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DEATH IS THE PRIZE IN A TWISTED GAME

An ex-football player is murdered. A National Ballet dancer commits suicide. The only link between the two deaths is Dr. Roger Peterson, a famous psychiatrist and bestselling author.

Toronto PI Samantha McNamara can't accept that her childhood friend is capable of the vicious murder or that he manipulated the emotionally fragile dancer into committing suicide. But Sam questions his innocence after she discovers that the homicide victim’s schizophrenic wife is Roger’s lover and patient. And the victim was about to go public with a complaint that would destroy the doctor’s life.

When Sam’s fiancé, ex-OPP Inspector Reece Hash, receives a troubling suicide letter from the ballerina, they realize that Roger’s unethical conduct could be the symptom of a deeply disturbed mind. Or the doctor is protecting someone and has unknowingly become a pawn in a deadly game. As Sam and Reece slowly piece together the horrific truth, a killer watches and plunges them into a terrifying nightmare. Stalked by a psychopath whose greatest pleasure is the game, they must outwit the ruthless killer before they lose everything, including their lives.

The rules are simple: trust no one, believe nothing, and stay alive.

428 pages, ebook

First published June 1, 2016

94 people are currently reading
840 people want to read

About the author

L.E. Fraser

5 books110 followers
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.

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5 stars
118 (51%)
4 stars
68 (29%)
3 stars
33 (14%)
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8 (3%)
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3 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
Profile Image for Christine.
620 reviews1,475 followers
July 18, 2016
I wish to thank Net Galley and Ms. L.E. Fraser for a copy of Red Rover in exchange for an unbiased review.

Listen up thriller readers and lovers of suspense: Canadian indie author L.E. (Lori) Fraser has written a little hidden gem of a series with her Perdition Games novels! The first book is Simon Says, followed by Skully, then Red Rover. I have read all 3. I was very impressed with Simon Says and awarded it 4 strong stars. Skully was even better and received 4.5 stars from me. Red Rover is the best of them all and a 5 star rating is a no-brainer.

Gosh, there is so much to like! Red Rover stars private investigator Samantha (Sam) McNamara and police officer-turned-PI Reece Hash. Ms. Fraser is one of those Angela Marsons-type authors who can mastermind both a terrific plot and superb characterization. This book has a relatively large (but not at all wasted) cast, but there is enough information given on everyone so that I never had to use the search button to look back and see who was who. The protags are extremely likable and we get both their POVs with minimal if any repetition of the story. We are also introduced to a circle of Sam’s old friends, each with his or her own mindset and connection to the story. We get some short flashes from the baddie’s perspective, just enough to make the reader shudder. The plot is ingenious and deliciously mind-boggling. I changed my mind as to whom the major baddie was an embarrassing number of times. Finally, at 70%, I admitted to myself that I had no idea who was a good guy and who was bad and hoped Sam and Reece were a heck of a lot smarter than me. Man, I hated putting this book down! The pace is quicker than lightening throughout the entire book, and I was not bored for one second. The twists are frequent and downright shocking, all the way to the bitter end! Suspense-wise, wow! There is an event having to do with a barn that had me as nervous as when I played my first piano recital as a kid. And as the end played out, I was chilled to the bone and had the goosies to prove it. And those text messages…

So, what can I criticize? If I think hard, I think I can say there is a medical issue that seems to clear up faster than I think possible in real life, but I wouldn’t swear to that as the author gave a quasi-good explanation in the story for that. I am also upset that Ms. Fraser has forever ruined the Red Rover chant for me (lol).

Oh, I cannot fail to mention the tremendous amount of research that went into this tale. Ms. Fraser comes off as an expert in multiple arenas, including legal affairs, cyber matters, and most of all, psychological issues. I have to wonder if she doesn’t have an advanced degree in psychology or psychiatry—I found her grasp of this subject to be of the highest order.

Finally, check out that beautiful cover. One of the 5 best of the 200 books I’ve read in the last 2 ½ years.

I strongly recommend the Perdition Games series to every single thriller and suspense fan. Though all 3 books have stand-alone plots, I suggest they be read in sequence in order to fully engage with Sam and Reece. Give this brilliant indie author a chance. These books are so well written and well worth your time. Onwards, Ms. Fraser!

Addendum: I see Red Rover is available on Net Galley until December 20, 2016, so plenty of time to read the other two books and still grab this one!
Profile Image for Sue.
1,417 reviews5 followers
January 13, 2017
RED ROVER, PERDITION GAMES by L.E. Fraser’s is book 3 in this dark chilling suspenseful thriller that I think is the best of the three. 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 3, Red Rover, 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.

DEATH IS THE PRIZE IN A TWISTED GAME

At this stage in the series, the characters are more developed, and the author’s experience to manipulate and handle a wide cast of characters, is only a testament to her skill as an author.

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

"Red Rover" follows Sam McNamara as she investigates a suspicious death ruled a homicide. This may involve a childhood friend of hers. The book moves at a slow pace, and clues are disclosed on a need-to-know basis, adding to the mounting tension. I wasn't sure until the last few pages who the murderer was.

I like that the story for the series is set in Canada, and that Fraser is a Canadian like myself.

I wish to thank Net Galley and Ms. L.E. Fraser for a copy of Red Rover.
Profile Image for Debbie "Buried in Her TBR Pile".
1,902 reviews298 followers
September 1, 2017
More twists and turns - twisted characters, violence, and psychological suspense in this one. The ending is similar to Skully and leaves me wondering if a book or a series conclusion will include all the psychos we are meeting in the Perdition Games.

Sam and Reece sustain quite a bit of physical, mental and emotional trauma and their choices for their paths in life seem to be changing - note: the relationship is still strong.

Still very minor and few continuity and editorial issues - but not enough to keep from enjoying or following the story. The author needs her editor and proofers to be more thorough.

I enjoyed this book and want to read the next one - 4 stars .
Profile Image for Petra.
818 reviews92 followers
January 15, 2017
So this is the latest installment about Toronto Private Investigator Samantha McNamara and her partner Reece Hash and the third in this series that I have read this year.
This is Samantha's most personal case yet, as one of her old friends becomes a suspect in a homicide. Out of the three books in this series that I have now finished, this was my favorite. It was deliciously dark and disturbing. L.E. Fraser once again handles a large cast of characters with absolute ease. The only thing I really need to mention, and this isn't a criticism of the writing or the author, but just a personal reaction to this book: I absolutely 100% hated all of Samantha's so-called "friends", and at times it was driving me nuts that she would just put up with their egocentric and rude behavior. I think because of that I found it a lot harder to "like" Samantha in this one. I felt truly sorry for everything poor old Reece put up with and thought the matters were resolved too easily. I wouldn't haven't been as forgiving.
That aside, this was a great story and I particularly liked how the villain was characterized and voiced in this one. Very well done and really chilling. I'm hoping we'll see more of Samantha and Reece in the future.
I received a copy of this book via Netgalley.
Profile Image for Pat.
2,310 reviews501 followers
January 21, 2019
This has a great twisty plot that keeps you on your toes. I won't say guessing necessarily because I guessed right pretty quickly so the clues must be there but I had no idea how it would all pan out. Its a great series and best read in order - Simon says: Perdition Games, Skully: Perdition Games and this one Red Rover: Perdition Games. I must admit the titles are not the most alluring.

They all feature PI Sam (Samantha) McNamara and police officer turned PI Reece Hash. In this book we are introduced to Sam's old circle of friends but there is a lot of tension going on. One of their group has committed suicide and there is a murder. One of the group is involved with both of the dead people. He is a suspect in the murder. Sam agrees to investigate, alongside the police of course as she is sure its all a mistake. Reece is not so sure. Nevertheless they do a thorough job, well as thorough as you can when everyone is constantly lying to you. What are they all trying to hide?

Some of their assumptions turn potentially deadly as they appear to have overlooked something at the explosive ending. It had a great plot and great characters and is a series well worth reading.
Profile Image for Barbara Tsipouras.
Author 1 book38 followers
June 30, 2016
Psychopaths populate many of the best thrillers and in a twisted way they are fascinating. Their non-predictable and non-comprehensable crimes guarantee a story full of twists and suspense. We can't relate to their motives and therefore can't excuse them. Being excellent actors and manipulators they aren't recognized easily.
In this novel there are several characters who could fill the bill. Some others have their own issues making them suspects too.

I want to thank Netgalley for the free copy in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Warrengent.
157 reviews20 followers
December 22, 2016
Thank you so much L E Fraser for allowing me to read this novel a interesting intriguing pilot that grabs you by the neck and keeps throttling you with suspense dark and twisted a cracking and awesome read
Profile Image for Tony Parsons.
4,156 reviews102 followers
September 9, 2016
Roger (psychiatrist) had cancelled his appointments for the day.
He was headed out to a dilapidated old house to see Brenda (wife, catatonic), Graham (Brenda’s husband, Dunning-Kruger effect, former Toronto Argonauts FB player), & Jordan (18, Graham/Brenda’s son).
Graham was quite abusive as always as well as belligerent.
Dr. Roger Peterson (Sam’s BMF, psychiatrist, bestselling author) had invited Reece Hash (PI) for dinner & to see his refurbished house at/in Cabbagetown (Wellesley St. East).
Reece (ex-OPP) was quite curious why Roger had invited him over.
It was Christmas time.

Those in attendance of the party were: Janice (Lisa’s sister-in-law, Kira’s mom),
Grace (Sam’s mother, Alzheimer), Harvey (Sam’s stepfather), Reece (Sam’s fiancée), Samantha “Sam” McNamara (Reece’s fiancée, PI, PhD student, former Ontario Provincial PD).
Abigail Schwartz (Sam’s BFF, dancer, National Ballet of Canada, Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, Talia lesbian partner) had committed suicide.
At the funeral Officer Talia (AA, Abigail’s lesbian partner, CANSOFCOM, Canadian Armed Forces, Royal Military College, Kingston, Syria, Operation Impact) had made several accusations against Reece.

Sam assured her there was no truth in that.
Graham had died. But it seems now it might have been a murder.
Brenda Harris is now at Mount Sinai Hospital (psychiatric ward).
Dr. Roger Peterson name was getting to be quite a household word.
Sam & Reece went to interview Roger, Brenda, Jordanna Harris (18, twin daughter), Jordan Harris (18, twin brother), & Jennifer (16, niece).

Quid pro quo.

Reece went to see SI Bryce Mansfield (homicide squad).
Could Brenda have killed Graham? What about Roger?
What would happen to Caitlyn Franklyn?
Red rover, red rover…
I truly hate split screen reading. It takes forever to read them. I do understand the cost factor though.

Warning: This book contains extreme violence, graphic adult content or expletive language &/or sexually explicit content which is only suitable for mature readers. It may be offensive to some readers.

I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review, only an honest one. All thoughts & opinions are entirely my own.

A very awesome spooky book cover, great font & writing style. A fairly well written psychological thriller book. It wasn’t always very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish, but never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, but it seemed like a lot of repetitive scenarios but no out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. There seemed to be way too much of what I call excessive chapter fillers (pages of nothing but blah, blah, blah).
This could also make another great psychological thriller murder mystery movie, or a mini TV series. That said I will still rate it at 5 stars.

Thank you for the free Story Cartel; PDF book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
Profile Image for Katie Rogers.
87 reviews1 follower
September 20, 2016
Once again a great read added to this series. As I was reading I honestly thought I knew who it was, but lo and behold I got a twist I didn't see coming. This book will keep you nose deep until the very end, and I usually don't read these kind of books.

Two people are dead, all connected to one man. What is everyone hiding? Cops and private investigators are brought in, but everyone is going after someone different and no one can see what's really there, to many secrets not told. Honestly through it all I wanted someone to slap Sam hard, I just didn't like her character. Reece was a good character and so were others but Sam just annoyed me.

I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Aviar Savijon.
1,220 reviews20 followers
September 21, 2016
I just finished reading this very intense, suspenseful murder mystery. As this slowly and methodical investigation independent of the Canadian police unfolds, there are many questions, was it murder, was it a dim whited accident? the back story of all involved is one of the best things that can lead the reader to many incorrect conclusions if you are not on your toes. A masterfully written tale that yes should be a movie or TV series. A must read for those that enjoy a great crime drama or murder mystery
333 reviews
September 6, 2017
Red Rover

This was an exciting third book in the series. Right up to the end I didn't know who the killer was. This rarely happens as I can usually figure out the killer. This book is again about Sam McNamara the PI and Reece her significant other who also works with Sam as a PI. They need to try and prove the innocence of Roger who is Sam's childhood friend and a psychiatrist. He's accused of killing Graham, the husband of his lover Brenda. The story is full of twists and turns and evil children. I gave it 5 stars for the fantastic story line, editing and proofreading. I would recommend this four series set to anyone.
Profile Image for Robin Dixon.
21 reviews9 followers
April 19, 2017
Quite possibly one of the best books I've ever read!!!
Profile Image for Joseph Hirsch.
Author 50 books132 followers
December 1, 2016
This is the third book I've read by Fraser, and it's by far her best. The characters are more developed than in previous outings, and while the cast is as large as in her first "Perdition Games" book, she has grown more expert at juggling all the moving parts. As always, Fraser is masterful at creating ambivalent characters, so nuanced and real that you find yourself hating them on one page, forgiving them on the next, and then sympathizing with them in the following chapter. This is not an easy feat, nor is it a common skill.

"Red Rover" follows Sam McNamara as she investigates a suspicious death ruled a homicide, that may or may not involve a childhood friend of hers. The book moves at a slow burn (this is, I believe, the longest of the three books in the series), but the pace is one of inexorable dread rather than tedium. The tension mounts, the suspense ratchets, and I wasn't sure until the last few pages who the murderer was. Without giving any spoilers away, I'm relieved to say that a sequel may very well be in the works.

Thriller/non-supernatural suspense is not really my favorite genre, but I'll make an exception for this series. It's a minor point to make here, but I should add that the fact that the work is set in Canada and that Fraser herself is Canadian lends the work more verisimilitude. I don't read much modern suspense, and nary a book in the genre (outside this series) from the Great White North. Highest recommendation.
Profile Image for Denise.
1,771 reviews24 followers
September 7, 2016
I absolutely love the 'Perdition Games' series. 'Red Rover' blew me away with the storyline. An incredibly creative psychological thrilling suspense. The was the story played out had me glued to the pages. The twists were unexpected and yet, I saw how they were a huge part of bringing the chaos into focus. The psychological aspect delivered so many possibilities as to how arrogance, grudges, narcissistic tendencies and good old investigating intertwined. The characters were superbly portrayed. Sam and Reece were such a great team. They make the best leads. Throw in some death threats, near death experiences and a lot of twisted logic and you have an amazing story. I can't wait to read more. A must add to your tbr list. Definitely a recommended read.
Profile Image for Kim Page.
321 reviews15 followers
September 28, 2016
I love L.E. Fraser's books every thriller I read is just that...thrilling from one page to the next and Red Rover did NOT disappoint!!! WOW
Every character was incredibly complex in their own right and never dull!! AND the plot was just filled with exciting twists and turns some being very unexpected! I loved it! Whether you are a fan of this author or new to this author Red Rover, Perdition Games is a MUST READ!!!
151 reviews6 followers
September 12, 2016
I have recived a free copy from Story Cartel in exchange of my review. The story cougth you since the begining and you can't leave it until you finish it. Great characters, a marvelous thriller, highly recomended.
Profile Image for Trina.
828 reviews9 followers
December 23, 2016
I received this arc from Netgalley.

Great read! A new author for me to add to my favorites list. Lots of excitement and twists galore keeps you riveted. Definitely recommended!
Profile Image for Tina Marking.
191 reviews8 followers
April 6, 2017
Another new author for me. Intense. Creepy. Will read more books in the series.
Profile Image for Sandy.
1,005 reviews16 followers
April 18, 2017
Red River, Perdition Games

Wonderful psychological thriller with so many suspects that the readers will not solve this one until the very end. Great writing and characters are believable. The story leaves the readers looking forward to the next installment.
Profile Image for Barrie.
76 reviews2 followers
April 3, 2017
This author is awesome!

Kept me guessing to the very end! I read the book all at one time, that's how captivating it was! Getting ready to read his second book. Don't miss this great read!
Profile Image for Edward.
14 reviews
May 29, 2017
Let the author take you for a ride.
Profile Image for Alicia Huxtable.
1,906 reviews60 followers
August 2, 2018
Wow

This book had me hook, line and sinker. I was certain I knew who, what, when and how.......But I knew nothing. And the slap in the face wasn't what I was expecting
110 reviews
April 2, 2017
Excellent story

I absolutely loved this book. I dtarted it and couldn't put it down til I rrad the last page. I couldn't figure out the suspect either. I thought I did several times. But Not. Its a very exciting story with great characters!
Profile Image for Dawn Duval.
28 reviews
April 14, 2017
Keeps you guessing.

I found this book to keep me guessing up to the very end. The plot twists and turns kept me switching who I thought the killer or killers were and even at the end, you still were not 100 percent sure if the evidence was correct or if the psychopath would fool all the professionals and get away with everything and be released back into society soon.



Profile Image for Jean.
470 reviews72 followers
February 5, 2017
Actual Rating: 3.5 out of 5 Stars

After reading some reviews and finding out this is #3 in a series, it makes sense now that while I was reading the book, I kept thinking "I'm missing something, there has to be a book before this". There are 2 main characters: Sam and Reece. Sam has 5 childhood friends: Roger, Lisa, Jim, Abigail and Talia. When introducing the characters in the story, the author does not give any background on any of them and there is no character development. They are all self-centered and unlikable. The story itself was a good psychological whodunnit thriller.

Thanks to NetGalley and L.E. Fraser for an arc of 'Red Rover, Perdition Games' in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Kate.
688 reviews18 followers
September 26, 2022
Red Rover by L. E. Fraser is a gripping story that will keep you guessing "who done it" until the very end. This is a story that is full of suspense, suspicions, twists, turns and mystery. The plot and characters are well developed. This is story that will keep you up at night.

I must admit, I did put this book aside and I'm sorry that I did not read it back when I purchased it, but I always review every book that I read and I must say, this book is worth reading. It is scary and fascinating at the same time. It certainly will keep you guessing and hold your attention. Enjoy.
Profile Image for Brandy.
415 reviews46 followers
October 8, 2017
People are not always what they seem; they wear masks, hide their true desires and intentions. An ex-football player is murdered in cold blood - Sam and Reece take the case to find the killer. But the killer is closer than they think! 5 stars for yet another delicious and divine read by L.E. Fraser that left me wanting more!
80 reviews1 follower
May 6, 2018
This series gets better with each book!

l read the first book in this series 5 days ago and I have binge-read this series in 5 days. This series is just that good! Each book gets even better than the one before it, if that's even possible because they are all amazing! I can't wait to start the next one!
Profile Image for Heather Plante.
6 reviews
May 11, 2017
Wow, kept me guessing til the end

This book is extremely well written. It slips you into a comfort zone then grabs you by the throat and takes you for a wild ride. Fantastic characters and just enough quirks to keep you guessing til the end. Loved it!
260 reviews
May 12, 2017
Well written, spooky mystery

I gve this book a 3 star rating because it was well written but I am not fond of the open-ended way the book finished. I dislike books that leave me hanging. I read for pleasure and do not enjoy unresolved endings.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews

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