Review: The Killing Game by Nancy Bush

Print Length: 384 pages

Publisher: Zebra (June 28, 2016)

From Goodreads.com: 

The Rules Are Simple:

It's the ultimate test of strategy and skill. The killer chooses each opponent carefully, learning each one's weaknesses. Every meticulously planned move is leading to a devastating checkmate. Because in this game, all the pretty pawns must die. 

First You Play

Andi Wren is fighting to keep her late husband's company safe from vindictive competitors. When she receives an ominous note, Little birds must fly, she turns to P.I. Luke Denton. But though Luke has personal reasons for wanting to take down Wren Development's opponents, his investigation suggests this is deeper and far more dangerous than a business grudge. 

Then You Die. . .
In a basement on the outskirts of town, police detectives unearth piles of skeletons. As they learn the shocking truth about each victim's identity, their case collides with Andi's, revealing a killer's ruthless plot and a chilling, lethal endgame.

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My Rating: 3 stars out of 5

There were some points to this story that I really liked. I enjoyed the ending - the identity of the killer was such a surprise that it was honestly probably the best part of the entire story. It was definitely someone that I did not expect, but once they were outed as such, a lot more of the story made sense. I also enjoyed the uniqueness to the murders - having them all linked by last name was a different way of doing things and that made the story stand out from some of the others I have read. 

However, with the good in the case of this story, there was also the bad. Or rather the things I didn't enjoy. To start, I found it rather unfathomable that one character was able to fool numerous people so thoroughly. It seemed as though with their face on TV that someone somewhere along the line would have recognized them - even if they wore a minimal disguise. Also, I don't understand how these people were so easily able to twart the system getting away with all sorts of crimes and somehow leaving no evidence behind. Its not exactly impossible - but it is rather improbable. 

Finally, the two completely separate story-lines that are featured in this story were often more confusing than helpful. I understand why the author perhaps chose to write the story that way, however even that could have been overlooked if it wasn't for the sudden ending of the second story-line. There was no warning given, it was like crashing into a brick wall - one moment you're wondering what is going to happen and the next there is no more left to read. 

Overall, I am sure there are others that will enjoy this story. It did have its moments, it just wasn't enough for me. 

DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.

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The Killing Game is available from Amazon.com