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damppebbles's review
4.0
Murder Game is the third book in the Detective Ruby Preston series written by Caroline Mitchell and published by Bookouture. I am such a fan of this series and have reviewed both of the previous books on my blog, damppebbles.com in the past. My love for Ruby and her tough guy beau, Nathan is pretty darn strong so there was no way on earth I was going to miss this latest instalment.
The first two books shine so brightly for me because they’re exactly what I enjoy reading; a delusional yet completely different serial killer in each book with a pretty consistent M.O. The killer knows what they’re doing, why they’re doing it and they’re going to keep on doing it until Ruby and DI Downes catch them. Perfect! The reader is introduced to another dark and evil mind in Murder Game but this time there’s a rather sinister twist. Convicted of six murders, named The Lonely Hearts Killer and stuck behind bars for a few more years, Ruby has the displeasure of meeting Mason Gatley. It seems their latest offender is basing his crimes on Gatley’s from back in the day (DI Downes was a DC at the time so we’re talking a few years ago!). I loved the tension Gatley brought to the pages of Murder Game. What a thoroughly loathsome character but I have to confess to secretly enjoying Ruby’s stand-offs with the vile killer!
What makes this series stand out head and shoulders above others is the relationship between Detective Sergeant Ruby Preston and the love of her life, local gangster, Nathan Crosby. The chemistry between the two characters really sparks and my reaction to them in the first book really surprised me, especially as romantic relationships don’t really work for me in crime fiction (if I wanted soppy stuff I would read romance – that’s my opinion anyway!). I felt that chemistry was lacking a little in Murder Game. It certainly wasn’t as full on or as intense as the first two novels and I missed it.
If I’m honest, I felt the entire Crosby family were a little absent in this latest instalment. Murder Game focuses more on the investigation rather than the relationships between the characters. With any other series this would have pleased me no end but I couldn’t help but feel a little disappointed. I wanted more of Nathan’s mother and her inherent dislike of Ruby because she’s a copper. More of Nathan’s caustic, sadistic brother, Lenny who always lends a vile edge to the story. I really felt their absence.
Would I recommend this book? Absolutely! If you’re a fan of the serial killer thriller then you really must read this series because it’s incredibly special and one of my all-time favourites. I adore Ruby Preston and I adore Mitchell’s writing.
Four out of five stars.
I chose to read and review an eARC of Murder Game. The above review is my own unbiased opinion.
The first two books shine so brightly for me because they’re exactly what I enjoy reading; a delusional yet completely different serial killer in each book with a pretty consistent M.O. The killer knows what they’re doing, why they’re doing it and they’re going to keep on doing it until Ruby and DI Downes catch them. Perfect! The reader is introduced to another dark and evil mind in Murder Game but this time there’s a rather sinister twist. Convicted of six murders, named The Lonely Hearts Killer and stuck behind bars for a few more years, Ruby has the displeasure of meeting Mason Gatley. It seems their latest offender is basing his crimes on Gatley’s from back in the day (DI Downes was a DC at the time so we’re talking a few years ago!). I loved the tension Gatley brought to the pages of Murder Game. What a thoroughly loathsome character but I have to confess to secretly enjoying Ruby’s stand-offs with the vile killer!
What makes this series stand out head and shoulders above others is the relationship between Detective Sergeant Ruby Preston and the love of her life, local gangster, Nathan Crosby. The chemistry between the two characters really sparks and my reaction to them in the first book really surprised me, especially as romantic relationships don’t really work for me in crime fiction (if I wanted soppy stuff I would read romance – that’s my opinion anyway!). I felt that chemistry was lacking a little in Murder Game. It certainly wasn’t as full on or as intense as the first two novels and I missed it.
If I’m honest, I felt the entire Crosby family were a little absent in this latest instalment. Murder Game focuses more on the investigation rather than the relationships between the characters. With any other series this would have pleased me no end but I couldn’t help but feel a little disappointed. I wanted more of Nathan’s mother and her inherent dislike of Ruby because she’s a copper. More of Nathan’s caustic, sadistic brother, Lenny who always lends a vile edge to the story. I really felt their absence.
Would I recommend this book? Absolutely! If you’re a fan of the serial killer thriller then you really must read this series because it’s incredibly special and one of my all-time favourites. I adore Ruby Preston and I adore Mitchell’s writing.
Four out of five stars.
I chose to read and review an eARC of Murder Game. The above review is my own unbiased opinion.
biblioclaire's review
4.0
Murder Game by Caroline Mitchell is the 3rd in the Ruby Preston series and a joy to read. This time, while trying to manage her personal life, Ruby and her team are desperately trying to track down a copycat serial killer, who is mimicking the crimes of the infamous Loney Hearts Killer. Another gripping great read from Caroline. 4 stars
sandrathe's review
4.0
*Copy provided by Netgalley*
I am really enjoying this series of books. I like the characters and the plot is always twisted and suspenseful. Ruby is a great policewoman and she, along with her team, work hard to solve the case. The murderer in this novel is very twisted and is killing people who are willing to cheat. It's quite interesting to read his POV, which we mostly get through his calls to a suicide help line. I had no idea who the killer was and was surprised to find out.
I find it quite refreshing that Ruby is involved with a man who is basically a criminal and whose family is involved in criminal activities. It makes for good reading watching her juggle her dedication to her job and her love for Nathan.
I look forward to the next book in the Ruby Preston series...
I am really enjoying this series of books. I like the characters and the plot is always twisted and suspenseful. Ruby is a great policewoman and she, along with her team, work hard to solve the case. The murderer in this novel is very twisted and is killing people who are willing to cheat. It's quite interesting to read his POV, which we mostly get through his calls to a suicide help line. I had no idea who the killer was and was surprised to find out.
I find it quite refreshing that Ruby is involved with a man who is basically a criminal and whose family is involved in criminal activities. It makes for good reading watching her juggle her dedication to her job and her love for Nathan.
I look forward to the next book in the Ruby Preston series...
terryh's review
5.0
Ruby Preston just keeps getting better. Think I said that last time but she does!
A copycat serial killer is on the loose & Ruby does what she does best. Digging deep.
We get to know these characters more in every book and we do feel for them.
Caroline keeps them alive in our heads making us wait sometimes patiently for the next book.
Best read as a series but could be read alone, but why, following on is best way to bond and immerse yourself.
A copycat serial killer is on the loose & Ruby does what she does best. Digging deep.
We get to know these characters more in every book and we do feel for them.
Caroline keeps them alive in our heads making us wait sometimes patiently for the next book.
Best read as a series but could be read alone, but why, following on is best way to bond and immerse yourself.
nodots87's review against another edition
dark
medium-paced
4.5
I picked this book up from a charity shop on a whim. I'm glad I did as I really enjoyed it. I wouldn't say it was a masterpiece but I found it interesting and I'm definitely interested in reading more by the author.
I'd recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good crime Thriller.
I'd recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good crime Thriller.
namitakhanna's review against another edition
4.0
DS Ruby Preston is trying to find a copycat serial killer who is following the actions of the original serial killer arrested 10 years ago named Lonely Heart Killer .He is targeting women who cheat on their spouses and after capturing them sends pictures of their whereabouts to their homes before killing them.Ruby and her team must race against time to find the killer before he claims anymore victims while keeping one step ahead of Mason Gately the creepy, psychopath Lonely Hearts Killer .
Murder Game is third and final book in Detective Ruby Preston series and I would suggest reading the series in order even though the book can be read as a stand-alone. It’s a fast paced great read in an exciting series but I enjoyed the other ones a little more than this one .
I would like to thank Bookouture & NetGalley for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest and fair review.
This and more reviews at https://chloesbooksblog.wordpress.com/
Murder Game is third and final book in Detective Ruby Preston series and I would suggest reading the series in order even though the book can be read as a stand-alone. It’s a fast paced great read in an exciting series but I enjoyed the other ones a little more than this one .
I would like to thank Bookouture & NetGalley for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest and fair review.
This and more reviews at https://chloesbooksblog.wordpress.com/
niatella's review
3.0
Captivating story that makes you question who the serial killer is and the plot twist at the end.
Though I feel that the ending felt a bit rushed.
Though I feel that the ending felt a bit rushed.
noveldeelights's review
5.0
4.5* --> 5*
One word : brilliant! What? You need more words to convince you to buy and read this? I’ll try but it won’t be easy as this latest instalment in the Ruby Preston series totally blew my mind. It’s that good, people!
Someone’s playing a rather macabre game, a murder game. You know, in case you missed that from the title. 😉 When a woman goes missing, a countdown is set in motion and the killer will leave clues in the form of pictures : alive, tortured, dead. Ruby and her team find themselves in a race against the clock when a second woman goes missing.
These acts are reminiscent of a serial killer’s work ten years ago. To find answers to her questions, Ruby sets out to meet him in prison. But this notorious killer may just be playing a game of his own. Will he help Ruby? Or is she putting her own life in danger?
These two killers, the original one and the copycat, are by far two of the most disturbing characters I’ve ever met. Talk about chills running up and down your spine. Murder Game is one dark and intense ride and had me guessing until the end. I had no idea who was responsible for these murders and when the killer was finally revealed, I think my eyes popped out of my head. Utterly blind-sided! Love it!
As always, Caroline Mitchell gets the balance between Ruby’s personal and private life spot-on. Her relationship with Nathan continues to fascinate me and I can’t wait to see how things will develop in the future. Can there ever be a happy ending for them? Or will Ruby have to make a choice? These are important questions, people, and apart from the brilliant crime fiction aspect of these books, it’s why I keep reading. And you should too. At the risk of repeating myself, if you’re not reading this series then you are missing out!
Edited to add this is apparently the last book in the series. Shows how much I know.
One word : brilliant! What? You need more words to convince you to buy and read this? I’ll try but it won’t be easy as this latest instalment in the Ruby Preston series totally blew my mind. It’s that good, people!
Someone’s playing a rather macabre game, a murder game. You know, in case you missed that from the title. 😉 When a woman goes missing, a countdown is set in motion and the killer will leave clues in the form of pictures : alive, tortured, dead. Ruby and her team find themselves in a race against the clock when a second woman goes missing.
These acts are reminiscent of a serial killer’s work ten years ago. To find answers to her questions, Ruby sets out to meet him in prison. But this notorious killer may just be playing a game of his own. Will he help Ruby? Or is she putting her own life in danger?
These two killers, the original one and the copycat, are by far two of the most disturbing characters I’ve ever met. Talk about chills running up and down your spine. Murder Game is one dark and intense ride and had me guessing until the end. I had no idea who was responsible for these murders and when the killer was finally revealed, I think my eyes popped out of my head. Utterly blind-sided! Love it!
As always, Caroline Mitchell gets the balance between Ruby’s personal and private life spot-on. Her relationship with Nathan continues to fascinate me and I can’t wait to see how things will develop in the future. Can there ever be a happy ending for them? Or will Ruby have to make a choice? These are important questions, people, and apart from the brilliant crime fiction aspect of these books, it’s why I keep reading. And you should too. At the risk of repeating myself, if you’re not reading this series then you are missing out!
Edited to add this is apparently the last book in the series. Shows how much I know.