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Easter Egg
Tormented cop Rick Sorano is on a brutal path of redemption and salvation in this suspense thriller. Along with Detective Jane Dover and video game junkie, Denver Collins, he is sucked into a twisted augmented reality where a serial killer uses an online video game to commit his crimes. In a race against the clock, he must track down the murderer by solving the digital clues.As the body count rises in this deadly cat-and-mouse chase, Rick is pushed to his emotional limits as the secrets regarding his missing daughter are slowly revealed by the merciless killer. His marriage has fallen apart and he is slowly losing grip on reality. However, when all seems lost, the case of seemingly random murders might not be random at all.
- GenresEbooks
198 pages, Paperback
First published April 4, 2020
7 people are currently reading
36 people want to read
About the author
Jason Acar
2 books15 followersJason Acar is a South African born fiction writer, who made his debut with Easter Egg in 2020. Born in 1984, in Johannesburg, he found his love for storytelling at a young age and went on to complete a diploma in Journalism. He has worked as a journalist and editor across multiple platforms (print, digital, radio, video) for over 15 years. An ambitious writer, he aims to make a mark in the Thriller market and continue expanding his skills as a writer.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
August 29, 2020
**Thank you to the author for allowing me to reas this book for an honest review.**
I thought this book was a really cool concept and the mystery this book held at the beginning kept my attention. I enjoyed the gruesome scenes and learning about Rick's past and how all of the events added up in the end, though I found it those events somewhat rushed.
I absolutely loved the first 60% of this book. I thought it was well organized and the story kept me entertained and on the edge of my seat. I found myself flinching at some parts because of the explanations of how some of the murders pined out. I also loved the detective story and how the cops and their informant were able to hunt the killer down in the end.
I thought the last half of the book didn't explain things very well. In some of the scenes there were flashbacks and then it flipped to the present. I found those sections difficult read, having to reread some sections.
With that being said, I really enjoyed this book and look forward to seeing if this book is going to have a sequel or not! The cliffhanger had me wanting more in the end!
I thought this book was a really cool concept and the mystery this book held at the beginning kept my attention. I enjoyed the gruesome scenes and learning about Rick's past and how all of the events added up in the end, though I found it those events somewhat rushed.
I absolutely loved the first 60% of this book. I thought it was well organized and the story kept me entertained and on the edge of my seat. I found myself flinching at some parts because of the explanations of how some of the murders pined out. I also loved the detective story and how the cops and their informant were able to hunt the killer down in the end.
I thought the last half of the book didn't explain things very well. In some of the scenes there were flashbacks and then it flipped to the present. I found those sections difficult read, having to reread some sections.
With that being said, I really enjoyed this book and look forward to seeing if this book is going to have a sequel or not! The cliffhanger had me wanting more in the end!
April 12, 2020
Full disclosure, the author is a friend of mine so there’s no way this can be an objective review 😆
That said, I DEVOURED this book. Finished it in a day. A proper page-turner and worth a read!
That said, I DEVOURED this book. Finished it in a day. A proper page-turner and worth a read!
May 17, 2020
I was given a copy of Easter Egg by the author for an honest review. Thanks Jason!
Winner, Winner, Chicken dinner!
Horror/suspense and video games!
(I tend to shy away from horror video games because I'm such a chicken. LOL. No joke. I can't handle jump scares!)
La La Land Massacre would give anyone plenty of jump scares.
You're inside a video game (La La Land Massacre) and you witness real-life multiple murders.
Holy Toledo!
Why is this happening? Who is behind this ....massacre?
This book reminded me a little bit of the Saw movie franchise. The deaths were pretty inventive and well thought-out.
It was also unpredictable and fun. I loved the video game references.
Hey, Jason....that ending.....Will there be a sequel?
If yes, I want to be a first reviewer. =)
April 6, 2023
"The gloved hand responds by squeezing on the trigger. The gunshot is deafening and in split seconds, the bullet makes impact, mangles the woman's face and send her chair falling backward as her lifeless body slams against the floor. Denver drips the controller to the ground, turns his head, and vomits."
Not me sat here disappointed that this was not a thriller about chocolate eggs 🙄🙄
(PSA - this is a joke)
My thoughts on this one were great story, poor execution.
The premise was really good. It was giving me Die Hard 3 vibes, where instead of the bad guy making the cop play Simon Says, he gives them clues through a computer game.
I feel like this story had so much potential, but unfortunately, it just didn't hit the mark for me. The author states at the beginning that this started off as a screenplay, and honestly, it makes sense because, at times, it still reads a little like a screenplay. My biggest issue was the fact that the whole thing just felt kind of rushed. I mean, it's 198 pages, and there's only so much you can fit into that many pages. It felt like there was just too much being shoved into this story, and it ended up falling a little flat. I would love it if the author came back to this and stretched it out into a full-length novel because I think it would end up being so much better.
One other little thing that I didn't like was that when the little flashbacks happened, there was no clear indication that we've suddenly gone back in time. Not a big issue, but slightly frustrating.
Overall, it's not a bad book, and if you're looking for a quick, easy read, definitely give this one a go.
Not me sat here disappointed that this was not a thriller about chocolate eggs 🙄🙄
(PSA - this is a joke)
My thoughts on this one were great story, poor execution.
The premise was really good. It was giving me Die Hard 3 vibes, where instead of the bad guy making the cop play Simon Says, he gives them clues through a computer game.
I feel like this story had so much potential, but unfortunately, it just didn't hit the mark for me. The author states at the beginning that this started off as a screenplay, and honestly, it makes sense because, at times, it still reads a little like a screenplay. My biggest issue was the fact that the whole thing just felt kind of rushed. I mean, it's 198 pages, and there's only so much you can fit into that many pages. It felt like there was just too much being shoved into this story, and it ended up falling a little flat. I would love it if the author came back to this and stretched it out into a full-length novel because I think it would end up being so much better.
One other little thing that I didn't like was that when the little flashbacks happened, there was no clear indication that we've suddenly gone back in time. Not a big issue, but slightly frustrating.
Overall, it's not a bad book, and if you're looking for a quick, easy read, definitely give this one a go.
May 14, 2020
Denver Collins has just left University upon deciding to take a year out .He is an online gamer, spending most of his time on the internet..With his latest game La La Land Massacre, he has become so engrossed in the game ..that when he spots a hidden signal..the game becomes almost lifelike..It stops him in his tracks as it takes a dark and Murderous turn .Rick Sorano works at The Lis Angeles Police Department, where he is head of Cyber Crimes Division. Four years ago his world fell apart ..in an instant everything changed..His wife left him ..Though the memories lie unforgotten, his job is his life now .Jane Dover is lead Detective in the Department and Sorano's partner.When Denver Collins is interviewed about the things he has witnessed in the virtual reality game , Sarono and Dover go to talk to Collins ..This is where two worlds collide ..The real world and virtual reality become as one ..There is a killer on the rampage with an endgame in sight ..With Collins working within the game ..and the two detectives racing from one crime scene to the next ...Just where will it all end ..? Can they stop a savage killer ? This was a Fast Fast Savage novella..that takes you from the Cyber world into the real world ..A story of Buried Pasts..Darkness..and Redemption...All the stars ...
June 20, 2020
It's an interesting concept as online gaming meets reality and at under 200 pages the story rattles along at pace, however it's not really enough time to get to know, or care, about the characters and even when one is in grave danger, I didn't really find myself caring either way. Storyline is absolutely fine though although there were a couple of spelling errors - "to" instead of "two" for example. Decent but another 100 pages or so to really flesh out the characters would have been beneficial.
May 20, 2020
Part crime thriller, part tech thriller, this story would fit neatly nicely alongside Black Mirror episodes about virtual reality and the risks of abusing technology.
Denver believes he is playing a new game with what, at first, seem like very realistic graphics. It soon becomes clear that this a game like no other. It's a game of life, death and revenge.
I thought this was a clever and well thought out plot. Like Black Mirror, it left me wondering just how much of the tech described could be used in real life. Where does fiction end and reality take over? There are also some very inventive and gruesome deaths which I'm sure will lead to Jason being more widely known as a #sickoauthor!
Denver believes he is playing a new game with what, at first, seem like very realistic graphics. It soon becomes clear that this a game like no other. It's a game of life, death and revenge.
I thought this was a clever and well thought out plot. Like Black Mirror, it left me wondering just how much of the tech described could be used in real life. Where does fiction end and reality take over? There are also some very inventive and gruesome deaths which I'm sure will lead to Jason being more widely known as a #sickoauthor!
May 11, 2020
I always thought that an Easter Egg was a yummy chocolate gift that you gave at Easter time, I had no clue that it can also be an unexpected or undocumented feature in a piece of computer software or on a DVD, included as a joke or bonus feature. It's exactly this type of Easter Egg that video game junkie Denver Collins stumbles upon in Jason Acar's exceptional debut novel entitled, yes you guessed it, Easter Egg.
At first Denver is impressed with the seemingly innocent real life video that he's uncovered within his latest game, that is until he finds out that his in-game actions have actually been carried out in reality.
Rick Sorano, is the head of the Cyber Crime Department and along with his colleague Detective Jane Dover, they waste no time going to chat with a somewhat distressed Denver to see what other information they can gather from him about this heinous crime. Things then start to ramp up and Sorano finds himself more involved with this sadastic killer than he could ever have imagined.
Easter Egg is a relatively short book that I devoured in one sitting but don't be fooled into thinking that just because it's smaller it might be lacking in area's such as character development or plot, as I can assure you that it's not. William Shakespeare once wrote "Though she be but little, she is fierce" and that's exactly what I thought about this book. It's dark, it's gritty, it's certainly not for the faint-hearted and I loved it!. Although it is predominantly a crime / psychological thriller, I think there is also a hint of horror too as it brought to mind the Saw films and I could hear Jigsaw in my head saying "Do you want to play a game?" Acar has paced this book perfectly, the tension is palpable throughout and I honestly can't wait to read another book from this adept author.
If you like your killers to be on the depraved side then I would definitely recommend this little beauty and I'm pretty confident that you won't be disappointed. Go and grab yourself a copy - I dare you!
At first Denver is impressed with the seemingly innocent real life video that he's uncovered within his latest game, that is until he finds out that his in-game actions have actually been carried out in reality.
Rick Sorano, is the head of the Cyber Crime Department and along with his colleague Detective Jane Dover, they waste no time going to chat with a somewhat distressed Denver to see what other information they can gather from him about this heinous crime. Things then start to ramp up and Sorano finds himself more involved with this sadastic killer than he could ever have imagined.
Easter Egg is a relatively short book that I devoured in one sitting but don't be fooled into thinking that just because it's smaller it might be lacking in area's such as character development or plot, as I can assure you that it's not. William Shakespeare once wrote "Though she be but little, she is fierce" and that's exactly what I thought about this book. It's dark, it's gritty, it's certainly not for the faint-hearted and I loved it!. Although it is predominantly a crime / psychological thriller, I think there is also a hint of horror too as it brought to mind the Saw films and I could hear Jigsaw in my head saying "Do you want to play a game?" Acar has paced this book perfectly, the tension is palpable throughout and I honestly can't wait to read another book from this adept author.
If you like your killers to be on the depraved side then I would definitely recommend this little beauty and I'm pretty confident that you won't be disappointed. Go and grab yourself a copy - I dare you!
May 15, 2020
I was given a copy by the author for a review. What a great book this was! A mixture of crime and Scifi. Denver having graduated from college decides to take a year out before joining the rat race and indulge in his favourite pastime, gaming.
Whilst playing a new game reality inserts itself into the technology and he is a witness to the murder of a girl. The cyber department of LAPD, in the person of Rick Sorano, gets involved and the reader is dragged along in the investigation. But what are we investigating? As we slip in and out of reality and into the game as well. The lines between cyber technology and reality become blurred, but this all adds to the reader's enjoyment. I'm glad I read this book and will look out for more of Jason's work in the future!
Whilst playing a new game reality inserts itself into the technology and he is a witness to the murder of a girl. The cyber department of LAPD, in the person of Rick Sorano, gets involved and the reader is dragged along in the investigation. But what are we investigating? As we slip in and out of reality and into the game as well. The lines between cyber technology and reality become blurred, but this all adds to the reader's enjoyment. I'm glad I read this book and will look out for more of Jason's work in the future!
July 1, 2020
I hadn’t heard the term Easter Egg in relation to computer games before. This is a great story idea and frighteningly real to imagine. I was drawn in quite quickly. The idea of a murderer using a computer game to tease the police is very relevant and a real possibility today. As it seems to finish on a cliff hanger - is there a follow up? - I think it could be fleshed out a bit with more detail. The second half seemed to move very fast, almost too fast and would benefit from slowing down. The characters are all very well thought out and I would like to read another book featuring Rick Serrano.
July 1, 2020
Thanks to the author for a free copy. The premise of this book was great, something totally diffrent from the usual. As I'm old school technology and gaming, I found this fascinating.
The last page was an unexpected surprise!
However, I found the writing a bit -all over - the - place and hard to follow. The chapters were not organised and it felt like there were pieces missing.
I understand this is a debut, looking forward to read more by this author.
The last page was an unexpected surprise!
However, I found the writing a bit -all over - the - place and hard to follow. The chapters were not organised and it felt like there were pieces missing.
I understand this is a debut, looking forward to read more by this author.
May 5, 2020
A brilliantly written thriller. Kept me rivited until the very end. Great plot, twists and for a new author, the best book I've read in years.
He didn't write pages of unnecessary drivel about the carracters lives, but still managed to make you feel you knew them.
Looking forward to his next book.
Definitely 10/10
He didn't write pages of unnecessary drivel about the carracters lives, but still managed to make you feel you knew them.
Looking forward to his next book.
Definitely 10/10
July 2, 2020
I quite enjoyed this story. Will definitely continue with the next one when it comes out. There were minor editing issues which could easily be resolved but they by no means take away from the enjoyment.
June 8, 2020
Easter Egg first caught my attention with the concept of mixing a detective investigation with a live video game. It was a fast paced thriller with plenty of action and a twisted antagonist.
June 11, 2020
Different!
Even though this is not my type of book, I read it in one setting. Good debut novel. Will read more by this author.
Even though this is not my type of book, I read it in one setting. Good debut novel. Will read more by this author.
July 22, 2020
3.5/5
RTC
RTC
June 28, 2020
Saw this as a freebie in a Facebook group, thought I'd give it a go!
Loved it, just wished it was longer!
Looking forward to more from Jason Acar
Loved it, just wished it was longer!
Looking forward to more from Jason Acar
April 4, 2021
Short but powerful. Quite violent and vividly gory, definitely not for the faint-hearted. But if you like your thrillers with a lot of action and a few gallons of blood, this might just be the (quick and fun) story for you.
Excellent ending. All the loose ends neatly tied up... or are they?
Excellent ending. All the loose ends neatly tied up... or are they?
June 24, 2021
Although I did enjoy the book, the ending was rushed in my opinion. I did like how the author mixed in crime, detective work, and horror. I would have liked to see a little more detail as far as how all of the victims were chosen and captured. I’d be interested in reading more from Mr. Acar!
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews