What do you think?
Rate this book
Dan Sharp Mystery #5
The God Game: A Dan Sharp Mystery
Private investigator Dan Sharp finds himself caught up in a political murder.
When the husband of a Queen’s Park aide runs off to escape his gambling debts, private investigator Dan Sharp is hired to track him down. As the city’s political landscape verges on the bizarre — with a crack-using mayor and a major scandal looming — Dan finds himself pitted against a mysterious figure known for making or breaking the reputations of upcoming politicians. It’s not until a body turns up on his doorstep that Dan realizes he’s being punished for sticking his nose into dirty politics. It’s left to him to catch the killer and prove his own innocence.
When the husband of a Queen’s Park aide runs off to escape his gambling debts, private investigator Dan Sharp is hired to track him down. As the city’s political landscape verges on the bizarre — with a crack-using mayor and a major scandal looming — Dan finds himself pitted against a mysterious figure known for making or breaking the reputations of upcoming politicians. It’s not until a body turns up on his doorstep that Dan realizes he’s being punished for sticking his nose into dirty politics. It’s left to him to catch the killer and prove his own innocence.
328 pages, Paperback
First published February 3, 2018
11 people are currently reading
356 people want to read
About the author
Jeffrey Round
26 books100 followersJeffrey Round is best known as the Lambda Award-winning author of two mystery series, the gritty DAN SHARP books, and the comic BRADFORD FAIRFAX books. He is also an award-winning filmmaker, television producer and song-writer.
SHADOW PUPPET, sixth in the Dan Sharp series, was published in 2019. Margaret Cannon of the Globe and Mail said, "...this is as good a whodunit as we will see this year." (26/4/19)
BON TON ROULET, fourth in the Bradford Fairfax mystery series, was published in 2017. In 2018, Jeffrey was invited by the William Faulkner Society to read from this book, along with mayor Mitch Landrieu and others, at the 300th anniversary of the founding of New Orleans.
His first novel, A CAGE OF BONES, was published by GMP (UK), topping bestseller lists around the world. The P-TOWN MURDERS, first in the Bradford Fairfax series, was published by the Haworth Press (US). Both titles were listed on AfterElton’s 50 Greatest Gay Books in 2008.
Jeffrey's ENDGAME was called a "brilliant recreation" of Agatha Christie's best-selling mystery AND THEN THERE WERE NONE, giving the original what one critic called a "punk-rock reboot." It was a best-selling e-book in the US in 2016.
SHADOW PUPPET, sixth in the Dan Sharp series, was published in 2019. Margaret Cannon of the Globe and Mail said, "...this is as good a whodunit as we will see this year." (26/4/19)
BON TON ROULET, fourth in the Bradford Fairfax mystery series, was published in 2017. In 2018, Jeffrey was invited by the William Faulkner Society to read from this book, along with mayor Mitch Landrieu and others, at the 300th anniversary of the founding of New Orleans.
His first novel, A CAGE OF BONES, was published by GMP (UK), topping bestseller lists around the world. The P-TOWN MURDERS, first in the Bradford Fairfax series, was published by the Haworth Press (US). Both titles were listed on AfterElton’s 50 Greatest Gay Books in 2008.
Jeffrey's ENDGAME was called a "brilliant recreation" of Agatha Christie's best-selling mystery AND THEN THERE WERE NONE, giving the original what one critic called a "punk-rock reboot." It was a best-selling e-book in the US in 2016.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
Read
December 31, 2017My mystery reading taste skews firmly toward the cozy, with a few exceptions. Jeffrey Round, a Canadian author, writes one of those exceptions.
Dan Sharp is a gay detective, an independent investigator, who is on the verge of getting married. He's reluctant for reasons he has difficulty parsing (except that he's always had bad luck in his relationships) though he wants to spend the rest of his life with Nick, his partner, who is a cop.
But he hasn't time to get things organized because a case begins taking up all his time. An official high in the local government comes to him and offers him a sizable amount of money to find his husband before the news media splashes it all over.
Tracking the vanished husband begins to connect with a murder disguised as suicide . . .
At the very beginning, Round writes about how, when he developed the story, it seemed way out there, but recent news events (especially on this side of the border, as well as Canadian corruption high up) have made his seemingly out-there story pretty much par for the course.
Round writes in tight, vivid prose, developing complicated characters, in particular Dan's troubled past and his emotional struggles, with hints of Nick's having to deal with prejudice in the police force. Counter to that are Dan's friends, specifically Donny, who brings some sparkle to the complications of gray, and Dan's excellent son and ex-wife, who remind us that good people exist. There's a terrific sense of place, with a delicious overlay of history to give dimension to the setting.
All along are knife-sharp insights into human nature, especially with respect to love and power, written with enough of a veneer of free indirect discourse so as to mostly mask the author behind the immersive third person POV. When one does glimpse the author, the effect is more cautionary than preachy as these interludes are quite short, and always arise out of Dan Sharp's quest for the truth.
I did guess the villain ahead of Dan Sharp. Maybe I was supposed to, because it added to the suspense, creating a sense of tension that I think equalled the impact of surprise. If not surpassed it.
Anyway, an absorbing read from an author I mean to keep an eye on.
Copy provided by NetGalley
Dan Sharp is a gay detective, an independent investigator, who is on the verge of getting married. He's reluctant for reasons he has difficulty parsing (except that he's always had bad luck in his relationships) though he wants to spend the rest of his life with Nick, his partner, who is a cop.
But he hasn't time to get things organized because a case begins taking up all his time. An official high in the local government comes to him and offers him a sizable amount of money to find his husband before the news media splashes it all over.
Tracking the vanished husband begins to connect with a murder disguised as suicide . . .
At the very beginning, Round writes about how, when he developed the story, it seemed way out there, but recent news events (especially on this side of the border, as well as Canadian corruption high up) have made his seemingly out-there story pretty much par for the course.
Round writes in tight, vivid prose, developing complicated characters, in particular Dan's troubled past and his emotional struggles, with hints of Nick's having to deal with prejudice in the police force. Counter to that are Dan's friends, specifically Donny, who brings some sparkle to the complications of gray, and Dan's excellent son and ex-wife, who remind us that good people exist. There's a terrific sense of place, with a delicious overlay of history to give dimension to the setting.
All along are knife-sharp insights into human nature, especially with respect to love and power, written with enough of a veneer of free indirect discourse so as to mostly mask the author behind the immersive third person POV. When one does glimpse the author, the effect is more cautionary than preachy as these interludes are quite short, and always arise out of Dan Sharp's quest for the truth.
I did guess the villain ahead of Dan Sharp. Maybe I was supposed to, because it added to the suspense, creating a sense of tension that I think equalled the impact of surprise. If not surpassed it.
Anyway, an absorbing read from an author I mean to keep an eye on.
Copy provided by NetGalley
March 29, 2019
31st Annual Lambda Literary Award Finalist
The book #5 in Dan Sharp Mystery Series was my second book in the series. You can read it also as a stand alone.
I remember that I enjoyed the previous sequel (that you could also read as a stand alone), and I remember that I wanted to read more of the series. To my astonishment, I didn't know what the previous book was about. I remember that the mystery was good and that I admired Dan for his exceptional detective skills, but I didn't remember it in details as well as the fact that Dan had a cop boyfriend. It is embarrassing somehow, because in The God Game: A Dan Sharp Mystery Dan and Nick plan to get married, presumably their relationship was an essential part of the plot in the previous book. But you see, it is what I meant- you don't need to read previous books to understand what's going on here.
Dan's new client is a openly gay high-profile politician who hires Dan to find his missing husband.
The disappearance of Tony Moran that looks like an argument over money at the beginning turns into a spectacular political case full of political intrigues, maneuvering and criminal activities at the highest level. This case brings not only Dan in danger, but puts the relationship of a PI and his fiance to the hard test.
If you enjoy political thrillers, you'll like it. If you follow the Dan Sharp Mystery series, you shouldn't miss it. Jeffrey Round has a solid writing style that is pleasant to read, but that though doesn't deliver a wow-effect. It was a quick entertaining read that only confirmed my feeling about politics as a dirty business. Of course I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.
***Copy provided kindly by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review***
The book #5 in Dan Sharp Mystery Series was my second book in the series. You can read it also as a stand alone.
I remember that I enjoyed the previous sequel (that you could also read as a stand alone), and I remember that I wanted to read more of the series. To my astonishment, I didn't know what the previous book was about. I remember that the mystery was good and that I admired Dan for his exceptional detective skills, but I didn't remember it in details as well as the fact that Dan had a cop boyfriend. It is embarrassing somehow, because in The God Game: A Dan Sharp Mystery Dan and Nick plan to get married, presumably their relationship was an essential part of the plot in the previous book. But you see, it is what I meant- you don't need to read previous books to understand what's going on here.
Dan's new client is a openly gay high-profile politician who hires Dan to find his missing husband.
The disappearance of Tony Moran that looks like an argument over money at the beginning turns into a spectacular political case full of political intrigues, maneuvering and criminal activities at the highest level. This case brings not only Dan in danger, but puts the relationship of a PI and his fiance to the hard test.
If you enjoy political thrillers, you'll like it. If you follow the Dan Sharp Mystery series, you shouldn't miss it. Jeffrey Round has a solid writing style that is pleasant to read, but that though doesn't deliver a wow-effect. It was a quick entertaining read that only confirmed my feeling about politics as a dirty business. Of course I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.
***Copy provided kindly by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review***
February 12, 2018
I've read all the books in this series and I enjoyed this one the most. Dan Sharp is a complex character who is his own worst enemy. It's taken him years to get comfortable in his skin and I'm happy to say he's finally making progress. If you're a fan of this series, don't miss this new addition. Recommended.
January 28, 2019
I enjoyed this but not as much as the earlier books in this series. I think this is because this mystery focuses on Candian politics and I don't really understand the ins and outs of the Canadian political system. Despite this I enjoyed the story because of the richness of the characters and the fact that I wanted to see how the pieces would all fit together in the end.
I really like this series because Dan Sharp is a very real character with flaws, strengths and a past. I love his determination and his friends, family and love life. I think all these aspects of his character add to the way the mysteries unfold. The writing in this series is good and the pace of the story is just right.
The most important aspect of any mystery story for me is that I don't want to be able to guess who 'did it'. I like to keep thinking until the very end because the big reveal at the end is always the climax of the story for me. In this series I am always guessing right until the very end and this makes for a very satisfying reading experience.
This is definitely one mystery series that I will stick with.
Copy provided by publishers via Netgalley in exchange for an unbiased review.
I really like this series because Dan Sharp is a very real character with flaws, strengths and a past. I love his determination and his friends, family and love life. I think all these aspects of his character add to the way the mysteries unfold. The writing in this series is good and the pace of the story is just right.
The most important aspect of any mystery story for me is that I don't want to be able to guess who 'did it'. I like to keep thinking until the very end because the big reveal at the end is always the climax of the story for me. In this series I am always guessing right until the very end and this makes for a very satisfying reading experience.
This is definitely one mystery series that I will stick with.
Copy provided by publishers via Netgalley in exchange for an unbiased review.
November 18, 2017
The best Dan Sharp yet!
March 8, 2018
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for an advance reading copy of this book. The views expressed are my own.
This is a suspense mystery story set in modern day Toronto, Canada. Dan Savage is a gay private investigator who is hired by Paul, an ambitious local politician, to find his gambling-addicted husband, Tony. The only lead he can give Dan is a list of Tony's gaming haunts. At one of them Dan finds someone who recently saw Tony there recklessly gambling away large sums of money. This was after Paul had cut off Tony's money supply, which of course raises questions about where Tony got the money. Dan finds a link between Tony and a politician who later died under suspicious circumstances when he was accused of embezzling funds. Questions are raised about whether it was actually murder rather than suicide.
Dan's inquiry catches the attention of an investigative news reporter who seems to have an inside track on some goings on at Queen's Park (the seat of the Ontario provincial government). There was a political scandal there over the closing of some power generating plants.These are linked to a shadowy backroom political operative known only as "The Magus". No one admits to knowing his or her actual identity. The reporter offers to share his information with Dan on a reciprocal basis, but he subsequently proves to be an unreliable ally. Dan calls on his contacts and previous experience to find out about Tony's whereabouts. He attracts unwanted and dangerous attention to himself, and as a warning a dead body is dumped on his doorstep.
There's a lot going on in Dan's personal life apart from the search for Tony. Dan and his romantic partner, Nick, a Toronto police officer, are planning their wedding with all the attendant stress and expense. Dan's investigation is a further source of friction between Dan and Nick. Nick correctly fears that Dan is unnecessarily putting himself in harm's way to investigate Tony's disappearance. Dan is mugged on his way to a meeting with someone who has information about Tony. Dan's personal story is actually more interesting than the disappearance one.
This is the fifth in a series of Dan Savage novels. It can be read on a standalone basis without much difficulty. It seems that some of the characters are carryovers from the earlier books. Learning their backstories from the previous stories may enhance this story. Donny, one of Dan's closest gay friends, comes to mind in this respect.
The story telling moves along at a good pace and the author makes good use of Toronto landmarks as setting. There's a very spy thriller-like meeting at Toronto's waterfront aquarium. It's noteworthy that the story is set in Toronto at the time Mayor Rob Ford 's antics and the power generating plant shutdown were in the news. More local colour of interest to Canadian readers.
This is a suspense mystery story set in modern day Toronto, Canada. Dan Savage is a gay private investigator who is hired by Paul, an ambitious local politician, to find his gambling-addicted husband, Tony. The only lead he can give Dan is a list of Tony's gaming haunts. At one of them Dan finds someone who recently saw Tony there recklessly gambling away large sums of money. This was after Paul had cut off Tony's money supply, which of course raises questions about where Tony got the money. Dan finds a link between Tony and a politician who later died under suspicious circumstances when he was accused of embezzling funds. Questions are raised about whether it was actually murder rather than suicide.
Dan's inquiry catches the attention of an investigative news reporter who seems to have an inside track on some goings on at Queen's Park (the seat of the Ontario provincial government). There was a political scandal there over the closing of some power generating plants.These are linked to a shadowy backroom political operative known only as "The Magus". No one admits to knowing his or her actual identity. The reporter offers to share his information with Dan on a reciprocal basis, but he subsequently proves to be an unreliable ally. Dan calls on his contacts and previous experience to find out about Tony's whereabouts. He attracts unwanted and dangerous attention to himself, and as a warning a dead body is dumped on his doorstep.
There's a lot going on in Dan's personal life apart from the search for Tony. Dan and his romantic partner, Nick, a Toronto police officer, are planning their wedding with all the attendant stress and expense. Dan's investigation is a further source of friction between Dan and Nick. Nick correctly fears that Dan is unnecessarily putting himself in harm's way to investigate Tony's disappearance. Dan is mugged on his way to a meeting with someone who has information about Tony. Dan's personal story is actually more interesting than the disappearance one.
This is the fifth in a series of Dan Savage novels. It can be read on a standalone basis without much difficulty. It seems that some of the characters are carryovers from the earlier books. Learning their backstories from the previous stories may enhance this story. Donny, one of Dan's closest gay friends, comes to mind in this respect.
The story telling moves along at a good pace and the author makes good use of Toronto landmarks as setting. There's a very spy thriller-like meeting at Toronto's waterfront aquarium. It's noteworthy that the story is set in Toronto at the time Mayor Rob Ford 's antics and the power generating plant shutdown were in the news. More local colour of interest to Canadian readers.
November 3, 2018
This was a disappointing read - too much irrelevant information/story and not enough clarity around the actual plot - for those of us not up on Canadian politics much of the plot was a mystery. On top of this the plot was unbelievable in parts, especially considering that the lead characters partner was a cop.
I was given a copy of this book by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I was given a copy of this book by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
January 31, 2018
I received The God Game by Jeffrey Round from Dundurn Press in a winter press package. This is not a typical read for me but I was intrigued by the fact that it was based in Toronto and around the era of when Rob Ford was the mayor (when Toronto was in the news alot for his scandals) and coincidentally that was also around the time I visited Toronto for the very first time so I did feel a connection through that. I was also a little leery because The God Game is the 5th book in the Dan Sharp mysteries and I clearly hadn't read any of the other ones but as I found out that didn't matter too much and you could probably pick up any of the 5 and read them as standalones.
*
I like Dan. I liked his story. He is a gay private investigator with a fiance who is a cop and he(Dan) has a heterosexual son going to school in B.C. and he does have a friendly relationship with the Syrian mother. Dan is curious and smart and obviously doesn't follow the rules. He always puts himself in danger quite frequently or finds himself in dangerous circumstances but there probably wouldn't be a story if he didn't.
*
So there is one other story that contributes to the plot other than it revolving around Dan solving a mystery; there's also Dan's relationship with Nick, his fiance. I enjoyed how Dan's relationship drama floated in and around the main focus of the story. I was very intrigued by their personal lives because they were interesting and because being gay in 2014 in Toronto had a different vibe as compared to 2018. I mean I guess I don't know a whole lot about the gay community in Toronto right now but I feel like it is more inclusive than it was even just a few years ago, at least that is the vibe I was getting from the book, that being gay was still something that was a bit hush hush especially in the political world. I liked Nick's character and thought the added drama complemented the story well.
*
The novel is centered around a political drama but I think Jeffrey Round did an excellent job of keeping it more entertaining than boring us with political details. This is a work of fiction but he still used the actual mayor of 2014 (Rob Ford) as the mayor in his novel but other political characters that appear are fictional (to my knowledge). What I did find interesting was that at the beginning of this book Jeffrey Round wrote an author's note that said he wasn't sure if anyone would believe something like this could happen in Canada as we have managed to avoid disasters in the news and comparatively to other countries...well, we're pretty tame. This I do agree with but I also think that a lot of scandals do happen, they just don't make it on the news for whatever reason.
*
I found the reading pace nice and easy since I wasn't bogged down with a ton of political details other than the occasional Conservative, Liberal or NDP tagline. The story was compelling as far as a mystery goes but I wouldn't say it was very suspenseful but I'm not sure if that was the angle he was going for anyways. I liked the ending and I like how Jeffrey Round wrote it, very fitting for the type of story and dilemma that was happening.
*
One of my favourite scenes was when Dan went to the Ripley's Aquarium (beside the CN Tower) to meet another character and they were on the moving sidewalk looking at all the sea creatures (there are a lot of various sharks!). I was smiling while reading this part because I was physically there and have done that!! I thought it was neat that he added that scene in!
*
Yes I do recommend! But again if you like more suspenseful mysteries this may not be for you, but it is thought provoking and makes you wonder about the real world political scandals that occur and what's "fudged" and what not. And yes you read about Dan and Nick's relationship and it's cute but not super romance-y, I'd say it's very discreet. But I do encourage others to read this and I enjoyed the book enough that I will try to pick up the rest of Dan Sharp's mysteries or some of his other works!
*
I like Dan. I liked his story. He is a gay private investigator with a fiance who is a cop and he(Dan) has a heterosexual son going to school in B.C. and he does have a friendly relationship with the Syrian mother. Dan is curious and smart and obviously doesn't follow the rules. He always puts himself in danger quite frequently or finds himself in dangerous circumstances but there probably wouldn't be a story if he didn't.
*
So there is one other story that contributes to the plot other than it revolving around Dan solving a mystery; there's also Dan's relationship with Nick, his fiance. I enjoyed how Dan's relationship drama floated in and around the main focus of the story. I was very intrigued by their personal lives because they were interesting and because being gay in 2014 in Toronto had a different vibe as compared to 2018. I mean I guess I don't know a whole lot about the gay community in Toronto right now but I feel like it is more inclusive than it was even just a few years ago, at least that is the vibe I was getting from the book, that being gay was still something that was a bit hush hush especially in the political world. I liked Nick's character and thought the added drama complemented the story well.
*
The novel is centered around a political drama but I think Jeffrey Round did an excellent job of keeping it more entertaining than boring us with political details. This is a work of fiction but he still used the actual mayor of 2014 (Rob Ford) as the mayor in his novel but other political characters that appear are fictional (to my knowledge). What I did find interesting was that at the beginning of this book Jeffrey Round wrote an author's note that said he wasn't sure if anyone would believe something like this could happen in Canada as we have managed to avoid disasters in the news and comparatively to other countries...well, we're pretty tame. This I do agree with but I also think that a lot of scandals do happen, they just don't make it on the news for whatever reason.
*
I found the reading pace nice and easy since I wasn't bogged down with a ton of political details other than the occasional Conservative, Liberal or NDP tagline. The story was compelling as far as a mystery goes but I wouldn't say it was very suspenseful but I'm not sure if that was the angle he was going for anyways. I liked the ending and I like how Jeffrey Round wrote it, very fitting for the type of story and dilemma that was happening.
*
One of my favourite scenes was when Dan went to the Ripley's Aquarium (beside the CN Tower) to meet another character and they were on the moving sidewalk looking at all the sea creatures (there are a lot of various sharks!). I was smiling while reading this part because I was physically there and have done that!! I thought it was neat that he added that scene in!
*
Yes I do recommend! But again if you like more suspenseful mysteries this may not be for you, but it is thought provoking and makes you wonder about the real world political scandals that occur and what's "fudged" and what not. And yes you read about Dan and Nick's relationship and it's cute but not super romance-y, I'd say it's very discreet. But I do encourage others to read this and I enjoyed the book enough that I will try to pick up the rest of Dan Sharp's mysteries or some of his other works!
January 4, 2018
This was my first exposure to a Dan Sharp mystery, so I could tell that I was jumping into the middle of a story, but it was easy to follow.
Overall, I liked this book. The characters are decently complex and there are a good number of twists and turns throughout the book. Admittedly, I figured out part of the major plot twist early on in the book. Not completely, but a good chunk of it.
The basic plot involves the alleged suicide of a Canadian politician and the missing husband of another political insider. The crux of the story is figuring out if the two have something in common. And if they do, how do these two seemingly separate plot lines intersect? Interspersed are a myriad of colorful characters that help move the plot along.
The pacing of the book was really good for this type of mystery novel. If you like Richard Stevenson’s Donald Strachey novels (but are tired of reading about Albany, NY), then I would recommend giving this book a read.
Overall, I liked this book. The characters are decently complex and there are a good number of twists and turns throughout the book. Admittedly, I figured out part of the major plot twist early on in the book. Not completely, but a good chunk of it.
The basic plot involves the alleged suicide of a Canadian politician and the missing husband of another political insider. The crux of the story is figuring out if the two have something in common. And if they do, how do these two seemingly separate plot lines intersect? Interspersed are a myriad of colorful characters that help move the plot along.
The pacing of the book was really good for this type of mystery novel. If you like Richard Stevenson’s Donald Strachey novels (but are tired of reading about Albany, NY), then I would recommend giving this book a read.
April 15, 2018
Dan Sharp's solving another mystery, becoming embroiled in political intrigue and skirting the career makers and breakers in the halls of power in Toronto. But the real heart of the book is Sharp's engagement to his boyfriend, a Toronto cop. Also mixed in is his relationship to his son Kedrick, who is just about to graduate from university. God Game is thus a mix of personal growth, quietly building intrigue, and a cross-section of colourful characters Sharp encounters along the way. My personal favourite, Donny, Dan's best friend, remains constant in not tolerating any of the private eye's B.S. Sharp endures as a complex character with many layers and emotional issues, from his battle with staying a sober alcoholic to daring to trust another man with his heart. Round once again deftly demonstrates why the Dan Sharp series sings. It's a mix of mystery, compelling characters, intrigue and astute literary observations.
January 23, 2019
Just discovered Jeffrey Round’s Dan Sharp mystery series when I read The God Game, the latest book in a series that has already won the Lambda Award. The God Game is a dynamite read replete with political intrigue as well as the personal relationships of the gay private eye, Daniel Sharp. Set in Toronto in almost contemporary time, it is full of reminders of recent history. When the Legislative Assembly was described as “a giant mouth that never stopped talking” I burst out laughing. There were many references that evoked situations I remembered in recent Toronto and Ontario politics that underlie a masterfully told invented mystery. It is really a courageous look at so much that has gone wrong in our political systems. And a touching look into the life of the main character as it evolves over the course of the story.
January 24, 2018
How interesting! Round has blended a really neat detective in Dan Sharp with a political scandal. Canadian politics can sometimes seem opaque (at least to me in the US)- not so here. Dan has been hired to find a missing husband of a high ranking politician but finds that there's a lot more going on that he expected. The nice part about this is that Dan's in the midst of planning a wedding with his partner Nick, a cop and that leavens the story just when the machinations get a bit much. I had not read the previous novels but was fine plunging in here. Thanks to Edelweiss for the ARC. You can read this as a thriller, a procedural, and or a political novel but however you categorize it, it's worth your time.
January 1, 2018
I won a copy of this book on goodreads in exchange for an honest review. I really enjoy reading Canadian based fiction, as I can get a clearer picture of the story as the setting is familiar. I normally don't read political mystrey fiction but I enjoyed this one. I liked the characters, though with this being a series I would recommend reading the books in order as it may flesh out some of the secondary characters that have reappeared from earlier books. If you like political, crime mysteries you will enjoy this book.
January 7, 2020
Usually political thrillers don't excite me, but this one quite did so. Probably the added interest for me of the strong LGBT element, and likely the foundation of Conspiracy Theory had me salivating like Pavlov's experimental dogs. Then too, the story is well-written, a real puzzler; and the "hard-boiled" Noir P.I. protagonist isn't--isn't hard-boiled, I mean, until somebody in power attempts to shut him down, and then he's all Terminator. Well, mostly.
I anticipate reading all the mysteries in this series (this is Dan Sharp Mysteries #5).
I anticipate reading all the mysteries in this series (this is Dan Sharp Mysteries #5).
March 6, 2023
The God Game (Dan Sharp 5)
By Jeffrey Round
Dundurn Press, 2018
Five stars
These books just keep getting better. Or maybe I just keep getting pulled deeper into them and their richly drawn characters. Jeffrey Round is a wonderful writer.
The key word in this tense, tender and (as always) intelligent book is trust. The central motif in the twisted plot arc is a murder misinterpreted as a suicide, focused on a disgraced political figure who did nothing wrong. I was highly interested that the author decided to make this about Ontario provincial politics (read: state politics in, say, New York or New Jersey or California). Inspired (if that’s the right word) by a real Canadian political scandal, Jeffrey Round’s study of the underbelly of Toronto’s political machine is the embodiment of distrust and mistrust.
Dan Sharp, on the other hand, trusts his son, Kedrick, now about to graduate from university in Vancouver. Ked trusts his father. They both trust Ked’s mother Kendra. Dan – to my delight and surprise – trusts his now long-time boyfriend, Nick, the cop from the last book who turned out to be trustworthy. In fact, there’s a wedding afoot, which is given just enough attention to make it funny. Dan also trusts his best friend Donny, and Donny’s boyfriend Prabin, and Donny’s adopted son Lester.
The point of all this trust, I realized, is to contrast vividly – painfully – with the lack of trust that politicians, even supposedly “good ones,” deserve. As benign as we trust-deprived Americans think Canada is, we’re in for a shot of dark reality. I have to say I rather love it that the deepest fear and/or goal of the politicians in this book is that Canada will end up being more like the USA. Perish the thought.
The plot twists and surprises are plentiful here, and this book is as much of a page-turner as these generally rather low-key books can be. Since we all seem to living in something of an age of despair these days, Round manages to hold onto a remarkably positive attitude as a writer, a profound belief that things will turn out OK in the end.
The mournfulness I felt in the last book is till there, because Dan Sharp is a melancholy kind of guy. The saving grace is the love he feels that we can’t help but see in his character. As mistrustful as he is because of the horror of his own childhood, Dan wants to trust and be trusted; but sometimes cannot quite believe that he deserves either one. A visit to his former lover Trevor toward the end of the book reminds us that Dan did nothing wrong in that relationship. He also forgets that it wasn’t his fault, and I loved how the author used this gentle scene to set up the quiet finale that all but had me in tears.
By Jeffrey Round
Dundurn Press, 2018
Five stars
These books just keep getting better. Or maybe I just keep getting pulled deeper into them and their richly drawn characters. Jeffrey Round is a wonderful writer.
The key word in this tense, tender and (as always) intelligent book is trust. The central motif in the twisted plot arc is a murder misinterpreted as a suicide, focused on a disgraced political figure who did nothing wrong. I was highly interested that the author decided to make this about Ontario provincial politics (read: state politics in, say, New York or New Jersey or California). Inspired (if that’s the right word) by a real Canadian political scandal, Jeffrey Round’s study of the underbelly of Toronto’s political machine is the embodiment of distrust and mistrust.
Dan Sharp, on the other hand, trusts his son, Kedrick, now about to graduate from university in Vancouver. Ked trusts his father. They both trust Ked’s mother Kendra. Dan – to my delight and surprise – trusts his now long-time boyfriend, Nick, the cop from the last book who turned out to be trustworthy. In fact, there’s a wedding afoot, which is given just enough attention to make it funny. Dan also trusts his best friend Donny, and Donny’s boyfriend Prabin, and Donny’s adopted son Lester.
The point of all this trust, I realized, is to contrast vividly – painfully – with the lack of trust that politicians, even supposedly “good ones,” deserve. As benign as we trust-deprived Americans think Canada is, we’re in for a shot of dark reality. I have to say I rather love it that the deepest fear and/or goal of the politicians in this book is that Canada will end up being more like the USA. Perish the thought.
The plot twists and surprises are plentiful here, and this book is as much of a page-turner as these generally rather low-key books can be. Since we all seem to living in something of an age of despair these days, Round manages to hold onto a remarkably positive attitude as a writer, a profound belief that things will turn out OK in the end.
The mournfulness I felt in the last book is till there, because Dan Sharp is a melancholy kind of guy. The saving grace is the love he feels that we can’t help but see in his character. As mistrustful as he is because of the horror of his own childhood, Dan wants to trust and be trusted; but sometimes cannot quite believe that he deserves either one. A visit to his former lover Trevor toward the end of the book reminds us that Dan did nothing wrong in that relationship. He also forgets that it wasn’t his fault, and I loved how the author used this gentle scene to set up the quiet finale that all but had me in tears.
May 27, 2018
Originally published on my blog: Nonstop Reader.
The God Game is Jeffrey Round's 5th mystery featuring Canadian P.I. Dan Sharp. This series is a little more gritty and modern than the bulk of the series I read and review, but the Dan Sharp books are consistent winners and great reads, so I make an exception.
I have enjoyed the characters' development over the course of the series and the author has a deft hand with foreshadowing and planning. In the forward, Jeffrey Round says that as he wrote the book, he feared it would be too over the top and unbelievable but that as time went on, the political landscape in the USA and Canada made it more of a realistically cautionary tale than pure fiction.
Although the book is brutal and gritty in places, the violence is never gratuitous and always serves to move the plot along and provide a counterpoint to the more personal and emotional side of the narrative.
It's a fairly substantial (335 page) book and is very well written. It could definitely be read as a standalone, all the necessary background info is provided without feeling forced or unnatural. Published by Dundurn and released on Feb, 2018 in ebook and paperback formats.
Four stars, I think this one is my favorite in the series thus far.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
The God Game is Jeffrey Round's 5th mystery featuring Canadian P.I. Dan Sharp. This series is a little more gritty and modern than the bulk of the series I read and review, but the Dan Sharp books are consistent winners and great reads, so I make an exception.
I have enjoyed the characters' development over the course of the series and the author has a deft hand with foreshadowing and planning. In the forward, Jeffrey Round says that as he wrote the book, he feared it would be too over the top and unbelievable but that as time went on, the political landscape in the USA and Canada made it more of a realistically cautionary tale than pure fiction.
Although the book is brutal and gritty in places, the violence is never gratuitous and always serves to move the plot along and provide a counterpoint to the more personal and emotional side of the narrative.
It's a fairly substantial (335 page) book and is very well written. It could definitely be read as a standalone, all the necessary background info is provided without feeling forced or unnatural. Published by Dundurn and released on Feb, 2018 in ebook and paperback formats.
Four stars, I think this one is my favorite in the series thus far.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
August 15, 2019
The first quarter (half?) of this book was pretty good. There was some promising political intrigue, wedding planning, missing person, piles of cash, gambling, and a murder staged as a suicide.
At one point we were introduced to the Toronto rap community, which was presented in a shallow, stereotypical way that was just unpleasant to read.
Then our protagonist made a string of unbelievably bad decisions, like farcically ludicrous life choices. Before finally solving the case basically by accident.
Three starts is a stretch, but I’m rounding up for the snarky comments about Canadian politics.
At one point we were introduced to the Toronto rap community, which was presented in a shallow, stereotypical way that was just unpleasant to read.
Then our protagonist made a string of unbelievably bad decisions, like farcically ludicrous life choices. Before finally solving the case basically by accident.
Three starts is a stretch, but I’m rounding up for the snarky comments about Canadian politics.
January 7, 2018
The mystery was good, and the political machinations were all too realistic even in Toronto. Though with all the real-world political drama these days, I personally prefer the more escapist personal type mysteries (like Lake on the Mountain, the only other Dan Sharp book I've read) than reading about political mysteries. But what I loved the most in this book was the personal aspect of Dan's life and his wedding planning then relationship issues with Nick, which all felt very real and relatable, and really made me feel for the characters.
November 12, 2019
By all accounts, at least from Jeffrey Round's "The God Game," The Deep State is as much a threat in Canada as in the USA. Dan Sharpe was against the mighty, corrupt political system to expose several murders. It proved to be a fascinating read. Although, Dan's love life, still proved to be equally troubling. I was for sure, at least for awhile, that Dan was out to muck up another relationship; this time with Police Officer named Nick. But, fortunately, in the end, they both "kissed and made up."
March 25, 2021
3.5/4*
Political machinations - and whilst I don’t know much about Canadian politics, the theme of corruption and puppeteers could belong anywhere.
Once again looking for a misper, Dan gets dragged into seedier goings on and continues to rush into danger quite recklessly.
I did get lost a few times, espec with Mrs Wilkens - not sure which one was even now.
Political machinations - and whilst I don’t know much about Canadian politics, the theme of corruption and puppeteers could belong anywhere.
Once again looking for a misper, Dan gets dragged into seedier goings on and continues to rush into danger quite recklessly.
I did get lost a few times, espec with Mrs Wilkens - not sure which one was even now.
October 18, 2024
I am hooked on the Dan Sharp mystery train. Set in Toronto, parts of this seem familiar in a good way. The romance part of it simmers in the back ground and the difficulties ring true. The author grants these couples the possibility of failure like real people do, so that's nice. Can you be sort of an alcoholic? Hmm. Not buying that so much. Fathers and family and priorities and poor choices, that rings true. A solid mystery with likeable characters, at least some of them are. Others are meant to be evil or at least seriously deluded. Which ones? Ahhh.
January 23, 2018
Who would have expected the Canadian political scene to provide such an interesting crime story?
I really enjoyed this book and I have found a new detective series to add to my must-read list. The main character, Dan Sharp, is a well-written and complex persona, the plot is engaging enough to make this a finish-in-one-night read and the story is exceptionally well-paced. A good mystery that I recommend!
I won a copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway for this honest review.
I really enjoyed this book and I have found a new detective series to add to my must-read list. The main character, Dan Sharp, is a well-written and complex persona, the plot is engaging enough to make this a finish-in-one-night read and the story is exceptionally well-paced. A good mystery that I recommend!
I won a copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway for this honest review.
March 15, 2018
Politics. Drugs. Gambling. These themes interweave in The God Game by Jeffrey Round to spell out a story that is well played out in and around the Toronto setting. And when you infuse an extra element of murder into the mix, the intelligent mystery novel takes on an intriguing tale that is totally unputdownable.
Review: http://sukasareads.blogspot.ca/2018/0...
Review: http://sukasareads.blogspot.ca/2018/0...
April 30, 2022
Thoroughly enjoyed this story of Dan and Nick trying to plan their wedding while Dan gets embroiled in a case involving the greed and lust for power at Queen's Park. Lots of good relationship challenges and growth and acceptance of what we grew up with, coming to understand a father's worries which led to cold abuse. Couldn't put it down for a day.
March 4, 2018
Great story. Need to think how much to give away in review.
NB. This is a mystery with a gay lead. He is in a relationship but said relationship is very much on the backburner and not a massive part of the story. Just thought I should differentiate between a mystery/romance.
NB. This is a mystery with a gay lead. He is in a relationship but said relationship is very much on the backburner and not a massive part of the story. Just thought I should differentiate between a mystery/romance.
April 3, 2020
Oops did not realize this was book 5. I'm interested enough to check out the first one--I do enjoy a mystery series I can get through quickly--but the political intrigue in this was too convoluted for me, so if that's the tenor of all the mysteries, this series probably isn't for me.
July 17, 2020
This is a good series that will appeal to anyone who likes gay fiction or simply a change of pace mystery. The characters are well developed & strong themes of family, friendship & work life conflicts weave together to form a strong backdrop for all of the books in this series.
July 2, 2019
takes place after mystery 6
September 5, 2024
Great novel! My first Jeffrey Round.
May 9, 2018
I have enjoyed all of the books in this series so far but I was a little distracted with this one. I borrowed it on vacation and it got returned to the library before I finished it, so I had to wait a month or so to get it again and had a gap in the middle.
I found the politics too confusing, the book was a little too hard boiled. I really don't need spies and CSIS in my reading, but that's just me.
Another issue is when you get to like the characters you don't want anything bad to happen to them. Like on Schitt's Creek, you just want David and his boyfriend to stay together and sing songs to each other, you like them too much. You don't want to see them fight or have real problems. Kind of the same thing here with Dan Sharp. Though that doesn't make for a good plot.
So I'm conflicted on this title, and speaking of title, no idea why it's called the God Game.
I found the politics too confusing, the book was a little too hard boiled. I really don't need spies and CSIS in my reading, but that's just me.
Another issue is when you get to like the characters you don't want anything bad to happen to them. Like on Schitt's Creek, you just want David and his boyfriend to stay together and sing songs to each other, you like them too much. You don't want to see them fight or have real problems. Kind of the same thing here with Dan Sharp. Though that doesn't make for a good plot.
So I'm conflicted on this title, and speaking of title, no idea why it's called the God Game.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews