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Ratings Game
This just in! Roland Stone and Doug Hardwood are New York City's top news anchors. Trusted, respected, revered among the media's who's who. In their profession, it's all about getting the exclusive. Whoever breaks the big story first gets the viewers, and whoever gets the viewers gets the advertisers. It's all money in the end. With their stations neck in neck in the ratings, and the threat of hipper, younger anchors waiting to take their places, each knows they must come up with a juicy story to save their job. Suddenly, a horrific murder rocks the airwaves, and Roland Stone has the inside story. But great mind thinks alike, and it's just mere hours before Doug Hardwood is reporting on the work of a different serial killer. Over night, New York City becomes a haven for two of the most inventive serial killers ever to walk the streets, each bent on getting more press than the other. Two desperate news anchors. One city. A whole lot of bloodshed. Story at eleven.
349 pages, Paperback
First published September 30, 2007
3 people are currently reading
120 people want to read
About the author
Ryan C. Thomas
55 books405 followersI am the author of the novels The Summer I Died, Ratings Game, Born to Bleed, Salticidae, Undead World of Oz, Hissers and more. I hope to learn a lot from the readers on this site, and get some good book recs in the process. Thanks!
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
May 10, 2015
Dnf at 70%
Just couldn't get into this one. A bit disappointed being honest as this author is one of my favourites.
Maybe it was just me? It has a lot of good feedback, I personally however have just gotten bored with it.
All reviews can be found at
http://lennonslair.blogspot.co.uk/?m=1
Just couldn't get into this one. A bit disappointed being honest as this author is one of my favourites.
Maybe it was just me? It has a lot of good feedback, I personally however have just gotten bored with it.
All reviews can be found at
http://lennonslair.blogspot.co.uk/?m=1
March 22, 2017
Ratings game is a book I have meant to read for years. The second novel of San Diego based horror author Ryan C. Thomas is a bit of a departure from his first novel The Summer I Died. A decade has passed since those first two books came out and we have had a chance to see the potential RCT showed grow into several books and reputation for character driven horror.
I really like the left turn that RCT took with this second novel, his first release was a masterpiece of extreme horror. It would have been easy go straight back to the blood drenched success of The Summer I Died right away. RCT did eventually do two sequels (on my to read list) but this novel has a very different tone.
Blending social commentary, satire and the occasional gore soaked serial killing. Ratings Game is the story of Roland Stone and Doug Hardwood. Two new York based TV anchors who are on the edge of aging out of the industry for good. After an encounter at a bar they both realize what they need is a big story attached to their names.
It starts when Roland finds the body of a homeless man already dead. He claims the murder with a letter sent to him at the station, he names the killer and the ratings soar. Not to be outdone Hardwood is on to him and stages his own more violent murder with a letter that comes in the mail to his station. On the outside it looks like two killers engaged in a game, but of course it is a boost in the ratings and viewers they want. What follows is a novel that is a smart mix of Anchorman and American Psycho.
On the surface the concept is pretty silly, which is why the novel goes the route of satire. This was a smart move that RCT has crafted a fun novel that captures the "it bleeds it leads" world of news. The two killers "the Chef" (Stone) and Cassnova Carver (Hardwood) bring the gore and style to their murders. This is something Thomas brings to this novel mainstream satires would have strayed away from.
If there is a weakness in the novel it is the sexism of the characters while probably accurate got a bit grating to me. Ratings Game was just as funny as anything I have read from Jeff Strand who is considered the king of horror comedy. I laughed alot reading the book and I really appreciated that it was so different from his first book.
Excellently plotted and structured to deliver a well timed story. If you have not read any Ryan C. Thomas I would start with The Summer I Died, that is just a perfect horror novel. That being said Ratings game is probably a better more dynamic example of what Ryan C. Thomas is capable of.
I really like the left turn that RCT took with this second novel, his first release was a masterpiece of extreme horror. It would have been easy go straight back to the blood drenched success of The Summer I Died right away. RCT did eventually do two sequels (on my to read list) but this novel has a very different tone.
Blending social commentary, satire and the occasional gore soaked serial killing. Ratings Game is the story of Roland Stone and Doug Hardwood. Two new York based TV anchors who are on the edge of aging out of the industry for good. After an encounter at a bar they both realize what they need is a big story attached to their names.
It starts when Roland finds the body of a homeless man already dead. He claims the murder with a letter sent to him at the station, he names the killer and the ratings soar. Not to be outdone Hardwood is on to him and stages his own more violent murder with a letter that comes in the mail to his station. On the outside it looks like two killers engaged in a game, but of course it is a boost in the ratings and viewers they want. What follows is a novel that is a smart mix of Anchorman and American Psycho.
On the surface the concept is pretty silly, which is why the novel goes the route of satire. This was a smart move that RCT has crafted a fun novel that captures the "it bleeds it leads" world of news. The two killers "the Chef" (Stone) and Cassnova Carver (Hardwood) bring the gore and style to their murders. This is something Thomas brings to this novel mainstream satires would have strayed away from.
If there is a weakness in the novel it is the sexism of the characters while probably accurate got a bit grating to me. Ratings Game was just as funny as anything I have read from Jeff Strand who is considered the king of horror comedy. I laughed alot reading the book and I really appreciated that it was so different from his first book.
Excellently plotted and structured to deliver a well timed story. If you have not read any Ryan C. Thomas I would start with The Summer I Died, that is just a perfect horror novel. That being said Ratings game is probably a better more dynamic example of what Ryan C. Thomas is capable of.
April 16, 2013
Ryan C Thomas has written an incredible satire about the media and the sensationalised world of the news and how the public at large can be quite gullible.
This was definitely an exciting read and I enjoyed every word and page. I have become a huge fan of Ryan C Thomas and with each every novel that I have read by him, I have been completely engaged and embroiled into his stories. He has an excellent way with words and situations that keeps the reader hooked.
His attention to detail and his satire on the world of media news was spot on and he captured his characters in all their hideous and comical facets of their personalities. I truly enjoyed the competition that evolves and how this plays out.
I have to say that I was a bit suspicious about how this was going to end but Thomas was able to handle this beautifully and skilfully. This is a fun read and a complete joy and entertaining one at that. Give this a try and you will not be disappointed. This is a talent to look out for. Definitely.
This was definitely an exciting read and I enjoyed every word and page. I have become a huge fan of Ryan C Thomas and with each every novel that I have read by him, I have been completely engaged and embroiled into his stories. He has an excellent way with words and situations that keeps the reader hooked.
His attention to detail and his satire on the world of media news was spot on and he captured his characters in all their hideous and comical facets of their personalities. I truly enjoyed the competition that evolves and how this plays out.
I have to say that I was a bit suspicious about how this was going to end but Thomas was able to handle this beautifully and skilfully. This is a fun read and a complete joy and entertaining one at that. Give this a try and you will not be disappointed. This is a talent to look out for. Definitely.
September 6, 2012
This story about two newscasters that resort to murder to garner better ratings starts slow (the first 20% I almost gave up), but then gets really, really good. The interplay between the two newscasters, Stone and Hardwood is downright hilarious at times. Like Jeff Strand, Thomas is good at sprinkling in snappy quips like this:
“Who’s this yahoo?” Stone pointed at the man who looked like he’d lost a fight with a Flowbee. “I’m Ron, the new producer.” “Well produce me a cup of I-give-a-shit. That story sucks.”"
The constant need for each newscaster to one-up the other is what makes this story compelling and highly readable. Recommended for those who like bizarro comedy.
“Who’s this yahoo?” Stone pointed at the man who looked like he’d lost a fight with a Flowbee. “I’m Ron, the new producer.” “Well produce me a cup of I-give-a-shit. That story sucks.”"
The constant need for each newscaster to one-up the other is what makes this story compelling and highly readable. Recommended for those who like bizarro comedy.
June 28, 2010
This is my second Ryan Thomas book--The Summer I Died was the first--and it didn't disappoint. Ratings Game is a dark fiction tale about two talking heads who get the idea to make the news instead of just reporting it by committing murders, one more horrific than the last. As the two elbow each other in a race to bring in the higher ratings, they have to deal with moronic co-workers, a suspicious detective, a slutty ex-wife, and a homophobic, skinhead son. Thomas has a great sense of humor, and many scenes are laugh-out-loud funny. Highly recommended.
November 8, 2011
This is my third Ryan C. Thomas book and I must say I think he is a very talented author. I can't say much about Ratings Game for I fear I would give away to much. This book has everything, dark humor, slapstick comedy, voilence, gore and a very topical subject that anyone can relate to in this day and age. My only problem with the book is: Is it a 5 star or 4 star book! I highly recommend it.
June 14, 2018
As silly as you’d expect
“Serial Killer Comedy” is the tag line for this book, a contradiction in terms! However, the dark humour, catch-phrases and banter between the characters makes this quite an entertaining read.
Considering it’s short length (I consider anything under 300 pages a Novella), I felt like this took me quite a while to read. I don’t feel it was a page turner by any stretch, and it didn’t grip me to the point of wanting to read it every second of the day.
However, Thomas has a very readable, easy style, and I can’t deny that this book was entertaining. As a commentary on the media business and the desperation for attention and power, this book was quite revealing!
The bottom line though, is this story was too far-fetched to be taken seriously (and maybe it wasn’t trying to be), but it lacked a certain punch for me!
“Serial Killer Comedy” is the tag line for this book, a contradiction in terms! However, the dark humour, catch-phrases and banter between the characters makes this quite an entertaining read.
Considering it’s short length (I consider anything under 300 pages a Novella), I felt like this took me quite a while to read. I don’t feel it was a page turner by any stretch, and it didn’t grip me to the point of wanting to read it every second of the day.
However, Thomas has a very readable, easy style, and I can’t deny that this book was entertaining. As a commentary on the media business and the desperation for attention and power, this book was quite revealing!
The bottom line though, is this story was too far-fetched to be taken seriously (and maybe it wasn’t trying to be), but it lacked a certain punch for me!
August 4, 2017
Another fine example for that musicians can be great writers! ha-ha! (I'm laughing because I'm also a musician and a writer) :)
But in this case I'm serious! He's an awesome horror writer!
I really liked this sick piece of horror gem! :)
The characters very twisted and funny. Well not too funny, but funny enough to be loved.
The entire writing is quite sick and unique. I really enjoyed it. It's also an interesting story by the way!
I started to love this writer when I read his novel called "The Summer I Died"!
That was one of the best horror book I read in years!! Not kidding!
That was extremely extreme in every possible meaning! Extremely scary, suspenseful, sick and extremely great! :)
But in this case I'm serious! He's an awesome horror writer!
I really liked this sick piece of horror gem! :)
The characters very twisted and funny. Well not too funny, but funny enough to be loved.
The entire writing is quite sick and unique. I really enjoyed it. It's also an interesting story by the way!
I started to love this writer when I read his novel called "The Summer I Died"!
That was one of the best horror book I read in years!! Not kidding!
That was extremely extreme in every possible meaning! Extremely scary, suspenseful, sick and extremely great! :)
March 7, 2012
Extra, extra read all about it! Ryan C Thomas has written one of the most twisted tales of 2 (yes 2) serial killers and the reporters, seemingly, caught in the middle of their game of who will outdo who. Crazy thing is, I found myself rooting for one of the killers, how crazy is that?!
Ratings Game was a very engaging, horrendously violent and absolutely hysterical book. Now, let me say, I have a twisted sense of humor, so what I find funny someone else might find horrifying. The focus is on 2 main characters, Roland Stone and Doug Hardwood the anchors of rival stations. Both are well established characters who each have their own insecurities away from the camera, which I felt brought a great deal of believability to their character. Mysteriously 2 serial killers come onto the scene and each have chosen to communicate with one of the anchors in order to get their stories publicized. We do get to learn a great deal about the Casanova Carver and The Chef but I will not share those details as you have to read them for yourself.
There were a few moments here and there were I got a little confused as to what exactly was going on because the writing seemed a bit rushed, but I was easily brought back into the story, so no major foul. Oh, and did I mention this story does cover the sadistic actions of 2 serial killers, so it's not a pretty picture that is painted. It's bloody, it's disgusting and it's awesome!
Overall, a very entertaining and enjoyable read. So STOP THE PRESSES (French Presses, that is) and go grab yourself a copy of Ratings Game.
Ratings Game was a very engaging, horrendously violent and absolutely hysterical book. Now, let me say, I have a twisted sense of humor, so what I find funny someone else might find horrifying. The focus is on 2 main characters, Roland Stone and Doug Hardwood the anchors of rival stations. Both are well established characters who each have their own insecurities away from the camera, which I felt brought a great deal of believability to their character. Mysteriously 2 serial killers come onto the scene and each have chosen to communicate with one of the anchors in order to get their stories publicized. We do get to learn a great deal about the Casanova Carver and The Chef but I will not share those details as you have to read them for yourself.
There were a few moments here and there were I got a little confused as to what exactly was going on because the writing seemed a bit rushed, but I was easily brought back into the story, so no major foul. Oh, and did I mention this story does cover the sadistic actions of 2 serial killers, so it's not a pretty picture that is painted. It's bloody, it's disgusting and it's awesome!
Overall, a very entertaining and enjoyable read. So STOP THE PRESSES (French Presses, that is) and go grab yourself a copy of Ratings Game.
November 23, 2014
The story was very entertaining. I had to knock one star off, however, because the eBook formatting was atrocious, and the book really could have benefited from an extra round of copyediting.
That aside, the tale was itself entertaining, despite an ending that seemed just a bit fuzzy and rushed.
After spending so much time with Hardwood and Stone, it is a shame that the resolution is shrouded in as much uncertainty as it is, not only for them, but for Mason, Cheese, and other supporting characters as well.
Still, it's a dark comedy-style thriller and delivers a good balance of entertainment on both counts. I would be interested in the future in other works by Ryan C. Thomas, though I hope he's entrusting his editing and formatting to a better set of folks in more-recent works.
That aside, the tale was itself entertaining, despite an ending that seemed just a bit fuzzy and rushed.
After spending so much time with Hardwood and Stone, it is a shame that the resolution is shrouded in as much uncertainty as it is, not only for them, but for Mason, Cheese, and other supporting characters as well.
Still, it's a dark comedy-style thriller and delivers a good balance of entertainment on both counts. I would be interested in the future in other works by Ryan C. Thomas, though I hope he's entrusting his editing and formatting to a better set of folks in more-recent works.
January 29, 2014
**disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book**
I liked this book, good read but slow to start so stick with it. It's an enjoying read about two killers competing for ratings (there's more to it but trying not to spoil) but I didn't get the "can't put it down" feeling, In contrast I loved "The Summer I Died" books and couldn't put them down. Still, all in all a decent read by a great author who I would highly recommend.
I liked this book, good read but slow to start so stick with it. It's an enjoying read about two killers competing for ratings (there's more to it but trying not to spoil) but I didn't get the "can't put it down" feeling, In contrast I loved "The Summer I Died" books and couldn't put them down. Still, all in all a decent read by a great author who I would highly recommend.
January 5, 2013
This was a fun read but the book never grabbed me. I would pick it up, put it down. In contrast I read The Summer I Died in one breathless, slightly sickened sitting.
Being a big anchorman fan, I kept visualizing Stone as Ron Burgundy.
:-)
Being a big anchorman fan, I kept visualizing Stone as Ron Burgundy.
:-)
March 29, 2012
This guy is a sick mind I really enjoyed this book I would also recommend to anyone I found myself rooting for the main character to win
November 1, 2013
A pretty good dark humor novel, it is my last favorite thing I have read from this author but even at that it gets a solid four stars and is well worth checking out if you are considering it.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews