Murder on the Mind
by L.L. Bartlett
Murder
on the Mind: psychic or brain damaged sleuth?
L.L. Bartlett's Murder on the Mind is an
exceptional debut mystery that adds a paranormal element to the
enjoyment of unraveling traditional investigative techniques. Told in
the first person through the eyes of a psychic sleuth, or perhaps brain
damaged, Murder on the Mind
heightens the level of suspense as each new clue or vision arises.
A mugging in Manhattan, leaves former insurance investigator Jeff
Resnick with broken bones and a fractured skull --- and completely
dependent on his rich estranged half brother Dr. Richard Alpert and his
girlfriend Brenda Stanley. Visions of a hunt and and a hunter stalking
his deer prey terrify Jeff. The doctors diagnose brain damage. Days
later, a local banker is found dead, his murder eerily similar to the
details of Jeff's nightmares, he believes the attack has left him with
a sixth sense, a psychic ability to see murder before the event. Jeff
uses his visions and his investigative skills to try to solve the crime
but as he gets closer to the killer, danger arises from all corners.
Will the police trust his revelations are due to psychic visions or
attribute his knowledge to a more nefarious means? As Jeff becomes
closer to his half brother, dangerous past secrets emerge touching his
traumatic childhood. Somewhere danger lurks and Jeff must work hard and
fast if he doesn't want to become a victim to one of the dark secrets
he uncovers.
L.L. Bartlett writes a magnificent mystery! Murder on the Mind mixes an eerie
psychic paranormal element with an investigative hunt for clues and
facts, never sacrificing the mystery to an easy resolution. Intriguing
twists keep the reader poised at ever page. Murder on the Mind will appeal to a
variety of readers from lovers of traditional mysteries to suspense
lovers with its ominous, supernatural and even creepy feel and even
beyond these genres as moments of tenderness and fear both move the
reader's heart. L.L. Bartlett truly leaves the reader guessing, never
quite sure of the murderer's identity as terrifying details mix with an
investigative trail more typical of light mysteries. The complicated
psychological battle between Jeff and his brother might turn either
way. With possible brain damage in play, is Jeff a reliable first
person narrator? Will past secrets come to light to add another twist
to this murder mystery? L.L. Bartlett's fine writing keeps the pages
turning with eager anticipation until the very end. Hopefully fans,
myself included, will not have to wait for this author's next release
(now slated for June 2008)!
Publisher: Five Star (November 2005)
Reviewed by Merrimon,
Merrimon Book Reviews
