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Deadly Games
‘WOW!…Tremendous read! HIGHLY recommend!!!’ NetGalley reviewer, 5 stars I know your name, your birthday, your kids’ names, where you live, where you work. I know when you get that big promotion, or when you argue with your spouse. But someone knows everything about me too. Someone knows all my secrets and they’re using them against me. They’re setting me up. The police think I murdered Emily Parker. To prove my innocence I need to find the real killer. I need to beat him at his own game. A gripping and twisted thriller for fans of Adrian McKinty’s The Chain and Mark Edwards’ Here to Stay . ‘ 5 STARS!! … A total edge of your seat thriller that will keep you turning the pages late into the night. This is a must read!! ’ NetGalley reviewer, 5 stars ‘OH MY GOD… Mind-blowing… I COULD NOT PUT THIS DOWN. Just WOW… One of my favorite thrillers ever. Period.’ NetGalley reviewer, 5 stars ‘I loved everything about this book , it was so twisty… I read this book within a day… I couldn't put it down until I knew what was going to happen.’ NetGalley reviewer, 5 stars ‘This was such a wild and twisted story and I flew through it in a day … It was unputdownable … Such an enjoyable read.’ NetGalley reviewer, 5 stars ‘Fantastic… A totally wild ride that left me literally gasping for breath! ’ NetGalley reviewer, 5 stars ‘What a fast-paced book! It draws you in from the first chapter and keeps you guessing to the end .’ NetGalley reviewer, 5 stars ‘Intense and fast paced with no time to stop and take a breath!! … Be prepared to lose sleep as you won’t be able to stop reading once you have read that first page! ’ NetGalley reviewer, 5 stars ‘ Oh my goodness this book was brilliant … An outstanding psychological crime thriller that I guarantee you won’t want to put down until you’ve reached the final page.’ NetGalley reviewer, 5 stars
384 pages, Paperback
First published December 4, 2020
346 people are currently reading
573 people want to read
About the author
Steve Frech
12 books314 followersSteve Frech lives in Los Angeles. His best-selling thrillers, DARK HOLLOWS, NIGHTINGALE HOUSE, and DEADLY GAMES, are available in all e-book formats and paperback from HQ Stories & Harper Collins.
SECRETS TO THE GRAVE (Book 1 in the Detective Meredith Somerset series) is now available.
In addition to writing, he is the co-creator of 'Sports? with Jessimae Peluso' for Comedy Central.
He is phenomenal at bar trivia, enjoys cooking, and is a frustrated Chicago Bears fan.
SECRETS TO THE GRAVE (Book 1 in the Detective Meredith Somerset series) is now available.
In addition to writing, he is the co-creator of 'Sports? with Jessimae Peluso' for Comedy Central.
He is phenomenal at bar trivia, enjoys cooking, and is a frustrated Chicago Bears fan.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 183 reviews
November 23, 2020
Wasn't really what I was expecting. It had a good plot idea, Clay is a bartender that is framed for a murder and his troubles keep getting worse from there. He is racing against time to find out who the killer is before more people die and as time goes on, he is becoming the prime suspect.
It was a bit less than ok for me. It started out good and the ending was fast paced but the middle really lost me, there wasn't a lot going on and it was slow going. I didn't really click with any of the characters, and the conversations seemed stilted. The scenes with the killer reminded me of the movie Scream and I felt like this was more 90s slasher film when I thought it was going to be more psychological. I finished because I wanted to know who the killer was but didn't really think the reveal was that exciting.
Sadly it really had potential but I just didn't find it suspenseful and there were parts that didn't make sense. Disappointing experience with this deadly game🩸
*This book publishes Dec 4th and I thank NetGalley and HQ for an Advanced Reader Copy*
It was a bit less than ok for me. It started out good and the ending was fast paced but the middle really lost me, there wasn't a lot going on and it was slow going. I didn't really click with any of the characters, and the conversations seemed stilted. The scenes with the killer reminded me of the movie Scream and I felt like this was more 90s slasher film when I thought it was going to be more psychological. I finished because I wanted to know who the killer was but didn't really think the reveal was that exciting.
Sadly it really had potential but I just didn't find it suspenseful and there were parts that didn't make sense. Disappointing experience with this deadly game🩸
*This book publishes Dec 4th and I thank NetGalley and HQ for an Advanced Reader Copy*
December 4, 2020
Another well-plotted, Hitchcockian, witty noir mystery by Steve Frech! This one focuses on a bartender, Clay, who is having an ill-fated affair that ends in murder.
Now, when I say Hitchcockian, let me tell you, Frech does it right. It’s all happening in Northern California, and there’s a seedy off-the-beaten-path motel, a character named Loomis, and of course, a total Psycho.
The story focuses on our two amateur sleuths — Clay and an unexpected ally. The pair are trying to track down the psycho, who is playing games with Clay. The psycho has of course framed Clay with his lover’s murder, so the crime must be solved - with proof! - while Clay is constantly on the run.
As always, I enjoyed Frech’s chatty tone, well-drawn characters, and fast-paced plot. As a Hitchcock buff, I was definitely the intended audience, and this page turner was lots of fun and kept me invested on every page. This is my third book by Frech and my second favorite of his after Nightingale House. I’ll keep reading Frech’s books as long as he keeps writing them, which I hope is a very long time.
Thanks to NetGalley, Steve Frech, and HQ for this fun and twisted romp, which is a “Psycho” for the digital era!
Now, when I say Hitchcockian, let me tell you, Frech does it right. It’s all happening in Northern California, and there’s a seedy off-the-beaten-path motel, a character named Loomis, and of course, a total Psycho.
The story focuses on our two amateur sleuths — Clay and an unexpected ally. The pair are trying to track down the psycho, who is playing games with Clay. The psycho has of course framed Clay with his lover’s murder, so the crime must be solved - with proof! - while Clay is constantly on the run.
As always, I enjoyed Frech’s chatty tone, well-drawn characters, and fast-paced plot. As a Hitchcock buff, I was definitely the intended audience, and this page turner was lots of fun and kept me invested on every page. This is my third book by Frech and my second favorite of his after Nightingale House. I’ll keep reading Frech’s books as long as he keeps writing them, which I hope is a very long time.
Thanks to NetGalley, Steve Frech, and HQ for this fun and twisted romp, which is a “Psycho” for the digital era!
January 22, 2021
Clay is a good-looking bartender who loves his job and enjoys all the perks that goes with it (great money, women's phone numbers, flexible hours). One night after work Clay is meeting Emily Parker (a phone number) for a midnight rendezvous but he also has feelings for Emily and cares about her. When he arrives at the motel he finds the door locked and Emily always leaves the room unlocked for him to come right inside. He knocks and knocks and calls her phone but no answer so he figures she changed her mind. Later, he finds out that Emily has been brutally murdered and the police want to ask him some questions but in the meantime he has also received a text from Emily's phone that has said "No Police" because he (the killer) knows everything about Clay and all his secrets and will tell the police everything unless Clay is willing to play "The Game".
This was an enjoyable and fast read with some clever moments of suspense. Clay was a laid-back, savvy and fun character who was caught up in dangerous and fighting for his life situations and also running from the police at the same time. I enjoyed the fast pace of the story as well as the writing style. I'm looking forward to more of Steve Frech's books and recommend " Deadly Games" to any crime/mystery readers who enjoys a light touch to some serious subjects.
I want to thank the publisher "HQ, HQ Digital" and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book and any thoughts and opinions given are unbiased and mine alone!
I have given this story a rating of 3 1/2 Sinister 🌟🌟🌟🌠Stars!!
This was an enjoyable and fast read with some clever moments of suspense. Clay was a laid-back, savvy and fun character who was caught up in dangerous and fighting for his life situations and also running from the police at the same time. I enjoyed the fast pace of the story as well as the writing style. I'm looking forward to more of Steve Frech's books and recommend " Deadly Games" to any crime/mystery readers who enjoys a light touch to some serious subjects.
I want to thank the publisher "HQ, HQ Digital" and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book and any thoughts and opinions given are unbiased and mine alone!
I have given this story a rating of 3 1/2 Sinister 🌟🌟🌟🌠Stars!!
November 27, 2020
Casually told via main character in an almost ‘pally’ way ( at times he uses phrases like ‘ look, what would you do?’ as he ‘converses with you’ ) this is a really different read
Clay, a bartender at a bar you feel you need to visit has ‘things going’ with some of the female drinkers, one especially, he goes to meet her after his shift in a seedy motel they often meet at and walks in, to find her dead....he of course is then in the frame and in a kinda ‘wanna play a game’ ( SAW ) way is then in a cat and mouse game to find who has done this, why and also to clear his name
It’s in ‘real time’ and is full of fast action chapters and its good BUT it isen’t ‘ one of the most twisted psychological thrillers of 2020’ as is billed, its much more suited to thriller/suspense and action/drama, in fact probably everything but pyschological 😎
An easy to get involved with story, moves at top speed and has a good tense ending with Clay being likeable even if a bit too cocky!
But yeah, very enjoyable
8/10
4 Stars
Clay, a bartender at a bar you feel you need to visit has ‘things going’ with some of the female drinkers, one especially, he goes to meet her after his shift in a seedy motel they often meet at and walks in, to find her dead....he of course is then in the frame and in a kinda ‘wanna play a game’ ( SAW ) way is then in a cat and mouse game to find who has done this, why and also to clear his name
It’s in ‘real time’ and is full of fast action chapters and its good BUT it isen’t ‘ one of the most twisted psychological thrillers of 2020’ as is billed, its much more suited to thriller/suspense and action/drama, in fact probably everything but pyschological 😎
An easy to get involved with story, moves at top speed and has a good tense ending with Clay being likeable even if a bit too cocky!
But yeah, very enjoyable
8/10
4 Stars
June 27, 2021
Clay is a bartender who is very good at his job. He likes his customers and he really relishes all the perks ... especially the ladies.
One of his regulars, Emily, leaves a napkin with an address and a time. They've been having an ongoing affair; doesn't seem to matter that she's married to a very well known business man. When his shift ends, he heads for the sleazy motel where they usually meet, only this time there's a surprise waiting for him.
Emily is dead.
What he does is run ..and then lies to the police. But someone knows his secrets. He receives a text from someone who knows who he is, where he lives, and all his secrets. His closest friend says she won't lie for him ... she will answer any questions they have truthfully.
Clay is being framed .. but why? and by who?
Becoming the prime suspect, and as the police aren't really looking at anyone else, he sets out to prove his own innocence and find the real killer .... before he's the next target.
It's suspenseful from start to finish. It does seem to bog down in the middle, but the pace picked up leading to an unexpected ending. Characters are deftly drawn ... Clay is really not a likeable character, but by the end of the plot, I found him more palatable. DEADLY GAMES is hyped as a psychological thriller .. I found it better described as a crime fiction.
Many thanks to the author / HQ Digital / Harper 360 / Netgalley for the digital copy of DEADLY GAMES. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
May 8, 2022
Interesting and fast paced. The plot isn't brand new in terms of thrillers but what is unique is how the actual culprit is not your usual suspect and turns out to be somebody who, if it hadn't been sheer luck on Clay's (the protagonist) part, no one would have figured out is the person responsible for the crimes.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐✨💫
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐✨💫
December 1, 2020
This was a riveting read – and very difficult to put down. It grabbed your attention from the first page, and then kept up a fast, frantic pace throughout. Much of the time was spent yelling at the main protagonist – bar tender Clay – DON’T DO THAT. Of course, he never listens, and each successive action puts him in a worse position.
From reading too many crime novels, you know that lying to the police is never a good idea. If you are innocent of the big crime – you should always come clean. But Clay does not see that as an option. He is innocent – we know that. But someone is framing him for murder, and he is inadvertently helping the murderer by making stupid (but, to be fair, understandable) mistakes. Neither we, nor Clay, have any idea (until right at the end) who is framing him – or why. As he gets himself further and further into the ordure, it seems impossible that he will ever clear his name – or find the actual murderer.
He gets help from a reporter – who is ready to shop him to the police at any time – and eventually from some friends, but the situation just gets worse and worse.
I felt there were one or two bits that did not quite add up, but they did not detract from the enjoyment of the book at all.
If you want a high adrenaline crime novel, and are willing to ignore a couple of niggles – then this book is for you.
I received this copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
From reading too many crime novels, you know that lying to the police is never a good idea. If you are innocent of the big crime – you should always come clean. But Clay does not see that as an option. He is innocent – we know that. But someone is framing him for murder, and he is inadvertently helping the murderer by making stupid (but, to be fair, understandable) mistakes. Neither we, nor Clay, have any idea (until right at the end) who is framing him – or why. As he gets himself further and further into the ordure, it seems impossible that he will ever clear his name – or find the actual murderer.
He gets help from a reporter – who is ready to shop him to the police at any time – and eventually from some friends, but the situation just gets worse and worse.
I felt there were one or two bits that did not quite add up, but they did not detract from the enjoyment of the book at all.
If you want a high adrenaline crime novel, and are willing to ignore a couple of niggles – then this book is for you.
I received this copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
June 2, 2021
Rating: 3.5 stars.
This was definitely a unique book. The protagonist being a barkeeper was different and the story itself was quite different from most books I've read before. I enjoyed the humor and characters a lot, I loved Genevieve a lot and I was kind of hoping for a little romance between Clay and her.
However, I didn't find this particularly suspenseful. The story itself was alright, but it felt really slow and at no point was I ever worried for the characters. The pacing was a little off during the middle parts, although I didn't mind that too much because I enjoyed the dynamics of the characters.
The ending was really predictable, it was totally obvious how it was going to end and the killer reveal sadly wasn't exciting at all. There was no real twist either, so I'm not sure why the book advertises that.
This was definitely a unique book. The protagonist being a barkeeper was different and the story itself was quite different from most books I've read before. I enjoyed the humor and characters a lot, I loved Genevieve a lot and I was kind of hoping for a little romance between Clay and her.
However, I didn't find this particularly suspenseful. The story itself was alright, but it felt really slow and at no point was I ever worried for the characters. The pacing was a little off during the middle parts, although I didn't mind that too much because I enjoyed the dynamics of the characters.
The ending was really predictable, it was totally obvious how it was going to end and the killer reveal sadly wasn't exciting at all. There was no real twist either, so I'm not sure why the book advertises that.
November 21, 2020
Clay is a good bartender. When one of his regulars, Emily Parker, is found murdered, he becomes the main suspect in the eyes of the police.
That’s because someone knows all his secrets and they’re using them against Clay. They’re setting him up. In order to prove his innocence and survive, Clay needs to beat the killer at his own game
No doubt this was a quick read because I really wanted to know who was the real killer and how he was always one step ahead of Clay.
But I didn’t enjoy the plot much and some parts in the middle of the book felt kind of off. The ending was definitely a twist but not exciting. I just couldn’t make sense of it.
Overall, an okay read.
Thank You NetGalley and HQ Digital for this ARC!
That’s because someone knows all his secrets and they’re using them against Clay. They’re setting him up. In order to prove his innocence and survive, Clay needs to beat the killer at his own game
No doubt this was a quick read because I really wanted to know who was the real killer and how he was always one step ahead of Clay.
But I didn’t enjoy the plot much and some parts in the middle of the book felt kind of off. The ending was definitely a twist but not exciting. I just couldn’t make sense of it.
Overall, an okay read.
Thank You NetGalley and HQ Digital for this ARC!
October 5, 2021
It all started with a text. Ping!
He knows everything about you. He knows your secrets, and he’s using them against you. He knows everything about everyone in your life, and your life will never be the same.
Bartender Clay is accused of murdering Emily Parker, a wealthy woman he was having an affair with. A cat and mouse game ensues between Clay, a mystery ally, and person who has orchestrated it all.
I really loved this book. I couldn’t put it down and it’s probably one of the best and my favorite for the year!
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this arc.
He knows everything about you. He knows your secrets, and he’s using them against you. He knows everything about everyone in your life, and your life will never be the same.
Bartender Clay is accused of murdering Emily Parker, a wealthy woman he was having an affair with. A cat and mouse game ensues between Clay, a mystery ally, and person who has orchestrated it all.
I really loved this book. I couldn’t put it down and it’s probably one of the best and my favorite for the year!
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this arc.
January 31, 2021
Quite an interesting premise! I suppose this sort of plot where someone is framing you for the murders that you did not commit has already been done too many times but this one, well I just couldn’t guess the motive, therefore making it riveting to be read in one seating.
December 11, 2020
I love mysteries where the amateur sleuth has an unusual profession other than a detective, PI or journalist, so I was instantly intrigued by barman Clay, our main protagonist who finds himself caught up in a deadly game with a serial killer. Original and fast paced, the story soon swept me along in its wake, and kept me reading late into the night.
What a refreshingly original thriller this was! Not only was Clay an enigmatic and interesting character, but the constant sense of menace and danger that set a terrifying background to the story created tension and intrigue. Frech’s writing style moves the story along at a good pace, and sometimes I had to remind myself to stop and take a breath as things were happening at breakneck speed.
A good barman is observant – he will not only remember his customer’s drinking preferences, but he can also read them like a book and change his personality to boot. Clay is good at his job, and his clients love and respect him. So it comes as a surprise when he gets a visit from police to question him about one of his regulars, who has just been found murdered. A married woman Clay just happened to have an affair with. And just like that, Clay finds himself in the centre of a murder investigation, with a killer who is always a step ahead of him, determined to make Clay the prime suspect. He has no option but to play along – first, to clear his name, but soon just to stay alive.
DEADLY GAMES will appeal to readers who love a fast paced, atmospheric and suspenseful cat-and-mouse game, like the Jack Reacher series. And whilst Clay is no ex-army bad boy, he also shows a lot of initiative in trying to outwit his opponent. As the story nears its finale, there is plenty of action, suspense and bloodshed! I found the story original and captivating, and couldn’t put it down. I very much look forward to reading more from this author in future!
Thank you to Netgalley and HQ Digital for the free electronic copy of this novel and for giving me the opportunity to provide an honest review.
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What a refreshingly original thriller this was! Not only was Clay an enigmatic and interesting character, but the constant sense of menace and danger that set a terrifying background to the story created tension and intrigue. Frech’s writing style moves the story along at a good pace, and sometimes I had to remind myself to stop and take a breath as things were happening at breakneck speed.
A good barman is observant – he will not only remember his customer’s drinking preferences, but he can also read them like a book and change his personality to boot. Clay is good at his job, and his clients love and respect him. So it comes as a surprise when he gets a visit from police to question him about one of his regulars, who has just been found murdered. A married woman Clay just happened to have an affair with. And just like that, Clay finds himself in the centre of a murder investigation, with a killer who is always a step ahead of him, determined to make Clay the prime suspect. He has no option but to play along – first, to clear his name, but soon just to stay alive.
DEADLY GAMES will appeal to readers who love a fast paced, atmospheric and suspenseful cat-and-mouse game, like the Jack Reacher series. And whilst Clay is no ex-army bad boy, he also shows a lot of initiative in trying to outwit his opponent. As the story nears its finale, there is plenty of action, suspense and bloodshed! I found the story original and captivating, and couldn’t put it down. I very much look forward to reading more from this author in future!
Thank you to Netgalley and HQ Digital for the free electronic copy of this novel and for giving me the opportunity to provide an honest review.
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November 29, 2020
Clay is your regular bartender, he serves you drinks and listens to your life stories because that's what good bartenders do, but when one of his regulars, Emily Parker, is found murdered, the finger points at Clay and nobody wants to listen to him, he knows he needs to find out who the real killer is and stop them playing this game before they claim their next victim.
This story starts off quite slow and I have to admit when I got to 30% I nearly gave up on it because it just wasn't grabbing me, but I thought I'd give it one last go and I'm really glad I did because everything started to gel after that, things started to make sense and the characters came alive on the pages in front of me and a fabulous game of cat and mouse ensued. This is the first I've read by this author and is definitely worth a read.
I'd like to thank HQ Digital and Netgalley for the approval, I will post my review on Goodreads now and Amazon on publication day.
This story starts off quite slow and I have to admit when I got to 30% I nearly gave up on it because it just wasn't grabbing me, but I thought I'd give it one last go and I'm really glad I did because everything started to gel after that, things started to make sense and the characters came alive on the pages in front of me and a fabulous game of cat and mouse ensued. This is the first I've read by this author and is definitely worth a read.
I'd like to thank HQ Digital and Netgalley for the approval, I will post my review on Goodreads now and Amazon on publication day.
December 1, 2020
Sam is a guy who knows everything about you. He listens and you gladly pour out your soul because he is your bartender. But Sam also has secrets and suddenly he’s on the receiving end because someone seems to know a lot about him. When Emily Parker is murdered, all the evidence points to him. As the real killer begins to taunt him, Sam knows he must beat him at his own game to prove his innocence.
If you enjoyed his previous two books you will definitely like Deadly Games. I loved the fast pace and the characters. Plenty of twists kept you guessing until the end. I seriously flew through this one and thoroughly enjoyed it.
If you enjoyed his previous two books you will definitely like Deadly Games. I loved the fast pace and the characters. Plenty of twists kept you guessing until the end. I seriously flew through this one and thoroughly enjoyed it.
May 11, 2022
I really didn't know what to expect at first. When we met Clay, I thought he was kind of a jerk. I mean, he is, but he's a likable jerk.
The mystery is a good one. I really didn't know who our murderer was and was definitely surprised by the answer!
The book was highly suspenseful and kept me guessing.
Happy I read it!
The mystery is a good one. I really didn't know who our murderer was and was definitely surprised by the answer!
The book was highly suspenseful and kept me guessing.
Happy I read it!
November 16, 2020
Thank you so much to NetGalley and HQ for the e-ARC of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
This is any thriller enthusiast’s dream! Known for his dark and creepy novels, Steve Frech produced yet another suspenseful and well thought out novel.
This is any thriller enthusiast’s dream! Known for his dark and creepy novels, Steve Frech produced yet another suspenseful and well thought out novel.
January 14, 2022
Gripping right from the start! I love books that grab hold of you and engage you the entire read. It definitely kept me turning those pages! Read in one day.
January 22, 2021
Fun action thriller. It tied me up for a few hours, but I probably won't even remember it tomorrow. The main character was sympathetic, although I can hardly imagine anyone being so stupid, he acts completely illogically for most of the story. But there was action, twist, that is everything you need for an enjoyable book.
October 4, 2021
Clay is an experienced bartender and makes sure he knows his regulars backwards and forwards. And some of them, he knows too well. When his affair is cut short by his lover’s murder, all the evidence points to Clay. To prove his innocence, Clay must track down the killer and beat him at his on game.
Special thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins 360 for the E-ARC! When I say I was on the edge of my seat the entire time, I’m not joking 😅 This book was a roller coaster ride! Just when you think Clay’s situation couldn’t possibly get any worse, it does. What I thought was really cool about Frech’s writing was how Clay would make comments or talk to the reader about what was happening. I’ll definitely be reading more from this author!
Special thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins 360 for the E-ARC! When I say I was on the edge of my seat the entire time, I’m not joking 😅 This book was a roller coaster ride! Just when you think Clay’s situation couldn’t possibly get any worse, it does. What I thought was really cool about Frech’s writing was how Clay would make comments or talk to the reader about what was happening. I’ll definitely be reading more from this author!
December 4, 2020
It's the third novel by Steve Frech, where you really feel he is getting into his stride with his storytelling-breathless, fast paced thrillers with a first person narrative that drives the story forward.
Bartender Clay, is pulled into a cat and mouse game with an unknown protagonist who seems determined to set him up for murder. His occasional bed partner, Emily, an unsatisfied wife of a millionaire who likes to hang out at the bar Clay works in, turns up murdered, with all the forensics pointing to Clay.
Desperate to prove it wasn't him, he initially co-operates with the police in order to get himself out of trouble, however, when the burner phone Emily used to set up dates with him begins to churn out annoymous messages , demanding Clay's participation in his deadly game...
The bodies begin to pile up as Clay finds escape routes cut off, one by one, leaving him with little option but to go on the run with a journalist who is trying to get the inside scoop on Emily's murder. But can he really trust Genevieve, or is she after the scoop of a lifetime? As the net tightens around Clay, it becomes increasingly difficult to work out how he will clear his name, escape and get on with his life.
It's an interesting story ,Clay is a bit of a one dimensional character who puts himself and his casual affairs, his rootless and responsibility free lifestyle ahead of taking accountability for himself. His job allows him to peacock every night and affords him the bed partners of his choosing until he has to think about people other than himself due to circumstances beyond his control.
As a reader, I had to suspend a bit of belief and just allow myself to be swept away with the story, not thinking about it too deeply. Some parts don't hold up to scrutiny and Clay does some really silly things that are the equivalent of a horror movie trope like going into the cellar. He's not the most immediately likable protagonist and is pretty shallow, but over the course of the story he finds a sense of inner strength and resilience to do the right thing. I read this in one sitting, it's the kind of book where you kepp going to find out what happens, nearly every chapter ends on a cliffhanger which propels the story forward.
I would recommend this novel for those who want a one shot read, it's an engaging thriller with plenty of suspense.
Bartender Clay, is pulled into a cat and mouse game with an unknown protagonist who seems determined to set him up for murder. His occasional bed partner, Emily, an unsatisfied wife of a millionaire who likes to hang out at the bar Clay works in, turns up murdered, with all the forensics pointing to Clay.
Desperate to prove it wasn't him, he initially co-operates with the police in order to get himself out of trouble, however, when the burner phone Emily used to set up dates with him begins to churn out annoymous messages , demanding Clay's participation in his deadly game...
The bodies begin to pile up as Clay finds escape routes cut off, one by one, leaving him with little option but to go on the run with a journalist who is trying to get the inside scoop on Emily's murder. But can he really trust Genevieve, or is she after the scoop of a lifetime? As the net tightens around Clay, it becomes increasingly difficult to work out how he will clear his name, escape and get on with his life.
It's an interesting story ,Clay is a bit of a one dimensional character who puts himself and his casual affairs, his rootless and responsibility free lifestyle ahead of taking accountability for himself. His job allows him to peacock every night and affords him the bed partners of his choosing until he has to think about people other than himself due to circumstances beyond his control.
As a reader, I had to suspend a bit of belief and just allow myself to be swept away with the story, not thinking about it too deeply. Some parts don't hold up to scrutiny and Clay does some really silly things that are the equivalent of a horror movie trope like going into the cellar. He's not the most immediately likable protagonist and is pretty shallow, but over the course of the story he finds a sense of inner strength and resilience to do the right thing. I read this in one sitting, it's the kind of book where you kepp going to find out what happens, nearly every chapter ends on a cliffhanger which propels the story forward.
I would recommend this novel for those who want a one shot read, it's an engaging thriller with plenty of suspense.
February 26, 2021
Clay is a bartender and becomes romantically involved with one of his customers, Emily. One night after his shift he goes to meet Emily at a motel only to find out she doesn’t want to see him. The next morning he finds out Emily has been murdered. He later receives a text message saying there is some of Emily’s blood is in his car and he better play along or he might find himself in trouble.
.
When other people connected to Emily are found dead Clay becomes the number one suspect in the murders. The twist is he didn’t do it and now must prove his innocence. He doesn’t know who he can trust but he begins working with a news reporter to help solve the mystery.
.
This was my first book by this author but I had heard good things about his others books and was excited when I got approved to read this one on @netgalley . I was definitely hooked on this story and finished it within 15 hours. The story was extremely suspenseful and had many great twists. Even though Clay was an adulterer I still found compassion for his character and thought he was a good person. I love when authors can make you care for a character even when they are accused of murder. I absolutely had no idea inkling of who the murderer was and the eventual explanation of how the crimes were committed the crime was a great ending. I certainly recommend this to all thriller lovers.
.
When other people connected to Emily are found dead Clay becomes the number one suspect in the murders. The twist is he didn’t do it and now must prove his innocence. He doesn’t know who he can trust but he begins working with a news reporter to help solve the mystery.
.
This was my first book by this author but I had heard good things about his others books and was excited when I got approved to read this one on @netgalley . I was definitely hooked on this story and finished it within 15 hours. The story was extremely suspenseful and had many great twists. Even though Clay was an adulterer I still found compassion for his character and thought he was a good person. I love when authors can make you care for a character even when they are accused of murder. I absolutely had no idea inkling of who the murderer was and the eventual explanation of how the crimes were committed the crime was a great ending. I certainly recommend this to all thriller lovers.
November 20, 2020
First off, thank you so much to Net Galley, HQ Digital and Steve Frech for allowing me to read this amazing story!
He knows everything about about everyone. Everyone tells him their secrets, their whole life stories, their dreams, their fears... why? Because he is a damn good bartender. When a murder occurs and it happens to be one of Clay's regulars at his bar, his whole world is turned upside. All the evidence points to him, and there is no way anyone will believe he had nothing to do with it. Who is trying to play games with him? Who is trying to ruin his life? And lastly, how is he going to get out of this alive?
I absolutely loved this book! The main character was just so well written I felt like I knew him. Everything was so exciting and I could not stop turning those pages. You know it is a good story line when you can't see an ending coming, and this is exactly what happened with this novel. Steve Frech definitely has a way with words, and knows how to get his readers hooked. I will for sure be looking into more of his books and am surprised I have not read any of his work before!!
Pub Date December 4 2020
He knows everything about about everyone. Everyone tells him their secrets, their whole life stories, their dreams, their fears... why? Because he is a damn good bartender. When a murder occurs and it happens to be one of Clay's regulars at his bar, his whole world is turned upside. All the evidence points to him, and there is no way anyone will believe he had nothing to do with it. Who is trying to play games with him? Who is trying to ruin his life? And lastly, how is he going to get out of this alive?
I absolutely loved this book! The main character was just so well written I felt like I knew him. Everything was so exciting and I could not stop turning those pages. You know it is a good story line when you can't see an ending coming, and this is exactly what happened with this novel. Steve Frech definitely has a way with words, and knows how to get his readers hooked. I will for sure be looking into more of his books and am surprised I have not read any of his work before!!
Pub Date December 4 2020
January 28, 2021
2.5 STARS
I know everything about you. I know your name, your birthday, your kids’ names, where you live, where you work. I know when you get that big promotion, or when you argue with your spouse.
But someone knows everything about me too. Someone knows all my secrets and they’re using them against me. They’re setting me up. The police think I murdered Emily Parker. To prove my innocence I need to find the real killer.
I need to beat him at his own game.
.
.
.
DEADLY GAMES is my second book by Frech, and although many seem to love his books, I'm starting to think they're just not for me. The synopsis seemed to make it out to be a gritty, psychological thriller - and yes, there were elements of both. However, I found that the majority of the book was underwhelming and my interest began to lag by the middle mark. I kept reading in order to find out who the mystery killer was, but was left confused and disappointed by the final reveal.
Recommended for readers who have enjoyed this authors previous novels, I'm sure you'll love this one too! Thank you to Netgalley, the author and publisher for my ARC. DEADLY GAMES is out now.
I know everything about you. I know your name, your birthday, your kids’ names, where you live, where you work. I know when you get that big promotion, or when you argue with your spouse.
But someone knows everything about me too. Someone knows all my secrets and they’re using them against me. They’re setting me up. The police think I murdered Emily Parker. To prove my innocence I need to find the real killer.
I need to beat him at his own game.
.
.
.
DEADLY GAMES is my second book by Frech, and although many seem to love his books, I'm starting to think they're just not for me. The synopsis seemed to make it out to be a gritty, psychological thriller - and yes, there were elements of both. However, I found that the majority of the book was underwhelming and my interest began to lag by the middle mark. I kept reading in order to find out who the mystery killer was, but was left confused and disappointed by the final reveal.
Recommended for readers who have enjoyed this authors previous novels, I'm sure you'll love this one too! Thank you to Netgalley, the author and publisher for my ARC. DEADLY GAMES is out now.
November 25, 2020
I know everything about you…
Opting for a fresh start, Clay throws a dart at a map and ends up in the small town of Avalon. Bartenders are needed everywhere, so there’s never a problem finding a job. Clay has found his rhythm and enjoys his new life. That is up until the night when Emily Parker is found dead in a hotel room with her throat slit and all clues to her murderer are pointing towards him. Now Clay finds he’s caught in the middle of a deadly game…one where with each step he takes trying to prove his innocence, buries him deeper in guilt…
Steve Frech has written an interesting whodunit psychological thriller that kept my interest in trying to piece together the clues of who killed Emily Parker. Would recommend to fans of this genre.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book that I received via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. **
Opting for a fresh start, Clay throws a dart at a map and ends up in the small town of Avalon. Bartenders are needed everywhere, so there’s never a problem finding a job. Clay has found his rhythm and enjoys his new life. That is up until the night when Emily Parker is found dead in a hotel room with her throat slit and all clues to her murderer are pointing towards him. Now Clay finds he’s caught in the middle of a deadly game…one where with each step he takes trying to prove his innocence, buries him deeper in guilt…
Steve Frech has written an interesting whodunit psychological thriller that kept my interest in trying to piece together the clues of who killed Emily Parker. Would recommend to fans of this genre.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book that I received via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. **
January 29, 2021
Deadly Games by Steve Frech is a high stakes, fast paced thriller that will have you questioning the narrator till the very end.
Steve Frech writing is incredibly dynamic and beautiful. I loved how easily he transitions from Clay talking to the reader to Clay’s memories. The ending of this book was fantastic! Even though I knew the big twist while it was happening the suspense was still there and kept me completely engaged.
Unfortunately the middle of the book fell a bit short for me. The beginning started off so strong but during the middle I found myself a bit board of all the running around. I also want to know what happened to Katie and Nick! Why was there no conclusion there?
Overall I really enjoyed Deadly Games. I’m not a huge fan of blackmail thrillers but Steve Frech writing is phenomenal. I will definitely be checking out his other books. I would highly recommend this one to anyone who loves fast paced, black mail thrillers.
4/5 Stars
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for a gifted copy in exchange for my honest review.
Steve Frech writing is incredibly dynamic and beautiful. I loved how easily he transitions from Clay talking to the reader to Clay’s memories. The ending of this book was fantastic! Even though I knew the big twist while it was happening the suspense was still there and kept me completely engaged.
Unfortunately the middle of the book fell a bit short for me. The beginning started off so strong but during the middle I found myself a bit board of all the running around. I also want to know what happened to Katie and Nick! Why was there no conclusion there?
Overall I really enjoyed Deadly Games. I’m not a huge fan of blackmail thrillers but Steve Frech writing is phenomenal. I will definitely be checking out his other books. I would highly recommend this one to anyone who loves fast paced, black mail thrillers.
4/5 Stars
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for a gifted copy in exchange for my honest review.
January 7, 2021
Sam is a bartender framed for murder. Events spiral into chaos while Sam is on the run from the cops and the killer who is simultaneously playing games to hunt him down as well.
Unfortunately, this story was underwhelming. Despite the interesting start, I found the character interactions empty and the dialogue excessive. The plot was over-explained and a little confusing. The main protagonist was a plastic bag in the wind of events and people that did all the work for him. The killer over explained his motives. Things seemed too easy, convenient and lacklustre.
I would have loved to have seen more suspense and better character development. Considering this was advertised as a psychological thriller, I would re-market it as an action thriller, which is a genre I struggle to connect with, but it could be fun for other readers. The ending was also a let down, as the reveal didn't feel dangerous or suspenseful, I was honestly just bored. I bumped it up to 2 stars as the beginning had promise, and the comedy was alright.
Thanks to Netgalley, HQ and Steve Frech for this free advanced digital copy in exchange for an honest review.
Unfortunately, this story was underwhelming. Despite the interesting start, I found the character interactions empty and the dialogue excessive. The plot was over-explained and a little confusing. The main protagonist was a plastic bag in the wind of events and people that did all the work for him. The killer over explained his motives. Things seemed too easy, convenient and lacklustre.
I would have loved to have seen more suspense and better character development. Considering this was advertised as a psychological thriller, I would re-market it as an action thriller, which is a genre I struggle to connect with, but it could be fun for other readers. The ending was also a let down, as the reveal didn't feel dangerous or suspenseful, I was honestly just bored. I bumped it up to 2 stars as the beginning had promise, and the comedy was alright.
Thanks to Netgalley, HQ and Steve Frech for this free advanced digital copy in exchange for an honest review.
January 1, 2021
Clay knows everything there is to know about you, he’s your bartender, why wouldn’t he. But someone knows everything about him, and they are setting him up for murder.
I really liked the quick pace of this book. Right from the start, the ride begins and it’s not over until the end of the book. We tag along with Clay as he tries to find out who the real murderer is, as the murderer is adding more and more evidence against him. Having it told in the perspective of Clay himself, hearing his inner thoughts about why he’s doing what is he is doing, and how there seems to be no other option, was a nice touch. I liked being in his shoes, even if his shoes were running from the law.
I really liked the quick pace of this book. Right from the start, the ride begins and it’s not over until the end of the book. We tag along with Clay as he tries to find out who the real murderer is, as the murderer is adding more and more evidence against him. Having it told in the perspective of Clay himself, hearing his inner thoughts about why he’s doing what is he is doing, and how there seems to be no other option, was a nice touch. I liked being in his shoes, even if his shoes were running from the law.
February 13, 2023
Bartender Clay gets caught up with a murderer and finds himself the suspect. He goes on the run, accompanied by a journalist trying to make a name for herself, and the pair track down the real killer.
This is an exciting and gripping novel, and great fun to read. I did enjoy it. It’s well-written, and is an easy read. The denouement (which is not quite the ending) is great, very well-executed.
That said, there were a few things that I didn’t like so much. There were grammatical errors that were hard to avoid. I also didn’t really buy the involvement of Clay’s best friend and her new boyfriend. Why would they risk helping him? And their involvement didn’t amount to very much, even though it put them at a huge risk, so I wasn’t sure why that particular plot line was necessary; the novel would have worked better without it.
So overall, not perfect, but very definitely worth reading.
This is an exciting and gripping novel, and great fun to read. I did enjoy it. It’s well-written, and is an easy read. The denouement (which is not quite the ending) is great, very well-executed.
That said, there were a few things that I didn’t like so much. There were grammatical errors that were hard to avoid. I also didn’t really buy the involvement of Clay’s best friend and her new boyfriend. Why would they risk helping him? And their involvement didn’t amount to very much, even though it put them at a huge risk, so I wasn’t sure why that particular plot line was necessary; the novel would have worked better without it.
So overall, not perfect, but very definitely worth reading.
November 19, 2020
Clay, a bartender at The Gryphon, being a suspect of triple murders as all leads pointing to him. A psycho put and arrange every leads to go to Clay and he definitely enjoys the "game" torturing Clay. The plot was ok, however it's a bit slow so the suspense didn't really grip on me.
3.5🌟
"My sweet little cupcake"
3.5🌟
"My sweet little cupcake"
November 30, 2020
What can I say about this book? Besides it’s absolutely brilliant! I found myself completely encaptured and I couldn’t put it down. I liked how the storyline was created into a type of game and I had no clue who was behind the mastermind which to me made the book more compelling.
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