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Vigilante #3
Mind Games
Book 3 of the Vigilante Series
Montreal is plagued by a string of vicious sex slayings...
Captain Dave McCall and his Special Homicide Task Force are in a frustrated frenzy as they try to bring an end to the savage butchery...
Assisting officially is noted psychiatrist, Doctor Samuel Bowman and unofficially, computer genius and multi-millionaire, Chris Barry...
With each passing day, McCall works his way closer to the truth...
Unaware that they are heading deep into the deadly core of...
Mind Games...
Montreal is plagued by a string of vicious sex slayings...
Captain Dave McCall and his Special Homicide Task Force are in a frustrated frenzy as they try to bring an end to the savage butchery...
Assisting officially is noted psychiatrist, Doctor Samuel Bowman and unofficially, computer genius and multi-millionaire, Chris Barry...
With each passing day, McCall works his way closer to the truth...
Unaware that they are heading deep into the deadly core of...
Mind Games...
233 pages
First published May 26, 2009
55 people are currently reading
354 people want to read
About the author
Claude Bouchard
91 books2,113 followers*USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR*
I was born in Montreal, Canada, at a very young age, where I still live with my spouse, Joanne, under the watchful eye of Krystalle and Midnight, two black females of the feline persuasion. In a former life, I completed my studies at McGill University and worked in various management capacities for a handful of firms for countless years. From there, considering my extensive background in human resources and finance, it was a logical leap in my career path to stay home and write crime thrillers.
My first stab at writing was actually in 1995, the result being my first novel, "Vigilante". Two others of the same series followed by 1997 but all three remained dormant until publication in 2009. Since, besides writing a stand-alone, five other thrillers have joined the VIGILANTE series. I also penned "Something's Cooking", a faux-erotica parody and cookbook under the pseudonyms Réal E. Hotte and Dasha Sugah. I'm currently working on "See You in Saigon" and "The First Sixteen", two further installments of my series. I have to say, I'm enjoying this writing gig.
Other interests besides writing and subtly persuading people to buy my books include reading, making noise with my six guitars, painting (oil and watercolour), cooking (year round though I love the grill in the summer), traveling and planning to work out soon. I've also been known to sleep on occasion.
You can visit my website at claudebouchardbooks.com which is almost as fun as DisneyLand and absolutely free.
I was born in Montreal, Canada, at a very young age, where I still live with my spouse, Joanne, under the watchful eye of Krystalle and Midnight, two black females of the feline persuasion. In a former life, I completed my studies at McGill University and worked in various management capacities for a handful of firms for countless years. From there, considering my extensive background in human resources and finance, it was a logical leap in my career path to stay home and write crime thrillers.
My first stab at writing was actually in 1995, the result being my first novel, "Vigilante". Two others of the same series followed by 1997 but all three remained dormant until publication in 2009. Since, besides writing a stand-alone, five other thrillers have joined the VIGILANTE series. I also penned "Something's Cooking", a faux-erotica parody and cookbook under the pseudonyms Réal E. Hotte and Dasha Sugah. I'm currently working on "See You in Saigon" and "The First Sixteen", two further installments of my series. I have to say, I'm enjoying this writing gig.
Other interests besides writing and subtly persuading people to buy my books include reading, making noise with my six guitars, painting (oil and watercolour), cooking (year round though I love the grill in the summer), traveling and planning to work out soon. I've also been known to sleep on occasion.
You can visit my website at claudebouchardbooks.com which is almost as fun as DisneyLand and absolutely free.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
October 13, 2013
This is the third book in the series. I have read the first three. I think there are some minor flaws if you are a die-hard stickler for police procedures. I think the story is a pretty good one and I have to admit liking the main character, Chris. There is a pretty good twist to the book I didn't see coming. I enjoy the books and if you enjoyed the first two I don't see any reason you wouldn't like this one.
December 13, 2012
As with the first two books of the series this book needed edited and corrected, but there were a lot less mistakes in this one than in the first two. Fantastic mystery/thriller from beginning to end. I found it very heard to put down the first three books in this series and can't wait to get my hands on the rest.
April 1, 2013
Another in the series. Too easy to figure out the bad guy. In the two I've read of the series, the author uses the same technique of having the murderer in the midst of the investigators where they can't "see" him, but his identity is easily guessed early on by the reader.
December 12, 2012
It was too graphic and had WAY too much language for me
November 19, 2023
Right there with the best suspense detective books I've read.
This is a really an intelligent detective novel, both in the writing and reading. Well edited with all words spelled correctly and good grammar (very unusual nowadays.)
There is the obligatory big finish after a seemingly straightforward series of crimes. The author does an excellent job of hiding his ending but, provides one small clue to identifying the culprits.
See if you can find it!
This is a really an intelligent detective novel, both in the writing and reading. Well edited with all words spelled correctly and good grammar (very unusual nowadays.)
There is the obligatory big finish after a seemingly straightforward series of crimes. The author does an excellent job of hiding his ending but, provides one small clue to identifying the culprits.
See if you can find it!
August 14, 2023
HOLY HELL!!! WOW !!
This was another amazing entry in a superb series. Love the storytelling, excellent subject. It kept me enthralled from start to finish!! lotta action, lotta suspense and twists to boot!!
This was another amazing entry in a superb series. Love the storytelling, excellent subject. It kept me enthralled from start to finish!! lotta action, lotta suspense and twists to boot!!
March 12, 2018
Enjoyable
July 23, 2018
A quite straight forward story which was meant to have twist at the end but this became a possibility earlier. Not bad though and quite readable.
September 22, 2018
I love Chris Barry so cool and so ruthless makes me want to be a vigilante. Great story line a fantastic read about multiple personalities. I mistakenly read book 3 before 2 so it's back to 2 for me.
December 23, 2018
the first 3 books of this series have been good and with a twist at the end.
November 25, 2020
Serial killer mystery with a clever but predictable plot.
January 15, 2013
The downward trend continues which is a shame because I think CB is able to write much, much better.
From the police procedural aspect this is laughable. For example we had a possible sighting of a serial killer in a bar. The police rush there, ignore a car fleeing from the immediate area (and never bother later to check who owns a tan BMW in the city), interview none of the customers for a description, and don't bother to pick up and fingerprint the suspect's glass etc. etc.
The whole thing is as sloppy as 'The Consultant' predecessor. Anyone who doesn't guess the 'twist' before a third of the way through probably isn't paying attention. I am poor at discovering who did it in a whodunit and I knew the answer before my Kindle said 18% read which does rather detract from the tale. The idea is good but very poorly executed.
My other complaint is the dialogue, particularly between Chris and Dave, which is generally utterly banal or downright unlikely. Captain of detectives Dave 'BURST with laughter' (my capitals) after Chris said 'I get you' and nodded with a wink. Really!
There are other examples of strange word usage. Dave 'recuperated the morning paper on the front doorstep' and 'he was busy at something which impassioned him'.
The interaction between Sandy and Chris is also utterly shallow.
Occasionally bursts of unnecessary adverbs mar the prose. For example: 'greeted her brightly', 'nodded grimly', 'asked suspiciously', 'grinned sheepishly' all within a dozen lines or so. Nothing wrong with the odd adverb but when they come along in tight groups like London buses they read badly.
I shall not be buying the next in the series.
From the police procedural aspect this is laughable. For example we had a possible sighting of a serial killer in a bar. The police rush there, ignore a car fleeing from the immediate area (and never bother later to check who owns a tan BMW in the city), interview none of the customers for a description, and don't bother to pick up and fingerprint the suspect's glass etc. etc.
The whole thing is as sloppy as 'The Consultant' predecessor. Anyone who doesn't guess the 'twist' before a third of the way through probably isn't paying attention. I am poor at discovering who did it in a whodunit and I knew the answer before my Kindle said 18% read which does rather detract from the tale. The idea is good but very poorly executed.
My other complaint is the dialogue, particularly between Chris and Dave, which is generally utterly banal or downright unlikely. Captain of detectives Dave 'BURST with laughter' (my capitals) after Chris said 'I get you' and nodded with a wink. Really!
There are other examples of strange word usage. Dave 'recuperated the morning paper on the front doorstep' and 'he was busy at something which impassioned him'.
The interaction between Sandy and Chris is also utterly shallow.
Occasionally bursts of unnecessary adverbs mar the prose. For example: 'greeted her brightly', 'nodded grimly', 'asked suspiciously', 'grinned sheepishly' all within a dozen lines or so. Nothing wrong with the odd adverb but when they come along in tight groups like London buses they read badly.
I shall not be buying the next in the series.
November 26, 2012
Mind Games (VIGILANTE Series #3) Claude Bouchard
Captain Dave McCall and Chris Barry are back in the third Vigilante series. This time Dave and his special force task is investigating, gruesome sex killings. With the help from psychiatrist Dr. Samuel Bowman they hope to catch the killer.
As they get closer to the truth Chris decides to go undercover as a psychiatric patient, to try to get into the minds of a killer. As they get closer to the truth their lives are in danger, will they be able to stop this killing spree?
Fantastic, psychological thrill. I look forward to the next book by
Claude Bouchard
Captain Dave McCall and Chris Barry are back in the third Vigilante series. This time Dave and his special force task is investigating, gruesome sex killings. With the help from psychiatrist Dr. Samuel Bowman they hope to catch the killer.
As they get closer to the truth Chris decides to go undercover as a psychiatric patient, to try to get into the minds of a killer. As they get closer to the truth their lives are in danger, will they be able to stop this killing spree?
Fantastic, psychological thrill. I look forward to the next book by
Claude Bouchard
December 30, 2012
Detective McCall and computer specialist Barry are back in the third book in the "Vigilante" series. Montreal is facing a series of killings of a sexually graphic nature. The police aren't making progress using standard techniques, so Chris Barry is back in an "unofficial" capacity. This is a quick read that I didn't want to put down. The main characters in the series were well developed, but I felt that the transient characters (victims and potential killers) were superficial and stereotypical. I enjoyed the intrigue played by the mind games throughout the novel but knew the outcome early in the story. Overall, I felt that it was a good book but not as good as some of the others in the series. Still the main characters were engaging and I look forward to reading more in the series.
December 18, 2015
Claude Bouchard has done it again with this third installment of the 'Vigilante series'! The main character, Chris Barry is thrown into the mix with Captain Dave McCall as a serial killer (or killers) let loose with some nasty competition. The dialogue of the characters is surprisingly normal, sometimes humorous, and as always fantastic!
This was an outstanding read with a puzzling outcome. How many people could join up for such a horrific 'competition' and will Chris Barry succumb to the satisfaction of revenge...or will his friend, McCall finally become aware of Chris's past transgressions?
The fast pace doesn't stop and the story will keep you guessing. An absolutely great book. Well done!
This was an outstanding read with a puzzling outcome. How many people could join up for such a horrific 'competition' and will Chris Barry succumb to the satisfaction of revenge...or will his friend, McCall finally become aware of Chris's past transgressions?
The fast pace doesn't stop and the story will keep you guessing. An absolutely great book. Well done!
September 28, 2012
In another book in Buchard’s Vigilante series Captain David McCall with some off the record help from his friend Chris Barry tackle a case seemingly to involve a serial killer or killers. They are not sure which, there are disturbing similarities, but enough differences and not much in the way of clues to go on. They bring the police psychologist for help and she recommends a Dr. Bowman who specializes in treating violent criminals. Dr. Bowman has his own take on the murders, but David is doubtful of his suggestions as more killings take place. Another decent tale set in Canada and although the ending was guessed at correctly, the finish was still good.
May 29, 2013
I really enjoyed this latest in the series of Vigilante books, much more so than the last one. I removed one star for the niggling little errors in it...missing apostrophes and small words-like a or the and then push and not pushed, call and not called. Silly mistakes that an editor should be picking up and I made the same complaint in my review of his last book and they're the same in this one.
I still really like the Chris Barry character and his wife Sandy and look forward to more in the series. I did guess whodunit around a third of the way in but that didn't spoil it in any way. I'd highly recommend this set of stories. They're always fast-paced and easy reading but interesting too.
I still really like the Chris Barry character and his wife Sandy and look forward to more in the series. I did guess whodunit around a third of the way in but that didn't spoil it in any way. I'd highly recommend this set of stories. They're always fast-paced and easy reading but interesting too.
August 30, 2014
This is only the second in the series that I read, having gotten hooked on Vigilante. I was initially impressed with the author's writing ability but this one fell short. I knew immediately who was doing the killing and it kind of lost it for me; it was too predictable.
I did appreciate the author's explanation at the beginning as to how Chris got to where he was. He did a very nice synopsis of the first two books so that you really wouldn't have had to read them to understand this book. The interaction between Chris and his wife and McCall and his wife added a lot to the story. Based on others' opinions of subsequent books I may or may not check out the rest in the series.
I did appreciate the author's explanation at the beginning as to how Chris got to where he was. He did a very nice synopsis of the first two books so that you really wouldn't have had to read them to understand this book. The interaction between Chris and his wife and McCall and his wife added a lot to the story. Based on others' opinions of subsequent books I may or may not check out the rest in the series.
May 19, 2012
Claude did it again with Mind Games!
I loved this book in particular because it has so many surprises and twists and keeps you guessing! Very well written and fast paced. A hard one to put down!
This book keeps you guessing about the gruesome killings that haunt the city. One even more bloody and gory then the other. What sick people could commit such crimes? Dave McCall is on the case again to solve these vicious slayings of course aided with a little help of his friend Chris Barry!
Can you wrap your head around..
Mind Games?
I loved this book in particular because it has so many surprises and twists and keeps you guessing! Very well written and fast paced. A hard one to put down!
This book keeps you guessing about the gruesome killings that haunt the city. One even more bloody and gory then the other. What sick people could commit such crimes? Dave McCall is on the case again to solve these vicious slayings of course aided with a little help of his friend Chris Barry!
Can you wrap your head around..
Mind Games?
July 3, 2013
The Vigilante series really enlighten me! I am really surprise by each book so far! Claude Bouchard who is a Quebec-er is really now in my top writer! Chris Barry the main character with his wonderful wife Sandy keep me so hook to the plot that I keep reading these books faster and faster! I will recommend the series to everyone who really like Police-Suspense thriller and fast moving action books! Thanks to the author for sharing is talent with us and I am anxious to read the next one in the series!
March 30, 2014
This book had me hooked from the first page. I could not put it down. This is a story that fulfilled my suspense, action , drama and thrill level and beyond. Mind Games definitely made a game of challenging my mind. I adore the characters. Dr. Bowman is the ultimate character that plays the ultimate part in this story. The story itself fits beautifully with the Vigilante series. Extremely well thought out and written in a superb fashion. A definite must add to your tbr list. Highly recommended novel.
June 12, 2015
I really like that the books in this series move right along and keep me moving right along with them. I read a lot of mysteries and frequently know who-done-it long before the end of the book, but not with Mind Games. The ending was a total surprise to me. I like the characters in these books and always look forward to reading the next one. Give this series a try and see if you get hooked, too.
April 22, 2012
This series just continues to get better. At this point, it is definitely one of the series I am following. I enjoy the characters, who continue to develop and the plots are never boring or predictable.
The pacing was good with a deft touch on the misdirection, as I absolutely did not see the end coming. After the fact, I could see there were some faint indications, but they certainly were not obvious at the time.
Excellent addition to this series.
The pacing was good with a deft touch on the misdirection, as I absolutely did not see the end coming. After the fact, I could see there were some faint indications, but they certainly were not obvious at the time.
Excellent addition to this series.
August 17, 2013
Another winnner from Bouchard! I love Chris Barry and Dave McCall. I now have another favorite author. There is nothing like a book about a crazy killer out loose on the streets, killing people in gruesome ways, to keep me up late at night reading. I have read the first 2 books in the series and I am looking forward to reading the others. I am an official Vigilante addict. If you are looking for a great thriller series, this is for you.
January 21, 2015
Rated this book 4 1/2 stars. Another good on in this series, book # 3. A fast paced page turner with a surprise ending I did not see coming. The author can use some help in editing of spelling and word usage, although I realize some of the words reflect his background such as the frequent use of "enquired " which is British.
March 17, 2015
Another solid story
I liked this book well enough, but there's just something lacking for me. As with the first book, I figured out the "twist" ending/who the bad guy was. All in all the writing is good and I like the characters, but I'm just not compelled to read the rest of the series.
I liked this book well enough, but there's just something lacking for me. As with the first book, I figured out the "twist" ending/who the bad guy was. All in all the writing is good and I like the characters, but I'm just not compelled to read the rest of the series.
December 2, 2012
The ending made this book for me...There was a point a little more than half way through (for about 20 pages) that I was unsure where this was going as it seemed to slow slightly HOWEVER the ending definitely made up for it. Now to find the 4th book in Bouchard's Vigilante's Series! :)
January 22, 2013
Darn I guessed the outcome about one-fifth of the way through this book. It was really that predictable. The writing,as usual, was very good but I just cannot really enjoy a book when I've already determined the ending. I think I'll take a break from this series.
April 9, 2013
Still a fun read, but the I figured out who the villain was in the first two chapters. Needed a much thicker plot. Simply goes from crime-hero says "hmmmm"-crime-hero says "hmmmm"-crime-hero says "hmmmm" and gets a bit involved. Repeat.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews