‘Mind Set’ by LW Jones

Published by Matador,
28 July 2020.
ISBN: 978-1-83859493-0 (PB)

Lexa is a twenty-one-year-old transgender drama student and we meet her when she attends a session with therapist Doctor Anne Holiday. Lexa had been working for her at the college where she attends but has been suspended for attacking Becky, a student. The trouble is Becky's mother is a teacher at the college, so she reported it.

On the way home Lexa is approached by a mugger, she fights him off, grabs his knife and kills him. She is horrified at what she has done and dashes home. However, another shock is in store for her. When she looks in the mirror, her reflection starts talking to her. She says her name is Charlie and she is Lexa's mechanism that takes over when Lexa can't cope and stops her from going mad. She helps her out from time to time with situations she finds hard to deal with, a good example is the killing of the mugger. Charlie then appears next to her as a separate entity, Lexa tells her she wants none of it so Charlie slaps her round the face with her own hand!

Lexa then falls asleep and is aware she is on a beach. Charlie explains it as their “shared subconscious”. She wants to have her way of doing things now and again in future as she thinks Lexa is a bit of a wimp. She agrees on condition that Charlie can make her forget about the killing, but Charlie says she can only make her forget the details. Reluctantly Lexa agrees.

So begins a constant battle between what seems like good and evil as Charlie tries to take over more and more of Lexa's mind and behaviour. Things get even more fraught when another manifestation appears named Jasper, who introduces herself as a more calming influence. Charlie now does battle with two opposing characters and is more determined than ever to take over completely, but who will win?

As Lexa is pushed from one crisis to another can she come out with her mind intact? Especially when there are more murders!

I see from the book jacket that this is classed as being for “Young Adults” and was written by a young Performing Arts Student. He certainly has a very active imagination!

I found it very interesting how “inner voices” compete for dominance of the mind. We all in a sense argue with ourselves from time to time, the author just takes it that much further!

I think young people will enjoy the mental fights, sometimes quite amusing and recommend it for them especially.

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Reviewer:  Tricia Chappell

LW Jones is from Manchester, England. The author has worked with the Octagon Theatre's youth project and has studied at Bolton College. Mind Set is the author's second book.

Tricia Chappell. I have a great love of books and reading, especially crime and thrillers. I play the occasional game of golf (when I am not reading). My great love is cruising especially to far flung places, when there are long days at sea for plenty more reading! I am really enjoying reviewing books and have found lots of great new authors.