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Stephanie King #2
Gra w morderstwo
Żal może się zmienić w truciznę. Zrobi się zbyt mroczny, zbyt ciężki i już cię nie wypuści.
Rok temu o tej porze wszyscy przyjechaliśmy na ślub Lucasa do położonej nad samym morzem, imponującej rezydencji w Kornwalii. Tego dnia nie doszło jednak do żadnego ślubu.
Teraz Lucas zaprosił nas ponownie, tym razem na rocznicę. Ale rocznicę czego? Ślubu, do którego przecież nie doszło, czy może tragedii, która wydarzyła się tamtego dnia? Dziś poinformował nas, że przygotował grę. Każdy musi wziąć w niej udział.
Czego on od nas chce? O czym nam nie powiedział?
I co się wydarzy, kiedy ta straszna gra dobiegnie końca?
Rok temu o tej porze wszyscy przyjechaliśmy na ślub Lucasa do położonej nad samym morzem, imponującej rezydencji w Kornwalii. Tego dnia nie doszło jednak do żadnego ślubu.
Teraz Lucas zaprosił nas ponownie, tym razem na rocznicę. Ale rocznicę czego? Ślubu, do którego przecież nie doszło, czy może tragedii, która wydarzyła się tamtego dnia? Dziś poinformował nas, że przygotował grę. Każdy musi wziąć w niej udział.
Czego on od nas chce? O czym nam nie powiedział?
I co się wydarzy, kiedy ta straszna gra dobiegnie końca?
416 pages, Paperback
First published April 16, 2020
3525 people are currently reading
8148 people want to read
About the author
Rachel Abbott
50 books2,682 followersI was born and brought up in the north of England, and worked for many years as the managing director of an interactive media company. I wrote every day - everything from creative proposals to user manuals - but most exciting of all was writing interactive dramas - including for the Cluedo (Clue in the US) interactive games. I was fortunate enough to sell my company in 2000 and we moved to Italy where we bought and restored an old country house.
I have published six full length novels and one novella, and my seventh Come a Little Closer is due for release in 2018. I now live on the beautiful island of Alderney in the Channel Islands, where I write full time.
Find out more on my website.
I have published six full length novels and one novella, and my seventh Come a Little Closer is due for release in 2018. I now live on the beautiful island of Alderney in the Channel Islands, where I write full time.
Find out more on my website.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,030 reviews
March 22, 2020
3 - 4 stars.
A group of old friends gather at Polskirrin, a gorgeous mansion in Cornwall for the wedding of wealth Lucas Jarrett to Nina Belanger. Matt, Andrew, Nick and his sister Isabel have been friends for years. The night before the wedding Lucas troubled younger sister Alex drowns in an apparent suicide. One year later Lucas summons them all back to Polskirrin where he forcefully insists on the group taking part in a game. they are given costumes and roles based on information he provided and they have to tell the truth. This is a more deadly version of the party murder mystery game that is played to entertain. What does Lucas wish to achieve? Will the friends go along with it? The story is told by Jemma who is Matt’s wife in the first person and from the perspectives of Nina, Alex and DS Stephanie King.
The characters are well portrayed although not all likeable. I confess to imagining Lucas as Aidan Turner partly because it a lovely thought and partly because it’s Poldark country! I really like the exploration of group dynamics with Lucas at the centre with most of the cast dancing to his tune. Polskirrin is one of the stars of the book as far as I’m concerned! The beautiful house comes alive and I could picture the cove so typical of this county which I love and there are some very good descriptions that transport you to Cornwall. The premise feels rather ‘Christie-esque, there is pace, increasing tension between some characters and plenty of twists in the storyline. There’s intrigue to keep you interested in the plot with blackmail, abductions and there is a character that is raped but that is dealt with carefully and sensitively.
My reservations about the book lie with lack of flow at times, there is some repetition and the end seems abrupt and lets down the what precedes. It is described as a Stephanie King novel and yes, she’s certainly in it but she’s peripheral to the events at Polskirrin in many ways.
Overall, I like the premise, the setting some interesting characters but there are some reservations hence 3 -4 stars but I’ve rounded up as there’s more to like than dislike.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Headline for the ARC.
A group of old friends gather at Polskirrin, a gorgeous mansion in Cornwall for the wedding of wealth Lucas Jarrett to Nina Belanger. Matt, Andrew, Nick and his sister Isabel have been friends for years. The night before the wedding Lucas troubled younger sister Alex drowns in an apparent suicide. One year later Lucas summons them all back to Polskirrin where he forcefully insists on the group taking part in a game. they are given costumes and roles based on information he provided and they have to tell the truth. This is a more deadly version of the party murder mystery game that is played to entertain. What does Lucas wish to achieve? Will the friends go along with it? The story is told by Jemma who is Matt’s wife in the first person and from the perspectives of Nina, Alex and DS Stephanie King.
The characters are well portrayed although not all likeable. I confess to imagining Lucas as Aidan Turner partly because it a lovely thought and partly because it’s Poldark country! I really like the exploration of group dynamics with Lucas at the centre with most of the cast dancing to his tune. Polskirrin is one of the stars of the book as far as I’m concerned! The beautiful house comes alive and I could picture the cove so typical of this county which I love and there are some very good descriptions that transport you to Cornwall. The premise feels rather ‘Christie-esque, there is pace, increasing tension between some characters and plenty of twists in the storyline. There’s intrigue to keep you interested in the plot with blackmail, abductions and there is a character that is raped but that is dealt with carefully and sensitively.
My reservations about the book lie with lack of flow at times, there is some repetition and the end seems abrupt and lets down the what precedes. It is described as a Stephanie King novel and yes, she’s certainly in it but she’s peripheral to the events at Polskirrin in many ways.
Overall, I like the premise, the setting some interesting characters but there are some reservations hence 3 -4 stars but I’ve rounded up as there’s more to like than dislike.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Headline for the ARC.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 24, 2021
I am, yet again, perplexed at the number of 5 star ratings awarded this book. Until the last thirty pages, I may have been able to understand a reader having an appreciation of Abbott’s craftsmanship; however, any redeeming qualities were lost to one of the most inane conclusions ever penned. I just don’t understand a prolific author like Abbott ever thinking that this in any way worked. I am so disgusted with the betrayal of reader trust that I am loathe to spend even one more minute bothering to write a review. Listen, when someone invests hours reading a lengthy piece of work, the expectation is a payoff of at least a plausible finale. Unfortunately, Abbott falls so far short that I wonder if she simply tripped over the finish line and threw her hands up, yelling, “I give up!” Seriously. It’s the only explanation that makes any sort of sense. Read to enjoy the journey, but be aware that the destination is a profound disappointment.
October 26, 2021
The setting is Polskirrin a stunning mansion in Cornwell and the venue for the up-and-coming wedding of wealthy and dashing Lucas Jarret and his beautiful bride Nina Belanger and the guests are Lucas’s nearest and dearest friends. The stuff of dreams and nightmares, but the dream part does not last very long because the night before the “high-society” wedding takes place Nick’s troubled sister is found drowned with the ruling a suicide.
One year on, the same group of friends are invited back to this wonderful estate, not in memory of Lucas’s sister Isabelle, or the anticipated wedding that did not happen, but to re-enact the events that took place one year earlier. Because Lucas believes his sister was murdered and the killer is among them.
There is something very Agatha Christie about this book, a writer who introduces us to all the characters in the plot and them casts suspicion on them all, giving them all motive and opportunity. Ditto. The setting is ominous, as the guests are not just reassembled on the same night of Isabelle’s death, but they are asked to wear the same thing and sit in the same seats and re-enact all the same conversations and events that took place on that fateful night. A real-life murder mystery.
The setting is atmospheric, the plot excellent and the characterisation superb, minus an unpredictable ending. The level of suspense was very good as we learn more of the lies and secrets of the guests or suspects, the story kept taking twists and turns that kept me interested throughout. What I did not like as much was the believability of a staged performance and re-run of events. How many guests could you persuade to re-enact something so macabre?. Maybe it is just my friends and me, but I would not go along with something so morbid and I can't imagine anyone that would. Perhaps leave the staging, it did not add to the story.
Otherwise, a thoroughly enjoyable book and one I would recommend.
One year on, the same group of friends are invited back to this wonderful estate, not in memory of Lucas’s sister Isabelle, or the anticipated wedding that did not happen, but to re-enact the events that took place one year earlier. Because Lucas believes his sister was murdered and the killer is among them.
There is something very Agatha Christie about this book, a writer who introduces us to all the characters in the plot and them casts suspicion on them all, giving them all motive and opportunity. Ditto. The setting is ominous, as the guests are not just reassembled on the same night of Isabelle’s death, but they are asked to wear the same thing and sit in the same seats and re-enact all the same conversations and events that took place on that fateful night. A real-life murder mystery.
The setting is atmospheric, the plot excellent and the characterisation superb, minus an unpredictable ending. The level of suspense was very good as we learn more of the lies and secrets of the guests or suspects, the story kept taking twists and turns that kept me interested throughout. What I did not like as much was the believability of a staged performance and re-run of events. How many guests could you persuade to re-enact something so macabre?. Maybe it is just my friends and me, but I would not go along with something so morbid and I can't imagine anyone that would. Perhaps leave the staging, it did not add to the story.
Otherwise, a thoroughly enjoyable book and one I would recommend.
March 1, 2020
This is the second book in the Stephanie King series and I have to say this is my favourite.
Lucas and Nina are getting married in Cornwall so they invite Lucas’s childhood friends and their partners to their big day. Tragedy strikes and the wedding party is cancelled.
A year later Lucas invites his friends back for their anniversary, but it’s not all champagne and cocktails as he wants them to play the Murder Game and he has their costumes and their roles all planned out (Like a murder mystery weekend but the murder may have been committed a year ago) Lucas wants the truth revealed and thinks the game will expose who killed his sister. Lucas plays with his guests like a cat with a mouse, manipulating them until he gets to the truth.
This had me hooked!! I felt like I was one of the guests analysing the others to reveal all their secrets. I suspected everyone and loved the twists and the final reveal at the end, outside storm Denis was raging but I was so engrossed in this murder mystery book the roof could have blown off and I would have carried on reading, oblivious to everything!!
A must read series. I can’t wait for book number 3.
Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for a review.
Lucas and Nina are getting married in Cornwall so they invite Lucas’s childhood friends and their partners to their big day. Tragedy strikes and the wedding party is cancelled.
A year later Lucas invites his friends back for their anniversary, but it’s not all champagne and cocktails as he wants them to play the Murder Game and he has their costumes and their roles all planned out (Like a murder mystery weekend but the murder may have been committed a year ago) Lucas wants the truth revealed and thinks the game will expose who killed his sister. Lucas plays with his guests like a cat with a mouse, manipulating them until he gets to the truth.
This had me hooked!! I felt like I was one of the guests analysing the others to reveal all their secrets. I suspected everyone and loved the twists and the final reveal at the end, outside storm Denis was raging but I was so engrossed in this murder mystery book the roof could have blown off and I would have carried on reading, oblivious to everything!!
A must read series. I can’t wait for book number 3.
Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for a review.
January 30, 2023
3.5🌟: For a while, I thought this would deserve 4.5 stars. I was enthralled from the start, I loved the setting and the premise and the pace was on point. Unfortunately, some elements bothered me:
- It's part of a series but Stephanie King isn't the main character at all. The plot would have been even better without the detectives!
- The actions of some characters were over the top or difficult to explain.
- Some parts of the investigation weren't realistic.
- I can't believe the number of times a character learn important informations by accidentally hearing a private conversation... I should have counted! 😅
I was about to give 4 stars, but the ending was convoluted and didn't tie every lose ends. I had a really good time while reading most part of this book, but end up feeling a bit disappointed so I think 3.5 is a fair rating! 📚
- It's part of a series but Stephanie King isn't the main character at all. The plot would have been even better without the detectives!
- The actions of some characters were over the top or difficult to explain.
- Some parts of the investigation weren't realistic.
- I can't believe the number of times a character learn important informations by accidentally hearing a private conversation... I should have counted! 😅
I was about to give 4 stars, but the ending was convoluted and didn't tie every lose ends. I had a really good time while reading most part of this book, but end up feeling a bit disappointed so I think 3.5 is a fair rating! 📚
April 15, 2020
RACHEL ABBOTT IS BLOODY BRILLIANT!! There, I said it!! She deserved all the accolades for this book. My heart flew high while reading this book away from the world stress. And I thank her. Her twists were more suspenseful than I could believe, where every plot line had me holding my breath. Eagerness gripped my innards as the very talented author forced her charcters to play The Murder Game.
9 were invited for celebrations of a wedding. 8 were left. The remaining 8 were invited one year later to reveal secrets and happenings of the wedding day. Each had something to hide, but one was pure evil with murder hidden in the crevices of the heart.
WHAT. A. PLOT. A locked room kind of a mystery was given a personalized turn when the main character used his threats to make the others adhere to his rules. The story gained its speed when each character remained in the shadows of their obstinacy, giving me glimpses of their doubtful actions, yet hiding it cleverly behind innocent words.
The characters were all the so-called friends, but never had I seen such a pit of friendly vipers. The author knew how to keep my pulse racing when she made them play hide-and-seek with me. The atmosphere was immersive where I loved donning my Detective hat to look at all of them with suspicion.
Final twist made me wide-eyed with shock, Rachel could make my heart overwork with thrill. What a romping ride it was!! This murder mystery was one of a kind, and I SIMPLY LOVED IT.
A BRILLIANT READ!!
9 were invited for celebrations of a wedding. 8 were left. The remaining 8 were invited one year later to reveal secrets and happenings of the wedding day. Each had something to hide, but one was pure evil with murder hidden in the crevices of the heart.
WHAT. A. PLOT. A locked room kind of a mystery was given a personalized turn when the main character used his threats to make the others adhere to his rules. The story gained its speed when each character remained in the shadows of their obstinacy, giving me glimpses of their doubtful actions, yet hiding it cleverly behind innocent words.
The characters were all the so-called friends, but never had I seen such a pit of friendly vipers. The author knew how to keep my pulse racing when she made them play hide-and-seek with me. The atmosphere was immersive where I loved donning my Detective hat to look at all of them with suspicion.
Final twist made me wide-eyed with shock, Rachel could make my heart overwork with thrill. What a romping ride it was!! This murder mystery was one of a kind, and I SIMPLY LOVED IT.
A BRILLIANT READ!!
April 18, 2020
The Murder Game is the second instalment in the Detective Superintendant Stephanie King series and although it is preferable to have read the preceding book, And So It Begins, beforehand, it is not a necessity. Abbott writes stories that can be described as contemporary takes on the brilliant, Agatha Christie.
A group of old school friends make their way to Polskirrin, a stunning mansion and estate in the heart of Cornwall, for the wedding of affluent Lucas Jarrett and Nina Belanger. Andrew, Matt, Nick and his twin sister Isobel are all in attendance having been friends with Lucas and Nina for many years. But when Lucas’s sister, Alex, dies in an apparent suicide the couple decides to cancel their big day and despite time passing Lucas can't shake his gut instinct that his beloved sister was savagely murdered and cooks up a wily plan to prove as such. Fast forward a year and in order to try and ascertain who the perpetrator was and tired of waiting to see if they would slip up Lucas invites the very same wedding party back to the house set amongst lush gardens to play the eponymous murder game.
Ms Abbott rarely lets readers down and this super thriller is her most accomplished and sophisticated to date. It flows well and begins in an explosive fashion gripping you from then right through to the conclusion. It's a stark reminder that despite a stunningly luxurious location psychopaths can only keep their brutal intentions hidden for so long and although the cast of characters is distinctly unlikeable and spiky I didn't feel this impacted my enjoyment at all; in fact, the air of mystery surrounding most of them only serves to intensify the amount you are chewing at your nails with the palpable tension. This is a page-turner in every sense of the word; it’s compulsively clever, devilishly dark and expertly plotted. Highly recommended. Many thanks to Wildfire for an ARC.
A group of old school friends make their way to Polskirrin, a stunning mansion and estate in the heart of Cornwall, for the wedding of affluent Lucas Jarrett and Nina Belanger. Andrew, Matt, Nick and his twin sister Isobel are all in attendance having been friends with Lucas and Nina for many years. But when Lucas’s sister, Alex, dies in an apparent suicide the couple decides to cancel their big day and despite time passing Lucas can't shake his gut instinct that his beloved sister was savagely murdered and cooks up a wily plan to prove as such. Fast forward a year and in order to try and ascertain who the perpetrator was and tired of waiting to see if they would slip up Lucas invites the very same wedding party back to the house set amongst lush gardens to play the eponymous murder game.
Ms Abbott rarely lets readers down and this super thriller is her most accomplished and sophisticated to date. It flows well and begins in an explosive fashion gripping you from then right through to the conclusion. It's a stark reminder that despite a stunningly luxurious location psychopaths can only keep their brutal intentions hidden for so long and although the cast of characters is distinctly unlikeable and spiky I didn't feel this impacted my enjoyment at all; in fact, the air of mystery surrounding most of them only serves to intensify the amount you are chewing at your nails with the palpable tension. This is a page-turner in every sense of the word; it’s compulsively clever, devilishly dark and expertly plotted. Highly recommended. Many thanks to Wildfire for an ARC.
April 20, 2020
This really was an intriguing one and I was glued almost instantly.
A group of old friends and their partners gather for pre-wedding celebrations down in Cornwall.
But a tragic accident on the morning of the wedding leaves them all shocked and the upcoming celebrations not surprisingly cancelled.
Now a year later on the exact same date, they have all been invited back by there host Lucas to play a game.
One that will expose long-buried secrets and rivalries within the group.
Nobody knows who to trust and everyone's a suspect.
Full of twists and turns and suspenseful intrigue this was a page-turner of a read that was impossible to put down and I managed to consume this in one complete sitting.
I did kind of guess a few things regarding the conclusion here but that didn't take away from my overall enjoyment.
A fantastic read that I highly recommend.
I voluntary reviewed a copy of The Murder Game (Stephanie King #2).
Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/
www.beckiebookworm.com
March 18, 2020
'We are going to enjoy a good old dinner-party game ... we're playing the murder game.'
Jemma and Matt were invited to Matt’s childhood friend Lucas Jarrett home for an wedding that ends tragic. A girl's body is floating toward the shoreline of the house on the eve of the wedding. Now, one year later, they are asked to come back for the anniversary party of what happened. Lucas has come up with a game to make one of the people invited this time to tell the truth of what happened during that event. Everyone has a role to play. Jemma thinks she and her husband don't know anything about what happened to the woman that died during that wedding. But is she wrong? Does her husband know something? What happened to Alex? Secrets will soon be revealed and a game to be remembered.
With an Agatha Christie sort of vibe going on it was hard to figure it all out until the final chapters. The book was a atmospheric chilling setting in an ocean-view home. Part 1 of the book was a bit of labor to get through. Part 2, which takes place one year later, picks up and draws you in more to the mystery. Finding out more of what happens to all the party goers at the end would have been nice to know. It left me with questions that I felt were necessary to be more satisfying.
Overall, Rachel Abbott delivers a suspenseful romp and a twist that shocks in the end.
Special thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for an ARC.
Jemma and Matt were invited to Matt’s childhood friend Lucas Jarrett home for an wedding that ends tragic. A girl's body is floating toward the shoreline of the house on the eve of the wedding. Now, one year later, they are asked to come back for the anniversary party of what happened. Lucas has come up with a game to make one of the people invited this time to tell the truth of what happened during that event. Everyone has a role to play. Jemma thinks she and her husband don't know anything about what happened to the woman that died during that wedding. But is she wrong? Does her husband know something? What happened to Alex? Secrets will soon be revealed and a game to be remembered.
With an Agatha Christie sort of vibe going on it was hard to figure it all out until the final chapters. The book was a atmospheric chilling setting in an ocean-view home. Part 1 of the book was a bit of labor to get through. Part 2, which takes place one year later, picks up and draws you in more to the mystery. Finding out more of what happens to all the party goers at the end would have been nice to know. It left me with questions that I felt were necessary to be more satisfying.
Overall, Rachel Abbott delivers a suspenseful romp and a twist that shocks in the end.
Special thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for an ARC.
April 11, 2020
Stephanie King #2
Lucas had invited all of his friends to his wedding. Everything was going smoothly until the night before the nuptials took place. Thenstory then picks upma year later when they are all invited back to Polskirrin, Cornwall. Lucas's troubled young sister had tragically died just hours before the wedding was due to begin. The wedding hadn't taken place. The invitation said to celebrate the anniversary. But what was there to celebrate? Lucas insisted that they take part I a murder mystery game. But will the friends go along with it?
The story is told from multiple points of view. All the characters seem to have a secret. There is quite a lot of characters to try and remember. The story flips back and forward between this and the previous year. This is a well written who-did-it mystery with plenty of good twists. The first part of the book is slow but the second part certainly made up for it. A story that revolves around grief, jealousy, secrets and lies.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Headline and the author Rachel Abbott for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Lucas had invited all of his friends to his wedding. Everything was going smoothly until the night before the nuptials took place. Thenstory then picks upma year later when they are all invited back to Polskirrin, Cornwall. Lucas's troubled young sister had tragically died just hours before the wedding was due to begin. The wedding hadn't taken place. The invitation said to celebrate the anniversary. But what was there to celebrate? Lucas insisted that they take part I a murder mystery game. But will the friends go along with it?
The story is told from multiple points of view. All the characters seem to have a secret. There is quite a lot of characters to try and remember. The story flips back and forward between this and the previous year. This is a well written who-did-it mystery with plenty of good twists. The first part of the book is slow but the second part certainly made up for it. A story that revolves around grief, jealousy, secrets and lies.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Headline and the author Rachel Abbott for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
April 11, 2020
Stephanie king #2
Lucas had invited all of his friends to his wedding. Everything was going smoothly until the night before the nuptialstook place. 5henstorynthen picks up,a year later when they are all invited back to Polskirrin, Cornwall. Lucas's troubled young sister had tragically died just hours before the wedding to begin. The wedding hadn't taken place. The invitation said to celebrate the anniversary. But what was there to celebrate? Lucas insists that they take part in a murder mystery game. But will the friends go along with it?
The story is told from multiple points of view. All the characters seem to have a secret. There is quite a lot of characters to try and remember. Thenstory flips back and forward between this and the previous year. This is a well written who-did-it mystery with plenty of good twists. The first part of the book is slow ut the second part certainly makes up for it. A story that revolves around grief, jealousy, secrets and lies.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Headline and the author Rachel Abbott for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Lucas had invited all of his friends to his wedding. Everything was going smoothly until the night before the nuptialstook place. 5henstorynthen picks up,a year later when they are all invited back to Polskirrin, Cornwall. Lucas's troubled young sister had tragically died just hours before the wedding to begin. The wedding hadn't taken place. The invitation said to celebrate the anniversary. But what was there to celebrate? Lucas insists that they take part in a murder mystery game. But will the friends go along with it?
The story is told from multiple points of view. All the characters seem to have a secret. There is quite a lot of characters to try and remember. Thenstory flips back and forward between this and the previous year. This is a well written who-did-it mystery with plenty of good twists. The first part of the book is slow ut the second part certainly makes up for it. A story that revolves around grief, jealousy, secrets and lies.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Headline and the author Rachel Abbott for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
April 16, 2020
Matt and Jemma are invited to an old friend of Matt's ..and his soon to be wife. Two other close friends are also invited as well as their partners. Lucas will be marrying Nina.
But something happened that night ... something horrifying... and none of them will ever forget what happened.
A year later... to the day ... they are all once again invited to Lucas' home .. for a candle vigil they think. But Lucas has something entirely in mind for all of them ..... and he's devised the Murder Game.
All the characters have secrets ... some big, some small .., and they all have lied about something and are trying to keep those secrets to themselves. But who knows what happened that night a year ago ... and is it connected to another tragedy some 14 years ago? This is well written, deftly drawn characters, warts and all. The plot is tightly woven with an unexpected conclusion.
Many thanks to the author / Bookouture / Netgalley for the digital copy of this psychological thriller. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
But something happened that night ... something horrifying... and none of them will ever forget what happened.
A year later... to the day ... they are all once again invited to Lucas' home .. for a candle vigil they think. But Lucas has something entirely in mind for all of them ..... and he's devised the Murder Game.
All the characters have secrets ... some big, some small .., and they all have lied about something and are trying to keep those secrets to themselves. But who knows what happened that night a year ago ... and is it connected to another tragedy some 14 years ago? This is well written, deftly drawn characters, warts and all. The plot is tightly woven with an unexpected conclusion.
Many thanks to the author / Bookouture / Netgalley for the digital copy of this psychological thriller. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
April 25, 2022
For my complete review of this novel visit: https://fictionophile.com/2020/07/10/...
This is my first Rachel Abbott book and what a delightful introduction to her work! Although it is the second novel to feature Cornish policewoman Stephanie King, it read just perfectly as a stand-alone. Though some might consider it to be a police procedural, the police actually took the back seat in this story. They were present, but the group of friends were under the spotlight more than the police investigation.
The premise was very clever and the characters intriguing. The 'friend' dynamic seems to cover up lots of enigmatic secrets, power-plays, and precarious loyalties. The writing kept me riveted throughout. I'll admit I did guess one major plot twist about halfway through the novel, but that in no way marred my reading enjoyment.
In addition to the overriding theme of friendship, the novel also touches on blackmail, murder and abduction.
Would I read another Rachel Abbott book? Hell YES! I cannot imagine what took me so long to discover this great crime novelist!
This is my first Rachel Abbott book and what a delightful introduction to her work! Although it is the second novel to feature Cornish policewoman Stephanie King, it read just perfectly as a stand-alone. Though some might consider it to be a police procedural, the police actually took the back seat in this story. They were present, but the group of friends were under the spotlight more than the police investigation.
The premise was very clever and the characters intriguing. The 'friend' dynamic seems to cover up lots of enigmatic secrets, power-plays, and precarious loyalties. The writing kept me riveted throughout. I'll admit I did guess one major plot twist about halfway through the novel, but that in no way marred my reading enjoyment.
In addition to the overriding theme of friendship, the novel also touches on blackmail, murder and abduction.
Would I read another Rachel Abbott book? Hell YES! I cannot imagine what took me so long to discover this great crime novelist!
April 20, 2020
The Invitation is a super fun premise! A group of old friends gather at a beautiful estate on the eve of one of their weddings. The time is spent introducing the reader, and the friends' spouses, to the odd dynamic of this group. The wedding however doesn't happen, due to an awful suicide the night before.
One year later, they're all invited back for a game. The Murder Game.
Turns out someone thinks the suicide was actually murder and is desperate to find out who did it.
Is the premise a bit ridiculous? Sure.
Is it crazy fun though and reminds you of Clue? Yes!
I really enjoyed reading this one. It was a fun who done it and I enjoyed the uniqueness of the story. However, the ending was sooo disappointing. I feel like half the questions were still really unanswered and it just didn't have that closure you craved all book.
One year later, they're all invited back for a game. The Murder Game.
Turns out someone thinks the suicide was actually murder and is desperate to find out who did it.
Is the premise a bit ridiculous? Sure.
Is it crazy fun though and reminds you of Clue? Yes!
I really enjoyed reading this one. It was a fun who done it and I enjoyed the uniqueness of the story. However, the ending was sooo disappointing. I feel like half the questions were still really unanswered and it just didn't have that closure you craved all book.
May 26, 2020
ARE YOU OK? I’M FINE.....
I lost count after the over 14 times the author had these fascinating words uttered by her characters. When I see this silly question inserted in any book more than once I know it’s going to be a low level type plot. Usually, the characters are all the same and their conversation concerns what the other ones have done, might have done, might do and no other topics of interest ever occurs beyond that.
For me, this book is aimed at average readers in junior highschool. The vocabulary level is kept no higher than sixth grade and the psychological suspense advertised was non existent. This is because there was nothing suspenseful going on. There is barely a plot. How many times did a character accidentally overhear a desperate or guilty conversation while taking a walk? This device occurred a half dozen times. After a while, the reader knows that when a walker is barefoot they are going to innocently hear something private. By the time I got to the end I barely knew who did what because I began to daydream. I did hear the silly epilogue. No shocking twist because it was so ridiculous and too many pieces remained missing.
So, to answer the question of , “Are you OK? that the author asked more than 14 times, I will say that after I finished laughing each time she wrote it, I will answer, ...I’m Fine!
At least I got a few chuckles to brighten my day.
I lost count after the over 14 times the author had these fascinating words uttered by her characters. When I see this silly question inserted in any book more than once I know it’s going to be a low level type plot. Usually, the characters are all the same and their conversation concerns what the other ones have done, might have done, might do and no other topics of interest ever occurs beyond that.
For me, this book is aimed at average readers in junior highschool. The vocabulary level is kept no higher than sixth grade and the psychological suspense advertised was non existent. This is because there was nothing suspenseful going on. There is barely a plot. How many times did a character accidentally overhear a desperate or guilty conversation while taking a walk? This device occurred a half dozen times. After a while, the reader knows that when a walker is barefoot they are going to innocently hear something private. By the time I got to the end I barely knew who did what because I began to daydream. I did hear the silly epilogue. No shocking twist because it was so ridiculous and too many pieces remained missing.
So, to answer the question of , “Are you OK? that the author asked more than 14 times, I will say that after I finished laughing each time she wrote it, I will answer, ...I’m Fine!
At least I got a few chuckles to brighten my day.
April 17, 2020
A year earlier on the day of Lucas and Nina’s wedding his sister Alex was found drowned. Alex’s death was ruled as suicide and the wedding was cancelled but Lucas was sure that one of the guests had murdered his sister .Now one year later Lucas has all his friends gather at his Polskirrin stately home his house once more. He has devised a weekend where they play The Murder Game in the hope of finally finding the killer.
The Invitation by Rachel Abbott is the second book in the Stephanie King series. It’s a well written , gripping fast paced psychological thriller with lots of secrets and unexpected twists and turns that makes it a highly entertaining read . Cannot wait for the next book in the series !
I would like to thank Bookouture & NetGalley for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest and fair review.
This and more reviews at https://chloesbooksblog.wordpress.com/
The Invitation by Rachel Abbott is the second book in the Stephanie King series. It’s a well written , gripping fast paced psychological thriller with lots of secrets and unexpected twists and turns that makes it a highly entertaining read . Cannot wait for the next book in the series !
I would like to thank Bookouture & NetGalley for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest and fair review.
This and more reviews at https://chloesbooksblog.wordpress.com/
April 3, 2023
Friends gather at Polskirrin stately home for Lucas’s wedding to Nina.
Unfortunately his sister is drowned that evening and the wedding is cancelled.
One year later Lucas has all his friends gather at his house once more.
He is sure that one of the guests has murdered his sister and he has devised a weekend where they play The Murder Game in the hope of finding the killer.
Most of the guests have known each other for years and have past grievances, secrets and have something to hide.
There were plenty of clues to digest and I had figured out how this was going to end.
I enjoyed this book and read it in one sitting.
Thank you to NetGalley and Headline for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
Unfortunately his sister is drowned that evening and the wedding is cancelled.
One year later Lucas has all his friends gather at his house once more.
He is sure that one of the guests has murdered his sister and he has devised a weekend where they play The Murder Game in the hope of finding the killer.
Most of the guests have known each other for years and have past grievances, secrets and have something to hide.
There were plenty of clues to digest and I had figured out how this was going to end.
I enjoyed this book and read it in one sitting.
Thank you to NetGalley and Headline for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
June 17, 2020
This was more of a fun, kinda creepy whodunit, rather than the riveting psychological thriller it's described as. With many characters to keep track of, I did enjoy reading it, but had to go back several times to get some of the characters straight.
I didn't realise it was part of a detective series and yet Jemma, the character that stood out to me the most, wasn't the detective.
It definitely had me turning the pages but one plot device stood out... There were so many instances of different characters accidently hearing hushed, desperate private conversations... it got to be a bit much as a plot device
Overall, The Invitation was interesting, but could have used tighter editing and wished the ending tied up more of the loose ends.
I didn't realise it was part of a detective series and yet Jemma, the character that stood out to me the most, wasn't the detective.
It definitely had me turning the pages but one plot device stood out... There were so many instances of different characters accidently hearing hushed, desperate private conversations... it got to be a bit much as a plot device
Overall, The Invitation was interesting, but could have used tighter editing and wished the ending tied up more of the loose ends.
July 20, 2020
A premissa é: Há um ano, vários amigos mais próximos reúnem-se para o casamento do Lucas, na sua luxuosa mansão na Cornualha, no entanto, o casamento nunca chegou a acontecer porque a Alex, irmã do Lucas, apareceu morta poucas horas antes do início do casamento.
Exactamente um ano depois, Lucas reúne todos os amigos no mesmo local para reviverem tudo o que se passou, através de um jogo chamado 'Jogo do Crime', e é nesta altura que se começam então a descobrir coisas que tinham inicialmente passado despercebidas.
Para mim o início do livro foi muito lento, desenvolve pouco e não me conseguiu cativar. No entanto, acho que pode ser precisamente para criar o efeito de terror psicológico e uma certa manipulação em relação a cada uma das personagens.
A partir de meio, o livro ganha muito mais ritmo e admito que possa cativar pelos vários cenários que possam surgir na cabeça do leitor porque de facto tudo é possível e o final, a analisar por outras reviews que li, é surpreendente.
Posso-vos dizer que na capa diz:
«Rachel Abbott é a rainha do thriller imprevisível.» e é o segundo livro que leio dela em que percebo o final a meio do livro.
No entanto, este livro tem óptima pontuação no Goodreads e imensa gente gostou de o ler, pelo que, acho que só não funcionou para mim porque cedo percebi o que se ia passar.
Exactamente um ano depois, Lucas reúne todos os amigos no mesmo local para reviverem tudo o que se passou, através de um jogo chamado 'Jogo do Crime', e é nesta altura que se começam então a descobrir coisas que tinham inicialmente passado despercebidas.
Para mim o início do livro foi muito lento, desenvolve pouco e não me conseguiu cativar. No entanto, acho que pode ser precisamente para criar o efeito de terror psicológico e uma certa manipulação em relação a cada uma das personagens.
A partir de meio, o livro ganha muito mais ritmo e admito que possa cativar pelos vários cenários que possam surgir na cabeça do leitor porque de facto tudo é possível e o final, a analisar por outras reviews que li, é surpreendente.
Posso-vos dizer que na capa diz:
«Rachel Abbott é a rainha do thriller imprevisível.» e é o segundo livro que leio dela em que percebo o final a meio do livro.
No entanto, este livro tem óptima pontuação no Goodreads e imensa gente gostou de o ler, pelo que, acho que só não funcionou para mim porque cedo percebi o que se ia passar.
May 28, 2020
This was a really intriguing story. A tragic event happens and it looks like suicide. One year later everyone is back at the scene of the crime at the behest of Lucas who is determined to out one of them as a murderer. You think then that it's going to be either a little bit Agatha Christie, with someone going through the events leading up to a crime or one of those horror tales where the left behind family member wreaks revenge. But no, nice and uniquely just as Lucas gets going on his game plan to out a killer the police turn up and spoil his plans. I really enjoyed that twist. I've not read the first Stephanie King book and didn't realise this was book 2 in a series so I read this as a stand alone and it worked really well.
Between Lucas' demands for truth and Kings search for a missing person and well also some truths secrets are revealed left, right and centre and as the majority of the book takes place over a day or so the action never lets up. It's quite a roller coaster.
Told in multiple point of view which I always enjoy, I really enjoyed it and will be going back to check out the first in the series asap.
Between Lucas' demands for truth and Kings search for a missing person and well also some truths secrets are revealed left, right and centre and as the majority of the book takes place over a day or so the action never lets up. It's quite a roller coaster.
Told in multiple point of view which I always enjoy, I really enjoyed it and will be going back to check out the first in the series asap.
February 14, 2025
Ne pirma mano Abbott skaitoma knyga ir faina ją skaityt. Lengvi, klasikinių bruožų turintys ir su menkais žiaurumo kiekiais detektyvai. Tokie saugūs ir su netikėtumais kaip kokiam CSI.
Ir šioje knygoje viskas panašu: grupė žmonių šventėje, vienas lavonas ir kažkuris iš jų kaltas. Aukos brolis tai aiškinasi vėl visus sukvietęs svečiuosna, įklampina draugus į pavojingą visų paslapčių atskleidimo žaidimą. Matyta? Taip. Girdėta? Taip. At smagu tokius reikalus skaityt vėl ir vėl? Taip. Bet visad tikiesi to AMAZING plot twisto, kuris atpirkktų atsikartojantį scenarijų.
Ar atpirko? Deja, aš pabaigą ties viduriu nuspėjau, nors labai norėjau būt nustebinta. Bet skundžiuos tik čiut čiut, nes šiaip skaitymo malonumą patyriau ir buvau pasiilgus ne skandinaviškos detektyvų tamsybės, o prabangaus dvaro kambariuose gyvenančių įbaugintų jaunuolių, beasiaiškinančių tiesą dramų sūkurio. Kas skaito mažai detektyvų - tikrai patiks. Kas turi trilerinį literatūrinį imunitetą - bus nuspėjama.
Ir šioje knygoje viskas panašu: grupė žmonių šventėje, vienas lavonas ir kažkuris iš jų kaltas. Aukos brolis tai aiškinasi vėl visus sukvietęs svečiuosna, įklampina draugus į pavojingą visų paslapčių atskleidimo žaidimą. Matyta? Taip. Girdėta? Taip. At smagu tokius reikalus skaityt vėl ir vėl? Taip. Bet visad tikiesi to AMAZING plot twisto, kuris atpirkktų atsikartojantį scenarijų.
Ar atpirko? Deja, aš pabaigą ties viduriu nuspėjau, nors labai norėjau būt nustebinta. Bet skundžiuos tik čiut čiut, nes šiaip skaitymo malonumą patyriau ir buvau pasiilgus ne skandinaviškos detektyvų tamsybės, o prabangaus dvaro kambariuose gyvenančių įbaugintų jaunuolių, beasiaiškinančių tiesą dramų sūkurio. Kas skaito mažai detektyvų - tikrai patiks. Kas turi trilerinį literatūrinį imunitetą - bus nuspėjama.
January 26, 2025
Labai man patinka ši serija🙂
June 8, 2023
A really solid read that’s twist I didn’t expect! Maybe a little bit more ‘fluff’ in some parts than I felt was needed and that’s why it’s lost a star!
I would definitely look for this author again!
I would definitely look for this author again!
July 8, 2020
4,5!! Adorei!
April 23, 2020
This is the second book in the Stephanie King series. I did not read the first book but I didn't feel like I missed out on anything. I enjoyed this suspenseful, murder mystery. It's an entertaining read with well-developed characters. With lots of secrets and twists, it will keep you guessing until the end. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
Thank you to NetGalley, Bookouture and Rachel Abbott for a copy of "The Invitation" in exchange of an honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley, Bookouture and Rachel Abbott for a copy of "The Invitation" in exchange of an honest review.
November 8, 2025
4/5
Bardzo chętnie obejrzałabym film na jej podstawie, domyśliłam się zakończenia mniej więcej w 60% książki, ale nie zmienia to faktu, że bawiłam się nieźle.
Bardzo chętnie obejrzałabym film na jej podstawie, domyśliłam się zakończenia mniej więcej w 60% książki, ale nie zmienia to faktu, że bawiłam się nieźle.
July 28, 2020
Estreia com a autora e posso dizer que não estou desiludida. O livro não chegou às 5 estrelas porque não encalhei com o final e com a forma como foi colocado. Tive a sensação de que as pontas soltas, se fecharam muito rápido numa única página, quando mereciam um pouco mais de informação. Talvez reduzindo umas coisas que achei menos interessantes tivesse sido uma forma mais viável para as 5 estrelas – na minha opinião.
Gostei da escrita da autora e de como a narrativa do livro foi feita. Não foi cansativa nem exaustiva e prendeu-me sempre até ao final. Eu só pensava que queria saber mais e mais até desvendar tudo. Acho que só comecei a suspeitar do final, bem mais para o final, mas não vi isso como desanimador. Apenas o querer mais conteúdo explicativo de outras coisas, e não ter.
A histórias teve um enredo interessante e diferente. Senti-me tentada a querer ficar mais tempo do lado do ‘vilão’ e de que o jogo fosse mais para a frente do que o que foi. Todas as personagens me irritaram em certo ponto – o que é algo comum. A irritação despertou interesse e mais investigação mental das mesmas.
Ainda não decidi se a informação da vida da inspectora, foi necessária, ou se esta história seria perfeita sem tanto detalhe nesse sentido, mas como é uma serie com o nome da inspectora, creio que será mantida nos próximos livros.
Comecei pelo segundo, mas provavelmente vou ler o primeiro quando tiver oportunidade e se continuarem a ser editados, os próximos também. Gostei bastante e faz-me muito bem ler estes thrillers de vez em quando.
Este livro fez-me pensar nas amizades e no como elas são agitadas e frágeis ou fortes. Mas mais do que isso, nos nossos amigos e ao que realmente somos leais e porquê.
A tradução do livro estava boa também e o vocabulário adequado.
Gostei da escrita da autora e de como a narrativa do livro foi feita. Não foi cansativa nem exaustiva e prendeu-me sempre até ao final. Eu só pensava que queria saber mais e mais até desvendar tudo. Acho que só comecei a suspeitar do final, bem mais para o final, mas não vi isso como desanimador. Apenas o querer mais conteúdo explicativo de outras coisas, e não ter.
A histórias teve um enredo interessante e diferente. Senti-me tentada a querer ficar mais tempo do lado do ‘vilão’ e de que o jogo fosse mais para a frente do que o que foi. Todas as personagens me irritaram em certo ponto – o que é algo comum. A irritação despertou interesse e mais investigação mental das mesmas.
Ainda não decidi se a informação da vida da inspectora, foi necessária, ou se esta história seria perfeita sem tanto detalhe nesse sentido, mas como é uma serie com o nome da inspectora, creio que será mantida nos próximos livros.
Comecei pelo segundo, mas provavelmente vou ler o primeiro quando tiver oportunidade e se continuarem a ser editados, os próximos também. Gostei bastante e faz-me muito bem ler estes thrillers de vez em quando.
Este livro fez-me pensar nas amizades e no como elas são agitadas e frágeis ou fortes. Mas mais do que isso, nos nossos amigos e ao que realmente somos leais e porquê.
A tradução do livro estava boa também e o vocabulário adequado.
November 11, 2020
Mein zweites Buch von Rachel Abbott und ich bin mal wieder hin und weg. Rachel Abbott überzeugt mich mal wieder mit einem unglaublich gutem Schreibstil, tollen Twists und viel viel Spannung. Am liebsten hätte ich das Buch gar nicht beendet, weil ich es nicht loslassen wollte. Richtig gute Bücher will man immer weiter lesen, aber irgendwann sind sie zu Ende und man hofft, dass das nächste Buch keine totale Enttäuschung wird. Aber mein Nachfolger wird es wirklich schwer haben, denn Rachel Abbotts "Das Bootshaus" zu übertreffen, wird schwer. Ich kann das Buch wirklich weiter empfehlen. Ganz ganz großartig!
November 14, 2020
This first book I read from this author, whom I had never hear about. The synopsis seemed intriguing to me, ao I decided to give it a go. I didn’t even know this was the second instalment of what I believe to be a series.
It’s a well-enough captivating story, however I found the end, with the revelations, a bit hard to believe. And some bits were quite predictable as well.
That’s why it’s three and a half stars, rounded up to four, instead of a solid four stars.
I’m not sure I will read the previous book of the series, but I know Rachel Abbott has written other books. Perhaps I’ll give those a try.
It’s a well-enough captivating story, however I found the end, with the revelations, a bit hard to believe. And some bits were quite predictable as well.
That’s why it’s three and a half stars, rounded up to four, instead of a solid four stars.
I’m not sure I will read the previous book of the series, but I know Rachel Abbott has written other books. Perhaps I’ll give those a try.
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