REVIEW TOUR: IN Control by JOHN W. MEFFORD @JWMefford

Posted on October 5, 2017 by Nadene @ Totally Addicted to Reading in 2017 new release challenge, 4 stars, Beck Valley Books, Ivy Nash Series, John W. Mefford, mystery, thriller / 0 Comments








Title:  IN Control
Author: John W. Mefford
Series: (Ivy Nash) #5
Publisher: Sugar Hill Press
Source: Author via Beck Valley Book Tours 
in exchange for an honest review
Format: Ebook
Published: September 8, 2017
Genre(s): Mystery, Thriller
Pages: 330
Reading Challenges:  2017 New Release Challenge

Available to buy from….

Every book I have read by this author has been a treat for me. Since starting the Ivy Nash series, I have found myself on an extensive roller coaster ride with no apparent let up in sight.  When I heard IN Control, which is book 5 in the series, was releasing I was eager to get my hands on a copy.  You may be wondering, since this is a series, can each book be read as a stand-alone? Yes, as each book features a different case. However, to get a better understanding of the chain of events surrounding Ivy’s past then it would be best to follow the reading order.
Like the previous books in the series, IN Control was an exciting and thrilling read. The story began with what appears to be a kidnapping, but as the events, unfolded Ivy would discover there was more to the case than she originally thought. Just when she thought, things could not get any more complicated she finds herself embroiled in another case involving her best friend. At first both case appear unrelated, But the more Ivy digs she would realise both cases are connected.
The story started out with a steady pace, but as it progressed, it slowly developed, culminating in a fast-paced, adrenaline-pumping end. It may not have been as fast paced as the previous books, but there were aspects of the story that were intense and thrilling.
Secrets, both past and present drove the plot. These secrets had not only personal implications, but also national and international.  These secrets had the propensity to hurt many persons in ways they may never recover from.  Ivy found herself enmeshed in this nest of secrets. It is not a place she wanted to be, but if it meant keeping her best friend safe, she would suck it up and do what she had to do.
This is not of one of those mysteries that is easily solved. Every incident that occurred took me by surprise. It kept me guessing until the end and there were aspects of the story that kept me on the edge of my seat.
As usual, Ivy has proven to be a fearless, perceptive and determined heroine. Once she takes on a case, she puts out all the stops to ensure her client’s satisfaction. The supporting characters played their part in helping to move the story along.  I had difficulty separating the villains from the good guys. It had me wondering who was in control.  Characters from the Alex Troutt series provided assistance in this installment.
However, although I enjoyed this installment, a few things did not sit well with me. I can’t go into all the issues as this would lead to giving away the story. However, I can state the main issue I had. This had to do with the kidnappings. I am not clear about how Ivy discovered the identity of the mastermind behind the kidnappings.  I was surprised to see her questioning a character who never appeared until that moment. That aspect of the story lacked fluidity and left me scratching my head as I tried to figure out what went down.
Conclusion/Recommendation
This is a great addition to the series and I can’t wait to see what is next in store for Ivy and her friends. If you are a fan of engaging mysteries that will take you on a roller coaster ride, then you will enjoy this series. 



A child is kidnapped, sending a mother into a panicked frenzy. It’s one of a dozen such crimes across central Texas, targeting those who live behind the pristine brick walls of master planned communities.

Ivy Nash hunts the kidnappers, but she quickly sees this case morph into something else entirely different…more dangerous, more twisted than anyone could imagine.

At the same time, the father of Ivy’s long-time friend pleads with her to do what no friend would ever want. But what she learns could shatter their worlds. An international drug trafficking ring. A professional hit. And one cover-up after another.

Secrets from the past are exposed, but how can Ivy separate reality from a smokescreen of falsehoods? With lives on the line, she can’t fail. The clock is ticking…

“Rife with deceit and deception and characters that leap off the page, this story is told with confidence through a sure hand, engaging both the mind and the heart. A compelling treat.” — Steve Berry, New York Times Bestselling Author

“An intense and heart wrenching story that keeps you engaged from beginning to end.”
— Simon Wood, USA TODAY Bestselling Author of DECEPTIVE PRACTICES.

“I love the way that Mefford writes, seamlessly jumping between characters and time frames with no confusion, and he is extremely descriptive of the setting . You almost feel like you are watching a movie instead of reading a book!” — Hilary Mahoney, Elusive Red Tiger

Above reviews from An Ivy Nash Thriller, Book 1, IN Defiance

Books in the Alex Troutt Thriller Series:
AT Bay AT Large
AT Once
AT Dawn
AT Dusk
AT Last
 
Books in the Ivy Nash Thriller Series:
IN Defiance
IN Pursuit
IN Doubt
Break IN
IN Control
Coming soon….
IN The End

Q&A with author John W. Mefford: 

Q: What do the Ivy Nash Thrillers have to do with the Redemption Thriller Series?

JWM: The Ivy Nash Thrillers comprise the second sub-series in the Redemption Thriller Series. The Alex Troutt Thrillers are the first sub-series. While I’ll eventually write a series that connects the major characters and plots from all the sub-series, you don’t have to read the AT books prior to the IN books. But I have to say, the AT thrillers are darn good.

Q: So you’re saying you don’t have to read the Alex Troutt Thrillers before the Ivy Nash Thrillers?

JWM: Nope. While a few of the characters might occasionally overlap between the series, they can be read as stand-alone. And then I’ll wrap everything up in a final set of six novels that connects all of the main characters and stories from each sub-series. If you haven’t read any of the Alex Troutt thrillers yet, you can try out the first three at a pretty nice discount. Just search for Alex Troutt Box Set.

Q: Can you give some insight into how Ivy Nash might connect to Alex Troutt down the line?

JWM: Sure…and then I’ll send over a hit squad. Seriously, I’ll be sprinkling in a few clues along the way for those who pay close attention to the details, but it will all come together in that final six novels of the Redemption Thriller Series. And it will be explosive and gut-wrenching at the same time.


Q: How many different sub-series are you planning to have in the Redemption Thriller Series?

JWM: Right now, I see four sub-series in the Redemption Thriller Series, with six novels in each. It’s the most challenging and fulfilling creative endeavor I’ve undertaken. I hope you enjoy the journey.

About the Author
Amazon #1 Bestselling Author, #2 bestselling author on Barnes and Noble, and a Readers’ Favorite Gold Medal winner.

A veteran of the corporate wars, former journalist, and an astute observer of human and social behavior, John W. Mefford has been writing his debut novel since he first entered the work force almost thirty years ago, although he never put words on paper until 2009. Once he started writing, however, he couldn’t stop.

A member of International Thriller Writers, John writes novels full of electrifying suspense — the same types of books he has loved to read since before he could shave.

When he’s not writing, he chases his youth on bike or a basketball court, all while making mental notes of people and societies across the land.

“Pop on over to my WebsiteFacebook, Twitter, Google+, Goodreads and Amazon Author Page

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I received this book to review through Beck Valley Books Book Tours, I have volunteered to share my review and all the opinions are 100% my own.

NOW FOR THE AUTHOR’S GIVEAWAY
Win IN Control by John W Mefford ebook

3 Winners!!

Ending on Sunday 8th October at 11.59pm CST

Open Worldwide 


Enter HERE


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