A Deadly Influence

Abby Mullen Thrillers, Book 1

By: Mike Omer

Narrated by: Jesse Vilinsky, Fajer Al-Kaisi

Length: 13 hrs and 49 mins

Publisher's Summary

From bestselling author Mike Omer comes the first in a new series full of the psychological twists and police procedural turns that his fans have come to know and love.

Lieutenant Abby Mullen is no stranger to crisis. As the hostage negotiation instructor for the NYPD, she deals with worst-case scenarios every day. Nothing fazes her anymore.

That all changes when she gets a call from Eden Fletcher, a fellow survivor of the infamous Wilcox cult. The two haven’t spoken since the night of a tragic, fiery massacre, when their paths diverged. But now Eden needs Abby’s help: someone has kidnapped her son and is demanding a $5 million ransom. As Abby throws herself into the case, she can’t help but wonder why the kidnapper has targeted Eden. But Eden refuses to talk. She’s silent about the relics of their shared past hanging on her walls. About the kidnapper’s possible motives. About what’s happened in the years since she and Abby parted ways.

As the truth closes in, Abby realizes that her past may not be as far behind as she thought…and it’s come home to collect.

©2021 by Michael Omer. (P)2021 Brilliance Publishing Inc., all rights reserved.

Critic Reviews

“An expert ticking-clock suspenser best consumed in one prodigious gulp.” —Kirkus Reviews

“In this smart series debut from Omer…readers will eagerly await Abby’s next outing.” —Publishers Weekly 

The Narration

For us listeners of stories, the narration is basically everything. You can tell when the story begins if the narrators are going to be right or wrong for the piece. Sadly, I have to say that the narration was not picked well for this story. I'm sure the narrators are fine, hard working people so no offense to them. I couldn't get through two chapters though because the voices just weren't right for this story.

Great book but wrong narrator

I really enjoyed this book, the story was great. The female narrator, however, was wrong for this book. She sounds like a teenager and it was distracting throughout the entire book. The narration was not bad, just seemed wrong for this role.

Ending sucked

The book was well written and very thrilling up until the end. Then stopped on a cliff hanger. Unless there's a sequel it was a waste of time.

Great read..

Over all, this was a very good book but it did drone now and then. It didn't have to be over 400 pages. Also, several reviewers said it was a cliffhanger and it really wasn't, it left it open for the next book. It left you wondering who or what happened to Isaac.

In this one Nathan was kidnapped and by the end it was all cleared up and he was saved and the bad guy was captured. So, no cliffhanger.

I did like Abby and Carver, but Eden was weak and trembly the whole book. The perfect voice for an ex-cult member.

No romance and the F-bomb was used 1 time.

As for the narrators: Jesse Vilinsky and Fajer Al-Kaisi did a great job. Their emotions when they read were spot-on.

Amazing, As Always!

Excellent writing, as usual. I immediately got sucked in to the story, and it was over in no time, it left me wanting more! I can’t wait for the next one.

Intense & Riveting

Having such intense feelings and beliefs brought on by a cult leader is a frightening to say the least. The way the author brought Abby and Eden’s experiences and history together was done very well. I look forward to the next book in the series!

Great start to an excellent new series!

There are some reviews both at Audible and Amazon that complain that A Deadly Influence ends in a cliffhanger. In fact this novel ends with full resolution of the the central plot of the kidnapping of an 8 year old boy. So it does not end in a cliffhanger. After the end of the plot the author sets up the plot of the next novel in the series likely to generate interest in the next series novel which is Damaged Intentions which will be released on March 22, 2022.

Can’t wait for the next one

I love the way there were seemingly multiple story lines that weaved into one intricate main story. I love Abby’s character. Excellent new series - it’s only downfall is the cliffhanger we’re left with until next year when book 2 comes out!

Great book for today's times

This book kept us listening until the end! And that ending!!!! I need the sequel now!
This was a great story! Gives a little insight to what could happen with all of today's social media. I loved the characters; they were very real. Abby is very relatable. Can't wait to see what happens next.

Great Book waiting for the next one

I _ loved the story It kept me entertained and the and ending was great!

Warnings to all.

Wow, this was a very thought provoking novel. A really good focus on the world today.

very slow

I have tried to listen to this book several times, but the story is so drawn out.