The Mindf*ck Series by S.T. Abby Summary

The Mindf*ck Series by S.T. Abby is a five-book dark romance saga featuring Lana Myers, a vigilante serial killer who targets criminals while navigating a complex relationship with FBI agent Logan Bennett. The series blends intense psychological suspense with romance as Lana balances her murderous mission for justice against her growing feelings, creating morally ambiguous situations that challenge traditional notions of right and wrong.

S.T. Abby is the pen name of Christie Owens, a USA Today bestselling author who also wrote as C.M. Owens and Kristy Cunning. She created The Mindf*ck Series to explore darker, more violent themes than her other romance works, establishing a unique voice in the dark romance genre. Tragically, Abby passed away in July 2021 at age 37, leaving behind a devoted fanbase and a legacy of over 59 books across all her pen names.

The Mindf*ck Series is worth reading if you enjoy dark romance with morally complex characters and psychological depth. The series has earned over 1.6 million ratings on Goodreads with a dedicated fan base drawn to its unique premise of a serial killer protagonist and gripping narrative. However, readers should be prepared for intense violence, dark themes, and unconventional relationships that may not appeal to traditional romance fans.

The Mindf*ck Series is ideal for readers who enjoy dark romance, psychological thrillers, and antiheroes with complex motivations. Fans of morally gray characters, vigilante justice stories, and intense romantic suspense will appreciate S.T. Abby's unflinching exploration of trauma and revenge.
This series is not recommended for readers sensitive to graphic violence, murder, or unconventional relationship dynamics.

The Mindf*ck Series by S.T. Abby consists of five books all published in 2016:

• The Risk (Book 1)
• Sidetracked (Book 2)
• Scarlet Angel (Book 3)
• All the Lies (Book 4)
• Paint It All Red (Book 5)

The complete series totals 692 pages and follows a continuous storyline that should be read in order to fully understand Lana Myers' character development and her relationship with Logan Bennett.

The central theme of The Mindf*ck Series is the duality of justice and morality through the lens of a vigilante serial killer. S.T. Abby explores whether monsters can be defeated by becoming monstrous yourself, while examining how love and darkness can coexist. The series challenges readers to question conventional morality, asking whether revenge and violence can be justified when the legal system fails victims.

Lana Myers stands out as a vigilante serial killer who exclusively targets criminals who escaped justice, making her both protagonist and antihero. Unlike traditional romance heroines, Lana is unapologetically violent, psychologically complex, and driven by trauma from her past. Her relationship with FBI agent Logan Bennett creates intense moral conflict as she must hide her murderous activities while falling in love with someone sworn to catch killers like her.

The most iconic quote from The Mindf*ck Series appears in Scarlet Angel: "To defeat a monster, you have to be twice as monstrous. To love a monster, you have to share your soul". This quote encapsulates the series' core philosophy about the nature of justice and love, suggesting that confronting evil requires embracing darkness while true intimacy demands complete vulnerability and acceptance of one's darkest parts.

The Mindf*ck Series distinguishes itself from typical dark romance by making the female protagonist the violent aggressor rather than the victim or love interest of a dangerous man. While series like Penelope Douglas's Devil's Night focus on morally gray male antiheroes, S.T. Abby centers the darkness in Lana herself. The psychological depth and serial killer premise also align it more closely with thrillers than traditional romance, offering a unique blend rarely seen in the genre.

Critics of The Mindf*ck Series note that the graphic violence and glorification of vigilante justice may be too extreme for some readers. Some argue the romanticization of a serial killer protagonist normalizes unhealthy behavior and that the relationship dynamics lack realistic consequences. Additionally, readers expecting traditional romance may find the dark psychological elements overwhelming, as S.T. Abby herself acknowledged the twisted nature of the premise with her quote: "I know this shit is fucked up".

The Mindf*ck Series remains popular in 2025 because readers continue seeking dark romance with complex, unconventional female protagonists who defy traditional gender roles. The series' exploration of trauma, revenge, and moral ambiguity resonates with audiences interested in psychological depth beyond standard romance tropes. Despite S.T. Abby's tragic passing in 2021, her devoted fanbase keeps the series alive through recommendations and re-reads, with over 1.6 million Goodreads ratings demonstrating its enduring appeal.

The Risk introduces Lana Myers as a vigilante serial killer systematically eliminating criminals while maintaining a normal facade. When FBI agent Logan Bennett enters her life, Lana must balance her dark mission with unexpected romantic feelings. The first book establishes Lana's traumatic backstory that drives her killing spree and sets up the cat-and-mouse dynamic between killer and investigator that defines the entire series.