Book 1 of the ‘Justine Jones’ Disillusionist Trilogy:
Mind Games
While the citizens of Midcity are being terrorized by paranormal crime, Justine Jones is battling the paralyzing hypochondria that’s ruining her life. She’d do anything to break free.
She gets her chance when Packard, a handsome mastermind with strange powers, peers into her soul and invites her to join his psychological hit squad, the disillusionists.
The disillusionists are hired by crime victims. The team zings their fears and anxieties into criminals; the result is a total collapse.
At first, Justine enjoys being part of the glamorous, thrilling world of neurotic vigilantes who battle Midcity’s depraved and paranormal criminals, though as a crimefighter, she’s far more like Monk than Anita Blake.
She also enjoys the unexpected affection that blossoms between her and Packard. But little by little, Justine begins to uncover strange secrets: like why Packard hasn’t set foot outside the Mongolian Delites restaurant for eight years. And the truth about the disillusionists. Soon their affection is destroyed in an angry inferno.
Things become more complicated when Justine falls for her most dangerous target, a dashing crime boss with a penchant for opera and paranoia about brain hemorrhages. Is he a ruthless criminal or her soulmate? How will she keep Midcity from sliding into a bloodbath?
Mind Games
“Holy Highcap Batman, that Disillusionist zinged me! I’m…. Scared….”
Welcome to Justine Jones’s City of highcap mutants with powers such as telekinesis, telepathy, or the ability to see a person’s psychology – namely their fears and emotions. A city where people wear helmets and hard hats because of a maniac highcap telekinetic who is slinging bricks and killing unsuspecting pedestrians. And, a place where a mutant by the name of Sterling Packard operates a small gang of Disillusionists who target and ‘zing’ criminals thereby disillusioning them. At this point you are probably saying, “huh”? lol
“Mind Games”, by Carolyn Crane is written in the first person so we learn about Midcity and it’s interesting inhabitants from the story’s heroine, Justine, who has debilitating hypochondria. She believes with certainty that she has an affliction called vein star syndrome that is going to cause vascular rupture and death. She is a medical compendium of signs and symptoms regarding vein star syndrome and believes she exhibits all it’s manifestations which takes her to the hospital Emergency Department, regularly. The medical professionals, of course tell her she is fine, Justine, of course, doesn’t believe them. It becomes a revolving door of hospital visits, escalating fear and medical expenses.
Enter, Packard who approaches Justine in a restaurant called ‘Mongolian Delights’ and tells her he can cure her fear and hypochondria if she joins him. At first Justine resists Packard’s charm and offer believing he is some sort of maniacal ‘dark lord’. Then he teaches her to locate her fear and siphon or zing it into another person. The result is euphoric, she feels normal, something she has wanted her entire life. Justine’s normalcy, however is short lived. The effects of the zing wear off within a month and as her former symptoms escalate and her life spirals out of control she returns to the restaurant and Packard. In spite of a concern that Packard’s proposition is Faustian in origin, she joins the Disallusionists. Little does she know.
Justine’s hypochondria was so disabling she was unable to nurture friendships and for the first time she feels like she belongs and has a purpose. They are after all fighting the bad guys, making Midcity a safer place. The Disallusionists each have a particular darkness inside that needs to be let out. Packard trains each member of his unusual team to use their skill on a specific target. As her training progresses Justine begins to have warm and fuzzy feelings for Packard and when she learns he can never leave the Mongolian Delights, is essentially a prisoner, she makes it her mission to free him.
Then Justine learns that Packard has mislead her and she has traded her hypochondria for a loss of freedom. Packard is the only one who can identify appropriate targets for a disillusionist, they cannot just zing anyone or they risk a fatal side effect. In addition, they have to zing regularly or they suffer a horrible fate. We are back to Faust.
In the background of her new life Justine has Cubby her normal boyfriend and she desperately wants to their relationship to survive. However, as her life as a disillusionist becomes more demanding and dangerous, her hope of keeping Cubby gradually disintegrates. She is also very attracted to Packard and he to her, but when she finds out he has lied to her a volatile angry exchange results. At that point Packard loses Justine’s trust, but she has to bide her time as she is now determined to free herself from him.
One of the characters of particular note is Midcity’s enigmatic Police Chief, Otto Sanchez, whose motto is to “keep the city safe from evil doers.” Can anyone say Don Quixote? lol
The plot of “Mind Games” has more twists, turns, and thrills than a roller coster ride. The disallusionist’s targets are dangerous, murderous criminals and I was biting my nails on more than one occasion for Justine as she navigates through her new life stumbling more than once while zinging targets and coping with a cornucopia of weirdness. I love heroines who are flawed, don’t take their appearance too seriously and have a dry wit. Justine certainly has all these qualities and moreover, she has integrity.
Ms. Crane developed a fascinating cast of supporting characters who she cleverly integrates into a narrative that is laced with dark wit and comic book references that had me chortling with laughter. Further, she touches on themes such as the destruction of our green spaces, poaching of endangered species of wildlife and the loss of their habitat, as well as world issues. These are all issues dear to my heart.
If you enjoy an original, creative Urban Fantasy that for me has the feel of film noir you may like to give “Mind Games” a try. While reading Mind Games I kept visualizing Gene Tierney as Justine. *g*
“Mind Games” is the first of the “Justine Jones Disillusionist Trilogy” and I am so looking forward to Book 2.
My Rating: 5/5 stars
Many thanks to Carolyn Crane for submitting “Mind Games” for review. Oh, and Carolyn – I love the complimentary “Miss Doreen” stickers”!
Very good review, Lea! The book sounds very interesting. Please count me in the giveaway. Thanks for thinking about us internationals
Hi Host:
Thank you! Please consider yourself entered.
Carolyn's book is awesome IMHO. Good Luck in the giveaway!
Rawrr I so want to read this book!
Count me in!
((hugss))
Hilda
Hi Hilda! Thanks for joining in.
Consider yourself counted and good luck. 
I really love the film noir vibe your describing Lea. It sounds like CC has developed such a unique voice in the UF genre and it is something I'm always on the look-out for. Please count me in for the giveaway
Enter me – I also want to read tihs book….
Love your thoughts on this Lea…
Thanks..
E.H>
Great review Lea.Sounds interesting.please count me in for the giveaway
I love nice simple contests- 1 person
1 entry. While I don't mind tweeted or placing the link to a contest on my blog, I'd rather do it because I want to. That said, I'd love a chance at this book. Hypochondria is definitely not a storyline I've ever run into in a paranormal/urban fantasy/romance before. And the best part, book 2 is due on this Sept. So no wait for a year!
alterlisa AT yahoo DOT com
I'm not entering, but I'm definitely looking forward to reading this!
Lea this cements my wish for the book. I have been seeing all the "buzz" and put it on my wish list so thanks for the illuminating review, if the book is truly as explosive as you may it sound Book 2 cannot come out soon enough either!!!
Count me in like sin…
Jackie B Central Texas
Very in-depth review Lea!!! Very well done! Please enter me in the contest!
Thanks for the chance for two people to win it!!
Hope all is well Lea!
And if Carolyn peeks here… I hope all is well with her and wish her success with her book!!!
oh my god! You sold me! Count me in on the contest, please.
Jase
vslavetopassionv(at)aol(dot)com
I enjoyed reading the review and am looking forward to reading this book. I would love to toss my hat in for a chance to win a copy of this book.
Happy Reading
Anna
s7anna@yahoo.ca
oh my, I can't believe you have to ask if we want the book, Lea *gg*
I haven't read your review entirely, because I can't wait to read it for myself but the part I read strengthens the decision to read it as soon as possible!!!
thanks so much for the give-away! to both of you!
greetings, Ina
Hi Lea!
Great review! Mind Games is on my TBB list, can't wait for the 23rd! What would be better is to WIN a copy! LOL Count me in!
Dottie
Sounds like a great read!
Hi Lea
Great to hear that the book is great
So yes I all in, wold love to read her book
I'm always looking for new authors to read, sounds good! tWarner419@aol.com
What a different take on the paranormal
sounds like a great please count me in.
This book looks amazing! Definitely enter me into this!
Oh I would love to read this one.
janicu [at] gmail [dot] com
This book sounds good. I saw it in B&N and started to read it and was hooked right away, but I couldn't get it at the time.
Good review, makes me want to get it even more.
A very good interview. I really really really want to read this book. Please count me in.
Lori
ladyrogue(at)ymail(dot)com
I love the enthusiasm this book has created in the blogging community. Every review I've read has been positive and I'd love to be a part of the excitement by winning a copy.
Thanks for such a great review Lea and for offering a copy!
joderjo402 AT gmail DOT com
I'm not entering, just stopping by to say what a great review Lea – I totally agree!!!
Great review and I'm new to your blog and it looks great! I want to read this book. It sounds very interesting. Please enter me. Thanks.
This totally doesn't sound like a book I'd normally read but I'm intrigued by it and the review was pretty compelling. I'd love to enter but hey if I lose, I can just go buy it too.
riddikulus.sarah@gmail.com
This book looks amazing! Great review. Please enter me in the giveaway!
Email is rexreadingrobot at Gmail DOT com
I've heard nothing but wonderful things about this book! Thanks for the chance to win!
Enter me please! I’ve heard so many great things about this book. Can’t wait to read it!
Wow! Thank you for all the kind comments and support for Carolyn's giveaway! Mind Games IMHO is an awesome read!
Okay:
@Hi Leontine:CJ has written a book in a league of it's own as far as the UF genre is concerned I think. And if you enjoy Film Noir (which I do) I think you will enjoy this one!! Thanks and Good Luck!!
@Hi EH: Thank you and good luck in the contest!
@Hey Elaine: Thanks so much and good luck!
@Hi LisaR: Great to see you back and good luck to you!
@Hey Jackie: Glad you entered – Good Luck!!
@Hi Cecile: Great to see you entered, this one is really good. CJ is one talented lady!! Good Luck!
@Hey there Jase: Welcome back and good luck!
@Hi Anna: Glad to see you joined in, good luck!
@Hi Ina: So happy to see you back again! Good luck in the contest.
@Hey Dottie: Thanks again for getting the word out about the contest. I know you have been looking forward to this one. Good Luck!!
@Hi dyockman: Welcome back and good luck to you!
@Hey B: Glad you joined in, CJ's book is sure unique and great fun!! Good Luck.
@Hi tetewa: Welcome back and good luck to you!
@Hey PamK: How are you? Glad you joined in and good luck to you!!
@Hi Mireyah: Welcome to the contest and good luck!!
@Hi Janicu: Thanks for entering and good luck!
@Hi Kayanna: Great to see you here. Good Luck to you!
@Hi Lori: Welcome to the contest and good luck!!
@Hi joder: I'm so delighted that CJ's book is generating such buzz because it is so deserving! Good Luck!
@Hey Bells: Great to see you here. Good Luck!
@Hi Sarah: Welcome to the Mind Games contest and good luck to you!!
@Hi there Rex Robot Reviews: Welcome and good luck!!
@Hi Amber: Glad you joined in. Good Luck!
@Hey Mama Bookworm: Welcome to the contest and good luck to you!
Have a good evening everyone!!
Hey Chris: CJ'S book is so darn good, I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!
Best
Lea
Hi Mandi: Thank you so much for your note. Isn't Mind Games good? I can't wait to read your thoughts about it!
Best
Lea
Sweet! I just want to read the book even more, it sounds awesome! =)Can I be counted in? ^-^
@yummy hell faery: Welcome and consider yourself counted. Good Luck!!
Mind Games sounds like a great read!
i've been waiting for this book giveaway. Count Me in ! and Pick ME
I've heard this book is supposed to be be great! I'm glad you enjoyed it.
Thanks for the giveaway.
dawnpnr at aol dot com
This books sounds totally different from everything else that's around right now and I'm very intrigued!
Count me in, please!
Open internationally? Thank you, Lea & Carolyn
Great interview! "Mind Games" sounds really great. Thanks for the chance to win..
mlawson17 at hotmail dot com
Can you believe I just came across this post now!
This sounds like a book I would enjoy reading,so please enter me in the giveaway.
Thanks for opening it to all worldwide.
Carol T
Hi Lea,
awesome rewiev! I've heard about this book and not been so sure…but now after reading your thoughts I want to read it!
This book is in my top 5 of books I must get and read!
Great review!
Sounds great! I would love to read this
This book sounds amazing! I've been waiting for it release for months. And Carolyn Crane is such a nice person how can I not want to read this book.
@hey Chey: Welcome to the contest and good luck to you!
@Hi Mariska: Good luck in the draw!! Mind Games rocks! thanks for entering..
@Hi Bookie: Welcome and good luck!
@Hey there Christine M: Welcome to the contest and good luck!
@Hi there Tez: Glad to see you joined in – good luck!
@Hi Martha! Welcome back, happy to see you joined in! Good Luck.
@Hey buddyt: Welcome to the contest and good luck.
@Hi there EvaS: Hope all is well with you, I hear from B the cold hasn't left Finland yet! Thanks for entering and good luck.
@Hi Sullivan: Welcome and good luck! Mind Games was a great read for me.
I love your Avatar BTW..
@Hey throughthehaze: Glad to see you here – good luck!!
@Hi Pattepoilue: CJ is a lovely person and a talented writer! I so enjoyed Mind Games. Delighted you joined in and good luck to you!!
Happy Saturday Everyone.
I'm so thrilled for Carolyn – all the reviews I've seen so far say it's a terrific book! I can't wait to read it (I may have gone out looking to see if anyone had it on the shelves early; they didn't).
Great review, and I've really been enjoying the excerpts. Thanks for a chance to win Carolyn's upcoming release.
hi: totally stumbled upon this book and am eager to read. i hope i'm one of the lucky chosen!
Thnx!
*continues from previous comment up above* ….I really, really, really want this book. I don't suppose we get extra points for extra comments? Do we?
Wow Lea, love the review and this book sounds incredible. Count me in please!!!
@Hey Patti: So Happy you entered! I hope all is well with you CJ and her book rock!! Good Luck!!
@Hi CathyM: Glad to see you back! Good Luck.
@Hey there Kylie: Welcome to the Mind Games contest! Good Luck..
@Hi MitziH: Welcome back – glad to see you've entered. Thanks!! Good Luck.
Lori: Sorry girl one entry per person, but sending random good luck your way!! LOL
Have a good evening everyone!
L
Wow, what a great review! I've never read a Urban Fantasy book before, but after reading such great reviews and reading the excerpt from "Mind Games" I'm very excited to read it. Please count me in the giveaway. Thanks!
Lea – terrific review! You have a wonderful way of describing the books you read.
I just love the persona that Carolyn has created with characters in Mind Game, especially Chief Sanchez. This is going to be a hit!
Great Review! This book sounds like a great read! Count me in!
This sounds like the most unusual storyline I have ever come across. Am really intrigued. Please toss my name in the hat.
littlelamblst (at) yahoo (dot) com
I'd love to be entered. Sounds like a great read. Thanks for the contest!
Please count me in!
Sounds like my kind of read
Re-posted your contest at: http://contests-freebies.blogspot.com/2010/03/win-mind-games-at-closetwriter.html
Tweeted at: http://twitter.com/cherrymischivus/status/10817928794
Cherry
mischivusfairy-warrior [at] yahoo [dot] com
Having certain in-laws with the 'hypochondria gene' I was drawn to this book.
This is a great review. This book sounds thriller and I would love to be included
A 5-star review. Mind Games looks great. Count me in, please. Thanks.
Great review!!! count me in!!!
emilyb3342@bellsouth.net
@Hi Amber! Welcome and good luck to you.
@Hey Lady Graeye: Happy you joined in, good luck!
@Hi Lil: Welcome and good luck to you.
@Hi Melissa: Thanks for joining in! Good Luck.
@Hey Cherry: Thanks so much for pimping the Carolyn's contest! Good Luck!!
@Hi there Eva SB: Welcome and good luck.
@Hey LSU Reader: Welcome and good luck to you..
@Hi there Emily: Thank you for joining in! Good Luck.
Happy Sunday Everyone.
Hi Donna: Thank you so much for your nice note! I so enjoyed Carolyn's book and am so happy the contest has garnered so much attention. You write awesome reviews Donna!
Thanks again!
L
Awesome review and I'd love to read it- count me in!
This book has just popped up on my radar and I really want to readit . Please count me in.
eva.s.black[@]gmail[.]com
Hi D.L.:
Consider yourself counted, thanks for joining in! Good Luck..
Hey EvaSB: You are entered already.
Good Luck!
Have a great day everyone.
L
@Hey there Estella: consider yourself counted in, I know I missed your name earlier. *j* Good Luck!
Contest is now closed. Thanks for entering everyone!
L
Fantastic review, Lea! I can't wait to read MIND GAMES myself!!!!!!!
Hey! Lea, thanks SO much for this wonderful review, and all the comments from everyone! I just appreciate everyone so much for making this such a fun time!
Very nice review, I really can't wait to read this. I've heard such great things!
Hi Christine:
Thank you so much. I hope you enjoy too.
L
Hi Carolyn:
Thank you again for sharing Mind Games with me! Wonderful story – you are a star!
L
Hi there Fiction Vixon:
Thank you so much for your note.
I hope you enjoy as much as I did. I'll look forward to reading your thoughts.
L