Head Game

If I could put together a batting line-up for the best in suspense, I'd be sure to include some of my newest favorites: Harlan Coben, Joseph Finder, Robert Liparulo, and Daniel Silva. There is no doubt, though, that Tim Downs would belong on that list. From his quirky Bug Man series, to his international thriller "Plague Maker," to this newest head-to-head mind game between two Gulf War survivors, Downs continues to impress. "Head Game" follows Cale Caldwell, a man trained in pyschological operations. He used his skills to convince thousands of Iraqi soldiers to surrender in the Gulf War, but now he's settled into more routine employment while trying to raise a teenage daughter and recover from the death of his beloved wife. Adding to the pressure, he finds out that a fellow vet has committed suicide by throwing himself off a bridge. Cale and his old war buddy, Pug, find themselves pitted against an Iraqi with a view for revenge. There are no-holds barred in this man's twisted game, and Cale will be stretched to his limits as he discovers things about himself, his marriage, and his daughter. The book speeds along at a great pace, while never forgetting to care about its characters. Downs also makes a subtle, but very effective, comparison between the psychological warfare waged against one man and the spiritual warfare we all face--against depression, loneliness, and doubt. Once again, Tim Downs hits one out of the park. If someone asks me who I want at bat on this team of suspense, I'll tell them, "Downs is up!"

Cale Caldwell is a veteran of the Gulf War who served in the Army's Psy Ops forces. Life couldn't be better for Cale with his beautiful wife and daughter and his rising career as an advertising genius. After the tragic loss of his wife, he struggles with the daunting task of raising his teenage daughter alone. When Cale gets word that his best friend has committed suicide, he suspects foul play and begins to investigate further. Soon he becomes the target of an unknown madman who will use any means necessary to see him suffer. As Cale looks deeper into the mystery of his friend's suicide he uncovers shocking revelations tied to his past that may have deadly consequences. Tim Downs has delivered a powerful psychological thriller in his latest novel. The plot is perfectly paced with effective twists and turns throughout. Downs expertly places pieces to this unfolding puzzle throughout the story that draws the reader in with ease. Themes of good vs. evil are effectively explored through the backdrop of psychological warfare. Cale's relationship with his daughter is a roller coaster of emotions that will tug at the heart strings of parents. This is a suspenseful tale that will have readers holding on for the ride and guessing until the end. Head Game is highly recommended for fans of mystery and suspense. (From Christian Library Journal)

This was the first time I read any of Tim's books, and now I've got to find the rest of them. This book was incredible from start to finish. It had the most original first chapter of any recent Christian novel I've seen (drawn by the author himself), and then followed up with a gripping story that kept me reading until the end. My reading time is limited, so I don't finish a lot of the books I start unless they keep my interest. This one did! The in-depth look into PsyOps and how it's really used in the military was fascinating. I highly recommend it.

Head Game is a psychological thriller told by the talented Tim Downs of Plague Maker fame. The story begins with an impressive author-illustrated suicide note which immediately evokes interest. Though not told at typical thriller warped-speed, this novel had the perfect blend of humor, pace and amazing character development. Each intertwining storyline was well thought out and satisfying. We follow the lives of half a dozen characters, each unique, multi-faceted and engaging. The "head game" aspect builds slowly, as a good psychological thriller should, until the last few chapters which had me ripping back the pages in hungry anticipation. Tim tells a compelling story full of three-dimensional characters and beautifully executed plot twists. There was one minor disappointment for me: A section of the story where the antagonist explains in detail his motivations. Downs did such a great job at showing this that it became a case of show AND tell. I already got it and didn't care for the neon-sign. Other than that one minor & subjective infraction, Head Game is one of the best written books I've read this year and I can't wait to get my hands on his next project. I enthusiastically recommend this book!

Having read Shoofly Pie, Chop Shop, and PlagueMaker, I have been eagerly awaiting Tim Downs' new book called Head Game. It does not disappoint! The first chapter depicts, in graphic format, a man driven to commit suicide. He leaves a graphic (comic book) suicide note, then jumps off a bridge. Cale Caldwell is left to pack up his Desert Storm buddy's effects. While he does not believe his friend would commit suicide, his own life is falling apart. His wife has been killed and he is left to raise his teen-aged daughter. He finds that all he believed in is a lie. His job during the war was to spread propaganda leaflets to the Iraqis so they would surrender. Will he surrender to the despair or find there is a real enemy to fight. Page-turning mystery!