First and Only: A psychological thriller

This was a fast paced suspense novel that left you guessing, not as predictable as most thrillers. I enjoyed the supernatural aspects and it seems that all of the "loose ends" were tied up neatly. Definitely a great recommendation.

I enjoyed the book, the suspense was strong and the pace fast! Compelling characters and risks were taken by the author. If violence makes you queasy think twice, but it was not bad at all on my scale.

Suspenseful. Loaded with action and intrigue that is solidly weaved together with originality and heart. The plot and characters grab you and never let go. One of the best thrillers I have read in years. But I'm not going to give anything away, if you're not enthralled after a few pages there just might be something wrong with you.

First and Only is an amazingly gripping novel of memorable characters and excellent plot. I hope this will not be Mr Flannery,s First and Only book! I hope to read more about Psimon and Steven and Mr Chissolm.

First and Only is an amazingly gripping novel of memorable characters and excellent plot. I hope this will not be Mr Flannery,s First and Only book! I hope to read more about Psimon and Steven and Mr Chissolm.

I loved it, it kept me thinking for weeks. Initially when I got it I was like cool a free book, didn’t expect much of it and thought if anything at least it was free. Didn’t take long once I started I was really into it and found myself reading the whole thing in a couple of days.

I don't think this is a particularly fair criticism, but I could not continue with the book since it's basic premise is that, usually, psi phenomena is b.s. and when someone comes along with real psi ability, he is the 'first and only." I've looked at the evidence, and there is overwhelming support for the existence of psi ability if someone examines it with an open mind. Admittedly, no one has tested has ever come close to the level of psi ability that the protagonist of this story has, but I found the author's dismissal of psi phenomenon generally to be so annoying I could not continue reading the book.

I was shocked to learn this was his only published book. Please write more! I really liked this book. I read a lot and I mean a lot and this recent "find" is on my list to read again in the future.

A fantastic Brother-Friend story! I couldn't put it down and I do hope they make it into a movie! Would love to see this friendship acted out on the Big Screen! Flannery is, I believe, Scottish (at least he lives in Scotland), so not quite sure how sentence structure works all that well there, so a bit daunted by the 'said Steve.' and 'said Psimon.' A bit overdone in that area, but then that could just be a matter of taste. However, that is my ONLY real problem, and that is something I alone have. The plot, the narrative, is exceptional and of course the friendship between Steve and Psimon is beautifully portrayed. That brotherly bond is formed quickly when Steve realizes that Psimon is quite possibly spot-on in his prediction that a killer will either kill Psimon in five days... or Steve will. Some have reviewed the psychic powers as not being that fantastic or else why would Psimon not figure out the truth? Answer is simple, and is clearly offered in the story near the end... fear. Fear clouds the mind in all people, real psychic power or not. When that wall goes up, it takes an awful lot to pull it down, and sometimes it takes facing death. How will it end? I'm not telling, only that getting to the end is a ride. Hurt/comfort in all the right places, not overdone, just brilliantly placed, and... NECESSARY! Thank you, Mr. Flannery, and I hope this won't be your last story about male friends! It was sorely needed by this buddy-story lover! I give it 5 stars easily!

Quite creative approach to the idea of psychic phenomena. Mr. Flannery can be very proud of his first novel. I highly recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys a well-constructed plot with great character development.
Mimi Carrier

I gave this book five stars because it was startling fresh. Simon's character was delightfully multifaceted and engaging. Steve's character as the hero was believable because of his imperfections and vulnerability with human emotion. He was strong, but not invincible.
I enjoyed the venue of the UK, a country that is not frequently the back drop for thrillers such as this. It kept me totally engaged and remained mysterious to the end.

A suspenseful and thrilling book. It kept me interested and wanting to keep reading and hard to put down. I enjoyed the suspense of the ending. I was delighted the writer kept writing more to let us know what happened later. Cannot wait till I can read another of his books.

The book grabbed my attention and wouldn't let go. The main heroes are kind, empathic, compassionate, and do the right thing no matter how scared they are. Some difficult moral questions are asked and answered. You might agree or disagree with the answers, but you wonder if you yourself have an answer, and if your choice would be a correct one.
I looked inside the book and liked the sample. Then I read some very negative reviews that sounded offensive to the author and to the readers who liked his book. Finally, I read the author's very graceful response thanking those offensive reviewers for reading his book and expressing a regret that they happened not to like it. At that moment I knew that I had to give the author a chance, so I bought the book. I am glad I did.

This is the first intelligent take on psychics I have read. Although I would not classit as great literature, it was well written and edited. It left me wanting more, but the conclusion was apt. I found it unputdownable.

I loved this book from the very beginning. I felt like I knew the characters, author did such a great job with them. Writing is easy to understand, author not trying to impress with over wording. Highly recommend.

I am always fascinated with the supernatural, angels and demons and the like. This novel was right down my alley and I loved the plot, the characters, the captivating way the book was written. I give it 4 stars only because I was a tad disappointed in the ending. (I will not mention how it ends as I don't want to give the story away). But I guess Flannery wanted to keep the book realistic and human. This is a great read, and I highly recommend it.

I absolutely loved this story! I couldn`t help but feel like bringing Psimon under my wing to protect and love him like a mom. His protector and acolyte Steve is just as touching. Mysterious, suspensful and action book.