The Perfect Game

by John Hansen

Short story

Genres: Horror, Short Stories

9 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 3, 2011

About the author

John Hansen is the teenage author of the THE PERFECT GAME series. His work appears in the lit mags “Raphael’s Village” and “Crack The Spine“ and in the “Dark Light” anthology published by CH&BB Publishing.

John is an avid reader, writer and book blogger among other things. He has a very interesting, unpredictable (sometimes good, sometimes bad), creative, disturbing, random, insightful and humorous mind. You can find him at home, cursing at whatever trivial concern dares vex him, mainly writers’ block. Or sometimes you can find him on his couch, after giving up on his writing, staring at the blank TV screen as if it is some magical, awe-inspiring promiseland. But in most cases, it isn’t.

Buy THE PERFECT GAME directly from Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/The-Perfect-Gam...

And be sure to join John's Q&A group: http://www.goodreads.com/group/show/6...

Reviews

[Midu Hadi · Rating 3 out of 5]

The premise this story is based upon is not only interesting but actually possible-if Ancient Romans enjoyed watching gladiators, why couldn't the modern man want a show about live murders?
The story is well written and I liked the fact that it got right to the point.
The ending wasn't a surprise, though, I kept hoping George would end up at Jeff's house.

[Sheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Perfect Game is a new reality show (and who doesn't love reality TV), but in this particular show, the game is murder. Viewers can live vicariously through George, the show's star, and watch him live as he stalks his next victim.

This short story was very interesting and unique. The author did a great job in just these few pages of setting up creepy, suspenseful imagery of the TV show and of the people watching it, and there is a twist at the end that you might not expect.

The author has indicated that there will be more in the future based on this short story, and I am looking forward to reading that to see where The Perfect Game is going to be taken.

Interview with author John Hansen:
http://makingconnectionsgroup.blogspo...

[Stormi (StormReads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Perfect Game is a short story from a new up and coming young author that I have had the privilege to get to know. He is making great strides in his writing career and I can't wait to see what he writes about next.

In the last ten years or so we have been flooded with reality TV shows, but what happens when it turns deadly. The TV show The Perfect Game is a live show about 'George' a man who kills people and its live entertainment!

Jeff can't help but be mesmerized by this new TV show as it makes him feel like he is right there with the killer. Jeff is a little bit sadistic to begin with because he likes watching this TV show but so are a lot of people out there since the show is popular and the police don't shut it down.

This was a very interesting short story that I would have really like to have read in a longer version. The author really has some creepy characters and I really loved the twist ending.

[Charles · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this short story! John did a good job setting up what I think will become an excellent series. This book reads like a preface to a novel. The reader is introduced to the concept of "The Perfect Game" show and we get to experience the reaction firsthand of one of the many viewers of the show. I'm really excited to read the next book and hope that John will go into more detail about how the game show got its start, why America accepted it (i.e. what had changed in this fantasy world that such a show is allowed to air, why would a network even try to produce such an event, etc.) I really enjoyed the method by which the story ended and will definitely be getting the sequel when it comes out.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

There's just one word to describe the book - hooked. Since this is the first book in the series I am excited and cannot wait to read more.
"The Perfect Game" takes a look at what could happen when real life and reality tv cross the line. Written by John Hansen, this book shows the dark side of human nature. It is a very well written book that shows a creative side to Mr. Hansen that most people might not want to admit exists in most people. Definitely a Horror book, the reader is on the edge of their seat with a surprise twist at the end.
This is a must read for all readers - no matter what their tastes may be - they won't be sorry for the experience of reading it. Although they may sleep with the light on for a couple of nights! =)

[Disincentive/Feta · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The following is not for the faint-hearted", I read at the beginning of this story. I thought "yeah, okay. Another author who thinks he is so scary and his story will be so amazing that I will faint... Nope, I'm strong.) and then I couldn't sleep, because I was scared someone was going to murder me. I felt like in Primary school, when I watched first horror movies with friends and we were scared to go to bathroom alone.

It starts... Normally. Man is murdering a woman, okay. Nice descriptions, I have to say, but author does horrible thing - he repeats himself all the time. On one ebook page I could read the same thing three times.
Characters in this story weren't really deep and that's what bothered me the most - but it's just a short story. If it would be longer, that kind of thing would make my rating lower, now I can't complain.
And... Yes, it was too short.

Anyway - this story made me sure that I'm right with my opinion about people - that they are sad creatures, caring only about their own butts. If you are not one of the lazy-butted people, read it and think - is there a winner in The Perfect Game?

PS: There will be sequel. Oh my.
PS2: Author is a teen. He's going to be famous, so you know...
PS3: It's going to my best-2012 shelf. Second book there.

[Gigi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jeff enjoys seeing the reality tv show "The Perfect Game" a show where you can actually witness murders happening right before your eyes. Jeff likes George a little to much its almost like he admires him. And one day while watching the show he can't help but wonder how it might feel to actually kill someone, see someone beg and soon take their last breath. When his nagging wife disturbs him while he is watching his show, he starts to think maybe he can experience that feeling without having to watch it on the television, what better place than to do it in his own home. The question is who would he use as the victim?


In this creepy short story you read about Jeff a sadist who loves to see people getting killed. He makes you feel scared and angry at the same time. This was one of those stories where you think "Wow this guy is a horrible person." I really enjoyed this book though there was that unexpected twist in the end that made you go "What just happened?" I am so glad I read this book!

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free download of "The Perfect Game", a short story by John Hansen.I understand now what he meant when he wrote "The following is not for the faint-hearted".

The Perfect Game" takes a look at what could happen when real life and reality tv cross the line. Written by John Hansen, this book shows the dark side of human nature. It is a very well written book that shows a creative side to Mr. Hansen that most people might not want to admit exists in most people. Definitely a Horror book, the reader is on the edge of their seat with a surprise twist at the end.
This is a must read for all readers - no matter what their tastes may be - they won't be sorry for the experience of reading it.

I am so glad I read this in the daytime and not late at night...or I probably wouldn't have slept.

[Darren Sant · Rating 4 out of 5]

In these days of increasingly lurid, vulgar and over the top reality television John Hansen’s vision of a possible future is not so far removed from the current reality. People get their kicks from violent games, films and other media. This aspect makes the story an interesting read.

John makes good use of descriptive language and it is on the whole a well rounded story with a surprising conclusion. I would have liked to see one element of the story developed more as I felt it would have improved the effect of the plot. However, with a willing suspension of disbelief it isn’t a critical flaw.

A decent read that will have you shuddering as you watch the next reality TV show that comes on.

[Char · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a short horror story that is a lot of fun.

It explores the consequences of what could happen when game shows and reality shows combine to provide us the ultimately real game show.

In a way, it's an observation about current media trends such as reality TV. It's thought provoking because you can't help but wonder if this is the road down which our entertainment preferences are going to lead us. In this way the story reminds me a bit of The Running Man by Stephen King.

It's difficult to say much more without spoiling the story. I love horror shorts and I found this story to be quite entertaining and fun.
The author states that this story will be part of a series and I will be looking forward to finding out where he's taking The Perfect Game.

[Darren Sant · Rating 4 out of 5]

In these days of increasingly lurid, vulgar and over the top reality television John Hansen's vision of a possible future is not so far removed from the current reality. People get their kicks from violent games, films and other media. This aspect makes the story an interesting read. John makes good use of descriptive language. A story that will have you shuddering as you watch the next reality TV show that comes on.

[Vincent Hobbes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read this story three times now. Excellent work from indie author John Hansen! I'll definitely be picking up more of his work.

[Lynn Worton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where murder is the flavour of the month on TV, the only show to watch is The Perfect Game. Viewers watch a murder being committed, vicariously living the thrill of killing without committing the crime themselves. But what happens when things go too far?

This is a short story that is quite chillingly dark. George is the "star" of The Perfect Game, a reality TV show that showcases the most gruesome murders. This show has a huge following, and is the most popular TV show in the history of reality TV shows.
The story follows Jeff and his wife, and what happens when murder is condoned.
I don't usually read dark/horror stories, but I actually enjoyed this one! I definitely do not condone murder, and would be absolutely horrified if a TV show similar to this one was aired! However, John Hansen has written a fabulous story that intrigued me. The dark satire of the reality TV shows, and how far they (the show producers) are willing to go to get ratings, is a wake up call to all! The ending has a fantastic twist that was unexpected, but it made me smirk in an ironic way. I highly recommend this book if you love a fantastically good dark/horror tale.

[Lily · Rating 3 out of 5]

Alrighty folks. This was a cool 14 page story. Without giving even the smallest hint away, I absolutely loved the ending, though I don't condone in any way, the actions people took in this book. It was just an ironic twist that I enjoyed.

I did have an issue with believability. If there was mention that we were in a world setting where culture had changed, and this kind of tv was acceptable, I would have been more convinced. There is mention that officials may be receiving bribes to air this murder show, but it didn't sound believable to me that something like this would fly, week after week.

But, after all, it is just a story. And it was an interesting one. For the ending alone, I recommend you check it out. I got this one during a free promotion on Amazon, but I believe it is normally priced at .99.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although John’s book is a short story, it is far from short on the entertaining side! Horrifically entertaining, thrilling and might just have opened me up to a new love for horror novels! I love graphic fights scenes...add in some murder? Why not!

George is the murderer on The Perfect Game and Jeff never misses an episode on Saturday nights. The thrill of the kill through George is almost as good as the real thing...or is it? You’ll have to read it to find out!

I feel cheated to only have such a small taste of John’s writing. I’ve been begging for more, but apparently my begging skills suck! I suppose I will have to wait until he writes the prequel, but in the meantime, if you enjoy a little murder but don’t want to do the deed yourself, I highly recommend you check it out!

[Cyndi Stauff · Rating 4 out of 5]

I started this book last night even after reading "WARNING: The following is not for the faint-hearted", I read a little further and decided maybe I should save the rest of this until the next day, which I did. I didn't realize this was a short story and was sad that it was. With that being said, this is a short story you will not be disappointed. This is a great lead in to a series should the author decide to do that. This new and upcoming author will have you clicking (if you have an e-reader) or turning quickly for the next page, and then the next in this creepy, suspenseful, dark, story about a TV show.

[Todd Russell · Rating 3 out of 5]

The blurb for this short story instantly made me think of The Running Man which is my favorite of the Richard Bachman books, plus was a cool movie starring Arnie. However, the basic theme -- a bloody reality show -- is about all the two share in common. The Perfect Game focuses more on the viewer experience rather than the participants. There are some good ideas expressed here but not sure the cohesion worked for me at the length. This one might be worth expanding into a longer short story, perhaps novelette-length and giving the reader a bit more characterization to chew on.

[Rachel Rueben · Rating 4 out of 5]

"This is not for the faint of heart" the author warns and with good reason. This is a horror story to rival most horror stories. I generally don't read horror because most of it is mindless but this story wasn't at all. It threw me for a loop and that's hard to do since I can predict what happens in most movies and books.

The Perfect Game is a short story with a lot of wow factor. I'm not going to spoil it but it starts with a reality T.V. murderer and ends in an unlikely manner. If this is a sample of what the author can do, then call me a fan!

[Michael Runyan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Where to start? I thought I was going to hate this. The writing style annoyed me, the premise sounded like a rip-off of the hunger games, and the plot seemed obvious. But as it went on,I started to get interested, and the ending was a real surprise. I felt like the thing could have been better edited, yes, and reducing the amount of adverbs would help this story a lot. However, I think some of the problems here could have been easily solved in a much longer work. So I am glad I powered through the begining.

[Melanie Adkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

There's a new game on television. You might want to check it out. Then again, you might not want to. It's an unusual take on something none of us consider a game.


This book will make you wonder if we aren't headed in this direction with all the reality TV we watch. I enjoyed the story and the twist at the end. Didn't see that one, I thought it might be another twist. Check this out. It'll keep you thinking.


I didn't find issues with this one.


I gave this one 5 out 5 books.

[Trevor Kidd · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Perfect Game is a pretty decent short story with good horror themes and social commentary about violence in entertainment. It was a good little read.

On the other hand, it seems to be selling on Amazon with a list price of $2.99 (I got it on a free day) and it's only 14 pages long. Probably the author is using this story to drum up publicity for his other work. I think that's great and I hope he gets people interested in the rest of his writing.

[Beca · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author didn't lie when he said this book isn't for the faint hearted.
I am now paranoid and scarred for life.
My [positive] thoughts simplified:
Writing style- superb.
Content- beautifully suspensful. I loved the twist in the end and the way the author had me on my toes.
I have a feeling Hansen might be an author to watch, he was that good. He has the potential to be a big name.
I choose not to comment on the negative aspects of The Perfect Game only because I value my life.

[Catrina Barton · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's not my usual genre so I'll confine my comments to the writing itself.

I thought it was well written and the twist at the end wasn't what I expected.
My only major complaint is I couldn't really pin point whose point of view it was supposed to be in, which kept me at arm's length instead of emerging me in the story. It was definitely a dark story that many horror fans will love.

[Danielle · Rating 2 out of 5]

My rating is only is low and i dont normally do it at 2 - 2 1/2 stars, i did like this short story but i think it was ruined abit by how short it was ( i dont really like short storys anyway but won this in a give away ) it's defo for scary book lovers which im afraid thats not me!

I did however love the ending! an awesme twist!

[Annabel · Rating 3 out of 5]

After finishing this book I thought to myself 'what did just happen?'. I liked the concept but the twisted ending just seemed too far fetched. This book is a fast read (only 14 pages) and is entertaining but that is all there is to say.

[Lori Henrich · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an okay story. Didn't particularly care for the idea of a reality show where someone was actually killing people but it was an easy read.

[Kristabell · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was straight up creepy. And disturbing. I wish it was longer than 14 pages!

[Marc-Antoine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun and quick read. Could of been longer, I really enjoyed the premise, and would have liked to see it go further.

[Jacob · Rating 4 out of 5]

thought this was a good story. could have been flushed out some but thats ok by me. suggested by an author i follow. if your looking for a quick read check out The Perfect Game.

[Scot · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reality TV. It is part of everyday life but in this book in the near future things are a little more real. Murder for entertainment. An imaginative story with a creative conclusion.