A seemingly random killing of an off-duty FBI agent sets off a chain of events that no one could have foreseen, especially FBI Special Agent Jessica (‘JJ’) Jansen. What everyone assumed was an open and shut case soon becomes anything but. Suspecting that the assailant was likely responsible for other killings, she looks to her superiors to create a task force to dig into the ever-widening scope in the case. After her request is denied, she enlists the help of a local investigative reporter, Kristyn Reynolds to divide and conquer. What they uncover is shocking and beyond anything they could have a group of assassins that developed and use an Artificial Intelligence-based application on the Dark Web to choose the dates, locations, target personas, and weapon of choice for killing random people. And, in a sick twist, they find that this conspiracy involves more than just the group of assassins, but also thousands of online bettors that wager huge sums of money on the outcome of each 'game'.A tight, fast-paced page-turner, The Murder Game will keep you on the edge of your seat!
Mr. Hudson knows how to write a thriller. There wasn’t too much setting description, just enough to visualize where it took place. The characters are developed enough to be able to tell them apart. The pacing was spot on, with enough of a roller coaster ride that you were holding your breath until the next curve ball. And speaking of curve balls, they were plentiful. The only reason I gave it a 4 instead of a 5 was I felt the dialogue, even though powerful, seemed a bit similar for all the characters. Granted the cast was all type-a, but it seemed to me like they all thought the same way, good guys and bad, and it showed in the dialogue.
Review: 🩸🩸🩸🩸(4/5) The Murder Game By: Sonny Hudson
Filled with vivid descriptions of scenes along with sound character building, The Murder Game, has all of the elements one would anticipate finding as this gripping mystery/thriller unfolds.
Right out of the gate, readers are lead through both the murder of an off duty FBI agent who’s honestly frazzled, tired and just trying to catch his flight home & the seemingly sketchy murderer. I was intrigued by the fallen agent’s character, and wished he had lingered for longer. There’s a slow burn that follows the exhilarating airport scene that draws you in at very beginning of the book….which typically causes me to put a book down unless I can quickly figure out if it’s a matter of writing style or with intent. It’s with intent in The Murder Game. There are quite a few references to real life occurances that almost make you feel as if you’re reading a true crime book. I feel that any book that feels, ‘real,’ is a worthy read.
✅ Suspense filled ✅ the dark web ✅ unpredictable storyline ✅ strong female lead character
Give Sonny a follow, seek out his book and let him know what you think!!!
JJ is an FBI agent in name only according the FBI. She is not given the lead on any cases because her fellow agent and her superiors have no confidence in her. When a crime is committed against AN FBI. agent. JJ is the only available agent and is instructed to do the bare minimum of investigating no more. However JJ sees this as a way of proving herself and that her questionable behavior is in the past. She has every road block thrown at her but successfully climbs over each one to solve a series of horrific murders that is really an online “Murder Game”. I will say that the reason I read this books was because my cousin used to work with the author and my cousin’s name is mentioned in the book, but I was pleasantly surprised at how much I liked this book. This is book 1 of a trilogy and I will read the others books. Well done!
This is a fast-paced, thriller that you won't want to put down! Sonny once again creates a storyline that is aligned with the times - this time the digital, artificial intelligence era we live in. His characters are well-developed and relatable, and they each have a distinct personality of their own. While the Murder Game is scarily plausible, you can't put it down - the story and Sonny's masterful writing style create intrigue and anticipation of what will come next! Must read this holiday season!
A new author, since this is only his second book, and one with great potential. His tech background was subtly woven into the story without overwhelming the reader. In fact, I learned a few things. It was a good story. I hope he gets better editors/proofreaders, though. At least twice he gave the time (am/pm) and immediately said “in the morning/in the evening”, a glaring redundancy. And a typo with two semicolons instead of the lower case letter “l”. Minor stuff to be sure, but distracting to an admitted OCD reader.