The Games People Play

DI Joseph Stone Crime Thrillers #4

by J.R. Sinclair

Detective Inspector Joseph Stone is plunged into a world where a harmless Nerf gun ‘hit’ spirals into a deadly pursuit. Tom and Gaby, members of the Oxford Assassins’ Gaming Society, unwittingly become entangled with a group taking their obsession to murderous heights. Joseph's and DC Megan Anderson’s investigation uncovers a sinister game that blurs the line between reality and fiction.

Simultaneously, Joseph grapples with the hidden secrets of his superior, Derrick, and the enigmatic Night Watchmen. His pursuit of the truth not only jeopardises his career but also endangers Kate, his ex-wife.

In this gripping thriller, Joseph confronts corruption and betrayal within his own ranks, while battling a formidable enemy intent on safeguarding their deadly game. He must fight to bring justice to the victims and confront a looming darkness that threatens all he holds dear.

308 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 20, 2024

Reviews

[Lynda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 4 in an Oxford Detective Crime Thriller (DI Joseph Stone) Series. It opens with a student called Gaby running off after finding her boyfriend with another woman and being pursued in what she believes is a game but it is much more deadly than she thought. Joseph and his team are handed the case of a young woman, Gaby, killed with a crossbow and her boyfriend is the prime suspect. This would read well as a standalone, although I would definitely recommend reading the full series for background, they are all really good books.

Briefly, it soon becomes clear to the police team that the death is connected to a role playing assassination game that someone is clearly taking to the next level. Meanwhile, Joseph is still undertaking his own private investigation into his superintendent, who also happens to be married to Joseph’s former wife, convinced he is involved with a longstanding crime syndicate The Night Watchman.

As well as the police procedural parts of this book there is also a fair amount about the police team and their private lives which I do enjoy. Particularly Joseph’s canalboat neighbour Professor Dylan Shaw, he can come and make me samosas anytime! A well written and original plot with a number of possible suspects, although I did have a good inkling about the killer. A very good police procedural. Very enjoyable read.

[Karl · Rating 4 out of 5]

I quite enjoyed this book with both the continuing plot working alongside the main story of the book. One thing I really enjoyed was the strength of the story line, it offered something new in the initial set up from the author which propelled the story onwards. My only criticism was that the book plot resolved fairly quickly after an extensive set up, personally I would have liked more of what triggered the big bad.
I look forward to the next book coming out as this sets up what is an interesting story arc which hopefully is played out in the next novel.

[Mary Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a brilliant read as usual. It could be read as a standalone but it's more enjoyable if you read in order, and the quality of each is top notch.

It begins with a student Gabby being killed by a crossbow, leading Joseph and the team into the world of a role playing game which has suddenly become more real-life and deadly in nature, as well as the world of parkour. At the same time, Joseph is continuing his private investigation into the Nightwatchmen which brings his ex-wife into the thick of things. The story has plenty of twists and leaves an ending so intriguing that I really can't wait for the next one to come.

[Ruth Matheson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Battling a cross bow freak out killing people and still trying to source the corruption within the police department, Joseph really has his work cut out for him in the book. All the while trying to keep his loved ones and his team from harm. The story flows back and forth making the reader double guess who is the baddie and just when you think you've worked it out, the author picks someone else !!!

[Paul Carter · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read. Several side stories run throughout to make this a packed story. A lot of twists in the main element of the book, probably too many, improbable, antics but makes for a great read. slightly predictable in some sections but assumptions not always correct. Once again the scene has been set for the sub plots to continue.

[Dave Wybrow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent progression towards a major climax, or two..

Really well written as always, the details about life in and around Oxford entice you in so that it becomes a place to explore, not virtually but in reality.

The plot is interesting, hopefully, nothing like it would e er occur in Britain but…..

[Kath Middleton · Rating 5 out of 5]

A dead girl is the first sign of a strange game played by Oxford students. It's a slow job unpicking the clues and Joseph and the team slowly come to realise what a deadly game this is. It was one of those stories I found myself very involved and invested in. It's another corker from JR Sinclair.

[brenda mullan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The games people play

Another great book in the series. I like stones living arrangements and the fact he rides a bike. Good storyline, on going issues yet to be resolved. Look forward to next book.

[Penny · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m really loving this series. This book really had me thinking with so many plots. I was going to come back and read the next one in a few months seeing as the 6th book is 11 months away. But after that ending, I just have to see what happens!!

[Beth · Rating 1 out of 5]

A sad entry in the series

It you've read JD Kirk's City of Scars you'll know almost immediately who the murderer is. If seems a remarkable coincidence.

[Inez · Rating 1 out of 5]

Very disappointing, ridiculous story & far too much personal stuff. Up until this one I had enjoyed the interactions between them all, but this one was insulting to your readers.

[David Stimpson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Story ..But

Once again Stone makes another Big mistake that He is lucky to get away with . I love the series and the next Book should be an absolute Cracker

[ms elaine heasman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Twists and turns

Excellent story can't wait to read the next book in the series . Kate is a woman after my own heart and DI Stone a man to be reckoned with

[mick barnes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant

I don't know where you do your research for your books but they are spot on I am totally binge reading to follow through what your team are getting into.
Thank you 🤔

[Jill Stirling · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mmm. More twist and turns till the end then more twists and turns as the sub ply develops. I find these sub plots bit tiresome at times. And the underlying tension between two of the characters.

[Maureen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Games People Play by J. R. Sinclair is book 4 in the DI Joseph Stone series. I love this series and this book is a terrific addition. It is set in Oxford and Joseph is an Irishman now living there. Joseph and his team are confronted by a gruesome murder of a young student. The victim’s boyfriend, Ryan, is a suspect. However, their investigations turn up evidence of a secret group. It is a popular role-playing group in the university, which has turned deadly. I love the characters, particularly retired Professor Dylan Shaw. He is a quirky character who acts as Joseph’s sounding board when working on a case. He comes up trumps with some very useful information. He also has knowledge of obscure artefacts and seems to be a fantastic cook. Some of the meals he cooks sound delicious. There are great side interests for the characters. Not only Dylan’s love of cooking but DCI Chris Faulkner loves doing up old cars. Plenty of interest throughout the story, which is a very clever story indeed, with someone very sick behind the murder. The tension builds throughout the story and at the end I couldn’t turn the pages quickly enough. The red herrings had me continually changing my mind as to who was behind it. There is also a back story carried through from the last book highlighting police corruption and Joseph’s personal investigation into it, which is placing him in danger. This also adds plenty of tension. Such a great series.

[Misfits farm · Rating 5 out of 5]

A woman has been shot and killed by a crossbow. DI Joseph Stone and team find this a rather gruesome killing. Who would want the young woman dead and why? Her boyfriend is devastated but is not particularly forthcoming with information and Joseph feels he is holding something back. Meanwhile Joseph has his own cloak and dagger investigation going on. His ex wife is now married to the Superintendent- who is not a nice person to say the least and Joseph is convinced that he is caught up in something criminal, something he is trying to find out more about very quietly.

I love this series, there is something very special about it. Each book happily stands alone (but why miss out on a terrific series- all 5* from me?). Joseph is someone you would want on your side, the sort of person who would have your back no matter what if he thought he could trust you. He lives on a houseboat and loves coffee and cake- maximum points from me! It's an easy read (despite the subject matter) and one that keeps the reader interested right the way through with enough to keep the grey matter engaged without hurting. A nice backstory or two gives perspective on the characters. I can't wait for the next one, there’s a little of a tease towards the end I won't spoil anything. A brilliantly crafted, stunning read I didn't want to end.

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