Marked (A Mindspace Investigations Novel) by Alex Hughes

Paranormal Mystery

From Goodreads:

FORESEE NO EVIL.

Freelancing for the Atlanta PD isn’t exactly a secure career; my job’s been on the line almost as much as my life. But it’s a paycheck, and it keeps me from falling back into the drug habit. Plus, things are looking up with my sometimes-partner, Cherabino, even if she is still simmering over the telepathic Link I created by accident.

When my ex, Kara, shows up begging for my help, I find myself heading to the last place I ever expected to set foot in again—Guild headquarters—to investigate the death of her uncle. Joining that group was a bad idea the first time. Going back when I’m unwanted is downright dangerous.

Luckily, the Guild needs me more than they’re willing to admit. Kara’s uncle was acting strange before he died—crazy strange. In fact, his madness seems to be slowly spreading through the Guild. And when an army of powerful telepaths loses their marbles, suddenly it’s a game of life or death.

I have been looking forward to Book 3 in the Mindspace Investigation series.  After reading it I came away with mixed feelings.  Before I go further I do want to say that this is not a series you just drop into.  Go back to the beginning and start with book one, Clean.

On the plus side Marked continued with the world building started in the first two books.  There is more background about the Tech Wars and the Guild.  Along with the world building the characters continue to be fleshed out.  Finally Adam and Cherabino start to work on their attraction, just working – nothing resolved.

On the minus side the main premise for Marked just does not make sense.  Why on earth would Adam ever go back to help the Guild.  They used him to test a drug that was very addictive and threw him out instead of helping him when that experiment left him an addicted.  I have never liked the Guild and I really had trouble believing he would every willing walk back into a situation that gave them any power over him. They have not changed - they do not treat him well this time either.

Having said all of that after I got over how stupid I though Adam was the plot was interesting.  Like Adam I would think I knew what was going on only to be fooled again and again.  I do hope the next book leaves the Guild way, way in the background.  I like Adam and did not enjoy seeing him back in the power of the Guild.

Roc published Marked by Alex Hughes in 2014.