Skully

Perdition Games #2

by L.E. Fraser

She can't run fast enough to escape her past.

Authorities find five-year-old Gabriella LeBlanc walking on the ice of Lake Superior six months after an unspeakable crime. Michigan police discover a dead man in a wilderness cabin, but the child has no memory of her abduction or captivity.

Thirty years later, Gabriella disappears from her home after calling 911 and accusing her husband of assault. Toronto PI Samantha McNamara and ex-OPP Inspector Reece Hash must unravel the shocking truth behind the woman’s haunted life before a jury convicts her husband of murder.

But the web of lies Sam is weaving around her past begins to disintegrate when their investigation reveals hidden ties her father had to the murdered woman’s childhood. As Reece’s suspicions mount, Sam struggles to guard her secrets and uncover Gabriella’s disturbing history before time runs out.

A dark thriller with twists that keep readers turning the pages.

Genres: Mystery, Thriller, Horror

303 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 21, 2015

About the author

L.E. Fraser completed her post-secondary education in Toronto and moved to London, Ontario with her husband, two sons, and three pugs. Raised on military bases, her introduction to unique people and experiences fed a lifelong desire to write. She combines her passion for psychology and criminology in her Perdition Games novels, where the monsters you can’t recognize are more frightening than the ones you can.

Each novel has a unique plotline and features returning protagonists Toronto PI Samantha McNamara and ex-OPP Inspector Reece Hash.

Visit her at www.perditiongames.com and catch her on social media.

Reviews

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

Skully is book 2 of the Perdition Games thriller series by impressive Canadian author L.E. Fraser. I really liked the first book, Simon Says, but Skully is even better. This series features Toronto PI Samantha (Sam) McNamara and her partner Reece Hash, who is a member of the police force in book one and is a newly-minted PI in Skully.

The story opens up with an arc about Gabriella LeBlanc that covers her life from a very young age to adulthood. I would call this portion of the book (close to 33%) psychological suspense; the psychological aspects of this story are fascinating and very well done. In most cases I must like my protags to enjoy a book, but Gabriella is anything but endearing. This usually puts me off and shoves me into potential “did-not-finish” land, but due to Ms. Fraser’s ability to weave a story, I surprised myself by being fully engaged during this arc. Knowing this is a series featuring the PI team of Sam and Reece, I did wonder where this was all going, but things came together nicely in the last two thirds of the book once the investigators stepped into the picture. The pace of the plot really takes off at this point when several compelling threads are introduced. Bits of intriguing info are doled out little by little, and twists are perfectly placed. I was kept guessing and changing my mind until the very end-- just what I like!

The character development overall is excellent. We get a good introduction to Sam’s life and the events that have shaped her personality and mindset. I did want to know more about Reece, but I suspect more of his story will be coming in future releases. I also would have liked a little more depth surrounding the Sam/Reece romantic angle, but I can’t really complain as I was really focused on the suspense and how things were going to shake out in regards to the accused murderer they were hired to try to help acquit. Of note, non-romance fans need not fret—this is not a romantic suspense novel. The threads involving the personal issues between Sam and Reece and the ongoing issues involving Gabriella and her family are nicely woven into the plot and really heightened my interest in the story.

In summary, this is a very engaging thriller/psychological suspense read with a strong plot and great characterization. The novel is also extremely well written. Ms. Fraser is an indie writer so does not have a big publisher shouting out the merits of her books. If this series can gain some exposure with readers, it should really take off—and yes, I do think it’s that good. I have book #3 (Red Rover) already loaded up and will be reading it shortly. Kudos to Ms. Fraser for a job very well done!

I am awarding Skully 4.5 stars, rounded to 4 stars, saving room for what I expect to be continued growth by this exciting new author.

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

SKULLY, PERDITION GAMES by L.E. Fraser’s is book 2 in this dark chilling suspenseful thriller that I think is great and even better than book 1, Perdition Games: Simon Says. This is one talented author. The series keeps getting better. It is well written and is sure to please.

The series is broken down as follows:
Perdition Games: Simon Says (Book #1)
Skully, Perdition Games (Book #2)
Red Rover, Perdition Games (Book #3)

I had a chance to read all three books in early January 2017, and this is the review of Book 2, Skully, Perdition Games. This book kept me reading/guessing right up until the end.

Each novel has an exclusive plotline and features protagonists Toronto PI Samantha McNamara and Reece Hash. her partner Reece Hash, ex-OPP Inspector in book one and is now a PI in Skully.

She can't run fast enough to escape her past.

Five-year-old Gabriella LeBlanc is found walking on the ice of Lake Superior by the authorities. Michigan police discover a dead man in a wilderness cabin, but the child has no memory of her abduction or captivity.

Thirty years later, Gabriella disappears from her home after calling 911 and accusing her husband of assault. Toronto PI Samantha McNamara and PI Reece Hash must figure out the truth behind the woman’s creepy life before her husband is convicted of murder.

This is a dark thriller with twists that keep readers turning the pages. Highly recommended.

[Debbie "Buried in Her TBR Pile" · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this one immediately after Simon Says (Perdition Games Book #1). I needed more about the growing relationship between Samantha (Sam) and Reece and if this book would provide "closure" (see notes and highlights:)) on the cult leader from Simon Says. The plot, mystery, suspense, and story is much better in Skully. Although we do find out more about Mussani, this story has more of a creepy, pnr, and just a tiny bit of Experiments in Terror vibe - however, Reece is not even remotely like Dex in any way - just a vibe storywise. So, I ended up liking this one to rate it 4 solid stars.

I hope we find out more about Gabriella and Gana in other books. The ending of this one leaves it wide open. Not a cliffie - just eerie. This is a series with an overarching plotline with Sam and Reece - however, the cases and the stories are different. I'm not sure why I thought that this book would continue book 1 in story and I'm left wondering if the author will tie all the stories together somehow.

So why 4 stars? I found this one strangely compelling. And, when I finished reading, I wanted the next book immediately. There are a few very minor continuity/editing errors - but not enough to make me abandon the series yet.

[Petra · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book about Private Investigator Samantha McNamara and her new partner in business and life, Reece Hash.
The book starts off with the horrific back-story of Gabriella LaBlanc. Her traumatic childhood, her struggling family. As in the first book, Perdition Games: Simon Says, Sam and Reece don't actually make an appearance until way into the book. That's where the investigation starts. Gabriella has disappeared after making an emergency call claiming her husband was assaulting her.
I enjoyed that we learned a lot more about Samantha in this one. She seemed more of a side character in the first book. This instalment provides a more solid characterization.
Again, this was suspenseful and gripping. But I became a little impatient with the investigation, which dragged a bit when it was so glaringly obvious what the deal was with Gabriella.
As in book 1, I really liked the cultural background, the Gaelic tales, and the settings of this book. Really interesting and a bit different. I also enjoy how the author chooses to end her stories. There are no cliffhangers, but things are not resolved as neatly and completely as you would expect from your standard crime fiction. It's really well done.
This book could be read as a standalone story plot wise, but I would start with Perdition Games: Simon Says to appreciate Samantha's and Reece's development.

[Icy-Cobwebs-Crossing-SpaceTime · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review: SKULLY, PERDITION GAMES by L. E. Fraser

A most engrossing psychological suspense novel focusing on depth psychology, relationships, and the intricate chokehold the past maintains on the present, SKULLY, PERDITION GAMES is an electrifying thrill ride also resonating with elements of horror, both human and supernatural. I couldn't stop reading nor turn away, and I definitely must read the first in the series also.

[Timothy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little confusing, but a good read

A little girl is kidnapped. Years later, she's a little strange. As an adult, she disappears and is presumed murdered.

The plot is convoluted, and that doesn't even touch on the tortured past of the PI investigating the case. But eventually it all comes together with a satisfying ending. Worth a read.

[Kim Page · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG!! This book is SO freaking good!! L. E. Fraser has definitely outdone herself with this one!!!
Heart raising, sad, suspenseful and emotional...what more could you ask for?
The characters were very complex and made the story that much more exciting!! So, refreshing to read a story that is so complex and interesting and unique!

If you like suspense...this is absolutely a MUST READ!!

[Pat · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars. This was very addictive. Although there was no gore it had a really creepy vibe. Gabriella Le Blanc was abducted as a five year old and was found six months later wandering in the wilderness with a Samoyed dog that she wouldn't be parted from. Although she appeared to have no memory of her time away, there was evidence of torture and rape (bloody hell, a five year old). This happens early in the book so I'm not giving anything away. On the night she disappeared, her mother gave birth to another baby girl. Unsurprisingly the family was never quite the same after the abduction.

Fast forward to the present and Derek Martini is accused of murdering his wife (the aforementioned Gabriella). Toronto PI Samantha (Sam) McNamara and her partner ex cop Reece Hash are engaged by Derek's lawyer to find something that could exonerate his client.

Info on Gabriella is very hard to find and there are many contradictions in what they do find. Underneath the whole narrative is a lovely (from the reader's POV) creepy vibe. Gabriella is a conundrum and not well liked. The author did a great job of slowly feeding us info and creepiness. I loved it and MUST read the next book very soon. You really should read these in order. this is book 2. Book 1 is Perdition Games: Simon Says.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Skully, Perdition Games

Very interesting book. I was compelled to read during breakfast, lunch and dinner. Just couldn't put the book down. Well written.

[Vickilynn76 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Goodstory

Very good story Great characters Easy story line very enjoyable. One of my favorite authors. Looking forward to the next book in the series.

[Brenda Roberson · Rating 4 out of 5]

SKULLY: PERDITION GAMES is a suspenseful thriller that kept me guessing right up until the very end. The book is the second in a series but each book could be a stand alone novel. It is a violent and unsettling read at times and is not recommended for the faint at heart.

When she was five, Gabriella LeBlanc was abducted by a monster while on a family vacation. After several months of captivity and abuse, she was found by police walking on the ice of Lake Superior while the man who abducted her was found dead in an isolated cabin. Thirty years later, Gabriella disappears again after calling 911 and accusing her husband of assaulting her. When the police get there, she is gone but lots of blood is left behind.

Toronto PI Samantha McNamara and her partner, former cop Reece Hash, are hired by the husband’s attorney to investigate and find information that will prove that his client did not kill his wife. In the course of the investigation they uncover disturbing secrets about Gabriella and a relationship between her and Samantha. This leads Samantha to deal with the demons of her own past as well as investigating this case.

Skully: Perdition Games by L. E. Fraser will chill your blood. The twists and turns are numerous with a bit of paranormal thrown in for good measure. Ms. Fraser explores the darkest depths of the human mind and turns the concept of childhood innocence into a nightmare of the worst kind. Don’t read this one if you’re home alone at night. It is that spine tingling.

[Joseph Hirsch · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read L.E. Fraser's first novel in the "Perdition Games" series. It was good, but not good enough to prepare me for the sequel. "Skully: Perdition Games," however, is great. The novel is a suspenseful thriller that kept even a seasoned vet like me (I've read quite a few thrillers in my day) guessing up until the very end. The book is violent and unsettling, without being gratuitous, and, as in the first novel, the characters feel like real humans. Indeed, I think one of Ms. Fraser's strengths as a writer is not casting the dye in black and white, but rather giving the reader a coterie of characters it's hard to characterize as "good" or "bad." And, because she's deft with the suspense elements, doling out just enough clues to keep the reader guessing, that makes it even harder to know who, in fact, deserves our sympathy or hatred.

The book kept me reading (and guessing) right up until the end. A common problem with writers is the "sophomore jinx," but, if anything, Fraser has taken everything that was good about the first novel, and fine-tuned it. The Detective, Sam McNamara, is growing on me, which is convenient, since the book sets itself up for another sequel.

Here's hoping for a third installment in the "Perdition Games" series.

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

** I received this ARC from Story Cartel in exchange for an honest review.**

Wow. This series, 'Perdition Games', keeps getting better. After reading book one, 'Simon Says', I wasn't sure the second book, 'Skully', could even top the storyline, but I was wrong. This book blew me away. I was hooked from the beginning. The storyline was well written and full of thrilling scenes, suspense, mystery, drama and deceit. The story was incredibly well thought out. The characters were an interesting array of personalities. Sam is a great PI. She seems to look at things in a different light. She truly grew as a woman with a emotionally challenged past. I enjoyed watching her become a better person, not only for herself, but for those in her life as well. Reece is almost close to perfect. He's forgiving, understanding and emotionally strong. Then we have Gabriella. I'm not even sure I can accurately describe her without getting a huge no-no from either Goodreads and/or Amazon. A great series that I plan to follow. A must add to your tbr list. Recommended.

[Charles Ray · Rating 5 out of 5]

When she was five, Gabriella LeBlanc was abducted by a monster. After several months of captivity and abuse, she was found by police walking on the frozen waters of Lake Superior, and the man who abducted her was found in an isolated cabin with his head smashed in.
Thirty years later, Gabriella disappears again after calling 911 and accusing her husband of assaulting her.
Toronto PI Samantha McNamara and her partner, former cop Reece Hash, are hired by the husband’s attorney to investigate and find information that will clear his client. In the course of the investigation, they uncover disturbing secrets about Gabriella, and a relationship between her and Samantha—and, Samantha has to deal with the demons of her own past.
Skully, Perdition Games by L. E. Fraser will chill your blood. Fraser explores the darkest depths of the human mind, and turns the concept of childhood innocence on its ear. Don’t read this one if you’re home alone at night.

[Cindy Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

wow!!! This is book 2 in the series and it does not disappoint at all. Sam McNamara is growing as a PI. I loved concept of hiring a PI to prove the innocence of a really misguided individual.

During a family vacation, Gabriella goes missing. 6 months later she is found walking alone across the ice of Lake Superior and a man is found dead in a cabin.


30 Years later, Gabriella calls 911 saying her husband is attacking her. When the cops get there, she is gone and there is lots of blood.

Sam is hired to help find evidence that the husband, although a slime ball, did not kill his wife.

The twists and turns are numerous. She finds lots of reasons why the husband is probably guilty but these will not get her paid!

A bit of paranormal as we touch on what happened to Gabriella as a child.

Well written and captivating. Could use a bit more elaboration in places but then again filling in the blanks is kind of fun.

[Peter · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book as a Goodreads First Read. It took me a little while to get into the flow of the story line but it did intrigue me. I am glad I stuck with it because I enjoyed the later part of the book much more. I liked the way Sam McNamara's character unfolded, and the twists and turns discovering the truth about Gabriella. It did leave me feeling that I wanted to read more of the Perdition Games series, discovering more about Sam McNamara and the further complex cases that she will find herself involved in. I'll look up book 1, Simon Says, too. Overall a good read.

[Gina Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh where do I begin with how much I loved this book and how much I like this author. Gabriella is abducted when she was 5 when the family was vacationing In a very secluded area. She is found and returned to her family but did something happen to her during the time she was missing? And when she was found a dog was with her and they could not be separated. Many dark thing seemed to happen around Gabriella afterward and continued into her adulthood. I found this book so hard to put down.

[Catherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed this story. Was a bit unsure about the wendigo connection. Was Gabriella suffering from a split personality or was there a deeper evil at work? I'm still not sure. Whichever way, it is a good, scary read. At times one finds Gabriella frightening and at other times she inspires pity. Lovely ending. Will now look for book 1.

[Tonya Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

A psychological thriller that will grab you and hold you in suspense, and keep you guessing all the way through the book. L.E. Fraser did a great job of setting a maddening pace to keep up with. ABSOLUTE MUST read!! I received this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Aviar Savijon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Skully

This is a work of art. The story begins with a simple young family. Which is not what you see. It is filled with mystery and dramatic adventure from beginning to end. A true must read for all. I loved it and so will you.

[Susan Lee Thuener · Rating 3 out of 5]

This read like a Koontz book. So evil you can't put it down.

Basically I don't read most of Koontz books. This is a good example of why. I will probably have nightmares about Gabriela And Isabella. If you like to be scared or enjoy this sort of story go for it.

[C Dove · Rating 4 out of 5]

Truly intriguing psychological thriller! The character display all of the foibles and strengths of real life.

[Geraldine Robbins · Rating 5 out of 5]

couldn't put it down

[Linda Rorex · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Perdition Games series by L.E. Fraser. Gabriella LeBlanc is found wandering on the ice of Lake Superior after a shocking event leaves her traumatized. Thirty years later, Gabriella disappears after calling 911 accusing her husband of assault. Toronto PI Samantha McNamara and ex-OPP Inspector Reece Hash must unravel the shocking truth behind Gabriella's puzzling life before her husband Quentin is convicted of murder. As McNamara and Hash investigate Gabriella's disappearance they discover a dead man in a cabin in the wilderness with evidence leading to Quentin's arrest for murder. McNamara and Hash face many twists and turns as they try to solve the mystery of Gabriella's disappearance uncovering dark and hidden truths of her childhood past. The title of the book "Skully" refers to a chilling and dark element which is fundamental to the book's plot. I really enjoyed this amazing psychological mystery thriller novel.

[Dionaea · Rating 1 out of 5]

Somehow, I keep reading the second installment of series. There is no single well-adjusted character that this book focuses on, every character has something unfortunate that happened or is happening to them. I thought the abundance of personal problems made me immune to feeling anything for them but I read another book where there's no well-adjusted characters and I was engrossed in their stories. Eventually my indifference turned to dislike regarding the relationship problems between PI and the ex-Inspector. I actually wanted them to break up instead of trying to patch things between them because I just wanted them to find the Gone Girl copycat and get the book over with. PI has the worst luck regarding relationships, her friends and family are with dead or estranged from her. Is anyone that unlucky?

[Patricia A Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mesmerizing!!

I enjoyed Simon Says. So I hoped Skully would be good. It was the best book I have read in months. The plot was fast paced. I city turn the pages fast enough. The characters are multi dimensional and believable. I will start reading the next book immediately. Please keep the books coming. It is great to have a new series to read.

[Linda Look · Rating 4 out of 5]

A five year old girl was found six months after her disappearance. Thirty years later, she calls 911 and accuses her husband of trying to kill her. This is a weird, multiple personality tale. I rate this a 4.6.

[Pat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good book. Almost quit reading it but glad didn't it was different but one of the best books I have read in along time

Great book don't give up on it read it all you will be enlightened about things some people have to live with

[Robin Dixon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome read

Seriously one of the best authors I have read. The Perdition Games books are very well written and keep you guessing!!!

[Punkin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not as good as red rover

Kind of predictable with some twists at the same time. . . . . . . . . . .