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The Contestant by Ms C.J. Lea
A $10 million online treasure hunt is one contest serial killer Raymond Fleishman knows how to win. He has a Mensa-rated IQ, a cache of dirty tricks, and a cast-iron determination. All he has to do is stay focussed, follow the clues, reduce the competition. And find the one person who can stop him. ( Contains graphic violence) Also available in the Kindle Lending Library for Prime and Kindle Unlimited Members.
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First published June 15, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
August 23, 2015
I started reading this and abandoned it at 30% because I found it very far fetched and unrealistic. However, I picked it up again because I the reviews were so good. All I can say is they must have got something out of it that I totally missed because my opinion didn't change. I find it hard to believe that even a person who is paralysed from the waist down could carry with exposed bones, burned skin etc without suffering from blood loss weakness etc. I realise this is fiction but I like my books to be a bit believable with more depth to the characters so I won't be reading any more from this Author. Don't let me put you off reading it though you may find what others did.
June 16, 2017
About the author:
Catherine lives with a fox terrier that thinks he owns the house. She has sold international satellite capacity, worked in IT recruitment, and run her own communications store.
When Catherine isn't writing, she's dog-wrangling, wrestling with technology, or going crazy trying to maintain control of the yard.
THE CANDIDATE'S DAUGHTER is her first published work, now followed up by the newly released sequel CHILD OF THE STATE.
She also writes gritty thrillers under the pen name C.J. Lea.
Book synopsis
A $10 million online treasure hunt is one contest serial killer Raymond Fleishman knows how to win. He has a Mensa-rated IQ, a cache of dirty tricks, and a cast-iron determination. All he has to do is stay focussed, follow the clues, reduce the competition.
And find the one person who can stop him.
(Warning: Contains graphic violence)
What did I think of the story:
I hate to say this but I hated what I read of it, only read like 40 pages of it before I decided to DNF it and delete it off my kindle library. There was nothing I actually liked about the story at all, couldn't get in to, wasn't holding my attention at all.
Catherine lives with a fox terrier that thinks he owns the house. She has sold international satellite capacity, worked in IT recruitment, and run her own communications store.
When Catherine isn't writing, she's dog-wrangling, wrestling with technology, or going crazy trying to maintain control of the yard.
THE CANDIDATE'S DAUGHTER is her first published work, now followed up by the newly released sequel CHILD OF THE STATE.
She also writes gritty thrillers under the pen name C.J. Lea.
Book synopsis
A $10 million online treasure hunt is one contest serial killer Raymond Fleishman knows how to win. He has a Mensa-rated IQ, a cache of dirty tricks, and a cast-iron determination. All he has to do is stay focussed, follow the clues, reduce the competition.
And find the one person who can stop him.
(Warning: Contains graphic violence)
What did I think of the story:
I hate to say this but I hated what I read of it, only read like 40 pages of it before I decided to DNF it and delete it off my kindle library. There was nothing I actually liked about the story at all, couldn't get in to, wasn't holding my attention at all.
July 31, 2015
Different kind of a thriller.
Treasure hunt and on line give away, contests singing up. Getting killed because they were coming close to winning. Raymond in the wheel chair, how did he cleaned blood and brain matters from the walls and ceiling, or reached and removed the camera from the ceiling. Also after the bombing his wheel chair was "mangled" but next he was riding, even up the stairs. Didn't make sense. But I did finish reading.
Treasure hunt and on line give away, contests singing up. Getting killed because they were coming close to winning. Raymond in the wheel chair, how did he cleaned blood and brain matters from the walls and ceiling, or reached and removed the camera from the ceiling. Also after the bombing his wheel chair was "mangled" but next he was riding, even up the stairs. Didn't make sense. But I did finish reading.
August 24, 2018
Horrifically Amoral Game-Players in a Grisly Tournament
Repugnant people with no humanity greedily searching for clues to a ten million dollar payout, ladling out murder, extortion, blackmail and general mayhem in the pursuit.
Repugnant people with no humanity greedily searching for clues to a ten million dollar payout, ladling out murder, extortion, blackmail and general mayhem in the pursuit.
April 13, 2016
Such a confusing book. What makes it confusing?
There are a lot of characters. The author has done a good job of delineating sections of chapters or entire chapters for each character, but there are just so many to keep track of! And some of them are not important, which you don't discover until later. There is one character who is more important than the others, and the author does focus on him a bit more. But because there are so many, and each character has two names, I found myself trying to remember why each one was important and how they fit in.
The plot is unbelievable. Okay, so some people enter an online sweepstakes contest called the Treasure Hunt. It only takes place in one city. Everyone is vying for a big prize. They start hunting each other down to eliminate the competition. But in the end, it wasn't really about the Treasure Hunt. Or was it? I just don't know. Ugh. There was some important pre-story details that were either not explained well or not in the book. I am not sure I know what happened in the end. I am not sure I even got a good grasp of the entire world of this online contest group.
There is a lot of action where people die, or do they? The last half of the book is pure action, action, action. The pacing is good, but the descriptions are not. I couldn't follow where everyone was, who did what, and where they all ended up. Especially the climatic scene - where was that room? How did it connect to the building?
Poor editing adds problems to a book. The author could use some help in this department. There were missing words, some important details that were inconsistent (calling a mansion an apartment is one them), and some pronouns that were incorrect. I hate having to reread and reread sentences to figure out what is going on.
I think the author gets kudos for creating a main character with a disability. She certainly fleshes out the issues he has in life and especially in this contest because of his mobility limitations. He certainly isn't limited in other ways. However, there is some inflammatory language used by characters that is left as acceptable. It would have been nice to see other characters defending or chastising for use of such language. I bring this up because I read an excerpt from another of this author's books, and I saw the same kind of issue. There is a character with special needs, and another character speaks and behaves in an inflammatory way to her. The speaking voice of this character is also a bit jarring, even though it's realistic. In the brief part I read, I believe the writing could be offensive to some. It's hard to write for a special needs character in a way that is not offensive, and of course it's great that the author chooses to create characters with needs.
I think I'll pass on other books written by this author.
There are a lot of characters. The author has done a good job of delineating sections of chapters or entire chapters for each character, but there are just so many to keep track of! And some of them are not important, which you don't discover until later. There is one character who is more important than the others, and the author does focus on him a bit more. But because there are so many, and each character has two names, I found myself trying to remember why each one was important and how they fit in.
The plot is unbelievable. Okay, so some people enter an online sweepstakes contest called the Treasure Hunt. It only takes place in one city. Everyone is vying for a big prize. They start hunting each other down to eliminate the competition. But in the end, it wasn't really about the Treasure Hunt. Or was it? I just don't know. Ugh. There was some important pre-story details that were either not explained well or not in the book. I am not sure I know what happened in the end. I am not sure I even got a good grasp of the entire world of this online contest group.
There is a lot of action where people die, or do they? The last half of the book is pure action, action, action. The pacing is good, but the descriptions are not. I couldn't follow where everyone was, who did what, and where they all ended up. Especially the climatic scene - where was that room? How did it connect to the building?
Poor editing adds problems to a book. The author could use some help in this department. There were missing words, some important details that were inconsistent (calling a mansion an apartment is one them), and some pronouns that were incorrect. I hate having to reread and reread sentences to figure out what is going on.
I think the author gets kudos for creating a main character with a disability. She certainly fleshes out the issues he has in life and especially in this contest because of his mobility limitations. He certainly isn't limited in other ways. However, there is some inflammatory language used by characters that is left as acceptable. It would have been nice to see other characters defending or chastising for use of such language. I bring this up because I read an excerpt from another of this author's books, and I saw the same kind of issue. There is a character with special needs, and another character speaks and behaves in an inflammatory way to her. The speaking voice of this character is also a bit jarring, even though it's realistic. In the brief part I read, I believe the writing could be offensive to some. It's hard to write for a special needs character in a way that is not offensive, and of course it's great that the author chooses to create characters with needs.
I think I'll pass on other books written by this author.
January 31, 2024
Loved this book. Another great read by the fabulous Catherine Lea!
August 6, 2014
Catherine Lea, who wrote the excellent The Candidate’s Daughter, says the reason she used the pen name CJ Lea for The Contestant is because the books are so different. The Candidate’s Daughter is a billed as a “thriller with a heart”. The characters in The Contestant? Completely heartless. However, like the first book, it is a fast-moving thriller with well-drawn characters and the perfect amount of description to allow you to watch along in your head. It definitely pulled me along with the same relentless energy found in the first book. Whatever you call her, Ms. Lea writes a memorable and enjoyable book.
I initially found the book difficult to believe as it set up the premise of the “Games Club.” Others may find it difficult in the beginning for the same reason: the premise might not actually be doable in reality-world. However, I was able to willingly and eagerly suspend my disbelief within a few chapters as the story pulled me along into a complex game between a dangerous set of contestants who would do anything to reap their reward.
Although the book is fast-paced, the author takes the time and care to develop the main character, Raymond, in all his evil glory. Confined to a wheelchair and more than bitter about it, Raymond is one scary dude who is determined to come out ahead no matter who gets in the way. I had to keep reading just to make sure he got his comeuppance. You’ll need to keep reading, too, because no way am I giving out any spoilers!
Populated with characters who are sociopathic, narcissistic, and arrogant, the story makes it difficult to find anyone to root for. But who cares? The action blasts along in visually wrought scenes that would work brilliantly at the moving picture show, the story is interesting with a number of twists, and the ending is ultimately satisfying.
Sensitive readers are warned that the book has a great deal of graphic violence. Additionally, if you like a book where the evil characters are capable of change or redemption, skip this one. Raymond is a real bad guy. However, if you are a fan of Jeff Lindsay’s Dexter series and other dark suspense/thriller writers, you will probably enjoy The Contestant.
I initially found the book difficult to believe as it set up the premise of the “Games Club.” Others may find it difficult in the beginning for the same reason: the premise might not actually be doable in reality-world. However, I was able to willingly and eagerly suspend my disbelief within a few chapters as the story pulled me along into a complex game between a dangerous set of contestants who would do anything to reap their reward.
Although the book is fast-paced, the author takes the time and care to develop the main character, Raymond, in all his evil glory. Confined to a wheelchair and more than bitter about it, Raymond is one scary dude who is determined to come out ahead no matter who gets in the way. I had to keep reading just to make sure he got his comeuppance. You’ll need to keep reading, too, because no way am I giving out any spoilers!
Populated with characters who are sociopathic, narcissistic, and arrogant, the story makes it difficult to find anyone to root for. But who cares? The action blasts along in visually wrought scenes that would work brilliantly at the moving picture show, the story is interesting with a number of twists, and the ending is ultimately satisfying.
Sensitive readers are warned that the book has a great deal of graphic violence. Additionally, if you like a book where the evil characters are capable of change or redemption, skip this one. Raymond is a real bad guy. However, if you are a fan of Jeff Lindsay’s Dexter series and other dark suspense/thriller writers, you will probably enjoy The Contestant.
October 22, 2015
I'm really not sure about this one.
Raymond is a behavioural analyst, who's career was ruined and after a accident disabled in a wheelchair. To make ends meets he becomes a competitor in online competitions, and is fairly successful.
When a new competition appears, with a $10million prize, he gets drawn into a side of the competition world that is lethal. This does get quite violent, but within the context of the book, it's not gratuitous, and makes sense.
On the plus side, there's a lot of twists and turns to the plot, although the main surprise at the end is telegraphed, a lot of the rest of the plot twists aren't too foreseeable.
On the other hand, a huge chunk of the plot is completely unbelievable. I'm all for willing suspension of disbelief, but this just pushes it too far. It may have been overlookable, if there had been anything like a sympathetic character, but every main character is completely dislikeable.
Raymond is a behavioural analyst, who's career was ruined and after a accident disabled in a wheelchair. To make ends meets he becomes a competitor in online competitions, and is fairly successful.
When a new competition appears, with a $10million prize, he gets drawn into a side of the competition world that is lethal. This does get quite violent, but within the context of the book, it's not gratuitous, and makes sense.
On the plus side, there's a lot of twists and turns to the plot, although the main surprise at the end is telegraphed, a lot of the rest of the plot twists aren't too foreseeable.
On the other hand, a huge chunk of the plot is completely unbelievable. I'm all for willing suspension of disbelief, but this just pushes it too far. It may have been overlookable, if there had been anything like a sympathetic character, but every main character is completely dislikeable.
July 25, 2015
Well this was a great ride and a mix between Saw and Headhunters. Raymond, a former behavioural analyst who after a hit and run accident leaves him in a wheelchair, is an avid entrant into online competitions. This book is really cleverly written and tells the story from a number of the character's viewpoints. It makes a refreshing change that none of the characters are likeable and shows the extent to which people will go to knock out the competition (in very extreme ways) and win that final prize. A good ending explains why and how the contestants were chosen by the gamemaker but it wrapped up a little too quickly for me. Besides that the book was written very well and easy to read (albeit getting rather violent) in a sitting-highly recommended.
September 12, 2014
This is a seriously good thriller! I was absolutely gripped by the story of Raymond, a serial killer who, since an accident left him wheelchair-bound, has made a living entering online competitions. I find that stories told from the perspective of the bad guy can be hit and miss, but although Raymond is thoroughly despicable, this novel is creepy, chilling and extremely well written - basically everything you want in a thriller. I loved every page, couldn't wait to find out what happened next and am in awe of the author's grisly imagination. More please!
September 16, 2014
On the positive side, this well edited, with only a couple minor errors, which is rare these days. The author clearly knows the rules of English grammar. Again something that is slipping away. The story concept is very good, but lacks zing. Every time I tried to read it I fell asleep after a couple chapters. Better than a sleeping pill. Like her book The Candidates Daughter, there are no likeable characters.
July 29, 2015
Terrible novel. I am not sure how the ratings for this are so high, as I found the plot to not only be boring and uneventful, but also highly stereotypical and predictable. Many of the events in the novel were completely ridiculous and unbelievable. I would recommend everyone stay away from this unless you are looking to be amazed at how bad a book can be and still get published.
December 11, 2014
Thrilling and full of deadly twists
Raymond was a man that was dealt a bad hand in life. He entered a simple online contest that turned out to be deadly. Not knowing what he was up against he took a chance that could cost him his life.
Raymond was a man that was dealt a bad hand in life. He entered a simple online contest that turned out to be deadly. Not knowing what he was up against he took a chance that could cost him his life.
August 23, 2015
The story seemed a bit too full of details and improbable events. The story itself was a bit hard to follow as the flow kept getting disturbed. The view from different characters was interesting, but overall it seemed as if the author kept getting in the way of the story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 11, 2015
Some what confusing novel about a group of online contestants in treasure hunts and other contests for prizes who take the challenges way too seriously with murder being one way to eliminate competition.
October 20, 2015
What a fast Ride
This was a great book. It kept me guessing to the end with more twists and turns than a slinky. If you like fast paced thrill rides without the nausea, then you will LOVE this book
This was a great book. It kept me guessing to the end with more twists and turns than a slinky. If you like fast paced thrill rides without the nausea, then you will LOVE this book
January 24, 2016
Not sure I'll be entering any online competitions, any time soon after reading this book. An interesting journey into the lives of those that make entering competitions more than just a hobby. Makes you wonder whether this could happen in real life! Thrilling or just plain scary??
August 9, 2014
Good
Good
interesting read, easy to follow yet involved plot. page Turner. enjoyed most all the characters. give it a try if crime thrillers are your thing.
Good
interesting read, easy to follow yet involved plot. page Turner. enjoyed most all the characters. give it a try if crime thrillers are your thing.
August 1, 2015
Interesting Read , different, liked a lot
August 2, 2015
2.5 stars
July 26, 2015
Great read
Could not put it down. I can't wait to see if Raymond comes back, he is the guy you love to hate..
Could not put it down. I can't wait to see if Raymond comes back, he is the guy you love to hate..
August 4, 2015
Couldn't get into this book
July 27, 2015
Very good.
I liked this book but the subject matter wasn't very interesting and not the type of book I usually read.
I liked this book but the subject matter wasn't very interesting and not the type of book I usually read.
August 1, 2015
Not my fave....a bit slow and uneventful
August 4, 2015
a new author to read, thoroughly enjoyed it
August 12, 2015
Long in Tooth
Yes, this book had many great moments. I would start to get bored, then it would grab me again. Glad I finally finished it, though.
Yes, this book had many great moments. I would start to get bored, then it would grab me again. Glad I finally finished it, though.
December 1, 2015
Well done...enjoyed the fast pace and the plot turns.
September 18, 2015
interesting plot line
October 22, 2015
very good
February 4, 2016
A "treasure hunt" run for psychopaths, people willing to kill for $10 million. It got long, chasing each other to kill the other contestants to be the big winner. Only ok.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews