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Emily Swanson Thrillers #2
Mind For Murder
Emily Swanson risked her life to uncover exploitation and death. Now all she wants is peace and quiet…
Still haunted by nightmares and the ghosts of her past, she finds herself at Meadow Pines – a weekend retreat hidden deep within the New Forest. With its tranquil setting and strict ban on technology, it’s the perfect place to help free Emily’s troubled mind.
But is Meadow Pines the safe haven it claims to be?
A man is found hanging from a tree. The evidence points to suicide. But when help fails to arrive and the guests start turning on each other, Emily knows she’s in terrible trouble.
Cut off from the outside world with darkness falling fast, Emily must race to uncover the horrifying truth about Meadow Pines...because there's a murderer at the retreat – and they’re about to kill again.
Mind For Murder is the second book in the gripping Emily Swanson series from Malcolm Richards.
Revised edition: Previously published as Cruel Minds.
Still haunted by nightmares and the ghosts of her past, she finds herself at Meadow Pines – a weekend retreat hidden deep within the New Forest. With its tranquil setting and strict ban on technology, it’s the perfect place to help free Emily’s troubled mind.
But is Meadow Pines the safe haven it claims to be?
A man is found hanging from a tree. The evidence points to suicide. But when help fails to arrive and the guests start turning on each other, Emily knows she’s in terrible trouble.
Cut off from the outside world with darkness falling fast, Emily must race to uncover the horrifying truth about Meadow Pines...because there's a murderer at the retreat – and they’re about to kill again.
Mind For Murder is the second book in the gripping Emily Swanson series from Malcolm Richards.
Revised edition: Previously published as Cruel Minds.
304 pages, ebook
First published February 23, 2016
161 people are currently reading
176 people want to read
About the author
Malcolm Richards
43 books105 followersMalcolm Richards crafts stories to keep you guessing from the edge of your seat. He is the author of several crime thrillers and mystery novels, including the PI Blake Hollow series, the award-nominated Devil’s Cove trilogy, and the Emily Swanson series. Many of his books are set in Cornwall, where he was born and raised.
Before becoming a full-time writer, Malcolm worked for many years in the special education sector, teaching and supporting children with complex needs. After living in London for two decades, he has now settled in the Somerset countryside with his partner and a cat named Sukey.
Before becoming a full-time writer, Malcolm worked for many years in the special education sector, teaching and supporting children with complex needs. After living in London for two decades, he has now settled in the Somerset countryside with his partner and a cat named Sukey.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
August 10, 2022
I loved the first book of the season so much I bought the second book and it did not disappoint. This plot line gave me a proper run around with who did it and Richards was able to hold my attention from the beginning to last page ! I may need to buy book 3 now because I need to know what happens to the main character.
September 3, 2024
A good sequel! Hoping to read the rest of the series soon.
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January 20, 2017Wow. When I downloaded this book a while ago on some promotion or another, I didn't think it would be this good. Malcolm Richards writes in an easy, relaxed way, it's as if one becomes part of the book and is watching it happen. I'm not going to repeat the plot, it's in the blurb. I really liked Jerome. He has a sense of humor and actually completes the character of Emily very well. I'm mixing tenses and doing everything wrong here lol but I really really enjoyed this and would definitely read books by Mr Richards again. I've always been a fan of this type of murder plot - when one is far away from anyone who can help, and things just get incredibly worse. And deadly. Well written, good plot, and a surprise twist!
January 30, 2023
Another romping yarn.
I love the characters in the book, Emily, with her feelings of guilt, is easy to identify with and Jerome is the perfect foil for the deeper, darker moments.
The plotline is well thought out and keeps you guessing all the way through. There is no gratuitous violence and none of the sex some author's seem to put in for no real reason.
A book that has a moral to tell , and does it with panache, while giving the reader the opportunity to listen to it or not as they choose.
I can't wait to see how badly beaten up Emily gets in her next adventure and if Jerome is still sleeping on her sofa.
I love the characters in the book, Emily, with her feelings of guilt, is easy to identify with and Jerome is the perfect foil for the deeper, darker moments.
The plotline is well thought out and keeps you guessing all the way through. There is no gratuitous violence and none of the sex some author's seem to put in for no real reason.
A book that has a moral to tell , and does it with panache, while giving the reader the opportunity to listen to it or not as they choose.
I can't wait to see how badly beaten up Emily gets in her next adventure and if Jerome is still sleeping on her sofa.
January 1, 2025
Mind For Murder
Malcolm Richards
Brilliantly written!
As always, the story starts with a slow pace and then at a point, everything comes tumbling down. Twists and turns you couldn't imagine in your wildest dreams. Once again, Malcolm Richards managed to leave me shell-shocked and pulled into a reality outside of my own, that is also so real!
Malcolm Richards
Brilliantly written!
As always, the story starts with a slow pace and then at a point, everything comes tumbling down. Twists and turns you couldn't imagine in your wildest dreams. Once again, Malcolm Richards managed to leave me shell-shocked and pulled into a reality outside of my own, that is also so real!
November 2, 2016
I couldn't wait to read the second installment in the Emily Swanson series, and it did not disappoint. I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 stars just because I felt there was too much bad language for my taste. I wondered why there were so many characters I didn't like (which at times made the reading difficult), but the author brought it all together nicely and finished up another great novel! I always enjoy the 'Author's Note' at the end of his books - very enlightening info making his stories even more interesting!
August 5, 2021
Gripping
Malcolm Richards is a master of metaphor and simile. His descriptions come alive with his figures of speech. In Mind for Murder, a weekend retreat turns into a nightmare for participants. Emily Swanson again decides to figure out what’s going on, and puts her life on the line to do so. The events grab the reader and won’t let go. Chapters end as cliffhangers, and you just can’t quit. What a tv series this would make! Although this is a stand-alone book, I highly recommend reading Next to Disappear to become familiar with the situations alluded to here.
Malcolm Richards is a master of metaphor and simile. His descriptions come alive with his figures of speech. In Mind for Murder, a weekend retreat turns into a nightmare for participants. Emily Swanson again decides to figure out what’s going on, and puts her life on the line to do so. The events grab the reader and won’t let go. Chapters end as cliffhangers, and you just can’t quit. What a tv series this would make! Although this is a stand-alone book, I highly recommend reading Next to Disappear to become familiar with the situations alluded to here.
March 26, 2020
This is the second book in what is turning out to be a great series. I read book one yesterday and loved it, so I decided to read book 2 today and I also loved this one. Some delightful unexpected twists in this story. I love a good mystery to read and this one is excellent.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 3, 2023
I was recommended the first book by a friend and fell in love with Emily Swanson. But now I’ll be the one recommending the second.
Absolutely gripping, unpredictable and all round brilliant “whodunnit”.
I’ve already purchased the 3rd and can’t wait to see what Malcolm has to offer!
Absolutely gripping, unpredictable and all round brilliant “whodunnit”.
I’ve already purchased the 3rd and can’t wait to see what Malcolm has to offer!
July 25, 2017
Another brilliant book
Without giving anything away. This is a brilliantly written book. The Emily Swanson series is so enjoyable to read and hard to put down
Without giving anything away. This is a brilliantly written book. The Emily Swanson series is so enjoyable to read and hard to put down
June 18, 2021
Brilliant, chilling. A page-Turner. I love Malcolm Richards’ books and this one did not disappoint. It kept me guessing right to the very end.
December 30, 2021
A Wickedly gripping story that had me second guessing who it was until the end! This has to be my next favorite series. I’ve always loved a good Who Done it, this book would recommend 11/10
January 4, 2023
The book was originally released under the title Cruel Mind but later changed to Mind for Murder. It is the second book in the Emily Swanson series.
Having survived a horrific ordeal and traumatized Emily takes her therapist advice and seeks a retreat. Deciding on a detox retreat she convinces her friend Jerome to join her. Jerome is horrified to learn it is an electronic detox retreat and is forced to hand over his cell phone and car keys. Emily convinces him that it will be fine and both reluctantly hand in their electronics.
The first evening goes well with Emily finally relaxing some but Jerome is moody and sulks in his room. However the next day the retreat is no longer peaceful as a guest is found hanging from a tree. With everyone freaked out Emily is trying to remain calm as her PTS kicks in.
I really like the growth Emily is going through, she shows trauma and issues from the first book but continues to fight to work through them. Jerome while he acts as her side kick I feel like he is just one dimensional and a side thought. Once again I only figure out part of the mystery and am eager to try more of the series.
Having survived a horrific ordeal and traumatized Emily takes her therapist advice and seeks a retreat. Deciding on a detox retreat she convinces her friend Jerome to join her. Jerome is horrified to learn it is an electronic detox retreat and is forced to hand over his cell phone and car keys. Emily convinces him that it will be fine and both reluctantly hand in their electronics.
The first evening goes well with Emily finally relaxing some but Jerome is moody and sulks in his room. However the next day the retreat is no longer peaceful as a guest is found hanging from a tree. With everyone freaked out Emily is trying to remain calm as her PTS kicks in.
I really like the growth Emily is going through, she shows trauma and issues from the first book but continues to fight to work through them. Jerome while he acts as her side kick I feel like he is just one dimensional and a side thought. Once again I only figure out part of the mystery and am eager to try more of the series.
September 11, 2025
This is another great book with each chapter ending in a cliffhanger similar to the first book in the series
I would recommend reading next to disappear first as there as some references to the previous storyline
This book is very captivating and the plot was so intense however I did find myself having to re read a few chapters once I had finished the book as there were so many murders and I had to remind myself who killed who and why they did it
I think I enjoyed the first book of the series more than this one purely as a I preferred the missing persons storyline but I will be purchasing the 3rd book in the series
I would recommend reading next to disappear first as there as some references to the previous storyline
This book is very captivating and the plot was so intense however I did find myself having to re read a few chapters once I had finished the book as there were so many murders and I had to remind myself who killed who and why they did it
I think I enjoyed the first book of the series more than this one purely as a I preferred the missing persons storyline but I will be purchasing the 3rd book in the series
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 1, 2021
Emily needed a get away and sweep some things clear in the mind. It would seem that events will have different in mind for Emily. Time also will not be a friend in the events. Meadow Pines is turning out to be a place she would want to escape from but can not. Now that you are woven into this drama you can do nothing but turn the pages to see what and who and all that goes with murder. This author has the ability to take you so fast into a story that your head might spin.
May 29, 2020
Gripping Series
Another gripping murder/mystery thriller from the author Malcolm Richards! Emily Swanson and her friend Jerome have escaped the city for a weekend at an isolated retreat. Emily and Jerome soon find that something is very wrong at the retreat. A really great series.
Another gripping murder/mystery thriller from the author Malcolm Richards! Emily Swanson and her friend Jerome have escaped the city for a weekend at an isolated retreat. Emily and Jerome soon find that something is very wrong at the retreat. A really great series.
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June 2, 2023Mind for Murder
Again, not bad. The were a couple of discrepancies, which really drives me crazy. One, Helen & Melody were running into the forest when they disappeared into the house. Two, Pamela took Jerome's place & sat on the couch, placing Helen's head on her lap, but then she was standing at the window. Whatever happened to proofreading before publishing?
Again, not bad. The were a couple of discrepancies, which really drives me crazy. One, Helen & Melody were running into the forest when they disappeared into the house. Two, Pamela took Jerome's place & sat on the couch, placing Helen's head on her lap, but then she was standing at the window. Whatever happened to proofreading before publishing?
December 1, 2022
As the second book in the Emily Swanson series it did not disappoint.
Fast paced and kept me wanting to get on and finish the book.
Emily battles on through her own problems and the relationship between Emily and her friend Jerome continues to develop.
The plot kept me guessing.
Fast paced and kept me wanting to get on and finish the book.
Emily battles on through her own problems and the relationship between Emily and her friend Jerome continues to develop.
The plot kept me guessing.
July 30, 2021
Read!
A Great New Series. Characters are wonderful. Setting are vividly portrayed. Plots are complex but compelling. Can’t wait to see what happens in Book Three!
A Great New Series. Characters are wonderful. Setting are vividly portrayed. Plots are complex but compelling. Can’t wait to see what happens in Book Three!
February 15, 2017
3 pack Available Kindle Unlimited, don't know if individually they are, seem to remember the first was a freebie, this one as the 3 set which of course is helpful in filling just 1 of the 10 kindle 'unlimited' spots. The stories were interesting, but too detailed for me at first because had been reading cozies, so even the massive to me amount of pages was probably due to the cozy reading. Obviously a lot went in to writing each story.
0 Bad Blood JUST OUT
1 Lost Lives
2 Cruel Minds
3 Cold Hearts
Available 3 pack, 2 pack, individually
0 Bad Blood JUST OUT
1 Lost Lives
2 Cruel Minds
3 Cold Hearts
Available 3 pack, 2 pack, individually
June 22, 2016
This author has improved since the first Emily Swanson book. The suspense was well-crafted, including red herrings. However, at times, the main character was a bit overshadowed by the others. Overall, a good book. I look forward to reading more.
January 8, 2017
Received this as a free book. You start out with a house full of people. Then one is found dead. Then others disappear. What is going on? Who is responsible?
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews