Drinking Games

by Garth Perry

PI Ned Nbonivoy is up against a sinister psychopath who loves to bestow random acts of havoc on as many people as possible, leaving too many clues and rabbit trails to follow. Ned needs someone who can help him focus. AJ Rakowski, a psychic detective, is just the kind of mentalist who can help.

Ava Jane has been using her paranormal abilities to close cases - from finding missing persons to solving homicides. But with each success comes unwanted attention. AJ knows it goes with the territory. However, when she captures the attention of a psychopathic serial killer known only as Carlton, that's when the real game begins.

[Note: "Drinking Games" is approximately 13,000 words, or about 45 pages in paper. It is a short novella, not a novel. And although a stand alone story, it is part 1 of a 3 story arc.]

45 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 18, 2013

About the author

Garth Perry writes contemporary fiction - from mystery, thriller, and suspense to urban lit and modern realism. He also teaches English, coaches swimming, and drinks lots of coffee.

Reviews

[Jeff Chapman · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first in what I hope is a long series of stories, Drinking Games introduces readers to PI Ned Nbonivoy and psychic detective AJ Rakowski. Nbonivoy is a bit incredulous about Rakowski's talents in the beginning but her help proves to be a life saver in their attempt to combat a serial killer who is stalking women linked to one of Nbonivoy's friends and business associates. The story moves along at a satisfying clip but not so fast that we don't get a glimpse into the protagonists's personal lives. The point of view that Perry uses is interesting. Nbonivoy's sections are told from first person while the sections for Rakowski and the killer are told in tight third person. This unorthodox approach seems to be working so far. I'm looking forward to the next stories in the series, a couple of which, according to Perry's claims in the back of the book, will be prequels. Drinking Games is a potent cocktail that will leave you wanting more.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spiced rum-drink of choice for serial killer drinking games

I thoroughly enjoyed this novella about a private detective with an unpronounceable last name from Detroit, a psychic detective from Chicago, and a serial killer with a penchant for having drinking games with his victims.

I would have liked to have read more about AJ (Ava Jane) Rakowski's psychic abilities but enjoyed what was there. I understand this is the start to a couple of new series. I'm glad about that. I liked the characters and thought author Perry did a good job developing those characters within the constraints of a novella. I liked the side characters of both protagonists' love interests, too.

There's a good sense of timing, some comedy relief, and a nasty serial killer, who is creepy without being R rated.

[Ken Lindsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Drinking Games is fantastic short thriller which introduces us to an up-and-coming psychic detective (AJ Rakowski) who is having a hard time figuring out her love life, and a more traditional P.I. (Ned Nbonivoy) who is skating the thin line between helping to uphold the law and still prove his friend's innocence.

The story is dark and the killer is disturbed in very edge of your seat kind of way. This one is a great find for anyone who enjoys classic noir or disturbing serial killer stories.

[Randy · Rating 5 out of 5]

We have a P.I., Ned Nbonivoy, chasing a killer and has the aid of a psychic detective< Rakowski. The killer is murdering women affiliated with a friend of Ned, who's in fact been charged with the murders.

Author Garth Perry keeps things moving along nicely, keeping my interest in his characters.

Recommended.

[Lyndon]

I wrote this.