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The Game
In this darkly humorous thriller, reality television becomes too real when a killer with a message preys on the contestants of America's number one TV show. A high-stakes game is played on the set of a live-broadcast, reality-television show where guests are trapped for six months in a haunted mansion. Thousands of miles away, a psychopath is executed by lethal injection in California and dies with a secret that could save many lives. Only a comical detective who fears nothing—except his teenage daughters—can hope to understand what links these two seemingly unrelated crimes, without ever losing his zest for the game or his sense of humor.
352 pages, Hardcover
First published April 1, 2007
1 person is currently reading
75 people want to read
About the author
Derek Armstrong
8 books5 followersReviews on my new release MADicine, the second Alban Bane Thriller!
"Detective Alban Bane's second outing takes a satirical look at genetics research companies, zombie films and more....Armstrong’s action-packed second novel.”—Publisher’s Weekly
“A cantakerous detective, Alban Bane ... a touch of the hit TV series House ... Bane adds a delightfully sarcastic tone to the action ... keeps us chuckling.” —Booklist
“Amusing and entertaining ... recommended for all libraries.”—Libaray Journal
“Suspenseful and rich with dark humor ... in the thriller tradition of Weisman and Connolly.”—ForeWord
“A super sleuth.”—Kirkus
On The Last Troubadour -
"Brilliance in which in which Armstrong blends comedy, parody, and adventure in genuinely innovative ways. An author of abundant talent. An author to watch." --David Pitt, Booklist Magazine
“Tales about the Inquisition are not supposed to be amusing and entertaining, but Armstrong (The Game) manages to make them just that while keeping historical integrity.." Library Journal
"If I didn't know better, I'd say that Derek Armstrong wrote his novel, The Last Troubadour – Song of Montségur, purely for my own amusement and pleasure. With wit, wisdom (and more than an occasional wink) he has written a novel that panders to nearly every one of my cultural, spiritual, and historical prejudices. Set in thirteen century France – that hotbed heroes, heroines, and heresy – it's a wide-screen Technicolor adventure worthy of a full Errol Flynn treatment… an adventure for spiritual grownups that educates as much as it delights. I can't wait for the next in the series."
Lon Milo DuQuette – best-selling Author of Accidental Christ
"Derek Armstrong is good."
-- Michael Korda, Simon & Schuster VP.
"Kudos to Derek Armstrong ... this is a wonderful work of art" Bonnie Cehovet, TE, Aeclectic Tarot Reviewer
"Detective Alban Bane's second outing takes a satirical look at genetics research companies, zombie films and more....Armstrong’s action-packed second novel.”—Publisher’s Weekly
“A cantakerous detective, Alban Bane ... a touch of the hit TV series House ... Bane adds a delightfully sarcastic tone to the action ... keeps us chuckling.” —Booklist
“Amusing and entertaining ... recommended for all libraries.”—Libaray Journal
“Suspenseful and rich with dark humor ... in the thriller tradition of Weisman and Connolly.”—ForeWord
“A super sleuth.”—Kirkus
On The Last Troubadour -
"Brilliance in which in which Armstrong blends comedy, parody, and adventure in genuinely innovative ways. An author of abundant talent. An author to watch." --David Pitt, Booklist Magazine
“Tales about the Inquisition are not supposed to be amusing and entertaining, but Armstrong (The Game) manages to make them just that while keeping historical integrity.." Library Journal
"If I didn't know better, I'd say that Derek Armstrong wrote his novel, The Last Troubadour – Song of Montségur, purely for my own amusement and pleasure. With wit, wisdom (and more than an occasional wink) he has written a novel that panders to nearly every one of my cultural, spiritual, and historical prejudices. Set in thirteen century France – that hotbed heroes, heroines, and heresy – it's a wide-screen Technicolor adventure worthy of a full Errol Flynn treatment… an adventure for spiritual grownups that educates as much as it delights. I can't wait for the next in the series."
Lon Milo DuQuette – best-selling Author of Accidental Christ
"Derek Armstrong is good."
-- Michael Korda, Simon & Schuster VP.
"Kudos to Derek Armstrong ... this is a wonderful work of art" Bonnie Cehovet, TE, Aeclectic Tarot Reviewer
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
September 7, 2007
There are games inside games is this smart and very
witty gore fest. Bane is funny in all the wrong ways, the
sort of misanthrope you'd love to have to dinner. His sardonic,
unsentimental view of life makes him excellent company for
all 353 pages of a tense, but clever thriller. He has the
nihilistic sharpness of a man with nothing to lose.
Or does he?
Brilliant, tense and irresistible, The Game is the mystery of
the summer.
witty gore fest. Bane is funny in all the wrong ways, the
sort of misanthrope you'd love to have to dinner. His sardonic,
unsentimental view of life makes him excellent company for
all 353 pages of a tense, but clever thriller. He has the
nihilistic sharpness of a man with nothing to lose.
Or does he?
Brilliant, tense and irresistible, The Game is the mystery of
the summer.
December 20, 2018
Morbidly Fantastic!
The Game is a definite must read! The character development is effective and makes you feel both love and hate respectively for every character. With the details in the writing you can really picture each victim of the mysterious killer and how Bane, the main character, reacts to each situation. I liked how with Bane's character, he would keep level headed in most situations I know I would not, and I love his sarcastic remarks. Bane, very professional in his work, does not let others walk over him.
The way that the story is built you can't help but want to know “who done it.” the twists and turns of the mystery leaving the book glued to your hands with your eyes deciphering each page. It's a good read, and I highly recommend it.
The Game is a definite must read! The character development is effective and makes you feel both love and hate respectively for every character. With the details in the writing you can really picture each victim of the mysterious killer and how Bane, the main character, reacts to each situation. I liked how with Bane's character, he would keep level headed in most situations I know I would not, and I love his sarcastic remarks. Bane, very professional in his work, does not let others walk over him.
The way that the story is built you can't help but want to know “who done it.” the twists and turns of the mystery leaving the book glued to your hands with your eyes deciphering each page. It's a good read, and I highly recommend it.
October 9, 2007
The Game is a Mix of ‘Survivor’, ‘Fear Factor’ and ‘House on Haunted Hill’
Derek Armstrong, author of his debut thriller The Game, knows how to tell a story. His narrative is dead-on, his dialogue snaps with authenticity and his main protagonist is entertaining and memorable. The shorter chapters make for a briskly paced read, while he delves into subplots and characterizations that keep you up to speed.
The story starts off with Detective Alban Bane pushing his way past prison protestors so he can witness the execution of serial killer Tyler Hayden. Just before the psychopath’s death, he says that he knows who killed Bane’s wife. And that admission sparks an intriguing subplot. With skill, Armstrong draws out Bane’s personal issues and his fears.
Bane’s sidekicks are Justine Kipfer—aka Kip—and his trusty pal Armitage Saulnier, or Arm. And Bane’s two daughters also play a small role. Not only are these characters important to the story, they are used to show the depth and emotion of Alban Bane, who otherwise might just come across as a wisecracking detective with no feelings. In fact, his sarcastic humor and his obvious love for family and friends are what make this novel so appealing.
Also appealing is the novel’s setting. An old mansion, once owned by Mordecai Mason, the ‘bogeyman’ of Vermont and a famous mass murderer who slaughtered his entire family. The mansion is now host to a new and deadly reality game show where one contestant will walk home with a million dollars—if they make it out alive. Someone is killing off people involved with the show.
Enter, Abbey Chase, the show’s producer, who reminded me of a blond Susan Lucci. She is arrogant, all business and gets what she wants. Most of the time. Her ‘charms’ seem lost, mostly, on Alban Bane. Along with Chase, there is a multicultural buffet of contestants who provide for an interesting mix. It certainly makes it easier to keep all the characters straight. Normally, a novel that deals with too many would turn me off. But Armstrong is a master at creating unique characters and giving them individual traits that set them apart.
And the author always keeps you guessing. He leads you down paths that twist and turn, like the secret pathways in the walls of the old mansion. And just when you think you’ve got it all figured out, Armstrong throws another curve ball and sets your head spinning. Thoroughly gripping and an easy read with enjoyable characters, this is one thriller you won’t put down until you’ve read the final page!
~ Cheryl Kaye Tardif, bestselling author of Whale Song and Divine Intervention
http://www.cherylktardif.com
Derek Armstrong, author of his debut thriller The Game, knows how to tell a story. His narrative is dead-on, his dialogue snaps with authenticity and his main protagonist is entertaining and memorable. The shorter chapters make for a briskly paced read, while he delves into subplots and characterizations that keep you up to speed.
The story starts off with Detective Alban Bane pushing his way past prison protestors so he can witness the execution of serial killer Tyler Hayden. Just before the psychopath’s death, he says that he knows who killed Bane’s wife. And that admission sparks an intriguing subplot. With skill, Armstrong draws out Bane’s personal issues and his fears.
Bane’s sidekicks are Justine Kipfer—aka Kip—and his trusty pal Armitage Saulnier, or Arm. And Bane’s two daughters also play a small role. Not only are these characters important to the story, they are used to show the depth and emotion of Alban Bane, who otherwise might just come across as a wisecracking detective with no feelings. In fact, his sarcastic humor and his obvious love for family and friends are what make this novel so appealing.
Also appealing is the novel’s setting. An old mansion, once owned by Mordecai Mason, the ‘bogeyman’ of Vermont and a famous mass murderer who slaughtered his entire family. The mansion is now host to a new and deadly reality game show where one contestant will walk home with a million dollars—if they make it out alive. Someone is killing off people involved with the show.
Enter, Abbey Chase, the show’s producer, who reminded me of a blond Susan Lucci. She is arrogant, all business and gets what she wants. Most of the time. Her ‘charms’ seem lost, mostly, on Alban Bane. Along with Chase, there is a multicultural buffet of contestants who provide for an interesting mix. It certainly makes it easier to keep all the characters straight. Normally, a novel that deals with too many would turn me off. But Armstrong is a master at creating unique characters and giving them individual traits that set them apart.
And the author always keeps you guessing. He leads you down paths that twist and turn, like the secret pathways in the walls of the old mansion. And just when you think you’ve got it all figured out, Armstrong throws another curve ball and sets your head spinning. Thoroughly gripping and an easy read with enjoyable characters, this is one thriller you won’t put down until you’ve read the final page!
~ Cheryl Kaye Tardif, bestselling author of Whale Song and Divine Intervention
http://www.cherylktardif.com
December 3, 2008
THE GAME (Police Proc-Alban Bane-New England-Cont) – G
Armstrong, Derek, 1st in Alban Bane series
Künati, 2007, US Hardcover, ISBN: 9781601640017
First Sentence: The crazies were at the gate
Ex-FBI, now Vermont Detective Albert Bane’s wife was murdered and her killer never caught. Bane has traveled to San Quintin in California to witness the execution of child serial killer Tyler Hayden. Just before he dies, he states he knows who killed Bane’s wife.
Back in Vermont, a reality television show “Haunted Survivor” is taking place in the now state-owned Mason Place, a 134-room mansion once owned by Mordechai Mason, who murdered his wife and eleven guests. A murder has occurred at the mansion and, although not a child, the victim was killed in the manner used by Hayden.
I loved Armstrong’s Troubadour book, but this; not as much. His cynicism about reality television going to greater extremes to appeal to the lowest common denominator audience is on the mark. The character of Bane is interesting, along with his partner, Arm.
While the dialogue is good, Bane’s one liners don’t have the humor I think they are meant to have. They are certainly no comparison to Robert Parker’s Spenser. The sense of place is excellent. Not only does it a strong vision of the local and season, but a sense of old-time attitudes; although, not as strident as the separatists.
This is a gruesome tale with plenty of suspense and a good mystery within a mystery within a mystery, of which two are solved and the third is left to entice us on to another book. That last ‘trick’ is one which can make the book a wallbanger for me. While I wasn’t happy with the author for employing that tactic, it’s done in such a way that you’re not required to read the next book. However, I do like the author’s writing well enough that I shall read the next book.
Armstrong, Derek, 1st in Alban Bane series
Künati, 2007, US Hardcover, ISBN: 9781601640017
First Sentence: The crazies were at the gate
Ex-FBI, now Vermont Detective Albert Bane’s wife was murdered and her killer never caught. Bane has traveled to San Quintin in California to witness the execution of child serial killer Tyler Hayden. Just before he dies, he states he knows who killed Bane’s wife.
Back in Vermont, a reality television show “Haunted Survivor” is taking place in the now state-owned Mason Place, a 134-room mansion once owned by Mordechai Mason, who murdered his wife and eleven guests. A murder has occurred at the mansion and, although not a child, the victim was killed in the manner used by Hayden.
I loved Armstrong’s Troubadour book, but this; not as much. His cynicism about reality television going to greater extremes to appeal to the lowest common denominator audience is on the mark. The character of Bane is interesting, along with his partner, Arm.
While the dialogue is good, Bane’s one liners don’t have the humor I think they are meant to have. They are certainly no comparison to Robert Parker’s Spenser. The sense of place is excellent. Not only does it a strong vision of the local and season, but a sense of old-time attitudes; although, not as strident as the separatists.
This is a gruesome tale with plenty of suspense and a good mystery within a mystery within a mystery, of which two are solved and the third is left to entice us on to another book. That last ‘trick’ is one which can make the book a wallbanger for me. While I wasn’t happy with the author for employing that tactic, it’s done in such a way that you’re not required to read the next book. However, I do like the author’s writing well enough that I shall read the next book.
September 7, 2007
The Game is a perfect fit for this era of reality television. In Derek Armstrong's new novel, a serial killer is knocking off members of the cast and crew of Haunted Survivor, a top rated reality show. Alban Bane, the lead detective, discovers that these murders are virtual copycats of those committed by Tyler Hayden, a serial killer Bane arrested years earlier. The catch is that Bane had just witnessed Hayden's execution. From there the plot really gets complicated.
And interesting.
Although the story is complex, with twists and turns coming from all directions, Bane is the driving force that makes The Game compelling. I really like this character --- he's intelligent, determined and very funny. Right up there with John Corey, Nelson DeMille's wisecracking NYPD detective.
If you enjoy a dark thriller with an offbeat sense of humor, get in The Game.
And interesting.
Although the story is complex, with twists and turns coming from all directions, Bane is the driving force that makes The Game compelling. I really like this character --- he's intelligent, determined and very funny. Right up there with John Corey, Nelson DeMille's wisecracking NYPD detective.
If you enjoy a dark thriller with an offbeat sense of humor, get in The Game.
October 3, 2007
FINISHED AT 5:38 AM
Let me put it this way: "The Game" isn't a page-turner. It's beyond that. It's a page-BURNER.
Derek Armstrong propels his complex plot with a deftness rarely found. From small things like page design - to chapter ending hooks that stun, "The Game" has what it takes to draw you in and keep you reading.
As you can see from the header, I couldn't put it down. The price - a day feeling like I was the one who got injected with pancuronium bromide, (the drug used to carry out death sentences), instead of that certain someone near and dear to Bane - was absolutely worth it.
Art Tirrell is the author of "The Secret Ever Keeps", ISBN 1601640048.
Let me put it this way: "The Game" isn't a page-turner. It's beyond that. It's a page-BURNER.
Derek Armstrong propels his complex plot with a deftness rarely found. From small things like page design - to chapter ending hooks that stun, "The Game" has what it takes to draw you in and keep you reading.
As you can see from the header, I couldn't put it down. The price - a day feeling like I was the one who got injected with pancuronium bromide, (the drug used to carry out death sentences), instead of that certain someone near and dear to Bane - was absolutely worth it.
Art Tirrell is the author of "The Secret Ever Keeps", ISBN 1601640048.
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September 7, 2007Awesome thriller, crime and mystery with a theme as timely as today's most popular TV shows
A must read !
A must read !
February 10, 2008
I have avoided most mysteries until I was lead to the works of Derek Armstrong. Now I read everything he writeswith anticipation.
July 18, 2012
One cliche after another
Read
August 9, 2012It is an interesting combination of horror and mystery. I would strongly Recommend this book for anyone who enjoys murder mysteries.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews