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Dark Visions
SECOND SIGHT..PRECOGNITION...
Mitch always had the power...or the curse. It had been passed down in her family tree, generation to generation.
No matter how far away she ran, the unwanted visions of killing filled her mind. She felt the victim’s terror, the terrible pain of the stabbing knife.
Unable to banish what she has seen, Mitch goes to the police.
And seals her doom...
The murderer knows that Mitch’s gift is real.
The next death Mitch sees will be her own.
DARK VISIONS
Mitch always had the power...or the curse. It had been passed down in her family tree, generation to generation.
No matter how far away she ran, the unwanted visions of killing filled her mind. She felt the victim’s terror, the terrible pain of the stabbing knife.
Unable to banish what she has seen, Mitch goes to the police.
And seals her doom...
The murderer knows that Mitch’s gift is real.
The next death Mitch sees will be her own.
DARK VISIONS
- GenresHorror
283 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 1, 1988
10 people are currently reading
67 people want to read
About the author
Maxine O'Callaghan
42 books17 followersReceived the Shamus Award, "The Eye" (Lifetime achievment award) in 1999.
Aka Marissa Owens
Aka Marissa Owens
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
June 15, 2025
⭐⭐⭐1/2. I read The Bogeyman and enjoyed it, so I thought I would give O'Callaghan's Dark Visions a go. While I have some niggling issues with this, overall, a fun and suspenseful read. Our main protagonist, Lily 'Mitch' Mitchell, possesses the curse or gift of her grandma-- she sees and feels other people, and even animals, when they die. Mitch starts the novel in Orange County, California, but grew up in Memphis. Back in Memphis, she was married for 5 years or so, but when a little local boy went missing, she had a vision of his death. Eventually, she called the cops and took them to the body. Well, she became an instant suspect of course! When the charges were finally dropped, her life in Memphis in tatters, she fled to California, filing for divorce from her husband, who just did not understand.
We follow Mitch as she tries to get her life in order, working at a bookstore, etc., but her visions just do not let up. When she 'sees/feels' a young woman getting raped and murdered, she eventually calls 911. She does not want to get involved again. Well, 911 traced the call, and one Russ, a deputy, tracks her down. While not a suspect this time (yet), she has to deal with the cops once again...
The psychic trope has been done many times, but O'Callaghan gives it a good spin here. Besides the first victim, another body 'turns up' where Mitch 'saw' it. Perhaps the most scary part of the book is Russ' boss, Bud, who is one fucked up dude. I will not say more to avoid spoilers, however. I am not much of a fan of the 'instant romance' O'Callaghan deployed here, and yeah, the psychic trope either. What makes this stand out a bit concerns the great pacing and build up of suspense. 3.5 stars, rounding up because I (somehow) ended up with an autographed copy from 1988.
We follow Mitch as she tries to get her life in order, working at a bookstore, etc., but her visions just do not let up. When she 'sees/feels' a young woman getting raped and murdered, she eventually calls 911. She does not want to get involved again. Well, 911 traced the call, and one Russ, a deputy, tracks her down. While not a suspect this time (yet), she has to deal with the cops once again...
The psychic trope has been done many times, but O'Callaghan gives it a good spin here. Besides the first victim, another body 'turns up' where Mitch 'saw' it. Perhaps the most scary part of the book is Russ' boss, Bud, who is one fucked up dude. I will not say more to avoid spoilers, however. I am not much of a fan of the 'instant romance' O'Callaghan deployed here, and yeah, the psychic trope either. What makes this stand out a bit concerns the great pacing and build up of suspense. 3.5 stars, rounding up because I (somehow) ended up with an autographed copy from 1988.
August 27, 2019
I always wanted to read this title. Now thanks to Capricorn Library I finally had easy access to it. I can definitely tell you that I enjoyed it. This whodunnit involving a psychic and the danger that surrounds her is never boring. Yes, it is far-fetched at times and the climax didn't satisfy me as I thought it would (Color me demanding) but the narrative is strong and the plot is still quite compelling. I will definitely search for other Maxine O'Callaghan novels.
January 10, 2015
It has been more than 25 years since I read this book. What I remember most about this novel is the fact that it got me reading. When I was a child I did enjoy reading, but at that time I preferred magazines to books. My mom used to get on to me about my reading habits. Then one day she brought this book home from the used book store. While I was waiting for my friend to come over I picked it up to admire the cover. I turned it over to read the back of the cover, curious as to what it was about. Next thing you know I was reading the book. I never even put it down when my friend finally arrived. Needless to say my friend went back home and I continued reading.
I still haven't stopped... It is because of this book that my love for thrillers and horror novels grew.
I still haven't stopped... It is because of this book that my love for thrillers and horror novels grew.
August 21, 2019
Lilly "Mitch" Mitchell has always known that she is psychic. When she reports the location of a young boy's body to the Police in her hometown of Memphis, she is arrested for his murder. After the breakup of her marriage and being cleared of this crime, she heads to California for a fresh start.
Of course, it isn't possible to run from this psychic gift and Mitch soon sees the murder of a young woman she knows. At first, Mitch tries to block out her visions, but soon she decides to report this murder to the Police. Meeting Russ, the detective assigned to the case, they soon start a romantic relationship. The waters get muddied further by Russ' boss, who happens to be married to Russ' ex-wife.
Without giving away too much of the plot, I found that the progression of the book was problematic at times. The author seemed to be throwing in a lot of psychos into the mix and the true villain turns out to be several of the main characters. Also, toward the end of the book, Mitch not only seems to embrace her "gift", but she is able to telepathically talk to Russ in times of danger. It was almost like the author didn't know how to resolve Mitch and her visions.
Freddy Moyano has a great style and uses a variety of different voices for the characters. However, I did not think that his voice and accent was a good fit for this particular book. Mitch is supposed to be from Memphis, but does not have a trace of a Southern accent (although her accent is mentioned several times). Some of his voices sounded like bad 1940's thugs which I didn't think fit the California setting. That being said, I would definitely listen to another book narrated by Mr. Moyano, hopefully one that properly utilizes his voice. Also, the sound quality was bad at times and I found it difficult to properly hear at times.
Not a bad listen, just nothing truly memorable IMHO. There were some chilling moments and some disturbing scenes in the book and at times I felt like I was listening to a screenplay for "Criminal Minds". All in all, not a waste of time but not great. I was given the chance to listen to the audiobook version of this book by the narrator/publisher and chose to review it.
Of course, it isn't possible to run from this psychic gift and Mitch soon sees the murder of a young woman she knows. At first, Mitch tries to block out her visions, but soon she decides to report this murder to the Police. Meeting Russ, the detective assigned to the case, they soon start a romantic relationship. The waters get muddied further by Russ' boss, who happens to be married to Russ' ex-wife.
Without giving away too much of the plot, I found that the progression of the book was problematic at times. The author seemed to be throwing in a lot of psychos into the mix and the true villain turns out to be several of the main characters. Also, toward the end of the book, Mitch not only seems to embrace her "gift", but she is able to telepathically talk to Russ in times of danger. It was almost like the author didn't know how to resolve Mitch and her visions.
Freddy Moyano has a great style and uses a variety of different voices for the characters. However, I did not think that his voice and accent was a good fit for this particular book. Mitch is supposed to be from Memphis, but does not have a trace of a Southern accent (although her accent is mentioned several times). Some of his voices sounded like bad 1940's thugs which I didn't think fit the California setting. That being said, I would definitely listen to another book narrated by Mr. Moyano, hopefully one that properly utilizes his voice. Also, the sound quality was bad at times and I found it difficult to properly hear at times.
Not a bad listen, just nothing truly memorable IMHO. There were some chilling moments and some disturbing scenes in the book and at times I felt like I was listening to a screenplay for "Criminal Minds". All in all, not a waste of time but not great. I was given the chance to listen to the audiobook version of this book by the narrator/publisher and chose to review it.
January 24, 2021
Choices were made for “Dark Visions”. Too many or not enough? All of them misguided.
The novel is a disappointment. Frankly, the cover was intriguing, and I was looking forward to a pulpy, if not trailblazing thriller about a woman who has the ability to witness murders via second sight.
If you’ve read “The Dead Zone”, the plot will be familiar. Even the identity of the murderer will seem as if it has been lifted from the Stephen King novel. “Dark Visions” lacks fully developed characters (Mitch is a drip) and suspense. It’s a competent effort and not much more.
If it had been a bit crazier. If the violence had been more visceral. If the heroine of the novel had been more human, and less like wallpaper. If. If. If.
I still like the cover.
The novel is a disappointment. Frankly, the cover was intriguing, and I was looking forward to a pulpy, if not trailblazing thriller about a woman who has the ability to witness murders via second sight.
If you’ve read “The Dead Zone”, the plot will be familiar. Even the identity of the murderer will seem as if it has been lifted from the Stephen King novel. “Dark Visions” lacks fully developed characters (Mitch is a drip) and suspense. It’s a competent effort and not much more.
If it had been a bit crazier. If the violence had been more visceral. If the heroine of the novel had been more human, and less like wallpaper. If. If. If.
I still like the cover.
August 6, 2019
Imagine if you could see into the mind of a killer...and his/her victims...would you go to the police? This is the dilemma that is facing Lilliana “Mitch” Mitchell. She was arrested as a suspect the last time that she tried to help. Will this time be any different? Or will she get on the killer’s radar?
While the story starts off a bit slowly, you will be hooked by chapter 3! You will be captivated for the rest of the story.
I voluntarily accepted a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
While the story starts off a bit slowly, you will be hooked by chapter 3! You will be captivated for the rest of the story.
I voluntarily accepted a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
June 7, 2020
When I first turned this on, I really didn't think I would like. it. But it ended up being soo very good! I thought the narrator wasn't going to be good, but he grew on me and by the end of the book I could see how he fit perfectly for this kind of book. I really enjoyed listening to this. And I am so glad that I didn't give up after the first chapter or two. I love scary or freaky, thriller kind of books so this was right up my ally!
This book was given to me at my request (thanx!). I am providing a voluntary and honest review.
This book was given to me at my request (thanx!). I am providing a voluntary and honest review.
August 6, 2019
I loved this book. The plot kept you on the edge of your seat with the many twists and turns.
Freddy Moyano did a great job narrating it. The soft voice of Mitch tended to zone me out to where I thought I had fallen asleep listening, only to rewind and discover I hadn't missed a word. I was just in the zone of the story and not asleep at all. After all, how could you even sleep with this high octane story?
Freddy Moyano did a great job narrating it. The soft voice of Mitch tended to zone me out to where I thought I had fallen asleep listening, only to rewind and discover I hadn't missed a word. I was just in the zone of the story and not asleep at all. After all, how could you even sleep with this high octane story?
August 30, 2019
I enjoyed this, as I see on goodreads this is the 4th book would be nice to listen to or read the whole series, my favorite character voice was detective Russ, oddly I enjoyed the Narrator's voice. I received this aduio from a group on Facebook and choose to reveiw all the above are my own opinions.
September 14, 2019
I listened to the audiobook version of this book and did not care for it. I couldn't connect with the story and the audio narrator (Italian accent) didn't fit the location (Southern California). There were also some quality control issues with the sound production as well as mispronunciations of common things.
August 12, 2019
What a roller coaster! Even though you know who is the guilty party in this book, you will be on the edge of your seat to see if or when they will be caught. I enjoyed this book as the writing was done extremely well and the narrator did a great job also.
August 16, 2019
A classic thriller that doesn’t feel dated
A psychic terrorized by images of violent murders must embrace her gift to avoid becoming the next victim
A Well narrated introduction to this authors work highly recommended
I received a free review audiobook and voluntarily left this review
A psychic terrorized by images of violent murders must embrace her gift to avoid becoming the next victim
A Well narrated introduction to this authors work highly recommended
I received a free review audiobook and voluntarily left this review
January 18, 2020
I have put this off long enough.I tried to listen to this book three times.I could not understand what the book was about and narration by Freddy Moyano was horrible.Having recieved a notice ;'There is no need of any review with text unless it is 5 star one. If you don't feel it is 5 star worthy, then no need to enter a review. If you put a five star review and comment your favorite character voice was in the audiobook, I will offer you an appreciation code towards ANY audiobook of your choice.'and then there was the blurb"It takes 5 months to put one of these together between narration and editing. Some folks know I am a popular actor around here and they go in to damage with reviews.' which just put me off listening to any book for a bit.I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
August 18, 2019
This is a great story, but whomever was responsible for casting the narrator failed big time. Freddy Moyano's accent is totally inappropriate for this novel. He is a talented narrator for the right setting/characters, but he should have disqualified himself from narrating this audiobook.
NOTE: I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
NOTE: I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews