Mind Echoes

Carlene Rae Dater

From the scene of a brutal murder, to the rescue of kidnapped child, the action in MIND ECHOES will keep you turning pages until the exciting, climatic end. Veterinarian Brody McAlister has communicated with animals all her life, but tells no one about her gift. San Diego Detective J.T. Flynn knows there is something unusual about the vet but he needs her help. Together they follow clues and piece together evidence until they solve both crimes . . . with a little help and a few MIND ECHOES from dogs.

My Take:

Three words to describe this book: different (I mean in a good way), relaxing, and satisfactory.  Yes, this book is a suspense novel, and yes, I did describe it as relaxing.  It was really mellow, not focused in on all the gory details, all in all a good way to spend a rainy day.  While this book didn't focus on the mystery, I couldn't really figure out what the main focus was, the romance?  Nope.  Her special ability?  Nope.  Whodunnit? Nope. It felt a smidge meandering, like the author is circling around a good plot, a good idea, but just can't quite grab a hold of it.  The end also felt a bit rushed, like loose ends weren't quite all tied up. All this being said, I did enjoy the book.  It was quite a page turner, and the characters were enjoyable.  I really liked the fact that the author really gave the animals in the story personalities.  They really felt like important characters as much as the humans.  All in all this was a fun read, especially if you like animals, which I do.  I'm going to rate this book a 4, Borrow from a Friend.  

Do you agree with this review?  Do you think I'm totally off base?  Either way I'd love to hear from you, be sure to leave a comment and tell me how you feel!

If this book were a movie, it would likely be rated PG-13 due to brief strong language, and sexuality.

A few words with the author, Carlene Rae Dater:

The Book Buff: How did you come up with the title, Mind Echoes?

Carlene Rae Dater: Just kind of popped into my head. I had the title before I wrote the book.

TBB: How much of Mind Echoes is realistic? 

 
CRD: Quite a bit. I consulted three different veterinarians to be sure the medicine was correct. One of the vets is an animal psychic.

TBB: What inspired you to write your first book?

CRD: I wanted to see if I could!

TBB: If you could mirror the career of any other author, who would it be and why?

CRD: Well, gee, Nora Roberts! The woman is a machine. I wish I had her discipline.

TBB: If you had to choose something besides writing, what career would you choose and why?

CRD: Law enforcement officer.

TBB: Do you have any advice for other writers?

CRD: Just do it. BIC, butt in chair, and just write, just write, just write.

TBB: Do you have something you are working on at the moment that you’d like to share with us?

CRD: I just completed a paranormal romantic suspense novel titled, Legacy.

 To learn more about Carlene Rae Dater and her books, visit her at :

http://www.carlenedater.com/

http://www.manicreaders.com/CarleneRaeDater/

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