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The Shame Game
All it takes to turn your life upside down is one notification on your phone.
Someone knows what you did, what you spent years trying to forget. Now they’re going to make it public. Unless you do exactly what they say.
Once you’ve followed their instructions to the letter, you realise this is just the start. Because they’ve led you to a secret that your friend would kill to keep hidden, a story that would ruin them if it ever came out.
Then a new text message
Welcome to The Shame Game. If you want your secret to stay hidden, you need to tell the world what your friend has done. You need to ruin them…
Someone knows what you did, what you spent years trying to forget. Now they’re going to make it public. Unless you do exactly what they say.
Once you’ve followed their instructions to the letter, you realise this is just the start. Because they’ve led you to a secret that your friend would kill to keep hidden, a story that would ruin them if it ever came out.
Then a new text message
Welcome to The Shame Game. If you want your secret to stay hidden, you need to tell the world what your friend has done. You need to ruin them…
435 pages, Paperback
First published November 20, 2025
70 people are currently reading
202 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
January 30, 2026
I didn’t expect much when I first started reading The Shame Game, and honestly thought I might not like it but it completely exceeded my expectations. The twists kept me engaged, I could easily see this book being adapted into a film. It does a great job of showing how people can crack under pressure, and how stress can change the way friendships are viewed and tested.
November 20, 2025
People will do anything to keep their secret hidden, but when their secret has been found out, they're given an ultimatum: you need to shame and ruin your best friend's life or your own secret will be released to the world.
I did like some of the characters but I didn't feel a connection to any of them. I think because there was a lot of POVs, it meant that you learnt some things about them but not enough that I felt close to them. In one of the characters' POVs, there was a comment made about neurodiversity which felt very stereotypical and ignorant. It felt like a harmful generalisation, as it wasn't representative of all neurodiverse people and to add to that, none of the characters were mentioned as being neurodivergent so it felt unnecessary and odd to include. There was also another comment where a group of school children who are disabled, are described as being a "special needs group", which is not only patronising but stigmatising too. This isn't inclusive language to people with disabilities, as it is classed as an euphemism that many could perceived as offensive.
I really liked the concept but the execution wasn't there for me. I felt like it took too long to get into what was going on and it began to feel like a slog as it was too drawn out and lost suspense. I feel like it didn't start to get interesting until past the 50% mark then you could really feel the desperation of what the friends were willing to do, in order to keep their secrets from being exposed to the world. Although, I do feel like there was more of a focus on Ryan and Paul working out their questions, rather than Isobel when I would have liked for it to be somewhat equal. With some aspects of the plot, I was left with questions and really thought everything would have been resolved before wrapping the book up but the end was disappointing as everything wasn't revealed until the very end and it was rushed.
⚠️ CWs: cursing, drunk driving, murder, infertility, derogatory language, alcohol use, car accident, death, grief, ableism, harassment, stalking, physical assault, blood, fatphobia, injury detail, imprisonment, vomit, bullying; mentions sexual harassment, cheating, sexual content, parent death, child abuse, gun use, child death, miscarriage, racism, white supremacy⚠️
I did like some of the characters but I didn't feel a connection to any of them. I think because there was a lot of POVs, it meant that you learnt some things about them but not enough that I felt close to them. In one of the characters' POVs, there was a comment made about neurodiversity which felt very stereotypical and ignorant. It felt like a harmful generalisation, as it wasn't representative of all neurodiverse people and to add to that, none of the characters were mentioned as being neurodivergent so it felt unnecessary and odd to include. There was also another comment where a group of school children who are disabled, are described as being a "special needs group", which is not only patronising but stigmatising too. This isn't inclusive language to people with disabilities, as it is classed as an euphemism that many could perceived as offensive.
I really liked the concept but the execution wasn't there for me. I felt like it took too long to get into what was going on and it began to feel like a slog as it was too drawn out and lost suspense. I feel like it didn't start to get interesting until past the 50% mark then you could really feel the desperation of what the friends were willing to do, in order to keep their secrets from being exposed to the world. Although, I do feel like there was more of a focus on Ryan and Paul working out their questions, rather than Isobel when I would have liked for it to be somewhat equal. With some aspects of the plot, I was left with questions and really thought everything would have been resolved before wrapping the book up but the end was disappointing as everything wasn't revealed until the very end and it was rushed.
⚠️ CWs: cursing, drunk driving, murder, infertility, derogatory language, alcohol use, car accident, death, grief, ableism, harassment, stalking, physical assault, blood, fatphobia, injury detail, imprisonment, vomit, bullying; mentions sexual harassment, cheating, sexual content, parent death, child abuse, gun use, child death, miscarriage, racism, white supremacy⚠️
November 4, 2025
Welcome to The Shame Game. Are you ready to play? I know what you did. What you’ve kept hidden all these years. Now I’m going to make it public. Unless you do exactly what I say. There’s only one way to keep your secret hidden: you need to ruin your best friend’s life. Take it apart, piece by piece, until they have nothing left. Betray their trust. Put them to shame. Let the game begin…
After absolutely loving ‘The Escape Room’ on its release last year, I have eagerly anticipated the chance to read more by this author. I am very pleased to say that the wait was definitely worth it!
Told through several character POV’s, the chapters are filled with suspense, meaning those pages turn very quickly indeed as the reader needs to find out more. Cleverly placed clue elements are placed throughout, including some red herrings to throw you off track, before a very revealing conclusion.
It is an intriguing plot, the theory of true friendship definitely put to the test when the close knit group suddenly don’t know who to trust, figuring out they may not quite know as much about each other as they originally thought.
A really cleverly executed story, the snippets of a documentary script seamlessly inserted at prominent stages in the text, giving you an indication of what has happened without giving anything away until the very end. A really enjoyable read and needless to say I look forward to reading more by this author in the future.
After absolutely loving ‘The Escape Room’ on its release last year, I have eagerly anticipated the chance to read more by this author. I am very pleased to say that the wait was definitely worth it!
Told through several character POV’s, the chapters are filled with suspense, meaning those pages turn very quickly indeed as the reader needs to find out more. Cleverly placed clue elements are placed throughout, including some red herrings to throw you off track, before a very revealing conclusion.
It is an intriguing plot, the theory of true friendship definitely put to the test when the close knit group suddenly don’t know who to trust, figuring out they may not quite know as much about each other as they originally thought.
A really cleverly executed story, the snippets of a documentary script seamlessly inserted at prominent stages in the text, giving you an indication of what has happened without giving anything away until the very end. A really enjoyable read and needless to say I look forward to reading more by this author in the future.
November 16, 2025
A group of friends receive notifications about their hidden secrets coming to light. Soon their friendship is challenged when they are blackmailed into playing the shame game. How far is each person prepared to go to protect their secret?
I really enjoyed The Escape Room so was excited to read this one. I also felt drawn to the cover. I really liked the concept of this as it sounded original and fun. The story is told in multiple points of views from each of the friends, and although it was intriguing to have multiple stories interweaving with one another, I did find that at times I struggled to keep track of it all. It was interesting seeing how they would handle the situation they found themselves in, while slowly discovering the truth. For me personally though, I did find it a bit too slow at times.
Even though I preferred The Escape Room by this author, this was still a solid thriller that I can see plenty of readers thoroughly enjoying and I will be excited to see what the author writes next. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this copy in return for an honest review.
I really enjoyed The Escape Room so was excited to read this one. I also felt drawn to the cover. I really liked the concept of this as it sounded original and fun. The story is told in multiple points of views from each of the friends, and although it was intriguing to have multiple stories interweaving with one another, I did find that at times I struggled to keep track of it all. It was interesting seeing how they would handle the situation they found themselves in, while slowly discovering the truth. For me personally though, I did find it a bit too slow at times.
Even though I preferred The Escape Room by this author, this was still a solid thriller that I can see plenty of readers thoroughly enjoying and I will be excited to see what the author writes next. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this copy in return for an honest review.
December 2, 2025
Have you ever done something you feel utterly ashamed of? Something that, if it got out, would have life-changing consequences? Everyone does things when they’re young that they later regret, but should you confess or keep it buried and hope it never comes to light?
The Shame Game explores the moral and emotional impact of what happens when someone threatens to reveal your darkest secret. The only way to keep your past hidden is to expose someone else instead. Ryan, Mandy, Paul and Isobel have been best friends since they were at school together, but will they all have each other’s backs when the pressure heats up?
This gripping thriller had me absolutely hooked! The writing is immersive and the characters are well developed. Everyone reacts differently to the threat and the repercussions of their decisions on their families was fascinating to read. Loyalty is tested and some of their actions lead the perpetrator to up the stakes, putting several lives in danger. So tense!
5 ⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, L. D. Smithson and Random House, Transworld for an ARC of this book.
The Shame Game explores the moral and emotional impact of what happens when someone threatens to reveal your darkest secret. The only way to keep your past hidden is to expose someone else instead. Ryan, Mandy, Paul and Isobel have been best friends since they were at school together, but will they all have each other’s backs when the pressure heats up?
This gripping thriller had me absolutely hooked! The writing is immersive and the characters are well developed. Everyone reacts differently to the threat and the repercussions of their decisions on their families was fascinating to read. Loyalty is tested and some of their actions lead the perpetrator to up the stakes, putting several lives in danger. So tense!
5 ⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, L. D. Smithson and Random House, Transworld for an ARC of this book.
December 30, 2025
Let the game begin..
The shame game follows 4 best friends with life changing secrets with only one way to keep them safe. Expose each other. On a time limit the group of friends do everything they can to answer their question, find the person behind the shame game, figure out who they can trust, all whilst trying to keep their secret from being told to the world.
I liked this book. It wasn’t a love but a strong like. Easy story to follow from different characters POV’s, a few twists but nothing that made me gasp. I didn’t suspect the ending but again it wasn’t anything that had my jaw on the floor. Good read to separate the more gripping shocking thrillers.
The shame game follows 4 best friends with life changing secrets with only one way to keep them safe. Expose each other. On a time limit the group of friends do everything they can to answer their question, find the person behind the shame game, figure out who they can trust, all whilst trying to keep their secret from being told to the world.
I liked this book. It wasn’t a love but a strong like. Easy story to follow from different characters POV’s, a few twists but nothing that made me gasp. I didn’t suspect the ending but again it wasn’t anything that had my jaw on the floor. Good read to separate the more gripping shocking thrillers.
January 15, 2026
A group of friends all have secrets they've kept locked away and hidden. But someone knows what they are and is playing a twisted game of blackmail. . . someone close to them. . . someone who is watching and waiting.
In January 2025 I read a booked entitled The Escape Room by L. D. Smithson. I was blown away by how on-trend and thrilling it was. It became my favourite book of the year. Fast forward to January 2026 and I've just finished the author's new book, The Shame Game. Although it had a completely different vibe, it was an excellent read.
The group of friends, some privileged and some not so much, weren't particularly likeable but they grew on me. Instead of being a straightforward case of blackmail, the author took it to another level with a brilliant twist — ruin your best friend's life to keep your own secret hidden. It was devilishly devious! The friends' lives are plunged deeper into turmoil as they wrestle with their consciences.
The plot was good but not on quite the same level as The Escape Room, which, in my opinion, would be almost impossible to beat. Nevertheless it's definitely worthy of being on anyone's 'To Read' list. I really enjoyed it and I'm excited to see what the author produces next.
In January 2025 I read a booked entitled The Escape Room by L. D. Smithson. I was blown away by how on-trend and thrilling it was. It became my favourite book of the year. Fast forward to January 2026 and I've just finished the author's new book, The Shame Game. Although it had a completely different vibe, it was an excellent read.
The group of friends, some privileged and some not so much, weren't particularly likeable but they grew on me. Instead of being a straightforward case of blackmail, the author took it to another level with a brilliant twist — ruin your best friend's life to keep your own secret hidden. It was devilishly devious! The friends' lives are plunged deeper into turmoil as they wrestle with their consciences.
The plot was good but not on quite the same level as The Escape Room, which, in my opinion, would be almost impossible to beat. Nevertheless it's definitely worthy of being on anyone's 'To Read' list. I really enjoyed it and I'm excited to see what the author produces next.
February 23, 2026
Ik vond dit boek leuk om te lezen, het is niet heel moeilijk. Ik vind het heel mooi om te zien dat echt bijna geen een personage in dit boek helemaal ‘goed’ is. Ze hebben bijna allemaal slechte dingen gedaan in het verleden of doen nogsteeds slechte dingen. Dat maakt het realistisch. Ik vond het wel een beetje jammer dat Felicity alles had gedaan, want ik vind dat zij niet echt een ‘grote’ rol had in het verhaal dus het was heeeeeeel onvoorspelbaar. Ook waren de hints er naartoe niet echt duidelijk. Wel een heel leuk concept.
Ik hou van Ryan en Rosie.
Ik hou van Ryan en Rosie.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 28, 2025
Nail biting as usual
I love these books and wait patiently to be told another one is ready, I wait with bated breath to try and work out 'who done it' and as usual hfailed. Thank you again for another exciting read
I love these books and wait patiently to be told another one is ready, I wait with bated breath to try and work out 'who done it' and as usual hfailed. Thank you again for another exciting read
December 23, 2025
A clever story with a few twists and turns, the characters are well developed andit is well written. Not five stars because at times it drags, it is too long an required better editing. The police involvement was inconsistent with what would have occurred in reality. But an excellent first book.
January 9, 2026
So I really liked the setup of it and the plot idea and was gripped by the first half. By the second half I didn't quite believe what the characters were willing to do to their own friends but maybe I am just too loyal! I thought the whodunnit element was refreshingly unusual.
January 6, 2026
This was a great book! Kind of saw the end coming a little bit towards the finish, but it was really good. Suspenseful the whole way through & kept me super hooked.
January 21, 2026
rubbish, waste of time reading
Read
January 24, 2026I enjoyed this right up until the moment it was hinted that the person behind it was neurodiverse.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 26, 2026
Would not waste your time. Worst book ever 😖 so disappointed!
February 16, 2026
4.5 ⭐️ Legit page-turner, tuntu ku olisin kattonu full on draamaa sarjaa😭
March 12, 2026
Brilliant, kept me gripped from start to finish
February 8, 2026
For me, this book was a breath of fresh air! Very cleverly written with a different story line to your usual thriller/ mystery books
I couldn't finish it fast enough and Smithson will be one of my go to author's
I couldn't finish it fast enough and Smithson will be one of my go to author's
November 6, 2025
I loved The Escape Room, so have been eagerly awaiting the authors next book, and this did not disappoint.
This was such an original concept, I loved the idea of secrets being unraveled and used against others. The addition of this potentially being done publically made it so more intense.
This is a fantastic friendship group, appearing a strong unit, before this unraveling and we learn their true natures.
This is fast paced and exciting, the differing media types really had me hooked ☺️
This was such an original concept, I loved the idea of secrets being unraveled and used against others. The addition of this potentially being done publically made it so more intense.
This is a fantastic friendship group, appearing a strong unit, before this unraveling and we learn their true natures.
This is fast paced and exciting, the differing media types really had me hooked ☺️
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews