and razzing of Willow and Cooper keep me entertained and intrigued. The tossed in pieces of the whats at the end of the rabbit hole keeps me on the edge of my seat – curious as to how all the pieces of the puzzle fit together.
I find the Ball & Chain series to be different than before (but again, Cooper and Willow don’t belong in these situations like past characters) yet the stories are just as thrilling and suspenseful as the previous books by John.
I have said it before, I will say it a million times more. John is my favorite author when it comes to thrillers and FEAR did not disappoint.
I read Book 1 in the Ball & Chain series and felt we were missing things that thankfully, we started to get a little bit of in Book 2.
We continue to see the light-hearted banter with slight romantic jist between Cooper and Willow while we follow them on a crazy journey that the seem to just ‘fall into’.
Cooper and Willow remind me a lot of Alex and Ozzie, but with a history of their relationship and a bit more… future between the two of them.
Unlike our previous friends (police, HALO, private investigator); Cooper and Willow really have no business getting wrapped in such troubling events yet they seem to find themselves in the midst of them all of the time!
This time, we are looking for a missing father. More or less because of Willow’s big heart and because the same missing man is the main character in Cooper’s new article. But, he’s missing.
Unbeknownst to them; there is much more to the story and they fall into some crazy stuff.
The relationship and razzing of Willow and Cooper keep me entertained and intrigued. The tossed in pieces of the whats at the end of the rabbit hole keeps me on the edge of my seat – curious as to how all the pieces of the puzzle fit together.
I find the Ball & Chain series to be different than before (but again, Cooper and Willow don’t belong in these situations like past characters) yet the stories are just as thrilling and suspenseful as the previous books by John.
I have said it before, I will say it a million times more. John is my favorite author when it comes to thrillers and FEAR did not disappoint.
March 24, 2019
Willow and Cooper are becoming some of my most favorite characters EVER! We met them in book 1, but we really get to know them better in book 2. They were certainly introduced to us as two characters having individual baggage but also having a past with one another that hasn't quite been resolved. They come into book 2 with MUCH MORE baggage and much more history to resolve with one another. Although, they have some "issues" to work out in their relationship, you still find yourself routing for their strong connection to continue to blossom.
In trying to move forward in their different career paths, these two can't help but to try and solve the problem at hand. They are pushed into another mystery to solve and continue the adventures as the Ball & Chain duo. Will they be able to help a grieving family in need or will everything fall apart before their eyes? From a comedic relationship between Willow and Cooper to drug crime to murder, this book has it all! You can read it as a stand alone but SO much better after reading the first one!!
In trying to move forward in their different career paths, these two can't help but to try and solve the problem at hand. They are pushed into another mystery to solve and continue the adventures as the Ball & Chain duo. Will they be able to help a grieving family in need or will everything fall apart before their eyes? From a comedic relationship between Willow and Cooper to drug crime to murder, this book has it all! You can read it as a stand alone but SO much better after reading the first one!!
March 19, 2019
This novel is filled with twists and turns. There are LOTs of BAD people who do things that might leave you with nightmares.
Cooper and Willow flounder around attempting to help people--and I mean flounder! It gets almost comical in places. Willow's Mom is kind of a main character and what a character she is--all I can say thank heavens my Mom is not like her!! They are also being followed and threatened and not only by Cooper's arch nemesis and his 2 Goons. People are kidnapped--will they be found in time or sliced and diced?
Fear can generate hate and there is someone out there trying to prove this in the most ruthless way!! Can he be found and stopped?
There will be a book after this one and I am hoping it will answer some the questions that are left hanging--or at least I hope it will--I am actually looking forward to it!!
Cooper and Willow flounder around attempting to help people--and I mean flounder! It gets almost comical in places. Willow's Mom is kind of a main character and what a character she is--all I can say thank heavens my Mom is not like her!! They are also being followed and threatened and not only by Cooper's arch nemesis and his 2 Goons. People are kidnapped--will they be found in time or sliced and diced?
Fear can generate hate and there is someone out there trying to prove this in the most ruthless way!! Can he be found and stopped?
There will be a book after this one and I am hoping it will answer some the questions that are left hanging--or at least I hope it will--I am actually looking forward to it!!
March 20, 2019
After such a stunningly good introduction to Willow Ball and Cooper chain (hence Ball & Chain Mysteries), in Mercy, Mr. Mefford was going to have to work overtime to have the sequel, Fear, measure up. I am so glad to report that the hard work paid off!
Of course, Coop still hasn't resolved his 'debt' with the mob. Nor have Willow and Cooper figured out exactly what kind of relationship they have (be in all business or very personal). But I like that. - and the fact they don't immediately fall into bed gives us the great 'Moonlighting' type of energy.
Fear reads well enough as a standalone, but I always advocate for reading an entire series (in order if possible) because there is some inevitable carry-over that will give readers 'the big picture'.
What starts as a 'simple' missing person case quickly stirs up to a spicy gumbo of crime that could burn anyone who gets involved.
If you enjoyed Mercy, you'll like Fear as well. If you like a little thriller in your mystery, or a little mystery in your thriller, the twists, turns, and switchbacks of Fear will keep you reading for hours!
Of course, Coop still hasn't resolved his 'debt' with the mob. Nor have Willow and Cooper figured out exactly what kind of relationship they have (be in all business or very personal). But I like that. - and the fact they don't immediately fall into bed gives us the great 'Moonlighting' type of energy.
Fear reads well enough as a standalone, but I always advocate for reading an entire series (in order if possible) because there is some inevitable carry-over that will give readers 'the big picture'.
What starts as a 'simple' missing person case quickly stirs up to a spicy gumbo of crime that could burn anyone who gets involved.
If you enjoyed Mercy, you'll like Fear as well. If you like a little thriller in your mystery, or a little mystery in your thriller, the twists, turns, and switchbacks of Fear will keep you reading for hours!
March 20, 2019
Willow and Cooper are starting to rebuild their lives after the horror of chasing a serial killer, and Cooper is beginning his return to sports writing.
However, he can't find the subject of his story, and Willow meets a family whose father is missing. The two try to help the family and soon find themselves embroiled in another mess.
Between trying to find a missing man, running from the mob and brushing against another killer, their lives become insane quickly.
This book is fast-paced and will keep you on your toes! It gets your blood flowing and is a fun read. It's a great addition to the series, and I can't wait for more!
I have volunteered to share my review and all the opinions are 100% my own.
However, he can't find the subject of his story, and Willow meets a family whose father is missing. The two try to help the family and soon find themselves embroiled in another mess.
Between trying to find a missing man, running from the mob and brushing against another killer, their lives become insane quickly.
This book is fast-paced and will keep you on your toes! It gets your blood flowing and is a fun read. It's a great addition to the series, and I can't wait for more!
I have volunteered to share my review and all the opinions are 100% my own.
March 28, 2019
Mr. Mefford is an author that I don't miss any books by. I think I've read the majority of his books and they're all really good. I missed something in FEAR though. His characters were there, he portrays all his characters well, as always, however I just can't quite pinpoint what was missing. The book took me a bit to get into. I don't know if it's just the fact that I had just got done reading a romance novel or the fact that I was listening to an audiobook around the same time I started reading this one, or what but it took me longer than usual to get into it, but once I did, I was there! The book ended up being fantastic! 4 Stars!
March 19, 2019
FEAR is the second installment of John Mefford’s new Ball and Chain series, featuring Cooper Chain and Willow Ball as an unlikely duo of crime solvers. Cooper continues trying to escape the trap he has fallen into with Dr. V. Soft hearted Willow goes against clinic rules and brings sick patients to her home. This in turn puts Cooper and Willow on the trail of a missing former superstar athlete.
I like the way Cooper and Willow have an undefined relationship but the pull between them will have to come to a head sooner or later. That’s going to be interesting. I love the situations that Cooper gets into and how Willow somehow ends there too. I am excited to see what comes next for them.
I like the way Cooper and Willow have an undefined relationship but the pull between them will have to come to a head sooner or later. That’s going to be interesting. I love the situations that Cooper gets into and how Willow somehow ends there too. I am excited to see what comes next for them.
March 20, 2019
You cannot go wrong with a Mefford book! He is a genius at creating complex characters and building suspense. Fear is just another example of his brilliance. Much better to read his books in order as they all link to each other in various ways. Can't wait for the next book to be finished.
I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
June 11, 2019
Loving the Ball & Chain
Never ending drama with these two lovable characters. Was worried about the “bad guys” in this book. Great job of the author hiding them. Enjoy
Never ending drama with these two lovable characters. Was worried about the “bad guys” in this book. Great job of the author hiding them. Enjoy
March 19, 2019
FEAR is an easy book to review because it contains everything a thriller book should have to make it a great read. In this book John W Mefford sprinkles some wicked humor in, and I actually went back and read the humorous parts twice. They made me burst out laughing. But that humor can’t over shadow the seriousness of Willow and Cooper and their activities and what they bring to the table as they are chased by the mob while trying to figure out the who, what, why, etc. parts. Let’s just sum it up...FEAR is another great fun and thrilling read ride, and this series is off to a great start in this Book 2 in the series. I can’t wait now to get the next book in the series. You do not have to FEAR reading FEAR!! It ALL works to the good of the reader, to bring another great read to them, as John W Mefford begins to build this series so well, which is his forte of course, because as usual, like books of the past by Mr. Mefford, always builds builds builds to many crescendo’s, and then explodes with great writing in every book!!!! ENJOY!!!
March 21, 2019
Whilst you always know that you are going to get an exciting thriller from this author, you are never quite sure what is going to happen in his books, formulaic he certainly isn't!
This is the second in the 'Ball and Chain' series, and continues on from where 'Mercy' leaves off, as such, while it can still be read as a stand-alone, I think that it is far better to read 'Mercy' first.
This is an exciting, unpredictable read, with a great plot and a completely unexpected conclusion. I really love the two main characters, Cooper Chain and Willow Ball, they are a rather unlikely pairing who get thrown into a murder investigation against their will, but I love the interplay between them, making fun of each other as only old friends can. Other characters from the previous book also make appearances, and there are some great new characters as well. They are all believable and very well drawn.
So, another winner from Mr. Mefford, and I can't wait for 'Bury' (book 3) to arrive.
I was fortunate enough to get an advance copy of the book but I have voluntarily written this honest review.
This is the second in the 'Ball and Chain' series, and continues on from where 'Mercy' leaves off, as such, while it can still be read as a stand-alone, I think that it is far better to read 'Mercy' first.
This is an exciting, unpredictable read, with a great plot and a completely unexpected conclusion. I really love the two main characters, Cooper Chain and Willow Ball, they are a rather unlikely pairing who get thrown into a murder investigation against their will, but I love the interplay between them, making fun of each other as only old friends can. Other characters from the previous book also make appearances, and there are some great new characters as well. They are all believable and very well drawn.
So, another winner from Mr. Mefford, and I can't wait for 'Bury' (book 3) to arrive.
I was fortunate enough to get an advance copy of the book but I have voluntarily written this honest review.
March 23, 2019
"The carrot and the stick."
There's always a tingle of excitement with each new John Mefford publication. Fear is the second of his Ball and Chain novels, featuring the unlikely couple, Cooper and Willow, college sweethearts who parted and didn't see each other again for twenty years. Unexpectedly reunited on the eve of Willow's marriage, she and the Orange crush loving, ex sports reporter, Cooper, are this time looking for a missing sporting celebrity at the same time trying to dodge the terrible twins, Milo and Elan Sucken, enforcers for the shadowy Dr.V.
The delightfully dozy duo, more teenagers at heart than forty somethhings, conduct witty (and silly) banter at the same time as they clumsily battle exceedingly dark forces and try to come out relatively unharmed. And, as always, everything is in Technicolor thanks to the Mefford vibrant and visual writing style.
Humour, excitement, brutality and great character development, this is another not to be missed Ball and Chain thriller.
There's always a tingle of excitement with each new John Mefford publication. Fear is the second of his Ball and Chain novels, featuring the unlikely couple, Cooper and Willow, college sweethearts who parted and didn't see each other again for twenty years. Unexpectedly reunited on the eve of Willow's marriage, she and the Orange crush loving, ex sports reporter, Cooper, are this time looking for a missing sporting celebrity at the same time trying to dodge the terrible twins, Milo and Elan Sucken, enforcers for the shadowy Dr.V.
The delightfully dozy duo, more teenagers at heart than forty somethhings, conduct witty (and silly) banter at the same time as they clumsily battle exceedingly dark forces and try to come out relatively unharmed. And, as always, everything is in Technicolor thanks to the Mefford vibrant and visual writing style.
Humour, excitement, brutality and great character development, this is another not to be missed Ball and Chain thriller.
March 20, 2019
Willow and Cooper are looking for a missing father. But not just any missing father, one that used to be in the limelight, worshipped by millions of fans who love basketball. But he fell from grace along with blowing through $60 million dollars. Cooper is trying to write his 'comeback' story to get back in the good graces of the sports writers, and this man is his subject. Willow comes in and wants them to find him. His wife and mother in law are sick and need him home. Together they have formed a private investigation team of sorts. Little did they both know that going down this road is full of emotional ties, savage things done to human beings, and of course there is a little thing about a mob boss wanting Cooper to do some 'favors' to pay of his gambling debt he owes. The problem is, the danger that lurks everywhere they go. A very intense gripping story. Don't plan on putting this one down until the end....it won't happen. I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of this book.
April 4, 2019
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A FUNNY THRILLER!
March 30, 2019
No author except John Mefford could create a funny thriller like this series. The twists and turn that Willow and Cooper get involved with are by no means funny. They are scary, seem real and dangerous all at once. The funny comes in during the interaction between Ball and Chain aka Willow and Cooper. Only a master author can mix both thrills and comedy into one series and succeed. This series is a really good one. I love it. It is light hearted but keeps you chained to your seat with all the action that involves Willow and Cooper. I can’t wait for the next one. Give MERCY (the first book) a chance and I’m sure you will continue with FEAR and the next one. You won’t be disappointed! Kudos to John Mefford on another fantastic series.
A FUNNY THRILLER!
March 30, 2019
No author except John Mefford could create a funny thriller like this series. The twists and turn that Willow and Cooper get involved with are by no means funny. They are scary, seem real and dangerous all at once. The funny comes in during the interaction between Ball and Chain aka Willow and Cooper. Only a master author can mix both thrills and comedy into one series and succeed. This series is a really good one. I love it. It is light hearted but keeps you chained to your seat with all the action that involves Willow and Cooper. I can’t wait for the next one. Give MERCY (the first book) a chance and I’m sure you will continue with FEAR and the next one. You won’t be disappointed! Kudos to John Mefford on another fantastic series.
April 9, 2019
I don’t know where John W.Mefford comes up with his ideas for his books but he sure does come up with some interesting and spooky scenarios. I really want to say some bazaar ideas that can really get you wondering what the heck, where does he get his ideas. Once again, this second book in the Ball and Chain series is riveting, thrilling, emotional and even funny. It was a great book following Willow Ball and Cooper Chain doing their own investigation on a missing person and getting into a lot of unexpected circumstances. The tension between Ball and Chain is moving and funny at the same time. I love Cooper Chain’s personality. I look forward to more in this series. Mefford never leaves you disappointed in his books.
March 20, 2019
Willow and Cooper team up to search for a missing person. Willow learns from a patient at her clinic that her husband has disappeared. Cooper is trying to resurrect his investigative sports writing career and has chosen an ex-sports star to write about. The surprise is this is the same person. So the search begins. There is a lot going on in this book. There were parts that were hard for me to read. There was a lot of extraneous stuff going on. But it did come together in the end. All in all I liked the book and especially liked the characters, Willow and Cooper.
March 24, 2019
Fear (A Ball & Chain Thriller, Book 2), my 27th read from author John Mefford took some getting used to because it had been 2 months since I'd read the first book, but then...! Every book John Mefford writes is better than his last & if you were to look at my list of favorite authors you'd find John Mefford's name up near the top. I don't know how he keeps coming up with intriguing storylines, but he does & I love it! (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018)
March 11, 2019
“Fear” written by John W. Mefford is the second book in his new The Ball & Chain Thriller series. This book pulls you in and won’t let you go until the last page. I had a hard time setting this book down. The twists and turns keep you guessing. This book has mystery, thrills, and suspense. It is hard to go wrong with a John Mefford book. You won’t be sorry reading this series.
March 19, 2019
I've read many of John W. Mefford's books and have enjoyed each and every one of them. However, in this new series (this is the second in his Ball and Chain series), I'm having a difficult time "enjoying" the story. I'll continue to read this series as I hope to better grasp what's happening with the different characters and their issues. I do look forward to reading the next book.
March 16, 2019
Another well written thriller by John W. Mefford with a great storyline and well developed characters. Contains plenty of suspense, lots of action, some romance, and several twists and turns. An emotional read that was hard to put down. A highly recommended book, series, and author.
March 25, 2019
Always love the humor that is introduced in the books by this author, particularly in this genre. It starts with characters named Ball and Chain and continues throughout while delivering a story that is hard to believe and hard to put down at the same time!
June 14, 2019
Unlikely detectives
Fun lighthearted reading. A pair of unlikely detectives keep stumbling into new mysteries to solve. I always look forward to picking up where I left off to discover the next caper
Fun lighthearted reading. A pair of unlikely detectives keep stumbling into new mysteries to solve. I always look forward to picking up where I left off to discover the next caper
January 26, 2020
This is the second book in the Ball and Chain series. I love this duo and really enjoyed both of these books. Good mysteries with great chemistry. Moving on to the third book now and looking forward to it!
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