What do you think?
Rate this book
Scorpion Games
Seventeen years after the tragic death of his father, Darius Anderson is walking directly in his father's footsteps as a member of the Ebbsworth Police Department. Just as he begins to ascend within the department, a series of shocking events unfold, leaving Darius to question everything - and everyone - around him.
Meanwhile, Bennie Santos, a prominent member with the rival Muerte Lenta Cartel, finds himself in the middle of a power struggle that puts the safety of his wife and daughter at risk.
As they search for solutions, dark forces at play behind the scenes threaten to take everything away from them, including their lives.
Meanwhile, Bennie Santos, a prominent member with the rival Muerte Lenta Cartel, finds himself in the middle of a power struggle that puts the safety of his wife and daughter at risk.
As they search for solutions, dark forces at play behind the scenes threaten to take everything away from them, including their lives.
206 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 29, 2023
7 people are currently reading
2136 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
Read
February 17, 2024Scorpion Games” by A. M. Rau is a great story that I think all fans of the mystery/thriller genre will love. I will warn you though, that the twists and turns in this story are so frequent and so amazing that, even if you think you have a handle on what is happening, three pages later you will be stunned. I absolutely love to read a great thriller, especially one where I am not able to figure out what is going to happen by the end, and I assure you this is definitely one of those books.
“Scorpion Games” revolves around the life and career of Darius Anderson, a member of the Ebbsworth Police Department. Nearly eighteen years earlier Darius’ father, also a member of the department, died and it seems that his son is now following the same path. As Darius does his job to the best of his ability and begins to move up the ladder of the department, some very unexpected and dangerous things begin to happen. As these events unfold, Darius is left to wonder about the things and people in his life, and what is really going on. On the other side of the coin is Bennie Santos, a high-level member of a cartel, who ends up in an extremely dangerous battle for power that puts him, as well as his wife and daughter, in a very perilous situation.
The two men, on opposite sides of the law, each begin to look for the answers to everything that is going on. Unfortunately, there are some very evil powers behind it all and they quickly creep up behind the men and threaten to take everything away that they hold close to them, especially their own lives. Darius, Bennie, and all of the others are part of a huge “game” in this book, and they are all playing to win. Unfortunately, the rules keep changing and it becomes quickly apparent that winning might not ever be an option.
“Scorpion Games” is really a thrilling ride, and the writing is very good. All the characters, whether prominent or secondary, are interesting and well-developed and they are a huge part of every moment of the story. The plot is intricate and well done, and the dialogue is excellent. As you are reading, you will be searching for clues and trying to figure out what you have missed along the way because every moment that, as a reader, you think you understand what is coming, this author will throw you a new curve that completely changes the direction of the story as well as your thinking.
I enjoyed “Scorpion Games” very much. I am a huge mystery/thriller fan, and I especially love an intricate tale that is woven together perfectly and leaves me questioning what I think on every page. A. M. Rau has definitely presented me and other readers with such a book in “Scorpion Games,” and I highly recommend it. You will not be disappointed!
“Scorpion Games” revolves around the life and career of Darius Anderson, a member of the Ebbsworth Police Department. Nearly eighteen years earlier Darius’ father, also a member of the department, died and it seems that his son is now following the same path. As Darius does his job to the best of his ability and begins to move up the ladder of the department, some very unexpected and dangerous things begin to happen. As these events unfold, Darius is left to wonder about the things and people in his life, and what is really going on. On the other side of the coin is Bennie Santos, a high-level member of a cartel, who ends up in an extremely dangerous battle for power that puts him, as well as his wife and daughter, in a very perilous situation.
The two men, on opposite sides of the law, each begin to look for the answers to everything that is going on. Unfortunately, there are some very evil powers behind it all and they quickly creep up behind the men and threaten to take everything away that they hold close to them, especially their own lives. Darius, Bennie, and all of the others are part of a huge “game” in this book, and they are all playing to win. Unfortunately, the rules keep changing and it becomes quickly apparent that winning might not ever be an option.
“Scorpion Games” is really a thrilling ride, and the writing is very good. All the characters, whether prominent or secondary, are interesting and well-developed and they are a huge part of every moment of the story. The plot is intricate and well done, and the dialogue is excellent. As you are reading, you will be searching for clues and trying to figure out what you have missed along the way because every moment that, as a reader, you think you understand what is coming, this author will throw you a new curve that completely changes the direction of the story as well as your thinking.
I enjoyed “Scorpion Games” very much. I am a huge mystery/thriller fan, and I especially love an intricate tale that is woven together perfectly and leaves me questioning what I think on every page. A. M. Rau has definitely presented me and other readers with such a book in “Scorpion Games,” and I highly recommend it. You will not be disappointed!
February 23, 2024
# Book Review: *Scorpion Games*
## Author: A. M. Rau
*Scorpion Games* by A. M. Rau is a riveting thriller that ensnares readers in a web of intrigue and danger. Set against the backdrop of the Ebbsworth Police Department and the ruthless Muerta Lenta Cartel, this novel weaves a complex tapestry of power struggles, hidden motives, and life-or-death stakes.
### Synopsis
Seventeen years after the tragic loss of his father, Detective Darius Anderson follows in his footsteps within the Ebbsworth Police Department. Just as he begins to ascend the ranks, a series of shocking events unravels, leaving Darius questioning everything and everyone around him. Meanwhile, Bennie Santos, a key figure in the rival cartel, faces a perilous power struggle that threatens the safety of his family. As both men search for answers, malevolent forces lurk in the shadows, ready to strip away everything they hold dear.
### The Twists and Turns
*Scorpion Games* lives up to its title. The narrative is a labyrinth of unexpected twists, each more confounding than the last. Just when you think you've unraveled the mystery, the ground shifts beneath your feet. Rau masterfully plants clues and misdirection, keeping readers guessing until the final pages. The result? A rollercoaster ride of suspense and revelation.
### The Unconventional Ending
Prepare to be both satisfied and disconcerted. Rau defies conventions, refusing to neatly tie up loose ends. Instead, the resolution leaves us with lingering questions—an enigma that echoes long after the book is closed. It's a bold choice that elevates *Scorpion Games* beyond typical thrillers.
### Literary Craftsmanship
Rau's prose is sharp and evocative. The streets of Ebbsworth come alive—the scent of danger, the flicker of streetlights, the weight of secrets. Dialogue crackles, characters breathe, and the pacing is relentless. Rau's commitment to authenticity shines through, even as he crafts a tale that defies expectations.
### Final Verdict
*Scorpion Games* is a cerebral thriller for those who relish complexity. If you seek a puzzle that challenges, surprises, and leaves you questioning long after the final page, this book is your clandestine invitation. A. M. Rau's storytelling prowess shines, and I'll be recommending this enigmatic journey to fellow readers.
---
**Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)**
*Note: This review contains no spoilers, only the promise of an exhilarating ride.*
---
*Disclosure: A review copy of this book was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.*
---
*Disclaimer: The views expressed in this review are solely those of the reviewer and do not represent the opinions of any affiliated organizations.*
---
¹: [Amazon Link](https://www.amazon.com/Scorpion-Games...)
## Author: A. M. Rau
*Scorpion Games* by A. M. Rau is a riveting thriller that ensnares readers in a web of intrigue and danger. Set against the backdrop of the Ebbsworth Police Department and the ruthless Muerta Lenta Cartel, this novel weaves a complex tapestry of power struggles, hidden motives, and life-or-death stakes.
### Synopsis
Seventeen years after the tragic loss of his father, Detective Darius Anderson follows in his footsteps within the Ebbsworth Police Department. Just as he begins to ascend the ranks, a series of shocking events unravels, leaving Darius questioning everything and everyone around him. Meanwhile, Bennie Santos, a key figure in the rival cartel, faces a perilous power struggle that threatens the safety of his family. As both men search for answers, malevolent forces lurk in the shadows, ready to strip away everything they hold dear.
### The Twists and Turns
*Scorpion Games* lives up to its title. The narrative is a labyrinth of unexpected twists, each more confounding than the last. Just when you think you've unraveled the mystery, the ground shifts beneath your feet. Rau masterfully plants clues and misdirection, keeping readers guessing until the final pages. The result? A rollercoaster ride of suspense and revelation.
### The Unconventional Ending
Prepare to be both satisfied and disconcerted. Rau defies conventions, refusing to neatly tie up loose ends. Instead, the resolution leaves us with lingering questions—an enigma that echoes long after the book is closed. It's a bold choice that elevates *Scorpion Games* beyond typical thrillers.
### Literary Craftsmanship
Rau's prose is sharp and evocative. The streets of Ebbsworth come alive—the scent of danger, the flicker of streetlights, the weight of secrets. Dialogue crackles, characters breathe, and the pacing is relentless. Rau's commitment to authenticity shines through, even as he crafts a tale that defies expectations.
### Final Verdict
*Scorpion Games* is a cerebral thriller for those who relish complexity. If you seek a puzzle that challenges, surprises, and leaves you questioning long after the final page, this book is your clandestine invitation. A. M. Rau's storytelling prowess shines, and I'll be recommending this enigmatic journey to fellow readers.
---
**Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)**
*Note: This review contains no spoilers, only the promise of an exhilarating ride.*
---
*Disclosure: A review copy of this book was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.*
---
*Disclaimer: The views expressed in this review are solely those of the reviewer and do not represent the opinions of any affiliated organizations.*
---
¹: [Amazon Link](https://www.amazon.com/Scorpion-Games...)
February 26, 2024
PLOT:
The book follows a cop and a cartel boss – one at the early years of his career, while the other is winding down. Both find themselves in situations that cause them to question everyone and everything around them. Darius Anderson, the cop and son of a slain officer, finds himself in a prestigious unit that could fast track his rise to the top of the department. Bennie Santos, the cartel boss, is nearing the end of his run and finds himself in a power struggle with the son of the underboss.
REVIEW:
The book jumps between Darius’ POV and Bennie’s POV, along with a mysterious Man in the Room POV. It almost feels like three separate stories being told at once, until you get towards the end of the book and they start to converge. Each storyline is solidly written; the characters and their backstories are well-developed and believable, which lends itself to an easy visualization while reading – something I appreciate in any book. There are twists and shifts that prevented me from predicting what was going to happen next – a definite plus!
I will admit that the separate storylines were a bit distracting in the beginning because I kept trying to figure out how they would come together. But once they started to, it made the book harder to put down! The chapters are relatively short and made for a quick read of the book – something else I appreciate in a book. The total book is only 234 pages – I wish the ending was fleshed out a bit more and am wondering if a sequel is coming.
Bottom Line: A well-developed, quick read full of twists and turns that leaves you hoping for a sequel.
The book follows a cop and a cartel boss – one at the early years of his career, while the other is winding down. Both find themselves in situations that cause them to question everyone and everything around them. Darius Anderson, the cop and son of a slain officer, finds himself in a prestigious unit that could fast track his rise to the top of the department. Bennie Santos, the cartel boss, is nearing the end of his run and finds himself in a power struggle with the son of the underboss.
REVIEW:
The book jumps between Darius’ POV and Bennie’s POV, along with a mysterious Man in the Room POV. It almost feels like three separate stories being told at once, until you get towards the end of the book and they start to converge. Each storyline is solidly written; the characters and their backstories are well-developed and believable, which lends itself to an easy visualization while reading – something I appreciate in any book. There are twists and shifts that prevented me from predicting what was going to happen next – a definite plus!
I will admit that the separate storylines were a bit distracting in the beginning because I kept trying to figure out how they would come together. But once they started to, it made the book harder to put down! The chapters are relatively short and made for a quick read of the book – something else I appreciate in a book. The total book is only 234 pages – I wish the ending was fleshed out a bit more and am wondering if a sequel is coming.
Bottom Line: A well-developed, quick read full of twists and turns that leaves you hoping for a sequel.
January 14, 2024
WHAT!? My actual reaction upon finishing this book. I loved it. I knew I was in for some twist and turns but I still couldn’t figure it out completely by the end. I thought I knew.. nope.
Chapter 14 had me reeling.
“Some will. Maybe. That’s the crazy thing about people: you can tell them, and they still won’t get it. They won’t understand. Because they won’t listen. That’s why you have to keep telling them. And keep telling them. And, hopefully, they listen before their game ends.”
From that point on I was racking my brain for clues that I had missed, obsessively looking for clues in the next chapters and still I was thrown for a loop.
I’ll be recommending this book everyone I know. Fantastic A.M. Rau! Looking forward to the next one.
Chapter 14 had me reeling.
“Some will. Maybe. That’s the crazy thing about people: you can tell them, and they still won’t get it. They won’t understand. Because they won’t listen. That’s why you have to keep telling them. And keep telling them. And, hopefully, they listen before their game ends.”
From that point on I was racking my brain for clues that I had missed, obsessively looking for clues in the next chapters and still I was thrown for a loop.
I’ll be recommending this book everyone I know. Fantastic A.M. Rau! Looking forward to the next one.
September 27, 2024
This is my first time reading A.M. Rau. I liked the writing style. It was split into multiple perspectives.
Each storyline is solidly written; the characters and their backstories are well-developed and believable, which lends itself to an easy visualization while reading – something I appreciate in any book. There are twists and shifts that prevented me from predicting what was going to happen next – a definite plus! Bottom Line: A well-developed, quick read full of twists and turns that leaves you hoping for a sequel. The chapters are relatively short and made for a quick read of the book – something else I appreciate in a book. The total book is only 234 pages. I received this Kindle edition as a Goodreads giveaway, thank you to the author for a chance to read and review.
Each storyline is solidly written; the characters and their backstories are well-developed and believable, which lends itself to an easy visualization while reading – something I appreciate in any book. There are twists and shifts that prevented me from predicting what was going to happen next – a definite plus! Bottom Line: A well-developed, quick read full of twists and turns that leaves you hoping for a sequel. The chapters are relatively short and made for a quick read of the book – something else I appreciate in a book. The total book is only 234 pages. I received this Kindle edition as a Goodreads giveaway, thank you to the author for a chance to read and review.
February 16, 2024
Tad disorganized
A free Goodreads book to read and review, not normally my genre, but given the opportunity I dove into it open minded.
I appreciated the storyline of the main character, so much so I wanted him to succeed. However the parts about the cartel didn't come through for me. It was simple, and a convenient excuse for the deaths - and thrown in on purpose.
I lost interest quickly, there wasn't a lot of suspense; not a page turner.
A free Goodreads book to read and review, not normally my genre, but given the opportunity I dove into it open minded.
I appreciated the storyline of the main character, so much so I wanted him to succeed. However the parts about the cartel didn't come through for me. It was simple, and a convenient excuse for the deaths - and thrown in on purpose.
I lost interest quickly, there wasn't a lot of suspense; not a page turner.
January 7, 2024
Really enjoyed this and would love a continuation.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews