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Blind Spots
"The pace is fast, the body count significant, the loopholes minor. All this tech-enabled police procedural lacks is a Lennie Briscoe zinger at the beginning. Two guns―I mean thumbs―up." –Wall Street Journal
A riveting crime novel with a speculative edge about the ways our perceptions of reality can be manipulated.
Seven years ago, everyone in the world went blind in a matter of months. Technology helped people adjust to the new normal, creating a device that approximates vision, downloading visual data directly to people’s brains. But what happens when someone finds a way to hack it and change what people see?
Homicide detective Mark Owens has been on the force since before The Blinding. When a scientist is murdered, and the only witness insists the killer was blacked out of her vision, Owens doesn’t believe her―until a similar murder happens in front of him. With suspects ranging from tech billionaires to anti-modernity cultists―and with the bodies piling up―Owens must conduct an investigation in which he can’t even trust his own eyes.
Thomas Mullen, the acclaimed author of Darktown and The Last Town on Earth , delivers an unputdownable crime novel about one man's search for truth in a world of surveillance and disinformation that’s all too recognizable.
A riveting crime novel with a speculative edge about the ways our perceptions of reality can be manipulated.
Seven years ago, everyone in the world went blind in a matter of months. Technology helped people adjust to the new normal, creating a device that approximates vision, downloading visual data directly to people’s brains. But what happens when someone finds a way to hack it and change what people see?
Homicide detective Mark Owens has been on the force since before The Blinding. When a scientist is murdered, and the only witness insists the killer was blacked out of her vision, Owens doesn’t believe her―until a similar murder happens in front of him. With suspects ranging from tech billionaires to anti-modernity cultists―and with the bodies piling up―Owens must conduct an investigation in which he can’t even trust his own eyes.
Thomas Mullen, the acclaimed author of Darktown and The Last Town on Earth , delivers an unputdownable crime novel about one man's search for truth in a world of surveillance and disinformation that’s all too recognizable.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published April 4, 2023
88 people are currently reading
30147 people want to read
About the author
Thomas Mullen
19 books824 followersThomas Mullen is the author of Darktown, an NPR Best Book of the Year, which has been shortlisted for the Los Angeles Times Book Prize, the Southern Book Prize, the Indies Choice Book Award, has been nominated for two Crime Writers Assocation Dagger Awards, and is being developed for television by Sony Pictures with executive producer Jamie Foxx; The Last Town on Earth, which was named Best Debut Novel of 2006 by USA Today and was awarded the James Fenimore Cooper Prize for excellence in historical fiction; The Many Deaths of the Firefly Brothers; and The Revisionists. He lives in Atlanta with his wife and sons.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 346 reviews
April 4, 2023
I am always fascinated by the futuristic Worlds that authors dream up, so the gorgeous book cover and intriguing premise caught my attention right away.
Seven years ago, everyone in the world was blinded in a matter of months.
Seventy Five days from 20/15 vision to ZERO.
Was it extreme macular degeneration? A weird virus spreading from continent to continent? A Bioweapon created by the Chinese or Russians? Something in the water? Toxic gases released because of Global Warming? Or the Government taking control of an “out of control” population?
Surgeons couldn’t operate, Pilots couldn’t fly planes.
Feeling helpless, many became addicted to Opsin, a hallucinogenic drug.
Technology helped people adjust to the new normal, creating devices which approximate vision, called Vidders- which use a one inch metal disc implanted on a person’s right temple, to download and interpret visual data and then send it directly to a person’s brain-compensating for the permanent blindness, and allowing them to see once again.
But what happens when someone finds a way to manipulate an Vidder and change what people are seeing?
OR NOT SEEING?
Law enforcement agents Mark Owens and his partner Jimmy Peterson must decide if they trust what they are SEEING, and believe what they are HEARING out on the streets.
Owens will also have to figure out if he is ready to move on from his wife, Jeanie, lost to the “Blinding” and if he should trust his new girlfriend, Amira, also in law enforcement, with what he has found out.
A unique Police Procedural which will have you wondering if even when you lose your sense of sight-you can still trust your gut instincts…
This wasn’t quite my usual read, but, I ended up enjoying it! If you enjoy DYSTOPIAN, SCI-FI, POLICE PROCEDURALS, and GOOD GUY vs. BAD GUY adrenaline thrillers-this one is for you!
AVAILABLE NOW!!
Thank You to St. Martin’s Press for the gifted ARC provided through NetGalley. It was my pleasure to offer a candid review!
Seven years ago, everyone in the world was blinded in a matter of months.
Seventy Five days from 20/15 vision to ZERO.
Was it extreme macular degeneration? A weird virus spreading from continent to continent? A Bioweapon created by the Chinese or Russians? Something in the water? Toxic gases released because of Global Warming? Or the Government taking control of an “out of control” population?
Surgeons couldn’t operate, Pilots couldn’t fly planes.
Feeling helpless, many became addicted to Opsin, a hallucinogenic drug.
Technology helped people adjust to the new normal, creating devices which approximate vision, called Vidders- which use a one inch metal disc implanted on a person’s right temple, to download and interpret visual data and then send it directly to a person’s brain-compensating for the permanent blindness, and allowing them to see once again.
But what happens when someone finds a way to manipulate an Vidder and change what people are seeing?
OR NOT SEEING?
Law enforcement agents Mark Owens and his partner Jimmy Peterson must decide if they trust what they are SEEING, and believe what they are HEARING out on the streets.
Owens will also have to figure out if he is ready to move on from his wife, Jeanie, lost to the “Blinding” and if he should trust his new girlfriend, Amira, also in law enforcement, with what he has found out.
A unique Police Procedural which will have you wondering if even when you lose your sense of sight-you can still trust your gut instincts…
This wasn’t quite my usual read, but, I ended up enjoying it! If you enjoy DYSTOPIAN, SCI-FI, POLICE PROCEDURALS, and GOOD GUY vs. BAD GUY adrenaline thrillers-this one is for you!
AVAILABLE NOW!!
Thank You to St. Martin’s Press for the gifted ARC provided through NetGalley. It was my pleasure to offer a candid review!
May 18, 2023
Seven years ago, everyone in the world went blind over the course of just a few months. With little warning and no known reason for it, scientists and techies raced to find a way to help people see again. Now, people use a device that approximates vision, downloading data directly into people's brains. When rumors begin to spread of people who can seemingly black-out their image, detective Mark Owens finds himself struggling to believe it. But when he has his own dangerous encounter, a chain of executions begins that force him to question everything he thought he knew.
This speculative dystopian detective mystery (that's a lot of adjectives) was fascinating. It does start off a little bit difficult to get situated in the world, but as the story continues, the author continues to incorporate relevant information at a good pace. This was a great way to get background about The Blinding, the responses to it, and the new technology that was introduced. I enjoyed how the author incorporated the different hypothesis for The Blinding, rather than leaving it as a big unknown. And I also liked the different factions this event caused and how well the author incorporated that into the story.
I'm not often entertained by police/crime fiction, but I appreciated that aspect of this work. It allowed us to have inside information relating to technology and the world that regular folks wouldn't have known, and allowed the protagonist to go places and do things that wouldn't have been possible otherwise. There were aspects of the author's writing that I disliked, though. A couple examples include abrupt changes in POV and timeline as well as the unnecessarily constant describing of everyone's race and ethnicity. I also didn't find it easy to become emotionally invested in any of the characters and their emotions never really shone through, though they were written okay enough to not detract from the work overall. I do wish there was more exploration/discussion of some of the themes that were incorporated into this work to add some more depth and meaning to the read as a whole. Also the reveal of the antagonist was not surprising, but since I wasn't sure of the motivations I still mostly enjoyed it.
Overall, this was a solid work of speculative fiction that was entertaining. I liked the idea of the world and the tech even if other aspects of the work were just okay. My thanks to NetGalley, Macmillan Audio, and Minotaur books for allowing me to read this work. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
This speculative dystopian detective mystery (that's a lot of adjectives) was fascinating. It does start off a little bit difficult to get situated in the world, but as the story continues, the author continues to incorporate relevant information at a good pace. This was a great way to get background about The Blinding, the responses to it, and the new technology that was introduced. I enjoyed how the author incorporated the different hypothesis for The Blinding, rather than leaving it as a big unknown. And I also liked the different factions this event caused and how well the author incorporated that into the story.
I'm not often entertained by police/crime fiction, but I appreciated that aspect of this work. It allowed us to have inside information relating to technology and the world that regular folks wouldn't have known, and allowed the protagonist to go places and do things that wouldn't have been possible otherwise. There were aspects of the author's writing that I disliked, though. A couple examples include abrupt changes in POV and timeline as well as the unnecessarily constant describing of everyone's race and ethnicity. I also didn't find it easy to become emotionally invested in any of the characters and their emotions never really shone through, though they were written okay enough to not detract from the work overall. I do wish there was more exploration/discussion of some of the themes that were incorporated into this work to add some more depth and meaning to the read as a whole. Also the reveal of the antagonist was not surprising, but since I wasn't sure of the motivations I still mostly enjoyed it.
Overall, this was a solid work of speculative fiction that was entertaining. I liked the idea of the world and the tech even if other aspects of the work were just okay. My thanks to NetGalley, Macmillan Audio, and Minotaur books for allowing me to read this work. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
February 1, 2024
Consider my interest piqued at various levels throughout this book. After an event known as The Blinding, the entirety of the world goes blind. As with other such catastrophes of this scale, it takes this widescale event to fund research to "cure" it. This doesn't quite cure blindness, but rather introduces a new way to see. I enjoyed the sci-fi and dystopian nature of this book, but police procedurals not set in Nordic countries often miss the mark for me.
April 4, 2023
What would happen if the entire world became blind?
Book Information
Thomas Mullen, the acclaimed author of Darktown, has written another gripping novel called Blind Spots, set to release on April 4, 2023. This 320-page book promises to be a must-read for fans of Mullen's previous works. The audiobook version, narrated by the talented Gary Tiedemann, runs for an impressive 10 hours and 23 minutes, making it a great choice for audiobook enthusiasts. Mullen's writing has received numerous accolades, including being shortlisted for the Los Angeles Times Book Prize, the Southern Book Prize, and the Indies Choice Book Award. His previous work, Darktown, has even been nominated for two Crime Writers Association Dagger Awards and is currently being developed for television by Sony Pictures. Thanks to Macmillan Audio, who provided an advanced reader copy for review.
Summary
In a world where a virus robbed everyone of their sight seven years ago, people have adapted with the help of technology. A device has been created to simulate vision by transmitting visual data directly to the brain. However, when an unknown entity starts manipulating this technology, everything changes.
Mark Owens, a seasoned homicide detective who has been on the force since before the virus, is faced with a perplexing case when a scientist is murdered, and the sole witness claims the killer was unseeable. Owens is skeptical until he witnesses a similar murder in person. As Owens begins investigating, he discovers a wide range of suspects, from tech billionaires to those who reject modern technology. However, the investigation becomes increasingly complex as it hinges not only on what can be seen but also on what remains unseen...
My Thoughts
Blind Spots presents a unique premise that centers around a world where every individual has lost sight. As someone working in a field related to disability and blindness, I found this concept particularly intriguing. However, I was initially apprehensive about how the book would depict disability, given the tendency for books to rely on stereotypes and tropes. Nevertheless, Mullen successfully navigates both sides of the equation, showcasing both the dystopian society created in response to the loss of sight and a group of individuals who learn to thrive as blind people.
The story is fast-paced, suspenseful, and thought-provoking. It explores the manipulation of reality and how our perceptions can be influenced. Readers are left in the dark alongside the characters, unsure of who is behind the murders and why they are happening. The characters are well-developed and nuanced, and the book also delves into the intersection of disability and policing in a future world.
Blind Spots skillfully blends elements of mystery, science fiction, dystopia, and thriller. The narrator, Gary Tiedemann, brings the story to life, masterfully portraying the emotions of the characters and making the reader invested in their journey.
Overall, Blind Spots is an engaging and unique read that I highly recommend to anyone interested in exploring the boundaries of speculative fiction.
Recommendation
For those who enjoy thrilling stories that seamlessly blend genres or those seeking a well-crafted narrative that adeptly handles disability issues, Blind Spots by Thomas Mullen is a solid choice that comes highly recommended.
Rating
4 Blanked Out Stars
Book Information
Thomas Mullen, the acclaimed author of Darktown, has written another gripping novel called Blind Spots, set to release on April 4, 2023. This 320-page book promises to be a must-read for fans of Mullen's previous works. The audiobook version, narrated by the talented Gary Tiedemann, runs for an impressive 10 hours and 23 minutes, making it a great choice for audiobook enthusiasts. Mullen's writing has received numerous accolades, including being shortlisted for the Los Angeles Times Book Prize, the Southern Book Prize, and the Indies Choice Book Award. His previous work, Darktown, has even been nominated for two Crime Writers Association Dagger Awards and is currently being developed for television by Sony Pictures. Thanks to Macmillan Audio, who provided an advanced reader copy for review.
Summary
In a world where a virus robbed everyone of their sight seven years ago, people have adapted with the help of technology. A device has been created to simulate vision by transmitting visual data directly to the brain. However, when an unknown entity starts manipulating this technology, everything changes.
Mark Owens, a seasoned homicide detective who has been on the force since before the virus, is faced with a perplexing case when a scientist is murdered, and the sole witness claims the killer was unseeable. Owens is skeptical until he witnesses a similar murder in person. As Owens begins investigating, he discovers a wide range of suspects, from tech billionaires to those who reject modern technology. However, the investigation becomes increasingly complex as it hinges not only on what can be seen but also on what remains unseen...
My Thoughts
Blind Spots presents a unique premise that centers around a world where every individual has lost sight. As someone working in a field related to disability and blindness, I found this concept particularly intriguing. However, I was initially apprehensive about how the book would depict disability, given the tendency for books to rely on stereotypes and tropes. Nevertheless, Mullen successfully navigates both sides of the equation, showcasing both the dystopian society created in response to the loss of sight and a group of individuals who learn to thrive as blind people.
The story is fast-paced, suspenseful, and thought-provoking. It explores the manipulation of reality and how our perceptions can be influenced. Readers are left in the dark alongside the characters, unsure of who is behind the murders and why they are happening. The characters are well-developed and nuanced, and the book also delves into the intersection of disability and policing in a future world.
Blind Spots skillfully blends elements of mystery, science fiction, dystopia, and thriller. The narrator, Gary Tiedemann, brings the story to life, masterfully portraying the emotions of the characters and making the reader invested in their journey.
Overall, Blind Spots is an engaging and unique read that I highly recommend to anyone interested in exploring the boundaries of speculative fiction.
Recommendation
For those who enjoy thrilling stories that seamlessly blend genres or those seeking a well-crafted narrative that adeptly handles disability issues, Blind Spots by Thomas Mullen is a solid choice that comes highly recommended.
Rating
4 Blanked Out Stars
March 21, 2023
3.5 rounded up
Seven years ago The Blinding strikes the planet in which everyone in the world loses their vision over the space of a few months. Fortunately, technology comes to the rescue with the creation of a vidder, a small disc implant on the right temple. How safe is this technology? Is it possible that it can be manipulated? In fact, some people believe so and refuse the vidder.
Experienced Major Homicide Detective Mark Owens is sent to investigate a nightmarish scenario. A black blur, a figure cloaked in darkness and practically invisible, murders scientist Dr Ray Jensen but leaves witness Dr Madeline Leila unharmed. Owens does not initially believe her story but eventually is forced to confront this deadly reality.
This is a creative and very different approach to a mystery police investigation and it certainly offers up plenty of fascinating images. At the start there’s tension and short sharp sentences which highlight the dangers. Then the pace slows and it is somewhat erratic throughout especially in the middle where it crawls along then picks up pace again towards an exciting finale.
I really enjoy the mystery part of the book with the added bonus of some of the sci-fi elements being extremely thought provoking. It also makes you think about what it would be like to suddenly lose a sense and have to come to rely so heavily on the others. The plot is audacious, there are some good plot twists and turns.
However, as well as the irregular pace the character development is not particularly strong and as a consequence some feel one dimensional. There are several points of view which is confusing at the beginning and at times there is just too much going on that I’m a bit dazzled and bewildered of Yorkshire!
Overall, though I really like the concept and the blending of genres. It’s unsettling, strange and maybe a bit weird but definitely well worth reading.
Ps. I would really like to know what causes The Blinding!
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Little Brown Book Group for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
Post to Twitter and Goodreads on 21/3
Amazon and Waterstones on 4/4
Seven years ago The Blinding strikes the planet in which everyone in the world loses their vision over the space of a few months. Fortunately, technology comes to the rescue with the creation of a vidder, a small disc implant on the right temple. How safe is this technology? Is it possible that it can be manipulated? In fact, some people believe so and refuse the vidder.
Experienced Major Homicide Detective Mark Owens is sent to investigate a nightmarish scenario. A black blur, a figure cloaked in darkness and practically invisible, murders scientist Dr Ray Jensen but leaves witness Dr Madeline Leila unharmed. Owens does not initially believe her story but eventually is forced to confront this deadly reality.
This is a creative and very different approach to a mystery police investigation and it certainly offers up plenty of fascinating images. At the start there’s tension and short sharp sentences which highlight the dangers. Then the pace slows and it is somewhat erratic throughout especially in the middle where it crawls along then picks up pace again towards an exciting finale.
I really enjoy the mystery part of the book with the added bonus of some of the sci-fi elements being extremely thought provoking. It also makes you think about what it would be like to suddenly lose a sense and have to come to rely so heavily on the others. The plot is audacious, there are some good plot twists and turns.
However, as well as the irregular pace the character development is not particularly strong and as a consequence some feel one dimensional. There are several points of view which is confusing at the beginning and at times there is just too much going on that I’m a bit dazzled and bewildered of Yorkshire!
Overall, though I really like the concept and the blending of genres. It’s unsettling, strange and maybe a bit weird but definitely well worth reading.
Ps. I would really like to know what causes The Blinding!
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Little Brown Book Group for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
Post to Twitter and Goodreads on 21/3
Amazon and Waterstones on 4/4
April 16, 2023
4.5⭐️ As soon as I read the synopsis for this book, I just knew I was going to love it. With major Blake Crouch/John Marrs vibes, this sci-fi/dystopian thriller was right up there with my favorites (and for someone who does not love sci-fi, this is saying a lot).
One of the elements I loved best was how accessible the author made this story for even the most novice of sci-fi/dystopian readers (🙋🏻♀️ it me). While I did need to pay very close attention to make sure nothing went over my head, unlike others I still could not understand, this story felt clear and concise and I completely connected with the sci-fi ideas presented. Can I say sci-fi any more in this review? Unclear. The point is, I actually understood this one!
Another aspect I loved was the author’s writing style. The pacing was spectacular - pulling me in from the start and never letting me go. The characters felt very real, while also having a sense of mystery surrounding them that is important in a thriller. I literally questioned everyone in this book, well except the MC who I may have a low key crush on. Also unclear.
The only criticism I have, and I have to dig pretty deep to find it, is that the ending felt a bit chaotic and I lost the thread of these characters true motivations. I mean I understand the surface motivations, but instead of getting the depth of understanding into their inner workings, it felt as though the ending was more about the bang. Which I get. I just wanted a little bit more.
I am so glad I went into this book blind (pun not intended) and buddy read this via physical book and audio book (the audio was fantastic). I think the immersive read really helped me to grab ahold of the concepts presented and our text chats helped to clarify anything confusing.
Read if you like:
•dystopian novels
•accessible sci-fi
•dual timelines
•bingeable reads
Thank you Minotaur Books and Macmillan Audio for the gifted copies in exchange for my honest review.
One of the elements I loved best was how accessible the author made this story for even the most novice of sci-fi/dystopian readers (🙋🏻♀️ it me). While I did need to pay very close attention to make sure nothing went over my head, unlike others I still could not understand, this story felt clear and concise and I completely connected with the sci-fi ideas presented. Can I say sci-fi any more in this review? Unclear. The point is, I actually understood this one!
Another aspect I loved was the author’s writing style. The pacing was spectacular - pulling me in from the start and never letting me go. The characters felt very real, while also having a sense of mystery surrounding them that is important in a thriller. I literally questioned everyone in this book, well except the MC who I may have a low key crush on. Also unclear.
The only criticism I have, and I have to dig pretty deep to find it, is that the ending felt a bit chaotic and I lost the thread of these characters true motivations. I mean I understand the surface motivations, but instead of getting the depth of understanding into their inner workings, it felt as though the ending was more about the bang. Which I get. I just wanted a little bit more.
I am so glad I went into this book blind (pun not intended) and buddy read this via physical book and audio book (the audio was fantastic). I think the immersive read really helped me to grab ahold of the concepts presented and our text chats helped to clarify anything confusing.
Read if you like:
•dystopian novels
•accessible sci-fi
•dual timelines
•bingeable reads
Thank you Minotaur Books and Macmillan Audio for the gifted copies in exchange for my honest review.
March 28, 2023
4.0 Stars
Video Review: https://youtu.be/8aypeWnDz9I
This was such a fascinating speculative thriller. In these current times, it can be so hard to write pandemic post apocalyptic fiction because this subgenre has become exhausted. Yet this one was particularly engaging.
I found the premise of an entirely blind society so fascinating along with the technology developed to compensate. Despite the science fiction elements, I would predominantly recommend this novel to fans of thrillers. The science didn't feel grounded in reality but it made for a compelling setup.
The worldbuilding aspects were easily my favourite aspects of the story. The novel attempts to address a lot of themes surrounding disabilities and police control. Some of this commentary worked better than others.
I would recommend this thriller to readers who enjoy a mystery story with a speculative twist.
Disclaimer I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
Video Review: https://youtu.be/8aypeWnDz9I
This was such a fascinating speculative thriller. In these current times, it can be so hard to write pandemic post apocalyptic fiction because this subgenre has become exhausted. Yet this one was particularly engaging.
I found the premise of an entirely blind society so fascinating along with the technology developed to compensate. Despite the science fiction elements, I would predominantly recommend this novel to fans of thrillers. The science didn't feel grounded in reality but it made for a compelling setup.
The worldbuilding aspects were easily my favourite aspects of the story. The novel attempts to address a lot of themes surrounding disabilities and police control. Some of this commentary worked better than others.
I would recommend this thriller to readers who enjoy a mystery story with a speculative twist.
Disclaimer I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
February 8, 2023
Thomas Mullen explores the ways our perceptions of reality can be manipulated in his latest novel, Blind Spots.
The cover and premise are what caught my attention and I ignored my hesitation about reading a book set in the near future and focussed in on the ‘detective mystery’ classification. Unfortunately, as much as I’d like to think I have an open mind, (1) the sci-fi and dystopian aspects didn’t appeal to me and I struggled to pick up this book to continue reading, (2) the characters were given odd descriptors, (3) the beginning felt as though it had been written by someone else, and (4) the abrupt breaks in the narrative (POV and tense) broke the flow.
I really wanted to like this book, but it wasn’t for me. Please, read other reviews on this book and make your own informed decision. I hope this book finds the right reader.
If you enjoy sci-fi and crime stories, this one will interest you.
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press for the opportunity to read this book. I was not required to provide a review.
The cover and premise are what caught my attention and I ignored my hesitation about reading a book set in the near future and focussed in on the ‘detective mystery’ classification. Unfortunately, as much as I’d like to think I have an open mind, (1) the sci-fi and dystopian aspects didn’t appeal to me and I struggled to pick up this book to continue reading, (2) the characters were given odd descriptors, (3) the beginning felt as though it had been written by someone else, and (4) the abrupt breaks in the narrative (POV and tense) broke the flow.
I really wanted to like this book, but it wasn’t for me. Please, read other reviews on this book and make your own informed decision. I hope this book finds the right reader.
If you enjoy sci-fi and crime stories, this one will interest you.
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press for the opportunity to read this book. I was not required to provide a review.
February 23, 2025
Interesting sci-fi!
In a dystopian world (which hopefully never happens), everyone is blind. Seven years ago, the world went from full vision to complete darkness.
Thankfully, technology stepped in to save the day. Scientists developed an implantable device called the vidder, which is placed in the right temple. This device provides the perception of sight by downloading images directly into the user’s brain. Most people who can afford it rely on it, but criminals are finding ways to exploit it, and some individuals refuse to have anything to do with it.
The story centers on Mark Owens, a detective still grappling with grief after losing his wife, an artist. He was part of the force both before and after The Blinding. He remembers the dark times (no pun intended) when maintaining order often had deadly consequences.
Now, Mark and his partner, Jimmy, are called to investigate a murder. The sole witness, a scientist, claims the killer somehow blacked himself out from her vidder completely. At first, Mark doesn’t believe her—but when he sees it happen for himself, he can no longer deny the terrifying truth.
Who is behind this—and why?
A great (and horrifying) premise for a novel. For someone who loves to read, this scenario is truly chilling. Blind Spots grabbed my attention from the very first page—I couldn’t wait for Mark to piece it all together and uncover who was corrupting the vidder.
Cliffhanger: No
4/5 Fangs
A complimentary copy was provided by Minotaur Books via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
MrsLeif's Two Fangs About It | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
May 24, 2023
Now You See It…
Thomas Mullen astonished me with his moving Darktown trilogy of books. Set starting in the 1940’s, these brought to light what life was like for the first black police officers in Jim Crow Atlanta. Read “Darktown,” it is an important and fascinating historical fiction.
Mullen’s new novel, “Blind Spots,” covers a whole different arena, now in the science fiction realm. An epidemic had caused the world’s population to go blind. After a chaotic initial period, “The Blinding,” technology responded with an apparatus, a “vidder,” attached to the temples, enabling the brain to “see” images.
There is major concern over how this new vision is controlled. The very poor cannot afford this device while some groups of people reject the mechanism altogether. As mistrustful as people are about simple vaccinations, paranoia runs rampant over the government controlling people’s perceptions of reality.
“We haven’t voted on whether or not we should combine the human with the machine, but they’re doing it anyway!”
In this setting, we have Mark Owens, a cop still devasted by his wife’s suicide in the aftermath of The Blinding. Back on active duty, he is investigating a murder that seems crazy. A scientist was killed, and the witness claimed she only saw a dark form, “...like he’d been blotted out…” To the police this sounded like a weak alibi. “The vidder must have malfunctioned” was an excuse resorted to often.
Things change, though, when the witness is murdered, and this time Mark is the one who sees a cloaked image of the suspect getting away. Was this a malfunction? Why did his experience match the one his witness testified to? Is this a technical issue or are there dark forces controlling from behind the curtain?
“Blind Spots” branches out into a number of social issues, conspiracies, and plot twists– all the time keeping the action brisk and intriguing. I did not expect a sci-fi novel from the author, but it was very well done.
Thank you to St Martin's Press / Minotaur Books and NetGalley for providing the advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
Thomas Mullen astonished me with his moving Darktown trilogy of books. Set starting in the 1940’s, these brought to light what life was like for the first black police officers in Jim Crow Atlanta. Read “Darktown,” it is an important and fascinating historical fiction.
Mullen’s new novel, “Blind Spots,” covers a whole different arena, now in the science fiction realm. An epidemic had caused the world’s population to go blind. After a chaotic initial period, “The Blinding,” technology responded with an apparatus, a “vidder,” attached to the temples, enabling the brain to “see” images.
There is major concern over how this new vision is controlled. The very poor cannot afford this device while some groups of people reject the mechanism altogether. As mistrustful as people are about simple vaccinations, paranoia runs rampant over the government controlling people’s perceptions of reality.
“We haven’t voted on whether or not we should combine the human with the machine, but they’re doing it anyway!”
In this setting, we have Mark Owens, a cop still devasted by his wife’s suicide in the aftermath of The Blinding. Back on active duty, he is investigating a murder that seems crazy. A scientist was killed, and the witness claimed she only saw a dark form, “...like he’d been blotted out…” To the police this sounded like a weak alibi. “The vidder must have malfunctioned” was an excuse resorted to often.
Things change, though, when the witness is murdered, and this time Mark is the one who sees a cloaked image of the suspect getting away. Was this a malfunction? Why did his experience match the one his witness testified to? Is this a technical issue or are there dark forces controlling from behind the curtain?
“Blind Spots” branches out into a number of social issues, conspiracies, and plot twists– all the time keeping the action brisk and intriguing. I did not expect a sci-fi novel from the author, but it was very well done.
Thank you to St Martin's Press / Minotaur Books and NetGalley for providing the advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
November 30, 2022
Review coming soon.
February 18, 2023
I thought the synopsis for this sounded so cool and so original, but I’m sad to say that this was not my kind of book. Don’t get me wrong - I love dystopia, and I like science-fiction. I thought those would be the primary genres for the book, but this was more of a crime/mystery book.
The Blindness hit globally seven years prior to this story. It was a pandemic that took people’s sight, and soon, everyone in the world is blind. This vaguely follows the Covid pandemic, as when a new device called a “vidder” comes out, some are skeptical. Vidders are implanted in people’s temples, and restore their vision. Just like anti-vaxxers, there are anti-vidders too: people who are worried that the government will be controlling their sight.
This part of the book was the part I was interested in, but it was a relatively small part of the book. Very little about the actual pandemic was revealed, and the rest of the book was about the mystery of people’s vidders showing them black blurs where people should be. Is this a glitch in the technology? Is it intentional? Will people be able to get away with crimes if they can figure out how to black themselves out?
I guess we get answers, but not very involved ones. This book is told from multiple points of view, and that, combined with the amount of random characters who give nothing to the story, make this a bit convoluted. I didn’t feel anything towards any of the characters; they were all as flat and two-dimensional as vidder vision is. It was lacking something - interesting characters, a clear plot line, and a thrilling feel are things you won’t see (haha) in this book.
I saw some very good reviews for this book, so I may be an outlier, but I thought this was incredibly boring and, at times, rough to continue. I kept waiting for something exciting to happen, but even the “big ending” wasn’t that exciting. I think this book may have been miscategorized, and crime fans may enjoy it more than thriller, sci-fi or dystopia fans. I’m giving this 2.5 stars, as it was only halfway tolerable.
(Thank you to St. Martin’s Press, Thomas Mullen and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my review. This book is slated to be released on April 4, 2023.)
The Blindness hit globally seven years prior to this story. It was a pandemic that took people’s sight, and soon, everyone in the world is blind. This vaguely follows the Covid pandemic, as when a new device called a “vidder” comes out, some are skeptical. Vidders are implanted in people’s temples, and restore their vision. Just like anti-vaxxers, there are anti-vidders too: people who are worried that the government will be controlling their sight.
This part of the book was the part I was interested in, but it was a relatively small part of the book. Very little about the actual pandemic was revealed, and the rest of the book was about the mystery of people’s vidders showing them black blurs where people should be. Is this a glitch in the technology? Is it intentional? Will people be able to get away with crimes if they can figure out how to black themselves out?
I guess we get answers, but not very involved ones. This book is told from multiple points of view, and that, combined with the amount of random characters who give nothing to the story, make this a bit convoluted. I didn’t feel anything towards any of the characters; they were all as flat and two-dimensional as vidder vision is. It was lacking something - interesting characters, a clear plot line, and a thrilling feel are things you won’t see (haha) in this book.
I saw some very good reviews for this book, so I may be an outlier, but I thought this was incredibly boring and, at times, rough to continue. I kept waiting for something exciting to happen, but even the “big ending” wasn’t that exciting. I think this book may have been miscategorized, and crime fans may enjoy it more than thriller, sci-fi or dystopia fans. I’m giving this 2.5 stars, as it was only halfway tolerable.
(Thank you to St. Martin’s Press, Thomas Mullen and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my review. This book is slated to be released on April 4, 2023.)
April 4, 2023
Wow, what a concept. I love the cover for Blind Spots by Thomas Mullen and when I read the blurb, I knew I had to read it. I mean…check it out…Seven years earlier everyone went blind. Technology steps up to fill the gap, creating a device that allows people to see and downloads information directly into your brain. NOW…WHAT CAN POSSIBLY GO WRONG?
Power tends to corrupt; absolute power corrupts absolutely is an observation Lord Acton made in a letter to Bishop Creighton on April 5, 1887.
With our technological advances in the health care field, Blind Spots by Thomas Mullen may be a warning. I mean, everything is hackable. Why someone would want to do that? There can be many motivations. Greed, hate, power…
The book started out predictable and slow for me. Those who want…everything…take advantage of a bad situation and go for broke. They will stop at nothing to have it all.
Abuse of power, corruption, greed, and all those things that corrupt the corruptible.
The Blinding. The cause is not known for sure. Could it be a bioweapon? Could it be a virus? Think pandemic. What happened when Covid hit, taking down one country after another until it spread worldwide. Did the elite and moneyed get preference? Were those who wanted to take advantage of the situation able to do so? How long does it go on? Years? Decades?
I felt for Homicide Detective Mark Owens, but couldn’t quite connect with him, or any of the other characters. I love the plot of a story, but my reading enjoyment has changed and I want, no, I need, that character connection.
I wanted to love it, but the writing, though I cannot say exactly what it was, did not grip me, did not keep me hanging on by my fingertips. BUT, it did keep me involved. I thought I would be raving while reading it, maybe even throwing my ereader, but that didn’t happen. No matter how badly I wanted to rage, I was thinking, yep. Figured that. Knew that. I wonder if maybe I have become so enured to the CRAP floating around these days that I am immune.
For the rating…First of all, this is an ARC. Things can be changed, twisted and tightened up to improve your reading experience. I flipped between a 3 and a 4. If I did halfsies, it would be 3 1/2.. In that case, I round up to a four. I loved the premise, the technology, and the abuses that follow. I don’t know if it is me or the writing lacked that something extra to get my emotions ramped up, but it is a book I would recommend. It can be a warning, in a way. Technology and all its goodness, can be misused. How do we get the benefit without paying the price? Would you get a vidder, a device that gives you sight and downloads information directly to your brain?
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of Blind Spots by Thomas Mullen.
Power tends to corrupt; absolute power corrupts absolutely is an observation Lord Acton made in a letter to Bishop Creighton on April 5, 1887.
With our technological advances in the health care field, Blind Spots by Thomas Mullen may be a warning. I mean, everything is hackable. Why someone would want to do that? There can be many motivations. Greed, hate, power…
The book started out predictable and slow for me. Those who want…everything…take advantage of a bad situation and go for broke. They will stop at nothing to have it all.
Abuse of power, corruption, greed, and all those things that corrupt the corruptible.
The Blinding. The cause is not known for sure. Could it be a bioweapon? Could it be a virus? Think pandemic. What happened when Covid hit, taking down one country after another until it spread worldwide. Did the elite and moneyed get preference? Were those who wanted to take advantage of the situation able to do so? How long does it go on? Years? Decades?
I felt for Homicide Detective Mark Owens, but couldn’t quite connect with him, or any of the other characters. I love the plot of a story, but my reading enjoyment has changed and I want, no, I need, that character connection.
I wanted to love it, but the writing, though I cannot say exactly what it was, did not grip me, did not keep me hanging on by my fingertips. BUT, it did keep me involved. I thought I would be raving while reading it, maybe even throwing my ereader, but that didn’t happen. No matter how badly I wanted to rage, I was thinking, yep. Figured that. Knew that. I wonder if maybe I have become so enured to the CRAP floating around these days that I am immune.
For the rating…First of all, this is an ARC. Things can be changed, twisted and tightened up to improve your reading experience. I flipped between a 3 and a 4. If I did halfsies, it would be 3 1/2.. In that case, I round up to a four. I loved the premise, the technology, and the abuses that follow. I don’t know if it is me or the writing lacked that something extra to get my emotions ramped up, but it is a book I would recommend. It can be a warning, in a way. Technology and all its goodness, can be misused. How do we get the benefit without paying the price? Would you get a vidder, a device that gives you sight and downloads information directly to your brain?
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of Blind Spots by Thomas Mullen.
April 1, 2023
Seven years ago a mysterious virus breaks out causing the whole world to lose it's sight within a matter of months. This period called The Blinding. introduced such chaos that scientists came up with the Vidders to save humanity from destruction and despair.
The Vidder was implanted into the right temple, transmitting sight directly to the brain. While this new technology was used to capitalize on humanity bringing power, wealth, and control. Criminals began tapping into the Vidders to distort and minipulate them. Others refused to use the Vidders not wanting to be controlled or manipulated.
Homicide Detective Mark Owens investigates the murder of a scientist, but the witness claims that the murderer was a blur. The detective has heard this excuse before, but when he also sees the same phenomenon he ends up on the run not knowing who to trust.
This dystopian society was part sci-fi, part police procedural and a bit of mystery all wrapped in one. I found it a unique and interesting read, however some of the characters fell flat for me. And there were so many questions I still wanted answered. I enjoyed Gary Tiedemann's narration, I thought he did a great job.
I would give it a 3.5
Thanks to Net Galley for allowing me to read this for an honest review.
The Vidder was implanted into the right temple, transmitting sight directly to the brain. While this new technology was used to capitalize on humanity bringing power, wealth, and control. Criminals began tapping into the Vidders to distort and minipulate them. Others refused to use the Vidders not wanting to be controlled or manipulated.
Homicide Detective Mark Owens investigates the murder of a scientist, but the witness claims that the murderer was a blur. The detective has heard this excuse before, but when he also sees the same phenomenon he ends up on the run not knowing who to trust.
This dystopian society was part sci-fi, part police procedural and a bit of mystery all wrapped in one. I found it a unique and interesting read, however some of the characters fell flat for me. And there were so many questions I still wanted answered. I enjoyed Gary Tiedemann's narration, I thought he did a great job.
I would give it a 3.5
Thanks to Net Galley for allowing me to read this for an honest review.
April 11, 2023
Mark Owens lives in a futuristic world where the world’s population went blind in the span of 75 days, a nightmarish situation that is now the new norm. Science came up with a way to see through “vidders” a mechanical appendage that interacts with our brains to let humans “see” again, but that wasn’t before the world suffered so much turmoil.
Mark Owens has been a cop/detective before and after the event that nearly ended the world and he’s had to live with the memories of policing through the darkness and chaos before sight was “restored”. Now, there’s a new threat when a murder witness claims that her colleague was murdered by a dark spot, a void in the vision of the vidders. Mark and his partner have serious doubts over the validity of her story, but when Mark witnesses the phenomenon with his own “eyes” he starts a dangerous investigation. His teammates and partner doubt his sanity, but Mark knows what he saw.
On the personal side of things, Mark is still reeling from his wife’s suicide two years earlier while navigating a romantic entanglement with a newer officer, Amira. She feels his grief and regret, and wonders if they have a future. Amira also becomes embroiled in the investigation and isn’t quite sure who to believe.
Blind Spots was part science fiction/end-of-the-world-scenario, part mystery with just a little bit of romance. It was an original concept, one that was easy to picture and settle into even with all the futuristic elements. Having the whole world succumb to blindless within the span of 75 days was an unsettling prospect, but not one that felt totally out of the realm of possibility after the pandemic we’ve lived through. I was rooting for Mark as he searched for the truth as he battled the doubt and suspicion.
It was an engrossing mystery, one that kept me guessing. It all comes together in a satisfying conclusion, but it left me thinking of the real-life possibilities. The what ifs…
I alternately listened to and read an e-copy and can recommend either version. Gary Tiedemann is a new-to-me-narrator and I thought he did a wonderful job performing all characters, male and female. A definite recommend! I listened at my usual 1.5x normal speed.
An audio and e-copy was kindly provided by Macmillan Audio and Minotaur Books in exchange for an honest review.
Mark Owens has been a cop/detective before and after the event that nearly ended the world and he’s had to live with the memories of policing through the darkness and chaos before sight was “restored”. Now, there’s a new threat when a murder witness claims that her colleague was murdered by a dark spot, a void in the vision of the vidders. Mark and his partner have serious doubts over the validity of her story, but when Mark witnesses the phenomenon with his own “eyes” he starts a dangerous investigation. His teammates and partner doubt his sanity, but Mark knows what he saw.
On the personal side of things, Mark is still reeling from his wife’s suicide two years earlier while navigating a romantic entanglement with a newer officer, Amira. She feels his grief and regret, and wonders if they have a future. Amira also becomes embroiled in the investigation and isn’t quite sure who to believe.
Blind Spots was part science fiction/end-of-the-world-scenario, part mystery with just a little bit of romance. It was an original concept, one that was easy to picture and settle into even with all the futuristic elements. Having the whole world succumb to blindless within the span of 75 days was an unsettling prospect, but not one that felt totally out of the realm of possibility after the pandemic we’ve lived through. I was rooting for Mark as he searched for the truth as he battled the doubt and suspicion.
It was an engrossing mystery, one that kept me guessing. It all comes together in a satisfying conclusion, but it left me thinking of the real-life possibilities. The what ifs…
I alternately listened to and read an e-copy and can recommend either version. Gary Tiedemann is a new-to-me-narrator and I thought he did a wonderful job performing all characters, male and female. A definite recommend! I listened at my usual 1.5x normal speed.
An audio and e-copy was kindly provided by Macmillan Audio and Minotaur Books in exchange for an honest review.
April 5, 2023
Audiobook review! I'm not normally into dystopian books, but when a plot synopsis grabs my attention, I will give it a try. This one definitely piqued my interest. I'm happy I requested it. I ended up going with the audiobook of this one since I was walking outside a lot at the time. It was narrated by Gary Tiedemann. I thought he did a great job bringing the book to life. This was unique and fast paced. If you like crime fiction, this is exactly that, with a dystopian twist. I definitely liked it.
Out April 4.
Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own. My review will be posted on Instagram, Bookbub, and Amazon once it publishes.
Out April 4.
Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own. My review will be posted on Instagram, Bookbub, and Amazon once it publishes.
April 19, 2023
Great reflection on our times. Much more than a "crime book",it raises difficult questions. It´s difficult to write more without spoilers,but it trascends the "anecdote" it tells to make the reader ponder lots of moral dilemmas.
Mullen,the superb author of the Darktown trilogy,raises the bar with this one.
Mullen,the superb author of the Darktown trilogy,raises the bar with this one.
April 15, 2023
3 stars
You can read all of my reviews at Nerd Girl Loves Books.
This was a pretty good science fiction mystery/thriller set in the near future after a mysterious illness caused the entire population of the planet to go blind. A device was created that approximates vision, downloading visual data directly to people’s brains. Mark Owens, a homicide detective, investigates a murder in which the witness claims that the murderer was blacked out of her vision. He doesn't believe her until the same thing happens to him. Mark realizes that someone is manipulating the data everyone receives from their tech. This starts Mark down a dangerous path in which more lives are in jeopardy and Mark can't trust what he sees with his own eyes.
This book had an interesting plot and Mark was a tenacious detective, pushing through his own insecurities and anxieties to find the truth. His artist wife committed suicide several years before, and he's still haunted by her memory. Unfortunately, the many flashbacks to this time in Mark's life pulled me out of the story and I felt dragged it down. Not only did he feel guilt about her death, but it adversely affected his current relationship with a fellow police officer. These things were important to the plot, I just felt it could have been condensed a bit more and not been such a focal point in the story.
There is plenty of action and potential bad guys. There were a few twists, most of which were predictable, but it was still fun to read how the author brought it together. I listened to this book and I didn't care much for the narrator, so perhaps if I'd read the book instead, I would have liked it a bit more. I think a lot of people will like this thriller, so definitely check it out for yourself.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and MacMillan Audio. All opinions are my own.
You can read all of my reviews at Nerd Girl Loves Books.
This was a pretty good science fiction mystery/thriller set in the near future after a mysterious illness caused the entire population of the planet to go blind. A device was created that approximates vision, downloading visual data directly to people’s brains. Mark Owens, a homicide detective, investigates a murder in which the witness claims that the murderer was blacked out of her vision. He doesn't believe her until the same thing happens to him. Mark realizes that someone is manipulating the data everyone receives from their tech. This starts Mark down a dangerous path in which more lives are in jeopardy and Mark can't trust what he sees with his own eyes.
This book had an interesting plot and Mark was a tenacious detective, pushing through his own insecurities and anxieties to find the truth. His artist wife committed suicide several years before, and he's still haunted by her memory. Unfortunately, the many flashbacks to this time in Mark's life pulled me out of the story and I felt dragged it down. Not only did he feel guilt about her death, but it adversely affected his current relationship with a fellow police officer. These things were important to the plot, I just felt it could have been condensed a bit more and not been such a focal point in the story.
There is plenty of action and potential bad guys. There were a few twists, most of which were predictable, but it was still fun to read how the author brought it together. I listened to this book and I didn't care much for the narrator, so perhaps if I'd read the book instead, I would have liked it a bit more. I think a lot of people will like this thriller, so definitely check it out for yourself.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and MacMillan Audio. All opinions are my own.
February 19, 2024
Master storyteller Thomas Mullen returns following Midnight Atlanta, Lightning Men, and Darktown (5 stars) with his latest, BLIND SPOTS —a dystopian mind-blowing near-future mystery set seven years after The Blinding.
This thought-provoking riveting crime thriller explores how our perceptions of reality can be manipulated. Can you imagine a world where everyone is blind? So many were helpless, and some became addicted to drugs—then how they attempted to correct the blindness.
Seven years after a global event known as The Blinding (where everyone was blind), the vision was restored with the help of vidders—metal discs implanted in human temples.
This has helped many people, but organized crime is still a huge challenge for law enforcement. Also, who gets them first, and are some misusing them? And what about hacking, tampering, and manipulating?
Technology assists with the new normal by downloading visual data to people's brains. However, what happens when someone hacks into the system (much like our internet today) and changes what people see?
Partners Mark Owens, Safiya Khouri, and Jimmy Peterson (cops) —find themselves in the run-down River District, where a tense situation and a malfunctioning vidder lead to a questionable shooting by Owens.
A scientist is murdered, and the only witness insists the killer was blacked out of her vision, and Owens doesn't believe her—until a similar murder occurs before him.
That suggests that someone may have found a way to hack vidders, a development with frightening implications.
With an array of suspects and bodies mounting, Owens must conduct an investigation in which he can't even trust his own eyes.
Can law enforcement agents Owens and partner Peterson decide if they trust what they see and believe what they hear?
Owens will also have to figure out if he is ready to move on from his wife, Jeanie (artist), lost to the "Blinding" and if he should trust his new girlfriend, Amira, also in law enforcement, with what he has found out.
Told from multiple POVs, the story explores conspiracies and lies with surprising revelations.
A big fan of Mullen and have enjoyed his previous work set in Atlanta (former resident)— I was intrigued by BLIND SPOTS.
You will be pondering (a cautionary tale) about our not-so-distant future, technology, and government. Utterly fascinating! Enthralling, scary, and thought-provoking.
From the stunning front cover to the superb writing, Mullen delivers a first-class intelligent novel—Blending literary, crime thriller, whodunit, cop procedural, Sci-fi, action, mystery, and dystopian. Highly recommend.
AUDIOBOOK: I had the privilege of reading the e-book and listening to the audiobook narrated by Gary Tiedemann for a captivating performance!
Fans of P.D. James' Children of Men (1992) set in England, will enjoy this.
Thank you to #MinotaurBooks #StMartinsPress #MacmillanAudio and #NetGalley for an ARC and ALC in exchange for an honest review. I also purchased a hardcover copy for my Mullen home library collection.
Blog review posted @
www.JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
Pub Date: April 4, 2023
My Rating: 5 Stars
April 2023 Must-Read Books
Speaking of eyes/blindness/temporal, Read More about my health journey of GCA/TA on my blog.
This thought-provoking riveting crime thriller explores how our perceptions of reality can be manipulated. Can you imagine a world where everyone is blind? So many were helpless, and some became addicted to drugs—then how they attempted to correct the blindness.
Seven years after a global event known as The Blinding (where everyone was blind), the vision was restored with the help of vidders—metal discs implanted in human temples.
This has helped many people, but organized crime is still a huge challenge for law enforcement. Also, who gets them first, and are some misusing them? And what about hacking, tampering, and manipulating?
Technology assists with the new normal by downloading visual data to people's brains. However, what happens when someone hacks into the system (much like our internet today) and changes what people see?
Partners Mark Owens, Safiya Khouri, and Jimmy Peterson (cops) —find themselves in the run-down River District, where a tense situation and a malfunctioning vidder lead to a questionable shooting by Owens.
A scientist is murdered, and the only witness insists the killer was blacked out of her vision, and Owens doesn't believe her—until a similar murder occurs before him.
That suggests that someone may have found a way to hack vidders, a development with frightening implications.
With an array of suspects and bodies mounting, Owens must conduct an investigation in which he can't even trust his own eyes.
Can law enforcement agents Owens and partner Peterson decide if they trust what they see and believe what they hear?
Owens will also have to figure out if he is ready to move on from his wife, Jeanie (artist), lost to the "Blinding" and if he should trust his new girlfriend, Amira, also in law enforcement, with what he has found out.
Told from multiple POVs, the story explores conspiracies and lies with surprising revelations.
A big fan of Mullen and have enjoyed his previous work set in Atlanta (former resident)— I was intrigued by BLIND SPOTS.
You will be pondering (a cautionary tale) about our not-so-distant future, technology, and government. Utterly fascinating! Enthralling, scary, and thought-provoking.
From the stunning front cover to the superb writing, Mullen delivers a first-class intelligent novel—Blending literary, crime thriller, whodunit, cop procedural, Sci-fi, action, mystery, and dystopian. Highly recommend.
AUDIOBOOK: I had the privilege of reading the e-book and listening to the audiobook narrated by Gary Tiedemann for a captivating performance!
Fans of P.D. James' Children of Men (1992) set in England, will enjoy this.
Thank you to #MinotaurBooks #StMartinsPress #MacmillanAudio and #NetGalley for an ARC and ALC in exchange for an honest review. I also purchased a hardcover copy for my Mullen home library collection.
Blog review posted @
www.JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
Pub Date: April 4, 2023
My Rating: 5 Stars
April 2023 Must-Read Books
Speaking of eyes/blindness/temporal, Read More about my health journey of GCA/TA on my blog.
March 13, 2023
3.5/5⭐️
Some of the best world-building outside of the fantasy genre I've seen. Mullen really must have spent a lot of time thinking about what life would be like if everyone went blind in a short period of time. He touched on everything from the drugs one might use to cope with loss of vision, the technology society might need to get by, to the meaninglessness of daylight and nighttime once those technologies are in place, and even how it would help to add black frames in one's vision to simulate blinking. The story really felt like it could take place in a version of our world, or even just the future of this one.
The crime aspect of the novel was well written and the reveals, well executed. I would have liked the implications of the dystopian world to have played out on more of a micro level, personally, as opposed to this overarching conspiracy/political thriller that gave more Jack Ryan or Secret agent energy, but that is just personal preference.
I think this would be great for someone reads thrillers with political intrigue, but also enjoys a dystopian/black mirror element.
Some of the best world-building outside of the fantasy genre I've seen. Mullen really must have spent a lot of time thinking about what life would be like if everyone went blind in a short period of time. He touched on everything from the drugs one might use to cope with loss of vision, the technology society might need to get by, to the meaninglessness of daylight and nighttime once those technologies are in place, and even how it would help to add black frames in one's vision to simulate blinking. The story really felt like it could take place in a version of our world, or even just the future of this one.
The crime aspect of the novel was well written and the reveals, well executed. I would have liked the implications of the dystopian world to have played out on more of a micro level, personally, as opposed to this overarching conspiracy/political thriller that gave more Jack Ryan or Secret agent energy, but that is just personal preference.
I think this would be great for someone reads thrillers with political intrigue, but also enjoys a dystopian/black mirror element.
April 1, 2023
I was expecting a thriller but not one with the dystopian spin. I went into it blind (no pun intended haha) so not having read the synopsis this was unexpected and I really liked it. This was suspenseful and captivating, and I listened to it in one setting. The narrator was good, and I thought he captured the suspense in here well.
Thank you to NetGalley and MacMillan Audio for the advanced copy to review.
Thank you to NetGalley and MacMillan Audio for the advanced copy to review.
March 29, 2023
Set in a dystopia future where everyone lost their sight to The Blinding and wears hack-proof technology called Vidders to see, Owen's is facing a murder investigation where the eyewitness says she only saw a black blur. He doesn't believe her until a second murder Iis committed by a black blur that he witnesses himself. Yet still nobody believes it. With an Internal Affairs investigation already over his head and people out to kill him, can he find out what's really going on?
I enjoyed this book, there were a few parts that were a little slow and I wasn't really connected with all the characters, but overall I found it to be enjoyable. The plot was definitely an interesting premise and what drew me to this book. I will say that this is much more a mystery than it is dystopian fiction. I think mystery fans will enjoy it though.
My thanks to Saint Martin's Press, Minotaur Books, author Thomas Mullen, and NetGalley for gifting me a digital copy. My opinions are my own.
I enjoyed this book, there were a few parts that were a little slow and I wasn't really connected with all the characters, but overall I found it to be enjoyable. The plot was definitely an interesting premise and what drew me to this book. I will say that this is much more a mystery than it is dystopian fiction. I think mystery fans will enjoy it though.
My thanks to Saint Martin's Press, Minotaur Books, author Thomas Mullen, and NetGalley for gifting me a digital copy. My opinions are my own.
May 27, 2023
An incredibly enjoyable, thought-provoking thriller.
Set a world where everyone has suddenly become blind and most are reliant on technology in order to see.
During The Blinding the world was in chaos. The food supply and healthcare was in disarray. People felt helpless and many turned to suicide, violence or a hallucinogenic drug, Opsin.
Then vidders were invented, using technology to give back people's vision, and the world tried to return to normal.
There are many parallels with our recent real-life experience and modern conspiracy theories: first, the denial of the gravity of the pandemic followed by some people's rejection of the technology that will enable them to see. And naturally, because this is a thriller, the nefarious use of technology by some people in an attempt to control the situation for their own benefit.
Fortunately, these parallels are not heavy handed and the main focus of the story is the thriller aspect of the murder mystery and the scary question of how we cope when our perceptions are manipulated and we can no longer trust what we see.
A genre-bending police procedural in a sci-fi setting that skirts on the edge of a dystopia, with appealing characters and writing that is fast-paced and exciting.
Highly recommended.
I hope the author sets more books in this world.
I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Set a world where everyone has suddenly become blind and most are reliant on technology in order to see.
During The Blinding the world was in chaos. The food supply and healthcare was in disarray. People felt helpless and many turned to suicide, violence or a hallucinogenic drug, Opsin.
Then vidders were invented, using technology to give back people's vision, and the world tried to return to normal.
There are many parallels with our recent real-life experience and modern conspiracy theories: first, the denial of the gravity of the pandemic followed by some people's rejection of the technology that will enable them to see. And naturally, because this is a thriller, the nefarious use of technology by some people in an attempt to control the situation for their own benefit.
Fortunately, these parallels are not heavy handed and the main focus of the story is the thriller aspect of the murder mystery and the scary question of how we cope when our perceptions are manipulated and we can no longer trust what we see.
A genre-bending police procedural in a sci-fi setting that skirts on the edge of a dystopia, with appealing characters and writing that is fast-paced and exciting.
Highly recommended.
I hope the author sets more books in this world.
I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
November 7, 2022
Mark Owens is a seasoned homicide detective in a fairly new strange world. After "The Blinding" there was a long period of time were the entire world was without sight following a strange uncured pandemic. Corporate America was able to create a video glass that has eventually enabled those that have the money the ability to see.
In this speculative fiction story, Mark and his partner are pulled into a strange case where scientists are murdered but the killers are mere black splotches and unseen. This new phenomenon is hard to describe and the police admin do not believe in its veracity. Mark has to work against the clock to put the pieces together on who is at fault and why.
If you like police stories, syfi and speculative fiction this is a great page turner for you! Blind Spots! by Thomas Mullen. #STMartinsPress
In this speculative fiction story, Mark and his partner are pulled into a strange case where scientists are murdered but the killers are mere black splotches and unseen. This new phenomenon is hard to describe and the police admin do not believe in its veracity. Mark has to work against the clock to put the pieces together on who is at fault and why.
If you like police stories, syfi and speculative fiction this is a great page turner for you! Blind Spots! by Thomas Mullen. #STMartinsPress
April 24, 2023
3.5 rounded down. This has such a cool premise and I love a solid dystopian murder mystery but I found myself so bored reading it. The dialogue wasn’t snappy, I wasn’t invested in the characters and I knew the answer to the mystery way too early on.
The story is set in a dystopian future where everyone is blind but can see with the help of technology. However when a murder is committed in a way where the murderer appears as a black void showing that the tech can be hacked, homicide detective Mark Owens realizes there’s a deeper conspiracy at play.
Loved this dystopian world and the possibilities it held but there was so much churning and not much revealing. I also didn’t care at all for anyone so at the end when some die and some live I just shrugged and moved on.
The story is set in a dystopian future where everyone is blind but can see with the help of technology. However when a murder is committed in a way where the murderer appears as a black void showing that the tech can be hacked, homicide detective Mark Owens realizes there’s a deeper conspiracy at play.
Loved this dystopian world and the possibilities it held but there was so much churning and not much revealing. I also didn’t care at all for anyone so at the end when some die and some live I just shrugged and moved on.
April 5, 2023
It’s been seven years since The Blinding, where the whole world became blind. It caused chaos and widened the gap even further between the rich and the poor.
Now, majority of population can ‘see’ again thanks to the invention of a vidder, a small disc on nearly everyone’s right temple.
Mark Owens is a police officer who’s witnessed the aftermath of The Blinding. He carries emotional baggage, too – his wife, a prominent and talented artist, committed suicide and he’s still grieving for her and what they’ve had.
One day, he questions Dr. Leila, who witnessed a murder of her co-worker, Dr. Jensen. She claims that she couldn’t see the killer, as he was a black blur, as if he was censored from her vision.
Owens disbelieves her, saying that ‘malfunction of vidders’ is a line used by many perpetrators. However, it’s not until he witnesses the black blur killing someone, that he starts to question everything that he sees.
As no one believes Owens, he becomes a prime suspect. He will have to resolve to drastic measures to prove his innocence and uncover the truth.
I really enjoyed this dystopian thriller. I found the idea of The Blinding and vidders fresh and something I haven’t encountered before.
This book packs a punch from the very first page to the last. It’s gritty, suspenseful, and exciting, with Owens as someone you root for throughout.
It’s my first book by this author but it won’t be my last.
Now, majority of population can ‘see’ again thanks to the invention of a vidder, a small disc on nearly everyone’s right temple.
Mark Owens is a police officer who’s witnessed the aftermath of The Blinding. He carries emotional baggage, too – his wife, a prominent and talented artist, committed suicide and he’s still grieving for her and what they’ve had.
One day, he questions Dr. Leila, who witnessed a murder of her co-worker, Dr. Jensen. She claims that she couldn’t see the killer, as he was a black blur, as if he was censored from her vision.
Owens disbelieves her, saying that ‘malfunction of vidders’ is a line used by many perpetrators. However, it’s not until he witnesses the black blur killing someone, that he starts to question everything that he sees.
As no one believes Owens, he becomes a prime suspect. He will have to resolve to drastic measures to prove his innocence and uncover the truth.
I really enjoyed this dystopian thriller. I found the idea of The Blinding and vidders fresh and something I haven’t encountered before.
This book packs a punch from the very first page to the last. It’s gritty, suspenseful, and exciting, with Owens as someone you root for throughout.
It’s my first book by this author but it won’t be my last.
March 13, 2023
3.5/5⭐️
Some of the best world-building outside of the fantasy genre I've seen. Mullen really must have spent a lot of time thinking about what life would be like if everyone went blind in a short period of time. He touched on everything from the drugs one might use to cope with loss of vision, the technology society might need to get by, to the meaninglessness of daylight and nighttime once those technologies are in place, and even how it would help to add black frames in one's vision to simulate blinking. The story really felt like it could take place in a version of our world, or even just the future of this one.
The crime aspect of the novel was well written and the reveals, well executed. I would have liked the implications of the dystopian world to have played out on more of a micro level, personally, as opposed to this overarching conspiracy/political thriller that gave more Jack Ryan or Secret agent energy, but that is just personal preference.
I think this would be great for someone reads thrillers with political intrigue, but also enjoys a dystopian/black mirror element.
Some of the best world-building outside of the fantasy genre I've seen. Mullen really must have spent a lot of time thinking about what life would be like if everyone went blind in a short period of time. He touched on everything from the drugs one might use to cope with loss of vision, the technology society might need to get by, to the meaninglessness of daylight and nighttime once those technologies are in place, and even how it would help to add black frames in one's vision to simulate blinking. The story really felt like it could take place in a version of our world, or even just the future of this one.
The crime aspect of the novel was well written and the reveals, well executed. I would have liked the implications of the dystopian world to have played out on more of a micro level, personally, as opposed to this overarching conspiracy/political thriller that gave more Jack Ryan or Secret agent energy, but that is just personal preference.
I think this would be great for someone reads thrillers with political intrigue, but also enjoys a dystopian/black mirror element.
April 18, 2023
An unknown agent spread around the world causing everyone to completely lose their eyesight. Fast forward several years and they have discovered a way to make people see again by implanting a transistor in their brain.
Not everyone believes in this science and some have chosen to remain in the dark. The police had first dabs on the new sightseeing goggles and they had bad cops taking advantage of those without sight.
Now it appears that they have dark blobs killing people and nobody is able to see them to tell who they are. The MC must figure out who is behind this and stop them before they can take over the world.
This was a great dystopian with loads of mysterious twists and turns that I didn’t see coming.
Not everyone believes in this science and some have chosen to remain in the dark. The police had first dabs on the new sightseeing goggles and they had bad cops taking advantage of those without sight.
Now it appears that they have dark blobs killing people and nobody is able to see them to tell who they are. The MC must figure out who is behind this and stop them before they can take over the world.
This was a great dystopian with loads of mysterious twists and turns that I didn’t see coming.
April 4, 2023
Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press, Minotaur Books for the copy of Blind Spot, by Thomas Mullen. I loved the premise of this book and the sci-fi innovations were clever and scary. I couldn't connect to the characters or the writing style. The book didn’t really pick up until near the end, so most of the book was a slog to read. If you love sci-fi innovations, mixed with action,this book is great for you. I need to love the characters and the writing, so this was not the book for me. 2.5 stars rounded up to 3. #MinotaurBooks #NetGalley
March 26, 2023
It’s seven years after the blinding an event in which slowly but surely everyone in the world went blind thanks to technology they now have a visual fee directly to their brain and although it’s not as great as having vision it’s still is a good substitute. When we start the story it is in Atlanta with Detective Mark Owens his best friend Detective Jimmy Peterson in to lower level officers they’re about to do a gun bust in due to the things that happened in the Bost it will bring detective Owens stability into question. This doesn’t stop him however from investigating a recent doctor accused of murdering another doctor in despite she claims she saw the whole thing no one believes that instead of seeing a person she just saw a black blob but win detective Owens starts being targeted the more he investigates and he sees the blob for himself The more his saying that he comes into question not even his best friend Detective Peterson believes him. This book was so good and I know I didn’t do a great summary but there’s so much to this book there’s conspiracy theories Colts I couldn’t stop reading it and even though I’m blind and he got a couple of things wrong they were just little things and inconsequential to the story because this story is so so good! I am usually very critical of people writing about blind characters in the book because most claimed they see darkness women reality blind people see nothing but I think Thomas Mullen did a fantastic job representing totally blind people and he wrote a stellar sci-fi mystery that I thoroughly enjoyed it deserves five stars and more. I totally love this book and if you love conspiracy theories and sci-fi you love Blindspot‘s it is so so good! I received this book from NetGalley and Saint Martin’s press that I am leaving this review voluntarily please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.
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