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Mind Games #1
The Dead Don't Dream
A psychologist must decide whether her sleepwalking patient is a victim or a brutal serial killer in this unpredictable psychological thriller.
A night to remember… if you make it out alive.
Psychologist Maggie Connolly didn’t just stumble into trouble—she was born into it. Her humanitarian but slightly shady parents had no problem breaking the law when it served the greater good. Helping domestic violence victims escape their abusers by vanishing them over state lines might not be exactly aboveboard, but Maggie knows right and wrong don’t always fall within the confines of the law.
So she doesn’t immediately panic when her newest client presents with a suspicious set of symptoms. Tristan Simms claims to be a sleepwalker who has no idea what he does in the nighttime hours, though the wounds on his hands and grime beneath his fingernails indicate he’s doing anything but resting. He also believes that the police are stalking him and asserts that he made his money peddling the secrets of others. He might be a delusional whack job—it’s a clinical term.
But her assessment shifts when a series of bodies are discovered. Stranger, the timeline for the murders matches that of her patient’s sleepwalking episodes.
With the body count rising, and threats mounting from all sides, Maggie is running out of choices—and time. It seems that Maggie’s next on the kill list. And only one thing connects the victims: her patient, with his head full of secrets, his fingernails dark with blood.
Intense, addictive, and full of complex and darkly hilarious characters you’ll never get enough of, Mind Games is a fast-paced psychological crime series for fans of Alex Cross, Lie to Me, and The Blacklist.
A night to remember… if you make it out alive.
Psychologist Maggie Connolly didn’t just stumble into trouble—she was born into it. Her humanitarian but slightly shady parents had no problem breaking the law when it served the greater good. Helping domestic violence victims escape their abusers by vanishing them over state lines might not be exactly aboveboard, but Maggie knows right and wrong don’t always fall within the confines of the law.
So she doesn’t immediately panic when her newest client presents with a suspicious set of symptoms. Tristan Simms claims to be a sleepwalker who has no idea what he does in the nighttime hours, though the wounds on his hands and grime beneath his fingernails indicate he’s doing anything but resting. He also believes that the police are stalking him and asserts that he made his money peddling the secrets of others. He might be a delusional whack job—it’s a clinical term.
But her assessment shifts when a series of bodies are discovered. Stranger, the timeline for the murders matches that of her patient’s sleepwalking episodes.
With the body count rising, and threats mounting from all sides, Maggie is running out of choices—and time. It seems that Maggie’s next on the kill list. And only one thing connects the victims: her patient, with his head full of secrets, his fingernails dark with blood.
Intense, addictive, and full of complex and darkly hilarious characters you’ll never get enough of, Mind Games is a fast-paced psychological crime series for fans of Alex Cross, Lie to Me, and The Blacklist.
277 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 24, 2023
581 people are currently reading
425 people want to read
About the author
Meghan O'Flynn
172 books665 followersWith books deemed “visceral, haunting, and fully immersive” (New York Times bestseller, Andra Watkins), Meghan O’Flynn has made her mark on the thriller genre. Meghan is a clinical therapist who draws her character inspiration from her knowledge of the human psyche. She is the bestselling author of gritty crime novels and serial killer thrillers, all of which take readers on the dark, gripping, and unputdownable journey for which Meghan is notorious. Perfect for fans of Dexter, Chelsea Cain, and Gillian Flynn. Learn more at https://meghanoflynn.com!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
January 24, 2023
This is the first book I’ve read by Meghan O’Flynn but it will not be the last! This is a twisty thriller that kept me glued to the book until I read the last page (well except the preview of the next book, a preview could not be enough for me). I’m glad to see this is the start to a series because the protagonist Maggie is a character I would love to see more of. While I cringed at some of the boundaries she broke as a therapist, she is a compelling character and one I would like to see help to solve more mysteries. Maggie gets a mysterious man who won’t say who referred him and who is vague about his concerns. He expresses he sleep walks and alludes he may have done worse while sleeping. Maggie is determined to figure out what is happening but she is torn between believing her client is in danger or is the danger.
January 8, 2023
I love a good mystery suspense! Where you spend most of the book trying to figure it out? Oh and in this one, there were so many times I thought everything was solved and it wasn't. I was so tired today because I stayed up late last night reading. Super interesting- you get the crime aspect, plus the psychiatrist, who is very unique all on her own, and patients who might be bad but might be innocent. Great read!
January 25, 2023
OMG!!!! I love the beginning of this series Meghan O'Flynn has a way of pulling you in and making you feel like your right there in the story and I love it!! I can't wait till the next book comes out!!!
January 11, 2023
Another book I've received directly from the author is The Dead Don't Dream by Meghan O'Flynn and it's definitely a recommendation!
Psychologist Maggie Connolly has a new client who gives her a bit of the creeps. The client, Tristan Simms, says he is a sleepwalker who has no idea what he does at night, but fears he might hurt people. She gets worried when bodies turn up at the same time of the sleepwalking episodes. And Maggie seems to be the next on the list.
For the first few chapters I really had to get used to the writing and the characters, but after a while I was drawn in the story and couldn't stop. It had, at times, some Arlidge vibes. This, in combination with it being a thrilling ride makes for a great read. Ultimately, you start liking the main characters and you need to know what will happen with them. I didn't see the twist coming at the end - you were being kept guessing the entire time and that is also a plus for the book. The sexual part was a bit overwhelming at first and I'm not sure it contributed to the story per se, but, because of the ending, that's to be found out in book two. And that's a book I'll be reading as well!
4/5⭐
Psychologist Maggie Connolly has a new client who gives her a bit of the creeps. The client, Tristan Simms, says he is a sleepwalker who has no idea what he does at night, but fears he might hurt people. She gets worried when bodies turn up at the same time of the sleepwalking episodes. And Maggie seems to be the next on the list.
For the first few chapters I really had to get used to the writing and the characters, but after a while I was drawn in the story and couldn't stop. It had, at times, some Arlidge vibes. This, in combination with it being a thrilling ride makes for a great read. Ultimately, you start liking the main characters and you need to know what will happen with them. I didn't see the twist coming at the end - you were being kept guessing the entire time and that is also a plus for the book. The sexual part was a bit overwhelming at first and I'm not sure it contributed to the story per se, but, because of the ending, that's to be found out in book two. And that's a book I'll be reading as well!
4/5⭐
January 26, 2023
What a ride! Join Maggie Connelly, psychologist to some of humanity's worst as she gets a mysterious - or menacing? new patient. A veteran psychologist, battling demons of her own, fights to maintain her boundaries and her sanity as danger creeps closer and closer to home. Not sure who is telling the truth in this tangled web, Maggie knows one thing for sure: she has to rely on her instincts or she might not make it out alive!
January 8, 2023
This book had a lot of craziness going on, in a good way. A psychologist who is treating a sleep walking guy who isn't sure if he killed someone. Hmmm. what could go wrong lol! Lots of secrets and such a twist I wasn't expecting!
January 22, 2023
I received a gifted copy and am providing a review.
This is the first book I’ve read by Ms. O’Flynn and I am quite certain it won’t be the last. This is storytelling full of imagery that really grasps the reader’s attention. I found myself chuckling at some of the descriptions of Maggie’s patients and their antics, even some of Maggie’s antics.
Maggie is a psychologist/therapist who finds herself becoming immersed in her patients’ lives, some more than others, such as the case of Tristan Simms. This leads her to do some detective work, if you will, on her own as she wanted to get to the bottom of Tristan’s sleepwalking. Not to mention the fact she couldn’t get him out of her mind. There is also a secret side to Maggie that no one knows about. There is a bread trail of crumbs laced throughout these pages that Maggie follows, twisting and turning, so much so that she doesn’t really know what to believe or who to trust. Not only does Maggie have a secret side, she also helps women get out of certain situations, which makes her an intriguing character to say the least. Maggie is also dealing with her parents and their particular set of issues.
The pictures that are painted throughout this tale will certainly keep the reader turning pages to find out what happens in the end. If you are looking for a tale that will hold your attention and give you a good chuckle at the same time, give this one a go. I’m sure you won’t be disappointed! I wasn’t.
This is Mind Games book one. This can also be read as a standalone. Short chapters and very fast paced.
This is the first book I’ve read by Ms. O’Flynn and I am quite certain it won’t be the last. This is storytelling full of imagery that really grasps the reader’s attention. I found myself chuckling at some of the descriptions of Maggie’s patients and their antics, even some of Maggie’s antics.
Maggie is a psychologist/therapist who finds herself becoming immersed in her patients’ lives, some more than others, such as the case of Tristan Simms. This leads her to do some detective work, if you will, on her own as she wanted to get to the bottom of Tristan’s sleepwalking. Not to mention the fact she couldn’t get him out of her mind. There is also a secret side to Maggie that no one knows about. There is a bread trail of crumbs laced throughout these pages that Maggie follows, twisting and turning, so much so that she doesn’t really know what to believe or who to trust. Not only does Maggie have a secret side, she also helps women get out of certain situations, which makes her an intriguing character to say the least. Maggie is also dealing with her parents and their particular set of issues.
The pictures that are painted throughout this tale will certainly keep the reader turning pages to find out what happens in the end. If you are looking for a tale that will hold your attention and give you a good chuckle at the same time, give this one a go. I’m sure you won’t be disappointed! I wasn’t.
This is Mind Games book one. This can also be read as a standalone. Short chapters and very fast paced.
January 26, 2023
If I could give this 10 stars I would do it without hesitation. Like her other works, she captivates you from chapter one and and I wish you good luck on putting this book down. (You don’t want to, trust me). Gripping, suspenseful, mysterious all while packing an adventure to take the reader right into the story to the point you may look over your shoulder.
It’s like literary foreplay knowing this is book 1 of the series because you know great things are on the horizon and by the end of the book all you want is more. You need more. You desire just a little more. She’s a master of her craft, That pain of wanting more is real, and you best learn to like it. Meghan knows how to leave a reader wanting more and when she gives it to you, it will be worth the wait without question.
Get this book in your face immediately.
It’s like literary foreplay knowing this is book 1 of the series because you know great things are on the horizon and by the end of the book all you want is more. You need more. You desire just a little more. She’s a master of her craft, That pain of wanting more is real, and you best learn to like it. Meghan knows how to leave a reader wanting more and when she gives it to you, it will be worth the wait without question.
Get this book in your face immediately.
January 16, 2023
A wonderful twisted start to a new series. Interesting characters, a touch of dark humour, and a writing style that draws you in make this a page turner that will keep you guessing. And that ending was just wow!
February 1, 2023
A spine tingling thriller revolving around a series of murders committed by an unknown person. In the center of it all is Maggie, a psychiatrist who treats prisoners and individuals who have committed brutal crimes.
Maggie's latest patient is Tristan Simms who claims to be sleepwalking and unsure of his actions while sleepwalking.
As bodies of victims are found, Maggie is caught in a web trying to solve the mystery of whether her new client is a victim or a mastermind who has orchestrated the worst crimes in the history of mankind.
It is a horrific mystery novel that I enjoyed reading in the evening with a cup of coffee.
Maggie's latest patient is Tristan Simms who claims to be sleepwalking and unsure of his actions while sleepwalking.
As bodies of victims are found, Maggie is caught in a web trying to solve the mystery of whether her new client is a victim or a mastermind who has orchestrated the worst crimes in the history of mankind.
It is a horrific mystery novel that I enjoyed reading in the evening with a cup of coffee.
January 29, 2023
The Dead Don't Dream is not your usual mystery/suspense/psychology thriller fare--it's so much better. A smart protagonist with a twisted moral compass, a three-dimensional cast of characters, a set of puzzling and unpredictable plot twists, this book had it all. Ideal for fana of NBC’s Hannibal and the work of Giulia Tofana.
January 25, 2023
When Meghan O'Flynn introduces a new book, it's an event not to be missed. When she brings us a new series, it's the height of happiness!
In this new series, we meet psychologist Maggie Connolly. Her life is anything but smooth with her long list of equally disturbed patients. Her personal life is also complicated and anything but normal.
She does not hesitate to go beyond her ethical framework to help those in need. But when a sleepwalking patient comes into her office, Maggie's life is turned upside down and she finds herself in the middle of an intriguing story.
Complex characters, dark humor and a plot that will keep you on the edge of your seat, this new series is off to a great start.
I received an ARC copy and this is my honest opinion.
In this new series, we meet psychologist Maggie Connolly. Her life is anything but smooth with her long list of equally disturbed patients. Her personal life is also complicated and anything but normal.
She does not hesitate to go beyond her ethical framework to help those in need. But when a sleepwalking patient comes into her office, Maggie's life is turned upside down and she finds herself in the middle of an intriguing story.
Complex characters, dark humor and a plot that will keep you on the edge of your seat, this new series is off to a great start.
I received an ARC copy and this is my honest opinion.
January 28, 2023
This is a wonderful start to another dark and riveting mystery/suspense storyline. The MCs are developed, have their own boundaries, and lead you through a suspenseful adventure with twists. The reader will not be able to set this entertaining and engaging book aside. I'm anxious about the next book in the Mind Games Series. I voluntarily read an ARC and this is my honest review.
January 24, 2023
Maggie isn't exactly your normal therapist.
Maggie does things her own way and things are not always as they seem in this modern day who-dunnit. There are lots of unique characters, her parents and a bit crazy, and Maggie's activities outside work are not exactly normal. I'd say most of her patients would be called sketchy and treating them has her looking over her shoulder 24/7. Her job is only to treat her patients, but when she gets involved in trying to figure out if one is a mass murderer she takes it a step too far, knows it, and gives no cares. She does things her way. Can't wait for book 2.
Maggie does things her own way and things are not always as they seem in this modern day who-dunnit. There are lots of unique characters, her parents and a bit crazy, and Maggie's activities outside work are not exactly normal. I'd say most of her patients would be called sketchy and treating them has her looking over her shoulder 24/7. Her job is only to treat her patients, but when she gets involved in trying to figure out if one is a mass murderer she takes it a step too far, knows it, and gives no cares. She does things her way. Can't wait for book 2.
January 25, 2023
What a fun and twisty mystery! This is my first book by Meghan O'Flynn and it definitely won't be my last. I'm thrilled that this is the beginning of a series. I did figure out who the killer was but then bang, wait am I wrong? Ha well played Meghan! I love a mystery that keeps me guessing but that wasn't even my favorite part! Maggie! I love her, I loved her quirkiness and humor. I definitely recommend this book and I'm looking forward to the next one!
January 26, 2023
Meghan O'Flynn brings us another mystery jam packed with unexpected twists and turns. Protagonist Maggie has a wild back story and a great sense of humor that helps break up the dark, heavy main story. Add in some very sexy scenes and you've got a recipe for a great read. Looking forward to more in this series.
January 24, 2023
Maggie is a psychologist by trade. She didn't exactly grow up in a 'normal' environment. When a patient, Tristan Simms, comes to her for help with his sleepwalking episodes things start to take a turn for the worse. A very well written story in Meghan's Mind Games series. By the way, the dedication is worth the price of the book! I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.
January 24, 2023
Have to admit it took a bit for me to get into this book but once I did.....I just kept going. The twists and turns while trying to figure out the plot were unexpected. An extremely well written book by a very talented writer! I definitely recommend for a mysterious/thriller read. Can't wait for the next one !
January 26, 2023
Interesting enough to keep you on your toes. Good twists and a very interesting ending. Looking forward to book 2.
January 24, 2023
This is going to be a fantastic and interesting series! I can’t decide if Maggie Connelly has psychological issues herself or not. I wouldn’t be surprised. I wonder what is next in store for her. I can’t wait to read whatever Meghan O’Flynn writes!
January 27, 2023
Twisted and engrossing!
Another engrossing read from Ms. O'Flynn! Write on Master Wordsmith!
I especially enjoyed the dedication to Emerald O'Brien... It made me want those fries!!
Another engrossing read from Ms. O'Flynn! Write on Master Wordsmith!
I especially enjoyed the dedication to Emerald O'Brien... It made me want those fries!!
September 16, 2025
This is a hard one to review.....I didn't love the story and I didn't hate it either. There were parts that I did hate, and I actually love the characters....so this makes it hard. I found the premise a bit on the unbelievable side, and even after finishing it, not exactly sure who did what and when. It seems Tristan is sleepwalking and he fears he is murdering women he has had a relationship with. He goes to Maggie, a psychologist, for help. She investigates, believing Tristan incapable of the deeds he fears he has committed. Then there is a convoluted family relationship which I still can't work out, S&M (which really has no bearing on the story and really doesn't need to be in it!) and some events and characters that don't really fit in. I don't think I will read more from this series...though it does leave you with a bit of a teaser...which man has fallen for Maggie?
July 2, 2024
Wayward.
Maggie Connolly is a psychiatrist on a mission. Alongside her private practice, her principles take her to prisons, treating killers who no one else wants to deal with. She thinks this has honed her instincts when it comes to picking up on lies and warning her about her personal safety. She’s wrong.
Her newest patient is presenting confusing symptoms; he’s being pursued by a zealous cop and a vindictively jealous ex, and has a complex family background.
In trying to decide whether or not her patient is a serial killer, Maggie runs around with not much sense and making little progress, with some kinky sex thrown in for no obvious reason.
I finished the book but the blatant conflicts of interest were unbelievable, and I was never convinced of or invested in Maggie.
Maggie Connolly is a psychiatrist on a mission. Alongside her private practice, her principles take her to prisons, treating killers who no one else wants to deal with. She thinks this has honed her instincts when it comes to picking up on lies and warning her about her personal safety. She’s wrong.
Her newest patient is presenting confusing symptoms; he’s being pursued by a zealous cop and a vindictively jealous ex, and has a complex family background.
In trying to decide whether or not her patient is a serial killer, Maggie runs around with not much sense and making little progress, with some kinky sex thrown in for no obvious reason.
I finished the book but the blatant conflicts of interest were unbelievable, and I was never convinced of or invested in Maggie.
October 4, 2025
Maggie’s newest patient is worried that he’s hurting people at night when he’s sleeping walk but he really can’t be sure. Pretty soon, Maggie finds herself in the middle of a murder investigation and in danger herself. Is her patient really who he says he is or is he someone else & she’ll be his next victim?
It’s officially spooky season, which means time for me to read all the twisty books I can get my hands on. The Dead Don’t Dream did not disappoint. A little slow moving at first but overall a quick and captivating read. I can honestly say I was not prepared for that ending at all. I can’t wait to read the next books in the series to learn more about Maggie.
It’s officially spooky season, which means time for me to read all the twisty books I can get my hands on. The Dead Don’t Dream did not disappoint. A little slow moving at first but overall a quick and captivating read. I can honestly say I was not prepared for that ending at all. I can’t wait to read the next books in the series to learn more about Maggie.
May 17, 2024
Don’t listen to the audiobook. The google AI was both convincing enough to get me 45%, and distracting as hell. It made passages and references feel inexperienced rather than clever and stopped knowing how to pronounce one character’s name in the last two hours. Never again. The pacing in the closing of the book like 6 minutes left was painful and I just quit out.
February 23, 2024
I liked the protagonist because she had good insights and was flawed. I didn't like that the same questions remained unresolved for the entire middle of the story. The two male suspects were unsympathetic and threatening.
June 3, 2024
It took me roughly 13 chapters to get into this book and at that point my goal was to just finish the book. It started slow and I couldnt seem to keep things straight. Overall I did like the storyline and twists. Im going to give the next book a try before I completely disregard this author.
September 15, 2025
Maggie sounds like an all round do-gooder with a bit of a twist, is she helping a killer or covering for an innocent. She helps abused women to disappear but is a member of an underground sex club which is a bit hard to get my head round. The story is good with like a triple twist at the end.
September 29, 2025
I chose to read this book because of the psychologist perspective, however I was discussed with the belittling of Christians especially Catholics. I feel the book focused on sex and zealots. Won’t be reading anymore in this series.
April 18, 2023
I really enjoyed this book!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews