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Wren Winters #3
Game Over: An Amateur Sleuth Mystery
Wren Winters and her friends road trip to an annual gaming convention anticipating a fun getaway, not danger and a dead body.
It’s been two years since game store owner Wren Winters’ husband died in a mysterious road accident, and she finally feels ready to attend the industry’s biggest gathering. She’s a little spooked because the event was where her husband had sent her a final text claiming he’d discovered something unexpected, but Wren is determined to push aside her doubts, purchase new games for her store and have fun.
Instead, she and her gaming group stumble onto a famous cosplayer strangled with her own lanyard, and the police are side-eyeing Wren. Then the threats begin, and Wren uncovers a new lead on her husband’s death. Surely, she can piece together what happened to Marcus at this very convention, despite the danger lurking around every corner. But the clock is ticking to solve the murder before weekend ends, when all the suspects will scatter like pieces swept off a board. Will she be able to trap a murderer before she becomes another victim?
Perfect for fans of board games, conventions, and twisty cozy mysteries with a geeky edge.
It’s been two years since game store owner Wren Winters’ husband died in a mysterious road accident, and she finally feels ready to attend the industry’s biggest gathering. She’s a little spooked because the event was where her husband had sent her a final text claiming he’d discovered something unexpected, but Wren is determined to push aside her doubts, purchase new games for her store and have fun.
Instead, she and her gaming group stumble onto a famous cosplayer strangled with her own lanyard, and the police are side-eyeing Wren. Then the threats begin, and Wren uncovers a new lead on her husband’s death. Surely, she can piece together what happened to Marcus at this very convention, despite the danger lurking around every corner. But the clock is ticking to solve the murder before weekend ends, when all the suspects will scatter like pieces swept off a board. Will she be able to trap a murderer before she becomes another victim?
Perfect for fans of board games, conventions, and twisty cozy mysteries with a geeky edge.
- GenresMystery
338 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 24, 2025
2 people are currently reading
1241 people want to read
About the author
Shelly Jones
29 books51 followersShelly 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. Their cozy mystery, Player Elimination, was nominated for the 2026 Agatha Award for Best First Novel. When they aren’t grading papers or writing new 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/.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
November 30, 2025
Wren and the gang are off to the con to enjoy some new games and have a great time. She has some mixed emotions as this was the last place Marcus was before he was murdered. Maybe she can find something more about that. On the first night what promises to be an exciting adventure turns sour when a famous cosplayer is murdered. Now Wren is torn she knows the grief the girl’s mother is feeling and wants to help but should she really be involving herself?
Good story. A bit of a slow pace at times. I liked the descriptions of the con and the creative games the group played. Idk if they’re all real or not but they sound like fun. Some exciting surprise twists that leave you going wow. I’m happy for Wren in that she got some answers. Overall a great read!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Good story. A bit of a slow pace at times. I liked the descriptions of the con and the creative games the group played. Idk if they’re all real or not but they sound like fun. Some exciting surprise twists that leave you going wow. I’m happy for Wren in that she got some answers. Overall a great read!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 8, 2025
I did enjoy this book but found it rather long, it contained a lot of things that had nothing to do with the investigation. This did mean it was very easy to picture the convention, especially if you have never been to one but I found the story focused too much on setting the scene and playing the different games on offer. For such a big convention, I did think there wasn't really a great deal of suspects or even speculation or motives over the death but it was a good way of wrapping up what happened to Wren's husband and I liked that we finally got to find out what happened. I am not a big gamer or into comic cons but the author certainly painted a picture of why they are so popular and it did make an unusual setting for a murder. I like the characters, Wren despite her difficulties makes for an interesting and great main character and add in her wacky friends and it will certainly have me joining them again in the next book.
Two years after the death of her husband, Wren returns to the last place he visited. With the news fresh in her mind that the car accident that took his life might not have been an accident, she is determined to learn what she can. The gaming convention has grown with more and more people visiting it each year, Wren hopes that she and her friends might also pick up a few games to add to her store and meet a few of there hero's . However they stumble over a popular cosplayer dead and find themselves caught up in a murder investigation. After another cosplayer is nearly electrocuted, the convention seems cursed. Will Wren be able to get past her husband death by figuring out what happened to him or will she be too busy catching a killer?
I was given this free review copy book at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
Two years after the death of her husband, Wren returns to the last place he visited. With the news fresh in her mind that the car accident that took his life might not have been an accident, she is determined to learn what she can. The gaming convention has grown with more and more people visiting it each year, Wren hopes that she and her friends might also pick up a few games to add to her store and meet a few of there hero's . However they stumble over a popular cosplayer dead and find themselves caught up in a murder investigation. After another cosplayer is nearly electrocuted, the convention seems cursed. Will Wren be able to get past her husband death by figuring out what happened to him or will she be too busy catching a killer?
I was given this free review copy book at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
November 27, 2025
Game Over – A Wren Winters Mystery #3 by Shelly Jones
Game Over is another fantastic installment in Shelly Jones’s Wren Winters Mystery series—an excellent blend of mystery, suspense, and of course, murder. This time, Wren and her friends attend a gaming convention, but the fun quickly takes a dark turn when a young woman is murdered… and then another.
The tension builds beautifully as Wren and her loyal circle race to uncover the killer before they can strike again. The story is written extremely well, with wonderfully developed characters and a tremendous, fast-moving plot that keeps you guessing.
I found this book thoroughly engaging from start to finish. It’s a highly entertaining addition to the series, and I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys a well-crafted cozy mystery with plenty of twists.
Game Over is another fantastic installment in Shelly Jones’s Wren Winters Mystery series—an excellent blend of mystery, suspense, and of course, murder. This time, Wren and her friends attend a gaming convention, but the fun quickly takes a dark turn when a young woman is murdered… and then another.
The tension builds beautifully as Wren and her loyal circle race to uncover the killer before they can strike again. The story is written extremely well, with wonderfully developed characters and a tremendous, fast-moving plot that keeps you guessing.
I found this book thoroughly engaging from start to finish. It’s a highly entertaining addition to the series, and I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys a well-crafted cozy mystery with plenty of twists.
November 24, 2025
With the latest book, Game Over by Shelly Jones the plot begins to thicken as Wren’s husband’s death comes into question. The third book in the Wren Winters Mystery Series has Wren returning to the place where her husband sent his last text to her. Her willingness to go there is a testimony to how strong and supported she now feels. I was glad to see the group join her on this trip that involves murder, sleuthing and answers to Wren’s questions. The most heartfelt of the series but needed if Wren is going to move on in her personal life. Probably could be read as on its own if the previously two books had not been read.
November 25, 2025
Game Over is a convention attending, multiple murder, cozy mystery. It was nice to follow the Cardboard Cuties out of the shop as they attend a huge gaming convention. In this book of the series, Wren is learning to use a cane and hoping to pick up some clues about her hubby's death, Charlie is doing a preview of the game she has developed, Esther plans to do some fangirling and Jo will keep tabs on everyone's health. This well plotted book contains a lot of information about gaming and gaming conventions as well as both old and new murders. I was drawn in from the beginning!
November 24, 2025
I picked up Game Over expecting a light cozy mystery, and it completely hooked me. Following Wren Winters through the chaos of a gaming convention felt fun and relatable, but the murder twist kept me guessing right to the end. As a reader, I loved how Shelly Jones balanced the quirky convention details with real suspense—I couldn’t put it down.
January 12, 2026
3rd book of cozy series. Enjoying the series!
November 24, 2025
A delightful cozy mystery set in the vibrant world of a gaming convention, "Game Over" is the third engaging installment in the Wren Winters series. The plot cleverly weaves the convention murders with the long-running mystery of Wren's husband's death, creating a satisfying personal stake for the protagonist.
The characters are a highlight, with the well-written interactions between Wren, Esther, Jo, and Charlie providing a strong, relatable core. Their distinct personalities, united by a shared love of gaming, make them a group you want to spend time with.
My only critique is one of balance. While the detailed gaming setting is immersive, at times the wealth of convention specifics overshadowed the central murder mystery, making it difficult to keep track of the clues. A slightly sharper focus on the crime would have perfected the blend. Despite this, it remains a very enjoyable read for fans of the series and cozy mysteries alike.
The characters are a highlight, with the well-written interactions between Wren, Esther, Jo, and Charlie providing a strong, relatable core. Their distinct personalities, united by a shared love of gaming, make them a group you want to spend time with.
My only critique is one of balance. While the detailed gaming setting is immersive, at times the wealth of convention specifics overshadowed the central murder mystery, making it difficult to keep track of the clues. A slightly sharper focus on the crime would have perfected the blend. Despite this, it remains a very enjoyable read for fans of the series and cozy mysteries alike.
December 20, 2025
Good book
November 26, 2025
Game Over is the third book in the Wren Winters Mystery series by Shelly Jones. I have read all three books in the series and loved them. This one is my favorite however. The main character is Wren Winters. She owns a board game store in Hollows Way and hosts gamers who come in to play games and also order them. She has three good friends who she games with, Charlie, Jo and Esther. Wren lost her husband in a mysterious accident two years earlier when he attended the conference she is headed to and she still grieves him. She has a cat named Pip that is her companion. Wren has rheumatoid arthritis and has recently had to start using a cane. She is not happy about it and tries to avoid using it.
As the book opens the friends go to a four day gamers convention in Allensborough, a few hours away. Before they left, Wren made arrangements for a friend and her son to care for Pip. The friends arrive at the hotel and check in to their room the day before it begins. All decide to go to the convention hall to get their badges, check in to the conference and look around. They stumble upon the body of one of the cosplayers Wren had met at the hotel. She had been strangled. They give their information to the detectives and eventually return to the hotel for the night.
The next day, everyone is on edge because of the murder. Wren receives a phone call from the detective back in Hollows Way and she says that it has been agreed they will reopen the case of her husband’s death as a homicide. Wren decides to do some sleuthing as to her husband’s death since she is where he was when he died. The friends attend workshops, play some of the board games being featured and talk to some of the other attendees and some of the ones competing. They overhear arguments between the conference organizer and the convention center management. A few of the stars of the event are unpleasant when they meet them. It is a packed event and the friends get overwhelmed by all that is going on and the large crowds everywhere. After some dangerous encounters and another death, everyone is nervous and uncomfortable.
Wren kept checking on her cat as she was worried about leaving her at home. Charlie had installed a nanny cam so she could see Pip on her phone app. Her plans went awry when her cat sitter got sick and one of her friends got the message and found a substitute without telling Wren. A professor from the college that Wren was acquainted with, took over the duties as Wren later discovered. After seeing Pip on the camera, she realized she looked sick and thankfully she was able to contact the professor about it. He was very concerned as well and took care of things.
I found this book to be well written like the rest of the series. Shelly Jones has once again given their reader a story with many twists, surprises and lots of suspense. I kept trying to figure out who was the killer but I couldn’t guess correctly. It was thoroughly entertaining and enjoyable. I had trouble putting the book down. It is easy to read and the characters are genuine and a bit eclectic. I was sympathetic to all that Wren has been going through, emotionally, physically and medically. It appears there may be a hint of romance between Wren and the professor. I found it very helpful and informative that Shelly provided information on Gaming conventions and where to attend them. This is another five star book I’m happy to recommend.
I was fortunate to receive this ARC from Tule Publishing in exchange for my honest review.
As the book opens the friends go to a four day gamers convention in Allensborough, a few hours away. Before they left, Wren made arrangements for a friend and her son to care for Pip. The friends arrive at the hotel and check in to their room the day before it begins. All decide to go to the convention hall to get their badges, check in to the conference and look around. They stumble upon the body of one of the cosplayers Wren had met at the hotel. She had been strangled. They give their information to the detectives and eventually return to the hotel for the night.
The next day, everyone is on edge because of the murder. Wren receives a phone call from the detective back in Hollows Way and she says that it has been agreed they will reopen the case of her husband’s death as a homicide. Wren decides to do some sleuthing as to her husband’s death since she is where he was when he died. The friends attend workshops, play some of the board games being featured and talk to some of the other attendees and some of the ones competing. They overhear arguments between the conference organizer and the convention center management. A few of the stars of the event are unpleasant when they meet them. It is a packed event and the friends get overwhelmed by all that is going on and the large crowds everywhere. After some dangerous encounters and another death, everyone is nervous and uncomfortable.
Wren kept checking on her cat as she was worried about leaving her at home. Charlie had installed a nanny cam so she could see Pip on her phone app. Her plans went awry when her cat sitter got sick and one of her friends got the message and found a substitute without telling Wren. A professor from the college that Wren was acquainted with, took over the duties as Wren later discovered. After seeing Pip on the camera, she realized she looked sick and thankfully she was able to contact the professor about it. He was very concerned as well and took care of things.
I found this book to be well written like the rest of the series. Shelly Jones has once again given their reader a story with many twists, surprises and lots of suspense. I kept trying to figure out who was the killer but I couldn’t guess correctly. It was thoroughly entertaining and enjoyable. I had trouble putting the book down. It is easy to read and the characters are genuine and a bit eclectic. I was sympathetic to all that Wren has been going through, emotionally, physically and medically. It appears there may be a hint of romance between Wren and the professor. I found it very helpful and informative that Shelly provided information on Gaming conventions and where to attend them. This is another five star book I’m happy to recommend.
I was fortunate to receive this ARC from Tule Publishing in exchange for my honest review.
November 25, 2025
Murder at the gaming convention?
In this addition to the Wren Winters Mystery series, there is a lot going on and I do mean a lot. Not only is Wren being pushed into using her cane by her friends, but she’s going to the same gaming convention her husband Marcus went to when he died on the way home. At least all four friends are going and Wren has someone to watch Pip for her while she’s gone. Again, I am not by any means a gamer, but Shelly Jones just has such an engaging writing style, that I find myself pulled into the story regardless and I don’t have any problems following the plot. I really do enjoy these and can’t wait for the next one to come out. This one was quite emotional, which also pulled me right in.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
In this addition to the Wren Winters Mystery series, there is a lot going on and I do mean a lot. Not only is Wren being pushed into using her cane by her friends, but she’s going to the same gaming convention her husband Marcus went to when he died on the way home. At least all four friends are going and Wren has someone to watch Pip for her while she’s gone. Again, I am not by any means a gamer, but Shelly Jones just has such an engaging writing style, that I find myself pulled into the story regardless and I don’t have any problems following the plot. I really do enjoy these and can’t wait for the next one to come out. This one was quite emotional, which also pulled me right in.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 5, 2025
Wren is hoping to uncover some clues about Marcus' death, but first gets wrapped up in another murder. I enjoyed the gaming convention setting, and would have liked to hear more about Charlie's game preview as I've designed a few games myself, but just for personal entertainment. I found Esther to be better than in the previous book, though I still can't believe they let her off the hook so easily with some of this- maybe there's an explanation on the first book, which I haven't read yet. A couple other things that threw me but nothing that interrupted the overall story. I did easily figure out the robbery, but not how it connected to the other crimes. The various mysteries kept me interested and the atmosphere of the convention was fun, made me want to be there.
Muffin recipe included!
Muffin recipe included!
November 28, 2025
it's not all just fun and games.
this can be especially true if you've ever been to a cosplay convention - there are sometimes folks who take things pretty seriously, or take things pretty far in their pursuit of dalliances or illicit activities
this is a great read for fans of mysteries linked to significant to you folks, gamers or Larpers, and for fans of mysteries that include women sleuths who aren't twenty anymore.
this can be especially true if you've ever been to a cosplay convention - there are sometimes folks who take things pretty seriously, or take things pretty far in their pursuit of dalliances or illicit activities
this is a great read for fans of mysteries linked to significant to you folks, gamers or Larpers, and for fans of mysteries that include women sleuths who aren't twenty anymore.
November 24, 2025
Wren is once again delving into a murder, while also still trying to figure out what happened to her husband. This is a great mystery that will keep you guessing throughout this page turner. The unusual setting at a gaming convention makes this even more intriguing.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 25, 2025
This is the first book I've read in the Wren Winters Mystery series, but I found it fairly easy to jump in.
I plan to read the others in this series as I enjoyed how games were interwoven in the plot.
I plan to read the others in this series as I enjoyed how games were interwoven in the plot.
January 3, 2026
🎯🎯🎯🎯🎯
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews