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Inspector Danilov #3
The Murder Game
A woman appears on the streets of Shanghai. She has thousands of cuts – and is screaming for Inspector Danilov…Days later, the woman is dead. But another body is left waiting for the Inspector. Someone is playing with Danilov… someone prepared to kill, just to get their message across.
At first, the victims seem unconnected. But with each body bringing a new message for Danilov, he knows this is a riddle especially designed for him.
As more bodies start appearing, time is running out to solve the deadly puzzle…
Haunted by the past and riven with tension, The Murder Game is hair-raising and unputdownable, perfect for fans of Philip Kerr and David Young.
Inspector Danilov Crime Thriller SeriesDeath in ShanghaiCity of ShadowsThe Murder GameThe Killing Time
At first, the victims seem unconnected. But with each body bringing a new message for Danilov, he knows this is a riddle especially designed for him.
As more bodies start appearing, time is running out to solve the deadly puzzle…
Haunted by the past and riven with tension, The Murder Game is hair-raising and unputdownable, perfect for fans of Philip Kerr and David Young.
Inspector Danilov Crime Thriller SeriesDeath in ShanghaiCity of ShadowsThe Murder GameThe Killing Time
342 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 31, 2017
98 people are currently reading
141 people want to read
About the author
M.J. Lee
46 books445 followersMartin has spent most of his adult life writing in one form or another.
He has spent 25 years of his life working outside the North of England. In London, Hong Kong, Taipei, Singapore, Bangkok and Shanghai.
He writes three series; the Danilov books set in 1930s Shanghai. The genealogical mysteries of Jayne Sinclair and the contemporary crime cases of DI Ridpath set in Manchester.
When he's not writing, he splits his time between the UK and Asia, taking pleasure in playing with his daughter, practicing downhill ironing, single-handedly solving the problem of the French wine lake and wishing he were George Clooney.
He has spent 25 years of his life working outside the North of England. In London, Hong Kong, Taipei, Singapore, Bangkok and Shanghai.
He writes three series; the Danilov books set in 1930s Shanghai. The genealogical mysteries of Jayne Sinclair and the contemporary crime cases of DI Ridpath set in Manchester.
When he's not writing, he splits his time between the UK and Asia, taking pleasure in playing with his daughter, practicing downhill ironing, single-handedly solving the problem of the French wine lake and wishing he were George Clooney.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
April 2, 2017
The Murder Game was fast paced, murderous, and a race against time.
The title was very true to the story.
This is the third book in the series, however a first book for me.
This didn't really hinder my experience of reading The Murder Game. In fact it's made me want to read the others.
The story starts out with a women appearing badly injured with a thousand cuts to her body as a form of punishment.
Who is she and where has she come from?
Later she passed away leaving Inspector Danilov clueless.
With several more murders appearing Danilov is up against time to try and find out who's behind the punishments and murders.
This book is fast paced, intriguing, a little graphic at times, but it keeps you hooked as you want to keep reading to find out who is behind everything.
Great twist and the characters were believable. I enjoyed the detectives somewhat partnership.
Overall a good book. Not my normal detective books but i did enjoy It.
I received this book from the Publisher in exchange for a honest and fair review via Netgalley.
The title was very true to the story.
This is the third book in the series, however a first book for me.
This didn't really hinder my experience of reading The Murder Game. In fact it's made me want to read the others.
The story starts out with a women appearing badly injured with a thousand cuts to her body as a form of punishment.
Who is she and where has she come from?
Later she passed away leaving Inspector Danilov clueless.
With several more murders appearing Danilov is up against time to try and find out who's behind the punishments and murders.
This book is fast paced, intriguing, a little graphic at times, but it keeps you hooked as you want to keep reading to find out who is behind everything.
Great twist and the characters were believable. I enjoyed the detectives somewhat partnership.
Overall a good book. Not my normal detective books but i did enjoy It.
I received this book from the Publisher in exchange for a honest and fair review via Netgalley.
March 26, 2018
The Murder Game is a gripping and enjoyable page-turner with an interesting plot and well-defined characters.
A mad serial killer is on a rampage, leaving corpses and clues for Inspector Danilov to find. Bodies are piling up and it is up to Danilov to find the killer and put an end to his madness. Little he suspects the murderer has a different ending in mind.
A mad serial killer is on a rampage, leaving corpses and clues for Inspector Danilov to find. Bodies are piling up and it is up to Danilov to find the killer and put an end to his madness. Little he suspects the murderer has a different ending in mind.
March 18, 2021
3.5 stars. Bodies are being found Shanghai, at first they don't seem to have an connection but Inspector Danilov realize they do and the killer is leaving clues just for him. Set in 1920s this book is the third in a series but I didn't know that going in. I enjoyed the mystery anywho but I should suggest starting with the first. Not my favorite mystery but thought it was well done, however I didn't connect with the story as much as I would have liked.
March 25, 2017
4 and 1 / 2 stars
Inspector Danilov and Detective Sergeant David Strachan are police officers in Shanghai during the 1920’s.
Sally Chen kidnapped and forced to undergo a terrible ordeal. She has become the victim of one-thousand cuts. Thrown in a pit and told to climb out, but there are razor blades imbedded in the earthen walls. When she got out of the pit, she ran screaming Inspector Danilov’s name and “Let the games begin.” She was later to die.
Danilov and Strachan are on the case. As they set about to find out more about the woman, another body is discovered. It is murdered in a similar way.
As the bodies keep falling, the new Superintendent assigns Meaker and Cartwright to aid Danilov and Strachan in their investigation. This is much to Danoliv’s chagrin. Meaker and Cartwright are two boorish, unlikeable and just plain rude detectives who as Danilov says, “Can’t investigate their own armpits.”
DS Strachan is a little bit of a bumbler, but he is loveable all the same.
The end of our story comes fast and the killer comes as a surprise. (Sort of.) M.J. Lee drops a bomb on the last page of the book.
This is my first M.J. Lee book, but it won’t be my last. I have already ordered books one and two in this series. It is very well written and plotted. M.J. Lee is a fine writer. I truly enjoyed reading this novel.
I want to thank Netgalley and HarperCollins/HQ Digital for forwarding to me a copy of this wonderful book to read.
Inspector Danilov and Detective Sergeant David Strachan are police officers in Shanghai during the 1920’s.
Sally Chen kidnapped and forced to undergo a terrible ordeal. She has become the victim of one-thousand cuts. Thrown in a pit and told to climb out, but there are razor blades imbedded in the earthen walls. When she got out of the pit, she ran screaming Inspector Danilov’s name and “Let the games begin.” She was later to die.
Danilov and Strachan are on the case. As they set about to find out more about the woman, another body is discovered. It is murdered in a similar way.
As the bodies keep falling, the new Superintendent assigns Meaker and Cartwright to aid Danilov and Strachan in their investigation. This is much to Danoliv’s chagrin. Meaker and Cartwright are two boorish, unlikeable and just plain rude detectives who as Danilov says, “Can’t investigate their own armpits.”
DS Strachan is a little bit of a bumbler, but he is loveable all the same.
The end of our story comes fast and the killer comes as a surprise. (Sort of.) M.J. Lee drops a bomb on the last page of the book.
This is my first M.J. Lee book, but it won’t be my last. I have already ordered books one and two in this series. It is very well written and plotted. M.J. Lee is a fine writer. I truly enjoyed reading this novel.
I want to thank Netgalley and HarperCollins/HQ Digital for forwarding to me a copy of this wonderful book to read.
August 22, 2017
Still love Strachan and his quiet cynicism and Danilov and his Russian proverbs, still love the relationship between them. The plot here was a little less believable than in the first two books in the series, and some things that happened were truly implausible, but the character building (see the new captain) is so good, that it did not bother me in the least. The historical and cultural background of Shanghai add a lot to the enjoyment and interest.
December 19, 2023
I enjoyed listening to this murder mystery story, set in the 1920's, and the narrator was very good. The story is about Inspector Danilov and Sergeant Stratton, who are investigating the death of a woman in Shanghai, as well as other murders which take place. I found it all very enjoyable, as it has a great story, with interesting characters, as well as a lot of secrets and suspense. Highly recommended!
Many thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for a copy of this book.
Many thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for a copy of this book.
April 2, 2017
I would like to thank Netgalley and HQ Digital for an advance copy of The Murder Game, third novel set in 1920s Shanghai to feature Inspector Danilov.
When Sally Chen is discovered running down the street naked, covered in cuts and calling for Inspector Danilov all she can say is "let the game begin". As the body count rises and Danilov recognises them and their means of death he begins to suspect an old adversary is back.
The Murder Game is an excellent read. The plot is twisty and convoluted as befits the madness of the killer. The reader doesn't know his name, only his thought processes, as he identifies himself as the embodiment of the god Yama and is following his plan, with an endgame of Danilov's death. Unfortunately Danilov and his sidekick, Sergeant Strachan, are slow to catch on (no wonder) and end up being reactive rather than proactive in their hunt. It makes for good reading as the reader has so much more information than the police and can only read on helplessly as they stumble about trying to make sense of the precious few clues they have, hampered by the new Chief Inspector Rock who is a literal rather than lateral thinker and Danilov's nemeses Cartwright and Meaker.
I love the way Mr Lee brings 1920s Shanghai to life with the politics, social divide, heat, squalor and cosmopolitan atmosphere. It has a bit of everything and you can really imagine it as you read.
The characters are well drawn as well. Danilov and Strachan are both outsiders in the cosy British world they work in with Danilov being a displaced Russian and Strachan being mixed Chinese and Scottish. It adds to the tension that these two outsiders are the ones with the best solve rates and the smarter thinking.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Murder Game and am already looking forward to the next instalment. It has a convoluted plot, a suitably evil baddie, well drawn protagonists and a great sense of place. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a good read.
When Sally Chen is discovered running down the street naked, covered in cuts and calling for Inspector Danilov all she can say is "let the game begin". As the body count rises and Danilov recognises them and their means of death he begins to suspect an old adversary is back.
The Murder Game is an excellent read. The plot is twisty and convoluted as befits the madness of the killer. The reader doesn't know his name, only his thought processes, as he identifies himself as the embodiment of the god Yama and is following his plan, with an endgame of Danilov's death. Unfortunately Danilov and his sidekick, Sergeant Strachan, are slow to catch on (no wonder) and end up being reactive rather than proactive in their hunt. It makes for good reading as the reader has so much more information than the police and can only read on helplessly as they stumble about trying to make sense of the precious few clues they have, hampered by the new Chief Inspector Rock who is a literal rather than lateral thinker and Danilov's nemeses Cartwright and Meaker.
I love the way Mr Lee brings 1920s Shanghai to life with the politics, social divide, heat, squalor and cosmopolitan atmosphere. It has a bit of everything and you can really imagine it as you read.
The characters are well drawn as well. Danilov and Strachan are both outsiders in the cosy British world they work in with Danilov being a displaced Russian and Strachan being mixed Chinese and Scottish. It adds to the tension that these two outsiders are the ones with the best solve rates and the smarter thinking.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Murder Game and am already looking forward to the next instalment. It has a convoluted plot, a suitably evil baddie, well drawn protagonists and a great sense of place. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a good read.
March 30, 2017
Thanks to Netgalley and author M.J.Lee for a copy of the Murder Game.
Wow! Not at all my usual book, but I found it gripping. The descriptions were realistic and I could picture them in my head. I liked the style of writing with the short chapters, as sometimes it was sensory overload.
I found the setting a little weird and it felt a bit out of place with the main characters, but it didn't detract from the story.
The plot is good, and the ending far better than some that I have recently read.
The book is a little grisly in places and the author seems to have done lots of research.
Wow! Not at all my usual book, but I found it gripping. The descriptions were realistic and I could picture them in my head. I liked the style of writing with the short chapters, as sometimes it was sensory overload.
I found the setting a little weird and it felt a bit out of place with the main characters, but it didn't detract from the story.
The plot is good, and the ending far better than some that I have recently read.
The book is a little grisly in places and the author seems to have done lots of research.
October 19, 2021
This book has a good plot with plenty of action that kept me interested throughout
The storyline is well formed and plausible and well worth reading
Thank you netgalley for a pre publication copy of this book
The storyline is well formed and plausible and well worth reading
Thank you netgalley for a pre publication copy of this book
June 22, 2021
Wow, what an emotional ride!
This book grabs you fast and draws you in.
I connected with the protagonist and was drawn into the story within the first few chapters.
The book has a solid story, which is fast paced, with good scene setting and an interesting back story.
The story has murder, mystery, suspense and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was perfectly narrated which only added to the experience.
Many thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for gifting me this arc in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
This book grabs you fast and draws you in.
I connected with the protagonist and was drawn into the story within the first few chapters.
The book has a solid story, which is fast paced, with good scene setting and an interesting back story.
The story has murder, mystery, suspense and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was perfectly narrated which only added to the experience.
Many thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for gifting me this arc in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
July 15, 2021
Bodies are being found over Shanghai and the only connection to them is Inspector Danilov; but with clues of poetry being left in the newspapers a game is being played.
Is Danilov smart enough to work out what the game is?
Or will he be too late and lose everything he loves?
This book made my stomach churn, my toes curl and my fingers tingle; Lee writes the most horrific torture methods, I couldn't handle it!
I'm a quesy person as it is and at points I had to stop.
This doesn't mean it isn't well written, it means Lee has a brilliant imagination and does a great job bringing the readers in.
It even made me question the choices if I was put in the same position.
This is the 3rd book in the series, and I really wish I had read the previous ones as it was obvious that it followed on and you did end up missing a lot.
It's a serious I would pick up, but adding a bit of something happy in between.
Is Danilov smart enough to work out what the game is?
Or will he be too late and lose everything he loves?
This book made my stomach churn, my toes curl and my fingers tingle; Lee writes the most horrific torture methods, I couldn't handle it!
I'm a quesy person as it is and at points I had to stop.
This doesn't mean it isn't well written, it means Lee has a brilliant imagination and does a great job bringing the readers in.
It even made me question the choices if I was put in the same position.
This is the 3rd book in the series, and I really wish I had read the previous ones as it was obvious that it followed on and you did end up missing a lot.
It's a serious I would pick up, but adding a bit of something happy in between.
March 26, 2017
Thanks HarperCollins UK and netgalley for this ARC.
This series has always held a place in my mind so I can't say enough about this awesome series. The Murder Game exceeds its predecessors in depravity, mind games, murder, and decadent descriptions of Shanghai.
This series has always held a place in my mind so I can't say enough about this awesome series. The Murder Game exceeds its predecessors in depravity, mind games, murder, and decadent descriptions of Shanghai.
February 16, 2021
An outstanding book
This is a taught, well-written historical mystery set in Shanghai following the close of the First World War. This is part of a series about Inspector Danilov and the author does a great job depicting the life and ambianceof Shanghai. Detective Strachan comes into his own in this book and all of the characters are very well drawn. The mystery is highly engaging and the plot moves at a rapid pace. As much as I liked the author's other novels, I wish he would add to this series, which I believe demonstrates his best efforts. Bring back Danilov, please!
This is a taught, well-written historical mystery set in Shanghai following the close of the First World War. This is part of a series about Inspector Danilov and the author does a great job depicting the life and ambianceof Shanghai. Detective Strachan comes into his own in this book and all of the characters are very well drawn. The mystery is highly engaging and the plot moves at a rapid pace. As much as I liked the author's other novels, I wish he would add to this series, which I believe demonstrates his best efforts. Bring back Danilov, please!
May 17, 2018
Found it a bit boring with characters that were hard to connect to. Also a bit too graphic in places. I’m done with this series.
August 19, 2018
Who Am I
Puzzling!?! This book will keep you guessing. Who's going to die next? Only the killer knows. Everybody else is just waiting. He likes to play games with peoples lives by giving them a choice on how they want to die. This story had a few twists and turns. A real guessing game with brutal violence.
Puzzling!?! This book will keep you guessing. Who's going to die next? Only the killer knows. Everybody else is just waiting. He likes to play games with peoples lives by giving them a choice on how they want to die. This story had a few twists and turns. A real guessing game with brutal violence.
May 2, 2017
This is the third instalment of M J Lee's detective series set in 1920's Shanghai. Loved the first two and to be honest this one is just as good as the first two. However, I must say if you are to enjoy this book fully you should read the first two before this one. By the way if you do then you are in for a treat.
When I think back about these books there have been many reasons why I loved them. The first being the storyline. As before I have been mesmerised by the plot of The Murder Game, and how it has kept me guessing right until the end, and talking about the ending, this one is great and I'll tell you what you won't be disappointed with it.
Moving on to the characters; Danilov and his partner Strachan are simply two great characters. One being a Russian and the other half Chinese, and it's these characters, who I think gives the whole series an immense amount of style. What I mean by this is, they are just that little different from most detective stories I have read over the years, yet not straying away from being believable and real. However, I should point out there are also many other great characters that come into the story as it moves along, but then again what do you expect when it's set in such a characteristic place like Shanghai.
So once again, great plot, fantastic characters as well as a great setting can only mean one thing from me, and that is five stars.
When I think back about these books there have been many reasons why I loved them. The first being the storyline. As before I have been mesmerised by the plot of The Murder Game, and how it has kept me guessing right until the end, and talking about the ending, this one is great and I'll tell you what you won't be disappointed with it.
Moving on to the characters; Danilov and his partner Strachan are simply two great characters. One being a Russian and the other half Chinese, and it's these characters, who I think gives the whole series an immense amount of style. What I mean by this is, they are just that little different from most detective stories I have read over the years, yet not straying away from being believable and real. However, I should point out there are also many other great characters that come into the story as it moves along, but then again what do you expect when it's set in such a characteristic place like Shanghai.
So once again, great plot, fantastic characters as well as a great setting can only mean one thing from me, and that is five stars.
February 27, 2019
I genuinely enjoy Lee’s books, but I hesitate to go into detail about this one because, while capable of standing in its own, it is very much a sequel to the previous book.
Almost anything I want to say comes close to spoiler
Almost anything I want to say comes close to spoiler
March 27, 2020
The third installment of the Inspector Danilov series seems like a repeat of the second, where the Russian detective in Shanghai is pursuing a serial killer with close connections to him. With the book primarily narrated by the brooding Russian, we get the doubts and fears and second-guessing of the methodical detective.
February 25, 2019
I mostly enjoyed this book. Two thirds of the way through I was wishing the killer would soon be caught, then towards the end I became engaged in the story again. I would read another Inspector Danilov mystery. It was entertaining.
August 3, 2018
This is a 4½-star book; the best in the Danilov series (trilogy?).
It's difficult to review the plot without giving away things that shouldn't be given away. So, if you enjoyed the first two books in the series, think that this one will be even more enjoyable; if you haven't read the first two, then get on with it so you can finally read this book.
You're welcome.
It's difficult to review the plot without giving away things that shouldn't be given away. So, if you enjoyed the first two books in the series, think that this one will be even more enjoyable; if you haven't read the first two, then get on with it so you can finally read this book.
You're welcome.
June 27, 2021
3.5 This is the 3rd of the Inpspector Danilov mysteries and I have not read the first 2 installments in the series and do wonder if I would have enjoyed this more if I had read the first 2 books. There was a lot of background information on recurring characters which I assume would have been covered in the first instalments and might have made me more sympathetic to certain characters.
The book is set in Shanghai in the inter-war years but for some reason a strong sense of place didn’t come through for me, although I found some details, such as the international zones into which Shanghai was apparently split, very interesting.
For me, the biggest issue in terms of the novel was that I just didn’t engage with the character of Danilov, although I found his sidekick, Strachan, more sympathetic. The other members of the police force also seemed like stereotypes and not terribly credible characters. The plot was initially quite interesting but was drawn out for too long and somehow lost credibility, especially in how the other members of the force were supposedly responding. I also became irritated with quite a lot of repetition. Strachan is always thinking about food and going home to an empty house since his mother died - fine if we delve a bit deeper into his psyche but we don’t. Women from the Caucuses have cat-like eyes we are told on several occasions, Danilov’s daughter calls Strachan “David” - possibly surprising the first time but hardly worth mentioning with surprise more than once, etc.
I was lucky enough to receive an audiobook ARC of this and so want to mention something about the narrator - I’m not sure where he’s from and although there are occasional strange pronunciations, eg everyone seems to corfff a lot, rather than cough, it’s mostly fine. However, the author is unusually specific about where minor characters are from and when the narrator was attempting these it was unintentionally hilariously bad.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Saga Egmont Audio for an ARC of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
The book is set in Shanghai in the inter-war years but for some reason a strong sense of place didn’t come through for me, although I found some details, such as the international zones into which Shanghai was apparently split, very interesting.
For me, the biggest issue in terms of the novel was that I just didn’t engage with the character of Danilov, although I found his sidekick, Strachan, more sympathetic. The other members of the police force also seemed like stereotypes and not terribly credible characters. The plot was initially quite interesting but was drawn out for too long and somehow lost credibility, especially in how the other members of the force were supposedly responding. I also became irritated with quite a lot of repetition. Strachan is always thinking about food and going home to an empty house since his mother died - fine if we delve a bit deeper into his psyche but we don’t. Women from the Caucuses have cat-like eyes we are told on several occasions, Danilov’s daughter calls Strachan “David” - possibly surprising the first time but hardly worth mentioning with surprise more than once, etc.
I was lucky enough to receive an audiobook ARC of this and so want to mention something about the narrator - I’m not sure where he’s from and although there are occasional strange pronunciations, eg everyone seems to corfff a lot, rather than cough, it’s mostly fine. However, the author is unusually specific about where minor characters are from and when the narrator was attempting these it was unintentionally hilariously bad.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Saga Egmont Audio for an ARC of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
March 19, 2018
One of the Best Police Procedurals
The protagonist Detective Inspector Danilov of the Shanghai Police doesn’t know it yet, but a sadistic serial killer has issued a challenge via a still-living victim. “Let the Game Begin.” The murderer stages other victims at various sites in Shanghai, and he communicates with Danilov using game pieces, Chinese characters, and bad poetry written in English.
M.J. Lee is a new-to-me author, but this book can be read as a standalone. I enjoyed the intricately plotted storyline, the 1920s Shanghai setting, the sociocultural milieu, and the complex characters.
IF YOU HATE SPOILERS, STOP READING NOW.
YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED:
This spoiler is for readers who like mysteries and police procedurals that end with all the plot threads neatly tied off. That appears to happen in Chapter 97 which is the second to the last chapter . . . except for one very thin thread. The author takes care of that in the Chapter 98, which would—in my opinion—have been better if written as an epilogue.
If you’ve read Russian novels/stories, the last chapter won’t be that much of a surprise. Yes, it’s tragic and horrific, and it leads to the next book, so there is a cliffhanger.
OTOH, I feel (uncharacteristically for me) satisfied by the author’s choice of ending. I don’t feel the need to read the next book in this series.
The protagonist Detective Inspector Danilov of the Shanghai Police doesn’t know it yet, but a sadistic serial killer has issued a challenge via a still-living victim. “Let the Game Begin.” The murderer stages other victims at various sites in Shanghai, and he communicates with Danilov using game pieces, Chinese characters, and bad poetry written in English.
M.J. Lee is a new-to-me author, but this book can be read as a standalone. I enjoyed the intricately plotted storyline, the 1920s Shanghai setting, the sociocultural milieu, and the complex characters.
IF YOU HATE SPOILERS, STOP READING NOW.
YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED:
This spoiler is for readers who like mysteries and police procedurals that end with all the plot threads neatly tied off. That appears to happen in Chapter 97 which is the second to the last chapter . . . except for one very thin thread. The author takes care of that in the Chapter 98, which would—in my opinion—have been better if written as an epilogue.
If you’ve read Russian novels/stories, the last chapter won’t be that much of a surprise. Yes, it’s tragic and horrific, and it leads to the next book, so there is a cliffhanger.
OTOH, I feel (uncharacteristically for me) satisfied by the author’s choice of ending. I don’t feel the need to read the next book in this series.
July 10, 2021
This murder mystery is set in Shanghai between WW1 & WW2. I understand that it is the 3rd in a series - I haven't read the others so cannot comment on continuity etc, but review this as a standalone.
When a women is found with thousands of razor-blade cuts to her body and shouting the name of Inspector Danilov, he and Sergeant Stratton are drawn into a "game" where a serial killer is determined to play with Danilov & his method of solving crimes. As the number of corpses increase, Danilov realises that there is a personal connection ...
The storyline is fast-paced, unusual and engaging, but the narrator didn't work for me - he attempted to differentiate the characters but this resulted in one of them sounding whiney. In addition the accent was a little too "RP" for me. For instance the word coughing came over as "cuffing" and it just made it hard for me to engage with as it felt disconnected from the story. Hence the 3 star rating.
Disclosure: I received a copy of this audiobook free via NetGalley. Whilst thanks go to the author & publisher for the opportunity to listen to it, all opinions are my own.
#TheMurderGame #NetGalley
When a women is found with thousands of razor-blade cuts to her body and shouting the name of Inspector Danilov, he and Sergeant Stratton are drawn into a "game" where a serial killer is determined to play with Danilov & his method of solving crimes. As the number of corpses increase, Danilov realises that there is a personal connection ...
The storyline is fast-paced, unusual and engaging, but the narrator didn't work for me - he attempted to differentiate the characters but this resulted in one of them sounding whiney. In addition the accent was a little too "RP" for me. For instance the word coughing came over as "cuffing" and it just made it hard for me to engage with as it felt disconnected from the story. Hence the 3 star rating.
Disclosure: I received a copy of this audiobook free via NetGalley. Whilst thanks go to the author & publisher for the opportunity to listen to it, all opinions are my own.
#TheMurderGame #NetGalley
March 26, 2018
Thank you to The Pigeonhole for letting me read this novel in staves.
Inspector Danilov and Sergeant Strachan are on the case of a killer who appears to behave very much like one they've seen before. It can't be Thomas Allen though, because Danilov shot him. A new boss, an impossible killer and dead bodies piling up. Who can trust a policeman who can't even find his own wife and son?
This is an interesting setting for a crime novel; I'm not really familiar with Hong Kong and it's intricacies so I did enjoy this part of story where nationalities are blended and cultures collide. Danilov and Strachan were OK as characters but I didn't feel drawn to them. I haven't read the previous two novels so perhaps that made a difference, but I just didn't feel they did much except for eat so there wasn't much to empathise with them.
All in all, this was an OK novel but not one which really grabbed me and not one I would go out of my way to read. I won't be going back to read the first two in the series!
Inspector Danilov and Sergeant Strachan are on the case of a killer who appears to behave very much like one they've seen before. It can't be Thomas Allen though, because Danilov shot him. A new boss, an impossible killer and dead bodies piling up. Who can trust a policeman who can't even find his own wife and son?
This is an interesting setting for a crime novel; I'm not really familiar with Hong Kong and it's intricacies so I did enjoy this part of story where nationalities are blended and cultures collide. Danilov and Strachan were OK as characters but I didn't feel drawn to them. I haven't read the previous two novels so perhaps that made a difference, but I just didn't feel they did much except for eat so there wasn't much to empathise with them.
All in all, this was an OK novel but not one which really grabbed me and not one I would go out of my way to read. I won't be going back to read the first two in the series!
November 2, 2021
I much prefer books set in the present day in the UK, and didn't realise until I started listening that this one is set in late 1920s Shanghai. I also didn't realise that it was the third in a series! However none of that stopped me from enjoying this police detective story which had Sherlock Holmes vibes.
The book is well written and well plotted and true to the book's title, the killer is indeed playing a murderous game with the two detectives. There are twists and turns galore, and the murders are horrific and macabre.
M J Lee brought 1920s Shanghai to life for me, and the characters, especially Danilov and Strachan are well drawn and both likeable.
I do feel that I missed out a little on Danilov's backstory by not having read the first two books in the series, but will be putting that right asap.
The narration by Dallin Bradford was perfect for the book.
The book is well written and well plotted and true to the book's title, the killer is indeed playing a murderous game with the two detectives. There are twists and turns galore, and the murders are horrific and macabre.
M J Lee brought 1920s Shanghai to life for me, and the characters, especially Danilov and Strachan are well drawn and both likeable.
I do feel that I missed out a little on Danilov's backstory by not having read the first two books in the series, but will be putting that right asap.
The narration by Dallin Bradford was perfect for the book.
March 26, 2018
I really enjoyed this book, and while it is a follow-on in some ways to the previous books, it is a stand-alone story. I haven't read the previous books, but I will be!
I like the writing style of MJ Lee, although at times it can be a little repetitive. The ambience of Shangai in the 1930s suits the story perfectly, with its cosmopolitan atmosphere. The characterisation is great, although the supporting cops are a little over the top, but, having said that, they, and the punchy one-liners from Danilov and Strachan bring some humour and relief from the tension of the plot, which develops smoothly. It's a gripping crime thriller, well worth reading.
I like the writing style of MJ Lee, although at times it can be a little repetitive. The ambience of Shangai in the 1930s suits the story perfectly, with its cosmopolitan atmosphere. The characterisation is great, although the supporting cops are a little over the top, but, having said that, they, and the punchy one-liners from Danilov and Strachan bring some humour and relief from the tension of the plot, which develops smoothly. It's a gripping crime thriller, well worth reading.
August 31, 2021
2.5/5 stars
The mystery was decent but I didn't find it engaging. A supposedly dead criminal has returned and is targeting people close to the protagonist, Inspector Danilov who works in Shanghai. I found the book (or the characters) laced with sexism; the way some characters described female dead bodies or the main character constantly complaining about his daughter's cooking. Well if it sucks so much, then cook it yourself. The book has some surprisingly gory scenes. I couldn't have completed this book if it wasn't an audio book. The narrator did a good job embodying all of the characters.
The mystery was decent but I didn't find it engaging. A supposedly dead criminal has returned and is targeting people close to the protagonist, Inspector Danilov who works in Shanghai. I found the book (or the characters) laced with sexism; the way some characters described female dead bodies or the main character constantly complaining about his daughter's cooking. Well if it sucks so much, then cook it yourself. The book has some surprisingly gory scenes. I couldn't have completed this book if it wasn't an audio book. The narrator did a good job embodying all of the characters.
May 21, 2018
This series is set in Shanghai between the wars and that background provides an interesting texture to the Danilov whodunits. Well-plotted and swift-moving, this book is more than merely entertaining. Danilov is a nicely-flawed, opium-smoking hero surrounded by a recurring cast of colorful characters and the reader quickly sympathizes with this Russian émigré. The villain Allen is cartoonish though which undercuts the tension and the novel needs a good edit to tighten things up but it’s enjoyable nevertheless.
June 23, 2018
Too much similarity.
I was really looking forward to reading this third instalment of the Inspector Danilov series, but actually finished the book feeling slightly disappointed.
The writing is as good as ever and the main characters as engaging, however, the similarity with the first book in the series made it a bit of a repetitive read. I was also a bit taken aback at the use of the the name Lou Cipher, it's straight out of William Hjortsberg's Fallen Angel.
A disappointment unfortunately and one that is putting me off buying the fourth instalment.
I was really looking forward to reading this third instalment of the Inspector Danilov series, but actually finished the book feeling slightly disappointed.
The writing is as good as ever and the main characters as engaging, however, the similarity with the first book in the series made it a bit of a repetitive read. I was also a bit taken aback at the use of the the name Lou Cipher, it's straight out of William Hjortsberg's Fallen Angel.
A disappointment unfortunately and one that is putting me off buying the fourth instalment.
June 22, 2021
Wow, what an emotional ride!
This book grabs you fast and draws you in.
I connected with the protagonist and was drawn into the story within the first few chapters.
The book has a solid story, which is fast paced, with good scene setting and an interesting back story.
The story has murder, mystery, suspense and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was perfectly narrated which only added to the experience.
Many thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for gifting me this arc in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
This book grabs you fast and draws you in.
I connected with the protagonist and was drawn into the story within the first few chapters.
The book has a solid story, which is fast paced, with good scene setting and an interesting back story.
The story has murder, mystery, suspense and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was perfectly narrated which only added to the experience.
Many thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for gifting me this arc in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
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