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DI Joel Norris #2
Lethal Game
He knows your name. Where you live. How to find your family.
If you don’t play the game, the people you love will die. If you lose the game, you will.
When DI Joel Norris and DS Lucy Rose are called to investigate the death of a young woman, found brutally murdered on a quiet country lane, they can have no way of knowing what lies ahead.
This killer makes his own rules, using his victims like chess pieces in a life-sized match of strategy and escape, with the highest stakes imaginable.
Norris and Rose are now pawns in the killer’s twisted contest.
Can they beat him at his own game before the next round begins and more innocent lives are taken?
A totally addictive, edge-of-your-seat, crime-thriller perfect for fans of Cara Hunter, Ian Rankin and Stuart MacBride.
If you don’t play the game, the people you love will die. If you lose the game, you will.
When DI Joel Norris and DS Lucy Rose are called to investigate the death of a young woman, found brutally murdered on a quiet country lane, they can have no way of knowing what lies ahead.
This killer makes his own rules, using his victims like chess pieces in a life-sized match of strategy and escape, with the highest stakes imaginable.
Norris and Rose are now pawns in the killer’s twisted contest.
Can they beat him at his own game before the next round begins and more innocent lives are taken?
A totally addictive, edge-of-your-seat, crime-thriller perfect for fans of Cara Hunter, Ian Rankin and Stuart MacBride.
400 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 11, 2021
42 people are currently reading
273 people want to read
About the author
Charlie Gallagher
33 books586 followersCharlie Gallagher was a serving UK police officer for thirteen years where he performed many roles. Starting out as a front-line response officer, he was also a member of a specialist tactical team and worked as a detective in various areas, including elements of Counter Terrorism.
Charlie now writes full time. He lives on the south coast of England with his wife and two kids and, somehow, a spaniel, a tortoise and a two cats, one of which has far more twitter followers.
Charlie now writes full time. He lives on the south coast of England with his wife and two kids and, somehow, a spaniel, a tortoise and a two cats, one of which has far more twitter followers.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 136 reviews
October 4, 2021
Lethal Game
by Charlie Gallagher is shocking, suspenseful, and heartbreaking. It has aspects of both a crime thriller and a police procedural. Detective Inspector Joel Norris and Detective Sergeant Lucy Rose are assigned the case investigating the death of a young woman murdered in a rural area in England. The killer is playing a game with people’s lives. Can Norris and Rose catch him before more innocent people die?
Joel and Lucy along with analyst Eileen Holmans are likeable characters that are easy to connect with quickly. Joel and Lucy have more depth and are featured more in the novel. Readers get insight into their personal lives as well as their professional lives without detracting from the investigation. They seem to balance each other professionally. Joel is more headstrong and fiery and Lucy is more controlled most of the time. Both have flaws and strengths that affect their interactions and lend believability to the story. The secondary characters are a good mix and provide the needed professional and personal conflict or support. How will the new Detective Chief Inspector Jim Kemp affect the team dynamics? The antagonist is crafty and evil, reveling in anticipation of the victims’ fears and struggles.
What a prologue! Will you guess what happens next? It hooked this reader immediately. This author knows how to pull readers into a story and keep them turning the pages. The plot is well developed, the pace fast, and the story line is action-packed. The twists and turns take readers on the journey with Joel and Lucy. Will you guess who the killer is and what his motivations are or will you go down the wrong path? Everyone in the novel experiences a variety of emotions from frustration, disdain, fear, and anger to hope, excitement, and glee. Readers may be surprised by who is experiencing which emotion and why.
This book is exactly what you would expect from a well-written crime thriller. It’s dark, clever, and gripping with great good and evil characters as well as a tense and twisted story line. Readers should be aware that there are some gruesome details and some chilling and emotional scenes. The author’s experience as a U.K. police officer lends realism to this novel.
Overall, this book was suspenseful, intense, riveting, fast-paced, action-oriented, and entertaining. If you enjoy crime thrillers and police procedurals that have both strong male and female characters, then this may be the novel for you. While this is the first book I have read by this author, it is the second book featuring DI Norris and DS Rose. I can’t wait to read the first one and continue with the series.
Avon Books UK - Avon and Charlie Gallagher provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. This is my honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. Publication date is currently set for November 11, 2021. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
Joel and Lucy along with analyst Eileen Holmans are likeable characters that are easy to connect with quickly. Joel and Lucy have more depth and are featured more in the novel. Readers get insight into their personal lives as well as their professional lives without detracting from the investigation. They seem to balance each other professionally. Joel is more headstrong and fiery and Lucy is more controlled most of the time. Both have flaws and strengths that affect their interactions and lend believability to the story. The secondary characters are a good mix and provide the needed professional and personal conflict or support. How will the new Detective Chief Inspector Jim Kemp affect the team dynamics? The antagonist is crafty and evil, reveling in anticipation of the victims’ fears and struggles.
What a prologue! Will you guess what happens next? It hooked this reader immediately. This author knows how to pull readers into a story and keep them turning the pages. The plot is well developed, the pace fast, and the story line is action-packed. The twists and turns take readers on the journey with Joel and Lucy. Will you guess who the killer is and what his motivations are or will you go down the wrong path? Everyone in the novel experiences a variety of emotions from frustration, disdain, fear, and anger to hope, excitement, and glee. Readers may be surprised by who is experiencing which emotion and why.
This book is exactly what you would expect from a well-written crime thriller. It’s dark, clever, and gripping with great good and evil characters as well as a tense and twisted story line. Readers should be aware that there are some gruesome details and some chilling and emotional scenes. The author’s experience as a U.K. police officer lends realism to this novel.
Overall, this book was suspenseful, intense, riveting, fast-paced, action-oriented, and entertaining. If you enjoy crime thrillers and police procedurals that have both strong male and female characters, then this may be the novel for you. While this is the first book I have read by this author, it is the second book featuring DI Norris and DS Rose. I can’t wait to read the first one and continue with the series.
Avon Books UK - Avon and Charlie Gallagher provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. This is my honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. Publication date is currently set for November 11, 2021. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
November 15, 2021
"Several deadly sins, many ways to win, after the bell chimes 5 times, your deadly pursuit begins"
To my Goodreads friends, you won’t want to miss this jaw dropping, cheek clenching, heart pumping, psychological thriller, and to everyone else this is a phenomenal page-turner that will get under your skin and haunt the safe places in your head. Thank you, Pat, whose great review, and recommendation led me to this book, and how satisfied was I?.
Lethal Game is sinister and fast paced from the outset as we are introduced to players and rules of a board game “Escape”, a horror game powered by terror, fear and survival as a serial killer brings to life the lethal game where only one contestant can come out alive. However, this killer is not inspired by power or driven by the enjoyment from a deadly game, they are motivated by other reasons that will leave you spinning and reeling with the twists and turns that are in abundance as the fear just oozes from the pages.
Lethal Game was a book reminiscent of Seven (Brad Pitt), with a really clever and intelligent plot, deeply drawn and some deliciously evil characters. A contest where the contenders are carefully selected, the rules and outcomes are at the discretion of the “Captor” as the Puppet Master” exacts his revenge on the unsuspecting. However, the real game playing starts to emerge as we begin to learn that these seemingly unrelated deaths are in some way connected. With the detective duo Norris and Rose, on the trail of the “Captor, it becomes equally obvious that they are also pawns in this Lethal Game.
‘He sat there and told us the game had changed. He told us it was being played against the police. He said the police had been given chances to stop this all the way through…. He was talking to us directly. That was our chance to stop him, there and then … He was right in front of us”
This was a fabulous adrenaline pumping book that was full of anticipation from beginning to end. The way a thriller should be written, there was enough theatre in the game, but it was not convoluted, the characters were evil but not depraved, some of the scenes were violent but not gruesome and the plot was on a different level to most. Simply brilliant and highly recommended
To my Goodreads friends, you won’t want to miss this jaw dropping, cheek clenching, heart pumping, psychological thriller, and to everyone else this is a phenomenal page-turner that will get under your skin and haunt the safe places in your head. Thank you, Pat, whose great review, and recommendation led me to this book, and how satisfied was I?.
Lethal Game is sinister and fast paced from the outset as we are introduced to players and rules of a board game “Escape”, a horror game powered by terror, fear and survival as a serial killer brings to life the lethal game where only one contestant can come out alive. However, this killer is not inspired by power or driven by the enjoyment from a deadly game, they are motivated by other reasons that will leave you spinning and reeling with the twists and turns that are in abundance as the fear just oozes from the pages.
Lethal Game was a book reminiscent of Seven (Brad Pitt), with a really clever and intelligent plot, deeply drawn and some deliciously evil characters. A contest where the contenders are carefully selected, the rules and outcomes are at the discretion of the “Captor” as the Puppet Master” exacts his revenge on the unsuspecting. However, the real game playing starts to emerge as we begin to learn that these seemingly unrelated deaths are in some way connected. With the detective duo Norris and Rose, on the trail of the “Captor, it becomes equally obvious that they are also pawns in this Lethal Game.
‘He sat there and told us the game had changed. He told us it was being played against the police. He said the police had been given chances to stop this all the way through…. He was talking to us directly. That was our chance to stop him, there and then … He was right in front of us”
This was a fabulous adrenaline pumping book that was full of anticipation from beginning to end. The way a thriller should be written, there was enough theatre in the game, but it was not convoluted, the characters were evil but not depraved, some of the scenes were violent but not gruesome and the plot was on a different level to most. Simply brilliant and highly recommended
November 10, 2021
Thank goodness Charlie Gallagher is on the side of the good guys, having been a policeman and all, because with his imagination and creativity he’d make a damn fine criminal! This book grabs you from page 1 and doesn’t let go until it spits you out at the end. It was a non stop, relentlessly paced story and I loved every minute of it.
The newly established Major Crimes Unit has its hands full with its first case. DI Joel Norris, ably assisted by DS Lucy Rose have to learn fast to prevent more people from dying in what appears to be a deadly game. First a dead woman is found half in a phone box with her foot nearly shot off and nasty puncture marks all over her abdomen. A few days later a man is found also viciously killed. Little figurines found where the people were being held captive lead the detectives to a board game that seems to be playing out in real life. It’s a start but there is still a long way to go before solving this one but one thing is for sure - there will be more victims.
I don’t want to say any more about the plot but it gets very complex and twisted. The scenarios were so deliciously dark and the fear of the victims was palpable. The killer was masked and unidentifiable but the scary thing was his implacable relentlessness and complete lack of compassion. Why was this happening and why were these victims being selected? There are plenty of red herrings cleverly thrown in to keep the reader on their toes.
If this is the start of a new series I will be a happy camper. Although Joel has been with the police service for many years he hasn’t been an actual detective for long and therefore he brings a refreshing point of view, and difference, to the case. His team soon blend together and they’re a good bunch. My favourite character though is the prim and elderly civilian intelligence and analyst member, Eileen Holmass. She is so quick and thorough and precise that she is a huge asset to the team. Towards the end of the story she has even developed a nascent sense of humour. I think she will become the mother hen in future books.
I’ve enjoyed quite a few books by Gallagher but I think he has outdone himself with this one. Many thanks to Netgalley and Avon Books, UK for the much appreciated arc which I reviewed voluntarily and honestly.
4-5 stars.
The newly established Major Crimes Unit has its hands full with its first case. DI Joel Norris, ably assisted by DS Lucy Rose have to learn fast to prevent more people from dying in what appears to be a deadly game. First a dead woman is found half in a phone box with her foot nearly shot off and nasty puncture marks all over her abdomen. A few days later a man is found also viciously killed. Little figurines found where the people were being held captive lead the detectives to a board game that seems to be playing out in real life. It’s a start but there is still a long way to go before solving this one but one thing is for sure - there will be more victims.
I don’t want to say any more about the plot but it gets very complex and twisted. The scenarios were so deliciously dark and the fear of the victims was palpable. The killer was masked and unidentifiable but the scary thing was his implacable relentlessness and complete lack of compassion. Why was this happening and why were these victims being selected? There are plenty of red herrings cleverly thrown in to keep the reader on their toes.
If this is the start of a new series I will be a happy camper. Although Joel has been with the police service for many years he hasn’t been an actual detective for long and therefore he brings a refreshing point of view, and difference, to the case. His team soon blend together and they’re a good bunch. My favourite character though is the prim and elderly civilian intelligence and analyst member, Eileen Holmass. She is so quick and thorough and precise that she is a huge asset to the team. Towards the end of the story she has even developed a nascent sense of humour. I think she will become the mother hen in future books.
I’ve enjoyed quite a few books by Gallagher but I think he has outdone himself with this one. Many thanks to Netgalley and Avon Books, UK for the much appreciated arc which I reviewed voluntarily and honestly.
4-5 stars.
November 6, 2021
Norris & Rose #2
When DI Joel Norris and DS Lucy Rose are called in to investigate the death of a young woman, found brutally murdered on a quiet country lane, they have no way of knowing what lies ahead. The killer makes his own rules, using victims like chess pieces of a life-sized match of strategy and escape, with the highest stakes imaginable. Norris and Rose are now pawns in the killers twisted contest.
The plotline is complex with lots of twists in this addictive read. I liked the character development. Norris and Rose have to pull out all stops and race against time to solve the case. Another page turner by the author that I couldn't put down. The book could be read as a standalone.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #AvonBooksUK and the author #CharlieGallagher for my ARC of #LethalGame in exchange for an honest review.
When DI Joel Norris and DS Lucy Rose are called in to investigate the death of a young woman, found brutally murdered on a quiet country lane, they have no way of knowing what lies ahead. The killer makes his own rules, using victims like chess pieces of a life-sized match of strategy and escape, with the highest stakes imaginable. Norris and Rose are now pawns in the killers twisted contest.
The plotline is complex with lots of twists in this addictive read. I liked the character development. Norris and Rose have to pull out all stops and race against time to solve the case. Another page turner by the author that I couldn't put down. The book could be read as a standalone.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #AvonBooksUK and the author #CharlieGallagher for my ARC of #LethalGame in exchange for an honest review.
November 11, 2023
*Deadly Game*
A gruesome death of a young woman is a case that DI Joel Norris and DS Lucy Rose will not forget in a hurry.
This particular killer is calculated and is a master of lies and always likes to come out on top. Not only is the killer enjoying this, he has made his own invention of a game into reality. Sadly for Joel and Lucy they are also pawns in his game.
This deadly game sparks a terrifying hunt as Joel and Lucy race against the very twisted rule book of that the killer has in mind to save victims but how many will lose their lives before all the pieces come together.
I could feel the sleepless nights and frustrations with the case coming off Joel and Lucy. I do hope there will be more books in the pipeline
A gruesome death of a young woman is a case that DI Joel Norris and DS Lucy Rose will not forget in a hurry.
This particular killer is calculated and is a master of lies and always likes to come out on top. Not only is the killer enjoying this, he has made his own invention of a game into reality. Sadly for Joel and Lucy they are also pawns in his game.
This deadly game sparks a terrifying hunt as Joel and Lucy race against the very twisted rule book of that the killer has in mind to save victims but how many will lose their lives before all the pieces come together.
I could feel the sleepless nights and frustrations with the case coming off Joel and Lucy. I do hope there will be more books in the pipeline
September 1, 2021
400 Pages
5 stars
DI Joel Norris and his Sergeant Lucy Rose are two very competent and determined officers. Following the near-disaster of his last case, Joel finally gets a new case. The young woman is found stabbed and shot to death in a phone booth in an isolated area. She is wearing a sack-like dress. This doesn’t look right.
At the same time, the police get reports of another young woman who looked beaten up and also wearing a sack dress. She boarded a bus, begging the driver for a free ride. They follow her with CCTV, but lose her. Finally identifying her, she has fled from her lodgings. What is going on?
An intense investigation is undertaken, and clues begin to appear. They meet Margaret, the mother of the murdered woman and her next door neighbor. His name is Billy Easton.
Billy is obsessed with a role playing board game. He designed it. He started a company to promote the game, but lost it. Time passes, more facts are uncovered and Billy Easton becomes the prime suspect. Joel, however, doubts that Billy is guilty. His demeanor just doesn’t match the situation.
After intense questioning, Billy is released.
The reader also is a witness to the first hand suffering of the “participants” in the “game.”
Mr. Gallagher has a talent for coming up with original premises for his books. I have read his books since the first one, and the novels just keep getting better. I really like the way he paints pictures with his words. The writing is clean, without gore and gratuitous sex. The police team get along very well and I appreciate that very much. I also like the way we are shown snippets of Joel and Lucy’s home lives. It helps to flesh them out as people, without intruding on the story line.
Extremely well done. Mr. Gallagher! Keep up the exemplary work!!
There are a significant number of typos which I assume will be corrected before publication. There is also a problem with a couple of transitions toward the end of the book. The transitions from the police to the victims are squashed together and it’s a little jarring.
I want to thank NetGalley and Avon Books UK for forwarding to me a copy of this most entertaining and exciting book for me to read, enjoy and review. The opinions expressed here are solely my own.
5 stars
DI Joel Norris and his Sergeant Lucy Rose are two very competent and determined officers. Following the near-disaster of his last case, Joel finally gets a new case. The young woman is found stabbed and shot to death in a phone booth in an isolated area. She is wearing a sack-like dress. This doesn’t look right.
At the same time, the police get reports of another young woman who looked beaten up and also wearing a sack dress. She boarded a bus, begging the driver for a free ride. They follow her with CCTV, but lose her. Finally identifying her, she has fled from her lodgings. What is going on?
An intense investigation is undertaken, and clues begin to appear. They meet Margaret, the mother of the murdered woman and her next door neighbor. His name is Billy Easton.
Billy is obsessed with a role playing board game. He designed it. He started a company to promote the game, but lost it. Time passes, more facts are uncovered and Billy Easton becomes the prime suspect. Joel, however, doubts that Billy is guilty. His demeanor just doesn’t match the situation.
After intense questioning, Billy is released.
The reader also is a witness to the first hand suffering of the “participants” in the “game.”
Mr. Gallagher has a talent for coming up with original premises for his books. I have read his books since the first one, and the novels just keep getting better. I really like the way he paints pictures with his words. The writing is clean, without gore and gratuitous sex. The police team get along very well and I appreciate that very much. I also like the way we are shown snippets of Joel and Lucy’s home lives. It helps to flesh them out as people, without intruding on the story line.
Extremely well done. Mr. Gallagher! Keep up the exemplary work!!
There are a significant number of typos which I assume will be corrected before publication. There is also a problem with a couple of transitions toward the end of the book. The transitions from the police to the victims are squashed together and it’s a little jarring.
I want to thank NetGalley and Avon Books UK for forwarding to me a copy of this most entertaining and exciting book for me to read, enjoy and review. The opinions expressed here are solely my own.
September 14, 2021
Another fabulous crime thriller from one of my favourite authors, Charlie Gallagher. This is a very intense story, one that focuses on a human contest, betting one person as pawns against each other. The stakes are high and the lives of you and your family are balancing on the edge and there is really no way out, you have to play the game. Sound like this scenario will keep your attention? Well it truly kept mine, what a thrilling ride this was. Lots of actions and deep breaths wondering where this is going and how any of the characters will come out alive. Fast paced, full of tension and suspense, I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves an addictive crime tale, you will find yourself glued to the pages. Five stars.
March 1, 2022
Tries too hard and fails spectacularly. Interesting premise,but awful execution. Characters are overdone (lots of inappropiate laughter and exclamation marks).Plot is outlandish,and,what's unforgivable, full of holes;for example, when a fact Norris already knew- the suspect himself tells him it- is treated as a huge reveal.
I'm amazed at the good reviews.
I'm amazed at the good reviews.
August 6, 2023
Hij kent je naam. Hij weet waar je woont.
Als je niet meespeelt, gaat je familie dood. Als je verliest, zul je zelf sterven…
Als rechercheurs Joel Norris en Lucy Rose de moord op een jonge vrouw onderzoeken, hebben ze geen idee wat hun te wachten staat.
Al snel komen ze erachter dat de moordenaar zijn slachtoffers als schaakstukken gebruikt voor een sinistere wedstrijd met de hoogst denkbare inzet. Norris en Rose worden ongewild pionnen in dit spel zonder regels. Kunnen ze hem verslaan voordat de volgende ronde begint en er nog meer onschuldige slachtoffers vallen?
'Fataal spel' begint meteen met een interessante inleiding en deze deed mij een beetje aan de film 'Saw' denken. Twee vrouwen moeten het tegen elkaar opnemen en maar één persoon kan winnen, de ander zal overlijden.
Niet veel later wordt het lichaam van een dode vrouw gevonden en rechercheurs Joel en Lucy worden op de zaak gezet. De moord is bruut en het tweetal raakt betrokken bij een ziek spel waar steeds meer slachtoffers vallen. Zijn werkwijze is steeds hetzelfde: maar één iemand kan het spel overleven.
De opbouw van dit verhaal vond ik interessant en vooral het begin vond ik erg goed. Ik was daar dan ook erg enthousiast over. Vervolgens zwakt de spanning daarna een beetje af. Oké, de wedstrijd tussen de verschillende mensen vond ik dan wel telkens interessant, maar na een tijdje ging het een kant op wat ik iets minder spannend vond.
Dit verhaal is zeker niet slecht en ik heb er dan ook voor een groot deel van genoten. Misschien dat ik er stiekem toch een heel klein beetje meer van had verwacht (en dan vooral van het einde, denk ik).
Toch was dit verhaal zeker leuk om eens gelezen te hebben en ik kijk uit naar het volgende boek van deze auteur!
Beoordeling: 3,5 ⭐
Als je niet meespeelt, gaat je familie dood. Als je verliest, zul je zelf sterven…
Als rechercheurs Joel Norris en Lucy Rose de moord op een jonge vrouw onderzoeken, hebben ze geen idee wat hun te wachten staat.
Al snel komen ze erachter dat de moordenaar zijn slachtoffers als schaakstukken gebruikt voor een sinistere wedstrijd met de hoogst denkbare inzet. Norris en Rose worden ongewild pionnen in dit spel zonder regels. Kunnen ze hem verslaan voordat de volgende ronde begint en er nog meer onschuldige slachtoffers vallen?
'Fataal spel' begint meteen met een interessante inleiding en deze deed mij een beetje aan de film 'Saw' denken. Twee vrouwen moeten het tegen elkaar opnemen en maar één persoon kan winnen, de ander zal overlijden.
Niet veel later wordt het lichaam van een dode vrouw gevonden en rechercheurs Joel en Lucy worden op de zaak gezet. De moord is bruut en het tweetal raakt betrokken bij een ziek spel waar steeds meer slachtoffers vallen. Zijn werkwijze is steeds hetzelfde: maar één iemand kan het spel overleven.
De opbouw van dit verhaal vond ik interessant en vooral het begin vond ik erg goed. Ik was daar dan ook erg enthousiast over. Vervolgens zwakt de spanning daarna een beetje af. Oké, de wedstrijd tussen de verschillende mensen vond ik dan wel telkens interessant, maar na een tijdje ging het een kant op wat ik iets minder spannend vond.
Dit verhaal is zeker niet slecht en ik heb er dan ook voor een groot deel van genoten. Misschien dat ik er stiekem toch een heel klein beetje meer van had verwacht (en dan vooral van het einde, denk ik).
Toch was dit verhaal zeker leuk om eens gelezen te hebben en ik kijk uit naar het volgende boek van deze auteur!
Beoordeling: 3,5 ⭐
October 17, 2021
Holy Smokes!! Evil = Lethal Game’s villain! After reading the prologue alone, my pulse rose and my heart just about jumped right out my chest! Needless to say, the story that followed was a fast-paced, action based thriller featuring an exceptional game of cat and mice (with the mice being victims (or potential victims) at the hands of one of the sickest serial killers imaginable!)
I don’t think the hard time is figuring out “the who”; (I did that early on) the hard part for me was going to be “the how” that would be revealed, and how and IF this monster with a mastermind for maximum terror would be caught.
Hold on to your shorts folks - this is one thriller of a ride!
4.5 Stars
My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
I don’t think the hard time is figuring out “the who”; (I did that early on) the hard part for me was going to be “the how” that would be revealed, and how and IF this monster with a mastermind for maximum terror would be caught.
Hold on to your shorts folks - this is one thriller of a ride!
4.5 Stars
My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
October 16, 2021
Lethal Game by Charlie Gallagher
I give this book 4.5 stars
This killer uses his victims like chess pieces in a life-sized contest, with the highest stakes imaginable.
Now DI Joel Norris and DS Lucy Rose are pawns at the mercy of a twisted rulebook.
Can they beat him at his own game before the next round begins and more innocent lives are taken?
The first book I’ve read by this author and ……….wow what a great start!
Book 2 can be read as a standalone (l did)
The dark storyline reeled me straight in and l was immediately hooked.A tense race against time has you frantically turning the pages.Joel and Lucy are a great duo.Go grab your copy of this pacy non stop action thriller….. you won’t be disappointed!
With thanks to Netgalley,Charlie Gallagher and Avon Books for my chance to read and review this book
I give this book 4.5 stars
This killer uses his victims like chess pieces in a life-sized contest, with the highest stakes imaginable.
Now DI Joel Norris and DS Lucy Rose are pawns at the mercy of a twisted rulebook.
Can they beat him at his own game before the next round begins and more innocent lives are taken?
The first book I’ve read by this author and ……….wow what a great start!
Book 2 can be read as a standalone (l did)
The dark storyline reeled me straight in and l was immediately hooked.A tense race against time has you frantically turning the pages.Joel and Lucy are a great duo.Go grab your copy of this pacy non stop action thriller….. you won’t be disappointed!
With thanks to Netgalley,Charlie Gallagher and Avon Books for my chance to read and review this book
November 9, 2021
This is a great read.
A refreshing new twist on Escape games where your life is literally at stake.
A girl is found dead near a phone box and Joel and a Lucy know people are hiding things when they speak to her family.
The story is fast paced and as the killer likes to play games, you’re never sure whets going to happen next.
Joel is determined to stop these lethal games as only one of the pair chosen comes out alive.
The killer then involves Lucy in a game and it’s the final straw for Joel.
This is a clever crime thriller that I really enjoyed.
Thanks to Avon Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
A refreshing new twist on Escape games where your life is literally at stake.
A girl is found dead near a phone box and Joel and a Lucy know people are hiding things when they speak to her family.
The story is fast paced and as the killer likes to play games, you’re never sure whets going to happen next.
Joel is determined to stop these lethal games as only one of the pair chosen comes out alive.
The killer then involves Lucy in a game and it’s the final straw for Joel.
This is a clever crime thriller that I really enjoyed.
Thanks to Avon Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
December 8, 2021
DI Joel Norris and DS Lucy Rose take on a case investigating the death of a woman who had been murder, but it turns out that the killer is playing a game and it’s up to Joel and Lucy to try to catch them before more innocent people die.
This was my first book by Charlie Gallagher and I was pleasantly surprised with his writing style and storytelling. Even though this is book two of the DI Joel Norris series there was enough information in here for me to understand the events of book one without feeling like I was missing something, and the plot was simple enough to follow so that I understood what was going on.
The characters were all extremely likeable and very easy to connect with right from the start of the book, we get some insight into some of their personal lives too which I always find a useful touch because it humanizes characters more than they perhaps would have been without giving us that extra bit of information. I enjoy thriller books that don’t shy away from giving us the gruesome details and this book certainly gave them to me.
Overall, this book has made me want to continue the series, the author has clearly done his research (and uses his experiences as a police officer) for this series to make it realistic, the plot flowed beautifully and I wasn’t bored at all or wishing for it to hurry up. I’d say that’s pretty good for a thriller, because we all know that they tend to drag in places to build up suspense but you really just want to get to the good parts!
Thank you so much to Avon UK for sending me a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
This was my first book by Charlie Gallagher and I was pleasantly surprised with his writing style and storytelling. Even though this is book two of the DI Joel Norris series there was enough information in here for me to understand the events of book one without feeling like I was missing something, and the plot was simple enough to follow so that I understood what was going on.
The characters were all extremely likeable and very easy to connect with right from the start of the book, we get some insight into some of their personal lives too which I always find a useful touch because it humanizes characters more than they perhaps would have been without giving us that extra bit of information. I enjoy thriller books that don’t shy away from giving us the gruesome details and this book certainly gave them to me.
Overall, this book has made me want to continue the series, the author has clearly done his research (and uses his experiences as a police officer) for this series to make it realistic, the plot flowed beautifully and I wasn’t bored at all or wishing for it to hurry up. I’d say that’s pretty good for a thriller, because we all know that they tend to drag in places to build up suspense but you really just want to get to the good parts!
Thank you so much to Avon UK for sending me a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
July 13, 2022
You can tell that whoever writes this book used to be in law enforcement. That, on its own, makes it a good read. But it is also non stop action. it's violent and with some gorry details yet it keeps you at the edge of your seat. This one could have been easier to predict than "The Friend" (Joel Norris #1) but I still didn't find the who in whodunnit.
I loved the characters and also liked the addition of eileen into de mix. Lucy and Norris continue to be top for me. A salod 4.5 starts, rounded up to 5, and I will continue reading more of these novels.
I loved the characters and also liked the addition of eileen into de mix. Lucy and Norris continue to be top for me. A salod 4.5 starts, rounded up to 5, and I will continue reading more of these novels.
October 31, 2021
What an intense fast paced, exciting l and suspenseful thriller. I was hooked right from the first page of this book and I enjoyed every single minuet of this books this was my first read by Charlie Gallagher who uses his own personal experience and knowledge as a detective when writing his books, the detail is incredible and I cannot wait to read some more of his books.
DI Joel Norris and DS Lucy Gallagher are sent on a murder case when the body of a woman is found by a phone box. After doing some digging it soon becomes clear that the killer is playing a lethal game and there is a lot more to these murders that meets the eye. When a similar crime is committed it soon becomes clear they have a “serial killer” on their hands although they are reluctant to call him this.
Not only is the killer playing games with his victims, playing them off against each other he is also running rings around the police just when Joel and Lucy think they’ve got their killer he managers to slip through their fingers. Will Joel and Lucy be able to catch the killer and put an end to his lethal game before more killings are made.
There were plenty of twists and turns in this book and it was so well written in terms of the detail at times I had no idea who were behind the murder and I suspected a fair few people I very much enjoyed the cleverness of the murder and I loved the wild goose chase the police were sent on and the nice twist at the end.
Thank you to NetGalley, Charlie Gallagher and Avon books UK for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an open and honest review.
DI Joel Norris and DS Lucy Gallagher are sent on a murder case when the body of a woman is found by a phone box. After doing some digging it soon becomes clear that the killer is playing a lethal game and there is a lot more to these murders that meets the eye. When a similar crime is committed it soon becomes clear they have a “serial killer” on their hands although they are reluctant to call him this.
Not only is the killer playing games with his victims, playing them off against each other he is also running rings around the police just when Joel and Lucy think they’ve got their killer he managers to slip through their fingers. Will Joel and Lucy be able to catch the killer and put an end to his lethal game before more killings are made.
There were plenty of twists and turns in this book and it was so well written in terms of the detail at times I had no idea who were behind the murder and I suspected a fair few people I very much enjoyed the cleverness of the murder and I loved the wild goose chase the police were sent on and the nice twist at the end.
Thank you to NetGalley, Charlie Gallagher and Avon books UK for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an open and honest review.
December 26, 2021
4.5 stars
A board game comes horrifically to life as 2 women are pitched against each other in a race for survival. Only one can escape but who are they and why were they chosen?
This fantastic opening sets the pace and keeps you hooked throughout the novel. The tension is maintained throughout as DI Joel Norris and DS Lucy Rose battle to understand the case before there are other victims. Nice touches are added by the addition of Eileen, the be-slippered mastermind and the underused DCI Jim Kemp.
This has the makings of a series with great appeal and not having read the opening book (this is #2) didn’t impact on my enjoyment. The author is a former policeman and it shows, with a feeling of authenticity and knowledge of procedure that’s often lacking in detective novels.
Overall, a highly recommended read.
BUT - PLEASE - will someone edit more thoroughly. There are so many grammatical mistakes and it really spoilt my enjoyment at times. There seems to be a particular problem with the verb to sit with everyone ’sat’, regardless of the actual tense being used. This is just about excusable if it’s dialogue and can be chalked up to local accents but not otherwise.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher, Avon for an arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.
A board game comes horrifically to life as 2 women are pitched against each other in a race for survival. Only one can escape but who are they and why were they chosen?
This fantastic opening sets the pace and keeps you hooked throughout the novel. The tension is maintained throughout as DI Joel Norris and DS Lucy Rose battle to understand the case before there are other victims. Nice touches are added by the addition of Eileen, the be-slippered mastermind and the underused DCI Jim Kemp.
This has the makings of a series with great appeal and not having read the opening book (this is #2) didn’t impact on my enjoyment. The author is a former policeman and it shows, with a feeling of authenticity and knowledge of procedure that’s often lacking in detective novels.
Overall, a highly recommended read.
BUT - PLEASE - will someone edit more thoroughly. There are so many grammatical mistakes and it really spoilt my enjoyment at times. There seems to be a particular problem with the verb to sit with everyone ’sat’, regardless of the actual tense being used. This is just about excusable if it’s dialogue and can be chalked up to local accents but not otherwise.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher, Avon for an arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.
November 3, 2021
Once again thank you so much to Avon Books UK for gifting me a print copy of Lethal Game, and may I say it’s another brilliant book from Avon, they just find the best authors!
My first foray into a book by Charlie Gallagher, and let me tell you I was hooked from the first chapter!
A gritty, violent opening to a brilliant hard-boiled thriller and Police procedural! I found the lead characters of DI Joel Norris and DS Lucy Rose really easy to like, although both are complex cops ( aren’t they all?)
The plot surrounding a board game called Escape, is really quite unique, involving a deranged but highly intelligent killer who is seeking revenge, by playing with peoples lives!
Although this is book 2 in the series, the first being The Friend, it is easy enough to read as a stand-alone. I loved the realistic Police Procedural side ( Charlie being an ex Cop means it’s spot on ) but again found it easy enough for all non-Police readers to grasp. I was gripped from the outset and didn’t want the book to end!
A brilliant and engrossing crime fiction novel from an accomplished author, a 5 ⭐️ star read from me, and I’m looking forward to the next instalment!
Lethal Game is released by Avon Books UK on the 11/11/2021
My first foray into a book by Charlie Gallagher, and let me tell you I was hooked from the first chapter!
A gritty, violent opening to a brilliant hard-boiled thriller and Police procedural! I found the lead characters of DI Joel Norris and DS Lucy Rose really easy to like, although both are complex cops ( aren’t they all?)
The plot surrounding a board game called Escape, is really quite unique, involving a deranged but highly intelligent killer who is seeking revenge, by playing with peoples lives!
Although this is book 2 in the series, the first being The Friend, it is easy enough to read as a stand-alone. I loved the realistic Police Procedural side ( Charlie being an ex Cop means it’s spot on ) but again found it easy enough for all non-Police readers to grasp. I was gripped from the outset and didn’t want the book to end!
A brilliant and engrossing crime fiction novel from an accomplished author, a 5 ⭐️ star read from me, and I’m looking forward to the next instalment!
Lethal Game is released by Avon Books UK on the 11/11/2021
November 11, 2021
When Detective Inspector Joel Norris and Detective Sergeant Lucy Rose begin investigating the death of a young woman, murdered on a quiet country lane, they can’t imagine what lies ahead.
This killer uses his victims like chess pieces in a life-sized contest, with the highest stakes imaginable. Now Norris and Rose are pawns at the mercy of a twisted rulebook.
This is the first book I’ve read by the author & I was hooked from the prologue & read well into the night to finish it. A very well written book with a well developed plot & strong believable characters. The pace was very good, there were twists & turns many of which I didn’t see coming. I also loved that the author had me experiencing the emotions of the characters. If you enjoy a good thriller then I’d recommend giving this a try. I look forward to more in the series
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
This killer uses his victims like chess pieces in a life-sized contest, with the highest stakes imaginable. Now Norris and Rose are pawns at the mercy of a twisted rulebook.
This is the first book I’ve read by the author & I was hooked from the prologue & read well into the night to finish it. A very well written book with a well developed plot & strong believable characters. The pace was very good, there were twists & turns many of which I didn’t see coming. I also loved that the author had me experiencing the emotions of the characters. If you enjoy a good thriller then I’d recommend giving this a try. I look forward to more in the series
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
November 8, 2021
I absolutely loved this book, it pulled me in from the start and I was recommending it to a friend before I’d even finished it. The murders had an essence of the ‘Saw’ movies about them in terms of it being pitched as a game for the victims to play, but the investigation and gradual piecing together of motive and was brilliant with some twists and turns that I didn’t see coming. I hadn’t read the first book in this series but that didn’t hinder my enjoyment or understanding, and I bought The Friend immediately after finishing.
October 28, 2021
An amazing thriller and police procedural. DI Joel Norris and DS Lucy Rose are brought in to work on the brutal murder of a young woman in a quiet Kent village. The prologue sets the atmosphere as a tense and deadly game is played out.
Great characters with strong personalities, plenty of twists and surprises and such tension, I couldn't put this book down. Highly entertaining.
I received a free review copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for my honest and unedited review.
Great characters with strong personalities, plenty of twists and surprises and such tension, I couldn't put this book down. Highly entertaining.
I received a free review copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for my honest and unedited review.
December 6, 2021
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book as I have done all of Charlie’s books. This was the second in the DI Norris and DS Rose series and the tension didn’t let up from beginning to end. For me it felt that long since reading the first book in the series that it took me a while to remember the characters from the first book but that could be down to my age! I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
November 8, 2021
A very exciting read about a game by humans which has dire consequences you have to play the game to survive. Detective Inspector Joel and Detective Sergeant Lucy Rose have to find this monster behind the killings before it’s too late. It’s very tense and keeps you on the edge of your seat,
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an early copy
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an early copy
August 31, 2021
DI Joel Norris is starting to get used to his new role, but with very little to do still isn't gaining much on the job experience. All that is about to change when his new boss introduces himself early one morning and gives him details of a new case the team have been assigned. Although team might be stretching it a bit as there are just the three of them, Joel and Lucy having been joined by Eileen, an analyst who wears her carpet slippers and hand knitted cardigan at the office!
Now, with a crime scene in the Kent countryside and an unidentified victim on the slab, Joel knows they are once again up against the clock to find a ruthless killer but nothing could prepare him for what is discovered next. As the victim is finally reported missing it becomes clear they're up against someone with an agenda so twisted none of them can even begin to guess at what is to come.
This is so good! Charlie Gallagher writes from experience and it shows. The second Joel Norris investigation happens at breakneck speed and with periods of enforced inactivity, both adding to the tension and Joel's frustration which is palpable. There is also an opportunity to learn more about DS Lucy Rose which added a lot to her character development and why she behaves the way she does. The culprit is also expertly crafted twisting and turning their way to the end and I was completely drawn in the entire way from start to finish.
After his previous successful series it is clear Charlie Gallagher is onto another winner with Norris and Rose. As in his Maddie Ives series the action is written in such a manner it leaps from the page and I was very sorry to finish a book which is easily one my favourites so far this year.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this book thanks to NetGalley and the publishers but the opinions expressed are my own. This is absolutely excellent, I recommend reading book one first and prepare for enjoy another brilliant series from an expert crime writer.
Now, with a crime scene in the Kent countryside and an unidentified victim on the slab, Joel knows they are once again up against the clock to find a ruthless killer but nothing could prepare him for what is discovered next. As the victim is finally reported missing it becomes clear they're up against someone with an agenda so twisted none of them can even begin to guess at what is to come.
This is so good! Charlie Gallagher writes from experience and it shows. The second Joel Norris investigation happens at breakneck speed and with periods of enforced inactivity, both adding to the tension and Joel's frustration which is palpable. There is also an opportunity to learn more about DS Lucy Rose which added a lot to her character development and why she behaves the way she does. The culprit is also expertly crafted twisting and turning their way to the end and I was completely drawn in the entire way from start to finish.
After his previous successful series it is clear Charlie Gallagher is onto another winner with Norris and Rose. As in his Maddie Ives series the action is written in such a manner it leaps from the page and I was very sorry to finish a book which is easily one my favourites so far this year.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this book thanks to NetGalley and the publishers but the opinions expressed are my own. This is absolutely excellent, I recommend reading book one first and prepare for enjoy another brilliant series from an expert crime writer.
November 12, 2021
This was my first encounter with Charlie Gallagher and this book’s main character, Detective Inspector Joel Norris of the Maidstone Police Force; but I understand that there is an earlier book “The Friend” by the same author which introduces DI Norris and which I now want to read. I am sorry to start with a bit of a spoiler about this book but The Lethal Game of the title is based on a popular board game called “Escape” which pits pairs of game players against each other in a bid to escape from whatever zone of the game they have been imprisoned. In the game the loser of the escape bid loses a life! This is, of course, harmless fun, until someone decides to turn the game into a real life or death event and the book opens with Kelly and Shannon in a race to be the winner of who gets to a phone box first; Shannon wins and Kelly ends up dead! With Kelly’s body found near the phone box in an isolated village, the police are called and DI Norris and his team set to work to find the murderer. Gradually, with well described police work, the team start to pull together the threads of the mystery with Margaret, the murdered girl’s mother, and Billy Easton, her helpful next-door neighbour being at the centre. But, at this stage, not knowing about the game connection, or the fact that there had been a survivor (Shannon) the trail runs cold. From there on the plot has numerous twists and turns which kept me wanting to read “just another chapter”. Adding to the story line, we also learned a little about some of the other members of DI Norris’s team, particularly the interesting but dysfunctional relationship of Detective Sergeant Lucy Rose with her father. Then, on several occasions, just when I thought I had the solution, that story line took a sharp turn in another direction and I had to think again. Eventually the book comes to an exciting and rather tragic end about which I can say no more without giving away the whole plot. All in all, this was a really enjoyable read, with a most unusual story line, that I thoroughly recommend, and I now want to read more of ex-policeman Charlie Gallagher’s books, starting with The Friend, being the first story featuring DI Norris and the Kent police force. My thanks go to the Avon Division of Harper Collins and NetGalley for providing a copy of The Lethal Game for review.
November 11, 2021
Someone’s playing a board game called “Escape” only with real people as the pieces. Two women kidnapped and then set free to take part in a race for their lives. Their families are threatened so that they don’t inform the police. DI Joel Norris and his DS Lucy Rose have the case ably assisted by their analyst Eileen. Every move the killer makes is linked to the game and when things don’t go to plan with one stage he manages to involve the police in a killing.
Absolutely loved this book. A total page turner from the start with loads of twists and turns - couldn’t put it down.
Thanks to Netgalley, Avon Books and Charlie Gallagher for the ARC of this book in return for an honest review.
Absolutely loved this book. A total page turner from the start with loads of twists and turns - couldn’t put it down.
Thanks to Netgalley, Avon Books and Charlie Gallagher for the ARC of this book in return for an honest review.
September 11, 2021
I’ve only discovered Charlie Gallagher books this year and this one is another page turner.
To have a criminal so twisted to make people play out a survival board game in real life! I had to keep reading to find out what was going to happen next.
Thanks to NetGalley for an advance copy of this book.
I noticed a number of spelling errors but I’m sure these will be corrected before the book is finalised.
To have a criminal so twisted to make people play out a survival board game in real life! I had to keep reading to find out what was going to happen next.
Thanks to NetGalley for an advance copy of this book.
I noticed a number of spelling errors but I’m sure these will be corrected before the book is finalised.
December 30, 2021
Lethal game by Charlie Gallagher.
He knows your name. Where you live. The car you drive. If you don’t play, your family will die. If you lose, you will. When DI Joel Norris and DS Lucy Rose begin investigating the death of a young woman, murdered on a quiet country lane, they can’t imagine what lies ahead.
I really really enjoyed this book. I love Charlie books. Great story plot and characters. 5*.
He knows your name. Where you live. The car you drive. If you don’t play, your family will die. If you lose, you will. When DI Joel Norris and DS Lucy Rose begin investigating the death of a young woman, murdered on a quiet country lane, they can’t imagine what lies ahead.
I really really enjoyed this book. I love Charlie books. Great story plot and characters. 5*.
May 12, 2022
WOW, What another great book by Charlie Gallagher
He Sure knows how to pull you in from the first page. 2nd book in the DI Norris and DS Rose Series.
Enjoyed the first one and was not disappointed reading the 2nd book. My Favourite crime thriller writer he is. Fanastic. Worth so much more than the 5 stars 🌟
Can't wait for his next book to come out.
He Sure knows how to pull you in from the first page. 2nd book in the DI Norris and DS Rose Series.
Enjoyed the first one and was not disappointed reading the 2nd book. My Favourite crime thriller writer he is. Fanastic. Worth so much more than the 5 stars 🌟
Can't wait for his next book to come out.
November 20, 2021
Yes Charlie! 🙌🏻 smashed it again!! I did not see some of the twists coming in this book and was gripped the whole time…. Joel’s determination is inspiring!! 😍 x
November 24, 2021
Thank you to @Gloriouscharlie and @AvonBooksUK for this advanced copy of Lethal Game in return for an honest review.
Description 🔖
DI Joel Norris and DS Lucy Rose are assigned to investigate the murder of a young woman. She has been found in a phone box on a quiet country road. DI Norris and DS Rose aren’t in the least bit prepared for what is to follow.
This killer has decided to play a game of strategy and escape with real people, putting lives at stake. He has made the rules and has already decided how the game should end. He is now using DI Norris and DS Rose as pawns in his twisted game. Can they beat this killer and save the people chosen for the next round before more innocent lives are taken?
General Thoughts 🤔
I had no idea what this book was going to be about before I started reading it, I just knew that I would likely enjoy it given the fantastic reviews and publicity it was receiving. I was not wrong. This was such a good read and I was hooked from the very first page. I was awfully confused when I read the first couple of chapters and there is nothing that I like more than when a book catches me off guard and makes me work right from the get go.
I’ve done it before and I will no doubt do it again; I read this book not knowing that it was the second in a series. I am a nightmare for doing this. I appreciate a lot of people wouldn’t be bothered, but I love a good series and I like to follow the characters from the start. However it cannot be helped and I only have myself to blame. The good news is that Lethal Game can definitely be read standalone without any confusion and after having read it, I definitely want to go back and read the first.
Characters 👭👬👫
The two investigators; DI Norris and DS Rose were the main characters in the book and it was obvious to me that they had some kind of relationship problem during the first book. However I felt like I jumped in at a point where the two were trying to learn to work together successfully. It was a really interesting dynamic between the two of them.
I really liked DS Rose. She was strong minded to the point of being a little stubborn but determined to do her job and do it well. She had her own personal problems but I got the impression that she was keen to draw a very clear line between that and her work. I did like DI Norris too, however I wanted him to learn how to share the workload a little more and realise that he didn’t have to carry the whole investigation on his own shoulders.
Writing Style ✍️
I was a little blown away by the way this story was crafted and put together. Just when I thought I had it all sussed out and thought I’d be waiting for it to unravel, a curveball would fly in from nowhere and destroy everything that I thought to be true. I quickly learnt that this writer was not going to allow me to feel complacent and settled in for the rollercoaster.
With a storyline with as many twists and turns as this one, I was happy that the structure of the book was linear and simple to follow. The story was split into days and I loved that they weren’t short. Every time a new day started I was reminded of how much had happened within the previous day and how fast this case was moving.
Conclusion & Scoring 🎖️
After a short reading hiatus, Lethal Game was the perfect way to throw myself back into books. It had everything that I love about a thriller and kept me racing through each page looking for answers. I will definitely be going back to read the first book in this DI Joel Norris series in anticipation of a third being in the pipeline. I highly recommend this book and the good thing is, I’m late reviewing so you can already buy it for yourself!
Description 🔖
DI Joel Norris and DS Lucy Rose are assigned to investigate the murder of a young woman. She has been found in a phone box on a quiet country road. DI Norris and DS Rose aren’t in the least bit prepared for what is to follow.
This killer has decided to play a game of strategy and escape with real people, putting lives at stake. He has made the rules and has already decided how the game should end. He is now using DI Norris and DS Rose as pawns in his twisted game. Can they beat this killer and save the people chosen for the next round before more innocent lives are taken?
General Thoughts 🤔
I had no idea what this book was going to be about before I started reading it, I just knew that I would likely enjoy it given the fantastic reviews and publicity it was receiving. I was not wrong. This was such a good read and I was hooked from the very first page. I was awfully confused when I read the first couple of chapters and there is nothing that I like more than when a book catches me off guard and makes me work right from the get go.
I’ve done it before and I will no doubt do it again; I read this book not knowing that it was the second in a series. I am a nightmare for doing this. I appreciate a lot of people wouldn’t be bothered, but I love a good series and I like to follow the characters from the start. However it cannot be helped and I only have myself to blame. The good news is that Lethal Game can definitely be read standalone without any confusion and after having read it, I definitely want to go back and read the first.
Characters 👭👬👫
The two investigators; DI Norris and DS Rose were the main characters in the book and it was obvious to me that they had some kind of relationship problem during the first book. However I felt like I jumped in at a point where the two were trying to learn to work together successfully. It was a really interesting dynamic between the two of them.
I really liked DS Rose. She was strong minded to the point of being a little stubborn but determined to do her job and do it well. She had her own personal problems but I got the impression that she was keen to draw a very clear line between that and her work. I did like DI Norris too, however I wanted him to learn how to share the workload a little more and realise that he didn’t have to carry the whole investigation on his own shoulders.
Writing Style ✍️
I was a little blown away by the way this story was crafted and put together. Just when I thought I had it all sussed out and thought I’d be waiting for it to unravel, a curveball would fly in from nowhere and destroy everything that I thought to be true. I quickly learnt that this writer was not going to allow me to feel complacent and settled in for the rollercoaster.
With a storyline with as many twists and turns as this one, I was happy that the structure of the book was linear and simple to follow. The story was split into days and I loved that they weren’t short. Every time a new day started I was reminded of how much had happened within the previous day and how fast this case was moving.
Conclusion & Scoring 🎖️
After a short reading hiatus, Lethal Game was the perfect way to throw myself back into books. It had everything that I love about a thriller and kept me racing through each page looking for answers. I will definitely be going back to read the first book in this DI Joel Norris series in anticipation of a third being in the pipeline. I highly recommend this book and the good thing is, I’m late reviewing so you can already buy it for yourself!
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