Prey

Ball & Chain #5

by John W. Mefford

Observation is just the first step.

Then comes the action.

And these actions will speak louder than any words.
Someone is watching. Scrutinizing every flip of the hair, change of expression, and spoken word.
How long until they come for you?

For Cooper Chain and Willow Ball, it was a normal weekday morning. Until the moment Cooper opens the back door and...

Was it just an accident? Or is an invisible force trying to eliminate Ball & Chain off the face of the Earth?

Unable to let go of the memory of her father, Willow takes the lure of learning more information. But a meeting goes horribly wrong, and death is knocking on her door.

Sucked into a vortex of bizarre, deathly events, Willow and Cooper struggle to fight off a never-ending series of attacks. They take one step, but someone else is always a step ahead. How can they defeat what they cannot see?

But when the gauntlet is thrown down, survival takes on a whole new meaning. And that's when Willow and Cooper come face-to-face with a force that could bury them for good.

How many shapes can evil take?

Get PREY now!

You will devour this book if you're a fan of Michael Connelly's Ballard and Bosch, David Baldacci's King and Maxwell, Tess Gerritsen's Rizzoli and Isles, Janet Evanovich's Fox and O'Hare, Stuart Woods, or the TV show "Castle."

*Warning: The Ball & Chain Thrillers are an addictive thrill ride full of white-knuckle suspense and sarcastic sass. A mystery-thriller with a slice of humor. Go figure. Proceed with caution.

The Ball & Chain Thrillers:
MERCY (Book 1)
FEAR (Book 2)
BURY (Book 3)
LURE (Book 4)
PREY (Book 5)
VANISH (Book 6)

358 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 16, 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

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

Prey by John W. Mefford, book number 5 in the Ball and Chain thriller proved to be the best book in the series so far. The previous books were good, but Mefford made every effort to impress on this installment. Hooked from the first page, the story quickly pulled me in and I became engrossed in everything that transpired.

Suspense, action, mystery and romance combined provided a story that left breathless and eager to know what next is in store for Willow and Cooper? Will Willow finally get the answers she has been seeking regarding her father? Will they finally be free from Dr. V and his lackeys?

The book started literally with a bang and continued on the same explosive path, with its twists, turns, and curve balls. This book kept me guessing from start to finish. I received the answers to the questions raised in the subplots, but as it relates to the major plot, the mystery is yet to be solved. The end left me speechless. I need to know what is coming next. I need book six now. 😁

I loved how the author focused not only on solving the case but also on the personal lives of the characters. It was good seeing Cooper and Willow growing closer. Cooper’s relationship with his daughter has improved. I enjoyed their interactions with each other, which made for some good laughs amidst all the chaos.

I received a pleasant surprise when a character from the author’s previous series made an appearance. Now he has piqued my curiosity as to the role this person will play regarding the hair raising situations Cooper and Willow have found themselves in. Is there a connection between events from the previous series?

Conclusion / Recommendation
To conclude, Prey is an edge of your seat read, that will keep you guessing from start to finish. Fans of mystery, suspense and thrillers would enjoy this series. Highly recommend.

[Kathi Defranc · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an absolute corker of a story!! The great characters keep you guessing and there are So many twists and turns you do not know What could happen next!! Will review soon, have to catch my breath after flying through it!!
The duo of Willow Ball and Cooper Chain have really found themselves in some severe danger Now! The tension and suspense in this story brings everything that has happened to our friends so far in this amazing series into dangerous grounds for Everyone! Blood on a photo, explosions at their residence, being followed in their every move...But just Who is this person after? Could it be the owner of the house, or is it one of them...
An edge of your seat thriller, taking every bad move made in life by Cooper and Willow, with all the different folks who they have met in their struggles, and pulling them All together in a serious fight for life as they know it!
Do NOT Miss This Outstanding Addition to an Exceptional series!!!

[Carly Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘Prey’ is the fifth book in the ‘Ball and Chain thriller series’ by John Mefford, and I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.

Firstly I will start by saying I was hooked on this book from the first page. Mefford lulls you in with Willow Ball and Cooper Chain going about their normal everyday life, without any clue of what is in store for them, but boy does this book have it going on! So many twists and turns that it almost gave me whiplash!

From finding blood on a photograph, to explosions and near misses, Ball and Chain are back and this time something may just be coming for them! Who is the intended victim?

I am completely and utterly engrossed in this series, and it just keeps on getting better. Every time I feel like I have read ‘the best book’, Mefford brings another one out that tops all others. I love the excitement of trying to guess what happens next, and the thrill of these books and they have made me enjoy a genre I usually would have opted to shy away from.

Willow has completely grown on me as a character, and you can’t help but be immersed in her need to learn more about her father. She attempts to meet up with someone who claims to have information, but it leads to a bit of a dead end!

I love the family dynamic of Willow, Cooper and Lauren, and at times to feel sorry for Lauren having to put up with them. The sass had me laughing and I enjoyed the reintroduction to past characters, and the continuation of the story and themes from the previous books.

I’d highly recommend to readers who are seeking a thrill, or a good mystery/ thriller series. Mefford’s writing is just unreal!

[Julie Baswell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now that Cooper, Willow, and Lauren have moved into their landlord Mrs. Kowalski’s home, they finally have more room to spread out. Cooper and Willow have taken their relationship to the next level. But danger is still all around them and Cooper has to put all his mental skills into getting out of the illegal activities that he keeps getting pushed into. Meanwhile, Willow is on the trail of deceit that her dad has left behind.

In my opinion, this is the best chapter of the Ball & Chain saga to date. I have connected more with the characters than before. This time they show more depth, keeping them interesting. I like the way Mefford can have you guessing all the way to the end as to who is the culprit, and then the surprise in that you knew them all along but never would have suspected them. That’s one reason why he has become one of my favorite authors.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

John W. Mefford never fails to take us on a wild, twisty turn in his books and PREY was absolutely no different! Psycho’s, Murders, Twists and Turns are what Cooper and Willow are trying their hardest to figure out what is going on and how to get back to normalcy.

You have Cooper’s 14 year old daughter being a normal teenager, Willow wondering who and where her dad is and Cooper is trying to be pursuaded into doing some illegal stuff.

You won’t ever predict the ending of this book. I can’t wait for the next book! This was a great cliff hanger book and I will be getting the next one in the series ASAP!

[Shelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy moly! Mefford dug deep with this fifth installment of The Ball & Chain Thrillers! Willow and Cooper are getting closer and it feels like the world is reacting by throwing them into tougher, more death-defying events. They are literally thrown into action with an explosion; but the real question is -- who is the true mark? When this duo takes their relationship to the next level (finally!!), it seems to push them into darker, harsher situations. Lauren, Cooper's teen daughter, always manages to get a good, hard laugh out of me at least once or twice. Having teens myself, I completely feel the eye rolls, sarcastic comments, and general angst that she's expressing throughout the book. The banter between all of the characters helps pull you out of the darkness that plagues the duo. We get a blast from the past with a character from another of Mefford's series (one of my all-time favorites!). And when you reach the end, thinking you're going to get a conclusion, he leaves you hanging right out on the end of the limb. You'll be questioning every character's motive!

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

[Leila · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every time I think the Cooper and Willow have defeated the negative in their life; another shows up. (I almost said another one but it’s never one with them! It’s always multiple!)

This go round, we had five players wreaking havoc on their lives and wow, I never saw any of it coming!! The way the ending twisted and turned and the truth it revealed – never. (Which is one of my favorite parts of John’s writing!)

The very ending definitely left me on edge and I cannot wait to get my hands on the book to see what is happening. Short of the ending and what happened; I feel like Cooper may finally be in the clear from the weirdos who keep trying to ruin his life. Just maybe, he and Lauren can finally breath and not constantly look over their shoulder.

But Willow…

Bonus! We ran into an “old” friend of ours and hope we see more of them (and/or others) in the future!

All in all, I am a huge fan of John’s writing and have been for a long time. Prey did not disappoint and I will always recommend John’s books if you are a fan of thrillers!

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow-what a ride this book is! Twists, turns, murder, psychos and Cooper and Willow are smack dab in the middle of all of it trying to figure out what is going on and how to get their lives back. Of course Lauren, Cooper's 14 yer old daughter is being the normal teenage girl. Fourteen going on Twenty! Willow is still wondering about who and where her Dad is--and an old acquaintance of Coopers is trying to get him to do something totally illegal. Cooper finds out something about him---what a story that would make!

And this I will guarantee--you will NEVER see the ending coming--Never. But it makes for a great cliff hanger--Now I have to wait for the next book in this series and so will you!!

[Cryssie Addis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another John W Mefford book that I could not put down! So much to unpack with this book! I first have to comment on how the old Ball and Chain are starting to get closer romantically……FINALLY. If you have been reading this series, you have probably been like most of us and waiting for this beautiful moment to happen! This is book 5 in the Ball & Chain series. You can read it as a stand alone, but I highly encourage you to read the whole series if you have not yet.

I wasn’t quite sure where the twist and turns of this book would take us, but it definitely did not disappoint! This book gave me all the suspense and jumping feels and I can’t wait for you to read it! The fall and Halloween season are a perfect time to dive into these thrilling novels! You will not regret it!

[Sonya Neal · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another outstanding book in the Ball and Chain Series, and I truly can't wait for the next one!

Willow and Cooper really can't catch a break, and every time their lives seem to be in order something happens. This time it's something as simple as walking outside, and with destruction and horror in its wake. Meanwhile, Willow is questioning what she knows about her father, and things are not lining up.

Can Cooper and Willow survive more drama in their lives?

This is an amazing addition to the series, and while it can be read as a standalone novel, I recommend that you read them all!

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

[Lily · Rating 5 out of 5]

This latest installment in the Ball & Chain series has definitely given me the most chills so far. Things were really starting to look up at the end of the last book, it seemed. Of course, for these two, there's no such thing as a quiet, happy life with no complications. But what can you do when you aren't sure which way to turn? A page-turner that you won't want to set down, which will haunt you in between reading sessions. Don't let this one pass you by!

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

'Prey' truly surprised me. Once I started reading, I could not stop. The story line pulled me in and did not let go. Cooper and Willow work so well together. I absolutely loved the crossover reference to Alex Troutt. A favorite series of mine. So many theories are going through my head, but I'm still so unsure when it comes to Raymond. I will definitely keep reading. A great add to your tbr list.

[Pam Madson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

Wow these books just get better and better!! I’m not sure how because they are so great!! So much happened in Prey. It was impossible to put this one down. Cooper and Willow are something else. Love these characters but the ending shocked me. Did not see that coming!!

[Cindy Chambers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Had to read to the end!

I couldn’t put it down and it didn’t disappoint! Wow some real twists in this one. I can’t wait to read in.

[Robert F. · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite in the series this far. Lots of miss direction, intreague, and suspense, and the ending is unexpected.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy smokes did the ending of this book take me by surprise. I’m already anxious to read the next one to find out what happens to Ball & Chain. This has been a very good series with all the things I love in a book; mystery, thrill and a hint of love. I would expect nothing else from the author since he writes some very good stories. No idea where he comes up with some of the wildest, strangest, gory settings but I love them.

In book 5, Cooper and Willow are still playing detectives and trying to figure out who is always around. And the big question, where is WIllow’s father and what is he actually doing? Can he be the kingpin of a huge drug operation. As the story goes, Willow and Cooper find themselves in a lot of different adventures and danger while still working with Cooper’s daughter, Lauren, in their life. The tension and fire between Cooper and Willow is rather amusing. I just want to say to the two of them it’s “LOVE” just say it. I also love the way the author brings in other characters from other series. That’s great storytelling which leads to being a great author. I consider John W. Mefford one of the best. You start one of his books and you don’t put it down. I highly recommend this book.

[Pete · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is difficult to come up with new superlatives to describe John Mefford's books, I have used them all many times in my reviews of his earlier books, but I will try...
The main aspect of this book that I loved was the pacing, it is a genuinely thrilling and exciting ride, going full throttle most of the time, but with cleverly placed slower sections often enhanced by some very dry humour, this combination really does make this book difficult to put down.
Those who have read the previous books in the series will know that the main characters Cooper and Willow are exceptionally well drawn and developed characters, but in this book their relationship changes, and once again this is so well written that it is completely believable.
The plot is superb going in just about any direction other than the one that the reader expects, and has some superb action scenes.
This is a fantastic addition to an already superlative series, and I can't wait to see where it goes next!
I did receive an advance copy of this book, but have voluntarily written this honest review.

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

Wow! Mefford has really upped his game with this instalment of the Ball & Chain Series, this one had me engrossed from the start and my heart racing with anticipation one minuet and chills down my spin the next. An explosive beginning and this time around we don't know who the intended target is - is it Willow or Cooper? That makes things more on edge as you don't know where Mefford is going with this until bam - it happens!

This is once again another edge of you seat, page-turner, and one you will not want to put down. Filled with humour and sass from our duo as usual, it adds a touch of light in the darkness of death and destruction that is seemingly following them around. I can't wait for the next book especially since a familiar face makes an appearance towards the end -- a face that I can not wait to see what journey Mefford takes us on.

4 stars

[Sue Olexa · Rating 5 out of 5]

PREY, by acclaimed Author, John W. Mefford is without a doubt one of the best reads I’ve ever read. Laced with tension, intrigue, humor, romance, mystery, and so much more, yielded a great read for me. Definitely a page turner. Loved the characters who are so unique and lifelike. The story unfolds from page one and flows to last page. Ending was totally unexpected. NO SPOILERS. Ball & Chain series has turned into one of the best series ever, as Author, John W. Mefford worked his magic mastery with words to create a very fulfilling read. One thing about Author, John W. Mefford is that he always DELIVERS, and he defiantly delivered with PREY!! Can’t say enough good things about this book, and I highly recommend PREY! It has it ALL.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
GOODER & GOODER!!!
October 17, 2019

John Mefford has the creativity that just makes each book in the series pull you in deeper and deeper. Prey (Book 5) in The Ball And Chain series is the best book yet! Especially the ending! You will literally scream when you get there. At least I did! But before the ending, their story is filled with thrills and chills. I keep wondering how can 2 people keep getting in to such predicaments. I was glued to this book during the entire read. This is a must read series. It’s so real and challenging you are sitting on the end of your seat while the tension just keeps building and building. I absolutely love this series and I’m sure you will too!

[Karina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Prey Book 5 in the Ball and Chain Series by John W. Mefford. I don’t know how Mr. Mefford does it but each book in 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 5 in this series it can be read as a standalone but I would suggest you read the whole series there are so many references and characters from previous books. I can’t wait for the next book in this series.

[Ralph Phares]

OMG! What is Happening?

Like the previous installments of the Ball & Chain episodes I was floored with the storyline and character developments as this story took as many twists and turns (or more) than any book I've ever read! This was definitely an un-put-down-able book! I was hooked from the beginning, albeit confused about who was who and what was happening, and I absolutely couldn't put it down, not even for bedtime. ;-] And that ending. Oh, my! A strong 5 stars only because they don't allow more stars. Author John Mefford is one of a few authors that I consider to be my absolute faves and this book is why!

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was blessed with an ARC copy of this Ball and Chain adventure. I absolutely love this series. Cooper and Willow are forever trying to avoid trouble or dig themselves out of trouble. They are quirky lovable characters.

This installment starts with a bang and then just keeps you turning the pages. All the twists and turns make it very hard to put down. I cannot wait for the next installment.

[Sherry Vaughan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well John Mefford has done it again. This time, you can't really tell who the intended victim is. Is it Cooper or Willow? Or is it both? They are being chased by an assassin. But, why does someone want to kill one (or both of them)? With bodies and buildings crumbling down around them, will they make it through alive? An explosive story.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

As usual, Cooper and Willow are involved in one hair raising scenario after another! As the pieces started to fall into place I found myself completely obsessed with this book. There is so much going on that it was a little hard for me to figure out what was happening. This is one of the best books in this series. I loved every minute of it. An excellent read!

[Mary Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Prey it Is!!

Prey definitely fits this book! Mefford has done it again, and things are heating up between Willow and Cooper. But what will happen to Lauren? Also, did Mrs. Kowalski really do what Willow suspects? I like how he separates each chapter with the main characters, especially the villain. But, NO WAY, Did I See That Ending Coming! I recommend you read this one!

[Sharon Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mefford keeps you on the Edge of your seat with this thriller! I was Unable to put it down and was thoroughly engaged in this book with all the suspense and twists and turns that you have come to expect with Mefford’s writing. I received this book as an ARC reader, but enjoyed it so much that I purchased it! All except for the cliffhanger ending. But you won’t have long to wait!

[Roger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Prey (The Ball & Chain Thrillers, Book 5), my 30th 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).

[Debbie Mcnally · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to have gotten a ARC copy of this book from the author. I am volunteering to leave this review. WOW this book will take you on a heart rate raising roller-coaster ride. With a sudden mind blowing finish. Vanish can not get here soon enough.

[Jim Phillips · Rating 5 out of 5]

A top notch thriller with an excellent storyline and great realistic characters. Very enjoyable read with plenty of action, suspense, mystery, and twist and turns. A real page turner that I highly recommend . Don't miss this series as it just keeps getting better!