This verse and the redbud tree reminds me that everything comes to pass, even winter…and Covid-19. May you and yours be safe in this difficult time.
This week I read Dead End by Nancy Mehl and could not put it down. More on that later.
Here’s what it’s about.
When a body is discovered in a field in Iowa, the police uncover fourteen additional corpses ranging from 20 years old to recent. The remains point to a serial killer with an MO the authorities have seen before–Ed Oliphant, a man who has been in prison for over 20 years . . . and is Special Agent Kaely Quinn’s father. After several failed interview attempts to discover if Ed has been training someone to be a copycat killer, the police turn to Kaely in St. Louis.
Kaely promised herself she would never step foot in her hometown or set eyes on her father again. She’s always refused to confront her past, but if she wants to prevent any more deaths, she must come face-to-face with the man she’s hated for years.
As more bodies are discovered, Kaely races against time and her own personal turmoil to uncover the killer. Will this most personal case yet cost Kaely her identity and perhaps even her life?
This third and last book about Special Agent Kaely Quinn is a perfect ending for the series…except I wish it wasn’t ending. I’ve enjoyed each one of the books in this series and would love to read more. In this one, we learn more about her father, Ed Oliphant and there are some surprises there.
I loved the way Mehl addressed Kaely’s issues with her father and the effect they’ve had on her. Some of the new things she learned about him were devastating, and Mehl’s skillful writing made me wonder if she could survive them. I loved the way Noah stood by her even though his heart was breaking. The spiritual thread is very comforting, especially in these difficult days we are going through now.
The mystery is strong with twists and turns that keep you guessing who the copy-cat killer is. If you like suspense and a good mystery plus a developing relationship, you will thoroughly enjoy this book.
I received a print copy of Dead End from the publisher and I’m giving it away to one of the lucky commentors on the blog. (US addresses only) Tell me how you would handle having a father who had done something so horrible.
You can get Mind Games Amazon B&N Baker Books
And the winner of March’s drawing is Joni R!
I noticed at Christian Books, the paperback is $2.99! Christian Books
Here’s the back cover copy:
It’s Elvis Week in Memphis, and homicide Detective Rachel Sloan isn’t sure her day could get any stranger when aging Elvis impersonator Vic Vegas asks to see her. But when he produces a photo of her murdered mother with four Elvis impersonators–one of whom had also been murdered soon after the photo was taken–she’s forced to reevaluate. Is there some connection between the two unsolved cases? And could the recent break-in at Vic’s home be tied to his obsession with finding his friend’s killer?
Comments 45
I also read Nancy’s book Dead End. Phenomenal!
Author
Hi Terri! I so agree. Thanks for stopping by!
I look forward to reading this at some point! After I read the other two books in the series! I’ve read some of Nancy Mehl’s books, and really enjoyed them. Thanks for the recommendation. 🙂
Author
Monique, I would suggest reading them in order, even though each is a stand-alone. But definitely read them!
I need to read book 2 first! I really do t know how I’d handle having a father like that. She’s already done much better than I have! Blessings to you all!
Author
They’re all good, Valita. 🙂 It would be very hard to handle. I think Nancy Mehl did a great job with this. Thanks for stopping by.
I have been looking forward to this book! To answer your question, I don’t know how I would handle having a father who had done horrible things like Kaely Quinn’s father. It would devastate me. I think I would be mentally unstable myself, and only God could help me overcome it.
Author
Great answer, Bethany. It’s a difficult question. 🙂 Good to ‘see’ you here.
I’ve read the first two in this series, and highly recommend reading them in order if only just to understand how Kaely Quinn’s mind works. Let’s just say it’s different. Thank you, Pat for alerting me that the book is now available. I just got it for my Nook.
I don’t have a clue as to how I would handle having a father who was so evil. Thankfully, my dad was a wonderful Christian father, and I continue to miss him now that he is in heaven with mom.
A couple of weeks ago, Pat, you highlighted one of Lisa Harris’s great books. Her latest, “The Traitor’s Pawn” is just out, and I’m reading it now. Another win for Lisa!
Author
I have to get Lisa Harris’s book, Tim! I love her books. And yes, I think reading Nancy’s books in order help you to understand Kaely’s mind. Thanks for stopping by!
Besides the excellent reviews on recommended books you always write, do you know how encouraging it is to see that picture of the redbud tree here in northern MN? No snow here yet, but it’s 26 F right now and expected to drop to 17 F. One place in the state just got 9″ of snow although things are expected to moderate some next week. Thank you for the encouragement your blogs send in many ways.
Thank you Delores. You’ve just reminded me why I moved from Rochester to Tucson. 🙂 I still have some great friends back there, though.
Author
Tim, I don’t blame you! 🙂
Author
I’ll be glad when Spring arrives there, Delores. I hate to tell you it’s 75 degrees here in Mississippi… Blessings!
I am in the last 20 pages of this book! I loved them all.
It would be hard to process if you found out your father had committed a crime. Especially, if like Kaely, You always experienced him as being caring toward you and your family. If It was proved that he did commit the crime, I would be helpless but still pray for him to repent and come to Jesus. I think I would feel angry and betrayed, as Kaely did. ( don’t enter me, I already have a print copy)
Author
Paula, I so agree with your reply. I think Nancy hit the nail on the head! Thanks for stopping by.
I really can’t imagine how I would deal with the knowledge that my father was evil. Running away might work for a time, but sooner or later, you would have to deal with it – try to learn to love your father but hate what he has done?? I just don’t know…. I would love the opportunity to read this book. Thanks and I trust you are staying safe and healthy!
Author
I am trying to stay safe, Betti. 🙂 Made three masks today and took one to a clerk at Walmart who didn’t have one. Not sure it will help, but…Thanks so much for stopping by.
Our trees are starting to bud out, too! As usual, Dead End will be added to my TBR pile! I cannot even fathom dealing with such a huge parental betrayal. Blessings!
Author
I’m glad Spring is coming your way, Heather! And I agree about dealing with a person that terrible. Stay safe and Blessings!
I don’t know how I’d react to having a father who did something so horrible. I have a good, stable father who will be turning 90 soon and is still there for his family. I have observed, though, in cases of fathers who are not so stable that children either follow in those footsteps or completely do the opposite and try to break those cycles in their family.
I need to read this series. Lately sounds like an interesting character!
Author
I agree about the way children react to a terrible father, Linda. And I’m glad you are blessed with a wonderful father! And yes, Kaely Quinn is a very interesting character!
Sounds like a good read. I’m not sure how I’d handle that particular situation. I’d like to think I would find a way to forgive the person, but it’s hard to say until you’re faced with that problem.
Author
I agree that no one knows how they would react in a situation like that, Megan. Thanks so much for stopping by. Stay safe and Blessings!
I learned a new word that we lovers of books really need. It’s TSUNDOKU, a Japanese term for a stack of books on a bedside table waiting to be read. Every time I read one of your reviews, my stack gets higher!
Author
That makes me laugh, Sally Jo! Thanks for stopping by.
I look forward to reading this book. I enjoyed the first two. My father was in WWII and suffered what would be called PTSD now. One doctor who treated him told my mother that Daddy had the worst case he had ever seen. He never did the kind of things that Kaely’s father did, but I wonder what all was going on in his mind as a result of being in the war. He may have felt at times that he had done terrible things. I’m sure he saw terrible things, although he never talked about any of it. With all his issues, he did the best he could as a father. I cannot imagine having a father like Kaely’s. With my own mental and emotional makeup, I would like to think I would have rolled with the punches and kept moving forward. I guess you can’t really know unless you have been there.
Author
So agree with your comments, Edward! The war does terrible things to people. I have a friend who was wounded in ‘Nam and lately shrapnel has been working its way out of his body. Thanks for stopping by and joining the conversation! Stay safe and blessings!
I can’t imagine dealing with a father like that, as my daddy was so loving and kind. Thank you for sharing.
Author
Having a loving and kind father is one of life’s greatest blessings, Lucy. I can’t imagine having one like Kaely’s. Thanks for dropping by! Stay safe and blessings!
I really want to read this book. I stayed up late reading the first two. I’m not sure how I would deal with a father like Kaely’s. My own father is so kind, generous and loving. Thank you for sharing the beautiful picture and verse.
Author
I stayed up late reading all three, Erika! I hate to see the series end. And I’m glad you enjoyed my meme. I love making them and use scripture that comforts me in times of trouble. Stay safe and Blessings!
Nancy Mehl’s books are amazing! I’m excited to read this series.
Author
Nancy writes great books! Thanks for stopping by Caryl!
I have the first two books and this one is on my wish list. I think that you would love the person on a basic level but would be so confused that it would be hard to know deal with the bad things that he did. Tough one.
Author
I agree this question is a very tough one, Gloria. I don’t think any of us know how we would react without actually experiencing it. Thanks for stopping by. Be safe and Blessings!
I don’t know how I would handle having a father who had done something so horrible. I think no one would know how they would react unless they are actually in that situation.
Author
Totally agree, Diana! It would be so hard…thankfully most of us don’t share that experience. Stay safe and blessings!
Thanks for the recommendations. I have started ‘Mind Games’ but lately I am not making much progress on my TBR list. My husband suggested I stop looking at the free lists I get in email. You never know when a book on your library list will be free or reduced. Oh well.
Author
It’s hard for me to concentrate on anything, Joni! Blessings and stay safe!
Almost forgot. Thanks for the March drawing. Is there anything I need to do?
Author
I emailed you. 🙂
I think I would be emotionally devastated!
Author
Definitely, Shelia! I really like the way Nancy handled this. Blessings and stay safe!
I have read the first one in this series and definitely want to read the rest! I love Kaely’s character and how her mind works.
I don’t know how I would handle a dad who commited henious crimes, glad I never had to find out! Like others have commented, a person doesn’t really know what they will do until they are in the situation. I would hope by the grace of God, I could eventually forgive my father.
Thank you for your review this week and the chance to win a copy of Dead End!