Lure

Ball & Chain #4

by John W. Mefford

A painting. A memory. A death.

Can safe refuge ever be found?
Mindi Mendrano had it all -- she was a golden goddess with a tennis prowess few had ever seen.

And then she vanished.

Who had the greatest motive to kill her?

Before Cooper Chain can finally get the green light to pen his first book -- a biography on a once-famous tennis phenom -- he must find her. If she's still alive.

Can secrets kill?

A man disappears into the bowels underneath the city of Dallas, and Willow can't make sense of it or the odd people she befriends. Does at least one man have an ulterior motive?

Two die the hard way, leaving Willow and Cooper scrambling to see through a haze of clues.

Can secrets kill?

Retracing every aspect of Mindi's former life, team Ball & Chain uncover a key to her past. But will it unlock memories that create the ultimate time bomb?

The very existence of a hidden society is on the line -- and one man will either force their loyalty or recreate one of the deadliest events in modern history.

Can secrets kill?

Cooper and Willow have one chance to stop the killing and save a life. But will they be too late?

Get LURE now!

You'll love this Ball & Chain thriller if you're a fan of the Fox & O'Hare novels by Janet Evanovich and Lee Goldberg, Michael Connelly's Ballard and Bosch, David Baldacci's King and Maxwell, Tess Gerritsen's Rizzoli and Isles, or the TV show "Castle."

Don't miss out on all the Ball & Chain Thrillers:
MERCY - Book 1
FEAR - Book 2
BURY - Book 3
LURE - Book 4

367 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 23, 2019

About the author

Amazon #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

Reviews

[Kathi Defranc · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another exciting adventure with Cooper Chain and Willow Ball, forever known as 'Ball & Chain'! This series keeps you on the edge of your seat, with intrigue, humor and this couple who can't keep themselves away from trouble! Cooper's daughter, Lauren, is a teen with everyday school issues who helps keep Chain on his toes.Now they have added a small dog to the mix and Coop's small apartment is busting at the seams!
This story will keep you turning pages quickly as Ball and Chain try to find a patient that Willow believes may have Ebola, and Coop is working for the father of an emerging tennis star who mysteriously disappeared several years ago!
With great characters, action that has you laughing and crying, and the awesome relationships that keep our heroes lives on track, this is a 5 STAR event in a series that keeps us up all night reading, unable to put the book down Until we know Everything that happens!!!

[Nadene (Totally Addicted to Reading) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lure by John W. Mefford is the fourth book in the Ball and Chain series. This is one of those series that needs to be read in order as the plots in each book are intertwined. Once again, Mefford has created a story that left me wondering what the heck did I just read.

Trouble always seems to find Cooper and Willow; no matter how hard they try to keep their heads down. Just when they think they have escaped one threat another rears its ugly head. They cannot seem to get a break. Amidst the trouble, they also encountered their share of adventure. Their latest being locating a tennis player who went missing four years ago.

I liked that the story also addressed issues in the character’s personal lives. Cooper and Willow’s relationship is growing and things between them has gotten quite interesting. We also see an improvement in his relationship with his daughter.

The story build up gradually culminating in an explosive ending. There were several threads, which at first appeared to have no connection but by the time the story ended, the connections became clear.  The end gave rise to many nagging questions, which I hope to get answers to in the next installment. I enjoyed the banter between the protagonists, which had me laughing a few times.

Although this series takes a different approach from the author’s previous books, Mefford’s style of writing remained the same.

Conclusion/Recommendation
Overall, another great addition to the series. Fans of mystery would enjoy this latest from Mefford.

[Shelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

John W Mefford never fails to astound me with how well he can LURE you into a book. As with any series, I always recommend starting with book one to get a full grip on the character backgrounds, situations that have led them to where they are now, etc. LURE brings us right into the action with the good ol' Ball and Chain being caught up in the middle of an art heist. It doesn't take long for both of them to be pulled into odd situations that connect in a twisted manner. 

The pair is still dealing with the Sak brothers, their fists, and a point-shaving scheme. I am really enjoying the slow re-build of Cooper and Willow's relationship -- especially since Cooper's daughter, Lauren is involved. She cracks me up with her teenage attitude and (slight) rebellion. Reminds me of my teens! Willow befriends an odd fellow, has a run in with a creepy guy, and suddenly finds herself being stalked after exploring the tunnels under Dallas. Like those tunnels, I was getting turned around in how everything fit together!

If you enjoy thrillers that keep turning you around corners, throwing you full-force in the midst of more twists, this series is one that is going to fulfill everything you're looking for in a captivating book. The thrills kept me confused (in a good way!) and I had to dig deep to try and pull pieces together. Another 5-star for Mefford in this series!

I have volunteered to share my review and all the opinions are 100% my own.

[Carly Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘Lure’ is the fourth book in the ‘Ball and Chain series’ by John Mefford. I’d arguably say this book needs to be read as part of a series, so you don’t miss out on any of the backstory/ connections. But you can still enjoy it as a stand-alone minus some detail.

Cooper is an investigative journalist waiting to pen his next novel, when Willow is a nurse. The two used to be old high school sweethearts until life got in the way, and they got reunited before Willows impending marriage. The two have been inseparable since, and there’s been a slow burn romance between these two, which has kept my interest amongst all the drama, intrigue and mystery.

The books starts with Cooper and Willow attending a gallery which has been arranged by Cooper’s boss. Whilst there, the lights go dark, screams are heard, and they return to normality to find three missing paintings.

Willow and Cooper are suspicious from the get go, only to discover that the painter may be Mindi Mendrano, a sports star who mysteriously vanished. Her father is convinced, certain that they depict moments of Mindi’s life before her disappearance, and seeks Cooper’s assistance in attempting to try and help find her. In exchange, Cooper will get to pen a biography of the tennis phenomenon. But the big question is, will Mindi be found alive or dead?

Like all Mefford’s books, Lure took me on a journey of suspense, intrigue and kept me guessing. I become more and more enamoured with the relationship between Cooper and Willow, and they really are each other’s ‘ball and chain’.

Really well written, with a well planned and executed plot. Ideal for readers who love the thriller/ suspense genre. This book and series will have you continuously on the edge of your seat. It has bad guys, good guys, murder and mystery, all the makings of one amazing drama filled book that will keep you entertained.

[Leila · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am loving the connection going on between Willow and Cooper. This added teasing romance gives a light side to the awful things that Cooper and Willow encounter in the story.

In LURE, Cooper catches an ‘investigative’ gig while Willow has her own problems. Yet somehow, the two problems collide into something bigger than I am sure either of them imagined. I don’t want to give anything away but there is suspense from former player (Stack brothers) and of course, new players. There is an underground world, a missing person, and hired bad guys.

And just as we think we are getting out of one pickle, another pickle arises.

John does such a great job keeping us roped into the entire story, the entire mystery, and leaving us guessing as to what is going to come next.

I definitely felt that LURE was more subdued than some of the books I am familiar with by John, but none the less, I thoroughly enjoyed it and cannot wait to read what comes next! You can never lose with a John W. Mefford book!

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cooper Chain has his hands full and keeps getting knocked around in this one. His friend, Willow Ball, keeps getting herself in a mess of trouble as well. She is being stalked--but by who? And Cooper gets a job to find Mindi Mendrano. Her father is positive a painting they saw was painted by his daughter--but she has been missing for 4 years! Meanwhile, even though Dr. V has let Cooper off the hook--his two henchman have not! Willow and Cooper have decided that MAYBE they are more then friends. Coopers daughter and their dog are having a grand time playing and staying with Coopers landlady.

This is a fast moving novel with numerous twists and turns that will definitely catch you off guard.

[Cryssie Addis · Rating 5 out of 5]

We are finally in the 4th book of this series and it has been AMAZING! The characters and story line pull you in and keep you fully invested! At this point, Willow and Cooper are some of my besties....that is if Willows new friends are okay with it. ;)

Cooper is ready to put pen to the paper and write about tennis star, Mindi Mendrano, BUT he needs to find her first! In the meantime, Willow is befriending a man who leads her on an exploration in underground Dallas. The two find themselves digging through clues and the past life of Mindi. Could this be a mystery they figure out or one that kills? 

You don't want to miss this series y'all! This book can be read as a stand alone, but trust me.....you will want to read all of them! Read it and then come back here tell me what you think! I can't wait to hear about your adventure with the old Ball & Chain duo! 

[Sonya Neal · Rating 5 out of 5]

John Mefford has been writing series after series of amazing stories, and the Ball and Chain series is one of my favorite yet!

Cooper and Willow are still struggling to get their lives back under control (and out of control of the Sack Brothers) and they take the time to enjoy a special night out at an art auction.

After an attack, Cooper is asked to investigate a missing person case, and Willow tries to stop a potentially deadly virus from spreading. But they're both quickly over their heads, and must work together to survive.

The underground tunnels are terrifying, and give me the chills, even while reading in the safety of my own bed, and I can't wait for more Ball and Chain books!

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

John W. Meffords books never cease to amaze me. I like how all of his stories in a series are connected in one way or another. I don't necessarily think you have to read the previous 3 books to understand what's going on in this one but it definitely wouldn't hurt matters any! Not only do you get to read awesome books, but you get to up that book count if you're doing a goodreads reading challenge (like I am! Don't look at my count though, I'm SUPER behind!)

I felt that LURE was a quiter book than what I have been used to with Mr. Meffords books, but none the less, it was spectacular! Sticky situations, dead bodies, underground worlds and a missing person leave you on the edge of your seat throughout the entirety of this book!

Well done!!

[Julie Baswell · Rating 5 out of 5]

While Cooper and Willow admire a painting at an art awards and auction, the lights go out and the painting is stolen. The next day, Cooper is enlisted to find the painting, to prove the artist is Mindi Mendrano, a former tennis prodigy who went missing four years ago, and hopefully find her alive. While Cooper and Willow follow leads, Willow has to contend with a stalker who is a little too close for comfort. And, of course, there’s always the Sack brothers looming over them with their own vengeance.

The trials of this duo just keep getting better and better. Their chemistry is almost explosive, the way they are almost together but not quite there yet. I like all the quirky moments that always seem to happen to them. There is always something new around the corner for them.

[Fee (Ebook Addicts) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lure is book 4 in the Ball & Chain series from John Mefford. I do advise you read from the start as there are story lines and connections that are central theme in this book - the Saks brother and the point shaving scheme that Copper and Willow seem to have gotten themselves into for example, you can read it as a stand alone but for the full back story start at the beginning.

This book had a lot going on at the same time as usual, Willow and Coop's relationship is moving up a notch and the every present humour between them makes this lighthearted at times amidst the horror that is going on around them. Underground walking tunnels, missing tennis pros and of course dead bodies are all in store for our duo in this book

As I have come to learn from John's books everything is eventually connected, and after this one I can't wait to see how he pulls it all together into the bigger picture. We know what Willow's father is up to something shady, but he has took off again, but his name pops up with the killer in this book, leaving me with many many questions that I can not wait to have answered as the books go on.

4 stars

[Sue Olexa · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Ball&Chain team once again delivers a roller coaster ride of mystery, intrigue, and thrills to places unknown and secrets revealed, an inch at a time sometimes, and sometimes there is a Grand Canyon sized LEAP at other times. Roller coaster ride for sure! Wonderful read with stupendous characters, who bring alive a living, evolving storyline, which is told in LURE by accomplished, master story teller Author, John W. Mefford. Who knew there was even an underground bowels Dallas walkway? Who knew how the points shaving scheme that loops in quite a few people existed? And how the heck did they find out? Secrets revealed. This book is full of those mysteries, secrets, and the excitement built by Cooper and Willow as they team up, both professionally and personally, for who knows what in the future as well. LOVE this series. Stand alone book if you like, but with previous books by Mr. Mefford, it does add a lot to the mystery and mayhem of the next story. Every component needed to make a book is in each book. Well written is a gross understatement, and as excellent Author “extraordinaire”, John W. Mefford puts his pen to paper in LURE it proves that point. Can’t say enough about LURE, and don’t take my word for it, LURE is a great book you do not want to miss so grab this one! Author John W. Mefford once again brought delight to this readers eyes as I gobbled up page turner LURE, and it was a very satisfying and exciting read. Can’t wait to read the next installment by Mr. Mefford in the Ball&Chain series!!
Enjoy!!!

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well this author did it again and wrote a book which is a total hit. What’s the saying something like “hitting it out of the ballpark?” The fourth book in his series, The Ball & Chain Thriller, Lure, was phenomenal. It had everything you love about mystery in it along with twist and turns and a bunch of humor. It took me a little longer to get hooked on the Ball and Chain relationship (actually I did in the second book), but know I love it. They have a crazy relationship with a lot of stuff going on around them at the same time.

I’m not sure how they get into everything, but Cooper Chain meets a gentleman at an art show who wants Cooper to find his daughter after he was convinced a painting he saw as done by her, Mindi Mendrano, a star tennis player who has disappeared for the past four years. If he finds the daughter, Cooper is promised to be able to write a biography on her. In Cooper’s lack of money situation this sounds pretty darn good. Meanwhile, Willow Ball, is dealing with a very sick man in the clinic who she believes might have ebola and follows him out of the clinic to try to save him. She ends up in the tunnels in Dallas. This starts a series of events that lead Cooper and Willow in dangerous situations. Somehow they always have humor on their side even when getting shot at, beaten up and dead man at Willow’s apartment. The book is awesome, the characters are great and as said there is a lot of thrill, mystery, twists and turns and tons of humor. In my view, it’s a must read and I can’t wait for book number five!!!

[Norma · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Where you go, I will follow."
Willow Ball and Cooper Chain had been a couple back in university days but didn't see each other again for eighteen years. Then it was as if the intervening time had never happened, both for their renewed relationship and their youthful behaviour. Willow is a nurse. Coop has many lives, amongst which are being father to his fourteen years old daughter, Lauren, recently dumped on him by her mum, plus her newly acquired dog; working at a bookshop, Books and Spirits, which he hates; trying to resurrect his former career as a sports journalist; running a point shaving operation with college baseball player, Jamaal Bagley to keep the psycho Sack Brothers from inflicting grievous bodily harm on both him and Willow; and now investigative detective as he, with Willow's help, tried to find Mindi, a beautiful media celeb. and tennis player who went missing some four years previously. Hired by her father for $200 per day plus expenses (Rockford Files) to find her and bring her home, the prospect of the rights to Mindi's biography kept both Coop and Willow looking for someone everyone else seemed to think was dead.

Yes, another convoluted, exciting, funny and endearing mystery thriller from the excellent Mr.Mefford. His two protagonists are a hoot, their ongoing banter continuing even as the bombs explode, and the tension increases as they stumble (often literally) in pursuit of answers.
Great characters, great fun, great book, as usual, recommended.

[Pete · Rating 4 out of 5]

Firstly, it was difficult to decide how many stars to give this book, it's actually about a 4.6 for me, but not quite a 5.
As always John Mefford has produced a very good book, peopled by very well written characters and with a satisfyingly complex plot, which doesn't resolve itself until the very end.
There is also the very interesting relationship between the two main characters, which is developing, and has very funny moments to offset some of the darker aspects of the story.
There are however two main issues that I have with the story, the first is the number of references to situations in previous books which are not really fully explained in this book, and the second is the continued references to 'point-shaving' as someone who has no interest in sports, and especially American sports, this has left me completely confused.
I received an advance copy of the book but have voluntarily written this honest review.

[Sherry Vaughan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cooper and Willow are in it up to their necks. This time, Willow leads the way. She suspects a patient at the clinic has Ebola. When she tries to follow him, she learns about the tunnel system under Dallas. At the same time, Cooper receives a call from a man to help find his daughter. Mindi was a tennis superstar who disappeared several years ago. Her father spots a painting at a gallery that he is sure was her work. However, the painting is stolen before he can confirm his susicions.
The plot is a maze just like the tunnels. There is a madman loose and he has murder in mind. Another fantastic story from John Mefford. A true masterpiece.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

What A Great Series!

July 26, 2019

John Mefford is doing it again! The Ball and Chain Series just gets better and better. Lure is the 4th book in the series and it lives up to the high standard that Mefford has set. You will not be able to put it down. His characters seem like real people living real lives under extenuating circumstances. The world he has created for them seems like it could be our world and Mefford pulls you into it quickly. You won’t want to leave it because you want to know what’s going to happen next. I’m loving this series and “Lure” is the best book so far! My hat is off to you Mr. Mefford! I’m anxiously waiting for Book 5, “Prey.”

[Karina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lure Book 4 in the Ball and Chain Series by John W. Mefford this series just keeps getting better and better. I could not put this book down once I started reading it. This is such a well written book with well-defined characters that seem so real. This is a fast paced book with many twists and turns that keep you guessing until the end. Even though this is book 4 in this series it can be read as a standalone but I would suggest you read the whole series so it will be even more enjoyable. I can’t wait for the next book in this series.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so good—I could not put it down. Cooper and Willow are at it again, crime solving and, of course, getting into trouble. The banter between them is priceless. The characters are realistic and intriguing. I love that Lauren, Cooper’s daughter, has become an integral part of this series. There’s a lot going on in this book—so interesting! Will Cooper and Willow take their relationship to the next level? Read and find out! 5++++ stars for Lure!

[Lily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mefford has outdone himself. I was left guessing at every turn, and couldn't put this one down. The deeper Ball & Chain get into their latest mystery, the higher the stakes become. The dynamic duo rises to the occasion, as the clues start to pile up along with a strange cast of characters. A great addition to the series and a must-read for mystery lovers who enjoy a pair of detectives instead of a single lead character.

[Mike Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story of Ball and Chain continues with another installment in the series. Intrigue, action and humor are spread throughout as the pair takes on another mystery to solve. As always with Mefford’s books, everyone won’t make it to the end, you have to read it yourself to find out who that is. Entertaining and quick read that will leave you wanting more!

[Bev · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just adore the main characters in this series. They don't have any flashy stuff like James Bond, but they still get the job done. The interactions and actions that go on in this story is very interesting and makes you want to cheer them on! I have enjoyed another one of John Mefford's books better than the last one, and I thought that feat was impossible!

[Roger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lure (A Ball & Chain Thriller, Book 4), my 29th read from author John Mefford. 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).

[Sammye · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fast paced mystery that will keep you guessing. Ball and Chain are a great duo! I am enjoying this series so much! There are many twists and turns and plenty of action and adventure. Can’t wait to see what happens in the next episode! I received an advance copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving this review

[Mary Rowe · Rating 3 out of 5]

Excellent Ending

Interesting treatment of international high crimes juxtaposed with people living off the grid by choice in urban enclaves and the two main characters working through relationship and domicile dilemmas. So far the best genre-bending book I’ve read since “Snow Crash”.

[Cindy Chambers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great series

It is such fun to read this series, get yours now and start the fun. The main characters are fun and they get themselves into jams but are quick witted and resourceful. I just want to keep reading!

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

'Lure' was just like the title, it lured me in. (Tacky I know.) The story line was incredibly intriguing. I was not sure how it was going to play out. I mean I know Cooper and Willow will come out on top, I just wasn't sure how. Full of action, thrills and great characters. A definite must read.

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

The tension just keeps building not only for the danger, but for the relationship. This book takes some sharp turns and the interest level keeps rising. Can't wait until the next book comes out.

[Sandie Bell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've already ordered Prey - the next in the Ball & Chain series. I'm really enjoying the series.

[Tiggyleee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent and the wonderful suspense we've come to expect!