Customer Reviews

Waking Evil (Mindhunters)

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

There's one thing about Kylie Brant's Waking Evil that wouldn't bother me if I read it as a stand-alone book, but that struck me as unfortunate since I read it as a follow-on to her Waking Nightmare. While the personalities and backgrounds of Ramsey Clark and Abbie Philips have many differences, the similarities are so broad, obvious, and unlikely that when presented in sequels, it stretches belief. It's hard to buy into the idea that Raiker happened to hire two women for his company who just happen to have deep-seated phobias based in childhood traumas that will be conveniently brought into play while they work a case with a handsome man. As much as I love the stories and characters as individual entities, I really hope Brant does something a bit different with the next one, because the more such "coincidences" she strings into a line, the less believable it feels.

Once again Brant presents us with complex, three-dimensional, fascinating characters. Dev usually spends his time debunking parapsychology incidents, but believes there are some truly inexplicable things in the world. Ramsey struggles to be the consummate cool professional, to leave behind as much of her trailer trash background as possible. Neither of them is interested in starting up a relationship, but they can't help finding each other attractive, and they slowly wear down each other's defenses, albeit somewhat unwillingly.

The background on the legend and the cyclical deaths is fascinating and imaginative, and it unfurls nicely throughout the book. My only problem with it was that, once again, the actual identity of the killer seems to lack adequate foreshadowing. I hate getting to that point in a novel and finding myself saying, "huh?" (I don't mind as long as I can look back and see, "oh, yeah, it really WAS him," but I don't like feeling that there weren't enough clues.) Once again I can sort of see where the author probably felt she was putting clues in, but they don't feel adequate to the task. However, take this with a grain of salt: after all, this is a hard line to draw and it'll fall to a different place with each reader. Consider my rating 3.5 out of 5.

[Standard adult material disclaimer: explicit sex between romantic leads; explicit dark subject matter.]

[Review copy of book provided courtesy of publisher]

Though numerous clues are given all the way through WAKING EVIL, the reader is never certain if any deductions are actually correct until the startling conclusion. The Mindhunters are a formidable group of criminologists, and one of their impressive members helps search for a killer whose diabolical methods result in few clues. Kylie Brant continues her exceedingly suspenseful series with a story which inspires chills while the romantic elements are affectively poignant.

Though the woods are spooky, two teens finally reach their destination after given a dare. All seems to be going well until they discover the body of a woman. When the local and state authorities do not make much headway in the murder case, Ramsey Clark from Raiker Forensics arrives to aid in the investigation. Complicating matters is the local legend concerning Buffalo Springs, Tennessee where a mysterious red mist is observed every generation, soon followed by death. Ramsey is a believer of facts, not tall tales, so she looks for physical evidence connected to the murder and not speculation.

When she goes to where the body was discovered, a man is performing some bizarre tests. After finding out Devlin Stryker is a parapsychologist, a ghost hunter to her, she plans to dismiss him and any unsupported findings. Since Ramsey usually says what she thinks, their first meeting does not go smoothly. However, the easy-going Devlin seems to turn up wherever she goes, despite the reason, but he does come in handy for getting some of the locales to talk with her. As leads start trickling in and some answers are found, other questions are raised. Ramsey finds separating fact from fiction is most difficult, especially when much of it concerns the legend.

The exceptional writing of Kylie Brant will keep you reading way into the night. From first-rate suspense to engaging characters to a moving romance, Ms. Brant will leave you anticipating every compelling scene with much eagerness. This talented author knows how to intersperse facts into her stories without the reader being completely aware of the information, thus letting many disclosures come as total surprises. There are definitely some jaw-dropping revelations in WAKING EVIL, and each one only adds more fuel as your imagination tries to fully comprehend what is currently happening. These scenes are perilously tense, and each new detail divulged only ups your concern as to what will occur next. Ms. Brant cleverly keeps some facts hidden until the precise instant they should be known, which repeatedly builds the suspense. While the dangerous scenarios of WAKING EVIL draw you into the novel, the tender love story is just as compelling. The lives of Devlin and Ramsey are so vividly depicted, the reader will experience their every thought or reasoning behind an action. I was certainly wrapped up in the occurrences surrounding these two, as they discovered much about the case and themselves. Countless information is given about their personal and professional lives, and I was equally fascinated by both sides. The quick-witted banter frequently spoken by them is enjoyable, especially when it can be delivered during adverse times, proving they possess daringly enterprising natures. Devlin is a hero who appealed to me from the first meeting, and his charismatic personality had me falling fully in love with him. This couple also has extremely different ways of dealing with tragic pasts, and I was deeply stirred by watching them presently cope. When it comes to the romantic side of their relationship, their feelings are genuinely sincere with an abundance of heartfelt emotions causing any responses. The Southern locale is meticulously described in detail, and the conversations plus many sayings are particularly traditional and make the story very convincing. The intricately suspenseful plot of WAKING EVIL is aided by fascinating paranormal aspects and a compassionate romance to create a brilliantly memorable story.

Reviewed for SingleTitles

Forensic Investigator Ramsey Clark is in the quiet town of Buffalo Springs, Tennessee, investigating a murder. A young woman was discovered by teenagers in the woods thought to be haunted by a red mist that brings death when it arrives. Devlin Stryker is a parapsychologist and a native to Buffalo Springs. He's back investigating the circumstances around the murder. Ramsey is skeptical of Dev's work and irritated by his flirting, but like every other woman who meets him, she eventually falls for his charm. Dev has his sights set on Ramsey, but he's got his work cut out for him. Ramsey's tough as nails attitude is going to make it hard to get close to her. When the past comes back to haunt Ramsey and the town, he may never get the chance.

At first glance, Dev and Ramsey's differences seem insurmountable, but once you get to know them, they actually have a lot in common. They work well as a team, they both come from dysfunctional families, and they each hide secrets and have painful pasts. They also have great sexual chemistry -- they make a little magic together. Dev reminds me of Matthew McConaughey. He's sexy and charming and his southern drawl would have me falling at his feet too. The details of Ramsey's assault left me in a cold sweat. It's understandable that she would be so guarded. The villains in Waking Evil are sadistic sexual predators whose God complexes make them even more psychotic. I wasn't sure what to make of the paranormal aspect of Waking Evil at first, but it adds mystery and intrigue. Waking Evil is a gripping, suspenseful story.



Nannette
Reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed

This is the second book in the Mindhunter series. I found it to be a good follow-up to the first book but not as good. The relationship felt a little more forced and the suspense built up wasn't as good. It was still a good read and I will be picking up the next in this series.

"Kylie keeps the reader continually guessing and on their toes throughout the story, creating a novel that definitely shouldn't be missed. It has all the elements for the best intriguing romantic suspense with plenty of tension, sexual and otherwise, sneaky surprises, ingenious twists and some shocking answers. All of which Kylie makes sure that reader is along for the ride sharing the trip with the investigators. Waking Evil is the second book in The Mindhunters series but clearly stands alone. It was a totally engrosing read. I've not read the first book Waking Nightmare but you can bet that I will be as soon as I can obtain a copy." - Abi

I'm always searching for new authors as I have read so much I've run out of the oldies but goodies waiting for them to write books. I found Kylie Brant and I was impressed by this first book of three and ended up purchasing the other two in the series . The mind hunters do it all, they specialize as well as investigate the crimes. Ramsey Clark is the lead with parapsychologist Devlin Stryker following right behind her. Together they search for the truth behind the legend of the mist.
Ramsey was once an FBI agent but now works for Raiker Forensics aka The Mindhunters. After a group of teenagers find a body surrounded in red mist in an isolated Ashton's Pond the legend kicks up again and with no clues as to what or who did the dirty deed Ramsey is called in and it just gets better from there. All three books are good but I admit I liked the first and second ones the best. The last one was a little dragged out with alot of background in anthropology but it was still worth reading .

Forensics Investigator Ramsey Clark works for highly regarded Raiker Forensics. When it comes to her work, she is scientifically thorough and has no time for nonsense or play; when it comes to her personal life alas she has no time to play either.

The homicide of a young woman sends Ramsey to rustic Buffalo Springs, Tennessee where she joins the investigative team of Sheriff Mark Rollins and TBI Agents Matthews and Powell. However this case is anything but by the book for Ramsey who adheres to standard procedures. Instead the witnesses insist the ancient red mist settles over the town. Intruding on her effort to remain professional is parapsychologist Devlin Stryker, who insists the killer will not fit her forensic profile; he refuses to back away from his attraction to her though she tries to keep him outside of her heart. When a second mysterious homicide occurs, Ramsey and Devlin team up seeking a killer before another murder occurs.

This is an enjoyable paranormal romantic mystery starring two likable humans, a beleaguered town, and a killer seemingly from beyond if you believe Devlin or a diabolical mortal if you believe Ramsey. The first reaction by Ramsey to meeting Dev is priceless as she incredulously calls him a "Ghost Hunter". Putting aside the name of the heroine brings memories of the former male Attorney General, the latest Mindhunter thriller (see WAKING NIGHTMARE) is a superb police procedural romantic suspense enhanced by the supernatural and the romance.

Harriet Klausner

STORY BRIEF:
A woman is sexually tortured, murdered and thrown into Ashton Pond. The TBI (Tennessee Bureau of Investigation) investigates and brings in outside forensic consultant, Ramsey. She works for Raiker Forensics, a consulting firm also known as The Mindhunters due to their brilliance and track record in solving tough crimes. The victim's stomach contents reveal that the murderer forced her to eat a type of plant shortly before she died.

There is a local legend that every 20 or 30 years a red mist appears in the woods near Ashton Pond. When the red mist appears, three deaths will occur. Dev grew up in the area but since left. He now investigates paranormal and psychic phenomenon and writes books about it. He is using equipment to investigate the red mist. Some locals won't talk to outsiders like Ramsey, but they like Dev. So Dev helps Ramsey by accompanying her on visits to question various people.

REVIEWER'S OPINION:
The book cover labels this as romantic suspense, but I see it as mostly a mystery with some romance and some suspense. Most of the story has the reader following along with Ramsey during her impressive and detailed investigation to solve the murder. She gathers a variety of information from a variety of places. She has the right kind of intuition and judgment that others don't. By the end, the murder is solved. Aside from the murder, there are a lot of mean people getting away with doing mean things - not only currently but also during Ramsey's and Dev's past. It's depressing to think about what they went through when they were younger, due to their own family members as well as outsiders.

As a mystery it was good. Dev's personality and dialogue were charming. The last fifth of the book had me eager to keep reading to find out what happened. However, I prefer reading more about other things, than slowly solving a mystery which was the majority of time in this book. I was disappointed that several things were not explained, see Spoilers below. Caution, there are some brutal sexual torture scenes.

CAUTION SPOILERS:
Page 36 of the book tells us Ramsey is thinking the sexual "trauma suggested possible multiple partners." Therefore, I think I can talk about the following spoiler without giving away the store. I was disappointed that the author did not provide details about how and why a group got together to rape and kill the girl. How frequently did they do this? I can't imagine what kind of conversations those people had with each other when they planned, did this, or talked to each other later about it. How many were in the group? How did they justify it? I wanted to know more. The red mist happens every 30 years or so. I got the feeling that this type of murder would happen more frequently than every 30 years. If that was true, then the red mist was occurring with some but not all of the murders. The number of murders by members of the current and past groups was not explained.

There was a roadside scene about men with clubs. I wanted to see some justice. The author didn't continue with what would happen next. I had questions about Ezra. Was he shot and wounded? When and why did he move the chemicals? I also wanted to know what happened to Ramsey at age 15 in the woods. The author says a group of guys planned to rape her, but we aren't told or shown what happened. I assume they raped her, but I wasn't sure.

DATA:
Story length: 359 pages. Swearing language: strong. Sexual language: strong. Number of sex scenes: 4. Total number of sex scene pages: 12. Setting: current day Tennessee. Copyright: 2009. Genre: mystery with some romantic suspense.