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Bishop Files #1
The First Prophet
Within the FBI, there exists a team of psychics whose powers cannot be denied. But these agents are feared—by a cabal of conspirators with only one weapon: to blind the psychics to the evils all around them.
Months ago Sarah Gallagher woke from a coma with psychic abilities she couldn’t control. They changed her life and cost her the man she loved. And now, someone is playing games with Sarah’s mind.
It begins with Sarah’s home being destroyed by fire—an act of arson that draws novelist Tucker Mackenzie into Sarah’s confidence. But he has other reasons for pursuing a woman who can see what others can’t. So does a mysterious enemy intent on eliminating Sarah, and everyone she cares about. Because it’s only a matter of time before her visions lead her and Tucker to a secret many will kill to hide. Only then will they begin to discover the scope of a terrifying conspiracy so deep and complex they can trust almost no one.
Months ago Sarah Gallagher woke from a coma with psychic abilities she couldn’t control. They changed her life and cost her the man she loved. And now, someone is playing games with Sarah’s mind.
It begins with Sarah’s home being destroyed by fire—an act of arson that draws novelist Tucker Mackenzie into Sarah’s confidence. But he has other reasons for pursuing a woman who can see what others can’t. So does a mysterious enemy intent on eliminating Sarah, and everyone she cares about. Because it’s only a matter of time before her visions lead her and Tucker to a secret many will kill to hide. Only then will they begin to discover the scope of a terrifying conspiracy so deep and complex they can trust almost no one.
400 pages, Paperback
First published November 27, 2012
489 people are currently reading
3194 people want to read
About the author
Kay Hooper
159Ìýbooks2,433ÌýfollowersKay Hooper (aka Kay Robbins) was born in California, in an air force base hospital since her father was stationed there at the time. The family moved back to North Carolina shortly afterward, so she was raised and went to school there.
The oldest of three children, Kay has a brother two years younger and a sister seven years younger. Her father and brother are builders who own a highly respected construction company, and her mother worked for many years in personnel management before becoming Kay's personal assistant, a position she held until her untimely death in March 2002. Kay's sister Linda works as her Business Manager, Events Coordinator, and is playing a major role in the creation and operation of The Kay Hooper Foundation.
Kay graduated from East Rutherford High School and attended Isothermal Community College � where she quickly discovered that business classes did not in any way enthrall her. Switching to more involving courses such as history and literature, she also began to concentrate on writing, which had been a longtime interest. Very quickly hooked, she asked for a Christmas typewriter and began seriously working on her first novel. That book, a Regency romance titled Lady Thief, sold to Dell Publishing in 1980. She has since published more than 60 novels and four novellas.
Kay is single and lives in a very small town in North Carolina, not far from her father and siblings. Deigning to live with her are a flock of cats � Bonnie, Ginger, Oscar, Tuffy, Felix, Renny, and Isabel � of various personalities who all like sleeping on manuscripts and whatever research happens to be spread across Kay's desk. And living amongst the many felines are two cheerfully tolerant dogs, a shelter rescue, Bandit, who looks rather like a small sheepdog, and a Sheltie named Lizzie.
The oldest of three children, Kay has a brother two years younger and a sister seven years younger. Her father and brother are builders who own a highly respected construction company, and her mother worked for many years in personnel management before becoming Kay's personal assistant, a position she held until her untimely death in March 2002. Kay's sister Linda works as her Business Manager, Events Coordinator, and is playing a major role in the creation and operation of The Kay Hooper Foundation.
Kay graduated from East Rutherford High School and attended Isothermal Community College � where she quickly discovered that business classes did not in any way enthrall her. Switching to more involving courses such as history and literature, she also began to concentrate on writing, which had been a longtime interest. Very quickly hooked, she asked for a Christmas typewriter and began seriously working on her first novel. That book, a Regency romance titled Lady Thief, sold to Dell Publishing in 1980. She has since published more than 60 novels and four novellas.
Kay is single and lives in a very small town in North Carolina, not far from her father and siblings. Deigning to live with her are a flock of cats � Bonnie, Ginger, Oscar, Tuffy, Felix, Renny, and Isabel � of various personalities who all like sleeping on manuscripts and whatever research happens to be spread across Kay's desk. And living amongst the many felines are two cheerfully tolerant dogs, a shelter rescue, Bandit, who looks rather like a small sheepdog, and a Sheltie named Lizzie.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 418 reviews
December 8, 2015
The First Prophet is the 1st book in Kay Hooper’s Bishop’s Files Series, which is linked to her FBI SCU Series.
This was an interesting story and I found the main protagonists likeable. The scenario of a sinister conspiracy that is targeting people with psychic powers is daunting and creepy and scary too.
I couldn’t make out what the book title referred to�.who was the First Prophet?
I am looking forward to continue reading this series. Psychics and their powers and how they use them to solve crimes and overcome the evil that exists in this world fascinates me.
This was an interesting story and I found the main protagonists likeable. The scenario of a sinister conspiracy that is targeting people with psychic powers is daunting and creepy and scary too.
I couldn’t make out what the book title referred to�.who was the First Prophet?
I am looking forward to continue reading this series. Psychics and their powers and how they use them to solve crimes and overcome the evil that exists in this world fascinates me.
December 8, 2012
I hope this book makes more sense in the context of the yet-to-be-written rest of the series, because as a standalone, it made virtually no sense at all. I've read most of Kay Hooper's work and this is definitely not her best showing.
The suspense was good, as always. Ms. Hooper uses an interesting plot device for much of the book where three perspectives are shown - the main character, a "good guy" and a "bad guy". If you're familiar with her Bishop/SCU books, it becomes apparent pretty quickly who is on which side. By the end of this book, you still don't know who the bad guy really is, what they want, or why you should care. The "romance" thats formed between the two obvious characters is horribly contrived because they have no chemistry whatsoever - Hooper seems to think all Bishop series books must have a romance whether it benefits the story or not.
I didn't come away from this book looking forward to the next, like I'd hoped I would. Instead, I don't have any idea where this series is going, and rather dread the thought the next book is a similarly meandering mess.
The suspense was good, as always. Ms. Hooper uses an interesting plot device for much of the book where three perspectives are shown - the main character, a "good guy" and a "bad guy". If you're familiar with her Bishop/SCU books, it becomes apparent pretty quickly who is on which side. By the end of this book, you still don't know who the bad guy really is, what they want, or why you should care. The "romance" thats formed between the two obvious characters is horribly contrived because they have no chemistry whatsoever - Hooper seems to think all Bishop series books must have a romance whether it benefits the story or not.
I didn't come away from this book looking forward to the next, like I'd hoped I would. Instead, I don't have any idea where this series is going, and rather dread the thought the next book is a similarly meandering mess.
February 21, 2013
2.5 stars. I was very excited that a new Bishop series was starting. The last trilogy didn't thrill me but I hoped Kay Hooper would be building something better. First off, Bishop and his team do not appear in the book except for a letter in the beginning and a short part in the end. A huge disappointment but I soldiered on.
Sarah woke up from a coma with psychic abilities. She can sense people, feel things, and see the future. She has no control over either. Tucker is an author who has little faith in psychics but has spent much of his life looking for one he can trust so he can learn the truth about someone he cares about. He looked for her and she knew he was coming and they meet at the scene of her house burning to the ground. From then on they are together, Sarah believing what she sees is set by fate and Tucker believing what she sees is a sign that can be changed due to free will.
The bad guys are after Sarah and she doesn't know why so Tucker and Sarah go on the run. The bad guys are extremely powerful and have systematically been killing psychics. Tracking Sarah and Tucker are also the good guys. They eventually meet up with the good guys, there is a minor showdown the good guys both win and lose and it's acknowledged that they are engaged in a war and that was just the beginning.
Three things bothered me about the story.
1-the size and secrecy of the bad guy conspiracy. I did not expect a full disclosure, this is a series after all, but too little was revealed the fact it is all knowing with a league of minions just seemed too much. We don't even really know what they want.
2- the continual theme that fate has been set and nothing will change it. Basically there is no free will. If that is the case, why bother with any of it?
3-Sarah as a whole. I never really cared about her character and her personality was off putting in one way or another the whole time. When she becomes a super psychic they believe will eventually save the day I could do nothing but roll my eyes. Much to fantastic for me.
I was also irked the print version is a larger 9.99 size and not a less expensive MMPB. But I did not factor that in the review.
It wasn't a bad story, plenty of potential. I'll probably read the next one to see if it's better now that the bones have been set up but I am missing the Kay Hooper of old.
Sarah woke up from a coma with psychic abilities. She can sense people, feel things, and see the future. She has no control over either. Tucker is an author who has little faith in psychics but has spent much of his life looking for one he can trust so he can learn the truth about someone he cares about. He looked for her and she knew he was coming and they meet at the scene of her house burning to the ground. From then on they are together, Sarah believing what she sees is set by fate and Tucker believing what she sees is a sign that can be changed due to free will.
The bad guys are after Sarah and she doesn't know why so Tucker and Sarah go on the run. The bad guys are extremely powerful and have systematically been killing psychics. Tracking Sarah and Tucker are also the good guys. They eventually meet up with the good guys, there is a minor showdown the good guys both win and lose and it's acknowledged that they are engaged in a war and that was just the beginning.
Three things bothered me about the story.
1-the size and secrecy of the bad guy conspiracy. I did not expect a full disclosure, this is a series after all, but too little was revealed the fact it is all knowing with a league of minions just seemed too much. We don't even really know what they want.
2- the continual theme that fate has been set and nothing will change it. Basically there is no free will. If that is the case, why bother with any of it?
3-Sarah as a whole. I never really cared about her character and her personality was off putting in one way or another the whole time. When she becomes a super psychic they believe will eventually save the day I could do nothing but roll my eyes. Much to fantastic for me.
I was also irked the print version is a larger 9.99 size and not a less expensive MMPB. But I did not factor that in the review.
It wasn't a bad story, plenty of potential. I'll probably read the next one to see if it's better now that the bones have been set up but I am missing the Kay Hooper of old.
January 20, 2013
4 STARS
The First Prophet is book 1 of the Bishop Files.
I liked the story but it was confusing on who are the good guys and bad guys. Even with the first book read I am not totally sure of the answer.
I was expecting to see more of Bishop and gang in this book than we did see.
I liked the characters and thier journey they went through it should be interesting to see where the next two books reveal. Hopefully they will come out sooner than later.
This was my book of the month selection. Lots of drama,action as they try and figure out who is following Sarah Gallagher around, what do they want with her. They already burned her house down and she barely made it out alive.
Writer Tucker has been looking for a psychic for years to help him find someone. He really does not believe in them. In fact he has proved some were fakes. He arrives while her house is burning down and feels like he needs to watch over her when he finds out someone has been watching her and her house fire was arson.
The First Prophet is book 1 of the Bishop Files.
I liked the story but it was confusing on who are the good guys and bad guys. Even with the first book read I am not totally sure of the answer.
I was expecting to see more of Bishop and gang in this book than we did see.
I liked the characters and thier journey they went through it should be interesting to see where the next two books reveal. Hopefully they will come out sooner than later.
This was my book of the month selection. Lots of drama,action as they try and figure out who is following Sarah Gallagher around, what do they want with her. They already burned her house down and she barely made it out alive.
Writer Tucker has been looking for a psychic for years to help him find someone. He really does not believe in them. In fact he has proved some were fakes. He arrives while her house is burning down and feels like he needs to watch over her when he finds out someone has been watching her and her house fire was arson.
January 19, 2013
Ok I adore Kay Hooper books. I'm addicted to the bishop series. This book was advertised as a bishop file. I truly liked both of the main characters- but I soon became annoyed with the shrouded mystery of who and why. I had a hard time keeping up with who was the bad guy, who was talking and a big basic wth is going on. I'm all about clues and leading the reader, but few of my questions were ever answered. This book may have been more enjoyable if I understood the who and the why.
As a devoted fan of this author, I will keep reading this series and hopefully my questions will be answered.
Frustrated....
January 2, 2013
I usually love Kay Hooper's novels. Once I start one it is hard to put it down and the story just sucks you in. Unfortunately, this is the 1st novel I have read by Kay Hooper that I thought was blah. I was expecting a fast paced suspense story that focused on Bishop, Miranda, the SCU, and Haven. "The First Prophet" completely focused on new characters and some of the people in Bishop's network (probably not in the SCU or Haven). I found the story was slow and there were too many characters introduced. Honestly, I simply couldn't focus on what was going on because I was trying to figure out what characters were being introduced and how important they were to the plot I am looking forward to Ms. Hooper's next installment in The Bishop Series. Hopefully, she'll go back to Bishop and The SCU or Haven as the focus.
November 14, 2012
First Prophet: Kay Hooper
The Special Crimes Unit or Haven is unique to that of others. Psychics have different powers that they utilize to either predict or forecast events, some have precognitive or telepathic abilities while others can feel emotions or even heal. As you read this transcript submitted by Noah Bishop, Unit Chief of the Special Crimes Unit, FBI you will learn about a young woman whose life was taken and whose identity no longer exists but although she is gone her physical body is still here. Within this unit there are many whose powers are strong and whose existence is feared. There is a group of conspirators out to destroy these people, blind them from doing eliminating the world from evil. The author introduces Brodie and Duran and we hear the voice of the young girl whose life is in danger and who these people are hunting. As we listen to her voice as she explains that the voices she hears want to control her and kill her the two men with her try to prevent it but can they? Fear, dreams that are so vivid that they foretell what just might come. Watching from a distance and hearing her words and then the end result would cost more than just her life.
Sarah Ferguson lost everything in a fire. Her home destroyed. After being in a coma for quite some time awakening with psychic powers that she needs to learn how to control. As we get to know her we also meet Tucker Mackenzie, a writer at the scene of the fire and whose life is about to intertwine with Sarah’s. An instant connection that bonds them together from the start we learn more about Sarah, her psychic abilities, and her cryptic personality and her assessment of what happened. With a detective on the case she limits the amount of information that she shares and then decides to enlist Tucker’s help to take her to a safe location. But, there is someone watching her every move. There is someone that lurks in the darkness and in corners and although she knows he is there she refuses to do anything about it. In her dreams and visions she sees Tucker and realized he would play a part in her life but more in watching her death. But, as they continue to talk they discuss the possibility of fate and whether you can control or change yours. When Sarah sees her own grave does that mean she will die? What about the tombstone that is engraved? When Tucker asks her to think about her destiny and choices can she change what she thinks might happen? What about the predictions she made in the past?
Enter Josh Long and Brodie who are working together to piece together who might have set the fire to Sarah’s house, where she might be and how they can gain access to her. Just how many people want her remains to be seen and how she will fit into the Special Crimes Unit has not been revealed. Psychics see the event and when it happens they can control the final outcome. Does Sarah feel responsible for the premature birth of a child, the death of the man she thought she loved or the fire in Chicago that killed forty people? This story leaves us with many questions that we often ask ourselves: Can we control our destiny or fate? Can we stop something bad from happening? When we are born are lives are already mapped out and our destiny determined but the choices and decisions we made can alter where life takes us in a negative or positive way. What role will Tucker have and will he believe in her powers? What about the people who are after her? Just who are they and what is their agenda?
As Tucker and Sarah begin to analyze her waking nightmares she reveals the vision that is creating the intense fear within her and what she thinks might be a close friend’s final fate. Shadows, figures, voices, precognitive abilities- just some of what comprises the life Sarah is living and the psychic powers that have taken over her life. Thinking that she was responsible for the early birth of a child, a fire in Chicago that killer forty and other minor predictions that came true Sarah is consumed with fear and thinks that one particular vision her death is irreversible until Tucker explains that what she thinks might happen can be changed and that her destiny might not be the reality that foretold.
Decisions and choices are our path to where we wind up and the twists and turns in our lives take us to our many different destinations. A psychic sees what will happen and might be able to affect the end result. Did her predictions really cause these negative outcomes? Can Sarah be the master of her own fate? Just who are these people that are searching for her and want to hurt her? So many players as we learn that one person that she thought she could trust is the one person that is out to help capture her.
There are several psychics that are watching everything they are doing and there are others that seem to know where she is at any given time. As Tucker accesses the net and learns about the deaths and disappearances of many psychics. Each disappearance or death seemingly accidental or coincidental. The question at hand is why this is being done and then finding out who.
As Sarah and Tucker move to another location they cannot seem to escape unnoticed. Computer messages, flowers left in their hotel room despite the Do Not Disturb Sign Posted, psychics killed and others just disappearing and the two groups seem to be aware of each other but just who are they are why are they so interested in Sarah? What makes her so dangerous to them and what is their reason for wanting to capture her? What is their final plan? Author Kay Hooper takes the reader inside the mind of many different psychics to help crystallize the different types of visions, predictions and readings that are not only attributed to Sarah but others too.
Sarah finds herself face to face with a man whose life ended when he gave up his soul to live. Just what do these people want to do with her and how many more will disappear as one little boy vanishes and another woman is killed. The danger heightens and they take Tucker and Sarah needs to find the answers on her own. Do her visions seeing her own death mean that she will have a change in her life? What happens if they catch up with her? How will she find Tucker?
“In religion, a prophet is an individual who is claimed to have been contacted by the supernatural or the divine, and to speak for them, serving as an intermediary with humanity, delivering this newfound knowledge from the supernatural entity to other people. The message that the prophet conveys is called a prophecy. In the late 20th century the appellation of prophet has been used to refer to individuals particularly successful at analysis in the field of economics, such as in the derogatory prophet of greed. Alternatively, social commentators who suggest escalating crisis are often called prophets of doom.� The ending will send chills down your spine as Sarah learns the truth behind what has happened and one life is lost and another stolen by the other side. As the Special Crimes Unit closes the file and their assessment of the events we just learned about discussed we know that somewhere within their organization there is a traitor that needs to be stopped. Just who it is and what they plan next for Sarah and Tucker remains to be seen. The tension builds until the very end and the surprise ending and the many twists in the plot will keep the reader glued to the printed page. What is the fate of the psychics and what happens when they arrive at the other side? Only author Kay Hooper can answer that question and that will come with the next book. Which side wins and which one loses? Read The First Prophet and hopefully you will learn as you hear the voices, live the visions and endure the waking nightmares along with Sarah.
Fran Lewis: Reviewer
The Special Crimes Unit or Haven is unique to that of others. Psychics have different powers that they utilize to either predict or forecast events, some have precognitive or telepathic abilities while others can feel emotions or even heal. As you read this transcript submitted by Noah Bishop, Unit Chief of the Special Crimes Unit, FBI you will learn about a young woman whose life was taken and whose identity no longer exists but although she is gone her physical body is still here. Within this unit there are many whose powers are strong and whose existence is feared. There is a group of conspirators out to destroy these people, blind them from doing eliminating the world from evil. The author introduces Brodie and Duran and we hear the voice of the young girl whose life is in danger and who these people are hunting. As we listen to her voice as she explains that the voices she hears want to control her and kill her the two men with her try to prevent it but can they? Fear, dreams that are so vivid that they foretell what just might come. Watching from a distance and hearing her words and then the end result would cost more than just her life.
Sarah Ferguson lost everything in a fire. Her home destroyed. After being in a coma for quite some time awakening with psychic powers that she needs to learn how to control. As we get to know her we also meet Tucker Mackenzie, a writer at the scene of the fire and whose life is about to intertwine with Sarah’s. An instant connection that bonds them together from the start we learn more about Sarah, her psychic abilities, and her cryptic personality and her assessment of what happened. With a detective on the case she limits the amount of information that she shares and then decides to enlist Tucker’s help to take her to a safe location. But, there is someone watching her every move. There is someone that lurks in the darkness and in corners and although she knows he is there she refuses to do anything about it. In her dreams and visions she sees Tucker and realized he would play a part in her life but more in watching her death. But, as they continue to talk they discuss the possibility of fate and whether you can control or change yours. When Sarah sees her own grave does that mean she will die? What about the tombstone that is engraved? When Tucker asks her to think about her destiny and choices can she change what she thinks might happen? What about the predictions she made in the past?
Enter Josh Long and Brodie who are working together to piece together who might have set the fire to Sarah’s house, where she might be and how they can gain access to her. Just how many people want her remains to be seen and how she will fit into the Special Crimes Unit has not been revealed. Psychics see the event and when it happens they can control the final outcome. Does Sarah feel responsible for the premature birth of a child, the death of the man she thought she loved or the fire in Chicago that killed forty people? This story leaves us with many questions that we often ask ourselves: Can we control our destiny or fate? Can we stop something bad from happening? When we are born are lives are already mapped out and our destiny determined but the choices and decisions we made can alter where life takes us in a negative or positive way. What role will Tucker have and will he believe in her powers? What about the people who are after her? Just who are they and what is their agenda?
As Tucker and Sarah begin to analyze her waking nightmares she reveals the vision that is creating the intense fear within her and what she thinks might be a close friend’s final fate. Shadows, figures, voices, precognitive abilities- just some of what comprises the life Sarah is living and the psychic powers that have taken over her life. Thinking that she was responsible for the early birth of a child, a fire in Chicago that killer forty and other minor predictions that came true Sarah is consumed with fear and thinks that one particular vision her death is irreversible until Tucker explains that what she thinks might happen can be changed and that her destiny might not be the reality that foretold.
Decisions and choices are our path to where we wind up and the twists and turns in our lives take us to our many different destinations. A psychic sees what will happen and might be able to affect the end result. Did her predictions really cause these negative outcomes? Can Sarah be the master of her own fate? Just who are these people that are searching for her and want to hurt her? So many players as we learn that one person that she thought she could trust is the one person that is out to help capture her.
There are several psychics that are watching everything they are doing and there are others that seem to know where she is at any given time. As Tucker accesses the net and learns about the deaths and disappearances of many psychics. Each disappearance or death seemingly accidental or coincidental. The question at hand is why this is being done and then finding out who.
As Sarah and Tucker move to another location they cannot seem to escape unnoticed. Computer messages, flowers left in their hotel room despite the Do Not Disturb Sign Posted, psychics killed and others just disappearing and the two groups seem to be aware of each other but just who are they are why are they so interested in Sarah? What makes her so dangerous to them and what is their reason for wanting to capture her? What is their final plan? Author Kay Hooper takes the reader inside the mind of many different psychics to help crystallize the different types of visions, predictions and readings that are not only attributed to Sarah but others too.
Sarah finds herself face to face with a man whose life ended when he gave up his soul to live. Just what do these people want to do with her and how many more will disappear as one little boy vanishes and another woman is killed. The danger heightens and they take Tucker and Sarah needs to find the answers on her own. Do her visions seeing her own death mean that she will have a change in her life? What happens if they catch up with her? How will she find Tucker?
“In religion, a prophet is an individual who is claimed to have been contacted by the supernatural or the divine, and to speak for them, serving as an intermediary with humanity, delivering this newfound knowledge from the supernatural entity to other people. The message that the prophet conveys is called a prophecy. In the late 20th century the appellation of prophet has been used to refer to individuals particularly successful at analysis in the field of economics, such as in the derogatory prophet of greed. Alternatively, social commentators who suggest escalating crisis are often called prophets of doom.� The ending will send chills down your spine as Sarah learns the truth behind what has happened and one life is lost and another stolen by the other side. As the Special Crimes Unit closes the file and their assessment of the events we just learned about discussed we know that somewhere within their organization there is a traitor that needs to be stopped. Just who it is and what they plan next for Sarah and Tucker remains to be seen. The tension builds until the very end and the surprise ending and the many twists in the plot will keep the reader glued to the printed page. What is the fate of the psychics and what happens when they arrive at the other side? Only author Kay Hooper can answer that question and that will come with the next book. Which side wins and which one loses? Read The First Prophet and hopefully you will learn as you hear the voices, live the visions and endure the waking nightmares along with Sarah.
Fran Lewis: Reviewer
September 9, 2021
is my second book by paranormal thriller writer, and the 1st book in her Bishop Files series. There is a bit of Dean Koontz in the style, but the stories are unique in their own right.
Psychics are disappearing in the US and there seem to be two competing organizations battling each other, one of shadows, who are killing &or kidnapping them the other, which may be connected to the US government (it's unclear, at least to me), which is monitoring and trying to save psychics. Their record isn't great as the 'shadow' organization seems to have much better resources; both financially and in personnel.
The story revolves around Sarah Gallagher. Sarah is a newfound psychic, gaining her powers after being struck in the head. She is an antique dealer in Virginia and is being monitored by both organizations. At the beginning, her house is burned down and a local author, Tucker MacKenzie, gets involved in trying to protect Sarah. He does have ulterior motives which become apparent later on.
Tucker and Sarah go on a road trip to get away from her followers, also to maybe find Sarah's destiny. Along the way there will be further attacks and incidents, as well, we will see further attacks on other psychics. The shadow organization seems to be one step ahead at all times; do they use their own psychics? The 'good guys' are always one step behind. (And who the heck is Bishop???) As the story progresses, Sarah becomes more confident with her powers; it seems she's got something special.
It's a very interesting story, an neat concept and characters I like, especially the main two. The ending is satisfying, although it does leave you with questions that reading future books will be needed to resolve the whole overarching story-line. Basic questions even like, who are the bad guys and who are the good guys? And who is Bishop!!! An enjoyable, action - packed, thriller. (3.5 stars)
Psychics are disappearing in the US and there seem to be two competing organizations battling each other, one of shadows, who are killing &or kidnapping them the other, which may be connected to the US government (it's unclear, at least to me), which is monitoring and trying to save psychics. Their record isn't great as the 'shadow' organization seems to have much better resources; both financially and in personnel.
The story revolves around Sarah Gallagher. Sarah is a newfound psychic, gaining her powers after being struck in the head. She is an antique dealer in Virginia and is being monitored by both organizations. At the beginning, her house is burned down and a local author, Tucker MacKenzie, gets involved in trying to protect Sarah. He does have ulterior motives which become apparent later on.
Tucker and Sarah go on a road trip to get away from her followers, also to maybe find Sarah's destiny. Along the way there will be further attacks and incidents, as well, we will see further attacks on other psychics. The shadow organization seems to be one step ahead at all times; do they use their own psychics? The 'good guys' are always one step behind. (And who the heck is Bishop???) As the story progresses, Sarah becomes more confident with her powers; it seems she's got something special.
It's a very interesting story, an neat concept and characters I like, especially the main two. The ending is satisfying, although it does leave you with questions that reading future books will be needed to resolve the whole overarching story-line. Basic questions even like, who are the bad guys and who are the good guys? And who is Bishop!!! An enjoyable, action - packed, thriller. (3.5 stars)
September 29, 2019
Sarah Gallagher is a new psychic, triggered by a car accident. She can now see the future and has a bit of clairvoyance as well. But now she's being watched and she's sure someone is out to either kill her or abduct her, but she doesn't know who and she has no idea why. Tucker finds her outside her house which has just been burned down. He has his own agenda and a suspicious nature about psychics, but wants Sarah's help in tracking someone down. He quickly becomes invested in Sarah's future because sticking with her can convince him she's for real...and possibly save her life.
This is much more close to the old school Kay Hooper that I so enjoyed for Out of the Shadows and Blood Ties. Of course, that makes sense, since this was published just before I noticed the Bishop Series books losing their magic. This has the suspense and the mystery for sure. No twists really in the end because the cast isn't hunting down one killer but fighting an dastardly organization . One of the downsides to this story though is how confusing things are...there's so many little chapters of dialogues and monologues without names and mentions of whose doing what and it's really hard to keep straight who the good guys are and who the bad guys are. Also, there's definitely a solid romance between Sarah and Tucker that engaged me - I really liked them. Sarah was a bit on the depressed side for a good part of the book, but it's understandable, and she finds her strength in the end. Tucker was overcoming his guilt through Sarah, but that shifted for him as well. Overall good read...let's see if the rest of this mini-series can meet or exceed this standard.
This is much more close to the old school Kay Hooper that I so enjoyed for Out of the Shadows and Blood Ties. Of course, that makes sense, since this was published just before I noticed the Bishop Series books losing their magic. This has the suspense and the mystery for sure. No twists really in the end because the cast isn't hunting down one killer but fighting an dastardly organization . One of the downsides to this story though is how confusing things are...there's so many little chapters of dialogues and monologues without names and mentions of whose doing what and it's really hard to keep straight who the good guys are and who the bad guys are. Also, there's definitely a solid romance between Sarah and Tucker that engaged me - I really liked them. Sarah was a bit on the depressed side for a good part of the book, but it's understandable, and she finds her strength in the end. Tucker was overcoming his guilt through Sarah, but that shifted for him as well. Overall good read...let's see if the rest of this mini-series can meet or exceed this standard.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 30, 2019
I have no idea how to write this review. While the concept is a great idea, the execution was lacking. I understood that psychics were disappearing or being killed. I also understood that there was more one group interested in these psychics. That is where it ends. I have no idea who the good guys or bad guys are. I also haven't a clue why they are targeting these psychics. The whole book was just confusing and a mishmash of theories with no real reveals. There is no conclusion either. It just ends with no wrap up. I understand that authors like to leave some info for the next book in the series but this author wrapped nothing up. The reader is left with nothing at the end but confusion. I really doubt that I will read another one.
September 10, 2019
Im DNF'ing this book with no intention to return to it later. Quite frankly, life is too short for me to read a book i don't like.
I got a little over 100 pages in here. The story line just didn't do it for me. A psychic has a fire happen at her house, then someone she works with almost gets crushed by some furniture. But there's about 20 other people (this is an exaggeration) named in this book and I'm not following it to be honest.
She decides because she had a vision that someone was around when she died, she allows this man to sleep in the house with her. Even though she's never met him. WHAT?! I can't with this. She doesn't know this man. So why? Why are you letting him sleep in your house?
I did not enjoy this and I will not be finishing this series.
I got a little over 100 pages in here. The story line just didn't do it for me. A psychic has a fire happen at her house, then someone she works with almost gets crushed by some furniture. But there's about 20 other people (this is an exaggeration) named in this book and I'm not following it to be honest.
She decides because she had a vision that someone was around when she died, she allows this man to sleep in the house with her. Even though she's never met him. WHAT?! I can't with this. She doesn't know this man. So why? Why are you letting him sleep in your house?
I did not enjoy this and I will not be finishing this series.
May 3, 2018
DNF...too dry and slow for me
March 4, 2013
The First Prophet is the first book in a new Bishop Files Novel trilogy. Kay Hooper's new offering is stunning in her ability to continually come up with fresh new stories in this fascinating series about a psychic department within the FBI. That being said, that psychic department rarely comes up in the book, although a couple of characters do show up off and on.
The First Prophet introduces us to Sarah Gallagher, a woman newly awakened to her psychic abilities.
The backliner reads:
Months ago Sarah Gallagher woke from a coma with psychic abilities she couldn't control. They changed her life and cost her the man she loved. And now, someone is playing games with Sarah’s mind.
It begins with Sarah’s home being destroyed by fire—an act of arson that draws novelist Tucker Mackenzie into Sarah’s confidence. But he has other reasons for pursuing a woman who can see what others can’t. So does a mysterious enemy intent on eliminating Sarah, and everyone she cares about. Because it’s only a matter of time before her visions lead her and Tucker to a secret many will kill to hide. Only then will they begin to discover the scope of a terrifying conspiracy so deep and complex they can trust almost no one.
Readers not familiar with the three book arc of a trilogy could grow impatient because the true magnitude of the bad guy is not yet reached by the end of the book, nor have we learned enough about Sara and Tucker. However, I'm not one of those readers and I thought it was well done.
The organization, whomever that may be, killing psychics across the nation is after Sara Gallagher. Teaming up with Tucker Mackenzie, the two flee across the nation barely a step ahead of the bad guys, while Sarah's powers continue to grow. By the time I reached the book's end, I knew Hooper had created yet another madman who was sure to keep me awake a few nights. There's just something about an insane man controlling insane psychics that just makes me shiver.
As is usual when I open a Kay Hooper book, I turned the last page at 2:00 a.m. The First Prophet takes its place on my bookshelf along with the other 102 novels she's written. Had her publicist not sent it to me for review, I'd have carved the money out of the budget and found a way to buy it. Kay Hooper is just that good.
The First Prophet receives 4 out of 5 stars, I would like to have seen the relationship between Tucker and Sara more fully developed but am holding out hope we'll see more of that in the second book.
The First Prophet introduces us to Sarah Gallagher, a woman newly awakened to her psychic abilities.
The backliner reads:
Months ago Sarah Gallagher woke from a coma with psychic abilities she couldn't control. They changed her life and cost her the man she loved. And now, someone is playing games with Sarah’s mind.
It begins with Sarah’s home being destroyed by fire—an act of arson that draws novelist Tucker Mackenzie into Sarah’s confidence. But he has other reasons for pursuing a woman who can see what others can’t. So does a mysterious enemy intent on eliminating Sarah, and everyone she cares about. Because it’s only a matter of time before her visions lead her and Tucker to a secret many will kill to hide. Only then will they begin to discover the scope of a terrifying conspiracy so deep and complex they can trust almost no one.
Readers not familiar with the three book arc of a trilogy could grow impatient because the true magnitude of the bad guy is not yet reached by the end of the book, nor have we learned enough about Sara and Tucker. However, I'm not one of those readers and I thought it was well done.
The organization, whomever that may be, killing psychics across the nation is after Sara Gallagher. Teaming up with Tucker Mackenzie, the two flee across the nation barely a step ahead of the bad guys, while Sarah's powers continue to grow. By the time I reached the book's end, I knew Hooper had created yet another madman who was sure to keep me awake a few nights. There's just something about an insane man controlling insane psychics that just makes me shiver.
As is usual when I open a Kay Hooper book, I turned the last page at 2:00 a.m. The First Prophet takes its place on my bookshelf along with the other 102 novels she's written. Had her publicist not sent it to me for review, I'd have carved the money out of the budget and found a way to buy it. Kay Hooper is just that good.
The First Prophet receives 4 out of 5 stars, I would like to have seen the relationship between Tucker and Sara more fully developed but am holding out hope we'll see more of that in the second book.
February 21, 2014
I have literally read every single Kay Hooper book and have thought they were all pretty good. This one I would not classify in that category. It was horrible! There were many problems I had with this book.
Let's start with the storyline. I am all for a relationship being built and the story revolving around them, but for some reason I don't think the two main characters in this book meshed well.. at all! First off they met on like page 5 then were attached at the hip through the entire book. I just found that unbelievable. Not only that, but they didn't seem to get along to me. I felt like there was this huge chasm between the two that didn't equal love interest.
Next problem is the characters. There were a ton of them! I could not for the life of me keep track of all of them. Not only that but Hooper was attempting to be vague and mysterious about certain characters, but all that did was confuse the crap out of me, which then led to both frustration and anger. I don't mind characters but don't be so vague that I have no idea who you are talking about or who is on the good/bad side. I wasn't able to follow at all.
The only reason I finished the book was because of my OCD causing me to finish everything I start. I was not into this book at all. Even the storyline wasn't that great. I would recommend steering clear of this book.
Let's start with the storyline. I am all for a relationship being built and the story revolving around them, but for some reason I don't think the two main characters in this book meshed well.. at all! First off they met on like page 5 then were attached at the hip through the entire book. I just found that unbelievable. Not only that, but they didn't seem to get along to me. I felt like there was this huge chasm between the two that didn't equal love interest.
Next problem is the characters. There were a ton of them! I could not for the life of me keep track of all of them. Not only that but Hooper was attempting to be vague and mysterious about certain characters, but all that did was confuse the crap out of me, which then led to both frustration and anger. I don't mind characters but don't be so vague that I have no idea who you are talking about or who is on the good/bad side. I wasn't able to follow at all.
The only reason I finished the book was because of my OCD causing me to finish everything I start. I was not into this book at all. Even the storyline wasn't that great. I would recommend steering clear of this book.
May 2, 2013
I like Kay Hooper and her Haven and Bishop FBI novels. This is a related book in a new series, but Bishop and his unit, and Haven characters just pop in.
This book is suspenseful, and maybe scary, but a little to hard to follow. Too many storylines that don't actually tie together til the last pages.
Sarah Gallagher has an accident, and begins having psychic events. Five months later she is becoming more prescient, more telepathic and someone wants her dead.
Tucker Mackenzie is a bestselling author looking for a psychic who can tell him what happened to an ex-girlfriend pregnant with his child whom he left at the altar when he was 18.
The two meet when he drives up as her house burns down. She tells him something that makes him think she is the real thing, and he finds himself saving her from this person or group that is killing psychics.
The main problem with this story is its hard to tell the good guys from the bad guys since everyone is so hush hush about everything.
The end left lots dangling.
Yes, the suspense was satisfying, the romance was OK, but all in all a disappointment.
This book is suspenseful, and maybe scary, but a little to hard to follow. Too many storylines that don't actually tie together til the last pages.
Sarah Gallagher has an accident, and begins having psychic events. Five months later she is becoming more prescient, more telepathic and someone wants her dead.
Tucker Mackenzie is a bestselling author looking for a psychic who can tell him what happened to an ex-girlfriend pregnant with his child whom he left at the altar when he was 18.
The two meet when he drives up as her house burns down. She tells him something that makes him think she is the real thing, and he finds himself saving her from this person or group that is killing psychics.
The main problem with this story is its hard to tell the good guys from the bad guys since everyone is so hush hush about everything.
The end left lots dangling.
Yes, the suspense was satisfying, the romance was OK, but all in all a disappointment.
December 30, 2012
Overall I liked it...I typically love her psychic thriller's. This one didn't make me sit down and drop everything to read like her regular Bishop novel ones do. That is why I gave it 4 stars. I liked the characters and I liked where it went. I liked where she took it with Miranda and Bishop in the end but I would liked to have seen more of them since I only wanted to read it for the Bishop factor.
The main characters in this book were okay. I didn't fall in love with them right away...it took me about half the book to be sold on their dynamic. I did like the bad guys and the conspiracy they created.... I also liked the whole traitor aspect. I thought the plot was good along with where the series can go based on all of this little psychic world.
Overall it was decent. Like I said it didn't make me sit down and read start to finish but I was interested the whole way.
The main characters in this book were okay. I didn't fall in love with them right away...it took me about half the book to be sold on their dynamic. I did like the bad guys and the conspiracy they created.... I also liked the whole traitor aspect. I thought the plot was good along with where the series can go based on all of this little psychic world.
Overall it was decent. Like I said it didn't make me sit down and read start to finish but I was interested the whole way.
December 1, 2012
This was a good mystery: just the right amount of suspense and action to keep me on the edge of my seat.
However.
It was a mystery. Mystery. Do you remember when Hooper was starting out and her stories were paranormal romantic suspense to make it seem plausible?
I miss those early stories. Lately, it seems like she is going away from the romance spectrum and heading towards the conspiracy fiction. Not a bad genre but not one I enjoy and want to read. Throwing in a lone "romantic" scene 50 pages near the end and having the characters declare their love for one another doesn't make this a romance.
She use to be on my keeper shelf but I haven't purchased a book from her since Blood Dreams.
She's a good writer and this is a thrilling story but not for me.
However.
It was a mystery. Mystery. Do you remember when Hooper was starting out and her stories were paranormal romantic suspense to make it seem plausible?
I miss those early stories. Lately, it seems like she is going away from the romance spectrum and heading towards the conspiracy fiction. Not a bad genre but not one I enjoy and want to read. Throwing in a lone "romantic" scene 50 pages near the end and having the characters declare their love for one another doesn't make this a romance.
She use to be on my keeper shelf but I haven't purchased a book from her since Blood Dreams.
She's a good writer and this is a thrilling story but not for me.
February 28, 2015
First book in Hooper's "Bishop Files" series. There could have been some really interesting characters, but too many were introduced (especially for a first book) too quickly without much to distinguish between them.
The relationship between the two main characters was not believable and the female protagonist, especially, was bland. The story would've been much more interesting if there would have been some emotional and physical development between the two, rather than have them just hang in the center of the story while one thing after another is thrown at them.
The relationship between the two main characters was not believable and the female protagonist, especially, was bland. The story would've been much more interesting if there would have been some emotional and physical development between the two, rather than have them just hang in the center of the story while one thing after another is thrown at them.
December 6, 2012
This is the first in a new series for Kay Hooper. Ms Hooper is one of my favorite writers and I really enjoy her books. You'll can hear the "BUT", right? Her last few books have been "save the world" type deals. FOR ME (please note the previous two words) that gets old real quick. I much prefer smaller scale trouble. That said, this was still a good read. I have in no way given up on Ms Hooper. I am hoping that she is working toward something here and not changing her style completely.
February 3, 2013
I'm generally a fan of Hooper for some light reading, and I may or may not (read: I do) fangirl over Noah Bishop appearances in the novels. That was my primary reason for reading this one, apparently. It was good, but my real interest lies in the FBI characters, who aren't in this one. I'm sure there's an interesting tie in upcoming but until then, I really got the feeling this was just a warm up. A nice warm up, but not as much fun as the other Hooper novels I've read.
July 22, 2020
Well, I'll say it was a pretty decent read. Still not sure where it fits into the SCU timeline though.
Nice plot, wonderful cool abilities; but still somewhat too shady a story for my liking.
Too many questions left unanswered. Yes, yes, I know there's a sequel... But there are just too many unknown characters with unknown motives.
And, am I the only one who wondered why Bishop was practically absennt?
I loved the Sarah character, though the relationship / bonding tale is all to familiar.
Nice plot, wonderful cool abilities; but still somewhat too shady a story for my liking.
Too many questions left unanswered. Yes, yes, I know there's a sequel... But there are just too many unknown characters with unknown motives.
And, am I the only one who wondered why Bishop was practically absennt?
I loved the Sarah character, though the relationship / bonding tale is all to familiar.
January 5, 2013
I have always enjoyed Kay Hooper's books, but this book has me sitting on the fence so to speak. While I enjoyed some of it, I don't think there was a clear enough explanation of the shadows (bad guys) It will be interesting to see where the next book in this series leads, hopefully things become a bit clearer.
dnf
March 12, 2016DNF at 50%
Maybe it's just me, but this book wasn't holding my attention...
Maybe it's just me, but this book wasn't holding my attention...
April 15, 2013
Not of the same caliber as the original Bishop series. I missed the camaraderie and full disclosure. We are kept in the dark far too long and still end up not really knowing what's going on.
June 26, 2022
First book in a series, however not sure how I feel about it.
A woman falls into a coma and when she wakes up has astronomical psychic abilities…and it seems that everyone wants her. This book definitely has some action, however I am not one hundred percent sure which are the good and which are the bad guys.
A woman falls into a coma and when she wakes up has astronomical psychic abilities…and it seems that everyone wants her. This book definitely has some action, however I am not one hundred percent sure which are the good and which are the bad guys.
August 31, 2019
Actual rating: 3.5 stars
January 22, 2024
This book like all the other Kay Hooper Bishop novels kept me intrigued until the very end of the book. If you like psychic powers and mystery her books are a must read!
July 4, 2024
I had read one of her books from what I discovered happens later than this one. I liked this one better. I do have some questions and I think they could have been answered if I read some earlier books of hers but overall, this was a good book.
October 4, 2022
Not one of my favorite Kay Hooper novels. I found this one confusing on who were enemies and who were good. Overall I liked the characters although I found Sarah a little annoying. I do still enjoy the mix of mystery and psychic in the story. I don't understand where the title came from or who it's referring to. I would have liked to know a little more about the characters who helped Sarah towards the end.
May 24, 2016
3.50 Stars. This isn't a Bishop book, but where a whole group of regular folks and those with paranormal talent are trying to keep an evil entity that seems to be spreading across the nation. Kidnapping and killing those with paranormal talents. Here is where I struggled with the premise. Bishop knows that these murder/kidnappings are going on and he knows some of the players involved, but yet he is just stepping back to observe? That doesn't ring true to me for Bishop's character. We are talking young kids and young people that are being kidnapped, this I have an issue with. I understand that KH needed to move on from Bishop's organization, but a government entity knowing that crimes were being perpetrated against a specific population and just stepping back and observe others struggling to stop it??? The argument that there isn't any evidence doesn't ring true, Tucker more than proved that there was something going on, but for the sake of the story arc, I will just have to deal. The romance aspect is very light, but I liked Tucker, since they are an integral part of the story I am sure we will see them again.
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