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Game
Scratch, Becca, and Finn grew up roaming the moors, scaring themselves silly with ghost stories. One place they loved to ‘haunt’ was Old Man Byrde’s—a creepy farmhouse high on the escarpment. The old guy was always in his window scribbling away in a tattered old book. Scratch said it was the Devil’s book and that the thing could grant wishes. Only there was a catch; once the last page was written, the Devil would come banging at the door for your soul.
Years later, the three friends hire Byrde’s old house. Scratch soon discovers that Finn has Byrde’s book, only now it's practically full, and the past is all too eager to come knocking.
Years later, the three friends hire Byrde’s old house. Scratch soon discovers that Finn has Byrde’s book, only now it's practically full, and the past is all too eager to come knocking.
313 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 31, 2023
18 people want to read
About the author
Shirley Day
11 books15 followersHi all
In short, I love stories.
I write thrillers, murder mysteries & domestic noir. Two of my thrillers are coming out this year through Bloodhound Books.
I'm also proud to have been selected for this year's prestigious Escalator Award, for a cosy crime thriller I'm writing.
In the darkest corners of the darkest moments of my darkest stories, there’s always a dry sense of humour. In my spare time, I dabble in quirky tales for the YA/MG market
I'm lucky enough to teach screenwriting and theatre at two universities in London and work for The Literary Consultancy as a script consultant.
I've written literary short stories for Radio4, been shortlisted for Granta, and had work in anthologies, winning awards for my theatre & screenplays.
The Insect House is my first novel.
In short, I love stories.
I write thrillers, murder mysteries & domestic noir. Two of my thrillers are coming out this year through Bloodhound Books.
I'm also proud to have been selected for this year's prestigious Escalator Award, for a cosy crime thriller I'm writing.
In the darkest corners of the darkest moments of my darkest stories, there’s always a dry sense of humour. In my spare time, I dabble in quirky tales for the YA/MG market
I'm lucky enough to teach screenwriting and theatre at two universities in London and work for The Literary Consultancy as a script consultant.
I've written literary short stories for Radio4, been shortlisted for Granta, and had work in anthologies, winning awards for my theatre & screenplays.
The Insect House is my first novel.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
March 25, 2023
This review is for an ARC copy received from the publisher through NetGalley.
Game is the story of three friends since childhood - Becca, Scratch and Finn. When they were kids they used to play pranks on Old Man Byrde, a reclusive man who used to sit in his house scribbling in a book, which Scratch always said was the Devil's book of wishes, and once it was full up the Devil would come for the owner's soul. Now in their late 30's, Becca and Scratch have been married for 23 years, and the trio reunite for Finn's bachelor weekend before he gets married. Only he rents the old (but now renovated) Byrde place and surprises Becca and Scratch with the knowledge that he now possesses the infamous book - and it's almost full.
The description of the novel makes it sound like it will be intense horror/thriller. While the writing itself is reasonably solid, the plot doesn't play out at all like the promises that it makes. I was over halfway through the book when I realized that virtually nothing happened. There was some excrutiatingly slow-burn build up, but at best it was a bit of psychological horror, as Becca has emotional problems and takes lots of pills. But the little snippets of possibly scary things happening are literally nothing but bumps in the night. While the longer they stay there the more of their past comes back to Becca and dark secrets about what really happened to Old Man Byrde and to the trio as kids, but not really in any scary or thrilling way. Ultimately, this really was just a drama about the three friends and the secrets they all have. I would probably have given this three stars were it not for the over-the-top silly ending where truths straight out of left field were revealed. I can only say this book was OK, but did not live up to expectations.
Game is the story of three friends since childhood - Becca, Scratch and Finn. When they were kids they used to play pranks on Old Man Byrde, a reclusive man who used to sit in his house scribbling in a book, which Scratch always said was the Devil's book of wishes, and once it was full up the Devil would come for the owner's soul. Now in their late 30's, Becca and Scratch have been married for 23 years, and the trio reunite for Finn's bachelor weekend before he gets married. Only he rents the old (but now renovated) Byrde place and surprises Becca and Scratch with the knowledge that he now possesses the infamous book - and it's almost full.
The description of the novel makes it sound like it will be intense horror/thriller. While the writing itself is reasonably solid, the plot doesn't play out at all like the promises that it makes. I was over halfway through the book when I realized that virtually nothing happened. There was some excrutiatingly slow-burn build up, but at best it was a bit of psychological horror, as Becca has emotional problems and takes lots of pills. But the little snippets of possibly scary things happening are literally nothing but bumps in the night. While the longer they stay there the more of their past comes back to Becca and dark secrets about what really happened to Old Man Byrde and to the trio as kids, but not really in any scary or thrilling way. Ultimately, this really was just a drama about the three friends and the secrets they all have. I would probably have given this three stars were it not for the over-the-top silly ending where truths straight out of left field were revealed. I can only say this book was OK, but did not live up to expectations.
April 12, 2023
**2.5 stars rounded up (no major spoilers. Just my overall feeling about the ending, which includes some generalizations of what I believe would have made it better).
Before writing my review, I want to thank BookSirens and Shirley Day for gifting me the ARC of this book! It was such a privilege to read this before publication. And I appreciate you trusting me with an honest review!!
I’m so conflicted as I write this book review. There were parts I really, really liked, but other parts I did not. I think one of the problems was I went in expecting something different from the story. After reading the synopsis of the book, I expected a lot more suspense and a little bit of horror. But after finishing it, it just wasn’t what I thought it would be.
The book was definitely a slow burn for me. At the midway point, I was still waiting for “that something” I expected from the synopsis. In the story, we are introduced to three childhood friends with long-standing secrets. And although I assumed there would be more of a thriller/suspense/horror angle, I felt it was not so much of that as it was a testimonial to dark secrets and the emotional turmoil they cause. It was a book about choices and regrets, and learning to live with them. The author did a great job writing about that.
One of our main characters is a women, Becca, who is very unhappy with her husband, her life, and is feeling beyond hopeless. Our other two characters, Scratch and Finn, are her childhood friends, one who became her husband, the other her long-lost true love. It definitely plays out as a long-standing love triangle.
But as I reached the end and turned the last page, I felt left with an empty feeling — the ending was not what I expected, nor what I hoped for. There were a few missed opportunities that would have made this book more satisfying, at least for me. So much hurt and devastation could have been prevented had one of the characters just opened up before she did. And her very poor decisions near the end of the book led to tragedy and loss that could have been avoided, as well as a villain who got off much too easily. It all happened so fast, too. I was left with so many questions, but I can’t go into them here without giving away too much of the plot and ending.
The book did pick up in the last third, and it did keep me reading to find out how it would all end. The writing was very good and the author created well constructed, complex characters. And the chapters were uniquely structured around games many of us are familiar with and grew up playing. Oh, and I do love that book cover!! But that ending really ruined the story for me and left me wanting something different— something that would have validated certain choices and made many of the regrets a little less hard to take. A better ending would have definitely boosted my rating. Some people may like the book from beginning to end. Don’t trust my opinion — you should read it for yourself. But, I would read this author again! I enjoy her writing style and characterizations!
(I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.)
Before writing my review, I want to thank BookSirens and Shirley Day for gifting me the ARC of this book! It was such a privilege to read this before publication. And I appreciate you trusting me with an honest review!!
I’m so conflicted as I write this book review. There were parts I really, really liked, but other parts I did not. I think one of the problems was I went in expecting something different from the story. After reading the synopsis of the book, I expected a lot more suspense and a little bit of horror. But after finishing it, it just wasn’t what I thought it would be.
The book was definitely a slow burn for me. At the midway point, I was still waiting for “that something” I expected from the synopsis. In the story, we are introduced to three childhood friends with long-standing secrets. And although I assumed there would be more of a thriller/suspense/horror angle, I felt it was not so much of that as it was a testimonial to dark secrets and the emotional turmoil they cause. It was a book about choices and regrets, and learning to live with them. The author did a great job writing about that.
One of our main characters is a women, Becca, who is very unhappy with her husband, her life, and is feeling beyond hopeless. Our other two characters, Scratch and Finn, are her childhood friends, one who became her husband, the other her long-lost true love. It definitely plays out as a long-standing love triangle.
But as I reached the end and turned the last page, I felt left with an empty feeling — the ending was not what I expected, nor what I hoped for. There were a few missed opportunities that would have made this book more satisfying, at least for me. So much hurt and devastation could have been prevented had one of the characters just opened up before she did. And her very poor decisions near the end of the book led to tragedy and loss that could have been avoided, as well as a villain who got off much too easily. It all happened so fast, too. I was left with so many questions, but I can’t go into them here without giving away too much of the plot and ending.
The book did pick up in the last third, and it did keep me reading to find out how it would all end. The writing was very good and the author created well constructed, complex characters. And the chapters were uniquely structured around games many of us are familiar with and grew up playing. Oh, and I do love that book cover!! But that ending really ruined the story for me and left me wanting something different— something that would have validated certain choices and made many of the regrets a little less hard to take. A better ending would have definitely boosted my rating. Some people may like the book from beginning to end. Don’t trust my opinion — you should read it for yourself. But, I would read this author again! I enjoy her writing style and characterizations!
(I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 31, 2023
Scratch, Becca, and Finn were childhood friends who grew up loving to scare themselves by visiting an old creepy farmhouse on the escarpment. The farmhouse was owned by 'Old Man Byrde', a man who sat in the window writing in an old book which Scratch said had belonged to the devil. The friends wanted to know what he wrote, but contented themselves with playing 'Knock Down Ginger' (we called it 'Knock-a-door-run' which is much more succinct I think) until the night Byrde ended up dead. Years later, Becca & Scratch have been married for over 20 years & have 5 kids, whilst Finn has never married...up until now. Finn invites his two oldest friends on a stag weekend & Becca is disturbed to find out that it will take place at Byrde's old farmhouse.
The narrative is from Becca's point of view & the reader gradually learns about the true dynamics of the friendship. I really enjoyed 'Reap What You Sow' written by the author, but this book was unfortunately rather repetitive & meandering in places, where Scratch & Finn would disappear off out & Becca would be left on her own, feeling vulnerable in the old house. I also felt that the paranormal horror aspect of it was underutilised & it could have been a much scarier read. Becca was also rather passive & I just wanted her to actually DO something instead of just existing. It did start to pick up towards the end though & although I guessed where it was going to go, my rating has been bumped up based on the last few chapters. Verdict: a bit of a missed opportunity but the ending just about saved it. 3.5 stars (rounded down).
My thanks to NetGalley & publishers, Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op, for the opportunity to read an ARC.
The narrative is from Becca's point of view & the reader gradually learns about the true dynamics of the friendship. I really enjoyed 'Reap What You Sow' written by the author, but this book was unfortunately rather repetitive & meandering in places, where Scratch & Finn would disappear off out & Becca would be left on her own, feeling vulnerable in the old house. I also felt that the paranormal horror aspect of it was underutilised & it could have been a much scarier read. Becca was also rather passive & I just wanted her to actually DO something instead of just existing. It did start to pick up towards the end though & although I guessed where it was going to go, my rating has been bumped up based on the last few chapters. Verdict: a bit of a missed opportunity but the ending just about saved it. 3.5 stars (rounded down).
My thanks to NetGalley & publishers, Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op, for the opportunity to read an ARC.
April 4, 2023
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Game, a supposed psychological thriller by Shirley Day, was like a never-ending board of Chutes and Ladders. Just as the story looked like it was going somewhere, you suddenly got dropped back down to the repetitive storyline.
Game centers on three friends, two of whom are married to each other. They go on a last-hurrah for their friend and despite it being a kidless weekend, Becca is haunted by their joint past at their weekend digs. All of this is further stirred up by a book that the old owner used to write in.
The story is disjointed in many spots with one of the main focuses being on Becca's fragile mental health after having five children. While I can empathize with her, it seems like it was only pulled into the story for the sake of the story's climax because afterwards; she was miraculously better. That's just not how mental health problems work. There were other pieces of the story clumsily put together to attempt a heightened build-up towards the end. Hidden shoes, basement stench, "lost" dog, creepy old lady, and a seemingly spooky tree amongst other things. Each of these items were plopped into the narrative to make Becca appear paranoid but I personally felt nothing. No goosebumps, no concern for the three friends, not a thing.
I will give Day credit where it is due. I absolutely did not see the last 5% or so of the book coming. Looks can indeed be deceiving and perhaps if a chunk of the first 95% would have been as twisty as the ending, then I would have enjoyed this book.
Thank you to both the author and Book Sirens for the ARC.
Game, a supposed psychological thriller by Shirley Day, was like a never-ending board of Chutes and Ladders. Just as the story looked like it was going somewhere, you suddenly got dropped back down to the repetitive storyline.
Game centers on three friends, two of whom are married to each other. They go on a last-hurrah for their friend and despite it being a kidless weekend, Becca is haunted by their joint past at their weekend digs. All of this is further stirred up by a book that the old owner used to write in.
The story is disjointed in many spots with one of the main focuses being on Becca's fragile mental health after having five children. While I can empathize with her, it seems like it was only pulled into the story for the sake of the story's climax because afterwards; she was miraculously better. That's just not how mental health problems work. There were other pieces of the story clumsily put together to attempt a heightened build-up towards the end. Hidden shoes, basement stench, "lost" dog, creepy old lady, and a seemingly spooky tree amongst other things. Each of these items were plopped into the narrative to make Becca appear paranoid but I personally felt nothing. No goosebumps, no concern for the three friends, not a thing.
I will give Day credit where it is due. I absolutely did not see the last 5% or so of the book coming. Looks can indeed be deceiving and perhaps if a chunk of the first 95% would have been as twisty as the ending, then I would have enjoyed this book.
Thank you to both the author and Book Sirens for the ARC.
January 7, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for access to an eARC in exchange for my honest review!
Game is the story of Becca, Scratch, and Finn--three friends who grew up together from childhood in a small town, determined from a very young age to escape their less than stellar families and home lives in search of happier, fuller lives for themselves. Our story begins properly years later when, having done just that, they reunite. Returning to their hometown--Becca and Scratch married with a brood of children and Finn having become a financial success--to celebrate Finn's engagement and upcoming wedding, Becca is surprised to find that they are staying in the newly renovated house up atop the escarpment where they used to play and terrorize Old Man Byrde when they were children by playing games of Knock Down Ginger (ringing the doorbell and waiting to run until just before being caught). The oddest thing to Becca in this decision, of course, is that the memories of this house aren't all good ones, and even those that were are tainted now by Old Man's Byrde's death by falling from the cliff.
Throughout the story. Becca is dragged back into her memories of their lives as children and teenagers in this town, sneaking around this house and terrorizing the man who lived inside as he scribbled in a little leather book they'd come to call the Devil's Book (just another of Scratch's many stories mentioned throughout the book), and as the story unfolds, the mystery untangles itself to reveal not only what happened that fateful night, but what chaos had continued to dig deeper into their lives in the years that followed up to the present.
I enjoyed most of this book quite a lot. The setting was spooky and mysterious, the relationships between the three friends, separately and together, were fun to learn more about, Becca was an interesting character and an unreliable narrator thanks to her own lack of a full understanding of everything that had happened, and the plot twists definitely took my by surprise. I think my only complaint would be that by the end, things had gone a little too unhinged for me, making it hard to keep up with where all of the craziness had occurred throughout the entirety of their lives despite the well written explanations, and in the end, multiple characters deserved much better endings than what the got, which is more a personal gripe than any real complaint about the story, because really, it was entertaining, and I genuinely think I'd read it again just to ride that crazy roller coaster of a reveal again.
And though not all goes to plan, as in any story real or written, they do all make it out.
Game is the story of Becca, Scratch, and Finn--three friends who grew up together from childhood in a small town, determined from a very young age to escape their less than stellar families and home lives in search of happier, fuller lives for themselves. Our story begins properly years later when, having done just that, they reunite. Returning to their hometown--Becca and Scratch married with a brood of children and Finn having become a financial success--to celebrate Finn's engagement and upcoming wedding, Becca is surprised to find that they are staying in the newly renovated house up atop the escarpment where they used to play and terrorize Old Man Byrde when they were children by playing games of Knock Down Ginger (ringing the doorbell and waiting to run until just before being caught). The oddest thing to Becca in this decision, of course, is that the memories of this house aren't all good ones, and even those that were are tainted now by Old Man's Byrde's death by falling from the cliff.
Throughout the story. Becca is dragged back into her memories of their lives as children and teenagers in this town, sneaking around this house and terrorizing the man who lived inside as he scribbled in a little leather book they'd come to call the Devil's Book (just another of Scratch's many stories mentioned throughout the book), and as the story unfolds, the mystery untangles itself to reveal not only what happened that fateful night, but what chaos had continued to dig deeper into their lives in the years that followed up to the present.
I enjoyed most of this book quite a lot. The setting was spooky and mysterious, the relationships between the three friends, separately and together, were fun to learn more about, Becca was an interesting character and an unreliable narrator thanks to her own lack of a full understanding of everything that had happened, and the plot twists definitely took my by surprise. I think my only complaint would be that by the end, things had gone a little too unhinged for me, making it hard to keep up with where all of the craziness had occurred throughout the entirety of their lives despite the well written explanations, and in the end, multiple characters deserved much better endings than what the got, which is more a personal gripe than any real complaint about the story, because really, it was entertaining, and I genuinely think I'd read it again just to ride that crazy roller coaster of a reveal again.
And though not all goes to plan, as in any story real or written, they do all make it out.
June 28, 2023
Loved the cover and synopsis, sounded fantastic.
However, this was not the story I was expecting to read. I think the premise really draws the reader in, so I was left disappointed in the type of story/characters/ending that I actually got.
There were some thrilling aspects, but over it was kind of slow and honestly boring at times.
Becca, as a character, was flat/dull and not the narrator I would have wanted.
Thank you to the author, Victory Editing, & NetGalley for a copy.
However, this was not the story I was expecting to read. I think the premise really draws the reader in, so I was left disappointed in the type of story/characters/ending that I actually got.
There were some thrilling aspects, but over it was kind of slow and honestly boring at times.
Becca, as a character, was flat/dull and not the narrator I would have wanted.
Thank you to the author, Victory Editing, & NetGalley for a copy.
March 29, 2023
I didn't really enjoy this book. It was terribly slow with very little happening beyond Becca unraveling. There was a good effort made to give the characters depth, but Becca wound up being a sad sack and both Scratch and Finn were rather flat. There was a decent plot, but it seemed lost in the domestic complaints and half explained memories. I found myself skipping pages of the book just to try to get through it, and it took me three days before I'd finally forced myself to finish. Overall, I was mostly just bored by the story. I feel that there were many missed opportunities to create tension and drama around the unhealthy relationships these three shared.
April 8, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. In some ways it defies genre. It seems to present as a horror novel, and there are definitely frightening moments in it. But it also has elements of a thriller, as well.
The story takes in an extended weekend "stag," involving three life-long friends. Finn is about to get married, and wants to have this outing with his two best friends, Scratch and Becca. Of course, I always thought of stags as being for guys, only, but the relationship between these three kind of makes her "one of the guys." They are frequently described as "three sides of the same coin." Scratch and Becca are married and have been for almost thirty years.
To celebrate the weekend, Finn has booked a mysterious house, which used to be the residence of Old Man Byrde, a house that was shrouded in mystery when they were kids. Becca isn't keen on this idea at all, and really doesn't want to be there. She has some bad memories of the place, plus there are stories . . . you know how stories can grow.
Ms. Day does a fantastic job of putting us in Becca's head, throughout this story. And that is where the horror comes in. Becca hyper focuses on an old dead tree on the property, one that they can't believe was left there when the house was renovated to be rented out. There is also the issue of the mysterious circumstances surrounding Old Man Byrde's death. He was found at the bottom of the cliff that is near the house.
The thing is, Becca has some memories of that night that are severely troubling her. There are quite a few moments where we are treated to Becca's rambling thoughts. The fears, the doubts, and her sanity becomes questionable. Is the horror real? Or is it lurking in the shadows, never quite coming out? And that is what I love most about this story.
The reader must engage imagination to appreciate this tale, otherwise, they might not quite get it. I found chapter 16 to be especially outstanding. Becca is constantly imagining that the old dead tree is moving. But trees don't move, right? They don't sway or get closer to the house! And she is also certain that there is something lurking down in the cellar.
While reading passages like chapter 16, I can feel the terror of a mind that is on the brink of cracking. And, as the story goes on, we find out exactly why Becca's mind is on that brink.
I also really love the totally unexpected twist at the end of the story! It just goes to show that people are not always who we think they are. In fact, there are multiple twists at the end.
One thing that was fun about the book is that each chapter (save one or two) is named after a particular game, and a description of that game is included. This was helpful, because, as this story is British, there were a few game names (like Knock-out Ginger) that I didn't get. But upon reading the description, I learned that what they were calling "Knock-out Ginger," was what I grew up knowing as "Ding Dong Ditch" (along with another name that is certainly not socially acceptable).
After all, this is all a game, right? But the question is, whose game is it, really? And how does this game end? Who wins? You'll have to read it to find out.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The story takes in an extended weekend "stag," involving three life-long friends. Finn is about to get married, and wants to have this outing with his two best friends, Scratch and Becca. Of course, I always thought of stags as being for guys, only, but the relationship between these three kind of makes her "one of the guys." They are frequently described as "three sides of the same coin." Scratch and Becca are married and have been for almost thirty years.
To celebrate the weekend, Finn has booked a mysterious house, which used to be the residence of Old Man Byrde, a house that was shrouded in mystery when they were kids. Becca isn't keen on this idea at all, and really doesn't want to be there. She has some bad memories of the place, plus there are stories . . . you know how stories can grow.
Ms. Day does a fantastic job of putting us in Becca's head, throughout this story. And that is where the horror comes in. Becca hyper focuses on an old dead tree on the property, one that they can't believe was left there when the house was renovated to be rented out. There is also the issue of the mysterious circumstances surrounding Old Man Byrde's death. He was found at the bottom of the cliff that is near the house.
The thing is, Becca has some memories of that night that are severely troubling her. There are quite a few moments where we are treated to Becca's rambling thoughts. The fears, the doubts, and her sanity becomes questionable. Is the horror real? Or is it lurking in the shadows, never quite coming out? And that is what I love most about this story.
The reader must engage imagination to appreciate this tale, otherwise, they might not quite get it. I found chapter 16 to be especially outstanding. Becca is constantly imagining that the old dead tree is moving. But trees don't move, right? They don't sway or get closer to the house! And she is also certain that there is something lurking down in the cellar.
While reading passages like chapter 16, I can feel the terror of a mind that is on the brink of cracking. And, as the story goes on, we find out exactly why Becca's mind is on that brink.
I also really love the totally unexpected twist at the end of the story! It just goes to show that people are not always who we think they are. In fact, there are multiple twists at the end.
One thing that was fun about the book is that each chapter (save one or two) is named after a particular game, and a description of that game is included. This was helpful, because, as this story is British, there were a few game names (like Knock-out Ginger) that I didn't get. But upon reading the description, I learned that what they were calling "Knock-out Ginger," was what I grew up knowing as "Ding Dong Ditch" (along with another name that is certainly not socially acceptable).
After all, this is all a game, right? But the question is, whose game is it, really? And how does this game end? Who wins? You'll have to read it to find out.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 30, 2023
ENG
Becca, Scratch, and Finn have been friends for a long time. They were the three up to no good in town. They also shared, because the author was quite harsh with them, a really difficult family situation: Scratch was adopted, Becca’s father was alcoholic and violent, and Finn too had problems with Brenda, the mother.
Their idea was to escape once they were 17 years old and live together, but it happened that Finn went to university while Becca and Scratch got married and had five children.
After years, they decide to spend some time on a holiday with just the three of them before Finn’s wedding. Finn picks up one odd place. It was the renovated house of a certain Byrde, a place where they went when they were teenagers, telling themselves scary stories and doing pranks on the owner.
My comment is "the game is good when it's short," and also remember that a game is a game, separated from reality, whatever reality means for you.
Each chapter has a subtitle referring to a game. I was really surprised by games like "Scruples". Human beings really invented things, not quite sure if to really have fun or just to have an excuse to argue instead.
The story is told from Becca's point of view, with the exception of one chapter. She is Scratch’s wife; she is spending her life thinking about the "what ifs", dreaming about another life she has not had. She feels numb both because of her life and the medications she is taking. There is a chapter about her idea of maternity; for her, it is not a gift, a blessing, or other beautiful things. She says it is like becoming a mummy; "the person inside just disappears. There’s nothing in there anymore".
During the holiday, everything is hard for her: the place and the stories they told themselves when they were younger make her days hard. She is deeply scarred; everything in there gives her anxiety and makes her remember bad memories. Moreover, her husband is not quite an insightful person, so she can’t really talk to him about her problems.
I had a hard time reading the book because, being in Becca’s mind, everything is repeated over and over as if in a spell, giving me this sense of fatigue. I could not sense any mystery or horror; I was also tired by the Scratch’s never-ending need for games.
Instead, I liked the last chapters, where Becca mustered up the courage to unfold her doubts
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
ITA
Becca, Scratch e Finn sono amici d’infanzia. Erano i tre che combinavano guai in città. Condividevano anche, perché l'autrice è stata piuttosto dura con loro, una situazione familiare davvero difficile: Scratch era stato adottato, il padre di Becca era alcolizzato e violento, e anche Finn aveva problemi con Brenda, la madre.
La loro idea era quella di fuggire una volta compiuti 17 anni e andare a vivere insieme, ma Finn va all'università mentre Becca e Scratch si sposano e hanno avuto cinque figli.
Dopo anni, decidono di trascorrere una vacanza solo loro tre prima del matrimonio di Finn. Finn sceglie un posto strano. Si tratta della casa ristrutturata di un certo Byrde, un posto dove andavano quando erano adolescenti, raccontandosi storie spaventose e facendo scherzi al proprietario.
Il mio commento è "il gioco è bello quando è corto", e anche che un gioco è un gioco, separato dalla realtà, qualunque significato abbia per voi “realtà”.
Ogni capitolo ha un sottotitolo che si riferisce a un gioco. Sono rimasta molto sorpresa da giochi come "Scruples". Gli esseri umani hanno davvero inventato cose, non mi è molto chiaro se per divertirsi davvero o invece per avere una scusa per litigare.
La storia è raccontata dal punto di vista di Becca, ad eccezione di un capitolo. È la moglie di Scratch; trascorre la sua vita pensando ai "e se", sognando un'altra vita che non ha avuto. Si sente insensibile sia a causa della sua vita che per i farmaci che assume. C'è un capitolo sulla sua idea di maternità: per lei non è un dono, una benedizione o altre cose belle. Dice che è come diventare una mummia: "la persona che c'è dentro scompare. Non c'è più niente dentro".
Durante la vacanza, per lei è tutto difficile: il luogo e le storie che si raccontavano quando erano più giovani rendono le sue giornate difficili. È profondamente segnata; tutto quello che c'è lì dentro le dà ansia e le fa ricordare brutti ricordi. Inoltre, suo marito non è una persona molto perspicace, quindi non può parlargli dei suoi problemi.
Ho fatto fatica a leggere il libro perché, trovandosi nella mente di Becca, tutto si ripete in continuazione come in un maleficio, dandomi un senso di stanchezza. Non riuscivo a percepire alcun mistero o orrore; inoltre ero stancante anche l’infinito bisogno di giochi di Scratch.
Mi sono piaciuti, invece, gli ultimi capitoli, in cui Becca trova il coraggio di chiarire i suoi dubbi.
Ho ricevuto una copia gratuita. Questa recensione contiene la mia opinione ed è pubblicata liberamente
Becca, Scratch, and Finn have been friends for a long time. They were the three up to no good in town. They also shared, because the author was quite harsh with them, a really difficult family situation: Scratch was adopted, Becca’s father was alcoholic and violent, and Finn too had problems with Brenda, the mother.
Their idea was to escape once they were 17 years old and live together, but it happened that Finn went to university while Becca and Scratch got married and had five children.
After years, they decide to spend some time on a holiday with just the three of them before Finn’s wedding. Finn picks up one odd place. It was the renovated house of a certain Byrde, a place where they went when they were teenagers, telling themselves scary stories and doing pranks on the owner.
My comment is "the game is good when it's short," and also remember that a game is a game, separated from reality, whatever reality means for you.
Each chapter has a subtitle referring to a game. I was really surprised by games like "Scruples". Human beings really invented things, not quite sure if to really have fun or just to have an excuse to argue instead.
The story is told from Becca's point of view, with the exception of one chapter. She is Scratch’s wife; she is spending her life thinking about the "what ifs", dreaming about another life she has not had. She feels numb both because of her life and the medications she is taking. There is a chapter about her idea of maternity; for her, it is not a gift, a blessing, or other beautiful things. She says it is like becoming a mummy; "the person inside just disappears. There’s nothing in there anymore".
During the holiday, everything is hard for her: the place and the stories they told themselves when they were younger make her days hard. She is deeply scarred; everything in there gives her anxiety and makes her remember bad memories. Moreover, her husband is not quite an insightful person, so she can’t really talk to him about her problems.
I had a hard time reading the book because, being in Becca’s mind, everything is repeated over and over as if in a spell, giving me this sense of fatigue. I could not sense any mystery or horror; I was also tired by the Scratch’s never-ending need for games.
Instead, I liked the last chapters, where Becca mustered up the courage to unfold her doubts
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
ITA
Becca, Scratch e Finn sono amici d’infanzia. Erano i tre che combinavano guai in città. Condividevano anche, perché l'autrice è stata piuttosto dura con loro, una situazione familiare davvero difficile: Scratch era stato adottato, il padre di Becca era alcolizzato e violento, e anche Finn aveva problemi con Brenda, la madre.
La loro idea era quella di fuggire una volta compiuti 17 anni e andare a vivere insieme, ma Finn va all'università mentre Becca e Scratch si sposano e hanno avuto cinque figli.
Dopo anni, decidono di trascorrere una vacanza solo loro tre prima del matrimonio di Finn. Finn sceglie un posto strano. Si tratta della casa ristrutturata di un certo Byrde, un posto dove andavano quando erano adolescenti, raccontandosi storie spaventose e facendo scherzi al proprietario.
Il mio commento è "il gioco è bello quando è corto", e anche che un gioco è un gioco, separato dalla realtà, qualunque significato abbia per voi “realtà”.
Ogni capitolo ha un sottotitolo che si riferisce a un gioco. Sono rimasta molto sorpresa da giochi come "Scruples". Gli esseri umani hanno davvero inventato cose, non mi è molto chiaro se per divertirsi davvero o invece per avere una scusa per litigare.
La storia è raccontata dal punto di vista di Becca, ad eccezione di un capitolo. È la moglie di Scratch; trascorre la sua vita pensando ai "e se", sognando un'altra vita che non ha avuto. Si sente insensibile sia a causa della sua vita che per i farmaci che assume. C'è un capitolo sulla sua idea di maternità: per lei non è un dono, una benedizione o altre cose belle. Dice che è come diventare una mummia: "la persona che c'è dentro scompare. Non c'è più niente dentro".
Durante la vacanza, per lei è tutto difficile: il luogo e le storie che si raccontavano quando erano più giovani rendono le sue giornate difficili. È profondamente segnata; tutto quello che c'è lì dentro le dà ansia e le fa ricordare brutti ricordi. Inoltre, suo marito non è una persona molto perspicace, quindi non può parlargli dei suoi problemi.
Ho fatto fatica a leggere il libro perché, trovandosi nella mente di Becca, tutto si ripete in continuazione come in un maleficio, dandomi un senso di stanchezza. Non riuscivo a percepire alcun mistero o orrore; inoltre ero stancante anche l’infinito bisogno di giochi di Scratch.
Mi sono piaciuti, invece, gli ultimi capitoli, in cui Becca trova il coraggio di chiarire i suoi dubbi.
Ho ricevuto una copia gratuita. Questa recensione contiene la mia opinione ed è pubblicata liberamente
May 28, 2023
This was an interesting book. I loved that the author used descriptions of common games as a preface to each chapter as a sort of precursor to the happenings inside the chapter.
The plot was very different, interesting, and had a lot of potential, but it felt confusing to me. The author used what seemed like regionalisms and slang, and it seemed that there were things left out that we, the reader, were not privy to. The middle to end kind of bogged down in detail that didn't seem to advance the plot. There were some character changes at the end that just came out of nowhere that hit me like an ice bucket challenge.
The cover of the book (yes, I do judge a book by its cover!) was very interesting and what drew me in. While the book was billed as horror, it seemed like it didn't know what it wanted to be - horror, supernatural, suspense, mystery, a story of regrets... and none of the aspects was truly resolved. However, I'm glad a got a chance to peak into the author's very imaginative mind.
I am grateful to Booksirens and the author for the chance to review the advance copy
The plot was very different, interesting, and had a lot of potential, but it felt confusing to me. The author used what seemed like regionalisms and slang, and it seemed that there were things left out that we, the reader, were not privy to. The middle to end kind of bogged down in detail that didn't seem to advance the plot. There were some character changes at the end that just came out of nowhere that hit me like an ice bucket challenge.
The cover of the book (yes, I do judge a book by its cover!) was very interesting and what drew me in. While the book was billed as horror, it seemed like it didn't know what it wanted to be - horror, supernatural, suspense, mystery, a story of regrets... and none of the aspects was truly resolved. However, I'm glad a got a chance to peak into the author's very imaginative mind.
I am grateful to Booksirens and the author for the chance to review the advance copy
April 19, 2023
Game, a supposed psychological thriller by Shirley Day, was like a never ending board of games. Game centers on three friends, two of whom are married to each other. They go on a vacation for the weekend, Becca is haunted by their joint past. All of this is further stirred up by a book that the old owner used to write in.
The synopsis of the novel makes it sound like it will be intense horror. The writing was good but plot doesn't play out like the promises that it makes. There was some slow-burn build up, but at best it was a bit of psychological horror, as Becca has emotional problems and takes lots of pills.
While the longer they stay there the more of their past comes back to Becca and dark secrets about what really happened to Old Man Byrde and to the trio as kids, but not really in any scary or thrilling way. Ultimately, this really was just a drama about the three friends and the secrets they all have. I can only say this book was OK, but did not live up to expectations.
The synopsis of the novel makes it sound like it will be intense horror. The writing was good but plot doesn't play out like the promises that it makes. There was some slow-burn build up, but at best it was a bit of psychological horror, as Becca has emotional problems and takes lots of pills.
While the longer they stay there the more of their past comes back to Becca and dark secrets about what really happened to Old Man Byrde and to the trio as kids, but not really in any scary or thrilling way. Ultimately, this really was just a drama about the three friends and the secrets they all have. I can only say this book was OK, but did not live up to expectations.
May 31, 2023
Game by Shirley Day is the first book I’ve read by this author. When I read the description of the book, I couldn’t wait to read it. What I read didn’t exactly live up to expectations. It’s not that the book was bad, it wasn’t. To me, this book is about three childhood friends who hid a lot of secrets and feelings from one another. Did typical childhood Shenanigans. Then in adulthood find themselves dealing with those decisions. And a love triangle that has survived for years. The overall pace of the book was slow and did pick up towards the end. Shirley Day is a great writer and there are some really good parts to this book. As I’m writing this, I’m still undecided how I feel about the end. Also I really didn’t connect with the mental health aspect that Becca was dealing with… (but maybe that’s just me.) In the end I would definitely read more from this author because the writing is solid.
Final Review:
3.5 out of 5 stars
Final Review:
3.5 out of 5 stars
October 25, 2023
I am so frustrated by this one, the blurb looked great and it was said to be a horror/thriller - but, it's more of a family drama.
It starts off well, slowly, but is gradually building the tension - and at this point it could still have fallen into the paranormal category. However, when nothing still hadn't happened by 50%, it started to grate.
If it was described differently I would have enjoyed it more; the emotions Becca goes through, constantly thinking 'what if' and having to deal with her regrets was powerful. One little mistake completely changed her path in life.
I did start to wonder something early on and was right, but the full extent of it just felt too unrealistic for me.
Having said this, I would still try another book by Shirley as there was good writing in there - just picking the right blurb and genre would help in future.
*I received a complimentary copy of the e-book from BookSirens and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
It starts off well, slowly, but is gradually building the tension - and at this point it could still have fallen into the paranormal category. However, when nothing still hadn't happened by 50%, it started to grate.
If it was described differently I would have enjoyed it more; the emotions Becca goes through, constantly thinking 'what if' and having to deal with her regrets was powerful. One little mistake completely changed her path in life.
I did start to wonder something early on and was right, but the full extent of it just felt too unrealistic for me.
Having said this, I would still try another book by Shirley as there was good writing in there - just picking the right blurb and genre would help in future.
*I received a complimentary copy of the e-book from BookSirens and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
April 7, 2023
Weekend getaway without kid bringing tower moment to Becca life. Becca, Scratch her husband and Finn their bestfriend rent Old Man Byrde’s farmhouse back in their childhood town. The house always give spooky vibe, when they are kid, they always play knock-out-ginger on the old barn. Becca doesnt want go there, she still haunted with the secret, secret that wrap the three of them in chaos. Oh god this book give me bad feeling, what Scratch did was evil and bad he didnt even feel sorry, then all of this wouldnt happend if Becca and Finn clear the air.
Thank you to NetGalley for provide this book, it is pleasure to review this book.
#Game #ShirleyDay #ARCProvidedbyVictoryEditing #VictoryEditing #NetGalley #NetGalleyCoop #PublishedwithPassion #ARC
Thank you to NetGalley for provide this book, it is pleasure to review this book.
#Game #ShirleyDay #ARCProvidedbyVictoryEditing #VictoryEditing #NetGalley #NetGalleyCoop #PublishedwithPassion #ARC
May 22, 2023
Three childhood friends, remote place from their past, and secrets hidden made this an interesting read. I enjoyed the chapters having the game and the description at the beginning. I think the writing style was great and descriptive. I did not, however like any of the characters. I found them all absolutely horrible which made the read even more interesting. The book was definitely a slow burn for me, but the ending took off and ran entirely on its own. I have to say that I did not expect some of the twists and I loved the way it came out of nowhere. While this wasn't my typical type of reading I did enjoy it and I think the book is a solid four stars for me. I received and advance copy for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 30, 2023
What an incredibly twisted novel of how friends can miss the wrongness lurking in their midst. The story was going along one way but soon changed into a dark story. I felt for the three friends as they tried to come to terms with their life. The three were gathered for a ‘stag’ party; one of the friends was about to get married. Because they had grown up together, there was a past that the three shared that made it easy for bad memories to come up. Each chapter started out with references to a game layer by the three. As the end of the book inched closer, I discovered I had everything wrong about the three friends. I was not expecting how the story ended up. It was such a tragedy and left me feeling washed out emotionally.
March 31, 2023
Unfortunately I wasn't able to finish this book, from the blurb, it sounded like it was going to be a different stye of book. There wasn't enough suspense int he story and it was slow, too slow for me. I think for me the problem was there was a good plot but it got bogged down too much.
I struggled to find the suspense and horror that the book promised.
I think maybe changing the categories of the book might help manage readers expectations and get readers who will enjoy the story a lot more.
Thank you Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for the ARC.
I struggled to find the suspense and horror that the book promised.
I think maybe changing the categories of the book might help manage readers expectations and get readers who will enjoy the story a lot more.
Thank you Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for the ARC.
May 8, 2023
Three friends from way back when they were kids spend the weekend at an old farm house that has been renovated and rented out. The house and the older man who used to live there has some history for them from when they were younger. Since then two of them have married and have multiple children together. they manage to squeak by, while the other friend is thriving and about to get married. But, there is some unfinished issues that must be resolved, which is easier said than done. A good read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 29, 2023
Game - not quite a horror story, not quite a psychological thriller, not quite a love story but something of a tortured mix of all three. There were so many points in the book when I wanted to scream at Becca, to jolt her into action and save herself. I enjoyed the premise, was creeped out by the location and shocked by the end of the story.
I didn’t so much as enjoy it as endure it, but I was glad I stuck it out to the end.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I didn’t so much as enjoy it as endure it, but I was glad I stuck it out to the end.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 31, 2023
This is a brilliant read.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
May 31, 2023
A devious game
Three friends get together after twenty odd years. Finn invites Becca and Scratch to The Byrde House for the weekend. At first it is all a game until Becca finds out that what she believed is far from the truth. A gripping mystery which ends in tragedy. I received a review copy through BookSirens and I am leaving my review voluntarily.
Three friends get together after twenty odd years. Finn invites Becca and Scratch to The Byrde House for the weekend. At first it is all a game until Becca finds out that what she believed is far from the truth. A gripping mystery which ends in tragedy. I received a review copy through BookSirens and I am leaving my review voluntarily.
October 7, 2023
A really interesting and captivating mystery! I really appreciate novels like these to get me more into the mystery genre.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 7, 2023
This book is for the grownups who told spooky stories around the campfire as kids. I couldn't stop until the last page.
August 13, 2023
It was okay that's about it tbh
July 23, 2023
A married couple, Becca & Scratch, join their friend, Finn, on his stag weekend in a rented house in the country. It’s just the 3 of them, and the house is where something bad happened to its owner all those years ago when they were little… but they won’t talk about it. Or about a certain insidious book. Or an ominous tree at the edge of the property. But repressed secrets have a way of re-surfacing. 🌩
This premise got me hooked right on. The games the trio played as children are pivotal to the plot, as are the ones they’ve been playing as adults, and this is cleverly emphasised by the structure of the book and the chapter titles – each chapter being named after a game, with a basic explanation of each game added below (I LOVE when chapters have actual titles!). ♟
The mood is greatly set at the start, with a description of the creepy tree and the name Becca has given it: The Watchman. However, from there it goes downhill:
1. There aren’t enough thrills there for most of the book. We get hints from Becca that something horrible happened in the house and she was involved in it, but it’s annoying how long it takes for it to be revealed to the reader, with not much happening meanwhile.
2. I’m really disappointed that the 2 coolest elements – the book and the tree – were not more developed as plot points. If they were, this novel would have been so much better and more unique. 💀
3. The ending. I liked the twist, but didn’t find it very plausible – it required a significant suspension of disbelief!
I felt this book had a lot of wasted potential (and un-fired Chekhov’s guns).
This premise got me hooked right on. The games the trio played as children are pivotal to the plot, as are the ones they’ve been playing as adults, and this is cleverly emphasised by the structure of the book and the chapter titles – each chapter being named after a game, with a basic explanation of each game added below (I LOVE when chapters have actual titles!). ♟
The mood is greatly set at the start, with a description of the creepy tree and the name Becca has given it: The Watchman. However, from there it goes downhill:
1. There aren’t enough thrills there for most of the book. We get hints from Becca that something horrible happened in the house and she was involved in it, but it’s annoying how long it takes for it to be revealed to the reader, with not much happening meanwhile.
2. I’m really disappointed that the 2 coolest elements – the book and the tree – were not more developed as plot points. If they were, this novel would have been so much better and more unique. 💀
3. The ending. I liked the twist, but didn’t find it very plausible – it required a significant suspension of disbelief!
I felt this book had a lot of wasted potential (and un-fired Chekhov’s guns).
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