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The Killing League
The Killing League
YOU WIN. OR YOU DIE. Wallace Mack is a retired FBI profiler. When he is contacted by an old friend whose daughter is missing, he agrees to try to find her. Soon, he uncovers THE KILLING LEAGUE, a competition among active serial killers. Even worse, Mack soon learns that he, and a woman whose life he helped save, are the grand prize. SOON TO BE A MAJOR MOTION PICTURE "A wild ride. -Amazon.com "Reads like early James Patterson." -Amazon.com "Ames is a sensation among readers who love fast-paced thrillers." -MysteryTribune
250 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 16, 2011
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 136 reviews
April 7, 2014
Well, I managed to get to 29% of the Kindle version of The Killing League until the lack of verisimilitude deflated my suspense of disbelief.
I had high expectations of this book, due to the enticing blurb, but the story failed to deliver. The characters were described to provide a visual image, but I got no sense of their internal emotions beyond what Ms. Amore told me they were feeling. The writing is not unskilled, and some of the descriptions were quite visceral, but when someone fires a gun in a forest and:
That's a huge red flag that someone doesn't know what they're writing about. Cordite hasn't been used firearm ammunition since second World War and the triple-based gunpowder that replaced might have a acidic metallic smell that might be picked up by extremely sensitive noses, but only if someone fires boxes of ammunition in a closed space, like a small room or a badly ventilated shooting range. In the open air? No chance that a smell will hang around after firing one round.
Of course, Ms. Amore is probably not the only writer who mistakenly uses cordite with post-WWII ammunition, but there was more to The Killing League that failed to engage me.
The lack of characterization was grating. None of the characters was even faintly interesting. Not the serial killers, who seemed derivative and unoriginal, nor the protagonists Mack and Nicole, who are both bland and superficial.
The pace was sluggish because the writer felt compelled to fill whole scenes with descriptions or explanations that were not necessary for any mildly intelligent reader to figure out for themselves. Dialogue was often pedestrian and interspersed with dragging descriptions:
I don't like to 'force' myself to read. There are so many books still to be read, that I couldn't justify wasting my time on this one. Sorry, Ms. Amore, but the second star is merely because the formatting and editing seemed professional. The story itself didn't rate more than 1 star for me.
I had high expectations of this book, due to the enticing blurb, but the story failed to deliver. The characters were described to provide a visual image, but I got no sense of their internal emotions beyond what Ms. Amore told me they were feeling. The writing is not unskilled, and some of the descriptions were quite visceral, but when someone fires a gun in a forest and:
The smell of cordite hung in the air around them.
That's a huge red flag that someone doesn't know what they're writing about. Cordite hasn't been used firearm ammunition since second World War and the triple-based gunpowder that replaced might have a acidic metallic smell that might be picked up by extremely sensitive noses, but only if someone fires boxes of ammunition in a closed space, like a small room or a badly ventilated shooting range. In the open air? No chance that a smell will hang around after firing one round.
Of course, Ms. Amore is probably not the only writer who mistakenly uses cordite with post-WWII ammunition, but there was more to The Killing League that failed to engage me.
The lack of characterization was grating. None of the characters was even faintly interesting. Not the serial killers, who seemed derivative and unoriginal, nor the protagonists Mack and Nicole, who are both bland and superficial.
The pace was sluggish because the writer felt compelled to fill whole scenes with descriptions or explanations that were not necessary for any mildly intelligent reader to figure out for themselves. Dialogue was often pedestrian and interspersed with dragging descriptions:
"Hey Boss!" Antony Toffol, her sous chef, called out as she started inventory on the wine selections.
"Yeah," she said. He stood with the door to the kitchen open. Nicole smelled the olive oil, garlic, onion, rosemary, shallots, paprika and black pepper that were being used in various incarnations.
"Someone dropped off a card for you," he said. "It was under the door when I opened up -- it's over on the receptionist table."
"Okay, thanks," she said.
I don't like to 'force' myself to read. There are so many books still to be read, that I couldn't justify wasting my time on this one. Sorry, Ms. Amore, but the second star is merely because the formatting and editing seemed professional. The story itself didn't rate more than 1 star for me.
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February 29, 2012Got it for 99 cents on Amazon.
The highest serial killer per page density you will find this year.
The highest serial killer per page density you will find this year.
June 4, 2012
This book contains portraits of ten or twelve habitual killers, from the trucker who likes to break the neck of hitchhikers to the butcher who doesn't distinguish between cow's blood and human blood when he's cutting up slabs of meat. The author, Dani Amore, has a way with words.
What is totally original about The Killing League is the premise that one Sick Dude decides to gather together this rogue's gallery of murderers in a competition. See who's really king of the heap in the art of slitting throats or sticking people with syringes loaded with fast-acting poison.
The heroine of the book is the highly likeable and athletic Nicole Candela, a woman who was brutally attacked three years ago. Without her ex-FBI friend Wallace Mack, who saved her in the nick of time, it would've been all over. How these two characters fit in with the death spiral in the killing league gets to the heart of this book.
The writing is streamlined; the chapters short, the sentences clean, the dialogue punchy. I read Death by Sarcasm by the same author a few months ago, and her short story Scales of Justice was equally hilarious. Having now read The Killing League, I know I'll be back for another Dani Amore book before long.
What is totally original about The Killing League is the premise that one Sick Dude decides to gather together this rogue's gallery of murderers in a competition. See who's really king of the heap in the art of slitting throats or sticking people with syringes loaded with fast-acting poison.
The heroine of the book is the highly likeable and athletic Nicole Candela, a woman who was brutally attacked three years ago. Without her ex-FBI friend Wallace Mack, who saved her in the nick of time, it would've been all over. How these two characters fit in with the death spiral in the killing league gets to the heart of this book.
The writing is streamlined; the chapters short, the sentences clean, the dialogue punchy. I read Death by Sarcasm by the same author a few months ago, and her short story Scales of Justice was equally hilarious. Having now read The Killing League, I know I'll be back for another Dani Amore book before long.
April 27, 2013
This book really frustrated me. I felt like author Dani Amore, had a potentially great idea, but then poorly executed it.
Amore's novel, "The Killing League" centers around a mysterious figure named, The Commissioner, who has invited a group of serial killers to participate in a killing game that he has named "The Killing League". The story alternates between The Killing League's members and two characters that are the ultimate targets, Mack, former FBI Agent and Nicole, a woman who narrowly escaped after a flubbed serial killer attempt and has been trying to rebuild her life in Los Angeles.
There were several things that drove me nuts about this book.
First the structure. It's incredibly formulaic. The book goes through every character and then circles back around. We hear how each member of The Killing League kills their victims in each round of the game. The kills are unique to the individual (like the nurse who kills her victims with an injection), however none of the kills are very unique overall. It's pretty straight forward and quite dull. The formula then goes back to Mack and Nicole, who each get those alternating chapters, whether or not the info conveyed in the chapters adds much to the story. It's filler.
Thank goodness it was a short read, because the pacing is incredibly sluggish, especially the last half.
The characters are flat. The serial killers might as well melt into one person. They are all stereotypes and lack real motives or depth. Mack and Nicole were particularly uninteresting. I was rooting for them to die the entire story.
It's like the characters are from a comic book, with the villains and heroes existing in a black and white world.
The worst part of the story was the lack of conflict. None of the killers seem to have a big problem with receiving a mysterious invitation from a person who knows about their kills. They all show up at a hotel for a conference to receive their instructions for the league. There is zero conflict. Mack seems to solve crimes with ease. There is never a good explanation of how betting on the KL is allowed in Vegas. This story has too many convenient explanations and holes.
What really bothered me the most was the missed opportunity. I like the idea of a game with a group of serial killers. It made me think of stories like Ten Little Indians, Clue and Rat Race, but with killers. I love the competition aspect and the mysterious commissioner. I wanted to get into the minds of the killers and to have the story be truly twisted and creepy. I think that Nicole and Mack should have been eliminated as primary characters. They shouldn't be the story. The story should have been about the Killing League itself and should reduce Mack and Nicole to minor characters.
Although it had gruesome parts, it was definitely rated PG. It's a beach read. I wanted it to be full on sick and twisted, like a Saw or Hostel movie. I wanted the commissioner to have a more valid and compelling motive for creating the league and I wanted see more of its origins. I wanted the killers to struggle and get creative.
This story could have been so much more entertaining.
Please visit my blog for more reviews and bookish things.
Amore's novel, "The Killing League" centers around a mysterious figure named, The Commissioner, who has invited a group of serial killers to participate in a killing game that he has named "The Killing League". The story alternates between The Killing League's members and two characters that are the ultimate targets, Mack, former FBI Agent and Nicole, a woman who narrowly escaped after a flubbed serial killer attempt and has been trying to rebuild her life in Los Angeles.
There were several things that drove me nuts about this book.
First the structure. It's incredibly formulaic. The book goes through every character and then circles back around. We hear how each member of The Killing League kills their victims in each round of the game. The kills are unique to the individual (like the nurse who kills her victims with an injection), however none of the kills are very unique overall. It's pretty straight forward and quite dull. The formula then goes back to Mack and Nicole, who each get those alternating chapters, whether or not the info conveyed in the chapters adds much to the story. It's filler.
Thank goodness it was a short read, because the pacing is incredibly sluggish, especially the last half.
The characters are flat. The serial killers might as well melt into one person. They are all stereotypes and lack real motives or depth. Mack and Nicole were particularly uninteresting. I was rooting for them to die the entire story.
It's like the characters are from a comic book, with the villains and heroes existing in a black and white world.
The worst part of the story was the lack of conflict. None of the killers seem to have a big problem with receiving a mysterious invitation from a person who knows about their kills. They all show up at a hotel for a conference to receive their instructions for the league. There is zero conflict. Mack seems to solve crimes with ease. There is never a good explanation of how betting on the KL is allowed in Vegas. This story has too many convenient explanations and holes.
What really bothered me the most was the missed opportunity. I like the idea of a game with a group of serial killers. It made me think of stories like Ten Little Indians, Clue and Rat Race, but with killers. I love the competition aspect and the mysterious commissioner. I wanted to get into the minds of the killers and to have the story be truly twisted and creepy. I think that Nicole and Mack should have been eliminated as primary characters. They shouldn't be the story. The story should have been about the Killing League itself and should reduce Mack and Nicole to minor characters.
Although it had gruesome parts, it was definitely rated PG. It's a beach read. I wanted it to be full on sick and twisted, like a Saw or Hostel movie. I wanted the commissioner to have a more valid and compelling motive for creating the league and I wanted see more of its origins. I wanted the killers to struggle and get creative.
This story could have been so much more entertaining.
Please visit my blog for more reviews and bookish things.
July 26, 2024
WTF IS A DECENT TRANSLATION 🗣️🗣️🔥🔥
April 19, 2012
The job of a sports league’s commissioner, while not easy, is relatively straightforward. Generally speaking, they oversee the teams and competition, deal with administrative details and rules governing league play, and generally seek to ensure the health and success of their league. The commissioner in author Dani Amore’s newest book is no different. Well, except that he’s not in charge of the NBA, NFL or some other league you’re familiar with; no, he’s commissioner of The Killing League.
Like any other professional sports league, The Commissioner has recruited only the best of the best to participate. It just so happens that all the players in The Killing League are active serial killers, and The Commissioner has devised a single elimination style tournament for them to test their skills. Each person will be assigned a specific target to kill per round of play, with the targets’ level of difficulty increasing the deeper into the tournament the players get. If you don’t get your target – or they get you – you’re eliminated.
And so, players with monikers like Blue Blood, The Messiah, Florence Nightmare, and The Butcher, among others, are turned loose across the country, each determined to win the grand prize: a shot at renowned FBI profiler Wallace Mack, and a woman named Nicole, who escaped from and killed the serial killer who abducted her three years ago. Of course, Mack didn’t get to be renowned based on his good looks, and Nicole has dedicated her life to two things since her ordeal: becoming a chef and martial arts. Mack quickly realizes what’s going on, and the only place Nicole’s better with a knife than in the kitchen is in the dojo. Game on.
Following a prologue flashback to Nicole’s escape, author Dani Amore sets the stage for The Killing League by introducing the readers to each player individually in a series of quick cut chapters before bringing them all together for the big event. And though having multiple killers in a single book could have been distracting or caused reader overload if handled wrong, Amore gives each of them enough of a distinct flair, and killing spree, to justify their presence in the story.
Speaking of killing, while you may think in a culture that gives us films like Saw and Hostel it’d be difficult to come up with inventive new ways for serial killers to get the job done, the immensely talented – or disturbed, same-same in this case – Dani Amore has a creative cross-section of murder and mayhem cued up in The Killing League, including one particularly nasty episode that actually made me cringe. Considering some of the things I read, that’s saying something. Well done, Dani!
Having previously demonstrated that she could adeptly write both comedic crime fiction (Death by Sarcasm) and a serious P.I. novel (Dead Wood), with The Killing League Amore takes the traditional serial killer genre, adds a healthy dose of thriller, and shows yet again why she’s one of the brightest rising stars in crime fiction. Screw fantasy football and baseball leagues, The Killing League is the one you want to be playing… ok, reading.
Like any other professional sports league, The Commissioner has recruited only the best of the best to participate. It just so happens that all the players in The Killing League are active serial killers, and The Commissioner has devised a single elimination style tournament for them to test their skills. Each person will be assigned a specific target to kill per round of play, with the targets’ level of difficulty increasing the deeper into the tournament the players get. If you don’t get your target – or they get you – you’re eliminated.
And so, players with monikers like Blue Blood, The Messiah, Florence Nightmare, and The Butcher, among others, are turned loose across the country, each determined to win the grand prize: a shot at renowned FBI profiler Wallace Mack, and a woman named Nicole, who escaped from and killed the serial killer who abducted her three years ago. Of course, Mack didn’t get to be renowned based on his good looks, and Nicole has dedicated her life to two things since her ordeal: becoming a chef and martial arts. Mack quickly realizes what’s going on, and the only place Nicole’s better with a knife than in the kitchen is in the dojo. Game on.
Following a prologue flashback to Nicole’s escape, author Dani Amore sets the stage for The Killing League by introducing the readers to each player individually in a series of quick cut chapters before bringing them all together for the big event. And though having multiple killers in a single book could have been distracting or caused reader overload if handled wrong, Amore gives each of them enough of a distinct flair, and killing spree, to justify their presence in the story.
Speaking of killing, while you may think in a culture that gives us films like Saw and Hostel it’d be difficult to come up with inventive new ways for serial killers to get the job done, the immensely talented – or disturbed, same-same in this case – Dani Amore has a creative cross-section of murder and mayhem cued up in The Killing League, including one particularly nasty episode that actually made me cringe. Considering some of the things I read, that’s saying something. Well done, Dani!
Having previously demonstrated that she could adeptly write both comedic crime fiction (Death by Sarcasm) and a serious P.I. novel (Dead Wood), with The Killing League Amore takes the traditional serial killer genre, adds a healthy dose of thriller, and shows yet again why she’s one of the brightest rising stars in crime fiction. Screw fantasy football and baseball leagues, The Killing League is the one you want to be playing… ok, reading.
January 5, 2017
the book was written so you don't know who the main killer was. It keeps you guessing trying to figure it ou.t
I liked all except the end seems like there should have been more to it. Worth reading though since it was a mystery all the way through.
I liked all except the end seems like there should have been more to it. Worth reading though since it was a mystery all the way through.
April 19, 2012
A treat for those who like blood and gore. Interesting premise with a killer masterminding a killing competition for other killers and as usual you hope the hero and heroine ,Mack and Nicole survive in the end. Threaded through the story is the romance of the two. Enthralling ,with nary a dull moment your interest is held to the very end. Good 'bloody' read
July 2, 2015
Two stars for the plot - there was an excellent idea at the base of this, but the writing really dragged, with unnecessary descriptions & bland dialogue. None of the characters had any depth; they all felt like 2D models being pushed around a board. There were subplots that went nowhere after being introduced. Overall a frustrating waste of a potentially exciting idea.
November 11, 2019
Nicole “Nicky” Candela (reporter, Wallace’s ex-lover, Culinary Institute) was running for her life even with ankle bracelets on.
She yanked the crude punji stick out of her thigh.
Nicole plunged it into his neck.
Then pulled his knife out of her hand.
3-yrs. later. Charleston Municipal Hospital Room # 211. Patricia Sirrine (7) an IV in her arm was fast asleep.
Dr. Ruth Dykstra was her attending physician.
Quantico, VG (Stafford County). FBI Academy Hoover Auditorium. Students & faculty were introduced to the legionary FBI Director Wallace Mack (retired FBI SA profiler, U of Virginia: criminology/psychology).
Along the I-75 highway there are 7-male prostitute victims were uncovered.
Chicago, IL. 11 female corpses (17-23).
At Fort Walton Beach, FL.: 7 middle-aged prostitute males were found dead.
Roger Dawson (OTR truck driver) was cruising his Peterbilt semi-tractor/trailer down Highway # 75 (Alligator Alley). He stopped to pick up a young male.
Down the road it was time to feed the gators.
Ft. Walton Motor Lodge Room # 232 (FL., # 30) Amanda Dekins (prostitute) just finished having sex with a client.
Messiah (aka cult leader) watched as Jedidiah (disciple), Matthew (disciple), Joseph (disciple) prepared Bartholomew for the sacrifice.
Florence Nightmare was selected to compete in the Killing League.
Dr. Ruth Dykstra had been selected to participate in the Killing League.
Mr. Roger Dawson (Truck Drivin’ Man) has been selected as a competitor in the Killing League.
Ray Skittlecorn (Skittlecorn Meats butcher) was selected to compete in the Killing League.
Amanda Dekins (Lady of the Evening) has been selected as a competitor in the Killing League.
Brent Tucker, Douglas Hampton (Family Man), Blue Blood, & the Messiah were chosen.
On the right-hand side: district attorney, crime novelist, psychologist, reporter, a retired cop, a Judge. A Governor, a former victim, & 2 FBI SA were also chosen.
The Killing League odds had been posted. Florence Nightmare. 10-1. Truck Drivin’ Man. 15-1. The Butcher. 30-1. Family Man. 15-1. Lady of the Evening. 7-1. Blue Blood. 5-1 The Messiah. 5-1, The Commissioner. 3-1.
Down to 3 now.
Who will take it all?
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review, only an honest one.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written serial killer thriller book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a huge set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great serial killer thriller movie, or better yet a mini TV series. It seemed way to long & what I call book filler (Blah, blah, blah) but I am still going to rate it at 5 stars.
Thank you for the free author (s); Slogan Books; BookZio; Amazon Digital Services LLC.; book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
She yanked the crude punji stick out of her thigh.
Nicole plunged it into his neck.
Then pulled his knife out of her hand.
3-yrs. later. Charleston Municipal Hospital Room # 211. Patricia Sirrine (7) an IV in her arm was fast asleep.
Dr. Ruth Dykstra was her attending physician.
Quantico, VG (Stafford County). FBI Academy Hoover Auditorium. Students & faculty were introduced to the legionary FBI Director Wallace Mack (retired FBI SA profiler, U of Virginia: criminology/psychology).
Along the I-75 highway there are 7-male prostitute victims were uncovered.
Chicago, IL. 11 female corpses (17-23).
At Fort Walton Beach, FL.: 7 middle-aged prostitute males were found dead.
Roger Dawson (OTR truck driver) was cruising his Peterbilt semi-tractor/trailer down Highway # 75 (Alligator Alley). He stopped to pick up a young male.
Down the road it was time to feed the gators.
Ft. Walton Motor Lodge Room # 232 (FL., # 30) Amanda Dekins (prostitute) just finished having sex with a client.
Messiah (aka cult leader) watched as Jedidiah (disciple), Matthew (disciple), Joseph (disciple) prepared Bartholomew for the sacrifice.
Florence Nightmare was selected to compete in the Killing League.
Dr. Ruth Dykstra had been selected to participate in the Killing League.
Mr. Roger Dawson (Truck Drivin’ Man) has been selected as a competitor in the Killing League.
Ray Skittlecorn (Skittlecorn Meats butcher) was selected to compete in the Killing League.
Amanda Dekins (Lady of the Evening) has been selected as a competitor in the Killing League.
Brent Tucker, Douglas Hampton (Family Man), Blue Blood, & the Messiah were chosen.
On the right-hand side: district attorney, crime novelist, psychologist, reporter, a retired cop, a Judge. A Governor, a former victim, & 2 FBI SA were also chosen.
The Killing League odds had been posted. Florence Nightmare. 10-1. Truck Drivin’ Man. 15-1. The Butcher. 30-1. Family Man. 15-1. Lady of the Evening. 7-1. Blue Blood. 5-1 The Messiah. 5-1, The Commissioner. 3-1.
Down to 3 now.
Who will take it all?
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review, only an honest one.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written serial killer thriller book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a huge set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great serial killer thriller movie, or better yet a mini TV series. It seemed way to long & what I call book filler (Blah, blah, blah) but I am still going to rate it at 5 stars.
Thank you for the free author (s); Slogan Books; BookZio; Amazon Digital Services LLC.; book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
November 18, 2018
The Killing League - a review by Rosemary Kenny
A fast-paced thriller with many twists and turns, The Killing League is the the prolific Dani Amore/Dan Ames' first novel in the Wallace Mack Serial Killer Thriller Killer series and it's a really well-written page turner that you'll find unputdownable from the very start.
The mysterious Commissioner sends out written 'invitations' to serial killers - each with their own trademark execution style - to target legal and literary VIPs and others deemed to be a threat to the criminal fraternity or worthy of execution. Their next targets in what has been dubbed The Killing League, are our hero, ex-FBI 'Mentalist', Wallace Mack and his friend Nicole Candela, the traumatised but recovering serial killer Jeffrey Kostner's 'almost' victim, whom Mack helped escape her maniacal captor three years earlier.
We are never told who the Commissioner is, why his Killing League has been constructed, or how/why he knows so many serial killers' existence and personal details, to be able to contact them in such a blatantly risky manner, but perhaps book 2 - The Murder Store - will enlighten further?
Why not try all three books in the series and decide for yourself?
A fast-paced thriller with many twists and turns, The Killing League is the the prolific Dani Amore/Dan Ames' first novel in the Wallace Mack Serial Killer Thriller Killer series and it's a really well-written page turner that you'll find unputdownable from the very start.
The mysterious Commissioner sends out written 'invitations' to serial killers - each with their own trademark execution style - to target legal and literary VIPs and others deemed to be a threat to the criminal fraternity or worthy of execution. Their next targets in what has been dubbed The Killing League, are our hero, ex-FBI 'Mentalist', Wallace Mack and his friend Nicole Candela, the traumatised but recovering serial killer Jeffrey Kostner's 'almost' victim, whom Mack helped escape her maniacal captor three years earlier.
We are never told who the Commissioner is, why his Killing League has been constructed, or how/why he knows so many serial killers' existence and personal details, to be able to contact them in such a blatantly risky manner, but perhaps book 2 - The Murder Store - will enlighten further?
Why not try all three books in the series and decide for yourself?
December 21, 2025
The Killing League, by Dan Ames, delivers a fast-paced premise that unfortunately struggles to move beyond its high-concept hooks. While the plot moves quickly, the characters lack the depth needed to make the stakes feel meaningful or personal. Because the primary antogonist feels more like a placeholder than a person, the tension never fully takes hold. It is a functional thriller that serves as a quick read, but the thin characterization keeps it from becoming a truly memorable experience.
The structure of the book is in the James Patterson style of very short chapters with a focus on action. This means a lot of white space in the book and a faster read. It also means a lack of development of the back story of the characters. By the end of the book you know a small back story on Mack, the FBI agent, but you never get a real understanding of the antagonist, The Commissioner. I give the book three stars because the idea behind the story is really great. But I also only give it three stars because the characters are so flat.
I am not opposed to reading the other books in the Wallace Mack series, but I will not read them with high expectations.
The structure of the book is in the James Patterson style of very short chapters with a focus on action. This means a lot of white space in the book and a faster read. It also means a lack of development of the back story of the characters. By the end of the book you know a small back story on Mack, the FBI agent, but you never get a real understanding of the antagonist, The Commissioner. I give the book three stars because the idea behind the story is really great. But I also only give it three stars because the characters are so flat.
I am not opposed to reading the other books in the Wallace Mack series, but I will not read them with high expectations.
August 15, 2022
Wow what a great read
A carefully selected group of serial killers around the country have received a fancy gold ribbon wrapped invitation to compete in a very special tournament... The Killing League. The competition is mandatory...a shadowy man, The Commissioner, threatens to leak to law enforcement "where all their bodies are buried" if they don't show up for the event. The protagonists in this story are Wallace Mack, a retired FBI profiler living in Florida, and a young woman who narrowly escaped from a now deceased serial killer and has since rebuilt her life as a successful restaurateur in L.A......Mack and the young woman each receive an invitation also.....This is a gruesome novel, but one you can't put down.
A carefully selected group of serial killers around the country have received a fancy gold ribbon wrapped invitation to compete in a very special tournament... The Killing League. The competition is mandatory...a shadowy man, The Commissioner, threatens to leak to law enforcement "where all their bodies are buried" if they don't show up for the event. The protagonists in this story are Wallace Mack, a retired FBI profiler living in Florida, and a young woman who narrowly escaped from a now deceased serial killer and has since rebuilt her life as a successful restaurateur in L.A......Mack and the young woman each receive an invitation also.....This is a gruesome novel, but one you can't put down.
February 26, 2019
Disturbing, yet fascinating
The concept of this book is frightening. The characters participating in the contest were easy to picture and realistic, but, thankfully, so were the good guys. The idea of one mastermind serial killer setting up a contest for himself and other serial killers with the one that got away as a grand prize is brilliant! I’m anxious to read the next book in the series.
Sort of Spoiler Alert:
For the animal lovers, the dog is okay. I couldn’t have finished the book if he wasn’t. Sal was one of my favorite characters.
The concept of this book is frightening. The characters participating in the contest were easy to picture and realistic, but, thankfully, so were the good guys. The idea of one mastermind serial killer setting up a contest for himself and other serial killers with the one that got away as a grand prize is brilliant! I’m anxious to read the next book in the series.
Sort of Spoiler Alert:
For the animal lovers, the dog is okay. I couldn’t have finished the book if he wasn’t. Sal was one of my favorite characters.
July 11, 2017
It was ok
This story drags out. I almost didn't finish because I got bored in places. The one thing I like about novels is to connect with characters and step into another persons life and have it be believable, like that could be you. This book does not give you that. It reads like a suspense movie and is not believable. It did have some good moments, but nothing really grabbed me.
This story drags out. I almost didn't finish because I got bored in places. The one thing I like about novels is to connect with characters and step into another persons life and have it be believable, like that could be you. This book does not give you that. It reads like a suspense movie and is not believable. It did have some good moments, but nothing really grabbed me.
October 6, 2018
The Killing League was the best serial killer goodread. The storyline was was original with an unbelievable contest for the selected killers. The characters were believable, likable, or deplorable with the descriptive development Mr. Ames gave each one. If you like reading this genre, you will thoroughly enjoy The Killing League.
July 25, 2019
Did not care for this. Maybe because It was written like a CSI-Episode and that is not really my thing. But I tried and it just starts right into the crime and all the investigation right away no warning or prep and it was turning me off. I don't mind crime novels where it builds up or gives you a chapter to understand what us going on. Did not enjoy this.
October 26, 2019
One Of The Best Books Of The Genre
The book is one of the best of the genre I've ever read. Indeed a true page turner. Character development, descriptions, and metaphors were excellent. As a New Englander his sense of place put me in a different part of the country as if I had lived there. Gave 5 stars and recommendations to colleagues.
The book is one of the best of the genre I've ever read. Indeed a true page turner. Character development, descriptions, and metaphors were excellent. As a New Englander his sense of place put me in a different part of the country as if I had lived there. Gave 5 stars and recommendations to colleagues.
March 25, 2020
It was a free kindle book, so I took a chance. It is a quick read, with some suspense, and lots of murders, throughout. I would consider it a lightweight story as the plot and characters aren't fleshed out as much as in other books. Overall I enjoyed it enough that I would take a chance on another book by the same author (if it was free).
November 12, 2020
Don't get me wrong, serial killers in reality are no fun. But this book is a "fun" way to look at serial killers who participate in the Killing League. I can't give away too much without ruining the plot, but I will say that I never expected the "leader" to be that guy. It's nice when you don't figure out who the main bad guy is.
December 5, 2018
Another Great Read.
Dan Ames is among one of the best thriller authors that I have read. Page turning suspense. Wallace Mack profiler is slowly piecing together profiles of a spate of killings. Many twist in this one . Recommend.
Dan Ames is among one of the best thriller authors that I have read. Page turning suspense. Wallace Mack profiler is slowly piecing together profiles of a spate of killings. Many twist in this one . Recommend.
September 4, 2019
Gripping
I have had this book in my collection for a good while but never got round to reading it.
I really wish I had as it had me gripped from page to page.
A great story line with an interesting twist.
I can’t wait to read the second book.
I have had this book in my collection for a good while but never got round to reading it.
I really wish I had as it had me gripped from page to page.
A great story line with an interesting twist.
I can’t wait to read the second book.
November 13, 2019
The Serial Games
This story neared the full circle of the tale and ended a bit limp. Attempts of momentum repeatedly and then the foot ifalls off the gas. Feels a bit cozy with a real bad guy.
This story neared the full circle of the tale and ended a bit limp. Attempts of momentum repeatedly and then the foot ifalls off the gas. Feels a bit cozy with a real bad guy.
January 2, 2020
I found this to be a very compelling mystery with a concept new to me. A man assembles a league of psychopathic killers for a rather grizzly competition. I'm afraid to give too much away there are good number of red herrings in this good read.
February 15, 2020
Fast paced
This book was a really great surprise read. Fast paced and an attention grabbing book. The vivid ways he describes the acts are awesome. You can see the man's intestines being looped on that fishing hook. Love it.
This book was a really great surprise read. Fast paced and an attention grabbing book. The vivid ways he describes the acts are awesome. You can see the man's intestines being looped on that fishing hook. Love it.
Read
October 30, 2020Can't put it down
From the first page I was hooked. I love how the chapters alternated pov including the serial killers. There's a little bot of romance that is fun but the thriller will keep you guessing until the end.
From the first page I was hooked. I love how the chapters alternated pov including the serial killers. There's a little bot of romance that is fun but the thriller will keep you guessing until the end.
October 1, 2021
Lots of twists in this ine
The idea of a killing league was something new. The writing was clear and concise no flowery prose, just good reading. I will definitely read more from this author.
The idea of a killing league was something new. The writing was clear and concise no flowery prose, just good reading. I will definitely read more from this author.
November 1, 2021
Un très bon thriller.
J'ai bien apprécié les chapitres courts et la plume de l'auteur qui sait pertinemment construire une bonne intrigue tout en montrant différents personnages en différents scénarios bien soudés entre eux.
J'ai bien apprécié les chapitres courts et la plume de l'auteur qui sait pertinemment construire une bonne intrigue tout en montrant différents personnages en différents scénarios bien soudés entre eux.
October 5, 2022
sick sick sick
This was a very compelling story with a twist at the end. The only reason I gave it a three rating was because of what I felt was over the top gratuitous killings. If you can get by that it’s a good read.
This was a very compelling story with a twist at the end. The only reason I gave it a three rating was because of what I felt was over the top gratuitous killings. If you can get by that it’s a good read.
July 18, 2017
Wow! I could never have gussed
This was a true thriller read. So raw! So many twists and turns. I hope the other books are as exciting.
This was a true thriller read. So raw! So many twists and turns. I hope the other books are as exciting.
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