The Roaring Game Murders

by Peter Holloway

Crime Writers of Canada -- Best First Crime Novel 2025 -Finalist

Wedged between Vancouver and the U.S. Border, the Boundary Police are struggling to find the killer of one of their own officers. When a curler is murdered, the pressure intensifies.

Tate Boman, an experienced Vancouver detective, is excited to be back in the field after four years working on data analysis with the Integrated Task Force. He is inserted into the Boundary force to team with newly minted Detective Claire Kozak, who is determined to prove her worth. Together they disinter the hidden truths, old and new, of the communities of Tsawwassen and Ladner. But Tate has another assignment, one that can only be completed from deep within the workings of the Boundary Police.

What starts as a traditional murder mystery with curling at its heart, transitions to a fast-paced thriller with cartels and corruption driving the plot forward. From learning to curl, to exploring the dikes that protect the city from the Pacific Ocean, Tate and Claire cannot avoid the modern problems of climate change, drugs, race, and bullying. They uncover important truths about themselves as they follow the tangled chain of events leading to a climactic confrontation.

278 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 28, 2024

About the author

Peter Holloway is a new British writer. His childhood was spent in the Thames valley and he now lives in the Sussex Downs. These contrasting natural settings are strong influences in his work. He has also lived in Saudi Arabia and has travelled widely.

Throughout his life he has written short stories, poetry and songs. More recently he has expanded his writing skills with help and support from West Dean College. He has maintained his links with the College where he has developed his unique style in partnership with the writers circle.

This partnership has culminated in publication of his first novel FootFall – Maidenhead to Malta through Kindle Direct. He is now working on his second Novel. During this process Peter has had extensive support from his highly creative family. His children are involved in song writing, film, teaching and publishing. His wife Kate is an educationist and has contributed as reader, editor and mentor.

Reviews

[Robin Howard · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked up this book because I liked the cover and it’s set in the town where I grew up. The plot was good but the writing needs more editing for grammar and mechanics (e.g., misplaced and absent commas, misplaced apostrophes, new sentences beginning with a lower case letter).