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Oak Creek Thriller #1
The Darkest Game
A killer who turns art into murder. A small town with big secrets. Let the game begin…
When the body of a woman is discovered by a river in Oak Creek, local police quickly dismiss the case as an accidental death, believing she died in a fishing accident years before, having only now emerged from the riverbed.
Brought in from Chicago to help with the case, Detective Charlotte Dawes has worked on more murder investigations than she’d like to remember. A quick examination of the body tells her what local police refuse to see – somebody moved the victim to this remote location after keeping her elsewhere.
When a local artist is found murdered, her body positioned to match one of her final paintings, the sinister truth can’t be ignored. Somebody is targeting the residents of Oak Creek. What’s more, in a disturbing twist, the artist’s other paintings seem to predict who in the small town will be next to die, in increasingly macabre ways.
As panic builds, Charlotte discovers a link between the victim and a local cop, and it’s clear the killer has planned their moves meticulously. In a town filled with secrets, Charlotte must determine who's truly playing on her side, before the killer claims their next victim…
When the body of a woman is discovered by a river in Oak Creek, local police quickly dismiss the case as an accidental death, believing she died in a fishing accident years before, having only now emerged from the riverbed.
Brought in from Chicago to help with the case, Detective Charlotte Dawes has worked on more murder investigations than she’d like to remember. A quick examination of the body tells her what local police refuse to see – somebody moved the victim to this remote location after keeping her elsewhere.
When a local artist is found murdered, her body positioned to match one of her final paintings, the sinister truth can’t be ignored. Somebody is targeting the residents of Oak Creek. What’s more, in a disturbing twist, the artist’s other paintings seem to predict who in the small town will be next to die, in increasingly macabre ways.
As panic builds, Charlotte discovers a link between the victim and a local cop, and it’s clear the killer has planned their moves meticulously. In a town filled with secrets, Charlotte must determine who's truly playing on her side, before the killer claims their next victim…
316 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 4, 2025
491 people are currently reading
222 people want to read
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May 18, 2025
The Darkest game by Alex Sigmore
Synopsis /
When the body of a woman is discovered by a river in Oak Creek, local police quickly dismiss the case as an accidental death, believing she died in a fishing accident years before, having only now emerged from the riverbed.
Brought in from Chicago to help with the case, Detective Charlotte Dawes has worked on more murder investigations than she’d like to remember. A quick examination of the body tells her what local police refuse to see – somebody moved the victim to this remote location after keeping her elsewhere.
When a local artist is found murdered, her body positioned to match one of her final paintings, the sinister truth can’t be ignored. Somebody is targeting the residents of Oak Creek. What’s more, in a disturbing twist, the artist’s other paintings seem to predict who in the small town will be next to die, in increasingly macabre ways.
As panic builds, Charlotte discovers a link between the victim and a local cop, and it’s clear the killer has planned their moves meticulously. In a town filled with secrets, Charlotte must determine who's truly playing on her side, before the killer claims their next victim.
My Thoughts /
First and foremost, a huge THANK YOU to NetGalley, Storm Publishing and author, Alex Sigmore for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review. Publication date is currently set for June 04, 2025.
I saw this one on NG with the tag lines She never asked to play… and An Oak Creek Thriller; and I thought to myself, there's no way I can pass on putting in a cheeky request. All the stars aligned that day for my request was approved.
The Darkest Game is my first read from this author, and, mind blown - all I can say is: Alex Sigmore, why haven't I read you before?
Detective Charlotte Dawes is a seasoned cop. With over twenty years on the force some might say she is on the way out, but for Charlotte, who has made this job her life's work, she isn't ready to join a community knitting group anytime soon. But that scenario seemed to be playing on a never ending loop in her head lately, as a series of bad luck and case results not falling her way was leaving her with an unfavourable reputation within the Department.
She's had a series of bad cases lately, and this was her chance to turn it all around. This was how she showed them all that there was no expiration date on a good cop.
When she botched an undercover investigation into Victor Karkoff – the man with one of the biggest and most elusive drug running operations west of New York, Charlotte knew then that she would be forced to retire.
But lady luck was on her side in the form of a lifeline when her boss in Chicago received a call from a long-time friend and work colleague who was the Sheriff in a small town called Oak Creek. The decomposed body of a woman was discovered near a river bed in the small remote town. In an act of grace, he sends Dawes out to Oak Creek to assist the local police in one last case.
I'm kind of fangirling right now. Honestly; I had zero expectations going into this one and was blown away by how much I enjoyed it. Right now I'm wondering if (more like hoping) there will be more Detective Charlotte Dawes to land in this reader's lap – please don't disappoint and tell me this was a one-off!
This thriller was equally driven by its characters as well as the coded mystery elements. Although instead of coded numbers, the 'code' in this mystery was art – paintings done by one of the victims.
If I haven't tempted you to pick this one up yet, here's a quick list of my five Crime Solving Stars:
🌟Our main characters: Detective Charlotte Dawes and Detective Mona LaSalle – the old and the new – one with 20+ years of experience and the other, newly minted. I loved everything about these two and how the author paired them together. As the story progressed, the author filled you in on their backgrounds, how their thought processes worked and just how well they complimented each other.
🌟The secondary characters are integral to how the story plays out and as such, they are also well developed.
🌟This is a complex and fast-paced tale with layers and twists that will definitely keep you engaged.
🌟If you don’t mind the macabre, there are some shocking and disturbing scenes as the plot unfolds.
🌟The ending contains a surprise that caught me off-guard.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Storm Publishing for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
Synopsis /
When the body of a woman is discovered by a river in Oak Creek, local police quickly dismiss the case as an accidental death, believing she died in a fishing accident years before, having only now emerged from the riverbed.
Brought in from Chicago to help with the case, Detective Charlotte Dawes has worked on more murder investigations than she’d like to remember. A quick examination of the body tells her what local police refuse to see – somebody moved the victim to this remote location after keeping her elsewhere.
When a local artist is found murdered, her body positioned to match one of her final paintings, the sinister truth can’t be ignored. Somebody is targeting the residents of Oak Creek. What’s more, in a disturbing twist, the artist’s other paintings seem to predict who in the small town will be next to die, in increasingly macabre ways.
As panic builds, Charlotte discovers a link between the victim and a local cop, and it’s clear the killer has planned their moves meticulously. In a town filled with secrets, Charlotte must determine who's truly playing on her side, before the killer claims their next victim.
My Thoughts /
First and foremost, a huge THANK YOU to NetGalley, Storm Publishing and author, Alex Sigmore for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review. Publication date is currently set for June 04, 2025.
I saw this one on NG with the tag lines She never asked to play… and An Oak Creek Thriller; and I thought to myself, there's no way I can pass on putting in a cheeky request. All the stars aligned that day for my request was approved.
The Darkest Game is my first read from this author, and, mind blown - all I can say is: Alex Sigmore, why haven't I read you before?
Detective Charlotte Dawes is a seasoned cop. With over twenty years on the force some might say she is on the way out, but for Charlotte, who has made this job her life's work, she isn't ready to join a community knitting group anytime soon. But that scenario seemed to be playing on a never ending loop in her head lately, as a series of bad luck and case results not falling her way was leaving her with an unfavourable reputation within the Department.
She's had a series of bad cases lately, and this was her chance to turn it all around. This was how she showed them all that there was no expiration date on a good cop.
When she botched an undercover investigation into Victor Karkoff – the man with one of the biggest and most elusive drug running operations west of New York, Charlotte knew then that she would be forced to retire.
But lady luck was on her side in the form of a lifeline when her boss in Chicago received a call from a long-time friend and work colleague who was the Sheriff in a small town called Oak Creek. The decomposed body of a woman was discovered near a river bed in the small remote town. In an act of grace, he sends Dawes out to Oak Creek to assist the local police in one last case.
I'm kind of fangirling right now. Honestly; I had zero expectations going into this one and was blown away by how much I enjoyed it. Right now I'm wondering if (more like hoping) there will be more Detective Charlotte Dawes to land in this reader's lap – please don't disappoint and tell me this was a one-off!
This thriller was equally driven by its characters as well as the coded mystery elements. Although instead of coded numbers, the 'code' in this mystery was art – paintings done by one of the victims.
If I haven't tempted you to pick this one up yet, here's a quick list of my five Crime Solving Stars:
🌟Our main characters: Detective Charlotte Dawes and Detective Mona LaSalle – the old and the new – one with 20+ years of experience and the other, newly minted. I loved everything about these two and how the author paired them together. As the story progressed, the author filled you in on their backgrounds, how their thought processes worked and just how well they complimented each other.
🌟The secondary characters are integral to how the story plays out and as such, they are also well developed.
🌟This is a complex and fast-paced tale with layers and twists that will definitely keep you engaged.
🌟If you don’t mind the macabre, there are some shocking and disturbing scenes as the plot unfolds.
🌟The ending contains a surprise that caught me off-guard.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Storm Publishing for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
June 8, 2025
I received a free copy of, The Darkest Game, by Alex Sigmore, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Detective Charlotte Dawes has been called to Oak Creek to solve a murder of a young women, them someone else is murdered, Can the detective solve the murders before someone else is murdered? This was an engrossing read.
May 26, 2025
Okay, wow! This book was just… whoosh! Mind blown.
From the start, the story had a hold on me and didn’t let go. The pacing was tight, the tension building with every turn of the page. I thought I had it figured out but I couldn’t have been more wrong. That one twist? I never saw it coming, and it changed everything.
The characters were richly developed, full of depth and complexity, making them feel incredibly real and relatable. I quickly found myself deeply invested in their lives, emotions, and choices. The storyline was intricate and expertly woven, drawing me in until I was fully immersed.
This wasn't just a good thriller, it was a masterclass in suspense. Gripping, intelligent, and so compelling I reread it the moment I finished. I haven’t been able to stop thinking about it since.
Multi POV
Not a romance
Triggers
From the start, the story had a hold on me and didn’t let go. The pacing was tight, the tension building with every turn of the page. I thought I had it figured out but I couldn’t have been more wrong. That one twist? I never saw it coming, and it changed everything.
The characters were richly developed, full of depth and complexity, making them feel incredibly real and relatable. I quickly found myself deeply invested in their lives, emotions, and choices. The storyline was intricate and expertly woven, drawing me in until I was fully immersed.
This wasn't just a good thriller, it was a masterclass in suspense. Gripping, intelligent, and so compelling I reread it the moment I finished. I haven’t been able to stop thinking about it since.
Multi POV
Not a romance
Triggers
June 6, 2025
Murder for LitRPG Lovers
The Darkest Game by Alex Sigmore represents his highest Thriller achievement to date.
Packed with elusive clues, two-sided characters, and mysterious symbology added to a slippery but frantically paced story, you'll stay glued to the edge of your chair until the mind-blowing end.
We are introduced to Detective Charlotte Dawes, her career in Chicago in a drought after years of spectacular case resolutions. Her Captain, Jerry Hastings, in frustration over a blown drug bust, gives her the boot, then takes it back and offers her one last chance to consult on a case in a small town called Oak Creek.
Oak Creek PD is dominated by egotistical Sergeant Jack Ramsey. Detective Dawes is assigned to work with newly promoted Detective Mona LaSalle and this arrangement thoroughly enrages Sergeant Jack Ramsey, a major control freak.
The Darkest Game is a literary Haunted House. Gruesome discoveries await you behind every door. Be careful who you trust, for people have two faces, some are indescribably evil. And don't ever go into a dark basement by yourself.
Congratulations to Alex Sigmore for a book well written. You'll be giving those heavyweight authors a run for their money. I've loved watching your thrillers progress, and they were always good. The Darkest Game is a five-star going on a ten-star review.
The Darkest Game by Alex Sigmore represents his highest Thriller achievement to date.
Packed with elusive clues, two-sided characters, and mysterious symbology added to a slippery but frantically paced story, you'll stay glued to the edge of your chair until the mind-blowing end.
We are introduced to Detective Charlotte Dawes, her career in Chicago in a drought after years of spectacular case resolutions. Her Captain, Jerry Hastings, in frustration over a blown drug bust, gives her the boot, then takes it back and offers her one last chance to consult on a case in a small town called Oak Creek.
Oak Creek PD is dominated by egotistical Sergeant Jack Ramsey. Detective Dawes is assigned to work with newly promoted Detective Mona LaSalle and this arrangement thoroughly enrages Sergeant Jack Ramsey, a major control freak.
The Darkest Game is a literary Haunted House. Gruesome discoveries await you behind every door. Be careful who you trust, for people have two faces, some are indescribably evil. And don't ever go into a dark basement by yourself.
Congratulations to Alex Sigmore for a book well written. You'll be giving those heavyweight authors a run for their money. I've loved watching your thrillers progress, and they were always good. The Darkest Game is a five-star going on a ten-star review.
May 14, 2025
ARC Read - NetGallery & Storm Publishing
I love how this story it hooks you in when you start reading it. Mona and Charlotte are fantastic characters! I wanted to read more about them!
The killer’s POV makes the story even creepier, especially with his murders being inspired by these paintings.
I was a little confused when the killer was talking to the victim. At first I pictured him dragging a corpse around like Leatherface but it turns out it was all in his imagination. That visual sticks with me whenever I read his POV.
The plot twist when the killer was revealed genuinely shocked me. I’ll definitely be reading Alex Sigmore’s other books.
I love how this story it hooks you in when you start reading it. Mona and Charlotte are fantastic characters! I wanted to read more about them!
The killer’s POV makes the story even creepier, especially with his murders being inspired by these paintings.
I was a little confused when the killer was talking to the victim. At first I pictured him dragging a corpse around like Leatherface but it turns out it was all in his imagination. That visual sticks with me whenever I read his POV.
The plot twist when the killer was revealed genuinely shocked me. I’ll definitely be reading Alex Sigmore’s other books.
June 3, 2025
Detective Charlotte Dawes is being forced into early retirement after a botched undercover investigation, but she’s given the opportunity to help her former boss’ close sheriff friend down in Oak Creek with a decomposed body that was found by a fisherman near Crystal Creek.
Oak Creek Detective Mona LaSalle and her arrogant partner, Ramsey, have been assigned to the case of the decomposed body. The small town of Oak Creek is quiet. The biggest crime they’ve had is a few robberies here and there, but nothing like what Detective LaSalle is about to stumble upon.
It’s there at Crystal Lake, hovering over a body, where Charlotte and Mona meet for the very first time. Before they’re able to ID this body, another body has been discovered but the scene around this body almost feels like a painting. Once that scene is processed, another body is found depicting similarities to the last one.
Can Charlotte and Mona find the killer before it’s too late?
I’m a sucker for a small town murder mystery and this one gave me the creeps! I devoured this book in a day and was left wanting more from this author. As I wait for another book in the Oak Creek series, I’m going to start the Emily Slate series that consists of sixteen books on Kindle Unlimited. His writing reminds me of authors like Karin Slaughter and Sam Holland, which I absolutely love!
Did I just find a new go-to author? I think I did. 🙂
Oak Creek Detective Mona LaSalle and her arrogant partner, Ramsey, have been assigned to the case of the decomposed body. The small town of Oak Creek is quiet. The biggest crime they’ve had is a few robberies here and there, but nothing like what Detective LaSalle is about to stumble upon.
It’s there at Crystal Lake, hovering over a body, where Charlotte and Mona meet for the very first time. Before they’re able to ID this body, another body has been discovered but the scene around this body almost feels like a painting. Once that scene is processed, another body is found depicting similarities to the last one.
Can Charlotte and Mona find the killer before it’s too late?
I’m a sucker for a small town murder mystery and this one gave me the creeps! I devoured this book in a day and was left wanting more from this author. As I wait for another book in the Oak Creek series, I’m going to start the Emily Slate series that consists of sixteen books on Kindle Unlimited. His writing reminds me of authors like Karin Slaughter and Sam Holland, which I absolutely love!
Did I just find a new go-to author? I think I did. 🙂
June 4, 2025
I was given access to an e-read ARC of this book by the public Storm Publishing via NetGalley.
4.5☆
A body is found by a river in the small town of Oak Creek, where murders are as rare as 2-3 a year. Presumed a fishing accident, out of town detective, Charlotte Dawes rocks the town on discovering it is murder.
Arriving to assist, Dawes is on her last case. Once a brilliant cop, she's out to prove herself again.
Local artist Robin goes missing and is soon found brutally murdered, the only clue an incredibly disturbing painting by the artist herself.
Paired with newly promoted Detective, Mona LaSalle, the pair are in a race to get ahead of the killer, but can they solve the clues in time?
I loved this book. It kept the reader on their toes over who and what the links between the killer and the victims could be. Teasing options for who the killer could be. Just when the reader is convinced they've worked it out, along comes a dead end and another twist in the tale! I enjoyed seeing the relationship between the two detectives develop. Dawes, the older officer, takes LaSalle under her wing after experiencing for herself the disgusting behaviour her current partner displays to her.
I'm hoping that this might be the start of another series by the author as although this is my first time reading their work, I really enjoyed it, and I'd like to see how LaSalle's career progress.
4.5☆
A body is found by a river in the small town of Oak Creek, where murders are as rare as 2-3 a year. Presumed a fishing accident, out of town detective, Charlotte Dawes rocks the town on discovering it is murder.
Arriving to assist, Dawes is on her last case. Once a brilliant cop, she's out to prove herself again.
Local artist Robin goes missing and is soon found brutally murdered, the only clue an incredibly disturbing painting by the artist herself.
Paired with newly promoted Detective, Mona LaSalle, the pair are in a race to get ahead of the killer, but can they solve the clues in time?
I loved this book. It kept the reader on their toes over who and what the links between the killer and the victims could be. Teasing options for who the killer could be. Just when the reader is convinced they've worked it out, along comes a dead end and another twist in the tale! I enjoyed seeing the relationship between the two detectives develop. Dawes, the older officer, takes LaSalle under her wing after experiencing for herself the disgusting behaviour her current partner displays to her.
I'm hoping that this might be the start of another series by the author as although this is my first time reading their work, I really enjoyed it, and I'd like to see how LaSalle's career progress.
June 17, 2025
A hunt for a deranged killer intent on making the cops play his game… by his rules.
Veteran Chicago detective Charlotte Dawes has one chance to redeem herself and her career. After a disastrous sting operation, she’s allowed one last opportunity to prove she’s not too old for the game. So she’s sent to Oak Creek to assist rookie detective Mona LaSalle solve a mystery the likes of which her tiny town has never seen.
I loved the way Alex utilized the mentor / ingenue trope. In lesser hands it could’ve felt trite, but Alex does a great job of ensuring both women experience growth and learn from one another. Charlotte and Mona each have their own hurdles to overcome, be they physical or mental, but that’s what makes them relatable.
I loved the handful of chapters we got which were told from the perspective of our killer! They were deliciously twisted and let us know, right out of the gate, that we’re dealing with a seriously sick individual. Even though we know his name, we don’t know WHO he actually is until the book’s nail-biting climax. And wowza! What a finale.
For folks wary of reading a book that’s clearly part of a series but without the next book readily available, allow me to reassure you. This installment wraps up nicely. There are no cliffhangers and the mystery is solved. We’re left with a comfortable ending with the tease of future paths our heroes might choose to travel.
Veteran Chicago detective Charlotte Dawes has one chance to redeem herself and her career. After a disastrous sting operation, she’s allowed one last opportunity to prove she’s not too old for the game. So she’s sent to Oak Creek to assist rookie detective Mona LaSalle solve a mystery the likes of which her tiny town has never seen.
I loved the way Alex utilized the mentor / ingenue trope. In lesser hands it could’ve felt trite, but Alex does a great job of ensuring both women experience growth and learn from one another. Charlotte and Mona each have their own hurdles to overcome, be they physical or mental, but that’s what makes them relatable.
I loved the handful of chapters we got which were told from the perspective of our killer! They were deliciously twisted and let us know, right out of the gate, that we’re dealing with a seriously sick individual. Even though we know his name, we don’t know WHO he actually is until the book’s nail-biting climax. And wowza! What a finale.
For folks wary of reading a book that’s clearly part of a series but without the next book readily available, allow me to reassure you. This installment wraps up nicely. There are no cliffhangers and the mystery is solved. We’re left with a comfortable ending with the tease of future paths our heroes might choose to travel.
July 10, 2025
A solid police procedural! The characters are interesting as well as the plot.
The next installment should be out in a few months. I wonder if it will include Mona in this one.
The next installment should be out in a few months. I wonder if it will include Mona in this one.
May 10, 2025
Loved this thriller! Even as Charlotte is forced to retire from her detective job, she is still interested in solving crimes. So when a decomposed body is found in Oak Creek, she teams up with Mona to investigate. And what they find is both shocking and fascinating as there are multiple bodies and they are somehow connected to paintings. What is going on in this small town? Great mystery and red herrings abound!
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!
June 4, 2025
When killing is a work of art and works of art turn into killings.
Not altogether a bad premise for a murder mystery, fairly clever and original but the pace didn’t really hold my interest until the last few chapters so I can’t wholeheartedly recommend this one. I did like the coded mystery and the action once the pace upped its game but the characters weren’t quite likeable or engaging enough for me to get very invested or involved. Good light read though.
Not altogether a bad premise for a murder mystery, fairly clever and original but the pace didn’t really hold my interest until the last few chapters so I can’t wholeheartedly recommend this one. I did like the coded mystery and the action once the pace upped its game but the characters weren’t quite likeable or engaging enough for me to get very invested or involved. Good light read though.
June 5, 2025
The Darkest Game by Alex Sigmore is a chilling thriller that is full of mystery and suspense. If you like your thrillers dark and twisty, definitely give this a shot!
After a failed undercover investigation, Detective Charlotte Dawes is being forced into an early retirement. With 20 years on the job and a staggering number of cases solved, being a detective is all Charlotte knows. When she is given the opportunity to help her former bosses friend with a body that was found, she eagerly jumps on the case. Working with the newbie detective in town Mona LaSalle, Charlotte soon realizes that this was no accidental death. It starts as a string of murders that on the surface have nothing in common. Then when local artist Robin goes missing and is soon found murdered, the only clue is a disturbing painting done by Robin herself. As Charlotte and Mona try to find clues to unmask this vicious killer, can they manage to stay ahead of the killer or will they find that they are his next victims?
This is the first book by Alex Sigmore that I have read and I can definitely say that I will check out more of his books! This book had me on the edge of my seat and I definitely want more! The tension surrounding the paintings was well done, ramping up the suspense and anticipation. The pacing was just right in my opinion, never feeling too rushed but also not a slow burn. One tiny thing I felt detracted from this story was that it felt like I was missing a bit more emotional depth. Definitely not a deal breaker though. Hoping for a sequel out of this one!
Thank you to NetGalley, Alex Sigmore, and Storm Publishing for this ARC! Publication date is June 4th 2025.
After a failed undercover investigation, Detective Charlotte Dawes is being forced into an early retirement. With 20 years on the job and a staggering number of cases solved, being a detective is all Charlotte knows. When she is given the opportunity to help her former bosses friend with a body that was found, she eagerly jumps on the case. Working with the newbie detective in town Mona LaSalle, Charlotte soon realizes that this was no accidental death. It starts as a string of murders that on the surface have nothing in common. Then when local artist Robin goes missing and is soon found murdered, the only clue is a disturbing painting done by Robin herself. As Charlotte and Mona try to find clues to unmask this vicious killer, can they manage to stay ahead of the killer or will they find that they are his next victims?
This is the first book by Alex Sigmore that I have read and I can definitely say that I will check out more of his books! This book had me on the edge of my seat and I definitely want more! The tension surrounding the paintings was well done, ramping up the suspense and anticipation. The pacing was just right in my opinion, never feeling too rushed but also not a slow burn. One tiny thing I felt detracted from this story was that it felt like I was missing a bit more emotional depth. Definitely not a deal breaker though. Hoping for a sequel out of this one!
Thank you to NetGalley, Alex Sigmore, and Storm Publishing for this ARC! Publication date is June 4th 2025.
June 3, 2025
Charlotte has had a bad string of cases as a two-decade veteran detective. She hasn't solved anything in ages, and just had a massive flop with a case that could have ended her career on a high. About to be forced into retirement, she begs to be given one more chance. She's sent to a small town to help them with a random body they've found, but nothing is as it appears, and she finds herself embroiled in a twisted game she wasn't prepared for.
*****
This was such an addictive novel. The pacing was fast and steady, with multiple perspectives and narrators that were unreliable to the reader, as well as to themselves. I found myself trying to puzzle out whether Mona was a genuine lead, or something nefarious, whether other detectives and the town working against them was part of the game, and who exactly John was.
I loved that we had the contrast of Charlotte as an experienced, albeit slightly jaded detective, and Mona as someone living on idealism and naivety as to what the job entailed as someone new to field work. Seeing Charlotte's reaction to her behaviours and trying to parse out what was genuine and what was suspicious had me absolutely hooked.
If you're looking for a mystery that will keep you intrigued until the last page, this one is for you!
*****
Thank you to Storm Publishing for the digital ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
*****
This was such an addictive novel. The pacing was fast and steady, with multiple perspectives and narrators that were unreliable to the reader, as well as to themselves. I found myself trying to puzzle out whether Mona was a genuine lead, or something nefarious, whether other detectives and the town working against them was part of the game, and who exactly John was.
I loved that we had the contrast of Charlotte as an experienced, albeit slightly jaded detective, and Mona as someone living on idealism and naivety as to what the job entailed as someone new to field work. Seeing Charlotte's reaction to her behaviours and trying to parse out what was genuine and what was suspicious had me absolutely hooked.
If you're looking for a mystery that will keep you intrigued until the last page, this one is for you!
*****
Thank you to Storm Publishing for the digital ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
August 11, 2025
2.5⭐️ great story and concept, terrible writing. this is my first sigmore book and i feel like he would be the author to write an over-sexualized female character if given the chance. a la that one tumblr meme:
*Cassandra woke up to the rays of the sun streaming through the slats on her blinds, cascading over her naked chest. She stretched, her breasts lifting with her arms as she greeted the sun. She rolled out of bed and put on a shirt, her nipples prominently showing through the thin fabric. She breasted boobily to the stairs, and titted downwards."
*Cassandra woke up to the rays of the sun streaming through the slats on her blinds, cascading over her naked chest. She stretched, her breasts lifting with her arms as she greeted the sun. She rolled out of bed and put on a shirt, her nipples prominently showing through the thin fabric. She breasted boobily to the stairs, and titted downwards."
May 7, 2025
In small villages, the police also come across dead bodies, but these often involve accidents. That’s why it’s understandable that, when they are called because a resident has discovered a corpse, they initially assume it’s an accident rather than foul play.
When Charlotte Dawes, a seasoned detective from Chicago, comes to assist, she notices different things, and it quickly becomes clear that it’s not as innocent as it seems.
It soon turns out to be the beginning of a series of murders that appear to have nothing in common, and Charlotte and her local colleague work day and night to stop the killer. Although he seemingly makes it easy for them by leaving hints, he also shows himself to be particularly intelligent and cunning.
Can they stop him before he makes his final victim and achieves his ultimate goal?
The whole story moves at a fairly fast pace, which I really appreciate. The author has also created fantastic characters, and the fact that we got to look inside the killer’s mind is always a plus for me.
The book is well-crafted, and everything fits together. This is my first book by this author, and I look forward to reading more from him. I'm a fan and happily give it 5 stars.
Thank you
When Charlotte Dawes, a seasoned detective from Chicago, comes to assist, she notices different things, and it quickly becomes clear that it’s not as innocent as it seems.
It soon turns out to be the beginning of a series of murders that appear to have nothing in common, and Charlotte and her local colleague work day and night to stop the killer. Although he seemingly makes it easy for them by leaving hints, he also shows himself to be particularly intelligent and cunning.
Can they stop him before he makes his final victim and achieves his ultimate goal?
The whole story moves at a fairly fast pace, which I really appreciate. The author has also created fantastic characters, and the fact that we got to look inside the killer’s mind is always a plus for me.
The book is well-crafted, and everything fits together. This is my first book by this author, and I look forward to reading more from him. I'm a fan and happily give it 5 stars.
Thank you
May 12, 2025
Detective Charlotte Dawes is heading into forced retirement due to a botched undercover investigation when she’s given the opportunity to assist on one last case. She doesn’t expect much, as it’s not her typical Chicago beat, but a case out in a small town called Oak Creek. There she meets Mona, a fresh detective saddled with a stubborn and antagonistic partner, Ramsey. The rest of the force aren’t much better, but when Charlotte proves she’s got the skills they need, she and Mona become dual leads on the case. It’s nowhere near an accidental death as previously believed, and it’s not long before another victim is found.
Charlotte and Mona feel the crimes are connected somehow, but they can’t find the evidence to back it up—or anything more than a hunch, really. But when the first clue is discovered that just might be what they need, they’re horrified to realize the case hits much closer to home than either detective expected. Can they stop this disturbed perpetrator before anyone else gets hurt?
Charlotte and Mona make a good team, if not a little clichéd. The older, seasoned vet paired with the rookie detective isn’t anything new, but these two breathe some fresh life into the characters. The scenarios and attitudes of officers were realistic, with the worst ones never fully accepting the women in charge but being put in their place accordingly. And some people you thought would be safe turned up as the next victim, which was a nice change and totally unexpected. The ending was fantastic, not predictable but totally believable.
I would easily read more books about these two in this small town, and I think any mystery fan would agree!
Charlotte and Mona feel the crimes are connected somehow, but they can’t find the evidence to back it up—or anything more than a hunch, really. But when the first clue is discovered that just might be what they need, they’re horrified to realize the case hits much closer to home than either detective expected. Can they stop this disturbed perpetrator before anyone else gets hurt?
Charlotte and Mona make a good team, if not a little clichéd. The older, seasoned vet paired with the rookie detective isn’t anything new, but these two breathe some fresh life into the characters. The scenarios and attitudes of officers were realistic, with the worst ones never fully accepting the women in charge but being put in their place accordingly. And some people you thought would be safe turned up as the next victim, which was a nice change and totally unexpected. The ending was fantastic, not predictable but totally believable.
I would easily read more books about these two in this small town, and I think any mystery fan would agree!
June 22, 2025
(I already post my review on Instagram about this book before the publication date. Forgot to post here. )
The plot was interesting, killings tied to art and art tied to killings. But honestly, nothing much really grabbed my attention until the last few chapters. The pacing was slow at first, and I wanted more tension and mystery.
I liked Mona and Charlotte’s dynamic. Mona was interesting, and Charlotte had that seasoned, steady vibe. But the killer felt weak to me, and I didn’t really connect with most of the characters.
Still, it was a decent read overall.
The plot was interesting, killings tied to art and art tied to killings. But honestly, nothing much really grabbed my attention until the last few chapters. The pacing was slow at first, and I wanted more tension and mystery.
I liked Mona and Charlotte’s dynamic. Mona was interesting, and Charlotte had that seasoned, steady vibe. But the killer felt weak to me, and I didn’t really connect with most of the characters.
Still, it was a decent read overall.
May 6, 2025
When new detective Mona LaSalle finds a body, she gets her first case with the help of Detective Charlotte Dawes, who has worked on more murder investigations than she’d like to remember. When a friend of Mona’s turns up dead with her friend’s mysteriously gruesome paintings also discovered, Mona and Charlotte have a huge mystery to solve. Can they find the killer in time?
What a great thriller! This was my first book by this author, and it will not be my last. I did not see the twists coming at all – a great book!
What a great thriller! This was my first book by this author, and it will not be my last. I did not see the twists coming at all – a great book!
June 22, 2025
I loved this book! The story was captivating and kept me wanting to know what was going to happen next! I will definitely be reading more from this author!
December 29, 2025
Thanks to Storm Publishing and Netgalley for this eARC.
The Darkest Game is the kind of thriller that doesn’t simply pull you in—it tightens its grip with every chapter. Alex Sigmore builds the story with a deliberate, almost surgical precision, layering tension in a way that feels both controlled and unpredictable. What begins as a seemingly straightforward mystery quickly evolves into a psychological contest where every character is playing a role, and every role hides a motive.
Sigmore’s world feels dimly lit even in broad daylight, and the sense of unease is constant without ever becoming melodramatic. The pacing is sharp: chapters end at the exact moment you think you’ve found your footing, forcing you to question what you think you know. It’s a book that rewards attention—small details matter, and the payoff for noticing them is genuinely satisfying.
The protagonist is particularly compelling. Rather than relying on the usual hardened-thriller-hero tropes, Sigmore gives us someone flawed, observant, and quietly resilient. Their internal conflicts mirror the external stakes, creating a dual tension that keeps the narrative emotionally grounded even as the plot twists escalate.
By the final act, the story shifts into a higher gear, revealing just how carefully Sigmore has been arranging the pieces. The ending lands with impact—not because it’s shocking for shock’s sake, but because it feels earned. It’s the kind of conclusion that makes you want to flip back through earlier chapters to see the clues you missed.
The Darkest Game is a tightly constructed, atmospheric thriller that blends psychological depth with clever plotting. It’s ideal for readers who enjoy stories where the danger isn’t just in the shadows—it’s in the mind, the motives, and the moves no one sees coming.
The Darkest Game is the kind of thriller that doesn’t simply pull you in—it tightens its grip with every chapter. Alex Sigmore builds the story with a deliberate, almost surgical precision, layering tension in a way that feels both controlled and unpredictable. What begins as a seemingly straightforward mystery quickly evolves into a psychological contest where every character is playing a role, and every role hides a motive.
Sigmore’s world feels dimly lit even in broad daylight, and the sense of unease is constant without ever becoming melodramatic. The pacing is sharp: chapters end at the exact moment you think you’ve found your footing, forcing you to question what you think you know. It’s a book that rewards attention—small details matter, and the payoff for noticing them is genuinely satisfying.
The protagonist is particularly compelling. Rather than relying on the usual hardened-thriller-hero tropes, Sigmore gives us someone flawed, observant, and quietly resilient. Their internal conflicts mirror the external stakes, creating a dual tension that keeps the narrative emotionally grounded even as the plot twists escalate.
By the final act, the story shifts into a higher gear, revealing just how carefully Sigmore has been arranging the pieces. The ending lands with impact—not because it’s shocking for shock’s sake, but because it feels earned. It’s the kind of conclusion that makes you want to flip back through earlier chapters to see the clues you missed.
The Darkest Game is a tightly constructed, atmospheric thriller that blends psychological depth with clever plotting. It’s ideal for readers who enjoy stories where the danger isn’t just in the shadows—it’s in the mind, the motives, and the moves no one sees coming.
May 16, 2025
5 Stars – A Brilliant New Series with a Gripping New Heroine
As a longtime fan of Alex Sigmore’s other series, I couldn’t wait to dive into The Darkest Game, and it absolutely exceeded expectations. Sigmore has a talent for crafting dark, atmospheric thrillers, and this new installment with Detective Charlotte Dawes brings that signature intensity while introducing a fresh, compelling protagonist I’m already hooked on.
Charlotte is sharp, intuitive, and carries the weight of her past cases with a quiet strength that makes her incredibly relatable. From the moment she arrives in Oak Creek, you can feel the tension simmering beneath the surface. The town may seem quiet, but it’s hiding layers of secrets—and the murders are as chilling as they are creative. The way the killer uses art to stage the crimes adds a disturbing yet fascinating dimension to the investigation.
I especially loved how the mystery kept me guessing, with eerie twists tied to haunting paintings that seemed to predict the future. Every chapter adds a new piece to the puzzle, and the sense of urgency builds perfectly. Sigmore knows how to draw readers deep into the setting, and Oak Creek comes alive as a character of its own—beautiful, mysterious, and dangerous.
This is the start of something special. If you loved Sigmore’s previous work, prepare to fall in love with this new world and its darkly addictive pace. I can’t wait to see where Charlotte’s story goes next.
Thanks to Ms Sigmore, NetGalley, and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
As a longtime fan of Alex Sigmore’s other series, I couldn’t wait to dive into The Darkest Game, and it absolutely exceeded expectations. Sigmore has a talent for crafting dark, atmospheric thrillers, and this new installment with Detective Charlotte Dawes brings that signature intensity while introducing a fresh, compelling protagonist I’m already hooked on.
Charlotte is sharp, intuitive, and carries the weight of her past cases with a quiet strength that makes her incredibly relatable. From the moment she arrives in Oak Creek, you can feel the tension simmering beneath the surface. The town may seem quiet, but it’s hiding layers of secrets—and the murders are as chilling as they are creative. The way the killer uses art to stage the crimes adds a disturbing yet fascinating dimension to the investigation.
I especially loved how the mystery kept me guessing, with eerie twists tied to haunting paintings that seemed to predict the future. Every chapter adds a new piece to the puzzle, and the sense of urgency builds perfectly. Sigmore knows how to draw readers deep into the setting, and Oak Creek comes alive as a character of its own—beautiful, mysterious, and dangerous.
This is the start of something special. If you loved Sigmore’s previous work, prepare to fall in love with this new world and its darkly addictive pace. I can’t wait to see where Charlotte’s story goes next.
Thanks to Ms Sigmore, NetGalley, and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 30, 2025
The Darkest Game is the first in Alex Sigmore’s Oak Creek Thrillers series, and it’s an atmospheric, unsettling entry into the world of small-town crime fiction.
After a failed undercover operation pushes Detective Charlotte Dawes toward retirement, she’s offered one last case: help Oak Creek’s local police with what they dismiss as an accidental drowning. But when the body count rises, and crime scenes begin echoing the artwork of a missing local painter, Dawes and rookie detective Mona LaSalle realize they’re facing something far more disturbing than coincidence. Each discovery feels staged, each murder more elaborate than the last—a deadly game no one consented to play.
What makes this book stand out is the dynamic between the experienced Dawes and the morally grounded Mona. Their uneasy partnership gives the investigation both grit and heart, while Oak Creek itself—with its deceptively quiet surface and shadowy undercurrents—adds to the tension. The use of paintings as both foreshadowing and psychological weaponry is particularly chilling, giving the murders a gothic, almost surreal edge.
Sigmore paces the novel well, balancing red herrings with genuine clues, and the twists land without feeling forced. A couple of side characters could have been fleshed out more, but the core mystery holds strong, and the suspense never lets up.
Dark, clever, and immersive, The Darkest Game is a gripping start to a new series. Fans of Karin Slaughter and Jane Harper will feel right at home in Oak Creek—if they dare stay.
After a failed undercover operation pushes Detective Charlotte Dawes toward retirement, she’s offered one last case: help Oak Creek’s local police with what they dismiss as an accidental drowning. But when the body count rises, and crime scenes begin echoing the artwork of a missing local painter, Dawes and rookie detective Mona LaSalle realize they’re facing something far more disturbing than coincidence. Each discovery feels staged, each murder more elaborate than the last—a deadly game no one consented to play.
What makes this book stand out is the dynamic between the experienced Dawes and the morally grounded Mona. Their uneasy partnership gives the investigation both grit and heart, while Oak Creek itself—with its deceptively quiet surface and shadowy undercurrents—adds to the tension. The use of paintings as both foreshadowing and psychological weaponry is particularly chilling, giving the murders a gothic, almost surreal edge.
Sigmore paces the novel well, balancing red herrings with genuine clues, and the twists land without feeling forced. A couple of side characters could have been fleshed out more, but the core mystery holds strong, and the suspense never lets up.
Dark, clever, and immersive, The Darkest Game is a gripping start to a new series. Fans of Karin Slaughter and Jane Harper will feel right at home in Oak Creek—if they dare stay.
June 4, 2025
The Darkest Game is a good thriller that weaves elements of suspense, art, and small-town intrigue. From page one, we know that a killer transforms art into murder, merging the creative world with dark psychological twists.
Detective Charlotte Dawes is an engaging protagonist, bringing her own experiences and expertise into the investigation. Sometimes, she can be frustrating as she wants to prove herself, but she is on the edge of being pushed out of her job. Mona, the detective of Oak Creek, is also a good character. Charlotte and Mona played well off each other, and I would be interested to see if other books with these two characters are written.
The storyline is thought-provoking, especially as Charlotte uncovers the eerie connection between the murdered artist and her hauntingly prophetic paintings. Each murder feels like a piece of a puzzle, and as panic spreads through the town, I feel the urgency and tension that the author builds.
The character dynamics, particularly the interaction between Charlotte and Mona, plus other local police, add layers of complexity and intrigue to the plot. Overall, The Darkest Game is a very good page-turner filled with artful deception and suspense. I would recommend it for fans of crime fiction.
#TheDarkestGame #NetGalley @Stormbooks_co
Detective Charlotte Dawes is an engaging protagonist, bringing her own experiences and expertise into the investigation. Sometimes, she can be frustrating as she wants to prove herself, but she is on the edge of being pushed out of her job. Mona, the detective of Oak Creek, is also a good character. Charlotte and Mona played well off each other, and I would be interested to see if other books with these two characters are written.
The storyline is thought-provoking, especially as Charlotte uncovers the eerie connection between the murdered artist and her hauntingly prophetic paintings. Each murder feels like a piece of a puzzle, and as panic spreads through the town, I feel the urgency and tension that the author builds.
The character dynamics, particularly the interaction between Charlotte and Mona, plus other local police, add layers of complexity and intrigue to the plot. Overall, The Darkest Game is a very good page-turner filled with artful deception and suspense. I would recommend it for fans of crime fiction.
#TheDarkestGame #NetGalley @Stormbooks_co
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June 2, 2025🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
"The Darkest Game" Is a Brilliantly Twisted Ride Through the Shadows of Crime and Deception
The Darkest Game is everything I crave in a crime thriller—dark, intelligent, and absolutely relentless. From the first chilling chapter, the story pulls you into a dangerous web of lies, betrayal, and secrets that refuse to stay buried. The tension is thick, the atmosphere ominous, and the twists… genuinely shocking.
The pacing is masterful. Every chapter dangles a clue or a red herring, keeping you second-guessing until the final, stunning reveal. The protagonist is complex and deeply human, carrying both grit and vulnerability, and the antagonist is chillingly elusive. It’s a game of cat and mouse where the rules keep changing, and no one is ever truly safe.
What sets this book apart is its ability to blend gritty realism with emotional depth. The stakes are high not just on a physical level, but psychologically, too. You’re not just turning pages to see what happens—you need to know.
If you’re a fan of smart, atmospheric crime thrillers that don’t play fair with your expectations, The Darkest Game is a must-read. It’s not just a story—it’s a trap you’ll willingly walk into.
Thank you to Netgalley and Storm publishing for this ARC!
"The Darkest Game" Is a Brilliantly Twisted Ride Through the Shadows of Crime and Deception
The Darkest Game is everything I crave in a crime thriller—dark, intelligent, and absolutely relentless. From the first chilling chapter, the story pulls you into a dangerous web of lies, betrayal, and secrets that refuse to stay buried. The tension is thick, the atmosphere ominous, and the twists… genuinely shocking.
The pacing is masterful. Every chapter dangles a clue or a red herring, keeping you second-guessing until the final, stunning reveal. The protagonist is complex and deeply human, carrying both grit and vulnerability, and the antagonist is chillingly elusive. It’s a game of cat and mouse where the rules keep changing, and no one is ever truly safe.
What sets this book apart is its ability to blend gritty realism with emotional depth. The stakes are high not just on a physical level, but psychologically, too. You’re not just turning pages to see what happens—you need to know.
If you’re a fan of smart, atmospheric crime thrillers that don’t play fair with your expectations, The Darkest Game is a must-read. It’s not just a story—it’s a trap you’ll willingly walk into.
Thank you to Netgalley and Storm publishing for this ARC!
June 11, 2025
Detective Charlotte Dawes, based in Chicago, is nearing retirement age and has not done very well lately. To appease her, they send her to Oak Creek to help out, as they have just had a murder and not a local person. She turns up just as the lead detective ridicules a young female detective with she has a problem with but as it turns out the sheriff gave Mona the lead with Dawes, which to Mona's surprise as she has heard excellent results about the said detective.
Pretty soon, a few more murders, but these were local and very gruesome, so their work is cut out for them, as really, Mona is also an outsider, although she has lived in Oak Creek for years.
Mona only really had one friend, and they had a falling out, so to her surprise, her friend was the first murder, and the pair needed to find the clue that put the first girl from the lake and the second together, but Mona does have a passion for puzzles, and it seems even she is stuck.
More bodies, so what is the clue that brings them all together?
I did find myself having a job to get into it a bit of a slow starter, but stuck with it as it picks up momentum and kept me reading to the end.
I would like to thank Netgalley and Storm Publishing for an ARC copy, and I found it addictive.
Pretty soon, a few more murders, but these were local and very gruesome, so their work is cut out for them, as really, Mona is also an outsider, although she has lived in Oak Creek for years.
Mona only really had one friend, and they had a falling out, so to her surprise, her friend was the first murder, and the pair needed to find the clue that put the first girl from the lake and the second together, but Mona does have a passion for puzzles, and it seems even she is stuck.
More bodies, so what is the clue that brings them all together?
I did find myself having a job to get into it a bit of a slow starter, but stuck with it as it picks up momentum and kept me reading to the end.
I would like to thank Netgalley and Storm Publishing for an ARC copy, and I found it addictive.
August 4, 2025
Det Charlotte Dawes is being pushed out of the force after a disastrous sting operation, so she agrees to go to Oak Creek to work on the murder of a young woman whose body was found in a river. Although the local police believe the woman's death to be accidental, Det Dawes believes the young woman has been murdered and the body moved to where it was found. More victims follow, beginning with the murder of a local artist whose painting predicted how she would die. As more victims are found, the manner of each death mimics one of the artist's paintings and Det Dawes must find the link between the killer and the paintings before any further deaths occur.
This story is told in part in the killer's POV which adds a spine-chilling element and the ongoing 'conversation' the killer has with one of their victims is incredibly disturbing. There's great camaraderie between the experienced Det Dawes and Mona, the less experienced local police officer who is assigned the case. A solid police procedural novel set in a small town with its own secrets and a creepy killer whose motivations are unclear until the end when everything is wrapped up nicely.
Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the opportunity to read and review this book. ⭐⭐⭐.5
This story is told in part in the killer's POV which adds a spine-chilling element and the ongoing 'conversation' the killer has with one of their victims is incredibly disturbing. There's great camaraderie between the experienced Det Dawes and Mona, the less experienced local police officer who is assigned the case. A solid police procedural novel set in a small town with its own secrets and a creepy killer whose motivations are unclear until the end when everything is wrapped up nicely.
Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the opportunity to read and review this book. ⭐⭐⭐.5
July 9, 2025
Detective Charlotte Dawes has botched her last case and she will try to redeem herself by solving a small town murder - easy peasy, right? She partners up with Mona, for whom this is the first case.
The interaction between the hard boiled woman and the introverted newbie was very interesting and that is what made me fly through this book, taking all twists and turns easily. The addition of art into crime was certainly a well crafted additional layer.
And I would have given it a well deserved 4 starts, but I was really disappointed with the ending. I just couldn't believe how Detective Mona could have missed what ended up being the crux to solve the case (trying to avoid spoilers here). I thought I had found the lead but I dismissed it as it wasn't possible - and then it turns out that it was possible after all but just because of a convoluted story.
So all in all, a very enjoyable and easy read, just the ending was a let-down. I could absolutely recommend to take this book with you on the beach.
Thank you NetGalley, Storm Publishing, and the author for allowing me to be an early reader. All opinions are my own.
The interaction between the hard boiled woman and the introverted newbie was very interesting and that is what made me fly through this book, taking all twists and turns easily. The addition of art into crime was certainly a well crafted additional layer.
And I would have given it a well deserved 4 starts, but I was really disappointed with the ending. I just couldn't believe how Detective Mona could have missed what ended up being the crux to solve the case (trying to avoid spoilers here). I thought I had found the lead but I dismissed it as it wasn't possible - and then it turns out that it was possible after all but just because of a convoluted story.
So all in all, a very enjoyable and easy read, just the ending was a let-down. I could absolutely recommend to take this book with you on the beach.
Thank you NetGalley, Storm Publishing, and the author for allowing me to be an early reader. All opinions are my own.
May 23, 2025
3.5* Enigmatic, with a low-key vibe that makes it interesting, but a tiny bit of a letdown of an ending.
This is a pretty decent tale of a burned-out detective and a rookie, working together to find a serial killer before the next victim is taken.
It was well done, with a toxic male side character who really, really needed to be hauled over the coals (hints that he'd be getting his just desserts at the end if the tale); with a young female detective that could've as easily been on the spectrum as the final reveal about her; a seasoned detective for whom life choices have ended up biting her bum; and a not-really-believable killer, sadly. The tale is engrossing because of the teases about Mona and her deceased bestie's relationship (was expecting a reveal about them being lovers), but the killer wasn't charismatic and the reason and M.O. of how he got his victims wasn't explained. That's what let the tale down somewhat.
Still, the dynamics between the 2 female leads made it a worthwhile read.
ARC courtesy of NetGalley and Storm Publishing for my reading pleasure.
This is a pretty decent tale of a burned-out detective and a rookie, working together to find a serial killer before the next victim is taken.
It was well done, with a toxic male side character who really, really needed to be hauled over the coals (hints that he'd be getting his just desserts at the end if the tale); with a young female detective that could've as easily been on the spectrum as the final reveal about her; a seasoned detective for whom life choices have ended up biting her bum; and a not-really-believable killer, sadly. The tale is engrossing because of the teases about Mona and her deceased bestie's relationship (was expecting a reveal about them being lovers), but the killer wasn't charismatic and the reason and M.O. of how he got his victims wasn't explained. That's what let the tale down somewhat.
Still, the dynamics between the 2 female leads made it a worthwhile read.
ARC courtesy of NetGalley and Storm Publishing for my reading pleasure.
July 11, 2025
★★★⯪ 3.5
The Darkest Game kicks off the Oak Creek Thriller series with a solid dose of suspense and psychological intrigue. Alex Sigmore, known for his gripping FBI mysteries, delivers a story that blends crime investigation with complex character dynamics. The plot centres on a tense cat-and-mouse game that keeps you guessing, though at times it feels a bit familiar to fans of the genre.
Sigmore’s writing is clear and engaging, with well-drawn characters, especially the lead, who wrestles with personal demons while chasing dangerous criminals. The pacing is generally good, though some sections slow down with extra detail that might not be necessary. The setting of Oak Creek adds a nice atmospheric touch, giving the story a grounded feel.
While it may not break new ground, The Darkest Game is an enjoyable thriller that will appeal to readers who appreciate a mix of mystery, action, and psychological depth. It’s a promising start to the series and I’m curious to see where Sigmore takes it next.
The Darkest Game kicks off the Oak Creek Thriller series with a solid dose of suspense and psychological intrigue. Alex Sigmore, known for his gripping FBI mysteries, delivers a story that blends crime investigation with complex character dynamics. The plot centres on a tense cat-and-mouse game that keeps you guessing, though at times it feels a bit familiar to fans of the genre.
Sigmore’s writing is clear and engaging, with well-drawn characters, especially the lead, who wrestles with personal demons while chasing dangerous criminals. The pacing is generally good, though some sections slow down with extra detail that might not be necessary. The setting of Oak Creek adds a nice atmospheric touch, giving the story a grounded feel.
While it may not break new ground, The Darkest Game is an enjoyable thriller that will appeal to readers who appreciate a mix of mystery, action, and psychological depth. It’s a promising start to the series and I’m curious to see where Sigmore takes it next.
May 29, 2025
A compelling murder mystery, The Darkest Game (2025) by Alex Sigmore features Chicago detective, Charlotte Dawes. In trouble for ruining an ongoing investigation, Charolette is sent to assist, when a woman’s body is found in Oak Creek. Partnered with newly minted detective, Mona LaSalle, an engrossing investigation is begun with no forensic evidence or apparent motive. Then a local artist is murdered and the body is posed as one of her paintings, setting off panic amongst the town who fear it may be a serial killer. As the body count mounts, the detectives try to get ahead of the killer, leading to a bloody confrontation and surprising climax reveal. A quality police procedural and gripping tale that is a four and a half star crime read rating. As always, the opinions herein are totally my own, freely given and without any inducement. With thanks to Storm Publishing and the author, for an uncorrected advanced review copy for review purposes.
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