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Ruthless Game: A Captivating Police Detective Thriller
The wet sheet slipped slowly from her face and she began to count. There were eleven, in all. She was last in line, but he was getting closer. He’d be to her soon.
“Another thrill ride from bestselling author, Danielle Girard, that will keep you on the edge of your seat!” Then her nightmare becomes reality. Alex's first call of the day takes her to the same street, to the same house, where a man has been brutally killed. Alex thinks the man is a perfect stranger--until she finds herself the main suspect in his murder.
“Another thrill ride from bestselling author, Danielle Girard, that will keep you on the edge of your seat!” Then her nightmare becomes reality. Alex's first call of the day takes her to the same street, to the same house, where a man has been brutally killed. Alex thinks the man is a perfect stranger--until she finds herself the main suspect in his murder.
460 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 2001
1302 people are currently reading
540 people want to read
About the author
Danielle Girard
23 books1,084 followersDanielle Girard is the USA Today and Amazon #1 bestselling author of sixteen novels, including the Annabelle Schwartzman Series, Chasing Darkness, and The Rookie Club series.
Her books have won the Barry Award, the Romantic Times Reviewers’ Choice Award, and White Out was in the top 100 bestselling e-books of 2020. In addition, two of her titles have been optioned for screen. Her next thriller, Pinky Swear, will be out from the Emily Bestler Imprint of Atria books February 24, 2026.
Danielle is also the creator and host of the Killer Women Podcast where she interviews the women who write today’s best crime fiction. A graduate of Cornell University, Danielle received her MFA in Creative Writing at Queens University of Charlotte, North Carolina. When she’s not traveling, Danielle lives in the mountains of Montana.
Her books have won the Barry Award, the Romantic Times Reviewers’ Choice Award, and White Out was in the top 100 bestselling e-books of 2020. In addition, two of her titles have been optioned for screen. Her next thriller, Pinky Swear, will be out from the Emily Bestler Imprint of Atria books February 24, 2026.
Danielle is also the creator and host of the Killer Women Podcast where she interviews the women who write today’s best crime fiction. A graduate of Cornell University, Danielle received her MFA in Creative Writing at Queens University of Charlotte, North Carolina. When she’s not traveling, Danielle lives in the mountains of Montana.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 105 reviews
December 3, 2023
Alex Kincaid went to bed one night and woke up in her car on Yolo Street the next morning. She had no idea how she got there. Alex hurried to work at the police station only to be sent out to investigate a homicide with her partner Greg Robach. Alex is surprised when she learns that the murder took place on Yolo Street. As they look for evidence, some of Alex's jewelry is found at the scene. She explains it away, but more of her possessions are found underneath the body. Now everyone is asking if she had something to do with the murder.
I thought the premise of this story sounded like something I would enjoy. But this story just didn't work for me. I thought Alex was just ridiculous. At first, she tries to cover up the fact that it was her jewelry found at the scene. Then she believes that she is the only person who can find the person who set her up. Her brother works for Internal Affairs. Every time he asks her a question, she accuses him of trying to send her to prison. She assaults two cops and holds one at gunpoint. She also ignored direct orders from her boss. This lady should never be on the police force.
I also didn't believe the villain would be able to do all of the things that the villain did in this story. My eyes were rolling back into my head by the end of the book. Many people liked this book, so I may be way out in left field with my opinion. My rating: 2 Stars.
I thought the premise of this story sounded like something I would enjoy. But this story just didn't work for me. I thought Alex was just ridiculous. At first, she tries to cover up the fact that it was her jewelry found at the scene. Then she believes that she is the only person who can find the person who set her up. Her brother works for Internal Affairs. Every time he asks her a question, she accuses him of trying to send her to prison. She assaults two cops and holds one at gunpoint. She also ignored direct orders from her boss. This lady should never be on the police force.
I also didn't believe the villain would be able to do all of the things that the villain did in this story. My eyes were rolling back into my head by the end of the book. Many people liked this book, so I may be way out in left field with my opinion. My rating: 2 Stars.
July 25, 2025
This is my first book by this author, and it was outstanding!!! I wish I could give it more than 5 stars. The suspense, mystery, and the thrills this story has are abundant!! It was fast-paced and just everything I'd want out of mystery-thriller! I didn't have a clue who the culprit was until it was told. So the ending was quite the surprise! I HIGHLY recommend this book!
October 29, 2019
Really enjoyed this book, did not guess the ending . Found it very hard to put down so many things going on. But did guess early on that she had this terrible experience as a child. This did not stop me holding my breath wondering what was going to happen next...her brother seemed a heartless type not someone she could rely on. Was hoping it was not going to be her partner and was Satisfied with the ending all came clear. Cannot believe how many risks she took but all ended well a very good read
October 5, 2019
When falsely accused, never give up until you prove them wrong!!!
This book was a great read. I enjoyed all of the suspense, mystery, drama and thrills of the story, from front to back. Recommend this book to all mystery lovers. I loved attempting to figure out the killer but couldn't until near the end (a big twist, for sure.) Gave 5 stars because I just couldn't put it down. It was so great. Highly recommend Ms Girard's books!!!
This book was a great read. I enjoyed all of the suspense, mystery, drama and thrills of the story, from front to back. Recommend this book to all mystery lovers. I loved attempting to figure out the killer but couldn't until near the end (a big twist, for sure.) Gave 5 stars because I just couldn't put it down. It was so great. Highly recommend Ms Girard's books!!!
June 6, 2020
Another 👍 book by Danielle Girard
I love this author. I've read her series of police women rookies and her series about a medical examiner. Both great writing. This book is again about a woman police officer dealing with a past she can't remember. She finds herself faced with a murder mystery that somehow involves her and her past. You have to read it, you won't be able to put it down!! I recommend all this authors books 📚!
I love this author. I've read her series of police women rookies and her series about a medical examiner. Both great writing. This book is again about a woman police officer dealing with a past she can't remember. She finds herself faced with a murder mystery that somehow involves her and her past. You have to read it, you won't be able to put it down!! I recommend all this authors books 📚!
November 1, 2018
Size matters
When deciding your cop is going to be 5'3" you cannot make her partner over 6' and have her be the one driving. I have long since given up on the idiocy of writers making female cops to short to be effective. But if you think string bean is going to suck his knee caps so she can drive your wrong. And no they won't let her put telephone books behind her.
When deciding your cop is going to be 5'3" you cannot make her partner over 6' and have her be the one driving. I have long since given up on the idiocy of writers making female cops to short to be effective. But if you think string bean is going to suck his knee caps so she can drive your wrong. And no they won't let her put telephone books behind her.
July 16, 2025
Cop Alex Kincaid wakes up in her car, dazed and confused, with no memory of how she got there. Later that day, Alex and her partner are called to the same street for a homicide. Alex doesn’t know the man, but quickly finds herself the main suspect in his murder. As she races to clear her name, memories of her childhood start to creep back in, and as her memory returns, she may be the killer’s next target….
This is a standalone by the author of the Dr. Schwartzman series, which I have read and enjoyed. This book was good, although I like the character of Schwartzman better. Alex was likable at first, until she started making bad decision after bad decision, putting herself and others in danger. I understand her desperation to clear her name, but a cop should know better. This book was filled with tension throughout, as Alex was contacted by the killer and was increasingly in danger. The big reveal was surprising, and also confusing as to how it all was carried out, but some suspension of disbelief is required, per usual. Overall, if you like a fast paced police procedural when the cop becomes the suspect and must clear her name, you should look for this book.
This is a standalone by the author of the Dr. Schwartzman series, which I have read and enjoyed. This book was good, although I like the character of Schwartzman better. Alex was likable at first, until she started making bad decision after bad decision, putting herself and others in danger. I understand her desperation to clear her name, but a cop should know better. This book was filled with tension throughout, as Alex was contacted by the killer and was increasingly in danger. The big reveal was surprising, and also confusing as to how it all was carried out, but some suspension of disbelief is required, per usual. Overall, if you like a fast paced police procedural when the cop becomes the suspect and must clear her name, you should look for this book.
January 15, 2022
Mind Games!
When a cop wakes up in her car in a neighborhood she doesn’t know, she’s upset about it of course! She has trouble sleeping and had finally had given in and taken a prescribed sleeping pill. Did it cause her to blackout and drive to the location? Why? When she reports to work, she and her partner are sent out on a call. Turns out there’s a murder pretty much across the street from where she woke up! As time goes by, it’s obvious that someone is trying to incriminate her in the murder. Why?
When a cop wakes up in her car in a neighborhood she doesn’t know, she’s upset about it of course! She has trouble sleeping and had finally had given in and taken a prescribed sleeping pill. Did it cause her to blackout and drive to the location? Why? When she reports to work, she and her partner are sent out on a call. Turns out there’s a murder pretty much across the street from where she woke up! As time goes by, it’s obvious that someone is trying to incriminate her in the murder. Why?
November 2, 2019
Police procedural murder mystery is nit my usual genre... Not even close.... And yet when i wandered into the pages if this story i was hooked and stayed hooked to the end.
It us well written. I care about these people, i wax drawn into the mystery and drama eithout being traumatized... And i didn't begin to guess who done it until right on schedule at the end.. Best of all my overactive inner editor didn't get a work out so i was able to relax and enjoy the read
It us well written. I care about these people, i wax drawn into the mystery and drama eithout being traumatized... And i didn't begin to guess who done it until right on schedule at the end.. Best of all my overactive inner editor didn't get a work out so i was able to relax and enjoy the read
April 23, 2024
Won this book from the author. I have read some of her books previously and she is on my favorites list. Alex Kincaid is a police woman who wakes up on in her car on a street she has never been on and then her first call of the day is to an address on that street, where a man has been murdered. She becomes a suspect in his murder. She has to clear her name. The story goes between her nightmares and the murder. It was a quick read. Held my interest to the end. (No I didn't guess right)
May 6, 2024
Another book with a great description and a lousy story. Didn't like any of the characters, especially Alex. She was totally unbelievable as a cop. From trying to hide facts about her jewelry at a crime scene to always being just behind the killer in trying to talk to anyone. The killer reveal at the end almost had me laughing as it was just to far out there to be believed. They why the kids were taken and everything that happened since was just unrealistic. Wasn't impressed.
October 12, 2025
OMG - I know authors work very hard and I'm happy it has a lot of good reviews, but this one just wasn't for me. Now, how do I get that 8-9 hours (listening at 1.3x speed) back? It was just way too unbelievable for me. The convoluted backstory and motive, the fact that the bad guy/gal seemed to have almost supernatural powers to figure out exactly what our heroine (one of the most annoying people I've ever had the bad luck to come across, in fiction or real life) was doing at any given time (who was making the phone calls, anyway?), and then near the end they actually said, "No one will hear you scream," or some such hackneyed villain-y thing. Oh, well...
November 23, 2019
"Superb thriller"
When they're as good as this I can forgive the odd typo, but then I read for pleasure not to score points. Fast-paced, great characters, thought-provoking, page-turning. If you weren't grabbed by this one then there's no hope, you may as well try reading cook books. Highly recommended.
When they're as good as this I can forgive the odd typo, but then I read for pleasure not to score points. Fast-paced, great characters, thought-provoking, page-turning. If you weren't grabbed by this one then there's no hope, you may as well try reading cook books. Highly recommended.
January 12, 2020
Fair Read
Alex can’t remember how she ended up in her on a street that a murder was just committed. When the evidence starts pointing to her she starts looking into her past but she can’t remember what happened in her past either.
The story couldn’t keep my interest like the Author’s other books could. The ending didn’t make it any better.
Alex can’t remember how she ended up in her on a street that a murder was just committed. When the evidence starts pointing to her she starts looking into her past but she can’t remember what happened in her past either.
The story couldn’t keep my interest like the Author’s other books could. The ending didn’t make it any better.
January 30, 2020
Surprised!
This is the first book for me by this author I feel like the main character was a bit dramatic, but with the storyline it was easy to overlook. I pride myself on figuring out correctly who the villain is in each of my stories and I can say for once I was wrong. Look forward to reading more from this author
This is the first book for me by this author I feel like the main character was a bit dramatic, but with the storyline it was easy to overlook. I pride myself on figuring out correctly who the villain is in each of my stories and I can say for once I was wrong. Look forward to reading more from this author
February 7, 2020
Quiet Discomfort
As with other Danielle Girard's novel, I loved how well the characters were developed in Ruthless Game. It took me a while to get used to Alex's refusal of help from anyone close to her. Her solitary journey to clear herself made me tense but by the end of the book, I began to understand that she had to fight for her life.
As with other Danielle Girard's novel, I loved how well the characters were developed in Ruthless Game. It took me a while to get used to Alex's refusal of help from anyone close to her. Her solitary journey to clear herself made me tense but by the end of the book, I began to understand that she had to fight for her life.
March 12, 2020
Totally loved the pace of this story, from the first word I was hooked. Read in two days (would have been quicker had I not had to recharge my kindle!).
What a brilliant writer Danielle is as I was kept guessing all the way to the end - fabulous! Seriously could not put this down.
Totally hooked on the DG books, two more to go (Cold Silence / Chasing Darkness) and I’ve read them all during February and March!
I’ve pre-ordered August’s release White Out.
What a brilliant writer Danielle is as I was kept guessing all the way to the end - fabulous! Seriously could not put this down.
Totally hooked on the DG books, two more to go (Cold Silence / Chasing Darkness) and I’ve read them all during February and March!
I’ve pre-ordered August’s release White Out.
September 26, 2020
This one will keep you guessing.
We all have history. Most of us remember it, if not and someone is setting you up for murder, where do you start to figure it out. Does being given hints get you closer or farther away? When you don’t remember how you got somewhere and you are Law Enforcement, things only become more complicated.
We all have history. Most of us remember it, if not and someone is setting you up for murder, where do you start to figure it out. Does being given hints get you closer or farther away? When you don’t remember how you got somewhere and you are Law Enforcement, things only become more complicated.
December 12, 2021
Captivating is right!
It's been a while since I started and finished a book without getting up from my reading chair. This book was so full of twists and turns, up and downs that I nearly had whiplash. Never, ever saw the ending. Keeping the perpetrator hidden until the end is what makes for a fascinating read.
It's been a while since I started and finished a book without getting up from my reading chair. This book was so full of twists and turns, up and downs that I nearly had whiplash. Never, ever saw the ending. Keeping the perpetrator hidden until the end is what makes for a fascinating read.
February 19, 2023
I loved this totally compelling unputdownable book. So many twists and turns. Just when I thought I knew what was happening and who was to blame, something completely unexpected happened. I hated the relationship between Alex and her brother. It made him look really guilty and unforgivable. I was satisfied with the ending if not disappointed with the villain. Excellent read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 25, 2023
Captivating Read
I was kept on the edge of my seat the entire book. This plot was well thought out and interesting. The subtle interplay of romantic interest was just enough to make me think it would end well for the couple. The author brought out some very interesting psychology questions.
I was kept on the edge of my seat the entire book. This plot was well thought out and interesting. The subtle interplay of romantic interest was just enough to make me think it would end well for the couple. The author brought out some very interesting psychology questions.
November 14, 2025
* the main character is a bit exasperating to follow at times. I don’t need her to constantly remind the reader that she’s so tough and doesn’t like all that “girly stuff” as if someone can’t have both qualities
* I liked the reveal of the actual stalker person but I feel like it was super rushed and anticlimactic after that
* I liked the reveal of the actual stalker person but I feel like it was super rushed and anticlimactic after that
April 16, 2019
Who? Why?
There had to be a reason. She could not possibly be responsible for the things that were happening. Or could she have been? It might be her brother, or her partner. She had to know. So did I!
There had to be a reason. She could not possibly be responsible for the things that were happening. Or could she have been? It might be her brother, or her partner. She had to know. So did I!
August 4, 2019
Not who you expected
So much going on in this book. Talk about rotten luck Alex can't seem to catch a break. Definitely keeps the reader guessing. I thought I had figured out who Alex was hunting. Boy was I wrong.
So much going on in this book. Talk about rotten luck Alex can't seem to catch a break. Definitely keeps the reader guessing. I thought I had figured out who Alex was hunting. Boy was I wrong.
October 25, 2019
Great w
What an ending! I didn't see that coming. Alex is caught up in something bigger than she can ever imagine. How do you investigate an old crime you have no memory of. Even if you shot someone.
What an ending! I didn't see that coming. Alex is caught up in something bigger than she can ever imagine. How do you investigate an old crime you have no memory of. Even if you shot someone.
November 9, 2019
Frightening
.very fast paced. Frightening and suspenseful.
What a terrific writer . I love all the FIB characters. The romance.this book makes you think. Can't wait to read the next one.
.very fast paced. Frightening and suspenseful.
What a terrific writer . I love all the FIB characters. The romance.this book makes you think. Can't wait to read the next one.
January 8, 2020
Wonderfully done!
The twists and turns of this book was thrilling and kept me reading this book straight through until the end. Typical Danielle fashion, You will not be able to put this book down until it’s completed!
The twists and turns of this book was thrilling and kept me reading this book straight through until the end. Typical Danielle fashion, You will not be able to put this book down until it’s completed!
January 10, 2020
I liked this book. Some of Alex’s antics were suspenseful but in real life she would never get away with some of the things she did. However, the book was entertaining and I liked the characters. It was an easy read...
March 22, 2020
This book is another exceptionally well written story by Danielle Girard. She is very rapidly becoming one of my favorite authors. It definitely kept me entertained and trying to guess the outcome. Well Done!!
May 15, 2020
Reading this book kept me thrilled and excited to get to the end.It made me forget that I had errands to run and chores to complete.
This is an edge of the seat page turner.
I love this author, I am so glad I began reading her books, they never disappoint.!
This is an edge of the seat page turner.
I love this author, I am so glad I began reading her books, they never disappoint.!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 105 reviews