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Bad Games #1-5
Bad Games: The Complete Series
You asked for it, it's here. All five books in the critically acclaimed Bad Games series under one terrifying roof.
Bad Games: The Complete Series includes:
BAD GAMES - The terrifying bestseller that started it all. The Lambert Family is heading to Crescent Lake, a rural cabin community in western Pennsylvania, for an idyllic weekend getaway. Some fishing, some barbecue, some games...
The Fannelli brothers are heading to Crescent Lake too. Some stalking, some kidnapping, some murder, definitely some games...though not necessarily the type of games the Lamberts had in mind. But it doesn't matter. The Lamberts are going to play whether they like it or not.
VENGEFUL GAMES - The Lambert family played the Fannelli brothers' twisted game and survived. Showed the brothers they'd messed with the wrong family.
However, the game is far from over. There are some new players in town. Players who have close ties to the Fannelli brothers. Players who are taking things very personally...and promising results that are very deadly.
BAD GAMES: HELLBENT - A year has passed. Marine and security specialist Domino Taylor shadows the Lambert family, the guilt he feels for the tragic events that unfolded in western Pennsylvania haunting him without mercy.
When someone from Domino's past contacts him, begging for his help, Domino reluctantly agrees, not knowing the sinister truth lying in wait: there is one final game yet to play.
BAD GAMES: MALEVOLENT - After years of silence, the game is back on. Widower Allan Brown is hosting a support group in his home for the bereaved. One of the guests in attendance will be Amy Lambert, this week marking the five-year anniversary of her family’s horrifying ordeal at Crescent Lake.
Of course it’s hardly cause for celebration. Still, some unwanted guests plan on attending the support group to help Amy celebrate all the same...
BAD GAMES: PSYCHOPATH - A decade has passed. Caleb’s increasingly violent temper sees him discharged from the Marine Corps. Carrie is failing at her second attempt at college. Aftermath, it would seem, plays the cruelest game of all.
The only plus is Amy Lambert's success as a bestselling author, chronicling her family’s horrific ordeals over the years. But is it a success? It has brought some unwanted attention Amy’s way. Two fledgling killers who happen to idolize the late and infamous serial killers Arty and Jim Fannelli have been paying attention—and these two killers are eager to show the Lamberts just how much they truly admire their idols…with the help of Arty and Jim themselves?
Find out how such a horrifying prospect comes to fruition in the fifth and final book in the Bad Games series, and prepare yourself for the game to end all games.
What readers are saying about Jeff Menapace and the Bad Games series:
★★★★★ "I have been a lifetime reader of Dean Koontz, Stephen King, James Patterson, Lisa Gardner, and various other suspense and horror authors...I have found a new author to add to my list of greats."
★★★★★ "Jeffery Deaver look out...this guy plays with your head.
Bad Games: The Complete Series includes:
BAD GAMES - The terrifying bestseller that started it all. The Lambert Family is heading to Crescent Lake, a rural cabin community in western Pennsylvania, for an idyllic weekend getaway. Some fishing, some barbecue, some games...
The Fannelli brothers are heading to Crescent Lake too. Some stalking, some kidnapping, some murder, definitely some games...though not necessarily the type of games the Lamberts had in mind. But it doesn't matter. The Lamberts are going to play whether they like it or not.
VENGEFUL GAMES - The Lambert family played the Fannelli brothers' twisted game and survived. Showed the brothers they'd messed with the wrong family.
However, the game is far from over. There are some new players in town. Players who have close ties to the Fannelli brothers. Players who are taking things very personally...and promising results that are very deadly.
BAD GAMES: HELLBENT - A year has passed. Marine and security specialist Domino Taylor shadows the Lambert family, the guilt he feels for the tragic events that unfolded in western Pennsylvania haunting him without mercy.
When someone from Domino's past contacts him, begging for his help, Domino reluctantly agrees, not knowing the sinister truth lying in wait: there is one final game yet to play.
BAD GAMES: MALEVOLENT - After years of silence, the game is back on. Widower Allan Brown is hosting a support group in his home for the bereaved. One of the guests in attendance will be Amy Lambert, this week marking the five-year anniversary of her family’s horrifying ordeal at Crescent Lake.
Of course it’s hardly cause for celebration. Still, some unwanted guests plan on attending the support group to help Amy celebrate all the same...
BAD GAMES: PSYCHOPATH - A decade has passed. Caleb’s increasingly violent temper sees him discharged from the Marine Corps. Carrie is failing at her second attempt at college. Aftermath, it would seem, plays the cruelest game of all.
The only plus is Amy Lambert's success as a bestselling author, chronicling her family’s horrific ordeals over the years. But is it a success? It has brought some unwanted attention Amy’s way. Two fledgling killers who happen to idolize the late and infamous serial killers Arty and Jim Fannelli have been paying attention—and these two killers are eager to show the Lamberts just how much they truly admire their idols…with the help of Arty and Jim themselves?
Find out how such a horrifying prospect comes to fruition in the fifth and final book in the Bad Games series, and prepare yourself for the game to end all games.
What readers are saying about Jeff Menapace and the Bad Games series:
★★★★★ "I have been a lifetime reader of Dean Koontz, Stephen King, James Patterson, Lisa Gardner, and various other suspense and horror authors...I have found a new author to add to my list of greats."
★★★★★ "Jeffery Deaver look out...this guy plays with your head.
1223 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 19, 2019
1178 people are currently reading
332 people want to read
About the author
Jeff Menapace
43 books727 followersA native of the Philadelphia area, Jeff has published multiple works in both fiction and non-fiction. In 2011 he was the recipient of the Red Adept Reviews Indie Award for Horror.
In March of 2014, his novel BAD GAMES was a #1 Kindle bestseller and is now being optioned as a feature film.
Free time for Jeff is spent watching horror movies, The Three Stooges, and mixed martial arts. He loves steak and more steak, thinks the original 1974 Texas Chainsaw Massacre is the greatest movie ever, wants to pet a lion some day, and hates spiders.
In March of 2014, his novel BAD GAMES was a #1 Kindle bestseller and is now being optioned as a feature film.
Free time for Jeff is spent watching horror movies, The Three Stooges, and mixed martial arts. He loves steak and more steak, thinks the original 1974 Texas Chainsaw Massacre is the greatest movie ever, wants to pet a lion some day, and hates spiders.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
February 12, 2020
Oh, how I love horror! Let me count the ways...
For me, the best horror has ‘human’ monsters and in this series the monsters are plentiful.
Once this family was sucked into these ‘horrific games’, they just can’t escape.
Even tho this is fiction, I find myself rethinking “serial killers” and how much thought really goes into their crimes against humanity.
If you’ve got approximately 36 hours to burn, you may want to pick up this audiobook and settle in for a long ride.
Jeff Menapace has a seriously twisted mind and I mean that in a good way!!
For me, the best horror has ‘human’ monsters and in this series the monsters are plentiful.
Once this family was sucked into these ‘horrific games’, they just can’t escape.
Even tho this is fiction, I find myself rethinking “serial killers” and how much thought really goes into their crimes against humanity.
If you’ve got approximately 36 hours to burn, you may want to pick up this audiobook and settle in for a long ride.
Jeff Menapace has a seriously twisted mind and I mean that in a good way!!
April 21, 2020
I was totally enthralled when reading all five books in succession. I must admit I felt a little guilty. Whilst it only took me a week or so to complete the task it will have taken the author significantly longer to write them. On a positive, I am now a huge fan of Jeff Menapace. As a further complement, I have now started to read another of his books called Numb. I do not believe in giving away the story line or plot but suffice it to say as I am starting a sixth book, the proof is in the pudding. Well done to the author for taking me on a nail biting journey. The five stars are genuinely deserved.
May 23, 2020
Freaky
This box set is definitely not for the faint hearted.
I have just finished the last one, but had read the previous four awhile back.
The psychopaths in these stories are really scary.
The Lambert family seem to finish with one set of psychos to end up getting in the way of yet another bunch.
The Fannelli brothers and their twisted brethren are ones you truly never want to meet. Recommended reading for this genre.
This box set is definitely not for the faint hearted.
I have just finished the last one, but had read the previous four awhile back.
The psychopaths in these stories are really scary.
The Lambert family seem to finish with one set of psychos to end up getting in the way of yet another bunch.
The Fannelli brothers and their twisted brethren are ones you truly never want to meet. Recommended reading for this genre.
July 22, 2020
Bad games
Incredible series of books from start to finish which I couldn't put down. Truly hoping for more to follow..pretty please n thank you.
Incredible series of books from start to finish which I couldn't put down. Truly hoping for more to follow..pretty please n thank you.
November 19, 2019
Freaking loved this series!! The first book had me on pins and needles. I couldn't wait to see what happened. I was so sad and hurt when Patrick and Domino were killed. I honestly didn't want to keep reading after Domino but I had to make sure Kelly was killed. I was a little confused with Domino letting Amy shoot Monica. Why wouldn't he make sure she was dead with a bullet of his own in her head.
The last book was a waste. Didn't really care for it. I skipped a lot of pages in it. Like everything they have been through none of the kids are aware of their surroundings. Carrie does stupid shit that makes it easy for something to kidnap her smh. I was disappointed with the whole thing. But I still have the whole series a 5 star rating because all the others were amazing.
The last book was a waste. Didn't really care for it. I skipped a lot of pages in it. Like everything they have been through none of the kids are aware of their surroundings. Carrie does stupid shit that makes it easy for something to kidnap her smh. I was disappointed with the whole thing. But I still have the whole series a 5 star rating because all the others were amazing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 8, 2020
Bad Games series
Based on a 1-5 rating this series gets a 10. I bet I haven’t watched three hours of television since I started reading this series. Certainly kept me entertained during the Corona virus quarantine.
Based on a 1-5 rating this series gets a 10. I bet I haven’t watched three hours of television since I started reading this series. Certainly kept me entertained during the Corona virus quarantine.
February 2, 2020
Highly recommend this series.
Fantastic...kept me on the edge of my seat... so many twists. A page further that you won't want to put down
Fantastic...kept me on the edge of my seat... so many twists. A page further that you won't want to put down
May 14, 2020
I loved it!!!
These books kept me enthralled the WHOLE time I was
Reading it. Interesting to see how our brains Could work
If put in a situation like this.
These books kept me enthralled the WHOLE time I was
Reading it. Interesting to see how our brains Could work
If put in a situation like this.
July 22, 2020
Excellent story
Menace nailed it! The story continued to wins around the characters filling out each character as they became the star
Menace nailed it! The story continued to wins around the characters filling out each character as they became the star
August 6, 2020
I read these books a while back and loved them. Nothing else adds up the thrill of this series and I have struggled to find anything as good as this since!
February 5, 2021
So much sadness
The series were definitely scary and like being on a rollercoaster, hopefully some psycho or sociopaths aren't going to use them a guides.
The series were definitely scary and like being on a rollercoaster, hopefully some psycho or sociopaths aren't going to use them a guides.
September 1, 2019
Great read!
I got this series for free and I'm do glad I read it! I had my toes curled and teeth clenched all the way through the twists and turns of the story. Highly recommend and ill certainly be keeping an eye out for more from Jeff Menapace!
I got this series for free and I'm do glad I read it! I had my toes curled and teeth clenched all the way through the twists and turns of the story. Highly recommend and ill certainly be keeping an eye out for more from Jeff Menapace!
November 9, 2020
I've left individual reviews for these but wanted to put a note here, too, just in case someone is seeing a box set. YES, this is a great series! There are actually 5 in the series, now, and I loved all of them!
November 21, 2019
Great read!!!!
This series was excellent!!! OMG I couldn’t stop reading....sad to see it end .....but like they say all good things must come to an end....
This series was excellent!!! OMG I couldn’t stop reading....sad to see it end .....but like they say all good things must come to an end....
May 13, 2020
Very gripping read
Loved this series couldn't put it down .. Totally worth reading great suspense and totally gripping from the start.. Left me wanting mor
Loved this series couldn't put it down .. Totally worth reading great suspense and totally gripping from the start.. Left me wanting mor
December 22, 2021
Bad Games: The Complete Series (Bad Games #1-5) was a good read by Jeff Menapace. This box set consists of; Bad Games, Vengeful Games, Bad Games: Hellbent, Bad Games: Malevolent, and Bad Games: Psychopath. Bad Games (Bad Games #1) was a good read by Jeff Menapace. The Lambert Family is heading to Crescent Lake for a weekend getaway. They are going to a rural cabin community in western Pennsylvania. The Fannelli brothers are heading to the lake too. But they are looking to stalk, kidnap, murder and play games. Unfortunately for the Lambert's, they have no choice but to participate. This book has dark twist and turns. Vengeful Games (Bad Games #2) was a good read by Jeff Menapace. That fateful trip to western Pennsylvania in 2008, turned into a visit to hell. The Fannelli brothers were two psychopaths who enjoyed tormenting people for their own amusement. They enjoyed making people play their twisted games. The Lambert's wound up managing the impossible and survived the twisted games. But the game is far from over and it seems as though their are new players in town. These new players seem to have close ties to the brothers. Hellbent (Bad Games #3) was a good read by Jeff Menapace. It has been a year since Marine and security specialist, Domino Taylor helped the Lambert family. He doesn't work anymore and he spends all his time shadowing the family. He feels extreme guilt for what happened to them. Someone from his past contacts him and asks him to take one last job. He must find and return her kidnapped son. There's one last game to play and someone has been planning a masterpiece. Malevolent (Bad Games #4) was a good read by Jeff Menapace.Allan Brown is a widower who is hosting a support group in his home. Amy Lambert is one of the guests, and this marks the five year anniversary of the ordeal at Crescent Lake. There are unwanted guests who plan to help Amy celebrate. Psychopath (Bad Games #5) was a good read by Jeff Menapace. Its time for the final game a decade after the first. The Lambert family has been thriving. Amy Lambert has a promising relationship with Allan Brown. Caleb Lambert is a Marine. Carrie Lambert is a college student. But it seems that nothing is as it seems. Caleb has a violent temper that seems him discharged from the Marines. Carrie is on her second attempt at school that she is failing. Amy and Allan's relationship isn't all it seems. Amy has been successful in her public appearances and best seller. It seems that there are two killers who idolize the serial killers Arty and Jim Fannelli. They are eager to show the Lamberts what they are capable of. I enjoyed reading this book and can't wait to read more by the author.
July 18, 2025
I remember the first Bad Games book being the first book I read on my Kindle around 2014. Fast forward 10 years when I mostly listen to my books.
When I saw the full box set on Audible for 1 credit, I bought it and settled down to a 36 hour binge on horror. And it certainly didn't disappoint, in fact some scenarios were stomach churning - You have been warned!
Expertly written and narrated, I have to give this 5 Stars.
It does become a little tedious and repetitive at times, I was quite pleased when Patrick kicked the bucket as the constant sex scenes between him and Aimee were tiring and unnecessary. But Book 5 was exceptional and a great pre cursor to the Caleb follow on Series. I will be buying those when in need of a decent horror fest again.
At times I was reminded of Lily Kintner in the Peter Swanson Trilogy. However, Lily was not pure evil, like Monica and Kelly.
Well worth an Audible Credit, quite a bargain. You'll probably want to listen to it all again in a couple of years.
It would make a fabulous movie if well scripted.
When I saw the full box set on Audible for 1 credit, I bought it and settled down to a 36 hour binge on horror. And it certainly didn't disappoint, in fact some scenarios were stomach churning - You have been warned!
Expertly written and narrated, I have to give this 5 Stars.
It does become a little tedious and repetitive at times, I was quite pleased when Patrick kicked the bucket as the constant sex scenes between him and Aimee were tiring and unnecessary. But Book 5 was exceptional and a great pre cursor to the Caleb follow on Series. I will be buying those when in need of a decent horror fest again.
At times I was reminded of Lily Kintner in the Peter Swanson Trilogy. However, Lily was not pure evil, like Monica and Kelly.
Well worth an Audible Credit, quite a bargain. You'll probably want to listen to it all again in a couple of years.
It would make a fabulous movie if well scripted.
January 1, 2025
I "read" this book set on audible.
Please note that (to date) there are a total of 9 related books. This box set contains the Bad Games Series of 5 books. Then there is a spin off series which is the Caleb Lambert series and it contains (to date) 4 books. I love EVERY SINGLE ONE of these books.
1. Bad Games
2. Bad Games: Vengeful Games
3. Bad Games: Hellbent
4. Bad Games: Malevolent
5. Bad Games: Psychopath
6. Caleb
7. Caleb: Atonement
8. Caleb: Return to Noodle
9. Caleb: Still in F*cking Noodle"
Please note that (to date) there are a total of 9 related books. This box set contains the Bad Games Series of 5 books. Then there is a spin off series which is the Caleb Lambert series and it contains (to date) 4 books. I love EVERY SINGLE ONE of these books.
1. Bad Games
2. Bad Games: Vengeful Games
3. Bad Games: Hellbent
4. Bad Games: Malevolent
5. Bad Games: Psychopath
6. Caleb
7. Caleb: Atonement
8. Caleb: Return to Noodle
9. Caleb: Still in F*cking Noodle"
February 17, 2022
AMAZING READ!!!
I definitely have kindle thumb!! Lol. I could not stop reading. So many nights I would wake up to my phone smacking me in my face because I fell asleep reading!! I just had to know what happened next!! Omg!! Thank you so much!! Now Caleb makes SO Much Sense. Can’t wait for the next book. You have an ETA???
I definitely have kindle thumb!! Lol. I could not stop reading. So many nights I would wake up to my phone smacking me in my face because I fell asleep reading!! I just had to know what happened next!! Omg!! Thank you so much!! Now Caleb makes SO Much Sense. Can’t wait for the next book. You have an ETA???
June 1, 2022
Absolutely brilliant!!
I loved this book set, Jeff's unique writing style is never boring, the story was gripping and exciting with such fear and trepidation throughout, it's a definite must read for anyone who loves horror with lots of blood and gore. Off to read 'Caleb' now. Thank you!!
I loved this book set, Jeff's unique writing style is never boring, the story was gripping and exciting with such fear and trepidation throughout, it's a definite must read for anyone who loves horror with lots of blood and gore. Off to read 'Caleb' now. Thank you!!
December 28, 2023
This is one of the most gruesome and twisted series I've ever read, and yet I just couldn't stop reading. haha. If you don't mind talk of chopped body parts or a nail file stabbed through balls -- and that's not even the worst of what happens.. in only the first book.. then this series is for you. Definitely a page turner that will have you mouthing w t f many, many times.
April 30, 2025
If I recall correctly, it was author Evan Graver who turned me onto Caleb which I read all of his series before realizing that Bad Games was first. WOW! Page turners for sure. I enjoyed each book as we followed in the story of the Lambert family and all that they went through. Makes me want to go back and reread the Caleb series! Keep ‘em coming Jeff!
July 28, 2025
The first novel is heavily inspired from the film Funny Games but the author explains a lot (which kind of turned me off)
The other four stretch the story and among all five my fave was the third one since the female villain was more interesting (to me) than the others.
The narration was very good and engaging.
This one is not for me but may appeal to other readers.
The other four stretch the story and among all five my fave was the third one since the female villain was more interesting (to me) than the others.
The narration was very good and engaging.
This one is not for me but may appeal to other readers.
September 22, 2020
A little too much!
I enjoyed books 1-4 but in book 5 I felt that the protagonists who I really liked and rooted for were so damaged it was hard to even like them. This was a series that should have ended after the fourth book.
I enjoyed books 1-4 but in book 5 I felt that the protagonists who I really liked and rooted for were so damaged it was hard to even like them. This was a series that should have ended after the fourth book.
March 29, 2021
This was a fantastic series of books!! I was so disappointed to read about what happened to domino and seeing how Caleb is developing into a dexter type is something I’m looking forward to. I can’t wait to read Caleb.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 30, 2021
Brilliant!
This is the second time I’ve read these books. I came across the new book, Caleb, and needed a refresher before I start it.
Absolutely brilliant storyline. Kept me gripped again from start to finish. Can’t wait to get my kindle thumb into Caleb now.
This is the second time I’ve read these books. I came across the new book, Caleb, and needed a refresher before I start it.
Absolutely brilliant storyline. Kept me gripped again from start to finish. Can’t wait to get my kindle thumb into Caleb now.
Read
April 24, 2021Did not want to quit reading!
Hooked from the beginning of the first book. I read late into the night, because I simply could not quit reading. Fast paced and definitely twisted. I look forward to reading Caleb and other books by Mr. Menapace.
Hooked from the beginning of the first book. I read late into the night, because I simply could not quit reading. Fast paced and definitely twisted. I look forward to reading Caleb and other books by Mr. Menapace.
February 17, 2022
I've read many books with serial killers, but this one was TOO DARK. Some books you can't put down. I was terrified of picking this one up. I'm sure it's great, but I could not handle the uneasy feeling I got every time I turned to another chapter. I could not finish this one.....
July 16, 2022
Wow!
This book had me captivated for weeks. Couldn’t stop reading. Menapace gives Stephen King a run for the money when it comes to suspense.
Can’t wait to read the next ones
Pattie Zitricki
This book had me captivated for weeks. Couldn’t stop reading. Menapace gives Stephen King a run for the money when it comes to suspense.
Can’t wait to read the next ones
Pattie Zitricki
September 11, 2022
enjoyable scare
Enjoyed every word of this book x riveting storylines and believable characters x. You just want to keep reading . Thoroughly recommend it to anyone who likes a bit of a scare x.
Enjoyed every word of this book x riveting storylines and believable characters x. You just want to keep reading . Thoroughly recommend it to anyone who likes a bit of a scare x.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews