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Thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Release Date: December 6th, 2016
304 Pages
Synopsis: You know their names. Now discover their beginnings.
Mori’s abusive father is behind bars…and she has never felt less safe. Threatening letters have started appearing on her doorstep, and the police are receiving anonymous tips suggesting that Mori–not her father–is the Regent’s Park killer. To make matters worse, the police are starting to believe them.
Through it all, Lock–frustrating, brilliant, gorgeous Lock–is by her side. The two of them set out to discover who is framing Mori, but in a city full of suspects, the task is easier said than done. With the clock ticking, Mori will discover just how far she is willing to go to make sure that justice is served, and no one–not even Lock–will be able to stop her.
Have I mentioned how much I LOVE Sherlock Holmes and will give any adaptation a try? Well, Lock & Mori is one of the latest incarnations and it’s truly unique because it not only doesn’t just modernize the Sherlock and Moriarty relationship, but Jamie Moriarty aka Mori, is a girl. Before picking Mind Games up, even though it works as a standalone I recommend reading the previous book because you’ll get so much more out of the story, especially in regards to Mori’s relationships with Sherlock and her completely batshit crazy father. Sorry for the language, but I really can’t stand this guy. Mind Games begins exactly where Lock & Mori ended. Mori’s abusive and murderous police sergeant father is locked up in jail, but that hasn’t made her or her brothers any safer. Not only are the police doing just about everything they can to throw doubt on Mori’s story and exonerate her father, but there’s someone out there equally determined to bring Mori down and the suspect pool just keeps widening. Before I get to the actual mystery, let me first address the romance between Mori and Sherlock. Heather Petty has done a marvelous job in recreating these two characters. Sherlock loves Mori, but is constantly overstepping boundaries in his efforts to protect her. Normally this would annoy the heck out of me, but Petty balances Sherlock’s more irritating qualities, with his loyalty and love for Mori. His cluelessness in regards to his treatment of Mori is actually endearing at times. It’s obvious he respects her, but his innate stubbornness has him constantly trying to take over. Mori, the true star of the story, refuses Sherlocks take charge attitude, and even if you didn’t know that Holmes and Moriarty are two of literatures greatest arch-enemies, this foreshadows that their romance is not meant to be. Throughout the story Mori battles her feelings for Lock, while trying to maintain her independence. Heartbreakingly, this is mostly due to her feelings that she doesn’t deserve happiness, and her determination to keep Lock safe. She has a prickly personality and can come off as being unlikable at times, but Mori is trapped in a horrible situation and her upbringing hasn’t exactly taught her how to trust. The story itself is fast-paced and the mystery had me guessing right up until the cliffhanger ending, which caught me completely by surprise. There are a couple of loose threads that are left hanging, but hopefully those will be resolved in the 3rd book. I believe teens who love exciting mysteries will love this series. I also highly recommend this to any Sherlock aficionados who have always been fascinated by the complex relationship between Holmes and Moriarty. I can’t wait to see where Petty takes her two main characters next!
The Shameful Narcissist said:
Oh my. I may have to add this and the precursor to my TBR list. I have a special spot in my heart for enemies turned lovers 🙂
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jowensauthor said:
Sounds interesting, especially since I’m a big fan of Sherlock Holmes 🙂 I’ll have to add this one to my list as well 😀
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
I think you’ll especially like Mori, Jeanne!💁🏻
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beetleypete said:
Sounds as if you loved this one, Kim. Any stab at updating Holmes has to be worth a read.
Best wishes, Pete.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
I did Pete. Thanks!💁🏻
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The Telltale Mind said:
This sounds like a cool spin on Doyle’s work. Is it more teen-ish or for all ages?
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
It definitely falls into the YA category Geoff.
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Transhaan said:
I’ve seen this book around from Simon&Schuster but I’ve never read the first book. Had a feeling there was a Sherlock retelling touch to it. I was sort of turned off by the cover though (not a big fan of covers with actual people on it). Is there a show for this though? :O
– Lashaan
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
I kind of had “meh” feelings about the covers as well. As far as I know there aren’t any plans to turn this into a tv series, but now that you mention it, I think it’s a great idea. Especially for Netflix or a broadcast network like the CW.💁🏻😊
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JJAzar said:
There are some stellar Sherlock Holmes adaptations (House M.D., BBC Sherlock), and I’m a huge fan of the former, so I’m intrigued. I’m throwing this on a list! Also, the guy on the cover looks like John Mayer. Just thought I’d mention it because I can’t unsee it now haha.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
If you like YA fiction JJ I definitely recommend giving this series a try. What makes it so unique from other Sherlockian series is Mori, who is absolutely fascinating!
I LOVE House M.D., as well as Robert Downey Jr’s Sherlock. But I have to confess my true and abiding love and allegiance goes to Benedict Cumberbatch and his Sherlock. I’m completely addicted to the BBC series and I’ve been chomping at the bit for the new season to arrive. Thankfully it’s only a few more weeks. I think I’ll have a good binge watch of the previous seasons courtesy of Netflix.
Oh God! I knew I didn’t like the covers for a reason. You’re right! He does look like a young John Mayer. Ugh.😕
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JJAzar said:
HAHAHA! John Mayer is a polarizing figure, that’s for sure. A talented musician though, whatever way you slice it. He’s a young dude who is growing into humility, I think. Give him time haha!
In terms of Sherlock BBC, I’ve caught Season 1 and was floored. The pill episode had me on the edge of my seat! INCREDIBLE tension. I want to catch up when I find a moment.
Spinning Moriarty as this author does seems brilliant. I do intend to check this series out, and if I like it, I may have to pass it down to my younger siblings.
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By Hook Or By Book ~ Book Reviews, News, & Other Stuff said:
I do like his music, and I agree. I think he just need to mature a bit more.
I’ve loved every season of Sherlock! Don’t start catching up until you meet your deadline though! Have you seen the trailer for the new season? I’ve already begun biting my nails!
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JJAzar said:
Oh the deadline is priority 100%. I’ve kept away from the trailer because I’ve only done Season 1! In time though
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