Sunday, December 9, 2007

The Murder Game-Beverly Barton

The Murder Game
Beverly Barton
Kensington, Feb 2008, $6.99
ISBN: 9780821776902

Pudge knows the old murder game of hunt and kill is over since his long time companion, cousin, and competitor Pinkie died; one does not just advertise for a cunning sadist to compete in THE MURDER GAME. Thus he has had to start a new contest as the old DYING GAME ended with Pinkie’s death. Pudge’s new competitor is the victim. He will hunt and stalk them, but give them the opportunity to escape and perhaps even outthink his brilliant sinister mind. However, in the end he will terrorize them before killing them; just ask Kendall Moore when you cross over.

Adding to Pudge’s personal entertainment is that part of each hunt includes outwitting private investigator Griffin Powell and FBI agent Nicole Baxter, who joined forces to take down Pinkie. Making them look foolish makes the game fun as he leaves them clues and calls them to insure they play. However, he knows the superbowl contest begins when he stalks Nicole while toying with the psyche of her lover Griff.

Although Pudge seems surreal as he describes the new game and more, readers will enjoy the tense sequel. Nic and indirectly Griff are the ultimate targets not out of vengeance, but because the psychopath assumes they will provide strong competition having taken down Pinkie. The romantic subplot takes somewhat a back seat to the fast-paced cat and mouse game with the betting line on Pudge.

Harriet Klausner

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