The Mastermind

by Brian O'Sullivan

A small-time criminal  ★ A crooked district attorney ★ A duplicitous bombshell  ★ A weathered detective   ★ And a cunning criminal sitting in jail, pulling the strings, just waiting to be released The Mastermind  is a twisting, turning, multi-narrative thriller that will keep you on the edge-of-your-seat until the very last page.

Genres: Thriller

302 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 14, 2022

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.

Reviews

[liv · Rating 2 out of 5]

i wanted to love this so bad but it fell a little flat for me 😭😭😭

[Marv Jelonek · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Mastermind is a real page turner

I enjoyed reading this book a lot. Kept my interest could not put it down. If your looking for a new author? Brian O’Sullivan won’t disappoint! I hope they make a movie out of this book. It would be a first class movie.

[Jenna]

DNF

Just wasn’t interesting at all

[McKenna Matsen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not super impressed and the book was very very predictable. And I’m never able to guess the ending of books but this one I was able to

[Ed Eldridge · Rating 4 out of 5]

The blured line between mastermind and serial killer.

Mr. O'Sullivan keeps you turning the pages as the narrative changes point of view, as a Jack Reacher sized villan developes a taste for murder and revenge.

[Donna Mallery · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book. I’ve read most of Brian’s books, and all are good. This one has a great detective and an evil villain. I like how it has the initial story, then branches out to another. I can’t wait until Brian comes out with a new novel.

[K.M.Vickers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great writer

This Is one of those authors that you can't get enough of. I am pissed that I have to wait for him to write a sequel as I AM hanging over the edge of the abyss. Please, Sir, finish the Mastermind!
Every one of Mr. O'Sullivan books are those you cannot put down! What a gifted writer!

[Tracey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a twisted and fast-paced read about morally gray character's - snakes 🐍 if you will - each has their own agenda and money (lots of it) is the end goal. They will stop at NOTHING to get their payout.

A criminal, a dodgy lawyer, and a hot femme fatale. Then, there's the Mastermind who is sitting in jail playing the clever puppet master with these three.

A revered detective who is nearing retirement steps in to figure out several brutal crimes...

This is my 6th book of Brian's, and he's done it again - had me by the throat with this multi-narrative thriller! The subterfuge in this book is RAMPANT. Brian pulls back the layers of most of the character's to reveal sharp but ruthless and deceitful individuals.

The Mastermind pulled me right in from the first page right through to the end. If you've not read Brian's books, start NOW!!!

Thanks Brian, I'm in awe of your writing. I always have to binge read your books until the wee small hours... This 'just one more chapter' is BS. I read until my Kindle literally falls on my face 🤣. I really enjoyed the references to The Bartender (Barry Gant and The Belly Flop). The ending leaves room for a sequel 👀, kinda need to know when that will be....? This story would make a fantastic movie!!!!

[Mary Schultz · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG...why aren't more people talking about this book? This was a masterful read! One twist after another! This book has it all and I couldn't stop reading it- so much action, fabulous characters, fast-paced, such fun! And a return of Noble Dunn from a previous book - a character that I just loved makes a reappearance as the lead detective trying to solve the string of murders. This book has it all, but be prepared because you won't be able to put it down! Thanks for another fabulous read Brian O'Sullivan!

[Debra · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The Mastermind" is Brian O'Sullivan's 11th novel, and just like the previous 10, this book was absolutely amazing. "The Mastermind"is a thrill ride that will not allow you to put this book down. One of Brian's other books "The Bartender" was my favorite of all of his books, but "The Mastermind" has now taken the top spot. If you are not familiar with this author, you are missing out. I cannot wait to read his next book.

[Jeff Bradford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just when I think each book by Brian O'Sullivan is my favorite, he does it again! The Mastermind is several stories with in a story that eventually all tie together. The main them is greed and what a person will allow for the big payoff. Sadly it never ends profitable.
This book will definately keep your attention because you never know what may happen next. I will recommend The Mastermind to all my fellow reading friends.

[Thundyr Myah · Rating 3 out of 5]

amazing writing

This author is absolutely amazing. His twists and turns are never ending. You just don’t know where something is going. His antagonist in this it’s not only cruel, but you watch as he goes from bed to worse. I do love this author that when a person does die, he explains it from that person’s point of view until they go black. That is just an awesome way of writing in my opinion.

[Antoinette Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Mastermind.

This was an amazing read. It kept my attention the entire time, and I'm mad about the cliffhanger at the end. I'm not sure who exactly to give the title of mastermind to because Roger executed everything perfectly in this book, but Brian, the author, had to put it to paper, and it was amazing.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this story. It had great characters and lots of intricate plot details. There was no points where the story dragged at all, it moved fast. When I got to the end, my first thought was "it needs a sequel". I hope we get a continuation of the chase at some point in the future. I love this author's books and his writing style.

[Kristin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Brian’s twisty stories with multiple narrators, giving you insight on all major characters. What I don’t love is the writing, the typos; it distracts me from the book. Every character’s narration is the same style, every dialogue is forced, to be sure you grasp the goal of the narrative. I’d love to edit a book of Brian’s!

[Leah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a dark, fast-paced thriller packed with morally gray characters each chasing their own agenda, with money as the ultimate prize. And they’ll stop at absolutely nothing to claim it.

A hardened criminal.
A shady attorney.
A captivating bartender.

And then… there’s the Mastermind.

This book hooked me from the very first page and never let go until the final twist.

[The LFL Movement · Rating 5 out of 5]

👀 I’ve never hated a character so much IN MY LIFE. 1/3 way through. I was like no way it ended already what else could happen… same thing at 2/3rds… will we get more of “The Mastermind” in the future. I sure hope so. Brian’s one of those authors that could turn every book into a never ending series and they’d never get boring!

[Nicole Boulette · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had heard the author mention that Mastermind was one of his most underrated books. Naturally I had to check it out immediately. I’m so glad I did. It definitely is not talked about as much as it should be. Great story and the writing was well executed. If you’re getting into his books... or looking for a first this a good one!

[Dixie Keshavarzi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice twists

I was surprised by this book. So different from what I’ve read so far. I think I like it the best of all your books. Things kept surprising me all along. Can’t wait for another book!

[Patti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tense and Terrifying

Once you've finished this roller coaster of a thriller, you'll find yourself hard pressed to decide who's the bigger mastermind, the killer, or Brian O'Sullivan, for creating a truly evil psychotic who has dubbed HIMSELF "The Mastermind"?

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

O'Sullivan has become a favorite of mine. He really brings all of his characters to life and his stories just flow. I loved how he incorporated elements of The Bartender in this one even though it is a stand alone. I cannot wait to read what happens to Noble next!

[Ashley Dublin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great quick read!

From the beginning the mastermind was a page turner! 5 murders and the book was only half way through. Was a very quick read and loved that there was a cliff hanger at the end!

[Tara Leighton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another excellent thriller from Brian O’Sullivan! The back of the book tells you to “be prepared for mayhem”… And mayhem it is! Who can be trusted? Who is lying!? This multi narrative thriller will have you questioning everything!! It’s a five star must read!!

[Lucia Antocci · Rating 3 out of 5]

The writing was ok but I just didn’t love the topic. The story wasn’t one I would typically read, so if you like that kind of story, you might give it more stars. I’m still willing to check out his other books.

[Yvonne Hoover · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is his 4th book I’ve read. Lots of twists right from the start. Just when I thought the book was over there was a part 2 with even more excitement. I did the audiobook on Audible and each character had their own voice which brought the book to life

[Penny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fantastic read…

By Brian O’Sullivan. This is my second book by this author. I could not put it down. When I finished, I was hoping there would be a sequel. Don’t miss this one. It will leave your head spinning with surprises.

[Shelley Owen · Rating 1 out of 5]

This writing is so lame and annoying. Think Frieda but worse. Also couldn’t get over one of the chapters saying

“The same stomach that grew our child is the stomach that killed my wife. Stomach cancer”

What? Babies don’t grow in stomachs

[Donna Bogan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read!

Liked the characters and the twists and turns. Had already read the predecessor book “The Bartender” and this was a good follow-up.

[Raymond Longaray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent and well written very interesting and original. Great characters

[Heather Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not as good as the Bartender but still a fun read.