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Alex Madison #3
Mirror
She has a dangerous gift. And they’ll stop at nothing to take it.
A young psychiatric patient disappears from her ward in the dead of night. Eva Jansen’s medical records have been wiped, her history buried. Somebody wanted all trace of her extinguished forever—and fast.
When forensic psychologist Alex Madison is tipped off that Eva possesses an extraordinary ability, he knows he has to find her before she falls into the wrong hands. Her dangerous gift has eerie echoes of his previous cases, and he’s convinced there could be a connection to the criminal network he’s been hunting for years.
But Alex is being watched; his family is being followed. And as the search for Eva consumes his mind, it becomes clear that dark forces are determined to keep her for themselves—and keep him off the scent at all costs. With his life in dangerous freefall, can Alex expose the truth before he is silenced for good?
A young psychiatric patient disappears from her ward in the dead of night. Eva Jansen’s medical records have been wiped, her history buried. Somebody wanted all trace of her extinguished forever—and fast.
When forensic psychologist Alex Madison is tipped off that Eva possesses an extraordinary ability, he knows he has to find her before she falls into the wrong hands. Her dangerous gift has eerie echoes of his previous cases, and he’s convinced there could be a connection to the criminal network he’s been hunting for years.
But Alex is being watched; his family is being followed. And as the search for Eva consumes his mind, it becomes clear that dark forces are determined to keep her for themselves—and keep him off the scent at all costs. With his life in dangerous freefall, can Alex expose the truth before he is silenced for good?
381 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 24, 2020
136 people are currently reading
1175 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
September 24, 2021
The work of Adam Southward is both chilling and addictive, as I have come to discover with the first two books in this series. There is more than the ‘thrill of the hunt’ found within the pages, as Southward explores things on a psychological level, educating the reader on the nuances of the human mind and how little we know about its true workings. The story is strong and pulls the reader in, while discussing some of the most horrid ways humans treat one another, using depravation and abuse to instil control. A dark, yet captivating, read for any reader willing to take the plunge.
When Eva Jansen disappears from a psychiatric ward, no one takes notice, not only because she is simply a patient, but because her records have been expunged from the system. The history of the woman is known to few, but those who notice are assured that there is something sinister going on.
A covert meeting with a nurse from the ward with forensic psychologist, Alex Madison, yields many questions and concerns. Madison wonders about what is going on within the walls of that facility, especially when he discovers one of the doctors has been overseeing the release of a number of female patients before their treatment is complete. Madison also learns that Eva possesses a unique ability to read minds, pulling thoughts to the surface that are buried deep inside.
All this pique’s Madison’s interest, as it sounds a great deal like a criminal group he’s been chasing for years, with deep pockets and connections around the globe. Madison’s worked previous cases of people with mind controlling abilities. Might Eva be in their hands, her abilities a weapon that could be more useful than a crate of guns or an unstable chemical?
A number of events lead Madison to feel he’s being watched and his family is in danger. He must get to Eva before something horrible happens, particularly as he is one of the few who is aware of what’s happened. Working with a group of police officials, they follow a lead to Spain, where Madison learns that Eva is an item in a highly secretive auction that disperses women and girls to the highest bidder around the world. It’s a race to get answers and free Eva before she disappears for good.
Adam Southward is able to pull the reader into the middle of his stories with such ease, painting a vivid picture with a simple narrative. While some may applaud this feat, it must be noted that the images conjured up from the story are rarely uplifting or positive in nature. There is a true sense of depravity throughout, but the underlying attempt to help sweeps away the utter despair that serves as a theme throughout.
Many of the characters who appear throughout are well-constructed and serve a purpose. Fans of the series will know Alex Madison well and the struggles that he has had to endure, from addiction to marital strain and trying to connect with a daughter who is able to love and despise him in equal measure. Madison’s character develops well throughout, complemented by many of those who surround him throughout the different points of the book. Eva Jansen, suffering her own horrible life, offers up some intriguing backstory and development, though some might see a degree of regression as well, particularly in the latter portion of the novel. The author does an amazing job at portraying the characters in such a way that the plot is regularly enhanced.
Southward uses some excellent scientific and psychological angles to serve as underlying themes throughout the book, some of which Alex Madison comprehends, while others are mysteries that appear in some of the darker portions of the narrative. The story flows well and moves along with ease, aided by chapters that educate the reader while propelling things in a forward direction. There is so much to take in, from the struggle Madison has with his ongoing desire to topple the criminal organisation through to the treatment of Eva and many others, leaving the reader to try to keep pace. Not your typical ‘quick read psych thriller’, but maybe that’s for the best!
Kudos, Mr. Southward, for another stellar novel. I marvel at how much I absorbed throughout this reading experience.
Be sure to check for my review, first posted on Mystery and Suspense, as well as a number of other insightful comments by other reviewers.
https://www.mysteryandsuspense.com/mi...
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
When Eva Jansen disappears from a psychiatric ward, no one takes notice, not only because she is simply a patient, but because her records have been expunged from the system. The history of the woman is known to few, but those who notice are assured that there is something sinister going on.
A covert meeting with a nurse from the ward with forensic psychologist, Alex Madison, yields many questions and concerns. Madison wonders about what is going on within the walls of that facility, especially when he discovers one of the doctors has been overseeing the release of a number of female patients before their treatment is complete. Madison also learns that Eva possesses a unique ability to read minds, pulling thoughts to the surface that are buried deep inside.
All this pique’s Madison’s interest, as it sounds a great deal like a criminal group he’s been chasing for years, with deep pockets and connections around the globe. Madison’s worked previous cases of people with mind controlling abilities. Might Eva be in their hands, her abilities a weapon that could be more useful than a crate of guns or an unstable chemical?
A number of events lead Madison to feel he’s being watched and his family is in danger. He must get to Eva before something horrible happens, particularly as he is one of the few who is aware of what’s happened. Working with a group of police officials, they follow a lead to Spain, where Madison learns that Eva is an item in a highly secretive auction that disperses women and girls to the highest bidder around the world. It’s a race to get answers and free Eva before she disappears for good.
Adam Southward is able to pull the reader into the middle of his stories with such ease, painting a vivid picture with a simple narrative. While some may applaud this feat, it must be noted that the images conjured up from the story are rarely uplifting or positive in nature. There is a true sense of depravity throughout, but the underlying attempt to help sweeps away the utter despair that serves as a theme throughout.
Many of the characters who appear throughout are well-constructed and serve a purpose. Fans of the series will know Alex Madison well and the struggles that he has had to endure, from addiction to marital strain and trying to connect with a daughter who is able to love and despise him in equal measure. Madison’s character develops well throughout, complemented by many of those who surround him throughout the different points of the book. Eva Jansen, suffering her own horrible life, offers up some intriguing backstory and development, though some might see a degree of regression as well, particularly in the latter portion of the novel. The author does an amazing job at portraying the characters in such a way that the plot is regularly enhanced.
Southward uses some excellent scientific and psychological angles to serve as underlying themes throughout the book, some of which Alex Madison comprehends, while others are mysteries that appear in some of the darker portions of the narrative. The story flows well and moves along with ease, aided by chapters that educate the reader while propelling things in a forward direction. There is so much to take in, from the struggle Madison has with his ongoing desire to topple the criminal organisation through to the treatment of Eva and many others, leaving the reader to try to keep pace. Not your typical ‘quick read psych thriller’, but maybe that’s for the best!
Kudos, Mr. Southward, for another stellar novel. I marvel at how much I absorbed throughout this reading experience.
Be sure to check for my review, first posted on Mystery and Suspense, as well as a number of other insightful comments by other reviewers.
https://www.mysteryandsuspense.com/mi...
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
September 18, 2020
Alex Madison #3
A young psychiatric patient disappears from her ward in the middle of the night. Eva Jansen's medical records have been wiped clean. Someone has wanted all traces of her gone. When forensic psychologist Alex Madison learns that Eva possesses an extraordinary ability, he knows he has to find her before she falls into the wrong hands. But Alex is being watched; his family is being followed.
This is an intriguing read and I was drawn into the story quite quickly. The story flows along at a steady pace. This is a well written book with a well developed plotline. The characters are believable. I haven't read the first book in the series and a large portion of what happens reflects back to the previous two books, Trance and Pain, so I advise you to read them first. This is quite a dark read.
I would like to thank #NetGalley, #AmazonPublishingGroup and the author #AdamSouthward for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
A young psychiatric patient disappears from her ward in the middle of the night. Eva Jansen's medical records have been wiped clean. Someone has wanted all traces of her gone. When forensic psychologist Alex Madison learns that Eva possesses an extraordinary ability, he knows he has to find her before she falls into the wrong hands. But Alex is being watched; his family is being followed.
This is an intriguing read and I was drawn into the story quite quickly. The story flows along at a steady pace. This is a well written book with a well developed plotline. The characters are believable. I haven't read the first book in the series and a large portion of what happens reflects back to the previous two books, Trance and Pain, so I advise you to read them first. This is quite a dark read.
I would like to thank #NetGalley, #AmazonPublishingGroup and the author #AdamSouthward for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
September 29, 2020
Audio 5 Stars
Story 4 Stars
Story 4 Stars
September 24, 2020
Mirror is the third instalment in the forensic psychologist Doctor Alex Madison series and is where the chickens from past books have come home to roost. It is preferable to have read the previous instalments before diving into this one as the story continues on, past cast members are back with a bang and most of this will make little sense if you haven't read the others beforehand. In this episode, Dr Madison becomes aware of young woman Eva Jansen who is both blessed and cursed with the ability to mindread. At present, she is locked away from the world in a psychiatric facility, and therefore the world is also locked away from her, but Alex soon comes to the realisation that Eva is part of a much bigger and more nefarious picture. When people are aware of her giftedness there's no knowing the lengths to which they'll go to acquire and harness her powers.
This is an original and wholly unique science-fiction-tinged thriller with plenty of action and a plethora of twists and turns throughout. It's an interesting read from start to finish and is a series that really defies straightforward categorisation in that it is unlike anything else I have come across before. It isn't easy to come up with a novel idea for a story whilst also managing to make it exciting and palpably tense. Old friends and mortal enemies fall together in this dark instalment and I enjoyed getting to learn more about protagonist and central character Alex Madison who has his heart in the right place but is certainly more troubled that I initially believed. I'm intrigued to see how the author will continue to develop the story and look forward to the next instalment. Many thanks to Amazon Publishing UK for an ARC.
This is an original and wholly unique science-fiction-tinged thriller with plenty of action and a plethora of twists and turns throughout. It's an interesting read from start to finish and is a series that really defies straightforward categorisation in that it is unlike anything else I have come across before. It isn't easy to come up with a novel idea for a story whilst also managing to make it exciting and palpably tense. Old friends and mortal enemies fall together in this dark instalment and I enjoyed getting to learn more about protagonist and central character Alex Madison who has his heart in the right place but is certainly more troubled that I initially believed. I'm intrigued to see how the author will continue to develop the story and look forward to the next instalment. Many thanks to Amazon Publishing UK for an ARC.
August 24, 2020
Book three in what is becoming an interesting series. You cannot label this book with just the word 'thriller'.
Although I didn't read the first book, I was intrigued by the second one (Pain) which was easy to follow without knowing much about what happened before with Alex. However, I would recommend readers who want to read the series to start with the first book (Trance). The story in Mirror is very hard to follow otherwise. I have no problem with that, I prefer this above books where a large part consists about retelling what happened in earlier books in the series.
This time, Alex hears about a young woman, Eva, who has remarkable and not at all nice skills. Since she's living in a psychiatric hospital the world is more or less safe from her - and she from the world - but Alex soon learns that Eva is a part of something bigger.
Old friends ánd old enemies return in this dark story. We get to know Alex better and in between all that is happening, a background story develops that left me hoping the next book in this series will be published soon. I'm very curious how the author will develop the story further without it becoming 'over the top'.
Thanks to Netgalley for this digital reading copy.
Although I didn't read the first book, I was intrigued by the second one (Pain) which was easy to follow without knowing much about what happened before with Alex. However, I would recommend readers who want to read the series to start with the first book (Trance). The story in Mirror is very hard to follow otherwise. I have no problem with that, I prefer this above books where a large part consists about retelling what happened in earlier books in the series.
This time, Alex hears about a young woman, Eva, who has remarkable and not at all nice skills. Since she's living in a psychiatric hospital the world is more or less safe from her - and she from the world - but Alex soon learns that Eva is a part of something bigger.
Old friends ánd old enemies return in this dark story. We get to know Alex better and in between all that is happening, a background story develops that left me hoping the next book in this series will be published soon. I'm very curious how the author will develop the story further without it becoming 'over the top'.
Thanks to Netgalley for this digital reading copy.
September 18, 2020
Alex Madison #3
A young psychiatric patient disappears from her ward in the middle of the night. Eva Jansen's medical records have been wiped clean. Someone has wanted all trace of her gone. When forensic psychologist Alex Madison learns that Eva possesses an extraordinary ability, he knows he has to find her before she falls into the wrong hands. But Alex is being watched; his family is being followed.
This is an intriguing read and I was drawn into the story quite quickly. The story flows along at a steady pace. This is a well written book with a well developed plotline. The characters are believable. I haven't read the first book in this series and a large portion of what happens reflects back to the previous two books, Trance and Pain, so I advise you to read them first. This is quite a dark read.
I would like to thank #NetGalley, #AmazonPublishingGroup and the author #AdamSouthward for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
A young psychiatric patient disappears from her ward in the middle of the night. Eva Jansen's medical records have been wiped clean. Someone has wanted all trace of her gone. When forensic psychologist Alex Madison learns that Eva possesses an extraordinary ability, he knows he has to find her before she falls into the wrong hands. But Alex is being watched; his family is being followed.
This is an intriguing read and I was drawn into the story quite quickly. The story flows along at a steady pace. This is a well written book with a well developed plotline. The characters are believable. I haven't read the first book in this series and a large portion of what happens reflects back to the previous two books, Trance and Pain, so I advise you to read them first. This is quite a dark read.
I would like to thank #NetGalley, #AmazonPublishingGroup and the author #AdamSouthward for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 27, 2021
I really struggled with this book 📚, whether it was due to being the third book in the series and I didn’t know the back story of the characters.
Thank you to NetGalley and Amazon Publishing for the arc of this book in exchange for an honest review
Thank you to NetGalley and Amazon Publishing for the arc of this book in exchange for an honest review
December 14, 2020
DEC 2020 : 3 STARS. A young psychiatric patient disappears from her ward in the dead of night. Evan Jansen's medical records have been wiped, her history buried. Somebody wanted all traces of her extinguished forever and fast. When forensic psychologist Alex Madison is tipped off that Eva possess an extraordinary ability, he knows he must find her before she falls into the wrong hands.
Trance and Pain, books 1 & 2 both received 5/4 stars. This third book was very connected to books 1&2 that I didn't remember so good. I thought Mr. Southward did not do a good job at refreshing his readers. I thought it was on the boring side thru 50%. I started to skip chapters just to finish. Sorry!
Trance and Pain, books 1 & 2 both received 5/4 stars. This third book was very connected to books 1&2 that I didn't remember so good. I thought Mr. Southward did not do a good job at refreshing his readers. I thought it was on the boring side thru 50%. I started to skip chapters just to finish. Sorry!
July 26, 2020
Thank you NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK for the eARC.
A psychiatric patient with a dangerous power, disappears from a mental hospital and Alex Madison, a private therapist, wants to find her before she falls into the hands of a sinister organization. Her medical records have been wiped - all trace of her has gone. Alex believes her power will be used by the criminal network he has been searching for years.
I didn't enjoy this book, maybe because I hadn't read the previous two. I didn't connect with Alex or any other character and found the subject depressing.
A psychiatric patient with a dangerous power, disappears from a mental hospital and Alex Madison, a private therapist, wants to find her before she falls into the hands of a sinister organization. Her medical records have been wiped - all trace of her has gone. Alex believes her power will be used by the criminal network he has been searching for years.
I didn't enjoy this book, maybe because I hadn't read the previous two. I didn't connect with Alex or any other character and found the subject depressing.
Read
June 19, 2021This book is being filed under "couldn't finish". For now, at least. The premise is interesting, I want to know WHAT is happening to the characters and why, but it is so full of "and this happened previously", "when THAT thing happened", and similar plot points that are not explained in this book. I am going to try this again after I read the first two because this isn't REALLY a standalone when most of the book develops characters by referencing things you know nothing about (yet). If you want to have any clue what is going on, read these in order apparently.
September 7, 2020
I enjoyed reading this book but felt that I would have enjoyed it a lot more if I’d read the first 2 books in the series. I didn’t know this was part of a series when I requested it on Netgalley.
The writing is great and the story flows with plenty of intrigue. The plot is well developed too but I don’t think I got a real sense of the characters not in the way I would have if I’d read the first two books.
The writing is great and the story flows with plenty of intrigue. The plot is well developed too but I don’t think I got a real sense of the characters not in the way I would have if I’d read the first two books.
August 21, 2020
Thankyou to NetGalley, Amazon Publishing UK and the author, Adam Southward, for the opportunity to read an advanced readers copy of Mirror in exchange for an honest and unbiased opinion.
Such a good book. I was hooked from the start.
Compelling characters and an intriguing mystery makes for another good read from this author.
Worth a read.
Such a good book. I was hooked from the start.
Compelling characters and an intriguing mystery makes for another good read from this author.
Worth a read.
September 25, 2020
I really enjoyed this book.
There were a lot of medical references and terminology but it was explained in a way that made it easier for the reader to understand.
Absolutely loved Alex and Natalia as characters and their interactions.
Full of drama and suspense, lots of intrigue and edge of the seat action.
Looking forward to the next instalment.
There were a lot of medical references and terminology but it was explained in a way that made it easier for the reader to understand.
Absolutely loved Alex and Natalia as characters and their interactions.
Full of drama and suspense, lots of intrigue and edge of the seat action.
Looking forward to the next instalment.
July 4, 2021
Out of the three this is the toughest to get through mostly because it takes so long to get up to speed. That said its still fun like the first two. This series is flawed, but it's also one of very few series where I'm eagerly waiting for the next one. Its a schlocky, but fun thriller as long as it doesn't forget what's fun about it.
August 28, 2022
(Rating 2.5) —- *** SPOILERS*** This series has just been so-so for me. I did like Eva’s story and seeing the place where they have the children again as it links back to Victor’s story in book 1.
I actually thought this was the final book in this series so I feel a bit let down that it still hasn’t concluded Victor and Alex’s story.
I actually thought this was the final book in this series so I feel a bit let down that it still hasn’t concluded Victor and Alex’s story.
September 26, 2020
This book was imaginative, exciting and full of suspense! I really enjoyed it, however; the ending was sad and a little unexpected, which leaves room for future speculation. How will Alex react? What will happen next? I hope the author continues his story!
December 4, 2020
Wow....I really enjoyed this book. Full of twists, turns and suspense. Kept me up too late reading as it was so hard to put down. Didn't want it to end but knowing the story continues makes me excited for the next book.
Read
December 6, 2020Fascinating
A continuation of the saga of immoral scientists who experimented on the minds of small children. Well written so you don't need the prior book in the series. Has enough of a teaser at the conclusion that you can't wait to read the next
A continuation of the saga of immoral scientists who experimented on the minds of small children. Well written so you don't need the prior book in the series. Has enough of a teaser at the conclusion that you can't wait to read the next
December 9, 2020
Another great installation!
I have enjoyed these books from the beginning. The characters are well developed and interesting. I look forward to reading the next in Southward's series!
I have enjoyed these books from the beginning. The characters are well developed and interesting. I look forward to reading the next in Southward's series!
March 29, 2021
Gripping
The third in the series is as good as they first two, and really delivered! Great intense plot with plenty of twist and excellent if flawed characters that give them depth. A must read.
The third in the series is as good as they first two, and really delivered! Great intense plot with plenty of twist and excellent if flawed characters that give them depth. A must read.
May 18, 2024
Review for Mirror
Alex Madison, book 3 of this series. I have really enjoyed this series, and now am eager to see what will happen.
Book 3 does wrap up a few loose ends, but adds more questions; so I guess I will be getting the fourth installment once it’s released.
Alex Madison, book 3 of this series. I have really enjoyed this series, and now am eager to see what will happen.
Book 3 does wrap up a few loose ends, but adds more questions; so I guess I will be getting the fourth installment once it’s released.
March 12, 2025
Not the solution I was hoping for
I was hoping for a good wrap up to the story arc in this trilogy. However, the story just continues for more books ad nauseam. I guess the basic premise is rich evil people will always do bad things unchecked by governments.
I was hoping for a good wrap up to the story arc in this trilogy. However, the story just continues for more books ad nauseam. I guess the basic premise is rich evil people will always do bad things unchecked by governments.
October 21, 2020
Enjoyed the novel and will read subsequent novels.
November 1, 2020
wow. what a great read. had me sitting on the edge of my seat through the whole book. and staying up way too late at night to read as much as i can. i received this as a giveaway on goodreads.
December 30, 2020
Another fantastic Alex Madison story!
Another great story further developing the characters in this world and setting up for a huge showdown in the coming books, of which I hope is on the horizon soon!!
Another great story further developing the characters in this world and setting up for a huge showdown in the coming books, of which I hope is on the horizon soon!!
January 22, 2021
Mirrow
Fast paced, intriguing, this story held my attention constantly. I usually can tell what’s about to happen in a story...but was constantly surprised in this one.
Fast paced, intriguing, this story held my attention constantly. I usually can tell what’s about to happen in a story...but was constantly surprised in this one.
March 27, 2021
Excellent thriller
Gripping psychological mystery (third in the series). Holds the reader throughout. A fun read. Recommended to all who like the genre.
Gripping psychological mystery (third in the series). Holds the reader throughout. A fun read. Recommended to all who like the genre.
March 24, 2022
Great book
Thoroughly enjoyed this third entry in the series. Excited for more. Definitely recommend this book for those that enjoy thrillers
Thoroughly enjoyed this third entry in the series. Excited for more. Definitely recommend this book for those that enjoy thrillers
February 4, 2023
Amazing
This is such a "story" that makes you wonder. Wonder where this is happening right now...makes my mind swim..thank you!!!
This is such a "story" that makes you wonder. Wonder where this is happening right now...makes my mind swim..thank you!!!
August 10, 2023
More to add to a Netflix series. The reader in the audio book is AWESOME!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews