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A Game of Luck: A Sam Roma Detective Mystery
The puzzling murder of a beloved teacher leaves Detroit homicide detective Sam Roma searching for answers. To her chagrin, not only does Sam have a murder to solve, she's been assigned a new homicide investigator, Tom Green, who comes with his own set of problems and challenges. As Tom makes a series of rookie mistakes, Sam wonders if she's up to mentoring a partner with personal struggles-one who she suspects is involved in departmental politics.
To top it off, Sam's personal guilt over her own history intersects with the conflicts faced by the middle school students close to the murder. She needs to navigate complicated relationships and face memories that have haunted her for years while keeping her family's secret safe.
As Sam delves into the case, she uncovers a web of secrets and lies surrounding the school staff, students, and a former gang leader, revealing a complex game of luck, betrayal, jealousy, and unexpected twists.
With a strong female detective, A Game of Luck is the mystery/suspense novel you've been searching for and will enjoy reading.
To top it off, Sam's personal guilt over her own history intersects with the conflicts faced by the middle school students close to the murder. She needs to navigate complicated relationships and face memories that have haunted her for years while keeping her family's secret safe.
As Sam delves into the case, she uncovers a web of secrets and lies surrounding the school staff, students, and a former gang leader, revealing a complex game of luck, betrayal, jealousy, and unexpected twists.
With a strong female detective, A Game of Luck is the mystery/suspense novel you've been searching for and will enjoy reading.
275 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 30, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
May 4, 2026
I've read mystery books before, but while reading A Game of Luck, I realized I've never read police procedurals, which is a specific mystery genre.
This book goes into detail about what it takes to investigate a crime within the Detroit Police Department. Detective Sam Roma and her new partner, Tom Green are assigned a case of murder of a teacher at a local middle school. Author Sandra J. Cady walks the reader through the right (and wrong) way to conduct an investigation. She also inserts plenty of detail about Detroit and the surrounding suburbs, including restaurants, the history of areas and local traditions. As a Michigander I loved reading about neighborhoods and establishments I'm familiar with.
One thing that struck me was how the author plants red herrings in the storyline, throwing me off of the trail of the real murderer. Even when I thought Roma and Green had figured it out....well, there is a great twist at the end, which I loved.
Even though this is a new genre for me, I enjoyed this book. I understand there will be more books in this series. I look forward to reading more.
This book goes into detail about what it takes to investigate a crime within the Detroit Police Department. Detective Sam Roma and her new partner, Tom Green are assigned a case of murder of a teacher at a local middle school. Author Sandra J. Cady walks the reader through the right (and wrong) way to conduct an investigation. She also inserts plenty of detail about Detroit and the surrounding suburbs, including restaurants, the history of areas and local traditions. As a Michigander I loved reading about neighborhoods and establishments I'm familiar with.
One thing that struck me was how the author plants red herrings in the storyline, throwing me off of the trail of the real murderer. Even when I thought Roma and Green had figured it out....well, there is a great twist at the end, which I loved.
Even though this is a new genre for me, I enjoyed this book. I understand there will be more books in this series. I look forward to reading more.
April 30, 2026
A Game of Luck is a detective mystery with twists and turns until the final chapter. Detective Sam Roma has to solve the murder of a young woman abandoned in a field while dealing with a new partner. The story leads quickly to more questions than answers with multiple suspects identified. Cady’s law enforcement experience is on full display as she expertly guides the reader through the investigation. If you’re a fan of Harry Bosch and Lucas Davenport, you’ll enjoy A Game of Luck.
May 3, 2026
Intensely Satisfying!!
Well written, great storyline, great characters, love the dog!!! I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more from the author! Insightful, informative and matter of fact it read a little dry, but it holds your attention and makes you want to read more!
Well written, great storyline, great characters, love the dog!!! I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more from the author! Insightful, informative and matter of fact it read a little dry, but it holds your attention and makes you want to read more!
May 7, 2026
Game of Luck was a fun, fast-paced murder mystery. I really enjoyed the addition of fae magic—it brought a unique twist to this style of story. It’s the kind of book you throw on in your AirPods and end up cleaning the entire house while listening to.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews