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Dominic Grey #4.5
The Reaper's Game
Is it murder from beyond the grave . . . or the final ruse of a twisted serial killer?
Three years ago, a deranged murderer dubbed the Halloween Killer butchered half a dozen people in New Orleans. He was caught and sentenced to die. Just before his execution, the Halloween Killer vowed to take revenge on the district attorney who put him behind bars.
Less than a week after the lethal injection, Sebastian Gichaud, a wealthy playboy grieving over the death of his mother, threw on a black cloak and hacked the prosecutor to death with a giant scythe.
Not only did Sebastian appear to be fulfilling the serial killer’s last wish -- he claimed that he was the Halloween Killer.
Now, as the anniversary of the grisly murder approaches, Sebastian is facing trial. No one will touch the case. In a desperate attempt to save his son, Sebastian’s father hires Viktor Radek, professor of religious phenomenology, to investigate.
If Sebastian is guilty, Viktor wonders, then why are he and his associate Dominic Grey being warned off the case? And why did the Halloween Killer visit a series of reincarnation experts before his death?
None of Professor Radek’s doubts might matter, because he and Grey face the impossible task of convincing an Orleans Parish jury that Sebastian Gichaud is either a prisoner in his own mind – or possessed by the spirit of the Halloween Killer.
(Note to fans of the Dominic Grey series: The Reaper’s Game is a standalone novella that takes place earlier in time than The Shadow Cartel.)
Stay tuned about Layton’s new releases through his newsletter at http://laytongreen.com/icontact.
Three years ago, a deranged murderer dubbed the Halloween Killer butchered half a dozen people in New Orleans. He was caught and sentenced to die. Just before his execution, the Halloween Killer vowed to take revenge on the district attorney who put him behind bars.
Less than a week after the lethal injection, Sebastian Gichaud, a wealthy playboy grieving over the death of his mother, threw on a black cloak and hacked the prosecutor to death with a giant scythe.
Not only did Sebastian appear to be fulfilling the serial killer’s last wish -- he claimed that he was the Halloween Killer.
Now, as the anniversary of the grisly murder approaches, Sebastian is facing trial. No one will touch the case. In a desperate attempt to save his son, Sebastian’s father hires Viktor Radek, professor of religious phenomenology, to investigate.
If Sebastian is guilty, Viktor wonders, then why are he and his associate Dominic Grey being warned off the case? And why did the Halloween Killer visit a series of reincarnation experts before his death?
None of Professor Radek’s doubts might matter, because he and Grey face the impossible task of convincing an Orleans Parish jury that Sebastian Gichaud is either a prisoner in his own mind – or possessed by the spirit of the Halloween Killer.
(Note to fans of the Dominic Grey series: The Reaper’s Game is a standalone novella that takes place earlier in time than The Shadow Cartel.)
Stay tuned about Layton’s new releases through his newsletter at http://laytongreen.com/icontact.
75 pages, ebook
First published May 1, 2016
About the author
Layton Green
22 books431 followersLayton Green is a bestselling author who loves to tell powerful, edge-of-your-seat stories across a range of genres, including mystery & thriller, suspense, horror, and fantasy (and often blending them together). He is the author of the Dominic Grey series, the Blackwood Saga, the Genesis Trilogy, and other works of fiction. Layton's work has been nominated for numerous awards (including a rare three-time finalist for an International Thriller Writers award), optioned for film, published in multiple languages, and has reached #1 on many genre lists.
In addition to writing, Layton attended law school in New Orleans and was a practicing attorney for ten very long years. He has also been an intern for the United Nations, an ESL teacher in Central America, a bartender in London, a seller of cheap knives on the streets of Brixton, a door to door phone book deliverer in Florida, and the list goes downhill from there.
Layton lives with his family in Southern California. You can visit him on Facebook, Goodreads, or on his website (www.laytongreen.com).
In addition to writing, Layton attended law school in New Orleans and was a practicing attorney for ten very long years. He has also been an intern for the United Nations, an ESL teacher in Central America, a bartender in London, a seller of cheap knives on the streets of Brixton, a door to door phone book deliverer in Florida, and the list goes downhill from there.
Layton lives with his family in Southern California. You can visit him on Facebook, Goodreads, or on his website (www.laytongreen.com).
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
May 5, 2016
Fast paced and exciting, the Reaper's Game is a fun read. After the Shadow Cartel, I was happy to see that Grey and Radek were back together to examine a true supernatural case. While I am ever the skeptic, I enjoy Green's ability to give just enough reality to circumstances to make us wonder, "could that really happen?"
Set in New Orleans, Green sets a wonderfully spooky tone right from the get go. Grey and Radek are investigating a murder of a DA by the acolyte of a creepy mass murderer that had died the previous year. Showing a strong grasp of the New Orleans vibe, Green does a great job of using the macabre side of New Orleans to raise the creepiness factor in this book. The characters are great, but Green's pacing really is the star of this show. He moves the action right along, bringing us from the investigation to the final conclusion at the perfect pace.
When I first saw that the new book in the Dominic Grey series was a novella, I am not going to lie, I was a little disappointed. I don't usually like novellas because they can feel rushed. With that being said, this did not feel like a novella and I really enjoyed this addition to the Dominic Grey series. While shorter than the others in the series, it did not disappoint and Green did a great job of covering the most recent supernatural case.
Set in New Orleans, Green sets a wonderfully spooky tone right from the get go. Grey and Radek are investigating a murder of a DA by the acolyte of a creepy mass murderer that had died the previous year. Showing a strong grasp of the New Orleans vibe, Green does a great job of using the macabre side of New Orleans to raise the creepiness factor in this book. The characters are great, but Green's pacing really is the star of this show. He moves the action right along, bringing us from the investigation to the final conclusion at the perfect pace.
When I first saw that the new book in the Dominic Grey series was a novella, I am not going to lie, I was a little disappointed. I don't usually like novellas because they can feel rushed. With that being said, this did not feel like a novella and I really enjoyed this addition to the Dominic Grey series. While shorter than the others in the series, it did not disappoint and Green did a great job of covering the most recent supernatural case.
August 7, 2017
Review originally published at: http://www.lomeraniel.com/audiobookre...
Sebastian Gichaud is in jail for killing the New Orleans DA with a scythee and dressed as Death. The murder reminded the public of the ones perpetrated by the Halloween Killer, sentenced to death some time before. The most notable thing is that delicate and sensible Sebastian seemed a completely different person from what he used to be, and he himself proclaimed to be the original Halloween Killer. In a city where voodoo and other powerful powers are among the most normal things, everything is possible.
This is the fifth book in the Dominic Grey series, but as it is, in fact, a prequel, it can be read as a stand alone novel. I have not read the other books in the series, but this did not prevent me from enjoying this story. I not usually a fan of paranormal, but this book is so well written with such powerful characters that it kept my attention from beginning to end.
Dominic Gray and Viktor Radek will be known to fans of the series, but they were knew to me. Nevertheless I got a clear idea about who they were and how they worked their cases. The book is written in a very cinematographic way, which made me think that I was watching a movie. A movie based on this book could be a total success. It somehow made me thing of Edward Norton’s Primal Fear.
The audiobook is less than four hours and a half, which makes it a quick listen. It is really worth it, since there is not a minute wasted on this. Sometimes I feel that some books are longer than they should, and that some parts should have been cut out in favor of the story. Not here, it is an action packed book with nothing to spare. It is just as it should be.
What made this book even greater was the superb narration by Peter Berkrot. He juggled voices and accents like if it was the easiest thing in the world, delivered great characters’ interpretations and gave me the feeling that I was watching a movie with a full cast of actors.
Both writer and narrator were new to me, but I will definitely try this series from the beginning, since these books are very well written and the narration is one of the best I had the pleasure to listen to.
I received a copy of this book in audio format from the narrator in exchange for an honest review.
Sebastian Gichaud is in jail for killing the New Orleans DA with a scythee and dressed as Death. The murder reminded the public of the ones perpetrated by the Halloween Killer, sentenced to death some time before. The most notable thing is that delicate and sensible Sebastian seemed a completely different person from what he used to be, and he himself proclaimed to be the original Halloween Killer. In a city where voodoo and other powerful powers are among the most normal things, everything is possible.
This is the fifth book in the Dominic Grey series, but as it is, in fact, a prequel, it can be read as a stand alone novel. I have not read the other books in the series, but this did not prevent me from enjoying this story. I not usually a fan of paranormal, but this book is so well written with such powerful characters that it kept my attention from beginning to end.
Dominic Gray and Viktor Radek will be known to fans of the series, but they were knew to me. Nevertheless I got a clear idea about who they were and how they worked their cases. The book is written in a very cinematographic way, which made me think that I was watching a movie. A movie based on this book could be a total success. It somehow made me thing of Edward Norton’s Primal Fear.
The audiobook is less than four hours and a half, which makes it a quick listen. It is really worth it, since there is not a minute wasted on this. Sometimes I feel that some books are longer than they should, and that some parts should have been cut out in favor of the story. Not here, it is an action packed book with nothing to spare. It is just as it should be.
What made this book even greater was the superb narration by Peter Berkrot. He juggled voices and accents like if it was the easiest thing in the world, delivered great characters’ interpretations and gave me the feeling that I was watching a movie with a full cast of actors.
Both writer and narrator were new to me, but I will definitely try this series from the beginning, since these books are very well written and the narration is one of the best I had the pleasure to listen to.
I received a copy of this book in audio format from the narrator in exchange for an honest review.
October 31, 2023
Short 150 page novella. You need to read between the lines a bit to understand what was happening or connect the clues, versus the full novels with extensive details.
I am unsure where in the series this novella would fit best. Right now it’s after book 4 and doesn’t feel it’s in the correct place.
Book 4 had a lot of personality developments. Victor overcoming his addiction to drinking; Dominic losing the love of his life and destroying himself in the process. In this novella, Vikor drinks and Dominic seems nonchalant, especially with the detail and deep topic of death. It just doesn’t seem to fit correctly in the series.
2 out of 5 stars
I am unsure where in the series this novella would fit best. Right now it’s after book 4 and doesn’t feel it’s in the correct place.
Book 4 had a lot of personality developments. Victor overcoming his addiction to drinking; Dominic losing the love of his life and destroying himself in the process. In this novella, Vikor drinks and Dominic seems nonchalant, especially with the detail and deep topic of death. It just doesn’t seem to fit correctly in the series.
2 out of 5 stars
June 10, 2018
Not worth the time.
Layton Green is a phenomenal writer; his books are absolutely spellbinding - brilliantly thought out and plots that are riveting - I have checked out much of what he writes and it is true! This book as a novella had none of the excitement of his other books and I was happy when it ended...But I will continue to read his books...I have learned so much about a world I knew nothing of and that makes it all worth it!
Layton Green is a phenomenal writer; his books are absolutely spellbinding - brilliantly thought out and plots that are riveting - I have checked out much of what he writes and it is true! This book as a novella had none of the excitement of his other books and I was happy when it ended...But I will continue to read his books...I have learned so much about a world I knew nothing of and that makes it all worth it!
March 25, 2017
Great read.
Layton Green keeps your interest and your heart rate up. His nove!s are suspenseful and at times frightening. I have a difficult time putting his writings down. I have read all of his Dominick Grey books and I am looking forward to his next one. I also enjoy his other novels. I would have to give him a 5+ star rating.
Layton Green keeps your interest and your heart rate up. His nove!s are suspenseful and at times frightening. I have a difficult time putting his writings down. I have read all of his Dominick Grey books and I am looking forward to his next one. I also enjoy his other novels. I would have to give him a 5+ star rating.
January 11, 2018
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September 29, 2018
Good fast read
Th is novella has a lot of the intrigue and punch of a Dominic Grey story but is a quick read. I was a little disappointed in the resolution however.
Th is novella has a lot of the intrigue and punch of a Dominic Grey story but is a quick read. I was a little disappointed in the resolution however.
June 12, 2022
Novella or short story?
The story line is great, with the action and mysterious unknown that comes from Radik and Grey. The ending is probably appropriate, but unsatisfying to me
The story line is great, with the action and mysterious unknown that comes from Radik and Grey. The ending is probably appropriate, but unsatisfying to me
February 28, 2017
Outstanding mysterious suspense
The intriguing plot got me. As I had not read the previous book, and this is #5 in the series, I was worried I could not follow, or rather be connected to the lead characters. But I couldn't be more mistaken, I loved them both.
Without giving any spoilers here, since the entire series involves mysterious and unexplained phenomena, you wonder if the killer actually committed his crime beyond the grave, or is it all a hoax to free him from the death penalty? And the question is not answered until the very end.
A very well built plot, believable characters, interesting background of religious phenomena and occult elements makes me want more from this author. This is my first by Layton Green, but definitely not my last.
The intriguing plot got me. As I had not read the previous book, and this is #5 in the series, I was worried I could not follow, or rather be connected to the lead characters. But I couldn't be more mistaken, I loved them both.
Without giving any spoilers here, since the entire series involves mysterious and unexplained phenomena, you wonder if the killer actually committed his crime beyond the grave, or is it all a hoax to free him from the death penalty? And the question is not answered until the very end.
A very well built plot, believable characters, interesting background of religious phenomena and occult elements makes me want more from this author. This is my first by Layton Green, but definitely not my last.
February 16, 2017
Really didn't care for it at all. Excellent depiction of New Orleans and the surrounding area, making you feel like you're really there, but the crux of the book lacked something.
January 21, 2017
This is not my normal genre of reading but as it was free from InstaFreebie I thought I'd give it a try.
I can usually tell if I'll like the book and/or author within a few pages. The problem with this novella was that I started reading page 1 and then before I knew it I was reading the author's list at the back detailing other books in the series.
Talk about mesmerising - I devoured it!!
A thriller with a paranormal bent .... or a paranormal encompassing a thriller .... either way it's a SERIOUSLY good read. I'm now off to download the start of the series. :)
I can usually tell if I'll like the book and/or author within a few pages. The problem with this novella was that I started reading page 1 and then before I knew it I was reading the author's list at the back detailing other books in the series.
Talk about mesmerising - I devoured it!!
A thriller with a paranormal bent .... or a paranormal encompassing a thriller .... either way it's a SERIOUSLY good read. I'm now off to download the start of the series. :)
June 2, 2016
While I enjoyed this Novella and found it thought-provoking, ultimately it suffers from the very fact that it is a Novella. The inability to provide sufficient exposition and story development in such a limited number of pages left me feeling somewhat dissatisfied - almost as if I had a slice of a delicious chocolate cake only to find it was all gone when I returned for more!
November 20, 2016
Decent entry into the series. This was shorter than most and, as a result, less complex. But it didn't lack any of the flavor of the series. As usual, the crux of the mystery is whether there's some ancient magic that's caused the events, or is there a psychological explanation for it all. This one is set in New Orleans and the Bayou . . . . definite elements of creepy.
May 17, 2016
This is an excellent series. I like the combination of action hero and the paranormal if that is what you would call it.
This is an excellent series. I like the combination of action hero and the paranormal if that is what you would call it.
This is an excellent series. I like the combination of action hero and the paranormal if that is what you would call it.
February 3, 2017
Do you believe?
Another winner from the Dominic Grey series. I hope there will be another. I enjoyed this series of books very much.
Another winner from the Dominic Grey series. I hope there will be another. I enjoyed this series of books very much.
June 13, 2023
An excellent novella of Dominic Grey set in New Orleans . . .
An excellent, if short, piece set in New Orleans, featuring Dominic Grey investigating a killer who claims to be possessed by the soul of an executed serial killer . . .
An excellent, if short, piece set in New Orleans, featuring Dominic Grey investigating a killer who claims to be possessed by the soul of an executed serial killer . . .
October 5, 2016
Mysterious
Creepy and interesting. really fun read. Love the ending. Three word sentences. Hope there's more. Dominic grey continues. The world's spooky.
Creepy and interesting. really fun read. Love the ending. Three word sentences. Hope there's more. Dominic grey continues. The world's spooky.
April 16, 2017
What is it about human nature that makes us devour novels and movies about serial killers, crave macabre experiences like these?
I don’t usually add quotes from books, but this was just hit me like a tonne of bricks because it is so true. I also asked myself at the same time, what make authors write about this and where do they get their ideas from? OK, so some authors might say that we write it because we know that readers love to read it, but really, I probably wouldn’t read it if it wasn’t written, so what came first the egg or the chicken…. And now onto my review.
I can’t fault this author, he is nothing short of brilliant, I got this book from his website, I clicked on the link on the main page and it was sent to me via email. http://laytongreen.com. It says a limited time only, so don’t blame me if it is not available later.
This is book 4.5 in the Dominic Grey series and a novella of 75 pages, but there is so much going on, I loved it. This is suspenseful, a standalone in the series where we see Dominic and Viktor working together in New Orleans. The book doesn’t feel rushed, I am only just picking up the idea of reading novellas but the pace in this one is perfect. Read in one short sitting it was great to get back to Dominic and Viktor and their antics, perfect to fill in until the next in the series is out, called The Resurrector.
I don’t usually add quotes from books, but this was just hit me like a tonne of bricks because it is so true. I also asked myself at the same time, what make authors write about this and where do they get their ideas from? OK, so some authors might say that we write it because we know that readers love to read it, but really, I probably wouldn’t read it if it wasn’t written, so what came first the egg or the chicken…. And now onto my review.
I can’t fault this author, he is nothing short of brilliant, I got this book from his website, I clicked on the link on the main page and it was sent to me via email. http://laytongreen.com. It says a limited time only, so don’t blame me if it is not available later.
This is book 4.5 in the Dominic Grey series and a novella of 75 pages, but there is so much going on, I loved it. This is suspenseful, a standalone in the series where we see Dominic and Viktor working together in New Orleans. The book doesn’t feel rushed, I am only just picking up the idea of reading novellas but the pace in this one is perfect. Read in one short sitting it was great to get back to Dominic and Viktor and their antics, perfect to fill in until the next in the series is out, called The Resurrector.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews