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IN DEFIANCE (An Ivy Nash Thriller Book 1) Kindle Edition

4.2 4.2 out of 5 stars 1,352 ratings

A boy with no hope.

A man with no conscience.

Will a killer walk free?

A hostage crisis at a foster home turns deadly, leaving scars that might never heal. Authorities want the murder to disappear. But Ivy declares war on the system—she’ll do anything to protect the child from even more turmoil.

Will it come back to haunt her?

Amidst troubling accusations of corruption, drugs, and abuse, the details of the case become blurred—nothing lines up.

She needs facts. She needs answers.

Can Ivy get to the truth before a family implodes?

As Ivy draws closer to stopping the killer, childhood secrets erupt into the present, and Ivy's in the fight for her life.

You’ll love this first Ivy Nash novel, because it’s a gritty thriller that squeezes your throat until you can't breathe.

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Editorial Reviews

Review

"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.

About the Author

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

Many readers ask John from where he gets his ideas. Well, he's a veteran of the corporate rat-race, a former journalist, and he's always been an astute observer of human and social behavior. On top of that, he's really good at embellishing. 

Connect with John on Facebook at facebook.com/JohnWMeffordAuthor

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B01M8FUZF2
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Sugar Hill Press (January 6, 2017)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ January 6, 2017
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 3.4 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 296 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.2 4.2 out of 5 stars 1,352 ratings

About the author

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John W. Mefford
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Amazon #1 Bestselling Author and a Readers' Favorite Gold Medal winner.

A veteran of the corporate rat-race, John W. Mefford never realized he was mentally documenting every experience of his professional journey—not until he started his first novel during a so-called "corporate timeout."

A voracious reader of mystery-thrillers since before he could shave, John enjoys weaving a twisty tale that keeps readers riveted until the last page. ​He's also learned he's pretty good at embellishing. Just don't tell his fourth-grade teacher.

Connect with John on Facebook at www.facebook.com/JohnWMeffordAuthor

Customer reviews

4.2 out of 5 stars
1,352 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the plot gripping and suspenseful with unexpected twists and turns that keep them guessing. They describe the book as an enjoyable, easy read with a well-written writing style that flows smoothly with conversations and thoughts. Readers appreciate the strong female protagonist and multiple characters to root for. The pacing is described as fast-paced and gut-wrenching, keeping them on their toes. Customers praise the series quality as great and looking forward to more installments.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

72 customers mention "Plot"63 positive9 negative

Customers enjoy the well-written, suspenseful plot with a strong female protagonist. They find the twists and turns of the story engaging, keeping them guessing until the end. The fast-paced, action-packed story is described as a solid thriller filled with adventure and intrigue. Readers describe it as good fiction for adults who like mysteries.

"...I recommend this to adults who like a mystery, good fiction, a story for our times, and appreciate outstanding writing...." Read more

"...The story is fast paced and multi faceted. We meet many characters who are all well developed and it is clear which ones will be in more book...." Read more

"This was a quick, steady read, with some interesting characters. The subject matter turns my stomach but was almost balanced by some welcome humor...." Read more

"...I recommend John W Mefford to anyone that wants to read a great mystery/suspense/thriller that will keep you guessing all the way through while..." Read more

66 customers mention "Readability"66 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book. They find it an engaging read with interesting characters that keep them hooked. The beginning provides important background information about Ivy Nash, making the book a good attention-getter from the start.

"...It seemed to osmose into my awareness naturally, without a conscience awareness. I love when that happens! That takes skill and thought...." Read more

"...We meet many characters who are all well developed and it is clear which ones will be in more book...." Read more

"Ivy is very likable, and deeply cares about the welfare of children. She lets no one and nothing stand between her getting what the child needs...." Read more

"This was a quick, steady read, with some interesting characters. The subject matter turns my stomach but was almost balanced by some welcome humor...." Read more

36 customers mention "Character development"36 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the well-developed characters. They find the female protagonist strong yet vulnerable. The story is fast-paced and engaging, with a lot of twists. Readers appreciate the physical characteristics and how people communicate.

"...location, weather, clothing, colors, offices, trees, peoples' physical characteristics, how they communicate, how they think, their backgrounds,..." Read more

"Ivy is a kicka** character. The story presents a character who is a strong and caring woman who doesn’t back down while helping those in need...." Read more

"Ivy is very likable, and deeply cares about the welfare of children. She lets no one and nothing stand between her getting what the child needs...." Read more

"This was a quick, steady read, with some interesting characters. The subject matter turns my stomach but was almost balanced by some welcome humor...." Read more

12 customers mention "Writing style"12 positive0 negative

Customers find the writing style engaging and easy to read. They appreciate the smooth flow of the plot, allowing them to visualize everything described. The characters are relatable and their emotions are felt. The book moves smoothly from person to person and location to location, making it easy for readers to connect with them.

"...He does this well and it was easy for me to picture everything he described with all the pieces he created to mesh with the plot in a seamless way...." Read more

"...It was easy to read and follow with a unique plot. There is a lot of action and suspense to grab your attention from beginning to end...." Read more

"Well-written, hard-boiled suspense story having a strong female protagonist that finishes one plot line regarding a foster child who might very well..." Read more

"...Overall a well-written series. Now I'm on to the Ivy Nash series. Got the first one "In Defiance" and devoured it...." Read more

8 customers mention "Pacing"8 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's pacing. They find the plot thrilling and gut-wrenching. The book stimulates the senses and keeps readers hooked until the end.

"...In Defiance" by John Mefford is a good read that stimulates the senses seriously inviting continued reading to the very end...." Read more

"...twist & jerk 2/3rd of the way through that gives you that thrilling building tension...." Read more

"Good read, fast paced and keeps you on you're toes. Wished they had wrapped up the story line in this book...." Read more

"...This plot was fast-paced and gut-wrenching as we are immersed in the real and very dark, ominous world of abused and abandoned children...." Read more

6 customers mention "Series quality"6 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the series. They find the characters well-developed and the action engaging.

"Loved the Alex Trout series. Characters are well-developed and action is ongoing. I also enjoyed the interaction between Alex and her children...." Read more

"...What an incredible start to a new series. Ivy Nash is a great character...." Read more

"...In Defiance and look forward to reading more installments of this great series...." Read more

"Very good read, looking for more of the series." Read more

5 customers mention "Sleuthiness"5 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's sleuthiness. They find the main character unique and far from average. The book is described as a mix of amateur sleuth, law enforcement, and family. Readers love meeting Ivy and her colorful friends. While the writing gets rough at times, it matches the street, and there are interesting new mysteries.

"In my humble opinion, this is a mixture of Amateur Sleuth, Law Enforcement, Family Drama, and Psychological Thriller genres...." Read more

"...The main character, Ivy Nash, is rather unique and far from average. However, she grows on you very fast!..." Read more

"...language at times gets a bit rough, but it matches the street. I was,able to figure out who did what. I think I know who ivy sd..." Read more

"...I loved meeting Ivy and her colorful friends. I can't wait to read the next one. I received this as an ARC, but would have gladly paid for it." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on January 10, 2017
    This is the second book by John W. Mefford that I have read, the first being At Risk. The first one was free; it impressed me so much I paid for this one. A warning here, I don't write specifics about the plot as I abhor spoilers as I research books I might like to read. They have ruined books for me and I will not buy the book. That hurts the author and myself. So, read on if you don't want spoilers.
    That said, I can tell you reading a book by Mefford is an experience if you love the writtten word, as I do. Sometimes the writing is better than the plot, but in this case the plot is underscored by the writing itself. The book reads smoothly and runs so well from person to person and location to location that the pages fly by. There weren't any glitches in time, location, time of day or night, or the action that made me stop or say "what?!". It just kept going and the tension grew bit by bit. Now Meffords' smart, as he knows sustained tension can sometimes be overdone, and it tires the reader. What does he do? He brings resolution to one part of the story, the reader starts to feel release from the tension and keeps reading. But wait, don't forget another thread he tugs on from time to keep it in the back of the readers' mind, for now it's a yank and the tension goes higher than before! No spoilers, here, I promised you. Putting that out there to show the master that he is in his craft.
    Another place this author shines is his descriptive ability concerning location, weather, clothing, colors, offices, trees, peoples' physical characteristics, how they communicate, how they think, their backgrounds, their relationships to each other, their strengths, and weaknesses. He does this well and it was easy for me to picture everything he described with all the pieces he created to mesh with the plot in a seamless way. What entrances me with Mefford, and others with skill, is that all the explaining and descriptions required to set up the plot are done in a way that flows so smoothly with conversations, thoughts, and extraneous characters that I didn't feel I was wading through pages of dry descriptions and explanations. It seemed to osmose into my awareness naturally, without a conscience awareness. I love when that happens! That takes skill and thought.
    Now, a quick word on conversational strength. Again, Mefford has this down flat. He talks through children, teens, men and women of varying ages in different professions, and levels of power within those organizations. They ALL fit their characters! I've seen other males try to make women speak in their writing, and I know when they hit a wrong note. Not Mefford. I kept having to remind myself a man wrote this book, because the womens' talk, no matter the age, was spot on. Of course, the mens' were also. That impresses me.
    While there is violence and some language in this book, it is not done in an objectionable manner to me. My opinion, only. There wasn't a need for it, as it was enough that it happened. The reaction of others carried the horror; it didn't need to be experienced step by step. I appreciated that, too.
    If you're still reading here, you have figured out I liked this book, plot and writing style both. I recommend this to adults who like a mystery, good fiction, a story for our times, and appreciate outstanding writing. It was outstanding all around!
    9 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on April 27, 2020
    Ivy is a kicka** character. The story presents a character who is a strong and caring woman who doesn’t back down while helping those in need. Not only that, but she also has her own trauma from her time in foster care.

    The story is fast paced and multi faceted. We meet many characters who are all well developed and it is clear which ones will be in more book. I found the balance between procedure, politics and doing what is right interesting and the entire story engaging. There are some violent scenes and scenes that perhaps triggering, but they do help build the emotional and chaotic nature of the crimes and actions taken by all characters.
  • Reviewed in the United States on July 25, 2024
    Ivy is very likable, and deeply cares about the welfare of children. She lets no one and nothing stand between her getting what the child needs. You will have one of several responses to her tactics, you may smile or chuckle. Or grimace, or shout out loud, or even shudder. But you will always cheer her on!!!
    You shouldn’t miss getting to know Ivy.
  • Reviewed in the United States on March 28, 2017
    This was a quick, steady read, with some interesting characters. The subject matter turns my stomach but was almost balanced by some welcome humor. Will try the next in series.
  • Reviewed in the United States on July 25, 2018
    Ivy Nash grew up in foster homes where she faced constant abuse, by age 13, she was in her 13th foster home. Now all grown up Ivy is a Special Investigator for the CPS department in San Antonio Texas. Ivy is called out to a hostage situation where two people end up dead in a home Where Miguel Garza has been placed. Miguel a 10 year old is charged with involuntary manslaughter and Ivy sets out to prove his innocence. There are many twists and turns and you will learn just as perverted people are. The reason I did not give this a full 5 star rating is this book does not conclude and is written in a serial format, which will not cause me to keep buying.
  • Reviewed in the United States on January 6, 2017
    Ivy Nash is the main character IN DEFIANCE. She herself had been put in thirteen different foster homes. Yes, she got the short end of the stick with them all. She was abused in more than 1 way. The last home she was in her foster father was a retired police officer who "fancied" young girls. The foster mother was a meth-head. When Ivy tried to stop him from assaulting her, he fell from the attic door and died. Ivy ran and never looked back. Grew up, put herself through college and is now a counselor for the Child Protective Services. She fights a bit too much for the children's rights and thinks outside the box when it comes to her clients. Which does not sit well with her boss. When one of her 'children' , Megail is charged with killing his foster brother, things didn't feel right with Ivy. She turns to the one person who knows all about her.....her gynocologist and friend Z;. along with Stan from the San Antonio Police Department and Cristina a street wise 17 year old girl. Can they figure out who really killed the boy and why? Who is threatening Ivy? Are they getting too close to the truth and need stopped? What will happen when the truth comes out? Read the book to find out the answers. There is swearing and graphic situations in this book Very fast paced.....so buckle up Buttercup and keep your arm at your sides at all times!!!! I received an ARC of this book. The review is entirely voluntary.
    11 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Carmen Garant
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great Read!
    Reviewed in Canada on October 23, 2018
    This book was a Great Read. Captures you from the very first page & never lets go. An edge of your seat read with So many twists and turns, it's impossible to put down. I'll definately be reading more of these IVY adventures
  • Lisa
    5.0 out of 5 stars Thrilling page turner
    Reviewed in Australia on August 18, 2018
    Very enjoyable. Sad indictment on the social welfare system but Ivy is a warrior woman. Great to see a strong female lead
  • William Ackroyd
    5.0 out of 5 stars Enjoyed it very much
    Reviewed in Canada on February 13, 2020
    Well written with very good use of dialogue and characters. Will probably look into the next book in the series
  • FraserD
    4.0 out of 5 stars An excellent read
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 16, 2018
    First off, I normally don't read stories written in the first person singular as I think that style of writing is sloppy and removes a whole slew of possible tension - BUT the story grabbed my attention within the first few pages enough that I read the entire story. The author only uses first person singular for the heroine, Ivy Nash, and uses third person for all of the other characters. Why not use third person for all of the characters? I don't see what that did for the story, but I digress. Well crafted and written, the story flowed smoothly from one scene to the next, contiguously, without jumping from character to character that is common to some other stories, except towards the end when it couldn't be done any other way (I don't want to spoil the ending by saying why). This is an author worth watching.
  • John Willie
    3.0 out of 5 stars Readable
    Reviewed in Canada on September 17, 2018
    Not too bad
    Ivy certainly seems full of herself

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