The Murder Game

It was such a good story that I didn't want it to end.

Loved it! I would recommend reading The Dying Game first since this one picks up where that one left off. The Dying Game was the first book I've read by Barton, but now that I've read two of her books - I'm definitely looking to read more!

Special Agent Nicole Baxter would like to keep as much distance between herself and private investigator Griffin Powell as possible. It should be easy to do. They live in different states, socialize in different circles, and neither of them like anything about the other. But when someone calls her with a revelation about a serial killer, she is willing to listen. The caller will give one clue to her and one to Griffin. If she plans on ending The Murder Game before the caller has a chance to capture his next victim, she will have to work with the most arrogant and self-promoting man in the business. THE MURDER GAME is riveting from the first page. A few chapters into the book, I became aware that this book is a sequel. It didn't matter. Ms Barton was able to handle the back story in a way that I didn't feel cheated or confused. She sporadically dropped in just enough information to fill in the gaps but allowed me to stay focused on the present story. Tense...talk about nail-biting. I couldn't believe what was happening. About one hundred pages from the end, Ms Barton pulled the biggest surprise of all. My mouth hung open for a good twenty pages (in a good way). I kept thinking, are you kidding me? How is this possible? This was no sucker punch, simply good story-telling. I never saw it coming, but should have. All of the clues were there. The only problem I had was when Ms Barton would jump forward in time without a scene break. This was infrequent but enough to mention. And toward the end of the book, a few spots, not many, felt a little Mary Sueish to me. The characters in this book were fabulous. I was right there with them, feeling every emotion, and there were plenty to share. If you like a good thriller, that isn't gory, (okay, a little, tiny bit) you need to read this book. There are so many twists and turns, you'll feel like you are getting a workout. I did. [...] author

No spoilers here.. This book was a good read. I loved the style of murder, and the romance. I also loved Griff and Nic. They were forced to work together by a maniac, and I loved every second of it! I can't wait to read more about the two as Barton promised.

Story was very suspenseful and held my interest. But it was very similar to another mystery novel that I have read in the last year, I could not help but wonder if the author was not the same person, writing under a different name. But an enjoyable read, and it does keep you guessing until the end. Alphia Larkins

A vicious psychopath is on the hunt. He preys on athletic women, forcing them to play his sadistic game. The game is for them to run, hide and, if they can outwit him, escape. But no one has bested him yet, and when he does capture his prey, his evil is truly unleashed. Griffin Powell and FBI agent Nicole Baxter have worked together once before to put away a serial killer. This new sadist is the worst they have ever seen and he's forcing them to play the game with him. When the game is murder, Griffin will do whatever it takes to keep Nicole safe from this psychopath's demented scheme. I adore the way Beverly Barton writes romantic suspense! She sends me into the heebie jeebies and rewards me with the hot and squirmies. Ms. Barton is a top notch suspense writer taking the reader on a dark and twisted journey. Add to that the heated passion she gifts her hero and heroine and the reader gets a fantastic escape. The Murder Game is a must read for fans of this genre and anyone else looking for quality fiction. Annmarie Reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed