Player Elimination

by Shelly Jones

She loves to play games, but not when it comes to murder.

Wren Winters is a businesswoman on a mission, juggling an alumni event for a rising game designer while keeping her late husband’s retail store alive. With RSVPs pouring in and her cranky landlord threatening to bulldoze her shop for high-rise apartments, Wren’s plate is full—but she’s no stranger to overcoming challenges. From economic slumps to vandalism and vicious online rumors, Wren has always found a way to persevere.

But nothing could prepare her for what she finds one fateful her landlord murdered, her store turned into a crime scene, her only employee under suspicion (and hiding something), and a missing piece from an unreleased game.

Now, with her store’s future hanging by a thread and the stakes higher than ever, Wren must channel her puzzle-solving skills like never before. Can she and her friends follow the clues, clear her employee’s name, and crack the case before it’s game over?

Perfect for fans of Gigi Pandian and Ellery Adams, Player Elimination serves up page-turning suspense, clever twists, and cozy charm with every clue uncovered.

Praise for Player
"Wren Winters is the gamer detective you've been waiting for! Clever, relatable, and unique, she's what the mystery genre has been missing. Shelly Jones writes like a seasoned pro and will leave you dying for more. Pick up Player Elimination—you won't be disappointed!" ~ Gemma Halliday, New York Times bestselling author

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery

326 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 27, 2025

About the author

Shelly Jones is a professor by trade and a nerd by design. Woefully introverted, their pockets are full of post-it notes and their head is full of (unsaid) witty come-backs and un-won arguments from years past. When they aren’t grading papers or writing new cozy mysteries, Shelly can often be found hiking in the woods or playing a board game while their cats look on. Find them on BlueSky @shellyjones.bsky.social, Instagram @shellyjonesauthor, or sign up for their newsletter at https://shellyjonesauthor.com/.

Reviews

[Mandy K · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a delightful cozy murder mystery! Wren is adjusting to owning a game store on her own after her husband passed away unexpectedly about a year before. Things are going well until her landlord is found murdered in her store one morning.

I loved Wren and her friends. The characters were well developed and complimented each other like only the best and truest friends can. I appreciated the sense of community and the respect shared between the majority of the characters. I had a hunch about how it was going to end, but I was constantly questioning which direction the story was going to take. I really liked the messages between the “Cuties” after the acknowledgments! It was such a smart way to include additional information. Thankful for this Goodreads Giveaway win!

[Mystery Review Crew]

"Player Elimination is the fabulous series starter in the now three-book Wren Winters Mystery series by Shelly Jones. Readers get to venture into the world of board gamers, where there are definitely some sore – and sordid – losers.”
—Mystery Review Crew

Read our full thoughts on this adventure by visiting Mystery Review Crew

[Rebel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, I have a new obsession and her name is Wren Winters—retail warrior, puzzle junkie, and accidental amateur sleuth with a knack for finding herself smack in the middle of chaos. Player Elimination hit all the right buttons for me: cozy vibes, clever twists, and a heroine who doesn’t crumble under pressure, even when her whole world is collapsing one clue at a time.
From the jump, I was totally on board with Wren’s world—running her late husband’s game store (which already tugged at my heart), planning an alumni event for a rising game designer, and dealing with a cranky landlord who wants to flatten her dream into another soulless high-rise. That alone had me rooting for her. But THEN—murder. And not just any murder… her landlord’s. In her store. On her watch. Cue the chaos!
Wren’s voice? Sharp, witty, and resilient in a way that felt so real. I saw pieces of myself in her—the stubbornness, the loyalty, the internal grit when things get messy (because ohhh, do they get messy). And the mystery itself? Solid gold. The clues were smart, the suspects shady enough to make me second-guess everyone, and the missing game piece subplot was such a fun, nerdy twist that tied everything together beautifully.
What I really loved? The layered storytelling. It wasn’t just about whodunit. It was about grief, fighting for what you’ve built, and learning to rely on the people around you—quirky, flawed, and fabulous as they may be. Her only employee hiding something? Loved that tension. The friend group backing her up with humor and heart? Absolutely here for it.
If you're into cozy mysteries with brains, heart, and a heroine who feels like your fiercely loyal bestie, Player Elimination is your next must-read. It’s the kind of book you finish and immediately think: “Okay, where’s book two?!” Because I am not done with Wren Winters.
Five stars and a gold controller for Shelly Jones—this cozy mystery just leveled up. 🎮🕵️‍♀️💀.

[Julie Howard · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book despite it being obvious to me who was responsible for the murder and why, sorry no twists and that's the only reason for the four stars. Otherwise I liked the story. The shop was unusual and I had no idea that there our that many board games around, can you guess I prefer books to games? Any way the story was well written and made a nice change that the main character actually worked in her shop, rather than leaving an assistant to run it while she runs around town solving the mystery. The mystery mostly takes place at the shop or while Wren's friends play board games and discus the deaths. I liked the characters and thought they made a nice team, with each of them having a role in solving the case. I especially liked Charlie and look forward to joining her and the rest of the Cardboard Cuties in the next book.

After the death of her husband, Wren is struggling to keep the busy they ran together up and running, especially with a difficult landlord. So she hopes to make the most of the college alumni reunion week and is hosting an alumni who has made it big by designing his own board game. Things don't go to plan and new plans need to be made when the landlord is discover dead in the shop. With parents trying to get people to boycott the shop as an unsafe environment with satanic games being sold and the new owner trying to sell the shop from under her. Wren has no choice but to weather the storm and maybe find the killer herself. Can Wren and the rest of her friends who make up the cardboard cuties uncover enough clues or is she throwing the dice for the last time.
I was given this free review copy book at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

[Paula · Rating 4 out of 5]

Player Elimination by Shelly Jones is a cozy mystery centering around gaming, Broad games that is. Wren Winters entire store is a place to buy and play board or card games. In this book there are hundreds of popular ones, and she carries them all. Once she ran the store with her husband who died young. The first murder victim is an unlikable landlord who own the building that Wren rents. Then the guilty one is just as unlikable. I guess this surprised me that everyone is better off without either of them around anymore.

Player Elimination is an entertaining enough store but there were times in the story I would have liked more detail so I could see what was happening in my mind’s eye easier. Then some strange added facts that I couldn’t see how they added to the story but did make it politically correct. A new author whose books I try again.
3.5 Stars

[Elaine Coghlan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Player Elimination: A Wren Winters Mystery #1 by Shelly Jones

Shelly Jones is a new author to me, and I can honestly say I’ll be reading more of her work. From the very first chapter, this story pulled me in with just the right blend of intrigue and suspense. The pacing kept me engaged throughout, and I especially appreciated how well-developed and believable the characters were.

This is a strong start to what promises to be a compelling mystery series. I highly recommend Player Elimination to anyone who enjoys a smart, engaging whodunit, and I’m already looking forward to diving into the next installment of Wren Winters’ adventures.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good beginning to a series. It definitely has all the cozy vibes right. I liked the idea of a game store asa backdrop. Who doesn’t love a good board or dice game? The landlord hit the villain notes just right and Wren was an excellent amateur sleuth. I admired her carrying on the legacy that she and her husband built and her ability to do so when the loss was still raw. Definitely am interested in more stories in this world!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Terri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally, a cozy mystery with a unique setting! Wren is juggling so much while trying to keep her life together after the death of her husband. When her landlord is murdered in her store, things get really serious when her only employee becomes the prime suspect! Can she find the killer, clear her employee's name and keep her store open? Full of twists and turns, this book is centered on one strong, determined lady who just won't give up! Very good story that you'll have a hard time putting down! Can't wait for more!

[Diana · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely and satisfying cozy mystery with a fun setting and well developed cast of characters. I love the backdrop of table top gaming and the quaint college town. The story was great as a stand alone but I am also looking forward to learning more about Wren and the Cardboard Cuties. Entertaining and well written.

[Glen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I won this book in a goodreads drawing.

The owner of a game store is finally getting over the death of her husband. Things are going pretty well except she's having trouble with her landlord. Those troubles get worse when the landlord is murdered. More murders follow. The police are not as hostile as in some of these novels.

Things should gel in a book or tow.

[Annette Leslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Player Elimination is a clever, cozy mystery that kept me hooked from start to finish. I connected with Wren Winters’ determination to keep her store alive while facing one twist after another. The clues were smart, the suspense was gripping, and the friendships gave the story real heart. A fun, page-turning read that mystery lovers will truly enjoy!

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the epitome of a cozy mystery. Nothing gory, nothing overly dramatic, a light read for when you need a break. Highly recommended if you just want to take a step back from the twists and turns of other heavier books.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Player Elimination is the first book in Shelly Jones’ new mystery series, A Wren Winters Mystery. Shelly is a new to me author and this book is well written and fun to read. Wren Winters is a widow who lives in Massachusetts and owns a store that sells all sorts of board games. In addition, there are demo games for customers to try out. The store has tables set up and events for game nights. Wren and her late husband rented the store from James who had originally encouraged them to have a store just for board games. Now, that seems to have changed and James is threatening to sell the building and close her shop. There is one employee named Charlie and they go to college and rent the apartment above the store.

As the book opens, it is alumni weekend for the college and Wren is hosting an alumni, Morgan, who created a popular game. He will be there to sign copies and meet his fans. Friday nights are open game nights that Charlie handles. This week, James had come and offered to lock up as he wasn’t ready to leave at closing time. The next morning when Charlie arrives to help set up for the game designer event, they discover James’ body. The police are called and the store is closed and labeled a crime scene. The alumni office and Wren’s friends help her change the location to be the library. Morgan shows up quite hungover. All of the supplies were kept at the store as evidence so the event was shorter than expected. The police continued to investigate the murder, interviewing Charlie and Wren in addition to others as possible suspects. She discovers a missing game piece and doesn’t know its significance. Wren convinces her friends who she plays the games with, to help her figure out who the killer is and the motive.

This is a very exciting murder mystery with many twists and surprises. I enjoyed getting to know Wren and her good friends who would meet to play different games and enjoy a meal together. I was unaware what goes into designing games like the ones in Wren’s shop. There seemed to be a lot more categories of games then I’m aware of. Shelly provided lots of clues and I tried to guess who the murderer was but I was continuously wrong. I give this book 5 stars and highly recommend it.

I was fortunate to receive this ARC from Tule Publishing in exchange for my honest review.

[Mark Baker · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wren Winters is running the game story she and her late husband started in a small college town. Her biggest issue is her landlord, who is talking about doing something new with her building despite the fact that he uses the game store to try out new solo games himself. But one morning she arrives at the store to find the police there. Someone has murdered her landlord. But who?

I’ve gotten back into games the last couple of years, so I was hoping this would be a good cozy mystery with that theme. Sadly, it needed just a bit more. There is one character who uses they/them pronouns that I found distracting, but that’s probably mostly on me. Overall, the characters were a little flat. The mystery was uneven, although the ending was good. Even the games Wren and her friends played didn’t give us the details I was hoping to enjoy. Sadly, I don’t think I’ll continue this series.

Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.

[Chere Gruver · Rating 5 out of 5]

So just who did kill James?

Even though board games are really not my thing, I have to admit to really enjoying this story! I learned a lot about board games while reading it, like designing games and credit. The main thing I really loved about this story is the characters. I feel that Shelly Jones did a fantastic job with them. I could feel Wren’s pain as a relatively new widow and trying to continue her life after her husband’s death. Also the rest of the Cardboard Cuties are the best! They’re all good friends and they have each other’s back and complement each other wonderfully. The plot kept me guessing and I did not see that ending at all. What a great cozy mystery!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Renee Marski · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very interesting mystery! Wren runs a gaming store. When the owner of the building is murdered in the store, things get scary. A Moms Against Violence group thinks the store is dangerous. The daughter of the owner wants to sell the building to the bookshop owner down the street. And someone breaks the glass of the front of the store. Wren isn’t sure how much more she can handle. Surrounded by her friends, nicknamed the Cardboard Cuties, they encourage her that this isn’t the end and things will work themselves out. When a missing demo book for a display game shows back up, Wren starts to wonder who the killer really is. And why.



A fun mystery with lots of twists. A great whodunit story!

[Homerun2 · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Credible series debut featuring young widow and game store owner Wren Winter. An interesting glimpse into gaming culture and language for many of us.

Wren has a strong support group of interesting friends. Her husband died a year ago (car accident?) and Wren is adapting emotionally and logistically into being alone. The business was their shared dream and is threatened by the murder of their landlord in the store.

Nice plotting and characterizations.

[Nicki Condrashoff · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyable cozy mystery. As a board game lover myself, it was fun to read a mystery centered around a game shop. Really likeable central cast of characters with an array of representation. A portion of the plot twist was predictable, but I didn't have any less of a good time reading because of it. Looking forward to continuing the series!

[Annarella · Rating 4 out of 5]

The beginning of a new series that is full of potential and promise to both exciting and original.
Solid mystery, fleshed out and intriguing characters
Well done, recommended
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

[G · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wren is trying to run the game store on her own, when all of a sudden things turn against her. A fun cozy mystery with a great community of support and a storyline with a few surprises. A great relaxing read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cynthia Moller · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a fun read! The first in a new cozy mystery series featuring board game store owner Wren Winters. A dead body is found in the store and Wren tries to solve the murder and save her business, a legacy from her late husband. I can't wait for the next one!

[Kristine Hall · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 STARS. Great series starter, uniquely set around a board game store in a cute college town. I'm interested in these diverse characters and the steadfast group of friends who support each other through thick and thin. Will definitely read the next installment.

[Julie Barrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Player Elimination by Shelly Jones
Like this story because it's about a woman Wren who takes over the board game shop that she and her husband ran. He's now passed and she finds it hard to come up with new ideas. The local college is very helpful. She is able with help from the man upstairs, Charlie who works part time for the shop also chips in his ideas. Love the idea of having teens at a safe location to play and socialize with others.
The landlord comes in often and never fixes things, like air vents but she wants to buy the shop and land. She learns later that others want it also for their shops. With a murder the cops show up and ask all kinds of questions. Not able to pinpoint just one person. Like how neighboring shops lend a hand as she does when they need a hand themselves.
Love how those who do research at the college come up with newspapers of others who they didn't know were links to the case. Then another murder and things get grim. A local community want the shop closed and it has nothing to do with the business they run.
Amazing the facts they bring up after thinking for a while and connections. This all comes together nicely. Can't wait to read more from this author. Like the theme. Didn't think I would but I do. Love hearing of the cutires, the women behind her and each helping one another.
Received this review copy from Tule Publishing and this is my honest opinion.