Murder Games Review

Title: Murder Games
Author: James Patterson and Howard Roughan
Series: Not Applicable
Publisher: Century
Publication Date: 01 June 2017
Source: Penguin Random House South Africa
Format: Paperback
Pages: 400
Rating: 3.75 Stars
Reading Timeline: 16 July 2017










Goodreads Synopsis:

The next hand he deals you... may be your last.

A serial killer is loose on the streets of Manhattan. His victims appear to be total strangers. The only clue that links the crimes is the playing card left behind at each scene that hints at the next target.

The killer, known in the tabloids as The Dealer, is baiting the police into a deadly game that has the city increasingly on edge. Following her instincts, the tenacious cop in charge of the case turns to an unlikely ally - Dylan Reinhart, a brilliant professor with a keen insight into the criminal mind whose book turned up in connection with the murders.

As the tabloid frenzy over The Dealer reaches fever pitch, Dylan and Elizabeth must connect the clues to discover what the victims have in comping before The Dealer runs through his entire deck.

Book Review:
Pre-reading Thoughts:

This is my first thriller and my first James Patterson book. I know, I know. How could I not have read a James Patterson book before. I wish I could tell you but unfortunately I am not too sure myself... But here we go. 

I love watching thrillers, they are probably one of my favourite types of movies/ series to watch. They both intrigue me and creep me out. So I am excited to see if this book brings me the same feelings as the thrillers I have watched.

Thank you so much to Penguin Random House South Africa for providing me with a copy of this book to review. I hope I enjoy it! Just a small little disclaimer for those reading this review. I received this book for free. No money from my pocket was spent in getting this book. Please note that in no way does this affect my opinion. All thoughts still remain my own.

Writing Thoughts:

The writing in this book was actually really good. It drew me in, captured me and kept me enticed until the end. There was enough detail to give me a feel for the characters surroundings but not too much where it becomes boring and heavy. It is clear to see that these two authors have mastered their craft. There was just enough of everything; detail, dialogue, inner thoughts etc. It is also clear that both of these artist know how to keep people reading.

Plot Thoughts:

I didn't guess who the killer was. I don't really think that a lot people would have guessed who it could be. So that definitely takes away from the predictability of the plot. I don't know what it was, but the plot was as suspense-filled as I thought it would be. Yes, the climax of the story was there and I could feel how all the tension led until that point. But it didn't feel like the story as dripping with tension.

Character Thoughts:

I really liked these characters. They were arrogant, humorous and real. Their flaws and their situations felt real. None of them fell flat for me. They were all interesting and I just wanted to get to know them more. I love how the writers throw you off with Tracy. I thought it was an interesting touch. 

Final Thoughts:

Overall, this story did deliver. Just not as well as I thought it would. I loved the writing, it was absolutely perfect. The characters were real and well-rounded. The killer was completely unpredictable but the story wasn't dripping with the tension that I craved. It had suspense-filled moments, but none that really made me go crazy in trying to understand what had just happened (in a good way). I think I expected a bit more. But the story was definitely good. Thank you to Penguin Random House South Africa for providing me with a copy of this book! It was definitely enjoyable!

Yours in Reading,

Melleny

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