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Kill Game
Twenty years ago, the missing girl emerged from a basement in the arms of a young detective. He promised to become her guardian and keep her safe. Now, he may have to break that promise.
Bella Cruz grew up to become Portland's most recognizable detective, but it made her too easy to find. When the killer from her past sees her on the news, he endeavours to kill countless civilians until Bella surrenders herself. While Bella makes her decision, more innocents must die, forcing her back into her deepest, darkest nightmares, where even her father can't protect her.
The Portland Predator is close, and there's nothing she can do but give in to his disturbing demands. Kill Game thrusts thrilling twists at you from every angle, forcing you to keep reading for just a little longer.
Bella Cruz grew up to become Portland's most recognizable detective, but it made her too easy to find. When the killer from her past sees her on the news, he endeavours to kill countless civilians until Bella surrenders herself. While Bella makes her decision, more innocents must die, forcing her back into her deepest, darkest nightmares, where even her father can't protect her.
The Portland Predator is close, and there's nothing she can do but give in to his disturbing demands. Kill Game thrusts thrilling twists at you from every angle, forcing you to keep reading for just a little longer.
294 pages, Paperback
First published October 8, 2018
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389 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
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Blurb:
Twenty years ago, the missing girl emerged from a basement in the arms of a young detective. He promised to become her guardian and keep her safe. Now, he may have to break that promise.
Bella Cruz grew up to become Portland's most recognizable detective, but it made her too easy to find. When the killer from her past sees her on the news, he endeavours to kill countless civilians until Bella surrenders herself. While Bella makes her decision, more innocents must die, forcing her back into her deepest, darkest nightmares, where even her father can't protect her.
The Portland Predator is close, and there's nothing she can do but give in to his disturbing demands. Kill Game thrusts thrilling twists at you from every angle, forcing you to keep reading for just a little longer.
Blurb:
Twenty years ago, the missing girl emerged from a basement in the arms of a young detective. He promised to become her guardian and keep her safe. Now, he may have to break that promise.
Bella Cruz grew up to become Portland's most recognizable detective, but it made her too easy to find. When the killer from her past sees her on the news, he endeavours to kill countless civilians until Bella surrenders herself. While Bella makes her decision, more innocents must die, forcing her back into her deepest, darkest nightmares, where even her father can't protect her.
The Portland Predator is close, and there's nothing she can do but give in to his disturbing demands. Kill Game thrusts thrilling twists at you from every angle, forcing you to keep reading for just a little longer.
November 17, 2018
Another book that just isn't for me. I hadn't realised when I downloaded this but I already had 2 stories by him read. One I liked a great deal, one I packed in. So his storylines clearly appeal to me !! However, this one is just too unbelievable by far. I did get as far as 37% into it, which surprised me when I checked, but I'd had enough by then.
I didn't find it read true that Bella's adoptive dad would also be her boss, who, though he adopted her hasn't ever even kissed her forehead (!!), the words fear sweat he used more than once and it needed hyphenating to make any readable sense. Actually, we seemed to read a LOT about sweat the whole way through and didn't need to know how often Bella was perspiring, really....I never stayed the course long enough to find out whodunnit' but I do think if it was the original attacker he'd have kept tabs on Bella throughout her life and not only the preceding 6 months. Bella goes running outdoors after dark as opposed to staying inside a gym.....not the behaviour of a prior victim who is led to believe someone's after her and I gave up after the loft encounter, which was way too farfetched.
Pot lights I think was meant to be spot lights but that was it for spelling mistakes or grammar issues so I gave an extra star for this. I always like his covers a great deal, too.
I didn't find it read true that Bella's adoptive dad would also be her boss, who, though he adopted her hasn't ever even kissed her forehead (!!), the words fear sweat he used more than once and it needed hyphenating to make any readable sense. Actually, we seemed to read a LOT about sweat the whole way through and didn't need to know how often Bella was perspiring, really....I never stayed the course long enough to find out whodunnit' but I do think if it was the original attacker he'd have kept tabs on Bella throughout her life and not only the preceding 6 months. Bella goes running outdoors after dark as opposed to staying inside a gym.....not the behaviour of a prior victim who is led to believe someone's after her and I gave up after the loft encounter, which was way too farfetched.
Pot lights I think was meant to be spot lights but that was it for spelling mistakes or grammar issues so I gave an extra star for this. I always like his covers a great deal, too.
October 16, 2018
A thrilling ride!
This 'hard to put down book' has all the requirements of a splendid story. It intermingles true emotions and base fear into a fascinating take on the inability to move on those occasions when NOT to move could lose you everything, including your life. A masterfully written book!
This 'hard to put down book' has all the requirements of a splendid story. It intermingles true emotions and base fear into a fascinating take on the inability to move on those occasions when NOT to move could lose you everything, including your life. A masterfully written book!
October 14, 2018
Intense
From the first page to the last you can't put this book down. Well written with believable characters and intriguing that keeps you guessing until the end. Would recommend this for anyone who loves a good thriller.
From the first page to the last you can't put this book down. Well written with believable characters and intriguing that keeps you guessing until the end. Would recommend this for anyone who loves a good thriller.
October 11, 2018
This was a really good “get revenge” book. The things Bella went through, are things no child should ever have to experience. Yet, she was a survivor. She grew up to become an incredible detective. Having to face her abuser must have been a really hard thing to do. Continuing to play the game only made it even harder. This book drew me in and spit me out at the end, cheering Bella on as she faced her fears and became a better person.
November 9, 2018
A promise to keep her safe, a detective had made, which now had to be broken. She understood, being a detective the promises one tells. Her job, was her life, and made a name for herself. Which drew the killer out once again. He wanted her, and until he did, innocence people would lose. With everything going for her, now it is a nightmare of living, who could protector her now. A tense plot to the end.
October 17, 2018
Unbelievable Elements in Storyline
Whilst reading the synopsis for this book, I was sure this was a mystery-thriller that I’d enjoy. Detective Bella Gray—who was held captive and sexually abused as a child—learns that her abductor is in Portland. Twenty-five years ago, Bella escaped before her abuser, Salem Ross, before he could kill her. Now he wants Bella, so he’s killing again.
Ross is a creepy, older pedophile—I guessed 60-65—who can’t stand adult women, and yet, he’s aroused by Bella. He also says that “her body would have altered over the years, becoming more wanton, crusted with random hair, moles, and skin tags.” He worries that she may have animal smells that might churn his stomach, that she’d be too bulgy, too muscular or too tough. Would Ross want Bella, who has aged out of his sexual ideals? I get it if he wants to kill the one girl who got away.
Bella has PTSD, has visual and auditory hallucination, plus she is fighting angst and anger. Yet, she lives alone in an “old, rickety, and easy to break” into building—this is Salem Ross’ assessment. It’s an unsecured building, has no lobby security guards, and her loft has a window located on an easily accessible fire escape. Bella has NO alarm system in her living space. I thought it unbelievable, given her history and her current state of mind.
Bella is often TSTL, and she disobeys orders to get what she wants. The captain orders her to stay at home, and he tells four cops to keep her safe or they’ll be fired. She sneaks out, jeopardizing the cops’ jobs. She allows her partner to help her confront Ross in an unsanctioned, ill-advised move—both know his career is in jeopardy.
No grammar or punctuation errors of note, however there are oddly constructed sentences and odd word choices.
• “She smiled at Bella, exposing silver fillings in the back of her mouth.”
• “She was off-kilter, as if he needed to get his searching, pointed fingers into her gears and adjust the picture.”
• “His body was crumpled, so young and tender in his Freddy Kreuger sweater, on the uncut grass.” (This is Bella’s thought after Ross escapes her and knocks out her partner.)
Whilst reading the synopsis for this book, I was sure this was a mystery-thriller that I’d enjoy. Detective Bella Gray—who was held captive and sexually abused as a child—learns that her abductor is in Portland. Twenty-five years ago, Bella escaped before her abuser, Salem Ross, before he could kill her. Now he wants Bella, so he’s killing again.
Ross is a creepy, older pedophile—I guessed 60-65—who can’t stand adult women, and yet, he’s aroused by Bella. He also says that “her body would have altered over the years, becoming more wanton, crusted with random hair, moles, and skin tags.” He worries that she may have animal smells that might churn his stomach, that she’d be too bulgy, too muscular or too tough. Would Ross want Bella, who has aged out of his sexual ideals? I get it if he wants to kill the one girl who got away.
Bella has PTSD, has visual and auditory hallucination, plus she is fighting angst and anger. Yet, she lives alone in an “old, rickety, and easy to break” into building—this is Salem Ross’ assessment. It’s an unsecured building, has no lobby security guards, and her loft has a window located on an easily accessible fire escape. Bella has NO alarm system in her living space. I thought it unbelievable, given her history and her current state of mind.
Bella is often TSTL, and she disobeys orders to get what she wants. The captain orders her to stay at home, and he tells four cops to keep her safe or they’ll be fired. She sneaks out, jeopardizing the cops’ jobs. She allows her partner to help her confront Ross in an unsanctioned, ill-advised move—both know his career is in jeopardy.
No grammar or punctuation errors of note, however there are oddly constructed sentences and odd word choices.
• “She smiled at Bella, exposing silver fillings in the back of her mouth.”
• “She was off-kilter, as if he needed to get his searching, pointed fingers into her gears and adjust the picture.”
• “His body was crumpled, so young and tender in his Freddy Kreuger sweater, on the uncut grass.” (This is Bella’s thought after Ross escapes her and knocks out her partner.)
October 14, 2018
Kill Game Written by Adam Nicholls
When is it alright to hurt? During, afterwards or never?
Twenty years ago, the missing girl emerged from a basement in the arms of a young detective. He promised to become her guardian and keep her safe. Now, he may have to break that promise. Bella Cruz grew up to become Portland's most recognizable detective, but it made her too easy to find. When the killer from her past sees her on the news, he endeavors to kill countless civilians until Bella surrenders herself. While Bella makes her decision, more innocents must die, forcing her back into her deepest, darkest nightmares, where even her father can't protect her. The Portland Predator is close, and there's nothing she can do but give in to his disturbing demands. Kill Game thrusts thrilling twists at you from every angle, forcing you to keep reading for just a little longer. *This novel collects three previously published installments.
What did I like? This was one of the most intense books that I have read lately. The extreme action and emotional storyline content were unbelievable. To say that I was not able to put this book down would be putting it mildly! I want more of this storyline, Bella is the most awesome leading character ever! Her story is incredible and intensive!
What will you like? A VERY WELL written book with a storyline that is powerful and emotional with the passion of someone that has lived an incredible life. Her adopted father is forceful and extreme with the love of a man that knows how to treat this woman without being an anchor around her neck. She needed him and he needed her and this is what makes the story believable. This is movie making material and I sure hope the author continues on with it in many more books. I received this from the author for an honest review with no other compensation.
When is it alright to hurt? During, afterwards or never?
Twenty years ago, the missing girl emerged from a basement in the arms of a young detective. He promised to become her guardian and keep her safe. Now, he may have to break that promise. Bella Cruz grew up to become Portland's most recognizable detective, but it made her too easy to find. When the killer from her past sees her on the news, he endeavors to kill countless civilians until Bella surrenders herself. While Bella makes her decision, more innocents must die, forcing her back into her deepest, darkest nightmares, where even her father can't protect her. The Portland Predator is close, and there's nothing she can do but give in to his disturbing demands. Kill Game thrusts thrilling twists at you from every angle, forcing you to keep reading for just a little longer. *This novel collects three previously published installments.
What did I like? This was one of the most intense books that I have read lately. The extreme action and emotional storyline content were unbelievable. To say that I was not able to put this book down would be putting it mildly! I want more of this storyline, Bella is the most awesome leading character ever! Her story is incredible and intensive!
What will you like? A VERY WELL written book with a storyline that is powerful and emotional with the passion of someone that has lived an incredible life. Her adopted father is forceful and extreme with the love of a man that knows how to treat this woman without being an anchor around her neck. She needed him and he needed her and this is what makes the story believable. This is movie making material and I sure hope the author continues on with it in many more books. I received this from the author for an honest review with no other compensation.
October 27, 2022
This book is part of a set of 12 thrillers. It starts with a little girl kidnapped after her mother is killed at a convenience store. You quickly learn about the horrors she encounters before you are shifted 20 years later where the little girl is now a detective. Of course, her kidnapper emerges into present day wanting to re-insert himself into her life. What transpires is a back and forth between past and present as the plot unfolds. While the protagonist can be narcissistic at times, all in all it’s a good story. It’s certainly a quick read, and the writer does a good job of weaving the tell. I would recommend this story if you like the premise of revenge with some serial killer action in between!
September 6, 2022
Frankly I was disappointed in this book. A detective who survived an abduction and vicious sexual abuse as a child is forced to relive the past. Her abusers begins a killing game designed to bring her to him. And it does.
This story was unpleasant and unbelievable. Hard to believe the elderly abuser would be as spry as he was. Bella is a hot head and her recklessness and stupidity belie her status as ace detective. The police department nepotism is as laughable as it is unbelievable. The tale ends predictably..pass.
This story was unpleasant and unbelievable. Hard to believe the elderly abuser would be as spry as he was. Bella is a hot head and her recklessness and stupidity belie her status as ace detective. The police department nepotism is as laughable as it is unbelievable. The tale ends predictably..pass.
January 2, 2021
I have the box set that includes this story and I really enjoyed it. Fast-paced, this detective story is gritty, disturbing and very well done.
I admit that I thought Bella's tale as a girl had a better writing style (actually, all the italic chapters had a different feel and tone, which I really liked), though the entire story was written well.
Good characters and plot and the story certainly fitted the genre.
Recommended.
I admit that I thought Bella's tale as a girl had a better writing style (actually, all the italic chapters had a different feel and tone, which I really liked), though the entire story was written well.
Good characters and plot and the story certainly fitted the genre.
Recommended.
December 2, 2018
Victim's Revenge
Bella was abducted by a predator when a child and suffered for months before she was rescued. Fast forward 20 years she is once again being stalked by the same man and is determined to take him down and end it. A good book for those that like mystery and detective stories.
Bella was abducted by a predator when a child and suffered for months before she was rescued. Fast forward 20 years she is once again being stalked by the same man and is determined to take him down and end it. A good book for those that like mystery and detective stories.
December 21, 2018
The book was pretty good as far as thrillers go. I just felt like it needed more time to develop. Everything moved a little too fast in the sense that you blinked and it was done. There was very little cat and mouse play which I happen to like.
Overall I would recommend the book if you want a quick thriller.
Overall I would recommend the book if you want a quick thriller.
February 24, 2019
Broke and fixed my heart.
Such a difficult read in so many ways due to the nature of the topic but also so heartwarming. Thoroughly worth every second spent getting lost in this story. Fantastic grip on readers and enough twists and turns to keep even the most well-read amateur sleuth guessing.
Such a difficult read in so many ways due to the nature of the topic but also so heartwarming. Thoroughly worth every second spent getting lost in this story. Fantastic grip on readers and enough twists and turns to keep even the most well-read amateur sleuth guessing.
May 24, 2019
This was a hard book to read. Had I known how heartsick it would make me, I wouldn’t have even started. It was however well written and there was no way in hell I was going to be able to stop reading without knowing it would have a satisfying ending. Now pardon me while I go delete the book off my phone so I never have to be reminded of the horrors again.
June 20, 2022
thriller
This was unusual book but it did provide a look into the mind of a survivor and a psychological game of cat and mouse. It goes back in time to give you a perspective of Bella’s trauma so you can understand her emotions. I would recommend this book it keeps you turning the pages.
This was unusual book but it did provide a look into the mind of a survivor and a psychological game of cat and mouse. It goes back in time to give you a perspective of Bella’s trauma so you can understand her emotions. I would recommend this book it keeps you turning the pages.
November 17, 2018
In professional
I liked the plot of this story however I found the lead character to be weak and undisciplined. Not good qualitys for the citys top detective. And the flashbacks were redundant. Didn't need all of them to understand the plot. We knew them from early on in the book
I liked the plot of this story however I found the lead character to be weak and undisciplined. Not good qualitys for the citys top detective. And the flashbacks were redundant. Didn't need all of them to understand the plot. We knew them from early on in the book
November 20, 2018
Childhood lost no stolen
Couldn't put it down! I was intrigued by the father and daughter relationship. The Salem character was frightening . I was fascinated on the effect Salem had on Bella, even 20 years later as if she was still that 8 year old child
Couldn't put it down! I was intrigued by the father and daughter relationship. The Salem character was frightening . I was fascinated on the effect Salem had on Bella, even 20 years later as if she was still that 8 year old child
December 8, 2018
A Difficult Book to Read
This book was very hard to get into. It is very violent and I did not like the plot. I also had a hard time with the characters. I won't be reading this author again.
This book was very hard to get into. It is very violent and I did not like the plot. I also had a hard time with the characters. I won't be reading this author again.
December 10, 2018
Reads like butter
Decent book. Fast and fun reading. Typical storyline however. Plot could have been better developed in my opinion. A sort of "if-you've-read-one-you've-read-them-all" type of book.
Decent book. Fast and fun reading. Typical storyline however. Plot could have been better developed in my opinion. A sort of "if-you've-read-one-you've-read-them-all" type of book.
December 16, 2018
Revenge is sweet except when it’s not
Carefully crafted novel , slowly revealing the trauma our heroine suffered and it’s lasting effects
Some surprising twists, some wrong turns and mis-direction but all in all very enjoyable definitely worth a read !
Carefully crafted novel , slowly revealing the trauma our heroine suffered and it’s lasting effects
Some surprising twists, some wrong turns and mis-direction but all in all very enjoyable definitely worth a read !
March 6, 2019
Great Story line.
I read this book in two settings. It keeps me captivated. Housework be damed! Just could not put this book down! First time I've read this author. It won't be the last
I read this book in two settings. It keeps me captivated. Housework be damed! Just could not put this book down! First time I've read this author. It won't be the last
June 17, 2019
Tense, gritty thriller
Need to have a strong stomach to read this one. Current day detective tracks down disgusting pedophile who kidnapped her as a child & returns to haunt her. Disturbing, teeth on edge mystery.
Need to have a strong stomach to read this one. Current day detective tracks down disgusting pedophile who kidnapped her as a child & returns to haunt her. Disturbing, teeth on edge mystery.
August 30, 2019
An entertaining story
Somewhat predictable but enjoyable to read. The use of flashbacks worked well to explain what lead up to the current time in the story. I will read more from this author.
Somewhat predictable but enjoyable to read. The use of flashbacks worked well to explain what lead up to the current time in the story. I will read more from this author.
September 7, 2019
Excellent throughout
I think I am on a roll. This is like third or fourth book I have read recently that all deserved five stars. It's a great story and the only disappointment was that I thought Bella would get together with you'll find out who when you read it.
I think I am on a roll. This is like third or fourth book I have read recently that all deserved five stars. It's a great story and the only disappointment was that I thought Bella would get together with you'll find out who when you read it.
March 23, 2024
The plotline was not a new one: female detective has something terrible in her past that still haunts her, so her main purpose in life is eliminating the perpetrator.
I did like the other characters, though, so I can see myself continuing the series.
I did like the other characters, though, so I can see myself continuing the series.
October 22, 2018
Hard to put down
I love good suspense. Where was he for 20 years? How did he survive? Would have like a bit more explanation.
I love good suspense. Where was he for 20 years? How did he survive? Would have like a bit more explanation.
October 31, 2018
Kill Game
Was a pretty good story with a great cast of characters.And I loved the ending what a shocker.Just don't read 2 or 3 it is the same thing.
Was a pretty good story with a great cast of characters.And I loved the ending what a shocker.Just don't read 2 or 3 it is the same thing.
November 12, 2018
Very, very good read.
November 13, 2018
A Gut Wrenching Thrill Ride
This one was so good that I could not put it down until I had finished it. The range of emotions that the reader experiences is truly worth the ride.
This one was so good that I could not put it down until I had finished it. The range of emotions that the reader experiences is truly worth the ride.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews