John W. Mefford

Alex & Ozzie, Dark Horizon #4

Mr. Mefford has given Ozzie his protagonist a totally different outlook and has turned him into someone haunted and barely holding his life together. Ozzie has become an addict to ketamine. I hate what the author did to him. I loved the way Ozzie was before but admit Mr. Mefford redeemed himself by giving us a very exciting book to pass time with.

The story begins as a simple search for a missing girl that quickly unravels into a brutal conspiracy. Ozzie is pull show more into a nightmare when two hired killers deliver a warning ….All the while Alex is digging into an AI startup deeply spooking someone and now they are out to get her. Are the two cases connected?

Up to us, the readers, to find out…enjoy.

This story never takes a breather Ozzie and Alex seemed to have opposite opinions and budding heads all the time, a deferent and interesting spin to their relationship. Along the way what is in store for us are surprises and captivating twists and turns and questionable situations. The plot in this latest is by far more active than the previous stories: more bruises and cuts and no easy feat to get out of trouble and to make sure Daphne, the missing girl, is found in one piece.

We also have the presence of recurring characters to light up the mystery.

“As Good as Dead” is a riveting, edge-of-your-seat story I couldn’t stop flipping the pages till the very end…I wanted badly to find out what would happen to Ozzie.

My final words: great job Mr. Mefford keep up the good work show less

There is one glaringly, awful, horrible thing about this book: it ends! I absolutely LOVE the Ivy Nash series, and John Mefford has once again managed to top himself with this installment in the Redemption series. There are so many unexpected twists, turns, and heart pounding moments that you'll forget you're reading a book and not in the middle of a thrilling action movie. So take control and grab this book, then buckle up for a wild ride!

-reviewed for The Faerie Review

When I was first introduced to John W. Mefford’s work I did not have high expectations. However, after reading his Booker series he has joined my list of must read authors for mysteries/thrillers. Now that I am at the end of the Alex Troutt series my expectations have increased exponentially.

For me of all the books in the series, this one had the capacity to rip my heart out. It was an emotional journey for me. I can’t begin to imagine how Alex must have felt to discover that her mother show more who she believed had died 32 years ago was alive and living in a cultish community. To discover that she had been lied to all these years by the one person she thought she could trust.

The atrocities depicted in this story could literally bring a grown man to his knees. It was a stark reminder of the evils lurking in this world. As usual, the story was fast-paced and suspenseful. From the moment Alex discovered that there was a possibility that her mom is alive I was kept on the edge of my seat to the very end. In this installment, I got an in-depth view of Alex’s relationship with Brad. I liked that she finally came to terms with the age differences.

What I enjoyed about this series is that the focus is not solely on solving crimes and capturing the perpetrators. It also explores the emotional aspects. In doing this the author made it easy for me to connect with Alex on all levels throughout the duration of the series. Alex did not have things easy, but in the end, she triumphed.

I enjoyed this story, however, there was an aspect of it that I was not thrilled with. I can’t say much for fear of giving the plot away. However, what I can say is that I was disappointed with how Alex’s reunion with her mom went. For me that moment was heartbreaking. I was hoping that in the end, it would bring joy for both parties, but this was not the case. I guess we can’t always get what we wish for. Even as I sit here thinking about that scene I can’t stop the tears from flowing. I can’t imagine how they both must have felt at that precise moment.

Verdict: A Great story. A fitting end to what I consider to be a great series. I am going to miss Alex and her friends, especially Archie. Can’t wait to see what next Mr. Mefford has in store for his fans. show less

OK, I am not thrilled with the way this installment concluded. What in the hell was that? I will not go into the details at the risk of revealing spoilers, but know this; I will have to wait for the next book in the series to get the answers I so desperately need. Despite my issues with the ending, I must confess that I did enjoy this installment. The story started out with a bang and it had me hooked from that moment, then as the story unfolded, it became intense and had me on the edge of show more my seat to the very end.

In this installment, Ivy is trying to come to terms with the traumatic event that occurred in the earlier book. Her determination in preventing it from controlling her had her pouring her heart and soul in the running of her new business ECHO. Unfortunately, she is still not safe as someone is determined to take her out by any means necessary. In addition, a serial killer is making it his mission to kill persons who in some way connected with Ivy. Is the killer someone from her past? Does it have anything to do with her traumatic experience? In the midst of all this, she has taken on a case involving missing parents. Despite this not being the type of case that ECHO investigates Ivy decided to take the job, albeit reluctantly. As the story developed, it became clear that the case with the missing parents was connected to the current spate of murders.

One of the things I enjoy about the author’s books is his portrayal of the villain. Readers get a peek into the killer’s mind and trust me this is one sick individual. The manner in which he carries out his kills was morbid, definitely not for the faint of heart. The motive for the murders became clear as the story unfolded and so did the killer’s connection to Ivy. The author did a fantastic job in peeling away the layers that made up the villain, which made him a fascinating character.

I admired Ivy, a tough as nails heroine, who is determined to rise above her abusive past. However, there were times when I found her actions frustrating. For example, she was aware that she was in danger, but she refused to accept police protection. I understand her need to be tough, but I thought her refusal to acknowledge her need for protection bordered on being reckless.

The author creates a story that is not only thrilling, but also mysterious. He pulled me right into the story with his descriptive scenes, which made me feel as if were a part of the narrative. This story is dark, gritty, and filled with jaw-dropping twists.

VERDICT
If you are a fan of mysteries and thrillers, then this is a must read. Note to get a full understanding of Ivy’s life and the events that led to her current situation, then its best to read IN Defiance prior to reading this installment. show less