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Tag You're It
Not yet published
Expected 30 Jan 26It’s just a game… that someone would kill for.
When Jessie enters Tag, You’re It, she thinks she knows what she’s getting into. A sprawling, isolated mansion in beautiful countryside. Twenty contestants, all supposedly strangers. The rules seem simple…
1. Each day, one of you is ‘It’.
2. The person who is ‘It’ must complete a secret task to tag someone else.
3. Whoever ends the day as ‘It’ is out… and loses the chance to win millions.
But most importantly… Don’t. Trust. Anybody.
Jessie is certain friendships are key to getting through, even fake ones. Some people would do anything to win that money. But nobody knows that Jessie has her own secret reasons for playing the game…
Then one of the players is found dead. When the police arrive to ask their questions, how far will Jessie go to hide the truth about her past – and the real reason she’s there?
And in the end, is this game really worth killing for?
When Jessie enters Tag, You’re It, she thinks she knows what she’s getting into. A sprawling, isolated mansion in beautiful countryside. Twenty contestants, all supposedly strangers. The rules seem simple…
1. Each day, one of you is ‘It’.
2. The person who is ‘It’ must complete a secret task to tag someone else.
3. Whoever ends the day as ‘It’ is out… and loses the chance to win millions.
But most importantly… Don’t. Trust. Anybody.
Jessie is certain friendships are key to getting through, even fake ones. Some people would do anything to win that money. But nobody knows that Jessie has her own secret reasons for playing the game…
Then one of the players is found dead. When the police arrive to ask their questions, how far will Jessie go to hide the truth about her past – and the real reason she’s there?
And in the end, is this game really worth killing for?
- GenresThrillerMystery Thriller
380 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication January 30, 2026
269 people want to read
About the author
Kerry Wilkinson
67 books1,077 followersRecent and upcoming UK releases:
24 October 2023: The Night Of The Sleepover
15 December 2023: After The Sleepover
2024: The Girl On The Side Of The Road
2024: The Missing Body
Kerry Wilkinson has sold more than two million books - and had No.1 crime bestsellers in the UK, Australia, Canada, South Africa and Singapore. He has also written two top-20 thrillers in the United States. His book, Ten Birthdays, won the RNA award for Young Adult Novel of the Year in 2018 and Close To You won the International Thriller Award for best ebook in 2020.
As well as his Jessica Daniel series, Kerry has written a trilogy featuring private investigator Andrew Hunter, the Whitecliff series, the Silver Blackthorn trilogy - a fantasy-adventure serial for young adults - plus numerous standalone novels. He has been published around the world in more than a dozen languages.
Originally from the county of Somerset, Kerry spent way too long living in the north of England, picking up words like 'barm' and 'ginnel'.
When he's short of ideas, he rides his bike, hikes up something, or bakes cakes. When he's not, he writes it all down.
Find out more at: http://kerrywilkinson.com or http://facebook.com/KerryWilkinsonBooks
Find out more at: his website or Facebook
24 October 2023: The Night Of The Sleepover
15 December 2023: After The Sleepover
2024: The Girl On The Side Of The Road
2024: The Missing Body
Kerry Wilkinson has sold more than two million books - and had No.1 crime bestsellers in the UK, Australia, Canada, South Africa and Singapore. He has also written two top-20 thrillers in the United States. His book, Ten Birthdays, won the RNA award for Young Adult Novel of the Year in 2018 and Close To You won the International Thriller Award for best ebook in 2020.
As well as his Jessica Daniel series, Kerry has written a trilogy featuring private investigator Andrew Hunter, the Whitecliff series, the Silver Blackthorn trilogy - a fantasy-adventure serial for young adults - plus numerous standalone novels. He has been published around the world in more than a dozen languages.
Originally from the county of Somerset, Kerry spent way too long living in the north of England, picking up words like 'barm' and 'ginnel'.
When he's short of ideas, he rides his bike, hikes up something, or bakes cakes. When he's not, he writes it all down.
Find out more at: http://kerrywilkinson.com or http://facebook.com/KerryWilkinsonBooks
Find out more at: his website or Facebook
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 111 reviews
January 12, 2026
I had the BEST time reading Tag, You’re It by Kerry Wilkinson! So unexpected and enjoyable! I loved it!
This book is so different from any others I’ve read! A reality show filled with vastly different contestants, of all different ages ranging from 19-80 all in competition to win a boat load of money! I was “in it” from page one! Hook, line and sinker! This creatively penned novel takes you on a murderously adventure filled with hints of suspense and spiced up characters on every page! Such a fun read!
👉Let’s break it down…
The goal in this mildly suspenseful thriller is to “tag someone” and stay in the game.
👉The Tag:
One contestant is deemed “It” in the morning of each day and will be given a task to complete a “tag”. The Goal? Do not end the day as “It” or get tagged or you will be eliminated and have to exit the game. There are a total of 20 people competing in the game and have a chance to win the prize money. How does it work? There is one game show host(Jonathan), a few production specialist (Ruth and Mike) and the camera crew. Two people get eliminated daily in the highly competitive twisty game.
👉The Money Prize:
Each day Contestants are challenged to “fundraisers” (activities or challenges to add money to the winning pot of money). Competitors are also faced with the deduction of cash if these “fundraisers” are not completed within an allotted timeframe or if the goal was not achieved. In addition to that, Contestants may also lose money if an “accusation” is incorrect (a player accusing another player of being “It” at the beginning of the day). Tensions run high and suspicion is everywhere as this story unfolds. Who do you trust? Who will do anything to win? Who is lying? Who is “It”?
👉Characters:
1. Our main character is Jesse. She is in the social work field (after going through foster care growing up) and has a secret personal motive upon entering the game.
2. Contestants (19 others) make up the rest of the characters and all have individual goals, jobs and personal backgrounds. You get to know each of them in the pages as you fall deeper into the story.
3. Police and Investigators play a small role as they are called into play.
This story is told in the present time as the game is unfolding. Midway through, the chapters switch from now to “the Future” and these chapter are filled with interviews. The last 1/4 of the book is the retelling of the initial story “filling in the gaps” of what really happened (what the camera crew and production specialist did not see or catch).
This is a clever and creative novel that will have you excited and super surprised from the beginning to the end! A 4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ read for sure!
I want to thank NetGalley and Bookouture publishing for this eARC in exchange for my honest and candid review.
This book is so different from any others I’ve read! A reality show filled with vastly different contestants, of all different ages ranging from 19-80 all in competition to win a boat load of money! I was “in it” from page one! Hook, line and sinker! This creatively penned novel takes you on a murderously adventure filled with hints of suspense and spiced up characters on every page! Such a fun read!
👉Let’s break it down…
The goal in this mildly suspenseful thriller is to “tag someone” and stay in the game.
👉The Tag:
One contestant is deemed “It” in the morning of each day and will be given a task to complete a “tag”. The Goal? Do not end the day as “It” or get tagged or you will be eliminated and have to exit the game. There are a total of 20 people competing in the game and have a chance to win the prize money. How does it work? There is one game show host(Jonathan), a few production specialist (Ruth and Mike) and the camera crew. Two people get eliminated daily in the highly competitive twisty game.
👉The Money Prize:
Each day Contestants are challenged to “fundraisers” (activities or challenges to add money to the winning pot of money). Competitors are also faced with the deduction of cash if these “fundraisers” are not completed within an allotted timeframe or if the goal was not achieved. In addition to that, Contestants may also lose money if an “accusation” is incorrect (a player accusing another player of being “It” at the beginning of the day). Tensions run high and suspicion is everywhere as this story unfolds. Who do you trust? Who will do anything to win? Who is lying? Who is “It”?
👉Characters:
1. Our main character is Jesse. She is in the social work field (after going through foster care growing up) and has a secret personal motive upon entering the game.
2. Contestants (19 others) make up the rest of the characters and all have individual goals, jobs and personal backgrounds. You get to know each of them in the pages as you fall deeper into the story.
3. Police and Investigators play a small role as they are called into play.
This story is told in the present time as the game is unfolding. Midway through, the chapters switch from now to “the Future” and these chapter are filled with interviews. The last 1/4 of the book is the retelling of the initial story “filling in the gaps” of what really happened (what the camera crew and production specialist did not see or catch).
This is a clever and creative novel that will have you excited and super surprised from the beginning to the end! A 4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ read for sure!
I want to thank NetGalley and Bookouture publishing for this eARC in exchange for my honest and candid review.
January 11, 2026
PUBLISH DATE: January 30, 2026
THIS IS MY FAVORITE READ IN A FEW MONTHS!!! Tag, You’re It by Kerry Wilkinson was such a fun and intense read. As someone who loves reality style games, I thought this was a brilliant and original way to structure a thriller. It was gripping from the start, and I genuinely couldn’t put it down.
The concept feels new, and the execution really works. The twists kept me guessing, and even when I thought I had a handle on where things might be going, the story still managed to surprise me. The pacing is fast and the plot is well laid out.
I especially loved the alternating structure between real time gameplay chapters and police interview chapters. That format lets you see hints of what’s coming without revealing too much, which keeps the tension high throughout.
This book absolutely made me a fan of Kerry Wilkinson, and I’ll definitely be reading more from this author.
Content review: Very little profanity, not violent, no intimate scenes.
I received a complimentary digital ARC [Advanced Readers Copy] of this book via NetGalley. Thank you to the Publisher and the Author for the opportunity to read and review this title prior to publication. As always, the opinions expressed in this review are my own.
BOOK TITLE: Tag You're It
AUTHOR: Kerry Wilkinson
PUBLISHER: Bookouture
FORMAT: ebook
PAGES: 380
Barnes & Noble: TBD
Amazon: TBD
THIS IS MY FAVORITE READ IN A FEW MONTHS!!! Tag, You’re It by Kerry Wilkinson was such a fun and intense read. As someone who loves reality style games, I thought this was a brilliant and original way to structure a thriller. It was gripping from the start, and I genuinely couldn’t put it down.
The concept feels new, and the execution really works. The twists kept me guessing, and even when I thought I had a handle on where things might be going, the story still managed to surprise me. The pacing is fast and the plot is well laid out.
I especially loved the alternating structure between real time gameplay chapters and police interview chapters. That format lets you see hints of what’s coming without revealing too much, which keeps the tension high throughout.
This book absolutely made me a fan of Kerry Wilkinson, and I’ll definitely be reading more from this author.
Content review: Very little profanity, not violent, no intimate scenes.
I received a complimentary digital ARC [Advanced Readers Copy] of this book via NetGalley. Thank you to the Publisher and the Author for the opportunity to read and review this title prior to publication. As always, the opinions expressed in this review are my own.
BOOK TITLE: Tag You're It
AUTHOR: Kerry Wilkinson
PUBLISHER: Bookouture
FORMAT: ebook
PAGES: 380
Barnes & Noble: TBD
Amazon: TBD
January 13, 2026
I went into Tag You’re It really wanting to love it. The concept is fantastic, and the idea of a high-stakes game show instantly grabbed my attention. I also appreciated that the story was told from multiple viewpoints—it added variety and helped build the world of the competition.
However, despite the strong premise, I found the book very slow. Many sections dragged, and the pacing made it difficult to stay fully engaged. There were also a lot of characters to juggle, and at times it became challenging to keep track of who was who. The story had a Survivor meets Squid Game vibe, but unfortunately it didn’t translate as sharply or as grippingly as I hoped it would.
There is a twist about three-quarters of the way through that added some momentum and helped pull things together, but overall the book felt a bit lacklustre for me. I was hoping for something more fast-paced with more memorable, dynamic characters.
A creative idea that just didn’t quite hit the mark.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to preread and review this book.
However, despite the strong premise, I found the book very slow. Many sections dragged, and the pacing made it difficult to stay fully engaged. There were also a lot of characters to juggle, and at times it became challenging to keep track of who was who. The story had a Survivor meets Squid Game vibe, but unfortunately it didn’t translate as sharply or as grippingly as I hoped it would.
There is a twist about three-quarters of the way through that added some momentum and helped pull things together, but overall the book felt a bit lacklustre for me. I was hoping for something more fast-paced with more memorable, dynamic characters.
A creative idea that just didn’t quite hit the mark.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the opportunity to preread and review this book.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I love TV shows where one or more contestants are sent home or voted off in every episode. It doesn’t matter whether it’s a game show or a music show, but games where deception, alliances, and hidden connections play a major role are definitely the most enjoyable.
I honestly didn’t expect the book to be about this, as the title could lead you in several different directions. When it turned out that this was indeed the theme, I was absolutely thrilled. I settled in comfortably to start reading: sofa, blanket, hot chocolate, and my dog snuggled up next to me—completely ready to dive into the book on a cold, gloomy winter day.
Was I just as happy once I finished the book? I can answer that with a resounding yes. Not only did the mechanics of the game itself completely draw me in, but the backstory left me open-mouthed in amazement. I thought it was brilliantly conceived, and everything fit together perfectly.
I honestly wouldn’t mind at all if this idea—apart from that one detail, of course—were picked up by a TV network. On the contrary, I’d be sitting in the front row for every new episode!
For me, this story deserves five big stars. Everything was there: interesting characters, tension, manipulation, twists and turns, and a highly creative concept.
There is absolutely no reason not to recommend this book!
Thank you
I honestly didn’t expect the book to be about this, as the title could lead you in several different directions. When it turned out that this was indeed the theme, I was absolutely thrilled. I settled in comfortably to start reading: sofa, blanket, hot chocolate, and my dog snuggled up next to me—completely ready to dive into the book on a cold, gloomy winter day.
Was I just as happy once I finished the book? I can answer that with a resounding yes. Not only did the mechanics of the game itself completely draw me in, but the backstory left me open-mouthed in amazement. I thought it was brilliantly conceived, and everything fit together perfectly.
I honestly wouldn’t mind at all if this idea—apart from that one detail, of course—were picked up by a TV network. On the contrary, I’d be sitting in the front row for every new episode!
For me, this story deserves five big stars. Everything was there: interesting characters, tension, manipulation, twists and turns, and a highly creative concept.
There is absolutely no reason not to recommend this book!
Thank you
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Tag, You’re It is written like a slow blade sliding between the ribs—quiet, controlled, and devastating once you realize how deep it’s gone. Kerry Wilkinson’s prose doesn’t shout. It stalks. The sentences are lean and sharp, stripped of comfort, built to unsettle rather than entertain politely. Every chapter feels engineered to destabilize you just enough to keep you off balance, just feral enough to make you uneasy about turning the page—and unable not to.
The writing thrives on paranoia. Dialogue is clipped and loaded. Silences scream. Thoughts are rationed, not handed over, forcing you to read between lines that feel deliberately sharpened. Wilkinson understands that suspense lives in withholding, and he weaponizes restraint. The pacing is merciless—never rushed, never indulgent—tightening incrementally until the tension feels like it might snap your teeth together.
Jessie is written with teeth. Her inner world is guarded, coiled, dangerous. You’re aware from the start that she’s lying—to the others, to the game, maybe even to herself—but the prose refuses to give her away. Her past bleeds in slowly, deliberately, until the eventual reveal feels less like a twist and more like a reckoning. When the game turns lethal, it doesn’t feel sensational. It feels inevitable. Predatory. Earned.
The cast is sprawling, abrasive, and often deeply unlikeable, and the writing wants it that way. These aren’t characters you’re meant to love; they’re pressure points, moral fractures, human liabilities. The language makes you feel trapped among them—watched, judged, measured—until trust feels not just foolish, but fatal.
This is feral thriller writing: disciplined, psychological, and cruel in the most effective way. It burrows under your skin instead of flashing in your face
The writing thrives on paranoia. Dialogue is clipped and loaded. Silences scream. Thoughts are rationed, not handed over, forcing you to read between lines that feel deliberately sharpened. Wilkinson understands that suspense lives in withholding, and he weaponizes restraint. The pacing is merciless—never rushed, never indulgent—tightening incrementally until the tension feels like it might snap your teeth together.
Jessie is written with teeth. Her inner world is guarded, coiled, dangerous. You’re aware from the start that she’s lying—to the others, to the game, maybe even to herself—but the prose refuses to give her away. Her past bleeds in slowly, deliberately, until the eventual reveal feels less like a twist and more like a reckoning. When the game turns lethal, it doesn’t feel sensational. It feels inevitable. Predatory. Earned.
The cast is sprawling, abrasive, and often deeply unlikeable, and the writing wants it that way. These aren’t characters you’re meant to love; they’re pressure points, moral fractures, human liabilities. The language makes you feel trapped among them—watched, judged, measured—until trust feels not just foolish, but fatal.
This is feral thriller writing: disciplined, psychological, and cruel in the most effective way. It burrows under your skin instead of flashing in your face
December 27, 2025
“Tag, You’re It” by Kerry Wilkinson was such a fun, addictive read! The story follows contestants on a reality show where one person is “It” each day and must secretly complete a task to tag another contestant before time runs out—whoever is “It” at the end of the day is eliminated. The concept is clever and kept the tension high from start to finish. Packed with secrets, surprises, and twists, this book had me completely hooked. I flew through the pages and loved how unpredictable it was. A great pick if you enjoy fast-paced thrillers with a unique premise.
January 18, 2026
Tag, You’re It is reality TV chaos turned thriller—and honestly, that setup alone is irresistible. Twenty strangers are dropped into an isolated, unsettling mansion to play a game where being “It” means paranoia, manipulation, and stress served with a side of blackmail. Our main character, Jessie, isn’t just there for the prize money either (because of course she isn’t). She’s got secrets, trust issues, and an ulterior motive.
The atmosphere is where this story really delivers. Kerry Wilkinson captures the suffocating pressure of a competition filmed around the clock, where every glance feels loaded and no one can be trusted. When a contestant is found dead, the show crosses the line from brutal entertainment to full-blown crime scene. Police step in, the production team’s cracks begin to show. The twists keep coming, alliances shift, and suspicion clings to everyone like static. Think The Traitors, but darker and with higher emotional stakes.
That said, the beginning is a bit of a slog. There are a lot of characters to juggle, some leaning hard into reality-TV stereotypes, and having similarly named contestants didn’t help the early confusion. I was also a bit frustrated that some players seemed more interested in voting people out than actually playing the game. Still, once the numbers start shrinking, everything clicks. The pacing sharpens, the stakes rise, and the ending managed to catch me off guard.
Fast-paced, twisty, and dripping with paranoia, Tag, You’re It is a dark, addictive read that rewards your patience—even if the start feels a little chaotic at first.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for providing a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
January 12, 2026
Tag, You’re It
is a fast-paced thriller with a reality TV twist that immediately hooked me. Think The Traitors or The Mole, but even more intense. From the very first chapter, I felt like I was watching an entire season unfold—alliances forming, paranoia creeping in, and those three words… Don’t. Trust. Anybody.
I was completely glued to the pages and couldn’t stop reading! Every chapter ended with just enough to make it impossible to put down, and the constant uncertainty about who, if anyone, I could trust kept me on edge the whole time.
I seriously did NOT see those twists coming! This book delivered everything I want in a thriller, and then some. I LOVED it!
I was completely glued to the pages and couldn’t stop reading! Every chapter ended with just enough to make it impossible to put down, and the constant uncertainty about who, if anyone, I could trust kept me on edge the whole time.
I seriously did NOT see those twists coming! This book delivered everything I want in a thriller, and then some. I LOVED it!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Title: Tag, You're It
Author: Kerry Wilkinson
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Publication Date: January 30, 2026
The description of this book gave "Close Your Eyes and Count to 10" by Lisa Unger and "Win or Die" by Darren O'Sullivan vibes. Unfortunately, that's where the similarities ended. It's obvious that Jessie is hiding something, but it wasn't clear what she was hiding. The book was smooth and quick paced, but it lacked the "edge of your seat" suspense that most readers love. Even so, it's definitely worth your time to grab this as soon as it's published!
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion/review.
Author: Kerry Wilkinson
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Publication Date: January 30, 2026
The description of this book gave "Close Your Eyes and Count to 10" by Lisa Unger and "Win or Die" by Darren O'Sullivan vibes. Unfortunately, that's where the similarities ended. It's obvious that Jessie is hiding something, but it wasn't clear what she was hiding. The book was smooth and quick paced, but it lacked the "edge of your seat" suspense that most readers love. Even so, it's definitely worth your time to grab this as soon as it's published!
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion/review.
January 14, 2026
I really wanted to love this because the "survival game" concept is so strong, but it ended up being a very "mid" thriller for me.
The Good: It’s incredibly fast-paced. The high-stakes game where players are eliminated one by one turns horrific quickly, which kept me turning the pages to see who would survive.
The Bad: The execution just didn't land. The characters felt flat, and the "big twist" at the end felt totally disconnected from the rest of the story—like it was added just for shock value. It lacked the logic needed to make the ending feel earned.
Final Verdict: Not a bad read, but definitely not great. It felt rushed and left me with too many questions. Great if you want a mindless slasher, but not if you want a cohesive mystery.
The Good: It’s incredibly fast-paced. The high-stakes game where players are eliminated one by one turns horrific quickly, which kept me turning the pages to see who would survive.
The Bad: The execution just didn't land. The characters felt flat, and the "big twist" at the end felt totally disconnected from the rest of the story—like it was added just for shock value. It lacked the logic needed to make the ending feel earned.
Final Verdict: Not a bad read, but definitely not great. It felt rushed and left me with too many questions. Great if you want a mindless slasher, but not if you want a cohesive mystery.
January 13, 2026
I read this in one sitting... Until 1.30am... I loved it! I was involved in the intrigue of the reality show as well as trying to figure out who died and why. It was two parallel stories that were intertwined so well. I liked the future and past sections so that you could kind of start to piece it together. I loved the Tag game story sections most of all, its such a cool idea!
Thanks to Netgalley and the Publisher for this ARC in return for an honest review.
Thanks to Netgalley and the Publisher for this ARC in return for an honest review.
January 15, 2026
This was really tense and unsettling in the best way. The idea of turning a childhood game into something dangerous works so well, especially in the isolated mansion setting where paranoia builds fast. What stood out to me was how quickly trust breaks down and how far people are willing to go to protect themselves. It’s fast-paced, easy to get hooked on, and focuses more on human behaviour under pressure than just the twists. Definitely a solid, gripping thriller.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
You know when you’re watching a reality show and someone’s like, “I didn’t come here to make friends,” and you think, “Okay, but maybe don’t start a blood feud on day two”? Yeah. Tag, You’re It looked at that energy and said, “Let’s crank the paranoia to eleven and drop everyone in a murdery game of tag with vibes so unhinged even the producers need therapy.” This is The Traitors meets Ready or Not, but with fewer ball gowns and more secret agendas.
The setup is reality TV gold. Twenty strangers, one creepy isolated countryside mansion, and a game where you don’t want to be “It” unless you really enjoy blackmail-flavored anxiety. Jessie, our main girl, isn’t just there for the millions. Oh no. She’s got a secret. Of course she does. Because you can’t be the POV character in a thriller game show deathmatch without a mysterious past and just a whiff of trust issues.
What makes this book click (and sometimes clunk) is the vibe. Kerry Wilkinson nails the claustrophobic, someone-is-breathing-down-my-neck tension of a cutthroat competition with cameras everywhere. You can feel the alliances forming and fracturing like it’s Survivor: Gaslight Edition. There’s also a side narrative with a police investigation. Yes, there’s a murder, obviously. Which peels back Jessie’s backstory like it’s playing emotional Jenga.
But listen. This book starts like a slow burn that’s almost too slow. Like, I was on chapter ten still trying to figure out who was who, and I swear half these contestants were walking stereotypes from the Reality TV Starter Pack. You’ve got the soft-spoken nice guy, the aggro gym bro, the girl who’s just there to win, and about fifteen others who feel like background NPCs in a Sims death house challenge. Once the herd starts thinning, it gets easier to care, but the beginning? It’s giving name soup.
Also, not gonna lie, I called the twist. I didn’t fully solve the whodunit, but I definitely squinted at a few characters and went, “You’re shady in a way that’s not just for drama points.” Still, even when the story got predictable, it was never boring. The pacing picks up hard after the halfway mark, and the tag tasks? Deliciously sinister. I was literally yelling, “You are NOT gonna do that to stay in the game!” Spoiler. They were absolutely gonna do that.
Jessie’s arc is solid. She’s not some plucky underdog who stumbles into danger. She’s calculated, observant, and a little morally gray, which yes hi welcome to my favorite kind of protagonist. She’s not there for redemption. She’s there for revenge. And watching her wrestle between survival and secrets? A whole meal.
Is this the deepest thriller you’ll read this year? Probably not. But does it absolutely nail the “don’t trust anyone, even yourself” vibe of good paranoia-driven mysteries? For sure. Could the twist have been bigger? Yes. Did I still devour the second half like it owed me money? Also yes.
I’m giving this a fun, slightly chaotic, highly readable 3.5 stars. Great concept, strong tension, a few pacing issues and characters I wish got more time before their metaphorical torches got snuffed.
Whodunity Award: For Turning Childhood Games Into Trust Issues on Steroids
Big thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the ARC that let me scream internally about “reality TV but with murder” which is honestly my Roman Empire.
The setup is reality TV gold. Twenty strangers, one creepy isolated countryside mansion, and a game where you don’t want to be “It” unless you really enjoy blackmail-flavored anxiety. Jessie, our main girl, isn’t just there for the millions. Oh no. She’s got a secret. Of course she does. Because you can’t be the POV character in a thriller game show deathmatch without a mysterious past and just a whiff of trust issues.
What makes this book click (and sometimes clunk) is the vibe. Kerry Wilkinson nails the claustrophobic, someone-is-breathing-down-my-neck tension of a cutthroat competition with cameras everywhere. You can feel the alliances forming and fracturing like it’s Survivor: Gaslight Edition. There’s also a side narrative with a police investigation. Yes, there’s a murder, obviously. Which peels back Jessie’s backstory like it’s playing emotional Jenga.
But listen. This book starts like a slow burn that’s almost too slow. Like, I was on chapter ten still trying to figure out who was who, and I swear half these contestants were walking stereotypes from the Reality TV Starter Pack. You’ve got the soft-spoken nice guy, the aggro gym bro, the girl who’s just there to win, and about fifteen others who feel like background NPCs in a Sims death house challenge. Once the herd starts thinning, it gets easier to care, but the beginning? It’s giving name soup.
Also, not gonna lie, I called the twist. I didn’t fully solve the whodunit, but I definitely squinted at a few characters and went, “You’re shady in a way that’s not just for drama points.” Still, even when the story got predictable, it was never boring. The pacing picks up hard after the halfway mark, and the tag tasks? Deliciously sinister. I was literally yelling, “You are NOT gonna do that to stay in the game!” Spoiler. They were absolutely gonna do that.
Jessie’s arc is solid. She’s not some plucky underdog who stumbles into danger. She’s calculated, observant, and a little morally gray, which yes hi welcome to my favorite kind of protagonist. She’s not there for redemption. She’s there for revenge. And watching her wrestle between survival and secrets? A whole meal.
Is this the deepest thriller you’ll read this year? Probably not. But does it absolutely nail the “don’t trust anyone, even yourself” vibe of good paranoia-driven mysteries? For sure. Could the twist have been bigger? Yes. Did I still devour the second half like it owed me money? Also yes.
I’m giving this a fun, slightly chaotic, highly readable 3.5 stars. Great concept, strong tension, a few pacing issues and characters I wish got more time before their metaphorical torches got snuffed.
Whodunity Award: For Turning Childhood Games Into Trust Issues on Steroids
Big thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the ARC that let me scream internally about “reality TV but with murder” which is honestly my Roman Empire.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is another of my favourite authors whose books I have been reading since the early days of my kindle keyboard back in 2011 when I discovered his brilliant Jessica Daniel series. Although, that said, recently I have been a tad disappointed with his offerings. Not that there was anything wrong, he just hadn't hit he heady heights of his early books.
This book, however, for me anyway, marks his return to utter brilliance! I loved this book from start to finish, absolutely gripping!
It is all centred around a new TV game show where twenty contestants pit their wits against each other to win a fortune! The basic premise is that every day someone is "it" and they have to tag someone else via a method they have been told to use. No one knows who "it" is, or how the tag is delivered, so the fun is that everyone is super-wary of everyone else and subsequently all become rather guarded. At the end of the day the person who is currently "it" is out and the rest of them can guess who "it" originally was, for a forfeit if wrong. They also get to vote for who they thing "it" was and the person with the most votes is removed too. As well as all this there are tasks to complete to earn more money for the pot.
We mainly follow Jessie in all of this as, after a while it soon becomes apparent that she is there for more than just the money... But we kinda know this as it's clear from the off that someone is dead as we also witness some chats between witnesses/suspects and the police...
Wasn't this book so much fun and also so blooming addictive? Luckily, the day I started it was a day I had nothing else major to do so it was easy to just keep reading... And boy was it a rollercoaster ride of fun, frivolity and fear! I enjoyed the tasks, I was gripped with who "it" was and who they would tag, and I was eager to work out what Jessie's deal was... Although I had to admit defeat with that and just go with the flow...
And then, when the final truth was eventually laid bare in all its glory...well... what a cracking job well done that was by the author! There are clues peppered throughout most of which I totally missed cos I was having so much fun with the rest of the shenanigans but, when all was said and done, it did make sense and I did kick myself. And then I sat back, wholly satisfied. Smiling cos one of my favourite authors had hit the mark once again.
Which only leaves me wondering what will he will be serving up next time... My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
This book, however, for me anyway, marks his return to utter brilliance! I loved this book from start to finish, absolutely gripping!
It is all centred around a new TV game show where twenty contestants pit their wits against each other to win a fortune! The basic premise is that every day someone is "it" and they have to tag someone else via a method they have been told to use. No one knows who "it" is, or how the tag is delivered, so the fun is that everyone is super-wary of everyone else and subsequently all become rather guarded. At the end of the day the person who is currently "it" is out and the rest of them can guess who "it" originally was, for a forfeit if wrong. They also get to vote for who they thing "it" was and the person with the most votes is removed too. As well as all this there are tasks to complete to earn more money for the pot.
We mainly follow Jessie in all of this as, after a while it soon becomes apparent that she is there for more than just the money... But we kinda know this as it's clear from the off that someone is dead as we also witness some chats between witnesses/suspects and the police...
Wasn't this book so much fun and also so blooming addictive? Luckily, the day I started it was a day I had nothing else major to do so it was easy to just keep reading... And boy was it a rollercoaster ride of fun, frivolity and fear! I enjoyed the tasks, I was gripped with who "it" was and who they would tag, and I was eager to work out what Jessie's deal was... Although I had to admit defeat with that and just go with the flow...
And then, when the final truth was eventually laid bare in all its glory...well... what a cracking job well done that was by the author! There are clues peppered throughout most of which I totally missed cos I was having so much fun with the rest of the shenanigans but, when all was said and done, it did make sense and I did kick myself. And then I sat back, wholly satisfied. Smiling cos one of my favourite authors had hit the mark once again.
Which only leaves me wondering what will he will be serving up next time... My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Kerry Wilkinson, Tag, You're It, Bookouture, January 2026.
Thank you, NetGalley, for providing me with this uncorrected proof for review.
Any number of novels have been set in the confines of a reality television program. This is one of the best. Kerry Wilkinson has established a believable scenario for the television game, and for the secrets that are eventually untangled. Jessie is the keeper of several secrets, from the beginning of the game to the end. Her character is developed through her participation in the game, her relationships with the other participants, and her inner reflections. Other characters become friends (maybe), people to avoid or actively dislike, and people about whom, while glances are exchanged, Jessie remains wary.
Alliances form and fall apart as the game proceeds. The dominant mindset during eliminations quickly becomes ‘anyone but me’. While the cash prize is a major motivator, so too is each contestant’s desire to stay in the game and assert control over the competition and the others. For some, personal motives for participating govern behaviour. The subtlety with which these elements are concealed—despite the presence of clues—evokes Agatha Christie's remarkable skill in constructing such narratives.
Participants’ fear of being tagged by an unknown ‘assailant’ as well as having no inkling of what that tag might be heightens tension in the house. Participants are not told what a tag is or if their guess about who is "It" is correct, making the narrative more suspenseful. The first tag is particularly inventive. The intricacy of this tag suggests that the variety of actions that might lead to elimination is wide ranging. This uncertainty keeps readers as actively engaged as participants, logging every move that might lead to a favourite being eliminated.
The ending is full of twists that, as usual for this writer, are a logical outcome of all the information that has been imparted throughout the narrative. Here, what has been a narrative of tension and entertainment typical of a television reality program, becomes something more. It is that something more that makes this an engaging novel that is resoundingly satisfying.
Thank you, NetGalley, for providing me with this uncorrected proof for review.
Any number of novels have been set in the confines of a reality television program. This is one of the best. Kerry Wilkinson has established a believable scenario for the television game, and for the secrets that are eventually untangled. Jessie is the keeper of several secrets, from the beginning of the game to the end. Her character is developed through her participation in the game, her relationships with the other participants, and her inner reflections. Other characters become friends (maybe), people to avoid or actively dislike, and people about whom, while glances are exchanged, Jessie remains wary.
Alliances form and fall apart as the game proceeds. The dominant mindset during eliminations quickly becomes ‘anyone but me’. While the cash prize is a major motivator, so too is each contestant’s desire to stay in the game and assert control over the competition and the others. For some, personal motives for participating govern behaviour. The subtlety with which these elements are concealed—despite the presence of clues—evokes Agatha Christie's remarkable skill in constructing such narratives.
Participants’ fear of being tagged by an unknown ‘assailant’ as well as having no inkling of what that tag might be heightens tension in the house. Participants are not told what a tag is or if their guess about who is "It" is correct, making the narrative more suspenseful. The first tag is particularly inventive. The intricacy of this tag suggests that the variety of actions that might lead to elimination is wide ranging. This uncertainty keeps readers as actively engaged as participants, logging every move that might lead to a favourite being eliminated.
The ending is full of twists that, as usual for this writer, are a logical outcome of all the information that has been imparted throughout the narrative. Here, what has been a narrative of tension and entertainment typical of a television reality program, becomes something more. It is that something more that makes this an engaging novel that is resoundingly satisfying.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This book delivers that perfect popcorn thriller vibe: blanket secured, snacks within grabbing distance, and trust issues by chapter three.
It’s a deceptively easy read, the kind you pick up and suddenly you’re ten chapters deep, real life is cancelled, and you’re so absorbed you briefly forget you’re reading a book. It hurls you straight in with tension from the opening chapters, and from that point on I was happily suspicious of everyone.
With shows like The Traitors ruling TV, the timing couldn’t be better, and this scratched that exact paranoia-and-second-guessing itch beautifully. Jessie enters a game show, every day someone becomes 'It', every day someone is voted out and every day you're reminded: do not trust anyone. Jessie wants to get to the end but she's hiding her own reasons for being there, and when one of them turns up dead, the real question isn’t who’s playing to win anymore, it’s who’s willing to kill to win.
Jessie, our FMC, is relatable but delightfully unreliable. I wanted to trust her while also quietly thinking “hmm… maybe not.” The dual timelines and POV adds layers, constantly messing with what you think you know about these people and their tangled pasts.
I was hoarding every hint and throwaway comment like a conspiracy theorist waiting for the big reveal. The characters feel real, some deserve hugs, some deserve a firm side-eye, but they all evolve naturally as they argue, bond, and collectively stress each other (and me) out. The fast pacing over just a few days keeps things gripping, even if a couple of bits circle the same ground. By the end everything snaps together in a glorious “wait, how did I miss that?!” way. A solid four star thriller that had me doubting everyone and looking for secret agendas like it was a full-time job.
Publication day: Jan 30th
✨ Thank you to @bookouture and @netgalley for the free ARC, my opinions are my own.
It’s a deceptively easy read, the kind you pick up and suddenly you’re ten chapters deep, real life is cancelled, and you’re so absorbed you briefly forget you’re reading a book. It hurls you straight in with tension from the opening chapters, and from that point on I was happily suspicious of everyone.
With shows like The Traitors ruling TV, the timing couldn’t be better, and this scratched that exact paranoia-and-second-guessing itch beautifully. Jessie enters a game show, every day someone becomes 'It', every day someone is voted out and every day you're reminded: do not trust anyone. Jessie wants to get to the end but she's hiding her own reasons for being there, and when one of them turns up dead, the real question isn’t who’s playing to win anymore, it’s who’s willing to kill to win.
Jessie, our FMC, is relatable but delightfully unreliable. I wanted to trust her while also quietly thinking “hmm… maybe not.” The dual timelines and POV adds layers, constantly messing with what you think you know about these people and their tangled pasts.
I was hoarding every hint and throwaway comment like a conspiracy theorist waiting for the big reveal. The characters feel real, some deserve hugs, some deserve a firm side-eye, but they all evolve naturally as they argue, bond, and collectively stress each other (and me) out. The fast pacing over just a few days keeps things gripping, even if a couple of bits circle the same ground. By the end everything snaps together in a glorious “wait, how did I miss that?!” way. A solid four star thriller that had me doubting everyone and looking for secret agendas like it was a full-time job.
Publication day: Jan 30th
✨ Thank you to @bookouture and @netgalley for the free ARC, my opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
While I am not a fan of Survivor-type TV dramas, I am a big fan of the author, Kerry Wilkinson, so I jumped at the chance to read the ARC for Tag, You're It.
Reading Tag, You're It felt like I was watching an actual TV drama - Wilkinson did an excellent job of setting the scene and breathing life into the cast of colourful characters.
Jessie was the clear favourite, for me - what's not to like? She came across as motherly, decent and kind - or so you are led to believe...
Gavin, the domineering entrepeneur, on the other hand, irritated me beyond belief and I had my fingers crossed that he was the unnamed fatality mentioned in the very first chapter.
The suspense keeps building until the final, satisfying reveal.
I won't go any further for fear of spoilers, but I will say that, while the ending surprised me, I wasn't against it. Justice was finally done - a select few might argue...
5 of out 5 riveted stars. My thanks to the author, Kerry Wilkinson, his publisher and NetGalley for an ARC of this well-orchestrated and often entertaining thriller in exhange for an honest review.
Reading Tag, You're It felt like I was watching an actual TV drama - Wilkinson did an excellent job of setting the scene and breathing life into the cast of colourful characters.
Jessie was the clear favourite, for me - what's not to like? She came across as motherly, decent and kind - or so you are led to believe...
Gavin, the domineering entrepeneur, on the other hand, irritated me beyond belief and I had my fingers crossed that he was the unnamed fatality mentioned in the very first chapter.
The suspense keeps building until the final, satisfying reveal.
I won't go any further for fear of spoilers, but I will say that, while the ending surprised me, I wasn't against it. Justice was finally done - a select few might argue...
5 of out 5 riveted stars. My thanks to the author, Kerry Wilkinson, his publisher and NetGalley for an ARC of this well-orchestrated and often entertaining thriller in exhange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Tag, You’re It, is a novel that focuses on a reality TV style competition with deadly psychological stakes. The game holds an high reward for the winner, that means some people are prepared to go to almost any length to win.
Jessie enters the competition believing she understands the rules. Twenty strangers, an isolated mansion, and the promise of millions for the ultimate winner. Each day, one contestant becomes “It” and must secretly tag another player to survive. On the surface, it’s a clever social game built on alliances, deception, and nerve. But it soon becomes evident that trust is going to be very difficult.
Jessie knows that forming friendships, even fake ones is the key to staying in the game. Yet she’s not there just for the money. She carries her own secrets, and the longer the competition runs, the harder it becomes to keep her true motivations hidden. As paranoia grows and tensions escalate among the contestants, the atmosphere inside the mansion becomes increasingly claustrophobic and unsettling.
When one of the players is found dead the game is transformed from ruthless entertainment into a crime scene. Police become involved, leaving Jessie to decide how far she will go to protect her past. Suspicion is all around and every contestant feels like a potential threat.
This is an intriguing plot, well paced with the tension continuing to rise throughout. Tag, You’re It is a novel full of twists as the contestants deal with ambition and moral consequences. The game itself resembles ‘The Traitors’ only the novel has a far more dark edge.
I would like to thank both Netgalley and Bookouture for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Jessie enters the competition believing she understands the rules. Twenty strangers, an isolated mansion, and the promise of millions for the ultimate winner. Each day, one contestant becomes “It” and must secretly tag another player to survive. On the surface, it’s a clever social game built on alliances, deception, and nerve. But it soon becomes evident that trust is going to be very difficult.
Jessie knows that forming friendships, even fake ones is the key to staying in the game. Yet she’s not there just for the money. She carries her own secrets, and the longer the competition runs, the harder it becomes to keep her true motivations hidden. As paranoia grows and tensions escalate among the contestants, the atmosphere inside the mansion becomes increasingly claustrophobic and unsettling.
When one of the players is found dead the game is transformed from ruthless entertainment into a crime scene. Police become involved, leaving Jessie to decide how far she will go to protect her past. Suspicion is all around and every contestant feels like a potential threat.
This is an intriguing plot, well paced with the tension continuing to rise throughout. Tag, You’re It is a novel full of twists as the contestants deal with ambition and moral consequences. The game itself resembles ‘The Traitors’ only the novel has a far more dark edge.
I would like to thank both Netgalley and Bookouture for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I read this book in one sitting- it was a great rollercoaster ride with a view of both what people see and what happens behind the scenes in a reality competition show. The story centers primarily on Jessie, a contestant, who we know is hiding something; we also get some chapters from Ruth, who is in production, and also has secrets. The book takes you through what the author wants you to see each day of filming, then fills in the gaps at the end.
I’ve never been on a reality show but I still felt that this seems realistic. You get good insight into the personalities of the characters and their motivations for making the decisions they make. Though there are a ton of characters it wasn’t hard for me to keep people straight. The behind the scenes situations also felt like they could happen that way. I was fully engaged the whole way through, as there were so many ways that the story could have gone and they all seemed like they would make sense. Even knowing that Jessie and Ruth had secrets didn’t make it easy to guess what was really happening. There were a few things I was proud of myself to figure out, just like I was a viewer of the show, but still lots of surprises. I liked the way it ended and thought all the loose ends were tied up well. While I didn’t necessarily agree with the way it all went down, I could understand why it happened that way, and it was hard to dislike the final outcome.
Overall, I thought this was a great book and i raced through it in a few hours. Another winner from this author and a great book to close out my 2025 reading journey. Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
I’ve never been on a reality show but I still felt that this seems realistic. You get good insight into the personalities of the characters and their motivations for making the decisions they make. Though there are a ton of characters it wasn’t hard for me to keep people straight. The behind the scenes situations also felt like they could happen that way. I was fully engaged the whole way through, as there were so many ways that the story could have gone and they all seemed like they would make sense. Even knowing that Jessie and Ruth had secrets didn’t make it easy to guess what was really happening. There were a few things I was proud of myself to figure out, just like I was a viewer of the show, but still lots of surprises. I liked the way it ended and thought all the loose ends were tied up well. While I didn’t necessarily agree with the way it all went down, I could understand why it happened that way, and it was hard to dislike the final outcome.
Overall, I thought this was a great book and i raced through it in a few hours. Another winner from this author and a great book to close out my 2025 reading journey. Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for this ARC.
Jessie is a contestant on a new TV reality show called "Tag, You're It"! The show starts with 20 people completing daily tasks to build up a prize pot of up to £2m, while at the same time, someone is secretly told they are "IT" and have to tag someone else before the end of the day. No-one else knows who is "IT" or the method that the tag is to be completed and whover is "IT" at the end of the day is eliminated. All is going as well as expected with a few hiccups, until one of the contestants is found dead.
The story is mainly focussed on Jessie and it becomes clear quickly that she has an ulterior motive for being on the show! We also follow the host and the production teams end of day debriefs where it also becomes obvious that there is sonething going on with a member of the team.
The plot was intriguing and got me hooked within the first chapter. It was well paced and I enjoyed the character development, their relationships with each other and the alliances and animosity between the contestants. Even though tere were a lot of characters in the book, it was not confusing to keep track of who everyone was and what was happening.
The way the author structered the book and each part, was brilliant and the big reveal at the end was a surprise.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and, having read The Tapes last year which I also rated 4 stars, would definitely read more from this author and would highly recommend.
Jessie is a contestant on a new TV reality show called "Tag, You're It"! The show starts with 20 people completing daily tasks to build up a prize pot of up to £2m, while at the same time, someone is secretly told they are "IT" and have to tag someone else before the end of the day. No-one else knows who is "IT" or the method that the tag is to be completed and whover is "IT" at the end of the day is eliminated. All is going as well as expected with a few hiccups, until one of the contestants is found dead.
The story is mainly focussed on Jessie and it becomes clear quickly that she has an ulterior motive for being on the show! We also follow the host and the production teams end of day debriefs where it also becomes obvious that there is sonething going on with a member of the team.
The plot was intriguing and got me hooked within the first chapter. It was well paced and I enjoyed the character development, their relationships with each other and the alliances and animosity between the contestants. Even though tere were a lot of characters in the book, it was not confusing to keep track of who everyone was and what was happening.
The way the author structered the book and each part, was brilliant and the big reveal at the end was a surprise.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and, having read The Tapes last year which I also rated 4 stars, would definitely read more from this author and would highly recommend.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Tag You’re It is an addictive, high‑stakes thriller that feels like a reality show gone spectacularly wrong—in the best possible way. From the moment Jessie steps into the isolated mansion with nineteen strangers, the tension starts simmering, and it never really lets up.
The game itself is such a fun, sinister concept: each day someone is “It,” each day someone must complete a secret task, and each day someone risks losing their shot at a life‑changing prize. The rules are simple, but the psychology behind them is anything but. Alliances form, trust evaporates, and every interaction feels loaded with suspicion. It’s deliciously claustrophobic.
Jessie is a great lead—sharp, guarded, and clearly hiding more than she lets on. Her secret motivations add an extra layer of intrigue, and watching her navigate the shifting dynamics of the group is half the fun. The other half comes when the game stops being theoretical and a contestant turns up dead. Suddenly the stakes aren’t just financial, and the story takes on a darker, more urgent edge.
The pacing is spot‑on: short, punchy chapters, plenty of red herrings, and just enough character drama to keep you guessing who’s playing the game… and who’s playing everyone else. Fans of locked‑room mysteries and reality‑TV‑style thrillers will eat this up.
Fast, tense, and wildly entertaining, Tag You’re It is a perfect weekend read for anyone who loves a thriller with a clever hook and a cast full of secrets.
with thanks to Kerry Wilkinson, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
The game itself is such a fun, sinister concept: each day someone is “It,” each day someone must complete a secret task, and each day someone risks losing their shot at a life‑changing prize. The rules are simple, but the psychology behind them is anything but. Alliances form, trust evaporates, and every interaction feels loaded with suspicion. It’s deliciously claustrophobic.
Jessie is a great lead—sharp, guarded, and clearly hiding more than she lets on. Her secret motivations add an extra layer of intrigue, and watching her navigate the shifting dynamics of the group is half the fun. The other half comes when the game stops being theoretical and a contestant turns up dead. Suddenly the stakes aren’t just financial, and the story takes on a darker, more urgent edge.
The pacing is spot‑on: short, punchy chapters, plenty of red herrings, and just enough character drama to keep you guessing who’s playing the game… and who’s playing everyone else. Fans of locked‑room mysteries and reality‑TV‑style thrillers will eat this up.
Fast, tense, and wildly entertaining, Tag You’re It is a perfect weekend read for anyone who loves a thriller with a clever hook and a cast full of secrets.
with thanks to Kerry Wilkinson, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Having read many of this author’s books I was delighted to get an advanced copy of his latest one. Kerry Wilkinson writes so skilfully, constructing convincing, twisty plots with complex characters you want to root for, and this book is no exception.
I honestly didn’t know what to expect when I started reading this, I thought it would be a typical mystery/suspense novel, but it is so much more. It’s easy to get pulled into this story about a reality, game show television program called Tag, You’re It, which is a cross between I’m A Celebrity and Big Brother. Twenty strangers enter a mansion where they have to undergo a series of daily tasks, with two contestants being eliminated each day until the last one left ends up winning a fortune. But do any of the contestants have an ulterior motive, and could it be that they have murder on their mind ?
I thought the premise of this book was an original, and very clever one, and written in a way where every character is suspicious and unreliable, was so entertaining. I could easily picture the situations and settings, drawing me into the unfolding game show drama, and the shifting loyalties and blurred trust lines made this a really engaging read. The pacing is strong, with short, snappy chapters that build momentum and tension, and although the twist was pretty basic, but it was still good, regardless.
If you like stories that are clever and keep you guessing, this one’s for you.
Thank you to Net Galley and Bookouture for the advanced copy.
I honestly didn’t know what to expect when I started reading this, I thought it would be a typical mystery/suspense novel, but it is so much more. It’s easy to get pulled into this story about a reality, game show television program called Tag, You’re It, which is a cross between I’m A Celebrity and Big Brother. Twenty strangers enter a mansion where they have to undergo a series of daily tasks, with two contestants being eliminated each day until the last one left ends up winning a fortune. But do any of the contestants have an ulterior motive, and could it be that they have murder on their mind ?
I thought the premise of this book was an original, and very clever one, and written in a way where every character is suspicious and unreliable, was so entertaining. I could easily picture the situations and settings, drawing me into the unfolding game show drama, and the shifting loyalties and blurred trust lines made this a really engaging read. The pacing is strong, with short, snappy chapters that build momentum and tension, and although the twist was pretty basic, but it was still good, regardless.
If you like stories that are clever and keep you guessing, this one’s for you.
Thank you to Net Galley and Bookouture for the advanced copy.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
4.5 ⭐
Thanks, Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.
I really loved this book. From the opening chapters, it completely hooked me, and the concept alone was enough to pull me in. The idea of a reality TV show pushing moral and physical boundaries is unsettling, and Wilkinson does an excellent job of exploring just how far people are willing to go for entertainment, money, or redemption.
The pacing was strong throughout, with short chapters and shifting viewpoints that kept the tension high. I constantly felt that something wasn’t quite right, and that sense of unease carried me through the entire book. While I did manage to piece together parts of what had actually happened before the big reveals, the twist was still a good one and handled well. It didn’t feel cheap or predictable—more like a slow realization that clicks into place.
What really stood out was how layered the story was. Even when I thought I understood what was going on, new information would surface and reframe earlier events. The psychological elements were particularly effective, making the characters’ choices feel believable even when they were disturbing.
Overall, Tag, You’re It is a tense, addictive thriller with a clever premise and solid execution. Even if you guess parts of the outcome early, the journey is gripping and satisfying. A strong 4.5-star read and one I’d easily recommend to fans of psychological thrillers and dark, media-driven stories.
Thanks, Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.
I really loved this book. From the opening chapters, it completely hooked me, and the concept alone was enough to pull me in. The idea of a reality TV show pushing moral and physical boundaries is unsettling, and Wilkinson does an excellent job of exploring just how far people are willing to go for entertainment, money, or redemption.
The pacing was strong throughout, with short chapters and shifting viewpoints that kept the tension high. I constantly felt that something wasn’t quite right, and that sense of unease carried me through the entire book. While I did manage to piece together parts of what had actually happened before the big reveals, the twist was still a good one and handled well. It didn’t feel cheap or predictable—more like a slow realization that clicks into place.
What really stood out was how layered the story was. Even when I thought I understood what was going on, new information would surface and reframe earlier events. The psychological elements were particularly effective, making the characters’ choices feel believable even when they were disturbing.
Overall, Tag, You’re It is a tense, addictive thriller with a clever premise and solid execution. Even if you guess parts of the outcome early, the journey is gripping and satisfying. A strong 4.5-star read and one I’d easily recommend to fans of psychological thrillers and dark, media-driven stories.
January 18, 2026
“Even with a potential two million at stake, Brits liked nothing more than a free buffet.”
For my first proper dive into a new genre a lot was at stake but this book had me gripped from start to finish!
Jessie enters a tv show contest to win 2 million pounds where the aim of the game is to 'tag' your fellow contestants without them noticing, each day the person who is 'it' changes and so does the way in which they have to tag someone else - this plot alone kept me entertained figuring out who was it and how the tag was happening.
Then, the morning of the finale one of the finalists turns up dead - this is where the story gets crazy.
Favourite character: Jessie - she could be anyone, generic middle aged woman who avoids conflict and just gets on with the game. I love how normal she comes across because you can really put yourself in her shoes throughout the game.
My favourite part about this book was getting to know all of the individual game players - as well as the people running the showing and seeing how they fit into the narrative of the story. I also really enjoyed the game aspect and would never have guessed why the murder had occurred until it started being explained towards the end.
My only criticism for this book was that I found the ending a little anticlimactic and slightly unbelievable BUT I still very much enjoyed the book and would definitely pick this author up again!
For my first proper dive into a new genre a lot was at stake but this book had me gripped from start to finish!
Jessie enters a tv show contest to win 2 million pounds where the aim of the game is to 'tag' your fellow contestants without them noticing, each day the person who is 'it' changes and so does the way in which they have to tag someone else - this plot alone kept me entertained figuring out who was it and how the tag was happening.
Then, the morning of the finale one of the finalists turns up dead - this is where the story gets crazy.
Favourite character: Jessie - she could be anyone, generic middle aged woman who avoids conflict and just gets on with the game. I love how normal she comes across because you can really put yourself in her shoes throughout the game.
My favourite part about this book was getting to know all of the individual game players - as well as the people running the showing and seeing how they fit into the narrative of the story. I also really enjoyed the game aspect and would never have guessed why the murder had occurred until it started being explained towards the end.
My only criticism for this book was that I found the ending a little anticlimactic and slightly unbelievable BUT I still very much enjoyed the book and would definitely pick this author up again!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Tag, You’re It by Kerry Wilkinson was a fun and engaging thriller that kept me turning the pages with a mix of suspense, strategy, and mystery. At its core, the story puts contestants in an isolated mansion to play a deadly version of tag, where each day someone is “It” and must complete secret tasks to stay in the game and avoid elimination. The twist on a childhood game was clever and made for a unique premise that quickly grabbed my attention.
What I enjoyed most was how the novel blended the competitive game mechanics with real danger and mistrust. It is not just about winning money, but about who can be trusted when alliances can break down at any moment. This added a layer of tension that made the stakes feel high, even when the pace slowed slightly.
The characters were varied and interesting, and I appreciated how the author kept secrets and plot twists coming. At times the story felt a bit predictable in places, and a few of the twists were not as shocking as they could have been, but overall the pacing and suspense carried the story well.
Fans of fast, page turning thrillers will likely find this book very entertaining, as it is easy to get hooked and finish quickly. If you are in the mood for a clever thriller with game like twists, suspicion, and a dramatic reveal, Tag, You’re It delivers plenty of fun and earns a solid four star rating.
What I enjoyed most was how the novel blended the competitive game mechanics with real danger and mistrust. It is not just about winning money, but about who can be trusted when alliances can break down at any moment. This added a layer of tension that made the stakes feel high, even when the pace slowed slightly.
The characters were varied and interesting, and I appreciated how the author kept secrets and plot twists coming. At times the story felt a bit predictable in places, and a few of the twists were not as shocking as they could have been, but overall the pacing and suspense carried the story well.
Fans of fast, page turning thrillers will likely find this book very entertaining, as it is easy to get hooked and finish quickly. If you are in the mood for a clever thriller with game like twists, suspicion, and a dramatic reveal, Tag, You’re It delivers plenty of fun and earns a solid four star rating.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I was so excited to read this book! I have a mild obsession with escape room stories and reality game show stories, so I had to snap this one up. It made me feel like I was in an episode of Traitors (although the host in this book is certainly no Alan Cumming!) This book had a great cast of characters, and I was especially fond of Jessie, Mo, and Gita. And with every group of genuine people in a reality show, there are an equally important group of villains. Gavin was the ultimate villain and part of the reason I kept turning the pages was because I couldn’t wait to watch him fall. I did have the story worked out pretty early on, but I was thoroughly entertained watching it all play out. It was more a matter of which character played that particular part. I did have it figured out, but there were a few moments that I questioned it. Which is good! It kept me guessing! I did wish for a little bit more in the actual game itself, but I really liked the balance between the game and the external tensions between characters that almost stopped being part of the game and became way more personal. And yes, some of it was a bit predictable, but still entertaining nonetheless. If you like reality show stories, this one is a must read!
Huge thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for sending me this ARC for review! All of my reviews are given honestly!
Huge thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for sending me this ARC for review! All of my reviews are given honestly!
January 8, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the eARC in exchange of an honest opinion.
I went into this book simply because of the plot and once I was done with it, I had to go and check out Kerry Wilkinson’s backlist because I absolutely loved the book!
A book about a reality game show? — You’ve successfully grabbed my attention.
A book that has a reality game show setting with someone found dead on the set? — I’m hooked, sign me up, I’ll be here!
There’s nothing more I love than a reality game show setting with a dead person in my thrillers, and this book perfectly scratched that itch. Usually I don’t go for plot-driven books, they’re just not my style, but I wanted to read this because the description got me hooked and I definitely loved every bit of it!
It was fast-paced, packed with twists, and had you constantly chasing that thrill. While there were a lot of characters to keep track of, once you got familiar with them, the story was easy to track.
The only thing I didn’t like was the repetition. When we proceed with a new day in the game, the host constantly reminds everyone with his repetitive punchlines, which I know is what exactly happens in a reality show, but reading it constantly was a bit annoying. But it wasn’t that big of a deal for me.
Recommending this to people who love fast-paced, plot-driven thrillers with short chapters!
I went into this book simply because of the plot and once I was done with it, I had to go and check out Kerry Wilkinson’s backlist because I absolutely loved the book!
A book about a reality game show? — You’ve successfully grabbed my attention.
A book that has a reality game show setting with someone found dead on the set? — I’m hooked, sign me up, I’ll be here!
There’s nothing more I love than a reality game show setting with a dead person in my thrillers, and this book perfectly scratched that itch. Usually I don’t go for plot-driven books, they’re just not my style, but I wanted to read this because the description got me hooked and I definitely loved every bit of it!
It was fast-paced, packed with twists, and had you constantly chasing that thrill. While there were a lot of characters to keep track of, once you got familiar with them, the story was easy to track.
The only thing I didn’t like was the repetition. When we proceed with a new day in the game, the host constantly reminds everyone with his repetitive punchlines, which I know is what exactly happens in a reality show, but reading it constantly was a bit annoying. But it wasn’t that big of a deal for me.
Recommending this to people who love fast-paced, plot-driven thrillers with short chapters!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
When 20 contestants enter a mansion to play a high stakes game of tag, they all want to win the prize money... but Jessie has another reason to play. When one of the players is found dead and the police begin their investigation, Jessie is left playing an even higher stakes game... hiding the truth about her past.
This book was incredible! I'm a big fan of books with a reality tv or game show setting, but some are better than others. Tag, You're It was masterfully crafted into the perfect high stakes, high emotion thriller! I was captivated from the start. We know from the jump that Jessie has a secret but, as Jessie's is one of the main points of view, we as readers must decide whether or not Jessie is an unreliable narrator. Moreover, the reader gains breadcrumbs of information throughout the book; each doled out at exactly the right moment and in just the right way. Each chapter builds suspense, spurring the reader to read faster.
This was my first read by Kerry Wilkinson but will definitely not be my last! I loved every second of this rollercoaster ride! I had bits and pieces of the plot figured out but when all the pieces came together, I was awestruck! This book was a masterpiece... Read It!
Note: I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
This book was incredible! I'm a big fan of books with a reality tv or game show setting, but some are better than others. Tag, You're It was masterfully crafted into the perfect high stakes, high emotion thriller! I was captivated from the start. We know from the jump that Jessie has a secret but, as Jessie's is one of the main points of view, we as readers must decide whether or not Jessie is an unreliable narrator. Moreover, the reader gains breadcrumbs of information throughout the book; each doled out at exactly the right moment and in just the right way. Each chapter builds suspense, spurring the reader to read faster.
This was my first read by Kerry Wilkinson but will definitely not be my last! I loved every second of this rollercoaster ride! I had bits and pieces of the plot figured out but when all the pieces came together, I was awestruck! This book was a masterpiece... Read It!
Note: I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
January 4, 2026
Don’t. Trust. Anybody. That’s the motto of the new reality TV game show Tag, You’re It—and it couldn’t be more fitting.
Twenty contestants enter a high-stakes game of Tag, competing over nine days for a cash prize that can grow to a staggering £2 million. Each day brings a new task to increase the prize pot, but by the end of the day, one player is either tagged out or voted off. With the pressure constantly mounting, paranoia and strategy rule the game.
This was such a fun and creative spin on a reality TV thriller. I loved getting a behind-the-scenes look at both sides of the show—the contestants and the producers—which added an extra layer of intrigue. The short chapters end on cliffhangers, making this an incredibly bingeable read.
Jessie, our main character, enters the game with a secret of her own, and unraveling it was one of my favorite parts. She was easy to root for, even as alliances formed, trust fractured, and tensions ran high. There were definitely a few characters I loved to hate. The murder mystery element cranked up the suspense, and the twists genuinely caught me off guard.
Fast-paced, tense, and highly entertaining—this is one I’d absolutely recommend.
Thank you @kerrywilkinson, @bookouture and @NetGalley for a free e-ARC. The opinions are mine alone and not biased in any way.
Twenty contestants enter a high-stakes game of Tag, competing over nine days for a cash prize that can grow to a staggering £2 million. Each day brings a new task to increase the prize pot, but by the end of the day, one player is either tagged out or voted off. With the pressure constantly mounting, paranoia and strategy rule the game.
This was such a fun and creative spin on a reality TV thriller. I loved getting a behind-the-scenes look at both sides of the show—the contestants and the producers—which added an extra layer of intrigue. The short chapters end on cliffhangers, making this an incredibly bingeable read.
Jessie, our main character, enters the game with a secret of her own, and unraveling it was one of my favorite parts. She was easy to root for, even as alliances formed, trust fractured, and tensions ran high. There were definitely a few characters I loved to hate. The murder mystery element cranked up the suspense, and the twists genuinely caught me off guard.
Fast-paced, tense, and highly entertaining—this is one I’d absolutely recommend.
Thank you @kerrywilkinson, @bookouture and @NetGalley for a free e-ARC. The opinions are mine alone and not biased in any way.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you Bookouture and NetGalley for this ARC, out January 30th.
You know that feeling when you cannot put a book down, even though real life is rudely demanding your attention? This was that book for me.
Tag, You’re It gave me major The Traitors vibes (and yes, I love The Traitors), with its clever mix of deception, secrets, and the constant sense that nothing - and no one - is quite what they seem.
Jessie is a contestant on the reality show Tag, You’re It, where each day brings a new task and higher stakes as contestants compete to build the jackpot. But beneath the glossy game-show surface, something much darker is unfolding. There are secrets (plural), a murder, and a slow-burn unravelling that had me completely hooked.
What really worked for me was the pacing and structure. Each chapter reveals just enough to keep you guessing, questioning everyone, and immediately flipping to the next page. I had to know who was killed, why it happened, and what the real motive was — and the book absolutely delivers on that tension.
This is a smart, addictive, and beautifully constructed mystery. If you enjoy The Traitors, twisty plots, and thrillers that make you ignore your TBR guilt entirely, this one is an absolute must-read.
You know that feeling when you cannot put a book down, even though real life is rudely demanding your attention? This was that book for me.
Tag, You’re It gave me major The Traitors vibes (and yes, I love The Traitors), with its clever mix of deception, secrets, and the constant sense that nothing - and no one - is quite what they seem.
Jessie is a contestant on the reality show Tag, You’re It, where each day brings a new task and higher stakes as contestants compete to build the jackpot. But beneath the glossy game-show surface, something much darker is unfolding. There are secrets (plural), a murder, and a slow-burn unravelling that had me completely hooked.
What really worked for me was the pacing and structure. Each chapter reveals just enough to keep you guessing, questioning everyone, and immediately flipping to the next page. I had to know who was killed, why it happened, and what the real motive was — and the book absolutely delivers on that tension.
This is a smart, addictive, and beautifully constructed mystery. If you enjoy The Traitors, twisty plots, and thrillers that make you ignore your TBR guilt entirely, this one is an absolute must-read.
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