Wicked Games

Deadly Cool #3

by Gemma Halliday, Jennifer Fischetto

From #1 Amazon, New York Times & USA Today bestselling author Gemma Halliday comes a cosplay convention that turns deadly...

GamerCon has come to Silicon Valley, and high school reporter Hartley Grace Featherstone is excited to cover the convention that celebrates the history of video gaming and the latest break out titles causing a buzz on the scene. Case in point: the much anticipated Athena's Quest by hot young game developer Connor Simon. However Hartley's cavorting with Pokémon and Mario-loving fans gets cut short when, before Hartley can even try out the new game, Connor is found dead—bludgeoned to death by a gaming console!

GamerCon is suddenly a crime scene, Hartley is in the middle of a homicide story, and everyone at the convention is a suspect. From Connor's gorgeous girlfriend, to his overbearing talent manager, to his former partner with a grudge and an agenda, and his teenage protégée with a secret, everyone in Connor's life had a reason to want him dead. With the help of her bubbly best friend and the bad-boy editor of her school paper, Hartley finds herself wading through suspects, crashing crime scenes, and digging up evidence...all while dodging her mom's new boyfriend who just happens to be the homicide detective assigned to Connor's case.

As tensions escalate and the danger mounts, it's only a matter of time before the killer strikes again...and it could be game over for Hartley!

Genres: Mystery, Young Adult, Contemporary, Romance

193 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 11, 2021

About the author

Gemma had a hard time figuring out what she wanted to be when she grew up. She worked as a film and television actress, a teddy bear importer, a department store administrator, a preschool teacher, a temporary tattoo artist, and a 900 number psychic, before finally selling her first book, Spying in High Heels, in 2005 and deciding to be a writer.

Since then, Gemma has written several mystery novels and been the recipient of numerous awards, including a National Reader's Choice award and three RITA nominations. Her books have hit both the USA Today and the New York Times Bestseller lists.

Gemma now makes her home in the San Francisco Bay area where she is hard at work on her next book.

Reviews

[Mischa]

THERE'S ANOTHER BOOK, YES

So basically, what I want to see:
- HARTLEY AND CHASE ON A DATE. (WHICH WENT WELL, MIND YOU) I don't live for anything else
- Hartley finally saving herself, no Chase or cheerlander squad coming to her rescue - just she saving herself like the badass she is
- HARTLEY AND CHASE. TOGETHER.
- considering that she already solved two murders, I think it'd be wicked cool to have a killer that's playing with her, leaving clues so Hartley has a chance to find the victims and save them before the killer strikes (I admit, that's a reaaaaally long shot, but I'd just love to see this)
- HARLEY AND CHASE

that is all

EDIT: 1/19/2016
Okay but seriously? I understand if the author is not excited about this series anymore or whatever... But those books aren't that long and to take like three years to write it, not even saying a stupid 'yeah idk sorry not interested anymore' but constantly changing the date? And even then it doesn't come out anyway and it's postponed, again? That's just seriously awful and mean thing to do to the fans of this series.

[Ari]

Yup.. Late it is..

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[Isabella]

UPDATE 10/21/15 (AKA Back to the Future day)
It's fall! But... still no book?

Well that's okay because

Okay so I sent an email asking about Wicked Games, this is what I got back.

The next Deadly Cool book, Wicked Games, has been delayed, but we're hoping to release it by this fall.

Thank you for writing!

Susan - Assistant to

Gemma Halliday

YAY!

[Dayla]

Will this ever come? Who knows!

[Yue · Rating 4 out of 5]

There will be a #4 book, right? Right?? A new book that we don't have to wait so many years again?? (I waited 7 years for the release of this one 😓)

And it ends in 83% markup in Kindle format 😓

Anyway, this felt a bit different from her other 2 books and I just realize it was co-written with another author. The feeling is there but it was somewhat different at the same time?

The murder is committed outside of school/students for the 1st time. The setting is the gamer-con in CA (how I miss going to comic-cons!) so it was all very geeky. Sam is now more of a reporter than Chase sometimes.

And Chase... why in the world didn't he already make his move on Hartley?? It is obvious she likes him, he likes her... why is he playing so hard to get?? except in the last 2 paragraphs... are you kidding me??? It ends there??

While it didn't make me laugh like the previous 2 (that I've just re-read) it was a fun book and can't wait to read the sequel (just do not let it happen after almost a decade from now, please.

[Ashley Perkins]

slowly coming to terms with the fact that this book is never gonna happen. wish the author would just tell us if she was done with the series rather than getting hopes up!

[Silver]

Gemma, Gemma, Gemma, why would you do this to me?? I'm a great fan of the series and have been waiting for the third book for soo long(more than 2 years)!! Atleast, I want an update of the publication date...puh-lease?

[Carly · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was ok, figured out the killer right away. I think I would have liked it more if I had read it when I was a teen.

[Kendall {Book Crazy} · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read the first two books in this series way back in 2012! I was then desperate for this book to release, but it’s taken until 2021 for it to release, which is the longest I’ve waited for a book to release lol! I grabbed a copy as soon as I realised that this book has released and made it my next read! I re-read the first two books, but after reading this book, I can say that I loved it just as much as the first two, even though it was written from two authors! It was a lot of fun to be back in the characters world and see them solving another murder! The plot only took me a few sittings to read because I didn’t want to stop reading! It also developed at a nice pace and kept me wanting to read on and find out what was going to happen next! There were also a few scenes that made me laugh out loud and I don't normally do that with books lol! There was also the hint of romance in the plot, but I really thought that it was going to develop further than it had in the other books! The characters were also amazing and made this book even better! Hartley was again the main character, and in this book she again found herself trapped in a murder investigation, which I think she was starting to get kind of used to lol! I loved Hartley in this book! She had grown and she was still young, but she had matured! I also liked that Hartley was calm when going through suspects and trying to find clues! Chase was again the love interest of Hartley! I really wanted Chase and Hartley to be a couple in this book, but they still weren’t lol! Their relationship did develop though, which I loved! I loved Chase in this book! He was there for Hartley and he liked embarrassing her lol! It was also easy to see that he had feelings for her! Hartley’s best friend, Sam, was back in this book as well and she added a lot to it and she was again very funny and helped a lot when it came to the mystery aspect! This book was only written from Hartley’s point of view, which I was expecting because the other books were written this way as well! I completely understood why it was only written through Hartley's eyes because it was her journey and she was the main character! I was also still able to connect with the other characters! I’m not sure if there’s going to be another book in this series because I can’t find any information on Goodreads and there wasn’t anything at the end of this book to suggest another book! I really hope there is though because I really want more Hartley and Chase, especially after the end of this book! It sort of started a romantic relationship between Hartley and Chase and I would love to read a book with them as a couple! The plot was wrapped up though and all the questions raised in it were answered, but you never know when Hartley will find herself in the middle of another murder investigation lol! I was also a big fan of the original covers for the first two books and I wish they hadn’t changed them! I mean, I like the new covers and they do suit the books, but I have to be honest and say that I prefer the old covers!

[Tabatha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Honestly I’ve been waiting on this book for a long while now! Thought I’d check in to see what was what, and found out that it’s due for real service 23/03/21! Very excited to see where Halliday takes this!

[Caitlin]

AHHHH! No way! Third book! I honestly had no clue! Can't wait.........O.o

[n🫶🏽]

Ummm, hello? How long has it been? Gemma Halliday, I would like for you to release this.

[Wisty]

7/1/15
I'm in the mood for this book to happen already because this series is freaking hilarious!

[Sarah]

Umm.... after like 12 years a cover just pops up?? Hmmmmmmm....

[Judy Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A super fun read as I've come to expect from Gemma Halliday and Jennifer Fischetto. A wonderful page-turner of a mystery. Delightful character interactions keep your interest as the high school junior, a reporter for the school paper, ends up knee-deep in the murder investigation of a video game developer. Additionally, the characters are totally relatable and the book is completely entertaining and enjoyable, with laugh-out-loud moments; no one escapes suspicion, everyone becomes a suspect in this twisty murder mystery that keeps you guessing until the end. You won't be sorry you took a chance on this.

This is my first book in this series and I had no trouble diving in and keeping up, what did happen though is now I want to go back and read the others! I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and am delighted to provide a review.

[Barbara Hackel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hartley Featherstone, junior at Herbert Hoover High, is a valued member of the school newspaper. So when the hot editor asks her to cover Game Con over the upcoming 3 day weekend, she says yes. Little did she think it would involve murder and interrogation by her mom's new boyfriend, Detective Raley.

A fun look at high school students who are thoughtful, resourceful, and smart especially when faced with a disastrous situation. Without being totally goody-good shoes, these were great teens who's values and abilities were way above what popular culture often suggests. Yet the characters were real and shared thoughts and doubts common to teens everywhere.

It was a good book. Fast paced and a great conclusion! I have to recommend it for young adult readers and way beyond.

[Bonnie J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fun series. I can totally relate to Hart. I had one really close friend and a few others and was really awkward around guys. Now throw a mystery into the mix and it makes the story more fun. Not only does Hart get to go to a gamer convention, but she is writing about it for her high school paper. While there, a famous game inventor is killed. Now Hart along with her BFF Sam and editor (and crush) Chase, are out to solve this who dun it. To be honest, the cops could take pointers from them as they manage to get more clues and interviews than the police. Unfortunately, it also gets them in hot water. Everyone seems a suspect, but the real killer is a shocker. Highly recommend.

[K Huskić · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hartley heads to a gamer convention with Sam, and winds up investigating the death of a game designer, who was found dead at the convention. Hartley and Sam, with the help of Chase, put their investigative skills to the test, to find the person responsible.

I actually liked the girls' methods of questioning people, they weren't too pushy, and seemed to be fairly successful at getting information. I also enjoyed Hart's awkwardness with her mum dating, and cringed at the food her mum prepares. I really can't imagine how these things would taste!

This was another fun addition to the series!

[Bernadette Cinkoske · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Wicked Games. Hartley, Sam and Chase are covering GamerCon for the school paper when the stumble across a murdered gamer. While the target audience is teens, I find these mysteries keep my interest. With Hart's mother dating the lead detective, Hart can circle in and out of his investigation. Ms. Halliday gets the nuances between teens and adults right every time. There are so many people who could want Connor Simon dead for so many reasons that Hart has plenty of clues to track down. I read straight through and did not guess the murderer.

[Ipshita · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a looong-awaited book. I think I've grown out of the whole teen novels phase but still, this has been a memorable series. The mystery plot is good but I do recall Hartley being a bit more funny and smarter (am I remembering it wrong?). I really liked Sam more. The Chase and Hartley angle could have done with some more scenes, will we see more of it in the next book? Will there be a next book? Here's hoping :)

[E · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not the type of book that I read often, but I always read books by Gemma Halliday. This series does not disappoint. Hartley and her friends are fun and quirky, the reader probably knew students like them when they were in High School. No matter your age, you will enjoy these. I hope there will be more in the series, I would like to see how the characters evolve.

[Nina {ᴡᴏʀᴅs ᴀɴᴅ ᴡᴀᴛᴇʀ} · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cute little murder mystery. Nostalgic actually, especially as I read the first two books years ago.

On my first read, it was good. Then I reread books 1 and 2, and thought for a second Wicked Games seemed pale in comparison. BUT in rereading it a second time, it's not pale. It feels very much like a Hartley Featherstone mystery. My only point is that Raley seemed a tad different in this one compared to the last two (but then again I guess it could be explained why...)

Loved the mystery in this one, though I did predict it early.

Loved the Chase and Hartley development.

Sam and Kyle are always such great supporting cast.

[Queen Amber Elizabeth]

So this book is finally coming out next month. I am happy and excited. I read the first two books years ago and I loved them. Looks like I'll have to reread them first.

[Dichotomy Girl]

Huh, 8 years later this is finally being published.

[Charlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good series. Interesting characters and a good mystery with lots of twists and turns. Loved the book! I received an ARC from the publisher for purposes of an unbiased review.

[Ann Keeran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun and exciting novel with a gamer twist. Mystery and murder.

[Patricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

3 1/2

While I really enjoyed the previous two books, I just didn't love this one....it does not make it a bad book at all, it just felt different.

[Maddie]

It's been years since I read the Deadly Cool series, but this book was still really enjoyable! It's a lot different from what I usually read these days, but it was a refreshing change.

[Shannon Alexander · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve been waiting for this book for years and had honestly lost hope that it was ever going to be released. Then after not checking in on it for some time, I come back on and see that it has a cover?!! And that it’s actually been released?!! I’m so pleasantly surprised and can’t wait to read it. 😊

[Zoë]

YAY! So excited for this xD