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Burton and Lamb #5
The Midas Game
When eminent psychiatrist Dr. Liz Sullivan is found dead in her bed, suspicion falls on local gamer and YouTube celebrity Jaden Dodds. Did he target her because of her anti-gaming views and the work she undertook to expose the dangers of playing online games? And what was her connection with Valiant, an independent game manufacturer about to hit the big time, and its volatile boss? Constance Lamb and Judith Burton team up once again, this time to defend a client who the police are convinced is guilty of murder. But just because he makes a living killing people on screen it does not mean he'd do it in real life. Or does it?
336 pages, Paperback
Published August 5, 2021
3 people are currently reading
19 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
September 12, 2021
Dr. Liz Sullivan is found dead in her bed. Because of Sullivan's anti-gaming views and her undertaking to expose the dangers of playing online games, suspicion immediately turns to a neighbor, a local gamer and YouTube celebrity.
Constance Lamb and Judith Burton team up once again, this time to defend a client who the police are convinced is guilty of murder. But just because he makes a living killing people on screen it does not mean he'd do it in real life. Or does it?
It's a thought-provoking look at gaming addiction and the dangers involved therein. This is a subject that has been discussed time and time again over the years. It seems there is no middle road. It is cleverly woven into a legal thriller with twists and turns that lead to an unexpected conclusion. At the heart of the trial .... Is the gaming industry addictive enough to lead someone to murder?
The concept is compelling, if not controversial, the story line is riveting. The characters are stand-out. Although 5th in the series, this is easily read as a stand alone.
Many thanks to the author for the digital copy of this legal thriller. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
September 4, 2021
This book drew me in from the very beginning and I read it very quickly!
It raises an issue I haven't read much about.. Online gaming addiction.
Elizabeth Sullivan, a psychologist specialising in treating addictive behaviour, is found dead and suspicion falls on her teenage neighbour, Jaden who is a gamer with a YouTube channel where he has a live show with his roommate.
His lawyers, Constance Lamb and Judith Burton investigate the world of online gamers and Elizabeth's connection to it while trying to prove him innocent. There are also Elizabeth's son Tom,a gaming addict himself and Valiant,an online gaming company that hopes to cash in on this very compulsion of its consumers to create a very profitable game.
I liked Judith and Constance, their banter, the way they were in sync while looking into the various aspects of the case and the systematic way in which they went about it. The adverse effects of spending too much time in a virtual world as virtual characters and the very real psychological damage it causes were alarmingly highlighted too.
Each of the Burton and Lamb books seems to have a unique storyline and I definitely want to explore more books in this series of which this is the latest one.
It raises an issue I haven't read much about.. Online gaming addiction.
Elizabeth Sullivan, a psychologist specialising in treating addictive behaviour, is found dead and suspicion falls on her teenage neighbour, Jaden who is a gamer with a YouTube channel where he has a live show with his roommate.
His lawyers, Constance Lamb and Judith Burton investigate the world of online gamers and Elizabeth's connection to it while trying to prove him innocent. There are also Elizabeth's son Tom,a gaming addict himself and Valiant,an online gaming company that hopes to cash in on this very compulsion of its consumers to create a very profitable game.
I liked Judith and Constance, their banter, the way they were in sync while looking into the various aspects of the case and the systematic way in which they went about it. The adverse effects of spending too much time in a virtual world as virtual characters and the very real psychological damage it causes were alarmingly highlighted too.
Each of the Burton and Lamb books seems to have a unique storyline and I definitely want to explore more books in this series of which this is the latest one.
August 10, 2021
Earlier this year I enjoyed reading Abi Silver's previous Burton and Lamb legal thriller, The Rapunzel Act. As with that book, Abi Silver explores a divisive topic, in this case online gaming in her latest standalone novel, The Midas Game. Criticism of video games isn't a new thing, of course but while there is still some debate over whether violent games increase aggressive behaviour in some players, there is now growing acceptance of the risks of addiction and it's noted during the course of The Midas Game, that the WHO recognised 'gaming disorder' and classified it as a medical illness in 2019.
It's a fascinating subject for a thriller allowing for a number of potential suspects responsible for the murder of anti-gaming psychiatrist Dr Elizabeth Sullivan. However, it's online gamer, Jaden 'JD' Dodds who stands accused of the crime with solicitor, Constance Lamb and barrister, Judith Burton instructed to act in his defence. The gradual gathering together of evidence to support their case is followed by the hearing and it's a gripping, pacy read which highlights what a clever series this is.
The partnership and friendship between Burton and Lamb is engaging and believable. It's interesting to see how they approach their respective roles, the way in which they discuss and challenge one another and how their relative skills complement each other. Although mostly concentrated on their professional lives, the return of Judith's former lover, Greg is a welcome one and not just for his useful computer skills! At the moment, I feel I know less about Constance, though it's worth bearing in mind I've not yet read the earlier books in the series. Nevertheless, her warmth and empathy does come across well here, most notably in her interactions with Jaden.
Having older children who watch gamers on YouTube and Twitch means that although my knowledge of the subject isn't first-hand, I am able to say that Jaden feels an authentic character. He is neither demonised nor completely exonerated for his part in encouraging a keen interest in gaming but it's hard to blame an ordinary young man for taking the opportunities offered to him and I found myself hoping he was as innocent as he claimed, despite some disturbing evidence to the contrary coming to light.
Throughout the book there are little suggestions planted that although Dr Sullivan's death could have been a tragic accident, it's just as likely that she was indeed killed by somebody - but that person may not be Jaden. The eye-opening examination of the highly pressurised world of gaming companies is especially thought-provoking, particularly the timely suggestion that esports may eventually become an Olympic event. The competitive, cutthroat nature of the business means it's only too easy to believe somebody within it could want to see a high-profile critic silenced but there are other potential suspects too, including her own son who has a different relationship with gaming.
The Midas Game is an insightful, hard-hitting read but even though it will undoubtedly raise concerns in the minds of some readers, it never feels preachy and is instead an honest appraisal of some important contemporary topics within the framework of a gripping, intelligent thriller. I thoroughly enjoyed it and look forward to reading more from this excellent series in the future.
It's a fascinating subject for a thriller allowing for a number of potential suspects responsible for the murder of anti-gaming psychiatrist Dr Elizabeth Sullivan. However, it's online gamer, Jaden 'JD' Dodds who stands accused of the crime with solicitor, Constance Lamb and barrister, Judith Burton instructed to act in his defence. The gradual gathering together of evidence to support their case is followed by the hearing and it's a gripping, pacy read which highlights what a clever series this is.
The partnership and friendship between Burton and Lamb is engaging and believable. It's interesting to see how they approach their respective roles, the way in which they discuss and challenge one another and how their relative skills complement each other. Although mostly concentrated on their professional lives, the return of Judith's former lover, Greg is a welcome one and not just for his useful computer skills! At the moment, I feel I know less about Constance, though it's worth bearing in mind I've not yet read the earlier books in the series. Nevertheless, her warmth and empathy does come across well here, most notably in her interactions with Jaden.
Having older children who watch gamers on YouTube and Twitch means that although my knowledge of the subject isn't first-hand, I am able to say that Jaden feels an authentic character. He is neither demonised nor completely exonerated for his part in encouraging a keen interest in gaming but it's hard to blame an ordinary young man for taking the opportunities offered to him and I found myself hoping he was as innocent as he claimed, despite some disturbing evidence to the contrary coming to light.
Throughout the book there are little suggestions planted that although Dr Sullivan's death could have been a tragic accident, it's just as likely that she was indeed killed by somebody - but that person may not be Jaden. The eye-opening examination of the highly pressurised world of gaming companies is especially thought-provoking, particularly the timely suggestion that esports may eventually become an Olympic event. The competitive, cutthroat nature of the business means it's only too easy to believe somebody within it could want to see a high-profile critic silenced but there are other potential suspects too, including her own son who has a different relationship with gaming.
The Midas Game is an insightful, hard-hitting read but even though it will undoubtedly raise concerns in the minds of some readers, it never feels preachy and is instead an honest appraisal of some important contemporary topics within the framework of a gripping, intelligent thriller. I thoroughly enjoyed it and look forward to reading more from this excellent series in the future.
August 5, 2021
From the first pages I felt like I was back with good friends as our duo of Burton and Lamb picked up seamlessly from the previous. However, whilst this is the fifth in the series I would consider it unnecessary to read the others first as any background references to previous books are succinctly included.
I really enjoy the format of Silver’s books leading heavy on the court proceedings to draw out the details of case through witness interrogation. Once again this allowed me as the reader to feel as if I was involved and part of the action unfolding.
The focus of gaming and gaming addiction within this case was also fascinating, perhaps because as the mother of a thirteen year old boy the references to games and the world of streaming / twitch/ YouTube were oh so relevant to my own life. I know more than I probably ever wished to 😂. But this was once again a brilliant exploration of a controversial topic told through a gripping crime room drama I have come to expect from this author, and it did not disappoint!
I really enjoy the format of Silver’s books leading heavy on the court proceedings to draw out the details of case through witness interrogation. Once again this allowed me as the reader to feel as if I was involved and part of the action unfolding.
The focus of gaming and gaming addiction within this case was also fascinating, perhaps because as the mother of a thirteen year old boy the references to games and the world of streaming / twitch/ YouTube were oh so relevant to my own life. I know more than I probably ever wished to 😂. But this was once again a brilliant exploration of a controversial topic told through a gripping crime room drama I have come to expect from this author, and it did not disappoint!
August 13, 2021
The Midas Game is the 5th book in the Burton and Lamb Thrillers Series and my 2nd, as I have also read and enjoyed The Pinocchio Brief. Each book can be read as a stand alone and read in any order.
These engaging and informative court room thriller/mystery novels all have a wonderful cast of characters and an of the moment, up to date tech interest to their story lines and this 5th book was no different.
In this new story we meet gamer and YouTube celebrity Jaden ‘JD’ Dodds, as Constance first meets him to interview him, after he has been held in custardy in connection with the death of a neighbour of his Dr Liz Sullivan.
With evidence linking him to the scene and Dr Sullivan’s long time work looking at gaming addiction the police consider him a prime suspect but as Constance begins her investigation she is sure there is much more to this than the police seem to want to consider.
Once again she teams up with Judith and as they set up their case to defend JD in the court hearing we also read chapters about a young game developer called Luke, who works at a small but determined company called Valiant as he introduces his new idea to his boss Eric.
Once again Abi Silver writes an enjoyable and believable court room mystery which kept me guessing till the end, with some brilliantly thought out twists and red herrings. This book covers the topic of on-line gaming, gaming addiction and the gaming industry as a whole, which I found very interesting. You do not need to be a gamer or indeed have knowledge of gaming to enjoy this book, but as a mother of two, now grown, boys I found the factual elements of the industries and potential problems gaming can have very thought provoking and I felt it was extremely well researched.
With social media sites like You Tube and Twitch becoming ever more popular and gamers having a celebrity like status to their followers, it is indeed an important and interesting topic but the author makes it very readable, as she incorporates it into this easy to follow and engaging novel. I was gripped right from the very start as we follow Constance as she gathers information, unearthing more and more details on the work of the victim.
I will definitely read more books in this series and even as I have already mentioned, these stories can be read as standalones, after reading two books now, I really want to feel more for the main two characters and the connection they have with each other, so will go back to book 2 and I can’t wait to find out more.
Many thanks to Amber, Midas pr and Lightning Books for my advance copy of the book and invite onto the blog tour, which continues until August 19th, so do check out the other posts and reviews.
These engaging and informative court room thriller/mystery novels all have a wonderful cast of characters and an of the moment, up to date tech interest to their story lines and this 5th book was no different.
In this new story we meet gamer and YouTube celebrity Jaden ‘JD’ Dodds, as Constance first meets him to interview him, after he has been held in custardy in connection with the death of a neighbour of his Dr Liz Sullivan.
With evidence linking him to the scene and Dr Sullivan’s long time work looking at gaming addiction the police consider him a prime suspect but as Constance begins her investigation she is sure there is much more to this than the police seem to want to consider.
Once again she teams up with Judith and as they set up their case to defend JD in the court hearing we also read chapters about a young game developer called Luke, who works at a small but determined company called Valiant as he introduces his new idea to his boss Eric.
Once again Abi Silver writes an enjoyable and believable court room mystery which kept me guessing till the end, with some brilliantly thought out twists and red herrings. This book covers the topic of on-line gaming, gaming addiction and the gaming industry as a whole, which I found very interesting. You do not need to be a gamer or indeed have knowledge of gaming to enjoy this book, but as a mother of two, now grown, boys I found the factual elements of the industries and potential problems gaming can have very thought provoking and I felt it was extremely well researched.
With social media sites like You Tube and Twitch becoming ever more popular and gamers having a celebrity like status to their followers, it is indeed an important and interesting topic but the author makes it very readable, as she incorporates it into this easy to follow and engaging novel. I was gripped right from the very start as we follow Constance as she gathers information, unearthing more and more details on the work of the victim.
I will definitely read more books in this series and even as I have already mentioned, these stories can be read as standalones, after reading two books now, I really want to feel more for the main two characters and the connection they have with each other, so will go back to book 2 and I can’t wait to find out more.
Many thanks to Amber, Midas pr and Lightning Books for my advance copy of the book and invite onto the blog tour, which continues until August 19th, so do check out the other posts and reviews.
September 25, 2021
I have seen people spend hours playing games yet I didn't know that gaming addiction was a thing. In fact, it is one of the addictions named by WHO in 2013 .
Elizabeth Sullivan "Liz" is found dead in her apartment. While initial examinations prove that she died of natural causes, the examiners quickly change their outlook to murder. Automatically, the suspicion falls on Jaden, her neighbour.
The thing is, Liz was quite vocal in her views against gaming. And Jaden is a gamer. It's a no-brainer that he killed her to silence her.
When Constance enters the scene to interview Jaden, something doesn't sit right with her. WIth the help of her mentor and advisor, Judith Burton, she attempts to investigate the murky waters of gaming addiction and tries to find who could have possibly murdered Liz. Was it Jaden, after all? For all his smooth talk, there is something he is trying to hide.
This is one of the best legal thrillers I have read. The courtroom arguments were very well-written. The not-discussed but always-present threat of gaming is also explained well. It is chilling how much a virtual game can affect a person's life.
Will read other books of this series.
4 stars.
Elizabeth Sullivan "Liz" is found dead in her apartment. While initial examinations prove that she died of natural causes, the examiners quickly change their outlook to murder. Automatically, the suspicion falls on Jaden, her neighbour.
The thing is, Liz was quite vocal in her views against gaming. And Jaden is a gamer. It's a no-brainer that he killed her to silence her.
When Constance enters the scene to interview Jaden, something doesn't sit right with her. WIth the help of her mentor and advisor, Judith Burton, she attempts to investigate the murky waters of gaming addiction and tries to find who could have possibly murdered Liz. Was it Jaden, after all? For all his smooth talk, there is something he is trying to hide.
This is one of the best legal thrillers I have read. The courtroom arguments were very well-written. The not-discussed but always-present threat of gaming is also explained well. It is chilling how much a virtual game can affect a person's life.
Will read other books of this series.
4 stars.
August 4, 2021
With thanks to Amber at Midas PR for having me on this tour and to the lovely Abi Silver for the gifted copy (and my first personalised note, thank you so much!).
The latest in the Burton & Lamb series, you don’t need to have read the previous books but now I definitely want to! I don’t often like courtroom settings, but this was an easy to understand read with great chemistry between our two main ladies, Judith Burton and Constance Lamb.
“Was virtual killing just the beginning?”
I was heavily drawn into this read by its gaming focus. A psychiatrist with anti-gaming views is murdered and she happens to live across from 2 prominent gamers and Twitch streamers. Queue the questions such as “they get paid for that?” “do they have actual jobs?”.
I absolutely flew through reading this. There are a lot of red herrings thrown out and I had fun wondering until the last second who had committed the murder. It’s a nice change of pace to have a book remain interesting but not be gory in its killing.
The latest in the Burton & Lamb series, you don’t need to have read the previous books but now I definitely want to! I don’t often like courtroom settings, but this was an easy to understand read with great chemistry between our two main ladies, Judith Burton and Constance Lamb.
“Was virtual killing just the beginning?”
I was heavily drawn into this read by its gaming focus. A psychiatrist with anti-gaming views is murdered and she happens to live across from 2 prominent gamers and Twitch streamers. Queue the questions such as “they get paid for that?” “do they have actual jobs?”.
I absolutely flew through reading this. There are a lot of red herrings thrown out and I had fun wondering until the last second who had committed the murder. It’s a nice change of pace to have a book remain interesting but not be gory in its killing.
August 25, 2021
Dr Liz Sullivan is an eminent psychiatrist with a special interest in gaming and addiction. She’s anti-gaming so when she’s found dead in her flat suspicion falls on her neighbour Jayden Dodds who is a gaming celebrity.
Abi Silver manages to convey in this book her extensive knowledge of gaming and its effect on gamers and to also weave a skilful story about gaming and “problematic use of the internet” and the power that the gaming industry wields.
Part courtroom drama and part thriller this is again a well-plotted book with several false leads and red herrings. It’s my third Abi Silver book and again the legal team of Constance Lamb and Judith Burton bring their unique courtroom - and detective - skills to bear on solving the case.
If you loved the other Burton and Lamb cases you’ll love this one - if you haven’t yet read any of the others this is great as a stand alone book too.
Abi Silver manages to convey in this book her extensive knowledge of gaming and its effect on gamers and to also weave a skilful story about gaming and “problematic use of the internet” and the power that the gaming industry wields.
Part courtroom drama and part thriller this is again a well-plotted book with several false leads and red herrings. It’s my third Abi Silver book and again the legal team of Constance Lamb and Judith Burton bring their unique courtroom - and detective - skills to bear on solving the case.
If you loved the other Burton and Lamb cases you’ll love this one - if you haven’t yet read any of the others this is great as a stand alone book too.
January 8, 2022
Yet another great Burton and Lamb mystery - I read this as after reading the excellent The Rapunzel Act previously. Once again a book as addictive as the characters needs for gaming. I really enjoy how the two female lead detectives work together and the way in which their realistic dialogue as well as relationship is presented - this is clearly developing alongside their solving of the crimes of the series. The crime subject in this novel with social media and gaming having so much focus today particularly during lockdowns for most of us, really gave the twists and turns a relevance to everyday life.
Apologies for the delay in review, personal circumstances had taken over, as I read this as part of THE Book Club review group.
Apologies for the delay in review, personal circumstances had taken over, as I read this as part of THE Book Club review group.
January 15, 2025
I am so glad there are more in this series that I haven't read.
Here Constance and Judith defend a professional gamer who is accused of raping and murdering his neighbour, a psychiatrist specializing in gaming addictions. There is a fairly discrete strand from the perspective of a game developer which describes the efforts of the gaming industry (is this true?) to be recognized as an Olympic sport. I am not personally at all interested in gaming, but this was a clever novel with a very satisfactory conclusion and some excellent Perry Mason-style court scenes.
Here Constance and Judith defend a professional gamer who is accused of raping and murdering his neighbour, a psychiatrist specializing in gaming addictions. There is a fairly discrete strand from the perspective of a game developer which describes the efforts of the gaming industry (is this true?) to be recognized as an Olympic sport. I am not personally at all interested in gaming, but this was a clever novel with a very satisfactory conclusion and some excellent Perry Mason-style court scenes.
September 11, 2021
Having not read any previous books by this author before this read great as a standalone book. Not really knowing a lot about the gaming world due to having no interest in it, I was shocked to see the depths people have gone to once they have become addicted. This book perfectly protrayed both the dangers and the rewards that the gaming world brings
September 14, 2021
An excellent follow up from Abi’s previous novel. I really enjoyed the characters continued development in this book.
The core subject of the book addiction to online gaming really resonated with me so many young people ‘live’ their lives online and this book really made a valid point.
I love Abi’s writing style and this book is no exception
A solid read
The core subject of the book addiction to online gaming really resonated with me so many young people ‘live’ their lives online and this book really made a valid point.
I love Abi’s writing style and this book is no exception
A solid read
September 22, 2021
This was my second book featuring Constance Lamb and Judith Burton. I thought that the video game addiction was handled in an interesting way, giving several perspectives on gaming and addiction. I really was invested in finding out what happened. I didn't particularly like some of the characters.
September 10, 2021
Highly recommend this book. It covers a subject I didn't know much about, online gaming addiction, and could the accused have killed in real life, as he does in the games. In my view, this author should be ranked highly in the courtroom thriller genre.
August 17, 2021
I’ve not read any of the other books in this series but I will definitely be rectifying that soon. Really good characters and a fast moving storyline too. Highly recommended.
August 24, 2021
Judith Burton and Constance Lamb are back in the fifth book in this brilliant legal series. I was lucky enough to be on the blog tour for the last book in the series The Rapunzel Act, I enjoyed that so much I purchased the first three books (haven’t had a chance to read them yet but will be soon). So when this blog tour came up I was happy to join.
I certainly wasn’t disappointed. Constance is at Hackney police station where she has been asked to represent a young 18 year old male accused of burglary. But when she gets to the station the charge is much worse. Jayden Dodd or ‘JD’ as his friends know him is accused of murder.
Initially the police had believed that Psychiatrist Elizabeth Sullivan had died of natural causes, but as they had looked closer they believed she had been murdered. The last person know to have been with Liz was JD. The police didn’t seem to look much further especially as JD’s DNA was all over her home, and the fact that they had also had sex that Friday evening.
JD is a You Tube gamer, him and his best friend Nathaniel do a live show regularly on You Tube, they have a huge following and make a living from it. They didn’t know that Liz was a psychiatrist or that she was working on getting legislation into gaming and addictive effects it can have on some, in some cases it can lead to death. Liz has a son Tom who is in boarding school.
Judith and Constance have their work cut out on this one, as they try to find out what they can about Liz Sullivan. The work she has been doing with Dr Williams, reading papers she has written all about the effects of online gaming. This is a well researched interesting story, showing the impact some games can have on people’s lives, even the free games which so many people play and how the companies make their money, something I had never thought about before. I have played games online but I never pay for add ons etc. One of my 4 children used to play lots of online games with people he didn’t know. Luckily he never got addicted to the extent that it is mentioned in this story. Not only is the story shown from the perspective of the gamer but also from a company who are trying to make the games, in this story one wants to make it into an Olympic Sport
This is a fast paced well written story, with a few twists and turns that take you in different directions. The first half of the story is from when JD is arrested and Judith and Constance investigating. The second half is the trial as Constance is still trying to investigate anything new coming out.
If you haven’t read any of these books then not to worry, this can be read as a stand alone novel, I like how Greg is still chasing Judith which is the only part of the backstory that I really want to go back to the beginning for. I love how Judith and Constance work together, each seeming to know what the other is thinking. Judith at times seems to lack a little confidence in herself and feels more comfortable with Constance in the courtroom, as Judith feels that she can get feedback from Constance. If you like legal dramas then grab a copy of this one and if you enjoy it check back on the previous 4 books. This is a solid ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ read. I look forward to book 6.
I certainly wasn’t disappointed. Constance is at Hackney police station where she has been asked to represent a young 18 year old male accused of burglary. But when she gets to the station the charge is much worse. Jayden Dodd or ‘JD’ as his friends know him is accused of murder.
Initially the police had believed that Psychiatrist Elizabeth Sullivan had died of natural causes, but as they had looked closer they believed she had been murdered. The last person know to have been with Liz was JD. The police didn’t seem to look much further especially as JD’s DNA was all over her home, and the fact that they had also had sex that Friday evening.
JD is a You Tube gamer, him and his best friend Nathaniel do a live show regularly on You Tube, they have a huge following and make a living from it. They didn’t know that Liz was a psychiatrist or that she was working on getting legislation into gaming and addictive effects it can have on some, in some cases it can lead to death. Liz has a son Tom who is in boarding school.
Judith and Constance have their work cut out on this one, as they try to find out what they can about Liz Sullivan. The work she has been doing with Dr Williams, reading papers she has written all about the effects of online gaming. This is a well researched interesting story, showing the impact some games can have on people’s lives, even the free games which so many people play and how the companies make their money, something I had never thought about before. I have played games online but I never pay for add ons etc. One of my 4 children used to play lots of online games with people he didn’t know. Luckily he never got addicted to the extent that it is mentioned in this story. Not only is the story shown from the perspective of the gamer but also from a company who are trying to make the games, in this story one wants to make it into an Olympic Sport
This is a fast paced well written story, with a few twists and turns that take you in different directions. The first half of the story is from when JD is arrested and Judith and Constance investigating. The second half is the trial as Constance is still trying to investigate anything new coming out.
If you haven’t read any of these books then not to worry, this can be read as a stand alone novel, I like how Greg is still chasing Judith which is the only part of the backstory that I really want to go back to the beginning for. I love how Judith and Constance work together, each seeming to know what the other is thinking. Judith at times seems to lack a little confidence in herself and feels more comfortable with Constance in the courtroom, as Judith feels that she can get feedback from Constance. If you like legal dramas then grab a copy of this one and if you enjoy it check back on the previous 4 books. This is a solid ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ read. I look forward to book 6.
August 8, 2021
Over the past few years, there has been a lot of discussion about the influence of gaming on gamers in their real life. The fingers that have been pointed at games like Call Of Duty and Fortnite when a young adult commits a crime that ends in someone’s death.
Abi Silver’s The Midas Game explores this topic of discussion as Constance Lamb and Judith Burton face the trial of a prolific gaming YouTuber accused of murdering his neighbour, a psychiatrist specialising in addiction. Could JD really have caused the heart attack that killed Liz Sullivan? A young man with his life ahead of him and a seriously successful following any wannabe YouTuber would love – would he really throw all that away?
Enter Lamb and Burton, the legal duo who I’ve grown to love over the past four books. Their dynamic is perfect as a court room crime fighting team. Lamb with her tenacity and clue seeking nose, following every lead possible to prove her client’s innocence whilst Burton performs in court like it’s a theatre, equally keen to win the case for her defendant. I was totally engrossed in the trial. I love the way Burton teases information out of the individual in the witness box, asks what appear to be irrelevant questions irking the prosecution and yet still manages to get her point across.
Yet again Silver has crafted an intriguing and thought provoking read, taking a topical technologically related subject and created a very realistic legal thriller around it. Is the gaming industry addictive enough to lead someone to murder? Reading The Midas Game gave me an insight into potentially how cutthroat the gaming industry is from the development side of the fence and how much constant gaming can affect someone’s well being. This is another consuming read from Silver, great addition to the series.
Abi Silver’s The Midas Game explores this topic of discussion as Constance Lamb and Judith Burton face the trial of a prolific gaming YouTuber accused of murdering his neighbour, a psychiatrist specialising in addiction. Could JD really have caused the heart attack that killed Liz Sullivan? A young man with his life ahead of him and a seriously successful following any wannabe YouTuber would love – would he really throw all that away?
Enter Lamb and Burton, the legal duo who I’ve grown to love over the past four books. Their dynamic is perfect as a court room crime fighting team. Lamb with her tenacity and clue seeking nose, following every lead possible to prove her client’s innocence whilst Burton performs in court like it’s a theatre, equally keen to win the case for her defendant. I was totally engrossed in the trial. I love the way Burton teases information out of the individual in the witness box, asks what appear to be irrelevant questions irking the prosecution and yet still manages to get her point across.
Yet again Silver has crafted an intriguing and thought provoking read, taking a topical technologically related subject and created a very realistic legal thriller around it. Is the gaming industry addictive enough to lead someone to murder? Reading The Midas Game gave me an insight into potentially how cutthroat the gaming industry is from the development side of the fence and how much constant gaming can affect someone’s well being. This is another consuming read from Silver, great addition to the series.
August 26, 2021
I was really looking forward to this next instalment after thoroughly enjoying The Rapunzel Act and I wasn’t disappointed. I’m really fond of this legal duo who work so well together, are distinct and likeable characters and I love observing their thought processes to unravel a case. I’m in awe of Judith (as is the case in real life when witnessing barristers stand up in court) with her sharp and detailed mind as she cross examines witnesses and picks holes in the prosecutor’s arguments (the prosecutor in this case is particularly smug and irritating).
Silver’s focus in this book delves into the dark and mysterious past time of online gaming and the millions of people that spend hours and hours online escaping into fantasy worlds. The ethics of commercialising gaming particularly where there’s evidence to support addiction and health issues like depression are thought provoking and well debated in this novel making the argument against gaming to be fascinating and compelling.
Another engaging case and courtroom drama. Loved returning to the sharp minds of this legal duo.
Silver’s focus in this book delves into the dark and mysterious past time of online gaming and the millions of people that spend hours and hours online escaping into fantasy worlds. The ethics of commercialising gaming particularly where there’s evidence to support addiction and health issues like depression are thought provoking and well debated in this novel making the argument against gaming to be fascinating and compelling.
Another engaging case and courtroom drama. Loved returning to the sharp minds of this legal duo.
September 26, 2021
I have only read one other book in this series, the one before this one, and I really think that reading these books in order is the best way to go.
Burton and Lamb are back, defending a young man accused of murder. The victim, Dr Sullivan, is a psychologist specialising in gaming addiction and since Jaden Dodds is a gamer with a vlog, as well as being a neighbour of Liz Sullivan, it seems like an open and shut case. Not so fast!
Lots of red herrings in this story, not entirely sure why Greg continues to dip in and out, just as an aside (which is why I mentioned reading the books in order, I am sure there is a reason in earlier books as to why he is on the periphery of these womens lives), and a cautionary tale about not taking things at face value. Also very interesting take on gaming addiction and the gaming industry.
4 stars from me.
Burton and Lamb are back, defending a young man accused of murder. The victim, Dr Sullivan, is a psychologist specialising in gaming addiction and since Jaden Dodds is a gamer with a vlog, as well as being a neighbour of Liz Sullivan, it seems like an open and shut case. Not so fast!
Lots of red herrings in this story, not entirely sure why Greg continues to dip in and out, just as an aside (which is why I mentioned reading the books in order, I am sure there is a reason in earlier books as to why he is on the periphery of these womens lives), and a cautionary tale about not taking things at face value. Also very interesting take on gaming addiction and the gaming industry.
4 stars from me.
December 6, 2021
I've read The Pinocchio Brief and was impressed, was equally impressed with this one! Judith Burton and Constance Lamb are lawyers and they are called upon to represent Jaden Smith a young man who makes his living playing video games. He is accused of the murder of Dr Liz Sullivan who was a psychiatrist who specialised in addiction, video gaming addiction, and lived opposite Jaden. It was a convoluted tale but carried you along with it nicely as they set out to prove who did murder the doctor. I've got all the Burton and Lamb books out from kindle unlimited so have a few more to happily plough through!
September 12, 2021
This is the second book I have read in the series but it can be read as a stand alone. If you like court room drama you will love this book I did. Didn’t want to to end. I would recommend this book especially if you like gaming and the people involved in it.
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