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Detective Mackenzie Price #4
The Taken Ones: A totally gripping crime and mystery thriller
As the doors of the elevator were forced open, Mack’s worst fears were confirmed. A delicate hand dangled at the top, peeking out from above the elevator. From the shape and size and the green color on the nails, the hand belonged to a woman. Had they found Mia?
Lakemore, Washington . When Mia Gallagher is reported missing after an apparent abduction, Detective Mackenzie Price is immediately called in to investigate. But as she begins to scour CCTV footage of her last known movements, Mia’s body is discovered in an elevator shaft.
DNA evidence points to a troubled local man from the wrong side of town. But before he can be questioned, his body is found alongside a suicide note with the I killed her. I didn’t want to. But I had no choice.
The case appears closed until another woman goes missing and 48 hours later is found dead. The only link between the victims is a connection to Baron Wildman, one of the most powerful men in Lakemore but there is no hard evidence connecting him to their deaths.
When a local man confesses to the second killing, his M.O. is eerily similar to the kill or be killed. Then a third woman disappears and Mack knows she has just forty-eight hours to discover who lies at the heart of the blackmailing ring and find her victim alive.
Soon it becomes clear that this twisted killer will go to any lengths to protect a decades-old secret and wreak their revenge, even if that means hurting those closest to Mack. Can she unravel who lies at the heart of this deadly game before she loses another person she loves?
A pulse-pounding thriller packed with twists, The Dying Game will have you reading late into the night. Perfect for fans of Lisa Regan, Karin Slaughter and Robert Dugoni.
What readers are saying about The Dying Game :
“ I read late into the night to find out whodunit, and was totally surprised when all was revealed… An excellent , fast paced, first class read .” NetGalley reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“The best Mackenzie Price so far … Suspects are everywhere, so many twists and turns . Just when you think you know who the killer is, something happens to throw you off course. A real edge of your seat ride .” Jo Lambert Books , ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“ Unputdownable … I was literally hooked … I felt like I was going in a roller coaster ride while reading this book!” Tropical Girl Reads Books , ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“ I was completely sucked in! These characters have me invested… the conclusion is jaw dropping … This series just keeps getting better!” NetGalley reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Readers love the Mackenzie Price
“ Wow, wow just WOW!!! … Had me hook, line and sinker from the start and kept me on the edge of my seat as well as up at night … Completely left me speechless and sitting there with my mouth hanging open … Cliffhanger much!!! ” Bookworm 86
“ Started with a bang, ended with a bang! … Loved it! … Kept me captivated from page one… I wasn’t able to put down the book . I just yearned for more and more. Sadly, even this book had to end, but kaboom, what an ending! ” Tove Reads , ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“ A rollercoaster of emotions, a thrilling and gripping story that kept me on the edge … Heartbreaking at times but always highly entertaining .” Scrapping & Playing , ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“ I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough , loaded with suspense, fast paced, full of mystery and nail-biting action this novel will keep you deeply engrossed all the way through … Loved it—5 big stars from me .” NetGalley reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Lakemore, Washington . When Mia Gallagher is reported missing after an apparent abduction, Detective Mackenzie Price is immediately called in to investigate. But as she begins to scour CCTV footage of her last known movements, Mia’s body is discovered in an elevator shaft.
DNA evidence points to a troubled local man from the wrong side of town. But before he can be questioned, his body is found alongside a suicide note with the I killed her. I didn’t want to. But I had no choice.
The case appears closed until another woman goes missing and 48 hours later is found dead. The only link between the victims is a connection to Baron Wildman, one of the most powerful men in Lakemore but there is no hard evidence connecting him to their deaths.
When a local man confesses to the second killing, his M.O. is eerily similar to the kill or be killed. Then a third woman disappears and Mack knows she has just forty-eight hours to discover who lies at the heart of the blackmailing ring and find her victim alive.
Soon it becomes clear that this twisted killer will go to any lengths to protect a decades-old secret and wreak their revenge, even if that means hurting those closest to Mack. Can she unravel who lies at the heart of this deadly game before she loses another person she loves?
A pulse-pounding thriller packed with twists, The Dying Game will have you reading late into the night. Perfect for fans of Lisa Regan, Karin Slaughter and Robert Dugoni.
What readers are saying about The Dying Game :
“ I read late into the night to find out whodunit, and was totally surprised when all was revealed… An excellent , fast paced, first class read .” NetGalley reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“The best Mackenzie Price so far … Suspects are everywhere, so many twists and turns . Just when you think you know who the killer is, something happens to throw you off course. A real edge of your seat ride .” Jo Lambert Books , ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“ Unputdownable … I was literally hooked … I felt like I was going in a roller coaster ride while reading this book!” Tropical Girl Reads Books , ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“ I was completely sucked in! These characters have me invested… the conclusion is jaw dropping … This series just keeps getting better!” NetGalley reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Readers love the Mackenzie Price
“ Wow, wow just WOW!!! … Had me hook, line and sinker from the start and kept me on the edge of my seat as well as up at night … Completely left me speechless and sitting there with my mouth hanging open … Cliffhanger much!!! ” Bookworm 86
“ Started with a bang, ended with a bang! … Loved it! … Kept me captivated from page one… I wasn’t able to put down the book . I just yearned for more and more. Sadly, even this book had to end, but kaboom, what an ending! ” Tove Reads , ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“ A rollercoaster of emotions, a thrilling and gripping story that kept me on the edge … Heartbreaking at times but always highly entertaining .” Scrapping & Playing , ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“ I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough , loaded with suspense, fast paced, full of mystery and nail-biting action this novel will keep you deeply engrossed all the way through … Loved it—5 big stars from me .” NetGalley reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
366 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2022
529 people are currently reading
271 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
January 16, 2022
When a young model's body by the name of Mia Gallagher was found in an elevator shaft, it was the beginning of a horrific case for Detective Mackenzie Price and her partner Detective Nick Blackwood of the Lakemore Police Department. The discovery of the body of a man by suicide, with a note confessing to Mia’s killing should have been the end to the case. But another woman went missing and the note in the red envelope was chilling. “Let’s play a game…” was how it started, and Mack and Nick knew their time was limited.
With the knowledge that another woman had been abducted and was missing, Mack and Nick were frantic. Their inquiries and investigations were leading to blackmail and ‘passing the buck’. Someone else was to do the murder or one of their loved ones would die. As they got closer to their goal, Mack and Nick wondered what would happen next. And finally, when they thought things were almost tied up, a little girl went missing…
The Dying Game is the 4th in the Detective Mackenzie Price series by Ruhi Choudhary and it was excellent. Gripping, intense, fast paced and breathtaking! Nick and Mack are a great team and work well together. The Lakemore PD function well as a team and with the twists and turns in this one, it’s a wonder anyone figured it out! I did work out the perpetrator about ¾ of the way through, but that didn’t take from my enjoyment of The Dying Game. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
With the knowledge that another woman had been abducted and was missing, Mack and Nick were frantic. Their inquiries and investigations were leading to blackmail and ‘passing the buck’. Someone else was to do the murder or one of their loved ones would die. As they got closer to their goal, Mack and Nick wondered what would happen next. And finally, when they thought things were almost tied up, a little girl went missing…
The Dying Game is the 4th in the Detective Mackenzie Price series by Ruhi Choudhary and it was excellent. Gripping, intense, fast paced and breathtaking! Nick and Mack are a great team and work well together. The Lakemore PD function well as a team and with the twists and turns in this one, it’s a wonder anyone figured it out! I did work out the perpetrator about ¾ of the way through, but that didn’t take from my enjoyment of The Dying Game. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
December 21, 2021
This was one of the very first series Bookouture publishes that sucked me into the world of crime by great authors. Mac is a hard nut but she keeps rolling, despite the knocks. I do wonder if the author will ever allow,her to have a love interest and if so, whom would it be? I know who I want her with. The mystery in the story is a wild goose chase, leading the team to one suspect, coming back to the same family time after time. I really had no idea until almost the very end. I also wonder If the sun ever will shine in Lakemore? Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the advance copy.
December 22, 2021
Another enjoyable read in the Mackenzie Price series. I felt like this book was a bit different from the previous ones due to this one mainly concentrating on police procedural because they have an intense and interesting case to solve. A few young women disappear, and it might have something to do with an old case of a woman disappearing years ago. A rich and influential family seems to be heavily involved, and it does not help that Nick is close to the family.
This time it was less about Mackenzie growing, more about her realizing how alone she is, and her pondering about life through those goggles. The case takes up almost all the space in the book because it is a complex one. I enjoyed the case and learning more about the townspeople. I can fully understand the way the culprit feels, although the execution of the culprit's deeds should naturally have been different.
If you like reading about strong, flawed, and interesting characters as well as police procedural this book, and the whole series for that matter, is highly recommended!
This time it was less about Mackenzie growing, more about her realizing how alone she is, and her pondering about life through those goggles. The case takes up almost all the space in the book because it is a complex one. I enjoyed the case and learning more about the townspeople. I can fully understand the way the culprit feels, although the execution of the culprit's deeds should naturally have been different.
If you like reading about strong, flawed, and interesting characters as well as police procedural this book, and the whole series for that matter, is highly recommended!
January 14, 2022
BLOG TOUR REVIEW
Review for 'The Dying Game' by Ruhi Choudhary.
Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Ruhi Choudhary, Bookouture publishers and Bookouture anonymous
Publication date 17th January 2022.
This is the third book I have read by this author and it is the fourth book in the 'Detective Mackenzie Price' series but can be read as a standalone. I have previously read the first book in the series 'Our Daughter's Bones' and the third book 'Little Boy Lost' which I enjoyed and would recommend.
I was originally drawn to this book by its eye catching cover and its intriguing synopsis and title. I am also a fan of Ruhi's and loved 'Our Daughter's Bones' and 'Little Boy Lost and if this is half as good as they are it is sure to be a great read. It also stated in the synopsis that this book is 'Perfect for fans of Lisa Regan, Karin Slaughter and Robert Dugoni.' I am a huge fan of Karin and Lisa so am looking forward to see if it lives up to this. I must admit I was also biased due to the publisher being Bookouture. I have yet to read a book published by Bookouture that I haven't enjoyed. Hopefully this won't be the first... Watch this space! (Written before I started reading the book).
This novel consists of a prologue, 68 chapters and an epilogue. The chapters are short to medium in length so possible to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!
This book is based in Lakemore, USA 🇺🇸.
This book is written in third person perspective with the main protagonist Detective Mackenzie Price. The benefits of third person perspective especially if omniscient are that it let's you see the bigger picture of what's going on and you get to know more characters more, what they are thinking and what they are doing. It feels like you get to see the whole picture and not miss out in anything.
Wow, Wow just WOW!!! Ruhi you have absolutely smashed it yet again!! What another explosive book in an epic series!!!!
The whole thing was brilliantly written and filled with in depth vivid descriptions that put me right next to Mackenzie and I was just completely lost in the story. The title, synopsis and cover represented the storyline perfectly.
This book is the fourth book in the Detective Mackenzie Price series and it can be read as a standalone without any problems. Anything that gets brought up about previous cases is covered in just the right amount of information, not too much to bore readers who already know what happened and just the right amount for new readers.
The description was completely accurate saying it is perfect for fans of Karin Slaughters, Lisa Reagan and Angela Marsons. I would like to add that fans of C. L Taylor and Carol Wyer or any other amazing (and my top) authors will absolutely sink their teeth into this!!
The storyline itself had me hook, line and sinker from the start and kept me on the edge of my seat as well as up at night flipping through the pages that I just couldn't put down. I completely absorbed it in one sitting. Packed with suspense, secrets, crime, lies, secrets, twists, shocks and the BIG BANG at the end. I thought I had my suspicions of who was up to what but I was proven wrong and damn lady I DID NOT EXPECT that nucleur ending!!! Where did that come from!!! Just mega wow!!! Completely left me speechless and sitting there with my mouth hanging open like a dog. One event at the end was absolutely heartbreaking and I was very close to tears but won't say more as not to spoil it for future readers. I could not compliment this book enough, it just had everything!!! Heartbreaking ending.
I absolutely loved meeting all the realistic characters again with all their big personalities, strengths and flaws. First time I "met" them I knew I was going to love the characters from the first page and I was 100% right. I thought Mackenzie was a fantastic, strong female lead, always a bonus having a female lead being one myself!! It was also interesting to see her more raw and vulnerable side in this book, well not interesting but hopefully you know what I mean!! Nice to see a strong protagonist at her worse along as her best. Nick was brilliant, a good friend to Mackenzie and with a kind heart, I would love to see their friendship develop into more as they are so perfect for each other!!! Sully makes me laugh with his new hobby every few hours but it is a nice unique trait about him, he also makes a fantastic boss. I enjoyed seeing more of Austin in this book and I'm looking forward to seeing if things develop between him and Mack. I absolutely love this team and they all worked well with their different personalities. I really cannot wait to read more about them. They were exactly what a good crime book needs, a mix of funny, serious and I just couldn't get enough of them.
Well done Ruhi on another massive success and I hope your busy writing your next book as I for one cannot wait. If not your book then I really hope your getting a movie produced of this fantastic series. People will love Mackenzie and Nick!!
Overall if you are looking for a heart racing, page turning psychological crime that will leave you shocked and demanding more this is the book for you.
Genres covered in this book include Mystery, Thriller, Crime fiction, psychological thriller, and Police procedural. amongst others.
I would recommend this book to the fans of the above as well as fans of Angela Marsons, Carol Wyer, C. L Taylor, Karin Slaughter, Lisa Reagan, anyone who has read any of Ruhi's previous books in this series and well jist anyone who is looking for an epic read!!!
382 pages.
This book is just £1.99 to purchase on kindle via Amazon which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!
Rated 5 /5 (I LOVED it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.
Feel free to add me on Goodreads or follow me on my website or Facebook for more reviews
#TheDyingGame #Bookouture #RuhiChoudhary #NetGalley #BookReview #BlogTour #BooksOnTour
@RuhiChoudhary @Bookouture @Bookworm1986 @bookworm86
https://kcmw86.wixsite.com/bookworm86
https://m.facebook.com/Bookworm1986/?...
https://m.facebook.com/Bookwork86/?__...
Review for 'The Dying Game' by Ruhi Choudhary.
Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Ruhi Choudhary, Bookouture publishers and Bookouture anonymous
Publication date 17th January 2022.
This is the third book I have read by this author and it is the fourth book in the 'Detective Mackenzie Price' series but can be read as a standalone. I have previously read the first book in the series 'Our Daughter's Bones' and the third book 'Little Boy Lost' which I enjoyed and would recommend.
I was originally drawn to this book by its eye catching cover and its intriguing synopsis and title. I am also a fan of Ruhi's and loved 'Our Daughter's Bones' and 'Little Boy Lost and if this is half as good as they are it is sure to be a great read. It also stated in the synopsis that this book is 'Perfect for fans of Lisa Regan, Karin Slaughter and Robert Dugoni.' I am a huge fan of Karin and Lisa so am looking forward to see if it lives up to this. I must admit I was also biased due to the publisher being Bookouture. I have yet to read a book published by Bookouture that I haven't enjoyed. Hopefully this won't be the first... Watch this space! (Written before I started reading the book).
This novel consists of a prologue, 68 chapters and an epilogue. The chapters are short to medium in length so possible to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!
This book is based in Lakemore, USA 🇺🇸.
This book is written in third person perspective with the main protagonist Detective Mackenzie Price. The benefits of third person perspective especially if omniscient are that it let's you see the bigger picture of what's going on and you get to know more characters more, what they are thinking and what they are doing. It feels like you get to see the whole picture and not miss out in anything.
Wow, Wow just WOW!!! Ruhi you have absolutely smashed it yet again!! What another explosive book in an epic series!!!!
The whole thing was brilliantly written and filled with in depth vivid descriptions that put me right next to Mackenzie and I was just completely lost in the story. The title, synopsis and cover represented the storyline perfectly.
This book is the fourth book in the Detective Mackenzie Price series and it can be read as a standalone without any problems. Anything that gets brought up about previous cases is covered in just the right amount of information, not too much to bore readers who already know what happened and just the right amount for new readers.
The description was completely accurate saying it is perfect for fans of Karin Slaughters, Lisa Reagan and Angela Marsons. I would like to add that fans of C. L Taylor and Carol Wyer or any other amazing (and my top) authors will absolutely sink their teeth into this!!
The storyline itself had me hook, line and sinker from the start and kept me on the edge of my seat as well as up at night flipping through the pages that I just couldn't put down. I completely absorbed it in one sitting. Packed with suspense, secrets, crime, lies, secrets, twists, shocks and the BIG BANG at the end. I thought I had my suspicions of who was up to what but I was proven wrong and damn lady I DID NOT EXPECT that nucleur ending!!! Where did that come from!!! Just mega wow!!! Completely left me speechless and sitting there with my mouth hanging open like a dog. One event at the end was absolutely heartbreaking and I was very close to tears but won't say more as not to spoil it for future readers. I could not compliment this book enough, it just had everything!!! Heartbreaking ending.
I absolutely loved meeting all the realistic characters again with all their big personalities, strengths and flaws. First time I "met" them I knew I was going to love the characters from the first page and I was 100% right. I thought Mackenzie was a fantastic, strong female lead, always a bonus having a female lead being one myself!! It was also interesting to see her more raw and vulnerable side in this book, well not interesting but hopefully you know what I mean!! Nice to see a strong protagonist at her worse along as her best. Nick was brilliant, a good friend to Mackenzie and with a kind heart, I would love to see their friendship develop into more as they are so perfect for each other!!! Sully makes me laugh with his new hobby every few hours but it is a nice unique trait about him, he also makes a fantastic boss. I enjoyed seeing more of Austin in this book and I'm looking forward to seeing if things develop between him and Mack. I absolutely love this team and they all worked well with their different personalities. I really cannot wait to read more about them. They were exactly what a good crime book needs, a mix of funny, serious and I just couldn't get enough of them.
Well done Ruhi on another massive success and I hope your busy writing your next book as I for one cannot wait. If not your book then I really hope your getting a movie produced of this fantastic series. People will love Mackenzie and Nick!!
Overall if you are looking for a heart racing, page turning psychological crime that will leave you shocked and demanding more this is the book for you.
Genres covered in this book include Mystery, Thriller, Crime fiction, psychological thriller, and Police procedural. amongst others.
I would recommend this book to the fans of the above as well as fans of Angela Marsons, Carol Wyer, C. L Taylor, Karin Slaughter, Lisa Reagan, anyone who has read any of Ruhi's previous books in this series and well jist anyone who is looking for an epic read!!!
382 pages.
This book is just £1.99 to purchase on kindle via Amazon which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!
Rated 5 /5 (I LOVED it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.
Feel free to add me on Goodreads or follow me on my website or Facebook for more reviews
#TheDyingGame #Bookouture #RuhiChoudhary #NetGalley #BookReview #BlogTour #BooksOnTour
@RuhiChoudhary @Bookouture @Bookworm1986 @bookworm86
https://kcmw86.wixsite.com/bookworm86
https://m.facebook.com/Bookworm1986/?...
https://m.facebook.com/Bookwork86/?__...
April 21, 2022
The Taken Ones is the fourth entry in the Detective Mackenzie Price series. Each book in the series can be read as a standalone as the crime being investigated is self-contained, but there is personal growth, development and stories that continue in each book. The series is set in Lakmore, Washington, a town that is struggling. With corruption and the major employer gone (story told in Our Daughter's Bones) Mack is warned not to ruffle feathers of the wealthy business people still interested in investing. When Mia Gallagher is reported missing after an apparent abduction, then a second woman who has ties to Baron Wildman, one of the most powerful men in Lakemore, she has no choice but to start asking difficult questions. This is a twisted case, that Mack and Nick have to wade through evidence and clues that seem not to be connected, but never underestimate that gut feeling.
Once again, Mack and Nick are dealing with a very complicated case. In apparently unconnected cases, they are able to find evidence that connects both of the abducted women who were later found dead. Nick and Mack are a great team and work well together. The Lakemore PD function well as a team, especially the homicide division. There are bits and pieces of personal stories that allow the reader to get to know the characters better. There are a lot of twists and turns in this one that had me suspecting different characters throughout. The actual culprit was on my radar, that didn’t take from my enjoyment of The Dying Game. Once again, Ruhi Choudhary came up with and intricate plot with a devilish crime, that was solved with interesting clues, pieces of evidence and excellent investigating skills. There was some chilling action near the end, but all ends well. If you enjoy books with strong, flawed, and interesting characters as well as a well plotted police procedural, then this book, and series is highly recommended!
Once again, Mack and Nick are dealing with a very complicated case. In apparently unconnected cases, they are able to find evidence that connects both of the abducted women who were later found dead. Nick and Mack are a great team and work well together. The Lakemore PD function well as a team, especially the homicide division. There are bits and pieces of personal stories that allow the reader to get to know the characters better. There are a lot of twists and turns in this one that had me suspecting different characters throughout. The actual culprit was on my radar, that didn’t take from my enjoyment of The Dying Game. Once again, Ruhi Choudhary came up with and intricate plot with a devilish crime, that was solved with interesting clues, pieces of evidence and excellent investigating skills. There was some chilling action near the end, but all ends well. If you enjoy books with strong, flawed, and interesting characters as well as a well plotted police procedural, then this book, and series is highly recommended!
January 23, 2022
The dying game by Ruhi Choudhary is again another story with a strong plot and a nail biting finish where I was left guessing the culprit till the last page.
Detective Mackenzie and Nick are called in to investigate a case of a dis appearance and murder of a young lady whose murderer confesses in a few days through his suicide note. Another similar instance make them look closely at the case and through all of this case Mackenzie herself is going through her own inner struggles due to her past. When the murders get linked to an important businessman in town it requires great patience and tact to solve this case
I have followed this series right from the first book and have loved Detective Mackenzie and Her partner Nick. With each case I grow to like her more and also see the evolution of her as a person. Her work ethic persistence and her heart are all well depicted. The plot of the case runs in parallel and I like it how the author seamlessly takes both tracks together.
If you love stories with nail biting ends, detectives with a heart and obsession to solve the cases very diligently then you would love this one.
Detective Mackenzie and Nick are called in to investigate a case of a dis appearance and murder of a young lady whose murderer confesses in a few days through his suicide note. Another similar instance make them look closely at the case and through all of this case Mackenzie herself is going through her own inner struggles due to her past. When the murders get linked to an important businessman in town it requires great patience and tact to solve this case
I have followed this series right from the first book and have loved Detective Mackenzie and Her partner Nick. With each case I grow to like her more and also see the evolution of her as a person. Her work ethic persistence and her heart are all well depicted. The plot of the case runs in parallel and I like it how the author seamlessly takes both tracks together.
If you love stories with nail biting ends, detectives with a heart and obsession to solve the cases very diligently then you would love this one.
March 8, 2022
I am a big fan of this series. Detective MacKenzie Price is a total bada$$. And I love her partner Nick too. I’m curious to see what direction this author takes the series. I loved how Mad Mack saved Luna! Now I bet she is going to figure out what happened to Sophie.
January 18, 2022
Mia is kidnapped without a trace. Mack and Nick find a few details - before they can put it together, Mia is found dead. A few days later, an unemployed account is found dead in his apartment- with a suicide note confessing to Mia's murder.
Another woman goes missing.
Mack and Nick desperate for any connection, find themselves looking into a wealthy family with so many secrets to protect.
Humor. Suspense. Likeable characters. Highly recommend.
Another woman goes missing.
Mack and Nick desperate for any connection, find themselves looking into a wealthy family with so many secrets to protect.
Humor. Suspense. Likeable characters. Highly recommend.
January 17, 2022
The Dying Game by Ruhi Choudhary is the fourth in the Detective MacKenzie Price series of police procedurals. MacKenzie is a highly damaged person but an excellent detective. She has had run-ins with top brass before but had always come out on top. Her long-time partner is Nick Blackwood. They had been called to a crime scene in a local apartment house. It looked for all purposes a murder scene except that there was no body. It was the home of a model, Mia Gallagher, strange in itself for their small town: a model. Things ramped up. 48 hours later they had a lead: the man Mia had had dinner with the night of the crime, Wren Murray. Later, Mia's body was found in an elevator shaft in a partially constructed building. It had been there for several days and had had taken a lot of abuse from the elevator being used. Things got really interesting when they were called to a suicide. There was a note admitting to his guilt in killing Mia Gallagher. It made no sense. How had these two people even come in contact? Things got more and more confusing the more they investigated. Wren Murray's name kept turning up.
Mad Mack, as she was called, had a lot of baggage: a dysfunctional childhood and a divorce from a husband who cheated on her. She had Nick, though, her friend and partner, who had never been married but was the father to an adorable nine-year-old daughter named Luna. He was after her to start dating again, and she gave it a couple of tries, both disasters. The clues led to a well-known local family, very wealthy and very important to the success of the town. She, of all people, was not politically correct, and investigated where the information led her, politics aside. Those higher up were not happy. This was a complicated mystery, full of twists and turns, and pretty original story-telling. I have not run into a plot like this before and I loved it. This murderer was ruthless and focused, not to mention, clever. A totally enjoyable mystery with interesting characters, even the ones on the periphery. Can't wait for the next one.
I was invited to read a free e-ARC of The Dying Game by Bookoutre, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. #netgalley #bookoutre #ruhichoudhary #thedyinggame
Mad Mack, as she was called, had a lot of baggage: a dysfunctional childhood and a divorce from a husband who cheated on her. She had Nick, though, her friend and partner, who had never been married but was the father to an adorable nine-year-old daughter named Luna. He was after her to start dating again, and she gave it a couple of tries, both disasters. The clues led to a well-known local family, very wealthy and very important to the success of the town. She, of all people, was not politically correct, and investigated where the information led her, politics aside. Those higher up were not happy. This was a complicated mystery, full of twists and turns, and pretty original story-telling. I have not run into a plot like this before and I loved it. This murderer was ruthless and focused, not to mention, clever. A totally enjoyable mystery with interesting characters, even the ones on the periphery. Can't wait for the next one.
I was invited to read a free e-ARC of The Dying Game by Bookoutre, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. #netgalley #bookoutre #ruhichoudhary #thedyinggame
January 10, 2022
I would like to thank Netgalley and Bookouture for an advance copy of The Dying Game, the fourth novel to feature Detective Mackenzie Price set in the fictional Washington town of Lakemore.
When Mia Gallagher goes missing Mack and her partner Detective Nick Price are assigned the case. Soon it turns into a quickly solved homicide when her body is found and a man hangs himself leaving a note confessing to the murder. When more women go missing all clues lead to the old money Wildman family and a twenty year old disappearance, only Mack thinks there is more to it.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Dying Game, which has an entertaining plot and plenty of twists. It should be noted that the author trades off entertainment for realism, but depending on taste this can be a good thing and I think it works well.
The novel is told from Mack’s point of view, so it’s quickly immersive. It is easy to get invested in her point of view and the non stop action of multiple crimes holds the attention firmly. I read it in one sitting, eager to know what was coming next. It is astonishing the amount of crime in the town of Lakemore, but this offering takes the biscuit for audacity and cleverness in the face of a standard motive, although the motive is not apparent until the denouement. In the meantime the narrative moves along at a jaw dropping pace with enough surprises to drop the jaw further.
It’s not all action, however, as Mack is obviously having a mental health episode with a sense of emptiness and frequent flashbacks to her time with her mother. I’m familiar with her backstory, that I heartily wish she’d turn the page on, but I’m not so sure it would be clear to a new reader and so I recommend reading the series in order.
The Dying Game is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending.
When Mia Gallagher goes missing Mack and her partner Detective Nick Price are assigned the case. Soon it turns into a quickly solved homicide when her body is found and a man hangs himself leaving a note confessing to the murder. When more women go missing all clues lead to the old money Wildman family and a twenty year old disappearance, only Mack thinks there is more to it.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Dying Game, which has an entertaining plot and plenty of twists. It should be noted that the author trades off entertainment for realism, but depending on taste this can be a good thing and I think it works well.
The novel is told from Mack’s point of view, so it’s quickly immersive. It is easy to get invested in her point of view and the non stop action of multiple crimes holds the attention firmly. I read it in one sitting, eager to know what was coming next. It is astonishing the amount of crime in the town of Lakemore, but this offering takes the biscuit for audacity and cleverness in the face of a standard motive, although the motive is not apparent until the denouement. In the meantime the narrative moves along at a jaw dropping pace with enough surprises to drop the jaw further.
It’s not all action, however, as Mack is obviously having a mental health episode with a sense of emptiness and frequent flashbacks to her time with her mother. I’m familiar with her backstory, that I heartily wish she’d turn the page on, but I’m not so sure it would be clear to a new reader and so I recommend reading the series in order.
The Dying Game is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending.
January 18, 2022
The Dying Game by Ruhi Choudharru.
(Detective Mackenzie Price Book 4)
As the doors of the elevator were forced open, Mack’s worst fears were confirmed. A delicate hand dangled at the top, peeking out from above the elevator. From the shape and size and the green color on the nails, the hand belonged to a woman. Had they found Mia? Lakemore, Washington. When Mia Gallagher is reported missing after an apparent abduction, Detective Mackenzie Price is immediately called in to investigate. But as she begins to scour CCTV footage of her last known movements, Mia’s body is discovered in an elevator shaft. DNA evidence points to a troubled local man from the wrong side of town. But before he can be questioned, his body is found alongside a suicide note with the words: I killed her. I didn’t want to. But I had no choice. The case appears closed until another woman goes missing and 48 hours later is found dead. The only link between the victims is a connection to Baron Wildman, one of the most powerful men in Lakemore but there is no hard evidence connecting him to their deaths. When a local man confesses to the second killing, his M.O. is eerily similar to the first: kill or be killed. Then a third woman disappears and Mack knows she has just forty-eight hours to discover who lies at the heart of the blackmailing ring and find her victim alive. Soon it becomes clear that this twisted killer will go to any lengths to protect a decades-old secret and wreak their revenge, even if that means hurting those closest to Mack. Can she unravel who lies at the heart of this deadly game before she loses another person she loves?
A very good read with good characters. I did like MacKenzie. 4*.
(Detective Mackenzie Price Book 4)
As the doors of the elevator were forced open, Mack’s worst fears were confirmed. A delicate hand dangled at the top, peeking out from above the elevator. From the shape and size and the green color on the nails, the hand belonged to a woman. Had they found Mia? Lakemore, Washington. When Mia Gallagher is reported missing after an apparent abduction, Detective Mackenzie Price is immediately called in to investigate. But as she begins to scour CCTV footage of her last known movements, Mia’s body is discovered in an elevator shaft. DNA evidence points to a troubled local man from the wrong side of town. But before he can be questioned, his body is found alongside a suicide note with the words: I killed her. I didn’t want to. But I had no choice. The case appears closed until another woman goes missing and 48 hours later is found dead. The only link between the victims is a connection to Baron Wildman, one of the most powerful men in Lakemore but there is no hard evidence connecting him to their deaths. When a local man confesses to the second killing, his M.O. is eerily similar to the first: kill or be killed. Then a third woman disappears and Mack knows she has just forty-eight hours to discover who lies at the heart of the blackmailing ring and find her victim alive. Soon it becomes clear that this twisted killer will go to any lengths to protect a decades-old secret and wreak their revenge, even if that means hurting those closest to Mack. Can she unravel who lies at the heart of this deadly game before she loses another person she loves?
A very good read with good characters. I did like MacKenzie. 4*.
January 18, 2022
The Dying Game by Ruhi Choudharru.
(Detective Mackenzie Price Book 4)
As the doors of the elevator were forced open, Mack’s worst fears were confirmed. A delicate hand dangled at the top, peeking out from above the elevator. From the shape and size and the green color on the nails, the hand belonged to a woman. Had they found Mia? Lakemore, Washington. When Mia Gallagher is reported missing after an apparent abduction, Detective Mackenzie Price is immediately called in to investigate. But as she begins to scour CCTV footage of her last known movements, Mia’s body is discovered in an elevator shaft. DNA evidence points to a troubled local man from the wrong side of town. But before he can be questioned, his body is found alongside a suicide note with the words: I killed her. I didn’t want to. But I had no choice. The case appears closed until another woman goes missing and 48 hours later is found dead. The only link between the victims is a connection to Baron Wildman, one of the most powerful men in Lakemore but there is no hard evidence connecting him to their deaths. When a local man confesses to the second killing, his M.O. is eerily similar to the first: kill or be killed. Then a third woman disappears and Mack knows she has just forty-eight hours to discover who lies at the heart of the blackmailing ring and find her victim alive. Soon it becomes clear that this twisted killer will go to any lengths to protect a decades-old secret and wreak their revenge, even if that means hurting those closest to Mack. Can she unravel who lies at the heart of this deadly game before she loses another person she loves?
A very good read with good characters. I did like MacKenzie. 4*.
(Detective Mackenzie Price Book 4)
As the doors of the elevator were forced open, Mack’s worst fears were confirmed. A delicate hand dangled at the top, peeking out from above the elevator. From the shape and size and the green color on the nails, the hand belonged to a woman. Had they found Mia? Lakemore, Washington. When Mia Gallagher is reported missing after an apparent abduction, Detective Mackenzie Price is immediately called in to investigate. But as she begins to scour CCTV footage of her last known movements, Mia’s body is discovered in an elevator shaft. DNA evidence points to a troubled local man from the wrong side of town. But before he can be questioned, his body is found alongside a suicide note with the words: I killed her. I didn’t want to. But I had no choice. The case appears closed until another woman goes missing and 48 hours later is found dead. The only link between the victims is a connection to Baron Wildman, one of the most powerful men in Lakemore but there is no hard evidence connecting him to their deaths. When a local man confesses to the second killing, his M.O. is eerily similar to the first: kill or be killed. Then a third woman disappears and Mack knows she has just forty-eight hours to discover who lies at the heart of the blackmailing ring and find her victim alive. Soon it becomes clear that this twisted killer will go to any lengths to protect a decades-old secret and wreak their revenge, even if that means hurting those closest to Mack. Can she unravel who lies at the heart of this deadly game before she loses another person she loves?
A very good read with good characters. I did like MacKenzie. 4*.
February 4, 2022
This is the 4th book in the Detective Mackenzie Price series and it doesn’t disappoint!
Mackenzie and Nick are called to investigate the disappearance of Mia Gallagher, a young woman from out of town who seemingly has no friends or relatives. When they find her body in a lift shaft after looking through her last movements and on CCTV.
All the evidence points to a loaner for the crime, but later he is found dead having apparently committed suicide and leaves a note saying he didn’t want to kill her but he had no choice.
It’s up to Mackenzie and Nick to find out why he killed Mia.
When another woman goes missing, they quickly work out thar a lawyer of one of the most powerful businessmen in town did it, they discover he was left with no option, he received a red letter telling him if he didn’t do it then his daughters would be killed.
Can Mackenzie and Nick figure out who is behind all this before something happens to someone they are both close to? And can she get them back before it’s too late?
I really enjoyed this one, there are so many twists and you can’t guess who was behind it all, I kept changing my mind constantly, just when you think you worked it out, everything changes!!
A fantastic read, I really enjoyed this book. I read the first 3 before I read this one as I’d not read them before and I have to hand it to Ruhi this series has everting, emotion, darkness, a bit of light hearted banter between Mackenzie and Nick, as well as loads of twists and turns along the way! It was well written, and the plot was easy to follow even though there are lots of different characters.
Thank you for letting me read this - I look forward to the next one!
Mackenzie and Nick are called to investigate the disappearance of Mia Gallagher, a young woman from out of town who seemingly has no friends or relatives. When they find her body in a lift shaft after looking through her last movements and on CCTV.
All the evidence points to a loaner for the crime, but later he is found dead having apparently committed suicide and leaves a note saying he didn’t want to kill her but he had no choice.
It’s up to Mackenzie and Nick to find out why he killed Mia.
When another woman goes missing, they quickly work out thar a lawyer of one of the most powerful businessmen in town did it, they discover he was left with no option, he received a red letter telling him if he didn’t do it then his daughters would be killed.
Can Mackenzie and Nick figure out who is behind all this before something happens to someone they are both close to? And can she get them back before it’s too late?
I really enjoyed this one, there are so many twists and you can’t guess who was behind it all, I kept changing my mind constantly, just when you think you worked it out, everything changes!!
A fantastic read, I really enjoyed this book. I read the first 3 before I read this one as I’d not read them before and I have to hand it to Ruhi this series has everting, emotion, darkness, a bit of light hearted banter between Mackenzie and Nick, as well as loads of twists and turns along the way! It was well written, and the plot was easy to follow even though there are lots of different characters.
Thank you for letting me read this - I look forward to the next one!
July 11, 2025
As the doors of the elevator were forced open, Mack’s worst fears were confirmed. A delicate hand dangled at the top, peeking out from above the elevator. From the shape and size and the green color on the nails, the hand belonged to a woman. Had they found Mia?
Lakemore, Washington. When Mia Gallagher is reported missing after an apparent abduction, Detective Mackenzie Price is immediately called in to investigate. But as she begins to scour CCTV footage of her last known movements, Mia’s body is discovered in an elevator shaft.
DNA evidence points to a troubled local man from the wrong side of town. But before he can be questioned, his body is found alongside a suicide note with the words: I killed her. I didn’t want to. But I had no choice.
The case appears closed until another woman goes missing and 48 hours later is found dead. The only link between the victims is a connection to Baron Wildman, one of the most powerful men in Lakemore but there is no hard evidence connecting him to their deaths.
When a local man confesses to the second killing, his M.O. is eerily similar to the first: kill or be killed. Then a third woman disappears and Mack knows she has just forty-eight hours to discover who lies at the heart of the blackmailing ring and find her victim alive.
Soon it becomes clear that this twisted killer will go to any lengths to protect a decades-old secret and wreak their revenge, even if that means hurting those closest to Mack. Can she unravel who lies at the heart of this deadly game before she loses another person she loves?
A pulse-pounding thriller packed with twists, The Dying Game will have you reading late into the night. Perfect for fans of Lisa Regan, Karin Slaughter and Robert Dugoni.
Lakemore, Washington. When Mia Gallagher is reported missing after an apparent abduction, Detective Mackenzie Price is immediately called in to investigate. But as she begins to scour CCTV footage of her last known movements, Mia’s body is discovered in an elevator shaft.
DNA evidence points to a troubled local man from the wrong side of town. But before he can be questioned, his body is found alongside a suicide note with the words: I killed her. I didn’t want to. But I had no choice.
The case appears closed until another woman goes missing and 48 hours later is found dead. The only link between the victims is a connection to Baron Wildman, one of the most powerful men in Lakemore but there is no hard evidence connecting him to their deaths.
When a local man confesses to the second killing, his M.O. is eerily similar to the first: kill or be killed. Then a third woman disappears and Mack knows she has just forty-eight hours to discover who lies at the heart of the blackmailing ring and find her victim alive.
Soon it becomes clear that this twisted killer will go to any lengths to protect a decades-old secret and wreak their revenge, even if that means hurting those closest to Mack. Can she unravel who lies at the heart of this deadly game before she loses another person she loves?
A pulse-pounding thriller packed with twists, The Dying Game will have you reading late into the night. Perfect for fans of Lisa Regan, Karin Slaughter and Robert Dugoni.
January 2, 2022
Mia Gallagher had a nice life, travelled to exotic places and made sure she documented every trip. Now, however she is missing and from what Detectives Price and Blackwood have found at her apartment it's not looking good. In quick succession Mack and Nick begin investigating her disappearance, have the solution handed to them so they can close Mia's case, and realise nothing is as it seems.
With links to big businesses in Lakemore, Washington and beyond, the case soon becomes a hot topic. Time is against them and they encounter barriers at every turn, the pressure keeps building, and sleep becomes a memory as Mack finds her past in the forefront of her mind whenever she dares drop her guard. Nick, while worrying about his partner, is trying to ignore his own links to the main players and a past he has distanced himself from but, even as they struggle, the investigation takes a devastating turn and both of them realise time is a luxury they no longer have.
This is the fourth in the Mackenzie Price series and definitely the best so far. There is a prologue which serves purely as the hook to draw you in and it works! I read late into the night to find out whodunit, and was totally surprised when all was revealed. The crime itself wasn't totally original but the way it played out was and this was a pleasure to read.
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 an excellent, fast paced, first class read which is highly recommended.
With links to big businesses in Lakemore, Washington and beyond, the case soon becomes a hot topic. Time is against them and they encounter barriers at every turn, the pressure keeps building, and sleep becomes a memory as Mack finds her past in the forefront of her mind whenever she dares drop her guard. Nick, while worrying about his partner, is trying to ignore his own links to the main players and a past he has distanced himself from but, even as they struggle, the investigation takes a devastating turn and both of them realise time is a luxury they no longer have.
This is the fourth in the Mackenzie Price series and definitely the best so far. There is a prologue which serves purely as the hook to draw you in and it works! I read late into the night to find out whodunit, and was totally surprised when all was revealed. The crime itself wasn't totally original but the way it played out was and this was a pleasure to read.
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 an excellent, fast paced, first class read which is highly recommended.
February 26, 2022
Seemingly random women are abducted and murdered in lakemore. Detective Mackenzie Price needs to unearth the connection between the women, determine the motive and catch the killer. Can she find him before the next kidnapped woman is killed...?
The Dying Game is the fourth book to feature Mad Mack, a sparky detective with a traumatic past. I have reviewed the previous books in the series: Hidden Lake, Their Frozen Graves, and Little Boy Lost.
Mack's personal life takes a back seat in this latest book, although she is suffering from flashbacks. The focus is therefore very much on the case which has so many twists and turns as multiple women are abducted and then found dead. The murders and body disposal are not straight forward and the evidence is confusing for the police team.
Power and money appear at the centre of the case and this leads to frustration and politics from both the police and suspects. I did manage to guess the culprit towards the end but this did not spoil my enjoyment of the book and I enjoyed watching the conclusion unnfold.
The banter and frisson between Mack and Nick continues to entertain. This adds a lightness amidst the grisly forensic detail and determined investigation. There is humour from Mack's response to being in the media especially as she is teased bby her colleagues. However, there is also some emotion as Mack realises her personal life is on hold and she is lonely.
The Dying Game is an entertaining police thriller with plenty of character development for the lead detective.
The Dying Game is the fourth book to feature Mad Mack, a sparky detective with a traumatic past. I have reviewed the previous books in the series: Hidden Lake, Their Frozen Graves, and Little Boy Lost.
Mack's personal life takes a back seat in this latest book, although she is suffering from flashbacks. The focus is therefore very much on the case which has so many twists and turns as multiple women are abducted and then found dead. The murders and body disposal are not straight forward and the evidence is confusing for the police team.
Power and money appear at the centre of the case and this leads to frustration and politics from both the police and suspects. I did manage to guess the culprit towards the end but this did not spoil my enjoyment of the book and I enjoyed watching the conclusion unnfold.
The banter and frisson between Mack and Nick continues to entertain. This adds a lightness amidst the grisly forensic detail and determined investigation. There is humour from Mack's response to being in the media especially as she is teased bby her colleagues. However, there is also some emotion as Mack realises her personal life is on hold and she is lonely.
The Dying Game is an entertaining police thriller with plenty of character development for the lead detective.
January 19, 2022
The Dying Game is the fourth novel in a series that features Detective Mackenzie (Mack) Price of the Lakemore, Washington Police Department. Twenty years ago, Mack returned home from school to find her violent dad bleeding excessively on the kitchen floor. She is back in Lakemore working with Detective Nick Blackwood.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading The Dying Game with its explosive plot, cliffhanger sentences and many twists. The novel is told from Mack’s viewpoint so I was easily able to become immersed in events. Running parallel with the investigation, the novel concentrates on Mack, her mental state and her complicated personal life using flashbacks to reveal important incidences. The author, Ruhi Choudhary's writing continued to impress me, adopting misdirection and leading me down certain paths, only to blindside me later. Protagonist Mack is traumatised by her past and she’s to be admired for her open-mindedness and determination. I worked out the perpetrator's identity about ⅘ of the way through, but that didn’t take from my enjoyment of the novel. The Dying Game is a fantastic story, a very compelling continuation to the series, and I can confidently recommend it as a worthy read.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Bookouture via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading The Dying Game with its explosive plot, cliffhanger sentences and many twists. The novel is told from Mack’s viewpoint so I was easily able to become immersed in events. Running parallel with the investigation, the novel concentrates on Mack, her mental state and her complicated personal life using flashbacks to reveal important incidences. The author, Ruhi Choudhary's writing continued to impress me, adopting misdirection and leading me down certain paths, only to blindside me later. Protagonist Mack is traumatised by her past and she’s to be admired for her open-mindedness and determination. I worked out the perpetrator's identity about ⅘ of the way through, but that didn’t take from my enjoyment of the novel. The Dying Game is a fantastic story, a very compelling continuation to the series, and I can confidently recommend it as a worthy read.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Bookouture via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
January 22, 2022
This review was originally posted on Star Crossed Reviews I received this book for free from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you to Bookouture for letting me take part in this tour and for my copy of this book via Netgalley. I really enjoyed the first 3 books in this series so I was eager to see what Mad Mack got up to this time. This is the fourth book in the series but can be read as a standalone.
Mad Mack is back again. Mack seemed a bit unhinged in this book. She didn't seem as together as she has before. She was also very lonely at points. I can understand why and I hope that Mack finds something other than work.
This case had it all. It was tense, shocking and gripped me from the very first page. The prologue had me very worried and racing through the book to get to this scene. I needed to know what was going to happen. Rita did an excellent job of keeping me guessing. Honestly, you will not work this one out! there were so many suspects all with such good motives.
If you are looking for a police procedural that will have you hooked from start to finish then I definitely recommend this one!
Mad Mack is back again. Mack seemed a bit unhinged in this book. She didn't seem as together as she has before. She was also very lonely at points. I can understand why and I hope that Mack finds something other than work.
This case had it all. It was tense, shocking and gripped me from the very first page. The prologue had me very worried and racing through the book to get to this scene. I needed to know what was going to happen. Rita did an excellent job of keeping me guessing. Honestly, you will not work this one out! there were so many suspects all with such good motives.
If you are looking for a police procedural that will have you hooked from start to finish then I definitely recommend this one!
December 26, 2021
Detective Mackenzie Price is back with another case!
When a local man commits suicide with a note saying that he killed the recently disappeared and murdered Mia, the police considers the case to be closed. But when another woman disappeared, Mackenzie thinks that the two cases are related. Soon, she was found right when the two women are connected to a powerful family. When the other woman's body was found and another third woman disappeared, Mackenzie must find the killer before it was too late.
This book, unlike the previous books is more like a police procedural but nonetheless the story had twists and turns and is quite unputdownable and fast paced. The author is indeed a talented writer, using adjectives and phrases and doest a really a good job of drawing the reader into the story. I was literally hooked into the book that I couldn't see who the killer was. There were so many suspects, the twists in the book were endless that you didn't know what the ending is going to be like. Overall, I felt like I was going in a roller coaster ride while reading this book!
This was a fast paced thriller packed with twists and turns you wouldn't expect. Worth five stars!
Many thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for the ARC. The review is based on my honest opinion only.
When a local man commits suicide with a note saying that he killed the recently disappeared and murdered Mia, the police considers the case to be closed. But when another woman disappeared, Mackenzie thinks that the two cases are related. Soon, she was found right when the two women are connected to a powerful family. When the other woman's body was found and another third woman disappeared, Mackenzie must find the killer before it was too late.
This book, unlike the previous books is more like a police procedural but nonetheless the story had twists and turns and is quite unputdownable and fast paced. The author is indeed a talented writer, using adjectives and phrases and doest a really a good job of drawing the reader into the story. I was literally hooked into the book that I couldn't see who the killer was. There were so many suspects, the twists in the book were endless that you didn't know what the ending is going to be like. Overall, I felt like I was going in a roller coaster ride while reading this book!
This was a fast paced thriller packed with twists and turns you wouldn't expect. Worth five stars!
Many thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for the ARC. The review is based on my honest opinion only.
January 17, 2022
This is a series that has kept me interested from the first book and it’s still highly entertaining.
I know each book in a series is written to be read as a standalone, but being able to follow the background stories of the main characters is a bonus in my opinion.
Mad Mack, our main character, has such an interesting past it would be so sad to miss out on this. It’s also heart breaking and raw but very beautiful in a way too.
The dying game is the work of a very clever and cold hearted killer. But is someone cold hearted already at birth or are other people’s actions the start of your heart turning into a big ice cube?
It certainly was a complex case. Not a lot of hints, no clear connections resulting in a lot of confusion and frustration. There are quite a few suspects, but Mack and her partner Nick have the feeling there is something that does not add up.
Strangely enough, because I am almost always wrong 😊 I had the same feeling. And then there was that one sentence that made an alarm go off in my head. I focussed on that person and… boom!! 😊
It must be a wonderful moment when you finally capture after all those hours of stress and working against the ticking clock.
Great book. 5 stars
Thank you, Ruhi Choudhary and Bookouture.
I know each book in a series is written to be read as a standalone, but being able to follow the background stories of the main characters is a bonus in my opinion.
Mad Mack, our main character, has such an interesting past it would be so sad to miss out on this. It’s also heart breaking and raw but very beautiful in a way too.
The dying game is the work of a very clever and cold hearted killer. But is someone cold hearted already at birth or are other people’s actions the start of your heart turning into a big ice cube?
It certainly was a complex case. Not a lot of hints, no clear connections resulting in a lot of confusion and frustration. There are quite a few suspects, but Mack and her partner Nick have the feeling there is something that does not add up.
Strangely enough, because I am almost always wrong 😊 I had the same feeling. And then there was that one sentence that made an alarm go off in my head. I focussed on that person and… boom!! 😊
It must be a wonderful moment when you finally capture after all those hours of stress and working against the ticking clock.
Great book. 5 stars
Thank you, Ruhi Choudhary and Bookouture.
January 17, 2022
Mackenize is focussed and has a reputation in the department not to suffer fools gladly. Much to hee dismay she is also part of a TV programme as the face of "female detectives" in the Lakemore PD Division. The town does not have a good image and the higher ups think it needs a revamp. The higher ups also do not like to irk the big businessmen as they bring in much needed investment into this town and this is where Mackenzie is going to set the cat amongst the
pigeons.
A girl disappears, her body is found. Beautiful, moneyed with no indication from where the money came from. A second woman disappears. This time a secretary. A run of the mill job. Nothing to mark her out. Her body is found. Then a pharmacist disappears and Mackenzie realizes that a psychopath is around or a serial killer. What connects the three girls. For most of the story there is no link up and then the connection appears in the form of the town's biggest
business tycoon.
Racing against time before the third woman dies, Mackenzie and her team are faced with an unimaginable shock when the daughter of one of the detectives is taken from her home and the pace really hots up then. Intense, emotional and gripping this was an excellent read.
pigeons.
A girl disappears, her body is found. Beautiful, moneyed with no indication from where the money came from. A second woman disappears. This time a secretary. A run of the mill job. Nothing to mark her out. Her body is found. Then a pharmacist disappears and Mackenzie realizes that a psychopath is around or a serial killer. What connects the three girls. For most of the story there is no link up and then the connection appears in the form of the town's biggest
business tycoon.
Racing against time before the third woman dies, Mackenzie and her team are faced with an unimaginable shock when the daughter of one of the detectives is taken from her home and the pace really hots up then. Intense, emotional and gripping this was an excellent read.
December 18, 2021
Special thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for sharing this free digital copy with me in exchange for my honest thoughts.
This book is part of a series. I had no problem whatsoever getting into this book. The author does a good job of catching the reader up to date with the characters and their significance. Luckily, to enjoy the mystery there is no background needed because it revolves around a new homicide with a rather dubious past.
I will not relay the blurb here. The publishers have done a good job of that. I will just share my thoughts here.
If this series were ever made into a TV show, and if I had the chance to cast, I would plead to have Angie Harmon play the part of Detective Mackenzie Price.
Mackenzie is flawed and complex. She has a trail of intrigue and lies tied to her from her past.
The clues do enable the reader to do a little detective work themselves, but the ending was unthinkable.
A fast-paced read, great storyline, clues, and distractions, unexpected twists, a morally compromised main character set on solving the mystery at any cost. A truly entertaining read. A masterful thriller! Highly recommended!
This book is part of a series. I had no problem whatsoever getting into this book. The author does a good job of catching the reader up to date with the characters and their significance. Luckily, to enjoy the mystery there is no background needed because it revolves around a new homicide with a rather dubious past.
I will not relay the blurb here. The publishers have done a good job of that. I will just share my thoughts here.
If this series were ever made into a TV show, and if I had the chance to cast, I would plead to have Angie Harmon play the part of Detective Mackenzie Price.
Mackenzie is flawed and complex. She has a trail of intrigue and lies tied to her from her past.
The clues do enable the reader to do a little detective work themselves, but the ending was unthinkable.
A fast-paced read, great storyline, clues, and distractions, unexpected twists, a morally compromised main character set on solving the mystery at any cost. A truly entertaining read. A masterful thriller! Highly recommended!
January 4, 2022
This is my fourth outing with Detectives Mackenzie Price and Nick Blackwood.
A local woman disappears, then is discovered horrifically murdered. This is followed by a suicide – the man, who knew her leaving a note saying he is responsible. It looks like an open and shut case, until a second woman is abducted. Although she is not connected to the two dead individuals, Mack discovers a forensic link at the scene of the crime. When their investigation leads to the discovery of a third body and yet another woman is taken, the pressure is on for Mack and Nick to find the killer before there is another tragedy.
This is the best Mackenzie Price so far. For a start, there’s an authentic feel to the investigation in relation to procedure and forensics – but it in no way slows the pace of the story. Mackenzie is still fighting her own demons from the past and memories often intrude, linking her thoughts with aspects of the current case. There’s still an on-going will they/won’t they with Nick too.
Suspects are everywhere, so many twists and turns. Just when you think you know who the killer is, something happens to throw you off course. A real edge of your seat ride and well deserving of the five stars I have given it.
I would like to thank Ruhi Choudhary, Bookouture and Netgalley for an ARC of The Dying Game in exchange for an honest review.
A local woman disappears, then is discovered horrifically murdered. This is followed by a suicide – the man, who knew her leaving a note saying he is responsible. It looks like an open and shut case, until a second woman is abducted. Although she is not connected to the two dead individuals, Mack discovers a forensic link at the scene of the crime. When their investigation leads to the discovery of a third body and yet another woman is taken, the pressure is on for Mack and Nick to find the killer before there is another tragedy.
This is the best Mackenzie Price so far. For a start, there’s an authentic feel to the investigation in relation to procedure and forensics – but it in no way slows the pace of the story. Mackenzie is still fighting her own demons from the past and memories often intrude, linking her thoughts with aspects of the current case. There’s still an on-going will they/won’t they with Nick too.
Suspects are everywhere, so many twists and turns. Just when you think you know who the killer is, something happens to throw you off course. A real edge of your seat ride and well deserving of the five stars I have given it.
I would like to thank Ruhi Choudhary, Bookouture and Netgalley for an ARC of The Dying Game in exchange for an honest review.
January 16, 2022
Mad Mac is back in an adrenalin fuelled, action packed and gripping story that kept me reading till late in the night.
There's a sense of urgency in this story, you feel that time is essential because the killer is going to strike again. This is a fight against time but also an investigation that involves powerful people, the type of people that aren't usually investigated.
Mackenzie is changing, she's as blunt as usual but she's also trying to develop her social skill and to get a life out of her works. I found her sweet, you can see her wounds behind the mask and how she's coming to term with her past.
The cast of characters is well developed and fleshed out as usual, I couldn't help picturing the setting as a series of images in black and white with some red spots.
It was a riveting and highly entertaining read, emotionally charged and well written. Storytelling was super.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks Bookouture and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
There's a sense of urgency in this story, you feel that time is essential because the killer is going to strike again. This is a fight against time but also an investigation that involves powerful people, the type of people that aren't usually investigated.
Mackenzie is changing, she's as blunt as usual but she's also trying to develop her social skill and to get a life out of her works. I found her sweet, you can see her wounds behind the mask and how she's coming to term with her past.
The cast of characters is well developed and fleshed out as usual, I couldn't help picturing the setting as a series of images in black and white with some red spots.
It was a riveting and highly entertaining read, emotionally charged and well written. Storytelling was super.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks Bookouture and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
September 10, 2025
A woman goes missing. She is found on top of an elevator. A man is found hanging, he committed suicide and left a note saying “ I killed her. I didn’t want to but I had no choice.” Mackenzie Price and Nick Blackwood believe the case is closed until another woman goes missing. She’s found dead forty eight hours later. Mack and Nick believe the cases are connected. There is a link between the two women..a wealthy man Baron Wildman. There is no solid evidence against Wildman. A local man got the same letter “ kill the woman or someone you love will be killed “. Another woman goes missing and Mack knows they have forty eight years to find her before she’s killed. When Nick gets a letter, Mack will tear the town down to help Nick.
Another spine tingling story. Action. Secrets. Told in Mack’s point of view. No romance or sex. Just a suspenseful story that has an ending you never seen coming.
Another spine tingling story. Action. Secrets. Told in Mack’s point of view. No romance or sex. Just a suspenseful story that has an ending you never seen coming.
December 20, 2021
This is the first book that I have read in this series, and was able to follow along just fine.. although after reading this one Im definitely interested in going back and reading the other 3 books and learning more about our Detective Mackenzie.
In this book Detectives Mackenzie and Nick are working on the case of a missing woman. This case ends up linked to other missing woman and a cold case thats 20 years old, and wow did it keep me on the edge of my seat watching Mackenzie and Nick try and put the pieces together.. . There are so many twists and turns during this book that you have no idea where its going to lead until the very end.. and while I was able to predict who the bad guy was, the motivations behind it were a complete surprise.. I read it in one sitting, and I can't wait to read more books by this author and read the rest of the books in this series.
In this book Detectives Mackenzie and Nick are working on the case of a missing woman. This case ends up linked to other missing woman and a cold case thats 20 years old, and wow did it keep me on the edge of my seat watching Mackenzie and Nick try and put the pieces together.. . There are so many twists and turns during this book that you have no idea where its going to lead until the very end.. and while I was able to predict who the bad guy was, the motivations behind it were a complete surprise.. I read it in one sitting, and I can't wait to read more books by this author and read the rest of the books in this series.
January 31, 2022
Mad Mack is back! In this new book, Choudhary delivers another nail-biting mystery involving family secrets and twisted crimes. When a woman disappears, Detective Mackenzie Price and her team take the case and search for answers. The discovery of the woman's body turns this into a murder case, but then another woman disappears. Mack is chasing leads and coming up empty-handed. The suspect list includes some of the town's wealthiest citizens, making the case even more difficult. When someone confesses to the abductions, the mystery deepens. Who is behind this crazy game of murder? Will Mack get answers in time to save the life of the last abducted victims? It is never a dull moment.
February 27, 2022
A Fast Paced Enigmatic Thriller........................
The Taken Ones by Ruhi Choudhary is a fantastic thriller with a suspenseful plot. The book keeps you on the edge and the plot deepens with every page. If I talk about the climax, you would not see it coming. The mystery unwraps itself in the last few pages only. It hooked me up right from the beginning and I finished it within one night only. As, I could not wait for the mystery to open up. Interesting characters with equal space for each and every on of them. I really enjoyed the book a lot.
I would love to give the book 5 stars. Thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for providing me an opportunity to read and review the book.
The Taken Ones by Ruhi Choudhary is a fantastic thriller with a suspenseful plot. The book keeps you on the edge and the plot deepens with every page. If I talk about the climax, you would not see it coming. The mystery unwraps itself in the last few pages only. It hooked me up right from the beginning and I finished it within one night only. As, I could not wait for the mystery to open up. Interesting characters with equal space for each and every on of them. I really enjoyed the book a lot.
I would love to give the book 5 stars. Thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for providing me an opportunity to read and review the book.
December 21, 2021
I loved that this book had a wildly entertaining, unique plot. It was a gripping story that I thoroughly enjoyed. Most of the characters were greedy and self centered and I wanted all of them to be guilty! Mackenzie Price and her partner Nick were investigating a series of abductions and murders where the clues didn’t add up. As she dug deeper into each case she realized there was something even more bizarre and twisted going on than she could ever imagine. Someone is playing a game with deadly consequences.
January 18, 2022
The Dying Game by Ruhi Choudhary is the Fourth book in the brilliant Detective Mackenzie Price series and it was another superb book. I have enjoyed this series from the very first book which was called Our Daughter's Bones.
This new book is a fast paced and full of great twists and turns throughout that will have you hooked and is great for a holiday read.
I highly recommend this series by Ruhi Superb series.
Big Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
This new book is a fast paced and full of great twists and turns throughout that will have you hooked and is great for a holiday read.
I highly recommend this series by Ruhi Superb series.
Big Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
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