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Alexander Wolfe #3
The Player in the Game: Book 3 The Alexander Wolfe Series
London, February 1925
A cold dark night. A knock at the door of 11 Park Place, St James's. An unexpected visitor. A man trapped in a deadly game needs Alexander Wolfe's help.
Conrad Penhaligon is a professional gambler. Charming, suave, and dangerously sophisticated – a man of the world who has made a career of living on the edge.
Five years ago, aboard a yacht off Nassau, Conrad lost a game and gave his word to the wrong man. Now that debt is being called in. He must arrange a private game of roulette – and he fears it’s going to end in murder.
Seven guests have been invited. Minor royalty. An American heiress. An ex ambassador. A colonial governor. An Irish earl. A matinee idol. An exiled Ottoman princess. Glittering company and every single one is compromised.
Traitors. Murderers. Thieves. Spies.
One of them is the killer. One of them is the mark.
Wolfe and Fox have four days. Four days to uncover the connection between seven guilty secrets. To identify the target. To unmask the murderer. Before the wheel stops spinning.
A cold dark night. A knock at the door of 11 Park Place, St James's. An unexpected visitor. A man trapped in a deadly game needs Alexander Wolfe's help.
Conrad Penhaligon is a professional gambler. Charming, suave, and dangerously sophisticated – a man of the world who has made a career of living on the edge.
Five years ago, aboard a yacht off Nassau, Conrad lost a game and gave his word to the wrong man. Now that debt is being called in. He must arrange a private game of roulette – and he fears it’s going to end in murder.
Seven guests have been invited. Minor royalty. An American heiress. An ex ambassador. A colonial governor. An Irish earl. A matinee idol. An exiled Ottoman princess. Glittering company and every single one is compromised.
Traitors. Murderers. Thieves. Spies.
One of them is the killer. One of them is the mark.
Wolfe and Fox have four days. Four days to uncover the connection between seven guilty secrets. To identify the target. To unmask the murderer. Before the wheel stops spinning.
- GenresMysteryHistorical
273 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 2, 2026
About the author
Karen Baugh Menuhin
48 books852 followers1920's, Cozy crime, Traditional Detectives, Downton Abbey - I love them!
Along with my family, my dog and my cat.
At 60 I decided to write, I don't know why but suddenly the stories came pouring out, along with the characters. Eccentric Uncles, stalwart butlers, idiosyncratic servants, machinating Countesses, Fogg the dog and the hapless Major Heathcliff Lennox.
Suddenly a whole world built itself upon the page and I just followed along.
Along with my family, my dog and my cat.
At 60 I decided to write, I don't know why but suddenly the stories came pouring out, along with the characters. Eccentric Uncles, stalwart butlers, idiosyncratic servants, machinating Countesses, Fogg the dog and the hapless Major Heathcliff Lennox.
Suddenly a whole world built itself upon the page and I just followed along.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
June 6, 2026
‘Let me get this right,’ Fox began. ‘Valenti has asked you to conduct a game of roulette, which is organised by someone unknown to him, and a number of guests are coming who believe he has invited them.’
‘And Valenti couldn’t enlighten you what’s behind it?’ I said.
‘No, he kept returning to the debt.’ He looked us in the eyes. ‘Someone has a plan – it could end in murder, and I’d rather it wasn’t mine.’
‘As do we,’ I said, and meant it. He rose and held out his hand. We shook, then moved towards the door.
This was another intriguing story in this series, exposing the ugly bits of the aristocracy and their heinous secrets which lead to tragedy including murder and traitorous behavior.
‘And Valenti couldn’t enlighten you what’s behind it?’ I said.
‘No, he kept returning to the debt.’ He looked us in the eyes. ‘Someone has a plan – it could end in murder, and I’d rather it wasn’t mine.’
‘As do we,’ I said, and meant it. He rose and held out his hand. We shook, then moved towards the door.
This was another intriguing story in this series, exposing the ugly bits of the aristocracy and their heinous secrets which lead to tragedy including murder and traitorous behavior.
June 9, 2026
A Very Dangerous Game/An Invitation
Wolfe, Fox, and others are drawn into a very dangerous event to take place, a game where no one wins. Who is in charge is a mystery, what everyone has in common is a mystery. But they plan down to the very last detail how to outwit their foes because that is what they do. Questions will be answered…
But not without a cost. One of the most exciting books I’ve ever read!!!
Wolfe, Fox, and others are drawn into a very dangerous event to take place, a game where no one wins. Who is in charge is a mystery, what everyone has in common is a mystery. But they plan down to the very last detail how to outwit their foes because that is what they do. Questions will be answered…
But not without a cost. One of the most exciting books I’ve ever read!!!
June 22, 2026
Great story
I enjoyed the characters and the rather complex plot in this series as usual, but noticed quite a few missing words, grammatical errors and jumbled sentences that interrupted the rhythm of the story line. The camaraderie of the main characters adds to the atmosphere and references to their shadowy background lends an air of mystery. The author does a good job of describing the characters' physical characteristics and provides ample information about their psychological makeup as well. Dicks is my favorite character, but Wolfe and Fox are trustworthy, loyal, clever and brave, just as they should be.
I enjoyed the characters and the rather complex plot in this series as usual, but noticed quite a few missing words, grammatical errors and jumbled sentences that interrupted the rhythm of the story line. The camaraderie of the main characters adds to the atmosphere and references to their shadowy background lends an air of mystery. The author does a good job of describing the characters' physical characteristics and provides ample information about their psychological makeup as well. Dicks is my favorite character, but Wolfe and Fox are trustworthy, loyal, clever and brave, just as they should be.
June 12, 2026
Excellent
Another really great book. I want to know more about Wolfe and Fox and KBM is being very stingy with her information on them. I am hesitant to mention the fly in the ointment here. I refer of course to Catherine Penhaligan. With men like Alexander Wolfe and particularly the life he leads, women are a complication and should be left out of it. Not everyone in life wants or indeed needs a significant other! Besides, I'm selfish, I like my hero to be quiet, moody and ALONE.
Another really great book. I want to know more about Wolfe and Fox and KBM is being very stingy with her information on them. I am hesitant to mention the fly in the ointment here. I refer of course to Catherine Penhaligan. With men like Alexander Wolfe and particularly the life he leads, women are a complication and should be left out of it. Not everyone in life wants or indeed needs a significant other! Besides, I'm selfish, I like my hero to be quiet, moody and ALONE.
June 30, 2026
Intrigue and murder.
I really enjoyed the intrigue with this book, really growing to love Wolfe and Fox.
Wolfe is approched by Conrad Penhaligon about an invite he receives to a gambling evening which he has no intention of attending but it is made clear he must attend.
Can Wolfe and Fox get him more info and what is it about the star studded cast that is assembled for the evening.
I really enjoyed the intrigue with this book, really growing to love Wolfe and Fox.
Wolfe is approched by Conrad Penhaligon about an invite he receives to a gambling evening which he has no intention of attending but it is made clear he must attend.
Can Wolfe and Fox get him more info and what is it about the star studded cast that is assembled for the evening.
August 13, 2026
Thoroughly enjoyable!
This is the best in the series yet. Loved that it had action at the end, rather than the author's usual "get the characters together and hope the truth comes out." In this book, the characters of Wolfe, Fox, Dicks, even Cook, finally get cemented into a bound, working crew. Of course, Whilf reminds me of Mr. Fogg. I definitely intend to read the next book in the series.
This is the best in the series yet. Loved that it had action at the end, rather than the author's usual "get the characters together and hope the truth comes out." In this book, the characters of Wolfe, Fox, Dicks, even Cook, finally get cemented into a bound, working crew. Of course, Whilf reminds me of Mr. Fogg. I definitely intend to read the next book in the series.
June 6, 2026
I love these stories. I will admit to skipping a lot of the background in order to get to the meaty bits, but the characters are great and developing. It shows the darker side of the espionage and seamier side of the world but all the characters are well defined, flaws and all. I knew Wolfe would triumph but the triumph is shared with the other players. I hope there will be more like this.
June 11, 2026
Intensely Exciting
The story builds gradually to a exciting and frightening scene. Who will die? Who will survive?
The roulette game is not what it seems.
The primary characters are well developed as part of the investigation.
The resolution will make your heart pound.
Enjoy!
The story builds gradually to a exciting and frightening scene. Who will die? Who will survive?
The roulette game is not what it seems.
The primary characters are well developed as part of the investigation.
The resolution will make your heart pound.
Enjoy!
June 17, 2026
Terrific read. One of their very best
Its really rare that I "live" in a book when I'm not able to read it during the busy day. But I certainly did this one. Kept you guessing pretty well right to the last few pages. Seriously well drawn characters that were vividly real. Well done. Write a new one soon. I like Wolfe and Fox a lot.
Its really rare that I "live" in a book when I'm not able to read it during the busy day. But I certainly did this one. Kept you guessing pretty well right to the last few pages. Seriously well drawn characters that were vividly real. Well done. Write a new one soon. I like Wolfe and Fox a lot.
June 5, 2026
Another good one.
I enjoy the Heathcliff series very much. They are more light hearted. The Alexander Wolfe books are a bit darker but have more depth. You feel for the characters. And the main characters grow with each book. Definitely worth the time to read.
I enjoy the Heathcliff series very much. They are more light hearted. The Alexander Wolfe books are a bit darker but have more depth. You feel for the characters. And the main characters grow with each book. Definitely worth the time to read.
June 5, 2026
cracking good story
This book almost has it all: a complex plot that keeps the reader guessing, pretty well fleshed out characters (even the minor ones), and furious shoot out ending. In
This book almost has it all: a complex plot that keeps the reader guessing, pretty well fleshed out characters (even the minor ones), and furious shoot out ending. In
June 8, 2026
keeps you on the edge until the end!
I have enjoyed this series mostly because it does not follow the same plot line that most of this genre do. I look forward to hearing when the next in the series is released. Keep up the great writing Ms. Menuhin!
I have enjoyed this series mostly because it does not follow the same plot line that most of this genre do. I look forward to hearing when the next in the series is released. Keep up the great writing Ms. Menuhin!
June 8, 2026
I started the Alexander Wolfe Series after enjoying the Heathcliff Lennox series. Wolfe is a little darker and I'm not sure if it will be as enjoyable. I'll give book 4 a try if and when it comes out. The characters are interesting and I'd like to see how they develop.
June 9, 2026
Loved it
This is a great adventure story. I think this series is getting better as it goes along. I hope that sometime it will be on Audible as my other half would love but can't read.
This is a great adventure story. I think this series is getting better as it goes along. I hope that sometime it will be on Audible as my other half would love but can't read.
June 9, 2026
The best yet
Thoroughly enjoyed this mystery/adventure. Well written. Perfect pacing. Major characters are a bit more fleshed out, potential new cast members introduced, and an exciting storyline. Really well done!
Thoroughly enjoyed this mystery/adventure. Well written. Perfect pacing. Major characters are a bit more fleshed out, potential new cast members introduced, and an exciting storyline. Really well done!
June 11, 2026
Unputdownable
Great story, brilliant beginning, middle and end - look forward to reading more adventures of The Fox, The Wolfe and supporting cast.
Characters beginning to flesh out and gel really well.
Great story, brilliant beginning, middle and end - look forward to reading more adventures of The Fox, The Wolfe and supporting cast.
Characters beginning to flesh out and gel really well.
June 14, 2026
Suspenceful
Really enjoyed this third installment. The first 2 were good but I feel this is the best one yet. Very descriptive, kept you one the edge of your seat…characters are well developed.
Really enjoyed this third installment. The first 2 were good but I feel this is the best one yet. Very descriptive, kept you one the edge of your seat…characters are well developed.
Read
June 14, 2026This really was a thrilling and gripping read.
The plot was excellent and held one's attention right to the denouement.
The characters are well portrayed as are nthe descriptions of London in bad weather-these produce great atmosphere.
The plot was excellent and held one's attention right to the denouement.
The characters are well portrayed as are nthe descriptions of London in bad weather-these produce great atmosphere.
June 16, 2026
Trafficking And Trade Routes
This story is set about 100 years ago but there are countless horrific crimes just like these going on now in the world that we hear about partially and occasionally. A slow start but epic finish. Loved the Epilogue.
This story is set about 100 years ago but there are countless horrific crimes just like these going on now in the world that we hear about partially and occasionally. A slow start but epic finish. Loved the Epilogue.
June 17, 2026
Lots of characters to keep track of. A real page turner.
History I didn’t know about. Tragic but probably tue. Mankind can be cruel and it continues to this day. That’s why we need a Savior to set us free from ourselves.
History I didn’t know about. Tragic but probably tue. Mankind can be cruel and it continues to this day. That’s why we need a Savior to set us free from ourselves.
June 20, 2026
This was a great read. A set of unique characters. Sometimes this is not found in an author of a different series.
There are enough hints about the origin of the secondary characters to make you interested in the next book.
There are enough hints about the origin of the secondary characters to make you interested in the next book.
June 22, 2026
Excellent!
I just finished the story and my head is still spinning! What an incredible book! I can hardly wait to start re-reading it to see what I may have missed. I would give it 10 stars if I could!
I just finished the story and my head is still spinning! What an incredible book! I can hardly wait to start re-reading it to see what I may have missed. I would give it 10 stars if I could!
June 28, 2026
Totally absorbing. not put-down-able!
High stakes, dangerous, and exciting!
Mrs Menuhin is first class.
Cannot wait to read another Alex Wolfe!
Just exciting, classy and fun, though some serious issues are addressed.
High stakes, dangerous, and exciting!
Mrs Menuhin is first class.
Cannot wait to read another Alex Wolfe!
Just exciting, classy and fun, though some serious issues are addressed.
June 29, 2026
Read it in four days, very nice! Knowledgeable men who try to avoid criminal having their way.
Well written and a story of an age gone by. Also very exciting to wonder how this is going to end.
Looking forward to the next sequel.
Well written and a story of an age gone by. Also very exciting to wonder how this is going to end.
Looking forward to the next sequel.
July 3, 2026
UNBELIEVABLE Plot & Characters…. The BEST EVER!
I have read ALL of her books, & this novel is the BEST! I could not guess all of the murderers, & other criminals, etc. because it’s hard to see in the dark…..of the plot!
I have read ALL of her books, & this novel is the BEST! I could not guess all of the murderers, & other criminals, etc. because it’s hard to see in the dark…..of the plot!
July 14, 2026
I couldn’t put this book down!
Karen Baugh Menuhin has excelled herself with this book. The plot is darker than her other books that I have read but just as well thought out, as I would expect. I definitely recommend reading it.
Karen Baugh Menuhin has excelled herself with this book. The plot is darker than her other books that I have read but just as well thought out, as I would expect. I definitely recommend reading it.
July 16, 2026
Maybe Menuhin’s best.
An interesting cast of characters whose connections are slowly revealed. Wolfe is an exciting hero with the gravitas of an antihero. An exciting and satisfying denoument that’s exactly what the reader hoped for but feared would go awry.
An interesting cast of characters whose connections are slowly revealed. Wolfe is an exciting hero with the gravitas of an antihero. An exciting and satisfying denoument that’s exactly what the reader hoped for but feared would go awry.
July 29, 2026
Dark suspense yarn
The suspense builds in this dark tale, despite the fact that the authors reveal much of the mystery before the end. It ended with a very satisfying bang. Highly recommended.
The suspense builds in this dark tale, despite the fact that the authors reveal much of the mystery before the end. It ended with a very satisfying bang. Highly recommended.
June 6, 2026
A Must Read Series
Karen Baugh Menuhin is an excellent writer. This book was very interesting and moved well. I am looking forward to the next in the series.
Karen Baugh Menuhin is an excellent writer. This book was very interesting and moved well. I am looking forward to the next in the series.
June 8, 2026
one of the best
A read all Karen Menuhin novels and this is one of the best. The plot twists and the characters were so real I felt I was in the story. Good read.
A read all Karen Menuhin novels and this is one of the best. The plot twists and the characters were so real I felt I was in the story. Good read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews