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Detective Ruby Preston #3
Murder Game
To catch a killer, you must first think like one...
A serial killer is playing a twisted game of life or death with married women. After he captures them, a countdown begins. He marks the time by sending three disturbing images to their alive, tortured, dead.
When Detective Ruby Preston receives a new photograph of a terrified victim, she must try and work out where she is, before it’s too late.
But this isn’t the first time the police have seen such a sickening crime. The notorious Lonely Hearts Killer, Mason Gatley, was put behind bars ten years ago for murdering six women in exactly the same chilling way.
Desperate for more information, Ruby persuades her boyfriend, Nathan Crosby, to set up a dangerous meeting. But will the dark and charming Mason Gatley really help her catch the killer before someone else dies? Or will Ruby be the next victim?
A serial killer is playing a twisted game of life or death with married women. After he captures them, a countdown begins. He marks the time by sending three disturbing images to their alive, tortured, dead.
When Detective Ruby Preston receives a new photograph of a terrified victim, she must try and work out where she is, before it’s too late.
But this isn’t the first time the police have seen such a sickening crime. The notorious Lonely Hearts Killer, Mason Gatley, was put behind bars ten years ago for murdering six women in exactly the same chilling way.
Desperate for more information, Ruby persuades her boyfriend, Nathan Crosby, to set up a dangerous meeting. But will the dark and charming Mason Gatley really help her catch the killer before someone else dies? Or will Ruby be the next victim?
285 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 31, 2017
854 people are currently reading
949 people want to read
About the author
Caroline Mitchell
41 books2,164 followersNew York Times, USA Today, Washington Post and International #1 Bestselling Author. Shortlisted by the International Thriller Awards for best ebook 2017 and the Killer Nashville Best Police Procedural 2018.
** See all my books in order here: https://caroline-writes.com/books **
**Join my writing course here: https://www.caroline-mitchell.com **
Now available:
Amy Winter thriller series: https://geni.us/AmySeries
Slayton thriller series: https://geni.us/Slaytonseries
Jennifer Knight thriller series: https://geni.us/JKSeries
The Islanders psych thriller: https://geni.us/TheIslandersCM
The Village psych thriller: https://geni.us/thevillage
** See all my books in order here: https://caroline-writes.com/books **
**Join my writing course here: https://www.caroline-mitchell.com **
Now available:
Amy Winter thriller series: https://geni.us/AmySeries
Slayton thriller series: https://geni.us/Slaytonseries
Jennifer Knight thriller series: https://geni.us/JKSeries
The Islanders psych thriller: https://geni.us/TheIslandersCM
The Village psych thriller: https://geni.us/thevillage
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 166 reviews
October 25, 2017
I’m a big fan of Caroline Mitchell’s novels. She writes well, constructs good plots and draws strong characters so why did I feel a bit disengaged with this one? Maybe because the story centres around a copycat serial killer and that doesn’t feel that original anymore. The copycat killer follows the script of the original killer, now in jail and known as the Lonely Hearts killer. Instead of using a lonely hearts ad in the paper the new killer uses an internet dating site specially for married people who want that something special on the side. He otherwise follows the same script but his motives are quite different.
Mitchell’s DI Ruby Preston and her team do manage to solve this before there are too many bodies, which I liked. I also liked that this wasn’t all about Ruby’s personal life and family conflicts. She’s a strong character and her home life seems a lot more stable now that she has finally accepted her relationship with Nathan Crosby, member of a well known crime family with his own shady past and getting to know Cathy, the daughter they gave up at birth. The pacing is pretty fast as the detectives race to try and find victims from the clues sent by the killer and overall it is an enjoyable read in a great series, just maybe not my favourite so far, but that could just be me!
With thanks to Netgalley and the publisher Netgalley for a copy of the book to read and review
Mitchell’s DI Ruby Preston and her team do manage to solve this before there are too many bodies, which I liked. I also liked that this wasn’t all about Ruby’s personal life and family conflicts. She’s a strong character and her home life seems a lot more stable now that she has finally accepted her relationship with Nathan Crosby, member of a well known crime family with his own shady past and getting to know Cathy, the daughter they gave up at birth. The pacing is pretty fast as the detectives race to try and find victims from the clues sent by the killer and overall it is an enjoyable read in a great series, just maybe not my favourite so far, but that could just be me!
With thanks to Netgalley and the publisher Netgalley for a copy of the book to read and review
October 31, 2017
Murder Games is almost a straight up serial killer police procedural. Read that line with my hint of sadness as I subtract a star. I will get back to my reasoning.
D.S. Ruby Preston and her staff are assigned the case of a killer who is kidnapping women and keeping them alive in a London hotel for three days as he sends clues to where they are. He sends photos, then ring fingers, then a death photo to the cuckolded husband. Because you see, the killer has met these women through a web-site, Debauchery that promises them a night to remember; and he don't like a cheatin'heart.(sic)
An unfortunate aspect of these killings is they mirror, to most details, the killings of Mason Gatly who was dubbed The Lonely Heart killer. Sad isn’t it how these killers acquire nicknames that will stay with them forever, or even just their given names will be famous forever. But who can remember a victim’s name?
Ruby is on top of her game, she seems to be the only one keeping her cools as the bosses above her fall apart with the pressure. Stability in her personal life suits her.
Ruby’s gangsta’s connections allow her access to Gatly in prison where they play games to manipulate each other.
As usual Mitchell’s books proceed in a logical, mostly realistic fashion. They should, she was former CID. For some reason the writing, mostly dialogue, occasionally seemed stilted. I also think she misused a few words. I’m just going to blame the editor; it’s their job to catch these things.
Break-neck pace as the detectives really are on the clock to prevent more killings. This book is dark and exciting as Ruby proves she has the chops for it all.
Now, for the missing star, there is very little of Ruby’s gangsta boyfriend Nathan and his horror of a family. The stability Ruby is starting to find with Nathan, their daughter, and his monstrous family detracted from the story. I really missed the "sturm und drang" they added to the previous books. Or maybe I just wanted more Nathan in the story.
This is not to say Murder Games can’t be read as a standalone, it certainly can because Mitchell is very good as the summing up. This is a terrific series, if you get the chance, read them all.
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.
D.S. Ruby Preston and her staff are assigned the case of a killer who is kidnapping women and keeping them alive in a London hotel for three days as he sends clues to where they are. He sends photos, then ring fingers, then a death photo to the cuckolded husband. Because you see, the killer has met these women through a web-site, Debauchery that promises them a night to remember; and he don't like a cheatin'heart.(sic)
An unfortunate aspect of these killings is they mirror, to most details, the killings of Mason Gatly who was dubbed The Lonely Heart killer. Sad isn’t it how these killers acquire nicknames that will stay with them forever, or even just their given names will be famous forever. But who can remember a victim’s name?
Ruby is on top of her game, she seems to be the only one keeping her cools as the bosses above her fall apart with the pressure. Stability in her personal life suits her.
Ruby’s gangsta’s connections allow her access to Gatly in prison where they play games to manipulate each other.
As usual Mitchell’s books proceed in a logical, mostly realistic fashion. They should, she was former CID. For some reason the writing, mostly dialogue, occasionally seemed stilted. I also think she misused a few words. I’m just going to blame the editor; it’s their job to catch these things.
Break-neck pace as the detectives really are on the clock to prevent more killings. This book is dark and exciting as Ruby proves she has the chops for it all.
Now, for the missing star, there is very little of Ruby’s gangsta boyfriend Nathan and his horror of a family. The stability Ruby is starting to find with Nathan, their daughter, and his monstrous family detracted from the story. I really missed the "sturm und drang" they added to the previous books. Or maybe I just wanted more Nathan in the story.
This is not to say Murder Games can’t be read as a standalone, it certainly can because Mitchell is very good as the summing up. This is a terrific series, if you get the chance, read them all.
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.
October 24, 2017
Caroline Mitchell was a new author to me, although she's written 8 previous books. In fact, this is the third book in this series. It was not a problem that I hadn't read the prior two.
In this book DS Ruby Preston is searching for a copycat killer who is mirroring a serial killer from ten years before. The original killer was labeled the Lonely Hearts Killer and the new one is also targeting women looking to cheat on their spouse. Ruby is back in a relationship with Nathan, with whom she has a daughter that they have up for adoption when she was born 20 some years before. He is part of a crime family and if their relationship were known, it wouldn't bode well for her career. I liked that other than her relationship with Nathan, Ruby is a sturdy, normal woman. No alcohol or drug problems, no family issues. She's also surrounded by a strong team that work well together.
The writing is fast paced with short chapters. We are given two POVs, both Ruby’s and the killer’s, who believes he is doing God’s work. The idea for the Sanity Line was a nice touch to give us more insight into the killer’s mental state.
This book will appeal to those who like Angela Marsons, Patricia Gibney or Robert Bryndza, other Bookouture authors. I will definitely be seeking out more of Mitchell’s books, especially the first two books in this series.
My thanks to netgalley and Bookouture for an advance copy of this book.
November 19, 2017
The third installment in the Ruby Preston series and thoroughly enjoyable, let down a little perhaps by a rather weak ending.
In this outing Ruby is on the case of a copycat serial killer who is copying the killings of a serial killer known as The Lonely Hearts Killer a decade earlier.
Preying on married women who are looking to cheat on their husbands in a one night stand, the killer uses an exclusive online app called Debauchery where he advertises himself to the wealthy women.
The killers MO is the same. Meet his victim, bring them to a hotel room and keep them there for three days and post three pictures of the victim to their spouse over the three days. One of them happy and unaware with the killer, one of the victim in distress on the second day and one on the final day when the victim is dead. The killer also sends the victims wedding ring finger in the post to the spouse for good measure. Its an exact copy of The Lonely hearts Killer down to the last detail.
With no meaningful leads to follow Ruby decides to visit the original killer Mason Gatley in prison to see if he can shed any light on the killings. She is sure that Gatley must be in contact with the killer given the level of detail the killer has gone to.
As the killings mount and victims go missing, can Ruby get some clues from Gatley before the killer strikes again?
So this was a hugely enjoyable read overall. If you are familiar with Ruby Preston, her back story and personal life are elaborated on more in this outing which adds real fat to the story line and characters. The plot itself is really interesting. Theres more than an element of Hannibal Lecter here with the story line but thats not a bad thing at all. Those sections where Ruby visits Mason are very well written and the tension between the two of them is fantastic.
The story zips along at lightning pace and is very well written. Its an intricate story and the killer is very well hidden in story. Ruby and her crew are great characters to spend time with, especially if they have an interesting case, and this one held my attention throughout.
The only negative I have for this one is the ending which felt a little too weak and over convoluted. I would have been happier if the book ended two or three chapters earlier.
Thats only a minor complaint though. Overall I really enjoyed this one. I wouldnt hesitate in recommending this latest installment.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Bookouture and Caroline Mitchell to an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
In this outing Ruby is on the case of a copycat serial killer who is copying the killings of a serial killer known as The Lonely Hearts Killer a decade earlier.
Preying on married women who are looking to cheat on their husbands in a one night stand, the killer uses an exclusive online app called Debauchery where he advertises himself to the wealthy women.
The killers MO is the same. Meet his victim, bring them to a hotel room and keep them there for three days and post three pictures of the victim to their spouse over the three days. One of them happy and unaware with the killer, one of the victim in distress on the second day and one on the final day when the victim is dead. The killer also sends the victims wedding ring finger in the post to the spouse for good measure. Its an exact copy of The Lonely hearts Killer down to the last detail.
With no meaningful leads to follow Ruby decides to visit the original killer Mason Gatley in prison to see if he can shed any light on the killings. She is sure that Gatley must be in contact with the killer given the level of detail the killer has gone to.
As the killings mount and victims go missing, can Ruby get some clues from Gatley before the killer strikes again?
So this was a hugely enjoyable read overall. If you are familiar with Ruby Preston, her back story and personal life are elaborated on more in this outing which adds real fat to the story line and characters. The plot itself is really interesting. Theres more than an element of Hannibal Lecter here with the story line but thats not a bad thing at all. Those sections where Ruby visits Mason are very well written and the tension between the two of them is fantastic.
The story zips along at lightning pace and is very well written. Its an intricate story and the killer is very well hidden in story. Ruby and her crew are great characters to spend time with, especially if they have an interesting case, and this one held my attention throughout.
The only negative I have for this one is the ending which felt a little too weak and over convoluted. I would have been happier if the book ended two or three chapters earlier.
Thats only a minor complaint though. Overall I really enjoyed this one. I wouldnt hesitate in recommending this latest installment.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Bookouture and Caroline Mitchell to an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 1, 2017
'Murder Game' is the 3rd book in the Detective Ruby Preston series and the 9th book I have read by author Caroline Mitchell. What I love about this author is that she consistently writes well thought out novels that have good strong characters and exciting plots. This is another excellent high quality novel that ticks all the boxes and I was very close to giving it a 5 star rating.
Ruby Preston is such a strong character and makes excellent reading. In this 3rd book there is far less involvement with her gangster boyfriend, Nathan Crosby, which I personally preferred as I find that sub plot a little hard to believe and feel Ruby's character is strong enough without further complications.
This novel is a copycat killer who is playing a murder game with his victims, once he captures the women he sends clues to their whereabouts in the form of images showing them alive, tortured and dead. Detective Ruby Preston must play the game and work out the clues in an attempt to stop further killings. Ten years ago there were six similar killings by the Lonely Hearts Killer, Mason Gatley who is now serving his sentence behind bars and Ruby seeks his help in finding the new killer.
I would like to thank Net Galley and Bookouture for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Ruby Preston is such a strong character and makes excellent reading. In this 3rd book there is far less involvement with her gangster boyfriend, Nathan Crosby, which I personally preferred as I find that sub plot a little hard to believe and feel Ruby's character is strong enough without further complications.
This novel is a copycat killer who is playing a murder game with his victims, once he captures the women he sends clues to their whereabouts in the form of images showing them alive, tortured and dead. Detective Ruby Preston must play the game and work out the clues in an attempt to stop further killings. Ten years ago there were six similar killings by the Lonely Hearts Killer, Mason Gatley who is now serving his sentence behind bars and Ruby seeks his help in finding the new killer.
I would like to thank Net Galley and Bookouture for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
May 5, 2018
Another great Ruby Preston novel! Is this the last one? I read that it was, and the ending had a bit of a finality about it. I cannot find a confirmation though. I would not be disappointed if they continue, as the character has really grown on me. As I've mentioned in other reviews, I've never been a huge fan of the relationship between Ruby and Nathan, but it didn't bother me as much in this book. I suppose he's grown on me a little bit too, or he's been toned down a bit. The case in this one is chilling, and the ending took me by complete surprise. Certainly worth the read, and you'd be able to follow along just fine if you haven't read the previous two. Of course, as always, starting from the beginning of a series is the best thing to do.
It looks like we've got a copycat on our hands... though the "Lonely Hearts Killer", Mason Gatley, is in jail where he belongs, some strikingly similar crimes are taking places all around the city. While Mason advertised for lonely wives looking for a bit of side action in the newspaper, this new murderer has modernized the whole thing: he finds them on the internet. The victims think they'll have a fun night away from their significant other. For some of them it's a regular thing, some are trying it out for the first time, bored with their lives as they are. They don't count on becoming the next victim of this new serial killer following in the footsteps of Gatley. Soon after their absence is noted by their loved ones, they're sent evidence and photos... one where the person is alive and whole, one after being tortured, and one where they are dead.
Detective Ruby Preston has a bit of an in: her gangster boyfriend Nathan can get her in to speak with the man who started it all, Mason Gatley. Some of the details of the crimes weren't made public, so they assume he must have mentored someone. He's interested in Ruby, but is more keen to toy with her than help her out. Her co-workers aren't thrilled with her visiting the vicious killer more and more, but she'll do whatever it takes to save the next victim.
I loved getting inside the man of the killer as we guessed who he could possibly be. The story is chilling and flows smoothly, making it easy to get through quickly. Another great one from Caroline Mitchell.
I received a copy of this book from Net Galley and Bookouture, thank you! My review is honest and unbiased
It looks like we've got a copycat on our hands... though the "Lonely Hearts Killer", Mason Gatley, is in jail where he belongs, some strikingly similar crimes are taking places all around the city. While Mason advertised for lonely wives looking for a bit of side action in the newspaper, this new murderer has modernized the whole thing: he finds them on the internet. The victims think they'll have a fun night away from their significant other. For some of them it's a regular thing, some are trying it out for the first time, bored with their lives as they are. They don't count on becoming the next victim of this new serial killer following in the footsteps of Gatley. Soon after their absence is noted by their loved ones, they're sent evidence and photos... one where the person is alive and whole, one after being tortured, and one where they are dead.
Detective Ruby Preston has a bit of an in: her gangster boyfriend Nathan can get her in to speak with the man who started it all, Mason Gatley. Some of the details of the crimes weren't made public, so they assume he must have mentored someone. He's interested in Ruby, but is more keen to toy with her than help her out. Her co-workers aren't thrilled with her visiting the vicious killer more and more, but she'll do whatever it takes to save the next victim.
I loved getting inside the man of the killer as we guessed who he could possibly be. The story is chilling and flows smoothly, making it easy to get through quickly. Another great one from Caroline Mitchell.
I received a copy of this book from Net Galley and Bookouture, thank you! My review is honest and unbiased
November 3, 2017
I will say one thing for Caroline Mitchell her books always open wth an prologue that immediately draws you in with a promise of a dark and deviously plotted tale and Murder Game is no different. Hells bells once I read the epilogue for this one I knew it was going to be a read “in one sitting” kind of book and I wasn’t wrong! This is the third book in the Detective Ruby Preston and although you could probably read it as a standalone I would urge you to read the series in order, just because it’s such a well written crime thriller series.
The author has used her very vivid imagination to come up with a deliciously dark and brutal plot, and what a disturbing killer the author has created, especially when you consider the fact once the victims are captured, the killer sends clues to the whereabouts of the women he has taken in three disturbing images: alive, tortured, and dead. As the investigation intensifies Detective Ruby Preston can’t help but think the killer is following in the footsteps of notorious Lonely Hearts Killer, Mason Gatley, who murdered six women in exactly the same gruesome way? Ruby certainly has her work cut out in Murder Games as she tries to bring one killer to justice, whilst trying to keep one step ahead of the devil himself psychopath Mason Gatley.
It must be difficult when writing a crime thriller to devise a Detective that stands out from the norm, more often than not they end up being your typical stereotype. Fortunately the author manages to add an original slant to her character by putting her in a relationship with gangster boyfriend, Nathan Crosby. At some point you know her relationship with Nathan will go spectacularly wrong and put her career in jeopardy, but the not knowing why are how just makes their relationship all the more interesting.
The author’s background in the police force adds authenticity to Murder Game, Caroline Mitchell very much brings the brutal crime scenes, the investigation and police procedures to life, which at times make for a disconcerting read. The plot is fast paced very much like the investigation, and I’m sure my heart was pounding as Murder Game reached its dramatic conclusion. I think this is the most gruesome book in the series, shocking and gristly in parts and never a dull moment that’s for sure, for me personally, they make the perfect crime thriller read. I’m devastated to learn this will be the last book in the series, as it has huge potential, but Caroline Mitchell has ended the series on a high and Murder Games is a worthy addition to this gripping and highly addictive crime series.
The author has used her very vivid imagination to come up with a deliciously dark and brutal plot, and what a disturbing killer the author has created, especially when you consider the fact once the victims are captured, the killer sends clues to the whereabouts of the women he has taken in three disturbing images: alive, tortured, and dead. As the investigation intensifies Detective Ruby Preston can’t help but think the killer is following in the footsteps of notorious Lonely Hearts Killer, Mason Gatley, who murdered six women in exactly the same gruesome way? Ruby certainly has her work cut out in Murder Games as she tries to bring one killer to justice, whilst trying to keep one step ahead of the devil himself psychopath Mason Gatley.
It must be difficult when writing a crime thriller to devise a Detective that stands out from the norm, more often than not they end up being your typical stereotype. Fortunately the author manages to add an original slant to her character by putting her in a relationship with gangster boyfriend, Nathan Crosby. At some point you know her relationship with Nathan will go spectacularly wrong and put her career in jeopardy, but the not knowing why are how just makes their relationship all the more interesting.
The author’s background in the police force adds authenticity to Murder Game, Caroline Mitchell very much brings the brutal crime scenes, the investigation and police procedures to life, which at times make for a disconcerting read. The plot is fast paced very much like the investigation, and I’m sure my heart was pounding as Murder Game reached its dramatic conclusion. I think this is the most gruesome book in the series, shocking and gristly in parts and never a dull moment that’s for sure, for me personally, they make the perfect crime thriller read. I’m devastated to learn this will be the last book in the series, as it has huge potential, but Caroline Mitchell has ended the series on a high and Murder Games is a worthy addition to this gripping and highly addictive crime series.
December 24, 2017
MURDER GAME is the third book in the Detective Ruby Preston series by Caroline Mitchell. After enjoying the first two books in the series, I was anxious to read the next book. This is a great series with believable characters. This is a dark gripping serial killer thriller/ police procedural with a shocking twist.
The books in the Detective Ruby Preston series include:
SLEEP TIGHT (Book 1)
LOVE YOU TO DEATH (Book 2)
MURDER GAME (Book 3)
A killer is playing a twisted game of life or death with his victims. After he captures them, a countdown begins. He marks the time by sending clues to the whereabouts of the women he has taken in three disturbing images: alive, tortured, dead.
In a race against the clock, East London Detective Ruby Preston must play the killer’s terrifying murder game and decipher the clues before more women die.
The killer preys on married wealthy women looking to cheat on their husbands, who have joined an illicit online group called Debauchery, for a satisfying one-night stand. After he gets them to a hotel room, he drugs them, ties them up, removes their ring finger and then kills them. The victim is held for a three days, where the killer takes pictures of them and sends them to their husbands. The killer also sends the victims wedding ring finger in the mail to the spouse.
In this case, a copycat serial killer is copying the famous Lonely Hearts Killer, Mason Gatley, who was put behind bars ten years ago for murdering six women in exactly the same chilling way.
Ruby, desperate for information, asks her gangster boyfriend, Nathan Crosby, to set up a dangerous meeting with Mason Gatley, to let her see into the twisted mind of a murderer.
But dealing with Mason Gatley, is a dangerous game. Is he really helping her catch the killer? Or is she going to be the next victim?
I really enjoyed reading this well written fast-paced novel. The characters are strong and involving, and the tension doesn’t let up.
Many thanks to Bookouture via Netgalley for my copy.
The books in the Detective Ruby Preston series include:
SLEEP TIGHT (Book 1)
LOVE YOU TO DEATH (Book 2)
MURDER GAME (Book 3)
A killer is playing a twisted game of life or death with his victims. After he captures them, a countdown begins. He marks the time by sending clues to the whereabouts of the women he has taken in three disturbing images: alive, tortured, dead.
In a race against the clock, East London Detective Ruby Preston must play the killer’s terrifying murder game and decipher the clues before more women die.
The killer preys on married wealthy women looking to cheat on their husbands, who have joined an illicit online group called Debauchery, for a satisfying one-night stand. After he gets them to a hotel room, he drugs them, ties them up, removes their ring finger and then kills them. The victim is held for a three days, where the killer takes pictures of them and sends them to their husbands. The killer also sends the victims wedding ring finger in the mail to the spouse.
In this case, a copycat serial killer is copying the famous Lonely Hearts Killer, Mason Gatley, who was put behind bars ten years ago for murdering six women in exactly the same chilling way.
Ruby, desperate for information, asks her gangster boyfriend, Nathan Crosby, to set up a dangerous meeting with Mason Gatley, to let her see into the twisted mind of a murderer.
But dealing with Mason Gatley, is a dangerous game. Is he really helping her catch the killer? Or is she going to be the next victim?
I really enjoyed reading this well written fast-paced novel. The characters are strong and involving, and the tension doesn’t let up.
Many thanks to Bookouture via Netgalley for my copy.
October 31, 2017
4.5* --> 5*
One word : brilliant! What? You need more words to convince you to buy and read this? I’ll try but it won’t be easy as this latest instalment in the Ruby Preston series totally blew my mind. It’s that good, people!
Someone’s playing a rather macabre game, a murder game. You know, in case you missed that from the title. 😉 When a woman goes missing, a countdown is set in motion and the killer will leave clues in the form of pictures : alive, tortured, dead. Ruby and her team find themselves in a race against the clock when a second woman goes missing.
These acts are reminiscent of a serial killer’s work ten years ago. To find answers to her questions, Ruby sets out to meet him in prison. But this notorious killer may just be playing a game of his own. Will he help Ruby? Or is she putting her own life in danger?
These two killers, the original one and the copycat, are by far two of the most disturbing characters I’ve ever met. Talk about chills running up and down your spine. Murder Game is one dark and intense ride and had me guessing until the end. I had no idea who was responsible for these murders and when the killer was finally revealed, I think my eyes popped out of my head. Utterly blind-sided! Love it!
As always, Caroline Mitchell gets the balance between Ruby’s personal and private life spot-on. Her relationship with Nathan continues to fascinate me and I can’t wait to see how things will develop in the future. Can there ever be a happy ending for them? Or will Ruby have to make a choice? These are important questions, people, and apart from the brilliant crime fiction aspect of these books, it’s why I keep reading. And you should too. At the risk of repeating myself, if you’re not reading this series then you are missing out!
Edited to add this is apparently the last book in the series. Shows how much I know.
One word : brilliant! What? You need more words to convince you to buy and read this? I’ll try but it won’t be easy as this latest instalment in the Ruby Preston series totally blew my mind. It’s that good, people!
Someone’s playing a rather macabre game, a murder game. You know, in case you missed that from the title. 😉 When a woman goes missing, a countdown is set in motion and the killer will leave clues in the form of pictures : alive, tortured, dead. Ruby and her team find themselves in a race against the clock when a second woman goes missing.
These acts are reminiscent of a serial killer’s work ten years ago. To find answers to her questions, Ruby sets out to meet him in prison. But this notorious killer may just be playing a game of his own. Will he help Ruby? Or is she putting her own life in danger?
These two killers, the original one and the copycat, are by far two of the most disturbing characters I’ve ever met. Talk about chills running up and down your spine. Murder Game is one dark and intense ride and had me guessing until the end. I had no idea who was responsible for these murders and when the killer was finally revealed, I think my eyes popped out of my head. Utterly blind-sided! Love it!
As always, Caroline Mitchell gets the balance between Ruby’s personal and private life spot-on. Her relationship with Nathan continues to fascinate me and I can’t wait to see how things will develop in the future. Can there ever be a happy ending for them? Or will Ruby have to make a choice? These are important questions, people, and apart from the brilliant crime fiction aspect of these books, it’s why I keep reading. And you should too. At the risk of repeating myself, if you’re not reading this series then you are missing out!
Edited to add this is apparently the last book in the series. Shows how much I know.
October 8, 2017
Oh my goodness... Caroline Mitchell!! What a book! I devoured this book this afternoon, I could not stop reading it. I love Ruby Preston and her team... she is strong and relentless. This is the 3rd book in the series and it is only getting better as they go. Absolutely 5 stars all the way for me. Thank you to Netgalley and Bookouture for a copy of this book to read and review. Hurry up with book 4 Caroline!!
October 31, 2017
This is the third and final book in the Ruby Preston series, I absolutely loved both Death Note and Sleep Tight and I highly recommend this series. Mitchell has the unique ability to create wholly believable characters and well plotted scenarios that are guaranteed to keep you engaged and on the edge of your seat the entire time.
I love that this case follows a copycat killer and this forced Ruby to visit the original killer, Mason in prison to see if he could be of any help in the investigation. The scenes between these two were chilling and utterly creepy, very Silence of the Lambs and so well done. Mitchell crafts the best serial killers and as a reader with a sick fascination with them, she’s one of the best.
Fast paced and relentless, this is totally a one sitting type of read. I won’t say much about the plot itself except it’s twisty and per usual I had no idea who the killer was, Mitchell always keeps me on my toes. If you like police procedurals and haven’t read this series you should, they have such an authenticity to them and they’re entertaining and exciting, what more could you want?!
I love that this case follows a copycat killer and this forced Ruby to visit the original killer, Mason in prison to see if he could be of any help in the investigation. The scenes between these two were chilling and utterly creepy, very Silence of the Lambs and so well done. Mitchell crafts the best serial killers and as a reader with a sick fascination with them, she’s one of the best.
Fast paced and relentless, this is totally a one sitting type of read. I won’t say much about the plot itself except it’s twisty and per usual I had no idea who the killer was, Mitchell always keeps me on my toes. If you like police procedurals and haven’t read this series you should, they have such an authenticity to them and they’re entertaining and exciting, what more could you want?!
October 27, 2017
5 Stars
The last embers of a guilty conscience made Melissa twist her wedding band free. "Leave it on," the man behind her murmured, his breath heavy on the curve of her neck
When a woman has everything, where can she go to get that last bit of excitement, sex, drugs and the company of a man for one evening only?
Matthew Johnson picks his ladies very carefully from the dark web online dating site Debauchery
Detective Ruby Preston is back on the case and she knows that each victim will only have a few hours before the photos start to come and 48 hours before the last one is sent.
How can they find the killer with no stand out clues, although all the signs point to the Lonely Hearts Killer, Mason Gatley but he was caught 10 years previously.
So what does Mason Gatley know? Is he playing games with Ruby?
I always feel very privileged to get an early edition of this authors books.
Once again another OMG fantastic thriller by Caroline Mitchell.
Ruby Preston and DI Downes are some of my favourite characters and they continue to work brilliantly together again.
This story had me hooked from start to finish, kept my attention as we race to find the killer before he strikes again.
As always the ending has me ...
The authors writing continues to be sharp and fresh.
A page turner that kept me riveted with the twists and turns that awaited me.
So we come to the end of this particular series and the question on my lips ....
Will Ruby find contentment with Nathan and Cathy now they are part of her life again? or will her secrets come out.
Although Nathan is a lot more in the background in this book his presence is still there and he does his best to help Ruby.
I'd love to see this made into a TV series.
Without a doubt for me Caroline Mitchell is up there with the best of crime writers in this genre and I can't wait to see what's coming next out of that computer of hers.
**ARC provided by Netgalley via Bookouture in return for an honest review***
The last embers of a guilty conscience made Melissa twist her wedding band free. "Leave it on," the man behind her murmured, his breath heavy on the curve of her neck
When a woman has everything, where can she go to get that last bit of excitement, sex, drugs and the company of a man for one evening only?
Matthew Johnson picks his ladies very carefully from the dark web online dating site Debauchery
Detective Ruby Preston is back on the case and she knows that each victim will only have a few hours before the photos start to come and 48 hours before the last one is sent.
How can they find the killer with no stand out clues, although all the signs point to the Lonely Hearts Killer, Mason Gatley but he was caught 10 years previously.
So what does Mason Gatley know? Is he playing games with Ruby?
I always feel very privileged to get an early edition of this authors books.
Once again another OMG fantastic thriller by Caroline Mitchell.
Ruby Preston and DI Downes are some of my favourite characters and they continue to work brilliantly together again.
This story had me hooked from start to finish, kept my attention as we race to find the killer before he strikes again.
As always the ending has me ...
The authors writing continues to be sharp and fresh.
A page turner that kept me riveted with the twists and turns that awaited me.
So we come to the end of this particular series and the question on my lips ....
Will Ruby find contentment with Nathan and Cathy now they are part of her life again? or will her secrets come out.
Although Nathan is a lot more in the background in this book his presence is still there and he does his best to help Ruby.
I'd love to see this made into a TV series.
Without a doubt for me Caroline Mitchell is up there with the best of crime writers in this genre and I can't wait to see what's coming next out of that computer of hers.
**ARC provided by Netgalley via Bookouture in return for an honest review***
October 28, 2017
There's a new serial killer in town .. and Ruby and her team must play the game in order to stop any more killings.
This killer targets married women who want to cheat on their husbands, courtesy of a well hidden web site. After he gets them to a hotel room, he drugs them, hogties them, removes their ring finger and then kills them. In between he is taking pictures and sending them to their husbands.
Once investigating, Ruby finds there was another serial killer who did the exact same things ... The Lonely Hearts Killer. He is, thankfully, still in prison. But does he know who his admirer is? And as ruby visits him in prison, is he trying to help ... or is he setting her up to be the next victim?
Things heat up when another body is found ...and then another. And then the killer starts calling a crisis line. Boasting? Feeling Guilt?
The suspense starts on the first page and never lets up. It's fast-paced with several suspects, some more obvious than others. The twists and turns kept me glued to my seat. Although third in the series, this one does well as a stand alone .. but as always, I recommend reading them in order. There are lots of little nuggets of information in the first and second that you won't want to miss.
Many thanks to the author / Bookouture / Netgalley for the advance digital copy. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
This killer targets married women who want to cheat on their husbands, courtesy of a well hidden web site. After he gets them to a hotel room, he drugs them, hogties them, removes their ring finger and then kills them. In between he is taking pictures and sending them to their husbands.
Once investigating, Ruby finds there was another serial killer who did the exact same things ... The Lonely Hearts Killer. He is, thankfully, still in prison. But does he know who his admirer is? And as ruby visits him in prison, is he trying to help ... or is he setting her up to be the next victim?
Things heat up when another body is found ...and then another. And then the killer starts calling a crisis line. Boasting? Feeling Guilt?
The suspense starts on the first page and never lets up. It's fast-paced with several suspects, some more obvious than others. The twists and turns kept me glued to my seat. Although third in the series, this one does well as a stand alone .. but as always, I recommend reading them in order. There are lots of little nuggets of information in the first and second that you won't want to miss.
Many thanks to the author / Bookouture / Netgalley for the advance digital copy. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
November 15, 2017
Well, what can I say about this fantastic book that is not tinged with sadness that this will be the last Ruby Preston book. I warmed to Ruby immediately and have always felt she is one of the most real characters I’ve ever read about. Murder Game is most definitely my favourite book in this spectacular series. No plot spoilers here but I was constantly trying to work out the muderer and got it completely wrong as usual. That is one of this author’s greatest strengths - guiding your thoughts one way and then smacking you in the face with a fantastic twist. As ever the writing is evocative without waste and totally enthralling. If I thought I could get away with it I would kidnap this author and force her to write more Ruby books just for me - Misery style. If you haven’t met Ruby Preston yet you’re definitely missing out.
January 2, 2018
I have enjoyed the other books in this series starring Ruby Preston and this book is no exception.
Ruby gets involved in a particularly nasty series of murders and she is racing the clock to find the perpetrator. In order to gather information, she must call in some favours from her partner Nathan, who is still on the wrong side of the law, although he seems to be making a big effort to go straight. The two of them are also making inroads into starting to get to know their daughter better, and seeing the softer side of both Nathan and Ruby in this way is rather sweet and adds some much needed light in which is otherwise a book full of shade.
This is a bit of a creepy, intense book and the murderer is not someone who is obvious within the first few chapters, so that is definitely a win! The author does a great job of weaving all the different strands of the story together and I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book. Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture.
Ruby gets involved in a particularly nasty series of murders and she is racing the clock to find the perpetrator. In order to gather information, she must call in some favours from her partner Nathan, who is still on the wrong side of the law, although he seems to be making a big effort to go straight. The two of them are also making inroads into starting to get to know their daughter better, and seeing the softer side of both Nathan and Ruby in this way is rather sweet and adds some much needed light in which is otherwise a book full of shade.
This is a bit of a creepy, intense book and the murderer is not someone who is obvious within the first few chapters, so that is definitely a win! The author does a great job of weaving all the different strands of the story together and I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book. Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture.
October 13, 2017
DS Ruby Preston is back! Murder Game is the gritty new thriller from Caroline Mitchell and it’s guaranteed to have you hooked from the very first page.
A killer is playing twisted games with his victims. He captures them, then begging a deadly countdown complete with photos: alive, tortured and dead. Ruby and her team must race against the clock to catch him before the number of victims increases. But they’re feeling a sense of deja vu as this case has all the similar marks of the Lonely Hearts Killer. Mason Gatley was incarcerated ten years ago so do they have a copy cat killer?
I was totally enthralled from the very first page of this book. I couldn’t put it down and ended up whizzing through it in a couple of days. The plot builds with every turn of the page into a fantastic ending. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and giving it 5 stars I can definitely recommend it and can’t wait for book four in the DS Ruby Preston series.
Thank you to NetGalley, Bookouture and Caroline Mitchell for the chance to review.
A killer is playing twisted games with his victims. He captures them, then begging a deadly countdown complete with photos: alive, tortured and dead. Ruby and her team must race against the clock to catch him before the number of victims increases. But they’re feeling a sense of deja vu as this case has all the similar marks of the Lonely Hearts Killer. Mason Gatley was incarcerated ten years ago so do they have a copy cat killer?
I was totally enthralled from the very first page of this book. I couldn’t put it down and ended up whizzing through it in a couple of days. The plot builds with every turn of the page into a fantastic ending. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and giving it 5 stars I can definitely recommend it and can’t wait for book four in the DS Ruby Preston series.
Thank you to NetGalley, Bookouture and Caroline Mitchell for the chance to review.
November 3, 2017
Murder Game is the third book in the Detective Ruby Preston series. I would recommend reading the books in order as there is some history you need to know about Ruby which would be better explained by having at least read the first book in the series plus it’s a great series so why wouldn’t you want to?
I really don’t know how the author comes up with the cases that Ruby finds herself working on. Whether it’s from the authors own background in the police force or not I have no idea but she manages to come up with truly nail biting cases that I can’t get enough on. This one was no different.
The case reminded me slightly of Silence of the Lambs. Mason Gatley could easily give Hannibal Lecter a run for his money. He will certainly mess with your mind never mind poor Ruby’s! I have to admit to really relishing the parts where Ruby visits him in prison.
Murder Game is a story where the author really plays with her readers. It was like a game of snake and ladders, thinking you are getting close to who the murderer is then to be dropped from a height and back to square one again. Such a deliciously twisted read. Loved it.
My thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for an advanced readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
I really don’t know how the author comes up with the cases that Ruby finds herself working on. Whether it’s from the authors own background in the police force or not I have no idea but she manages to come up with truly nail biting cases that I can’t get enough on. This one was no different.
The case reminded me slightly of Silence of the Lambs. Mason Gatley could easily give Hannibal Lecter a run for his money. He will certainly mess with your mind never mind poor Ruby’s! I have to admit to really relishing the parts where Ruby visits him in prison.
Murder Game is a story where the author really plays with her readers. It was like a game of snake and ladders, thinking you are getting close to who the murderer is then to be dropped from a height and back to square one again. Such a deliciously twisted read. Loved it.
My thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for an advanced readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
October 31, 2017
Once again Caroline Mitchell manages to make her words jump out the page and capture my attention right from page one! That #killerhook prologue just promised me a twisted rollercoaster read as soon as I started. It was clear there was going to be no let up until I turned the last page!
There is a race against time in The Murder Game as each victim is subjected to a terrifying ordeal resulting in death. DI Ruby Preston and the team are up against the clock if they are to catch this sick and twisted killer. The hunt takes Ruby inside the prison to question Lonely Hearts Killer, Mason Gately, as the crimes appear to be carbon copies of his. Just how much influence does this psychopathic killer have over what’s happening outside of the prison walls and will Ruby Preston be able to resist the lure of the Lonely Hearts Killer as his dark charms seem to be drawing her closer?
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, DS Ruby Preston is one of my all-time favourite female detectives; over the series her character continues to grow on me, she has a kick-ass attitude, she is feisty and determined but she also has a softer side to her character and I really feel the connection she has with her team members. Ruby’s internal conflict over her desire to rise up in the ranks and her relationship with Nathan Crosby is further explored in this book and I felt her pain at the choices she has to make to protect both her career and her family. Talking about family, her relationship with her daughter Cathy and Nathan’s mother, Frances develops in this book and there’s a softening in the chill that existed between them all. Cathy really begins to open up to Ruby and it’s clear that things haven’t been a bed of roses for the young woman.
I love Ruby’s relationship with her DI, Downes, it is brilliant! These two had a brief dalliance but this hasn’t affected the very deep friendship and respect they have for each other. Downes is the only person who is aware of her relationship with Nathan Crosby and while he definitely disapproves and worries about her, it doesn’t stop him having her back all the way through. In the Murder Game, there is clearly something weighing heavy on DI Downes mind and Ruby is determined to get to the bottom of it.
Nathan Crosby, well that #CharacterCrush I have on him isn’t slowing down any at all! This man oozes sex appeal but he isn’t just a bit of fictional eye candy for readers, there is a real depth about Nathan that Caroline Mitchell continues to build upon in each book. Although Nathan doesn’t feature that much in this book, his influence and presence is still felt throughout.
I just look at Caroline, her face a picture of sweetness and innocence and I think to myself just how does someone like that come up with such sick and twisted storylines! With dark religious undertones, this plot had me reeling and you I’d be thinking twice before arranging any online hookups! The pace just doesn’t let up, the twists just keep tightening those knots until I was completely entangled in them. Pick this one up at your peril! Just make sure you don’t have anything to do for the next few hours as you won’t want to put it down!
There is a race against time in The Murder Game as each victim is subjected to a terrifying ordeal resulting in death. DI Ruby Preston and the team are up against the clock if they are to catch this sick and twisted killer. The hunt takes Ruby inside the prison to question Lonely Hearts Killer, Mason Gately, as the crimes appear to be carbon copies of his. Just how much influence does this psychopathic killer have over what’s happening outside of the prison walls and will Ruby Preston be able to resist the lure of the Lonely Hearts Killer as his dark charms seem to be drawing her closer?
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, DS Ruby Preston is one of my all-time favourite female detectives; over the series her character continues to grow on me, she has a kick-ass attitude, she is feisty and determined but she also has a softer side to her character and I really feel the connection she has with her team members. Ruby’s internal conflict over her desire to rise up in the ranks and her relationship with Nathan Crosby is further explored in this book and I felt her pain at the choices she has to make to protect both her career and her family. Talking about family, her relationship with her daughter Cathy and Nathan’s mother, Frances develops in this book and there’s a softening in the chill that existed between them all. Cathy really begins to open up to Ruby and it’s clear that things haven’t been a bed of roses for the young woman.
I love Ruby’s relationship with her DI, Downes, it is brilliant! These two had a brief dalliance but this hasn’t affected the very deep friendship and respect they have for each other. Downes is the only person who is aware of her relationship with Nathan Crosby and while he definitely disapproves and worries about her, it doesn’t stop him having her back all the way through. In the Murder Game, there is clearly something weighing heavy on DI Downes mind and Ruby is determined to get to the bottom of it.
Nathan Crosby, well that #CharacterCrush I have on him isn’t slowing down any at all! This man oozes sex appeal but he isn’t just a bit of fictional eye candy for readers, there is a real depth about Nathan that Caroline Mitchell continues to build upon in each book. Although Nathan doesn’t feature that much in this book, his influence and presence is still felt throughout.
I just look at Caroline, her face a picture of sweetness and innocence and I think to myself just how does someone like that come up with such sick and twisted storylines! With dark religious undertones, this plot had me reeling and you I’d be thinking twice before arranging any online hookups! The pace just doesn’t let up, the twists just keep tightening those knots until I was completely entangled in them. Pick this one up at your peril! Just make sure you don’t have anything to do for the next few hours as you won’t want to put it down!
November 1, 2017
Well, this series just gets better and better!
Murder Game is the third book in the DS Ruby Preston series and if you haven't read the first two already I would highly recommend that you do because they're brilliant! I also prefer to read a series in order as I like to get to know the main characters and their back story.
I have thoroughly enjoyed catching up with Ruby again. She's a feisty lady, who is good at her job (despite sometimes bending the rules) and she is very real. I like that we get to see her personal side too. I like that her relationship with her daughter is developing and how close she is to her own mother, despite feeling guilty about the lack of time she is able to give to her with a heavy workload. I think a lot of people would relate to her.
Ruby and her team are faced with another serial killer case. This killer seems to be targeting married women. He captures them, tortures them before eventually killing them. If that isn't horrific enough he sends three photo's to their husband, one before, one during and one after. It doesn't even bare thinking about the trauma these women face before their horrific deaths or the devastation their family members have to endure. He needs to be found and fast, especially as he seems to be copying Mason Gatley, known as The Lonely Hearts killer, who murdered six women in the same way. Mason has been in prison for ten years. Is he involved in these recent killings?
Ruby enlists the help of her boyfriend, Nathan (I still love Nathan!) to get a meeting with Mason. She needs to get him to admit to being involved before anyone else loses their life. He's a manipulative character though. Can Ruby manipulate the truth out of him?
Murder Game is a brilliantly written, fast-paced police procedural with interesting and scarily believable characters. I was immediately gripped by the story, as with the previous books in the series. There are so many twists and turns it kept me on the edge of my seat from beginning to end. Just when I thought I had it sussed I was proved wrong again.
Just amazing writing! I can't wait for Book 4!
Many thanks to Caroline Mitchell and Bookouture for my ARC. I highly recommend!
https://chataboutbooks.wordpress.com/...
Murder Game is the third book in the DS Ruby Preston series and if you haven't read the first two already I would highly recommend that you do because they're brilliant! I also prefer to read a series in order as I like to get to know the main characters and their back story.
I have thoroughly enjoyed catching up with Ruby again. She's a feisty lady, who is good at her job (despite sometimes bending the rules) and she is very real. I like that we get to see her personal side too. I like that her relationship with her daughter is developing and how close she is to her own mother, despite feeling guilty about the lack of time she is able to give to her with a heavy workload. I think a lot of people would relate to her.
Ruby and her team are faced with another serial killer case. This killer seems to be targeting married women. He captures them, tortures them before eventually killing them. If that isn't horrific enough he sends three photo's to their husband, one before, one during and one after. It doesn't even bare thinking about the trauma these women face before their horrific deaths or the devastation their family members have to endure. He needs to be found and fast, especially as he seems to be copying Mason Gatley, known as The Lonely Hearts killer, who murdered six women in the same way. Mason has been in prison for ten years. Is he involved in these recent killings?
Ruby enlists the help of her boyfriend, Nathan (I still love Nathan!) to get a meeting with Mason. She needs to get him to admit to being involved before anyone else loses their life. He's a manipulative character though. Can Ruby manipulate the truth out of him?
Murder Game is a brilliantly written, fast-paced police procedural with interesting and scarily believable characters. I was immediately gripped by the story, as with the previous books in the series. There are so many twists and turns it kept me on the edge of my seat from beginning to end. Just when I thought I had it sussed I was proved wrong again.
Just amazing writing! I can't wait for Book 4!
Many thanks to Caroline Mitchell and Bookouture for my ARC. I highly recommend!
https://chataboutbooks.wordpress.com/...
March 30, 2018
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the chance to read an electronic ARC of this novel, in exchange for an honest review.
“The Murder Game” by Caroline Mitchell, is the third in the Ruby Preston crime series. In this story, Ruby is on the hunt for a murderer who not only strangles victims, but also cuts off their ring fingers. This case holds similar traits to a murder from years ago, but the perpetrator of those crimes has long been in jail. Ruby must investigate the past crimes and the current crimes to determine the link, if there is one, before more women are killed.
I enjoy police crime dramas a whole, both in book and television form. I love the investigating and trying to figure out “whodunit”. “The Murder Game” had all of these things, including an unpredictable ending, but this novel was far too similar to other police procedurals (especially Robert Bryndza and his Erika Foster novels) that it did not engage me as much as I would’ve liked.
Ruby is a great character and of course, she’s dating an ex-criminal and has recently been reunited with her long-lost adult daughter, so she has plenty of personal drama to keep her interesting, balanced with the drama that comes with being a crime fighter. Mason Gatley and the copycat murderer were very entertaining as well, as Ms. Mitchell details their obsessions and their backgrounds.
I was engaged with this book enough to want to know how it ended, and although the ending was merely mediocre, it was unpredictable and definitive.
Ruby is a strong female character who will generate a fan base among female fans of police procedural crime fiction. The storyline has enough to keep you engaged and interested in determining the killer, but it is not an original anymore, and there are many similarities to other books in this genre.
This novel has crime, police investigations, drama and suspense and is worth a read. It is also not necessary to read the other novels in Mitchell’s “Ruby Preston” series in order to follow along with this story (I, in fact, have only read the second and third), which also expands a reader base and earns bonus points in my opinion.
I am always grateful for the chance to read Mitchell’s work, and I sincerely hope to see more of it.
“The Murder Game” by Caroline Mitchell, is the third in the Ruby Preston crime series. In this story, Ruby is on the hunt for a murderer who not only strangles victims, but also cuts off their ring fingers. This case holds similar traits to a murder from years ago, but the perpetrator of those crimes has long been in jail. Ruby must investigate the past crimes and the current crimes to determine the link, if there is one, before more women are killed.
I enjoy police crime dramas a whole, both in book and television form. I love the investigating and trying to figure out “whodunit”. “The Murder Game” had all of these things, including an unpredictable ending, but this novel was far too similar to other police procedurals (especially Robert Bryndza and his Erika Foster novels) that it did not engage me as much as I would’ve liked.
Ruby is a great character and of course, she’s dating an ex-criminal and has recently been reunited with her long-lost adult daughter, so she has plenty of personal drama to keep her interesting, balanced with the drama that comes with being a crime fighter. Mason Gatley and the copycat murderer were very entertaining as well, as Ms. Mitchell details their obsessions and their backgrounds.
I was engaged with this book enough to want to know how it ended, and although the ending was merely mediocre, it was unpredictable and definitive.
Ruby is a strong female character who will generate a fan base among female fans of police procedural crime fiction. The storyline has enough to keep you engaged and interested in determining the killer, but it is not an original anymore, and there are many similarities to other books in this genre.
This novel has crime, police investigations, drama and suspense and is worth a read. It is also not necessary to read the other novels in Mitchell’s “Ruby Preston” series in order to follow along with this story (I, in fact, have only read the second and third), which also expands a reader base and earns bonus points in my opinion.
I am always grateful for the chance to read Mitchell’s work, and I sincerely hope to see more of it.
January 9, 2018
Follow Detective Sergeant Ruby Preston around London as she tries to catch a killer before they kill again.
Although this is the 3rd novel in the series, it can so easily be read as a standalone.
I have read the 2nd Ruby Preston novel called Sleep Tight and Murder Game is the same high quality writing and storytelling. I love how you get both sides of the story, Ruby Preston with her team of detectives plus chapters from the bad guy/killer.
The plot of Murder Game is very good. I like how you get the full story and not just the gritty crime detection bits. I like how each character’s lifestyle is fully explored. I like how Caroline gently guides you through the technical bits of Police work, so that the average reader fully understands what is going on and why.
Ruby Preston is at a loss with the identity of the killer and the story points the reader this way and that. I found Murder Game a very entertaining read. I finished this book and I thought WOW! All the little details of the story made my head buzz. Yes, it all added up and just illustrates how easily a civilised society can harbour some very dangerous people. The feeling I got from the end of this novel gave me such a rush. I can find nothing wrong with this book and once again Caroline gets the top score of 5 stars from me. Murder Game was simply a pleasure to read even though readers who are married will glance at their ring finger quite often!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher Bookouture for giving me a copy of this book on the understanding that I provide an honest review.
Although this is the 3rd novel in the series, it can so easily be read as a standalone.
I have read the 2nd Ruby Preston novel called Sleep Tight and Murder Game is the same high quality writing and storytelling. I love how you get both sides of the story, Ruby Preston with her team of detectives plus chapters from the bad guy/killer.
The plot of Murder Game is very good. I like how you get the full story and not just the gritty crime detection bits. I like how each character’s lifestyle is fully explored. I like how Caroline gently guides you through the technical bits of Police work, so that the average reader fully understands what is going on and why.
Ruby Preston is at a loss with the identity of the killer and the story points the reader this way and that. I found Murder Game a very entertaining read. I finished this book and I thought WOW! All the little details of the story made my head buzz. Yes, it all added up and just illustrates how easily a civilised society can harbour some very dangerous people. The feeling I got from the end of this novel gave me such a rush. I can find nothing wrong with this book and once again Caroline gets the top score of 5 stars from me. Murder Game was simply a pleasure to read even though readers who are married will glance at their ring finger quite often!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher Bookouture for giving me a copy of this book on the understanding that I provide an honest review.
November 2, 2017
Caroline Mitchell has done it again! She’s created a tense crime thriller that I could not read fast enough. I was desperate by the end to know who our culprit was. The clues are definitely there but they only make sense once there is the grand reveal.
The character of Mason Gatley was impeccably created. Every conversation he had with Ruby gave me the creeps. She doesn’t get a straight answer out of him and just the way he takes made my skin crawl!!
I do love Caroline’s writing; it got pace balanced with intrigue and tension. She manages to seamlessly lead you (well me anyway) up the garden path only for it to be the wrong garden path and your mind is befuddled as to what’s going to happen next.
The Ruby Preston series shows off Ms Mitchell’s past life as a police officer. With each of these books, I’ve felt I’m right there in the investigation but fighting the internal battles with red tape and under-resourcing.
I hope to see more of Ruby Preston in the future. Her relationships with Nathan and Cathy are only just settling, I’d love to see how this progresses particularly if Cathy does follow the career path she’s thinking of! Nathan’s brother doesn’t feature as much in Murder Game but he is definitely lurking in the background, letting his presence be known.
My thanks to Bookouture for my early copy of Murder Game.
The character of Mason Gatley was impeccably created. Every conversation he had with Ruby gave me the creeps. She doesn’t get a straight answer out of him and just the way he takes made my skin crawl!!
I do love Caroline’s writing; it got pace balanced with intrigue and tension. She manages to seamlessly lead you (well me anyway) up the garden path only for it to be the wrong garden path and your mind is befuddled as to what’s going to happen next.
The Ruby Preston series shows off Ms Mitchell’s past life as a police officer. With each of these books, I’ve felt I’m right there in the investigation but fighting the internal battles with red tape and under-resourcing.
I hope to see more of Ruby Preston in the future. Her relationships with Nathan and Cathy are only just settling, I’d love to see how this progresses particularly if Cathy does follow the career path she’s thinking of! Nathan’s brother doesn’t feature as much in Murder Game but he is definitely lurking in the background, letting his presence be known.
My thanks to Bookouture for my early copy of Murder Game.
November 1, 2017
Having read and really enjoyed the first two books in this series, I was delighted to be able to read Murder Game for the blitz. It was great to be able to catch up with Ruby and her team following the events in Sleep Tight!
Murder Game is another excellent installment in the series. In this book, a killer is on the loose, kidnapping their victims and leaving clues for the police to try and decipher. The caveat is that they are against the clock, and the clues are gruesome reminders that if they aren’t fast enough, the victim dies.
Another disturbing fact is the killer seems to be emanating another killer from years before, Mason Gatley. But he is in prison. So Ruby has to try and glean some information from this sadistic killer before its too late. This makes for some very uncomfortable prison scenes as she tries to figure out just what exactly is going on.
Murder Game is a very clever game of cat and mouse. It’s definitely the best Ruby Preston book, in my opinion. The team is tighter, the characters are really well fleshed out, and the crimes are gory as hell. I raced through this one because I was eager to see where Caroline Mitchell would take us on her twisted journey into the mind of a killer.
Safe to say I really enjoyed this one! Highly recommended! 🙂
Murder Game is another excellent installment in the series. In this book, a killer is on the loose, kidnapping their victims and leaving clues for the police to try and decipher. The caveat is that they are against the clock, and the clues are gruesome reminders that if they aren’t fast enough, the victim dies.
Another disturbing fact is the killer seems to be emanating another killer from years before, Mason Gatley. But he is in prison. So Ruby has to try and glean some information from this sadistic killer before its too late. This makes for some very uncomfortable prison scenes as she tries to figure out just what exactly is going on.
Murder Game is a very clever game of cat and mouse. It’s definitely the best Ruby Preston book, in my opinion. The team is tighter, the characters are really well fleshed out, and the crimes are gory as hell. I raced through this one because I was eager to see where Caroline Mitchell would take us on her twisted journey into the mind of a killer.
Safe to say I really enjoyed this one! Highly recommended! 🙂
June 15, 2018
DS Ruby Preston is trying to find a copycat serial killer who is following the actions of the original serial killer arrested 10 years ago named Lonely Heart Killer .He is targeting women who cheat on their spouses and after capturing them sends pictures of their whereabouts to their homes before killing them.Ruby and her team must race against time to find the killer before he claims anymore victims while keeping one step ahead of Mason Gately the creepy, psychopath Lonely Hearts Killer .
Murder Game is third and final book in Detective Ruby Preston series and I would suggest reading the series in order even though the book can be read as a stand-alone. It’s a fast paced great read in an exciting series but I enjoyed the other ones a little more than this one .
I would like to thank Bookouture & NetGalley for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest and fair review.
This and more reviews at https://chloesbooksblog.wordpress.com/
Murder Game is third and final book in Detective Ruby Preston series and I would suggest reading the series in order even though the book can be read as a stand-alone. It’s a fast paced great read in an exciting series but I enjoyed the other ones a little more than this one .
I would like to thank Bookouture & NetGalley for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest and fair review.
This and more reviews at https://chloesbooksblog.wordpress.com/
October 31, 2017
**4.5 Goodreads Stars**
Caroline Mitchell's Murder Game was a great literary precursor to Halloween, as it was a terrifying, heart-pounding mystery that kept me guessing until the very last page!
A murderer is on the loose in London, holding the city hostage in fear of becoming his next prey.
At first the murders appear to be the work of Mason Gatley, a serial killer who is now behind bars for his gruesome killing spree years ago. The recent murders share many similarities, which leads Detective Ruby Preston to question Gatley about his possible involvement with them. Is Mason orchestrating killings from behind bars, or is someone else committing the stomach-turning murders for entirely different reasons? Is Ruby's involvement with a former criminal coming back to haunt her and her police force?
Murder Game is the third book in the Detective Ruby Preston series. Since this was my first book in the series, I was a little nervous to dive into it. Thankfully I had no trouble immediately jumping into the story because of Caroline Mitchell's writing. She familiarizes her readers with all the characters within the first few chapters of the book so you aren't missing any backstories.
I absolutely love authors who create living, breathing characters who are human and have faults. Caroline Mitchell's detective Ruby Preston is that type of character, one you root for but can also be critical of. I liked that Ruby is strong female lead who is opinionated and smart but also makes mistakes like any human being.
I also appreciated the richly written dialogue and Mitchell's attention to small, but critical details. Things like how a person moves, how they glance at another person, and their mannerisms made the characters come to life for me, and offered the reader clues as to who may be behind the murders. Mitchell is the master of what writers call "show not tell," meaning that she shows a character's personality through their actions and behaviors rather than telling the readers a character's motivations. The book was a seamless read for me due to Mitchell's command of the written word, and I will definitely be picking up more books in this series in the coming months!
Finally, I enjoyed the plot and did not see the killer coming until it was revealed to the reader. More seasoned murder mystery readers might pick up on it a bit earlier into the book. Mitchell drops hints here and there in the book, so mystery fans may figure it out before they get to the end of the book. I liked how Mitchell took the readers in many directions, all of which could have lead to the unveiling of the killer. The plot had thrilling twists and turns that kept me guessing with each page.
Thank you so very much to Noelle Holten at Bookouture, NetGalley, and Caroline Mitchell for an advanced copy of the thrilling Murder Game. It was a pleasure reading it!
This review and others can be found on my book blog, I Dig Books (and Dirt).
Caroline Mitchell's Murder Game was a great literary precursor to Halloween, as it was a terrifying, heart-pounding mystery that kept me guessing until the very last page!
A murderer is on the loose in London, holding the city hostage in fear of becoming his next prey.
At first the murders appear to be the work of Mason Gatley, a serial killer who is now behind bars for his gruesome killing spree years ago. The recent murders share many similarities, which leads Detective Ruby Preston to question Gatley about his possible involvement with them. Is Mason orchestrating killings from behind bars, or is someone else committing the stomach-turning murders for entirely different reasons? Is Ruby's involvement with a former criminal coming back to haunt her and her police force?
Murder Game is the third book in the Detective Ruby Preston series. Since this was my first book in the series, I was a little nervous to dive into it. Thankfully I had no trouble immediately jumping into the story because of Caroline Mitchell's writing. She familiarizes her readers with all the characters within the first few chapters of the book so you aren't missing any backstories.
I absolutely love authors who create living, breathing characters who are human and have faults. Caroline Mitchell's detective Ruby Preston is that type of character, one you root for but can also be critical of. I liked that Ruby is strong female lead who is opinionated and smart but also makes mistakes like any human being.
I also appreciated the richly written dialogue and Mitchell's attention to small, but critical details. Things like how a person moves, how they glance at another person, and their mannerisms made the characters come to life for me, and offered the reader clues as to who may be behind the murders. Mitchell is the master of what writers call "show not tell," meaning that she shows a character's personality through their actions and behaviors rather than telling the readers a character's motivations. The book was a seamless read for me due to Mitchell's command of the written word, and I will definitely be picking up more books in this series in the coming months!
Finally, I enjoyed the plot and did not see the killer coming until it was revealed to the reader. More seasoned murder mystery readers might pick up on it a bit earlier into the book. Mitchell drops hints here and there in the book, so mystery fans may figure it out before they get to the end of the book. I liked how Mitchell took the readers in many directions, all of which could have lead to the unveiling of the killer. The plot had thrilling twists and turns that kept me guessing with each page.
Thank you so very much to Noelle Holten at Bookouture, NetGalley, and Caroline Mitchell for an advanced copy of the thrilling Murder Game. It was a pleasure reading it!
This review and others can be found on my book blog, I Dig Books (and Dirt).
October 11, 2017
Having read seven of her books now - all absolutely brilliant - for me, the name Caroline Mitchell has become synonymous with excellent, nail-biting thrillers. With a supernatural element added to the mix, I thought the DC Jennifer Knight series was fantastic, but I must say that I like the Detective Ruby Preston one even more.
In Murder Game, the third book in the Ruby Preston series, the wife of a prominent figure in the media goes missing. The husband does not receive a ransom note, but a series of photos showing his wife bound and gagged, and in the third, looking like she's dead. In another package he's horrified to make a gruesome discovery. Where is his wife? Who has done this to her? DC Ruby Preston of the Shoreditch Serious Crime Unit and her superior DI Jack Downes rush to the man's house to begin their investigation. It is immediately evident that this case bears many similarities to a series of murders that took place a decade earlier by a serial killer dubbed The Lonely Hearts Killer. But this killer is now in prison. He couldn't have done this. Is this the job of a copy cat? But how is this killer copying details that were never made public? Why was this woman targeted?
"She deserved to be punished. All of them do."
When another woman goes missing, and still without any leads or evidence, Ruby becomes desperate to find the killer. But in order to do so she needs to understand how the mind of a killing machine works. There's only one individual that could help her in this... The Lonely Hearts Killer, from prison. But this killer is cold and shrewd and won't give her the answers she needs unless she dances to his tune. He wants to play mind games with her and offers her only cryptic answers which Ruby must try and decipher. Will Ruby be able to outwit this dangerous criminal that could lead her to the monster running free? Will she be able to bring the killer's reign of terror to an end before more victims are claimed?
Phew! What a dizzying roller-coaster ride. Now that I've finished this book, I can finally take some deep breaths and allow my heart beat to return to normal. The author took me through twists, turns and an intricate and fast-paced plot, making it very hard for me to stay away from the book for long periods. I wanted to know who the killer was and why they were doing this. And I was curious to understand how Ruby will manage to extricate the clues she needs from the evil Lonely Hearts Killer.
All characters are very realistic and complex with backgrounds and depth. Ruby is a bold, strong-headed sergeant who's not afraid to bend the rules in order to achieve results. Her close relationship with the notorious Crosby criminal family is not exactly a badge of honour she proudly wears at work. I like Downes and love the unique underlying feeling and special bond that exists between him and Ruby at work.
I compared the scenes where the killer terrorises his poor victims to when a spider catches a fly and starts to mercilessly spin it in its web before delivering the final mortal bite. These scenes sent shivers down my spine. The ending just made me gasp.
This author has once again managed to keep me engrossed in a suspenseful story till the very end. This is another absolutely brilliant addition to the series and I highly recommend it. Caroline Mitchell roll on the next one please!!
With thanks to Bookouture for approving my request to read and review this book through NetGalley.
In Murder Game, the third book in the Ruby Preston series, the wife of a prominent figure in the media goes missing. The husband does not receive a ransom note, but a series of photos showing his wife bound and gagged, and in the third, looking like she's dead. In another package he's horrified to make a gruesome discovery. Where is his wife? Who has done this to her? DC Ruby Preston of the Shoreditch Serious Crime Unit and her superior DI Jack Downes rush to the man's house to begin their investigation. It is immediately evident that this case bears many similarities to a series of murders that took place a decade earlier by a serial killer dubbed The Lonely Hearts Killer. But this killer is now in prison. He couldn't have done this. Is this the job of a copy cat? But how is this killer copying details that were never made public? Why was this woman targeted?
"She deserved to be punished. All of them do."
When another woman goes missing, and still without any leads or evidence, Ruby becomes desperate to find the killer. But in order to do so she needs to understand how the mind of a killing machine works. There's only one individual that could help her in this... The Lonely Hearts Killer, from prison. But this killer is cold and shrewd and won't give her the answers she needs unless she dances to his tune. He wants to play mind games with her and offers her only cryptic answers which Ruby must try and decipher. Will Ruby be able to outwit this dangerous criminal that could lead her to the monster running free? Will she be able to bring the killer's reign of terror to an end before more victims are claimed?
Phew! What a dizzying roller-coaster ride. Now that I've finished this book, I can finally take some deep breaths and allow my heart beat to return to normal. The author took me through twists, turns and an intricate and fast-paced plot, making it very hard for me to stay away from the book for long periods. I wanted to know who the killer was and why they were doing this. And I was curious to understand how Ruby will manage to extricate the clues she needs from the evil Lonely Hearts Killer.
All characters are very realistic and complex with backgrounds and depth. Ruby is a bold, strong-headed sergeant who's not afraid to bend the rules in order to achieve results. Her close relationship with the notorious Crosby criminal family is not exactly a badge of honour she proudly wears at work. I like Downes and love the unique underlying feeling and special bond that exists between him and Ruby at work.
I compared the scenes where the killer terrorises his poor victims to when a spider catches a fly and starts to mercilessly spin it in its web before delivering the final mortal bite. These scenes sent shivers down my spine. The ending just made me gasp.
This author has once again managed to keep me engrossed in a suspenseful story till the very end. This is another absolutely brilliant addition to the series and I highly recommend it. Caroline Mitchell roll on the next one please!!
With thanks to Bookouture for approving my request to read and review this book through NetGalley.
October 31, 2017
I have thoroughly enjoyed this series so I’m quite sad that this is actually the last in the Ruby Preston books. But OMG this book shows how to end on a high! This is definitely my favourite book of the series and Ruby Preston will be much missed by me!
What I love about Ruby is that she always takes the best direction to solve the crimes she investigates, even if it’s not always the most legal route! She only just lives on the right side of the law due to her relationship with bad boy Nathan. In Murder Game, she asks her boyfriend (I have a huge #fictionalcharactercrush on Nathan!) to use his criminal connections to help Ruby meet the notorious serial killer Nathan Gatley, who has been locked up for 10 years. His nickname was The Lonely Hearts killer and it looks as if he has a copycat after a series of similar murders occurs. The murderer is dispatching his victims in a particular way that has never been made public and so could only have been directed by Nathan himself. When Ruby visits him in jail, the tension was so intense that I actually got goosebumps! It’s obvious he is the missing link Ruby needs to follow to find the real killer but in doing so is she putting her own and others lives in danger?
I thought I was SO clever here! I was convinced I knew exactly who the murderer was and why, but I was so far off track I was in a different book completely!! And not only was I wrong, I also didn’t spot the twist that knocked me off my feet either! Which is probably why I absolutely loved Murder Game! It kept me guessing, wrong footing me when I least expected it, whilst all the while wondering how Rubys personal life would come together at the end! There was slightly less emphasis on the personal side of things in this book which I missed a little bit but the dark and gruesome main thread of the psychopathic serial killer on the loose really kept me gripped throughout and this more than made up for it!
Caroline Mitchells writing and plotting just gets better with each book she brings out so although I’m sorry to see Ruby go, I can’t wait to see where Caroline goes from here. This can be read as a standalone but, as usual, you will probably get more from it if you have the background information from the other books. Murder Game is highly recommended by me and if you haven’t read those other books in the series then make sure you catch up on them now!
What I love about Ruby is that she always takes the best direction to solve the crimes she investigates, even if it’s not always the most legal route! She only just lives on the right side of the law due to her relationship with bad boy Nathan. In Murder Game, she asks her boyfriend (I have a huge #fictionalcharactercrush on Nathan!) to use his criminal connections to help Ruby meet the notorious serial killer Nathan Gatley, who has been locked up for 10 years. His nickname was The Lonely Hearts killer and it looks as if he has a copycat after a series of similar murders occurs. The murderer is dispatching his victims in a particular way that has never been made public and so could only have been directed by Nathan himself. When Ruby visits him in jail, the tension was so intense that I actually got goosebumps! It’s obvious he is the missing link Ruby needs to follow to find the real killer but in doing so is she putting her own and others lives in danger?
I thought I was SO clever here! I was convinced I knew exactly who the murderer was and why, but I was so far off track I was in a different book completely!! And not only was I wrong, I also didn’t spot the twist that knocked me off my feet either! Which is probably why I absolutely loved Murder Game! It kept me guessing, wrong footing me when I least expected it, whilst all the while wondering how Rubys personal life would come together at the end! There was slightly less emphasis on the personal side of things in this book which I missed a little bit but the dark and gruesome main thread of the psychopathic serial killer on the loose really kept me gripped throughout and this more than made up for it!
Caroline Mitchells writing and plotting just gets better with each book she brings out so although I’m sorry to see Ruby go, I can’t wait to see where Caroline goes from here. This can be read as a standalone but, as usual, you will probably get more from it if you have the background information from the other books. Murder Game is highly recommended by me and if you haven’t read those other books in the series then make sure you catch up on them now!
October 31, 2017
This is the 3rd novel in the Detective Ruby Preston series. I have read most of Caroline’s other books and this one doesn’t disappoint.
Ruby and her team are sent to investigate a copycat killer. Who meets his victims who have contacted him through a dark net website called Debauchery? Where the killer’s victims are all rich, married and up for a bit of fun. But, when the victims meet, things don’t turn out what they expect. They are drugged, tied up, kept alive for three days. Has their wedding ring finger amputated and then murdered? Whilst this is going on, the killer takes photos of the three stages of their ordeal and each one is sent to their partners. There is a race to catch the killer before there is another victim is killed. Ruby has help from the original killer Mason Gately who is locked up. Who makes Ruby squirm every time she visits him.
This is another excellent instalment from Caroline Mitchell. That gripped me from the start. I loved every minute of it. I loved the ballsy character of Ruby and I am so glad that she continued the story of her family Nathan and their daughter Cathy and her partners at the station Downes and Ludy. And the ending wow I wasn’t expecting that at all.
Thank you Bookouture, Caroline Mitchell and Netgalley for a copy of this book.
Ruby and her team are sent to investigate a copycat killer. Who meets his victims who have contacted him through a dark net website called Debauchery? Where the killer’s victims are all rich, married and up for a bit of fun. But, when the victims meet, things don’t turn out what they expect. They are drugged, tied up, kept alive for three days. Has their wedding ring finger amputated and then murdered? Whilst this is going on, the killer takes photos of the three stages of their ordeal and each one is sent to their partners. There is a race to catch the killer before there is another victim is killed. Ruby has help from the original killer Mason Gately who is locked up. Who makes Ruby squirm every time she visits him.
This is another excellent instalment from Caroline Mitchell. That gripped me from the start. I loved every minute of it. I loved the ballsy character of Ruby and I am so glad that she continued the story of her family Nathan and their daughter Cathy and her partners at the station Downes and Ludy. And the ending wow I wasn’t expecting that at all.
Thank you Bookouture, Caroline Mitchell and Netgalley for a copy of this book.
November 2, 2017
https://donnasbookblog.wordpress.com/...
It is no secret that I am a huge fan of this author's books so I was really excited when I saw that the next book in the Detective Ruby Preston series was being released I knew it would definitely be a book for me and I wasn't wrong!
The pace was great and the plot was superb, it was really well thought out and well planned and researched. Caroline's knowledge of the Police force does come through in the books and I think that helps make the stories so much more believable that some of the other books in the same genre. The book is gritty and gripping and I barely put it down until I'd finished it!
Without a doubt, the best of the series for me - no hesitation in giving it 5 stars - excellent!!
It is no secret that I am a huge fan of this author's books so I was really excited when I saw that the next book in the Detective Ruby Preston series was being released I knew it would definitely be a book for me and I wasn't wrong!
The pace was great and the plot was superb, it was really well thought out and well planned and researched. Caroline's knowledge of the Police force does come through in the books and I think that helps make the stories so much more believable that some of the other books in the same genre. The book is gritty and gripping and I barely put it down until I'd finished it!
Without a doubt, the best of the series for me - no hesitation in giving it 5 stars - excellent!!
October 2, 2017
I have read all three of the Ruby Preston books in less than a week and now I’m devastated that there’s no more! Murder Game might just be one of the best yet (however there wasn’t enough Nathan for me...) and I am now heavily invested in Ruby’s life and story and just love her and her relationship with her colleagues, she’s a believable character. The story itself is very dark but extremely gripping, the big reveal I kicked myself at not seeing coming but even after that Caroline had another surprise to deliver. I really hope that Caroline carries on with this series as I could read about Ruby and co for many more books yet.
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