Thrilled to be today’s stop on the Deadly Game, by Matt Johnson, blog tour! After reading Wicked Game (you can read my review for that one here), I was so excited to pick up where I left off and dive back into Finlay’s realm. As soon as I saw that this novel would surround Robert Finlay investigating the East European sex-slave industry, I was intrigued. I couldn’t wait to see what Finlay would do in such a dangerous, underground world.
Although the second book in the series featuring Robert Finlay, this one could be easily read as a standalone. Johnson opens the novel with the first few chapters featuring the police report highlighting the events in the entire first book. I loved this feature; Johnson takes the time to inform his reader of Finley’s past completely directly instead of slowly weaving and leaving bits of information. I love when an author is direct and helps to set the stage for what will unfold.
The novel opens with Finlay, living in a safe house with his family, returning to work and almost instantly getting wrapped up with a prominent family that is involved in human and sex trafficking in Eastern Europe. While on the trail of this case, Robert is also dealing with the repercussions of the last novel and the demons of his past that are still threatening to harm him.
I have mentioned several times on Clues and Reviews, especially lately, that I have become a bit weary of police procedurals. I am struggling with their monotony. I am happy to say the plot of Deadly Game seriously breaks the mould. The sex trafficking investigation was so interesting as a lead case; I was completely consumed. The writing was fast paced and non-stop. Every time I felt like things were slowing down, Johnson would flip the switch and send me barreling into a new direction.
Unlike Wicked Game, which relied heavily on physical action and narrow escapes, Johnson focuses acutely on the psychological and strategical responses of the characters in this novel. Smart, intricate and tightly woven, Johnson’s prose had me reeling.
I also loved the introduction of all the female characters in this novel; although Jenny, Finlay’s wife, will remain my favourite, I loved the introduction of all the female police and investigative officers working together in this particular novel. Hopefully, Johnson will continue to develop them throughout the series.
Overall, if you enjoy military thrillers or an action thriller with strong political ties, you’ll love this one. My advice? Make sure you have ample time to read this one; once you start, Johnson barely leaves time for your to catch your breath, let alone take a break!! I rated it 4/5 stars.
Be sure to check out the other stops on the Deadly Game blog t
I thoroughly enjoyed Wicked Game, so looking forward to this one
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’ll have to let me know what you think!
LikeLike
Looks like a great read, the topic is dark but, but I read another one this year about it and I really liked it. I love police procedurals bt you need a break every now and then…
LikeLiked by 1 person
And boy…do I need a break lol
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi there! I just came across this post of yours and your blog in general and I couldn’t help but comment and tell you how much I love this! Keep up the great work, I am going to follow you so I can keep up with all your new posts!
LikeLike
You ended up in my spam folder! So sorry! Thanks for following; I’m going to check out your blog now!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I hate it when that happens! Sorry it done that, I promise I am not spam! Just an admirer of your blog lol. I look forward to reading more from you (:
LikeLiked by 1 person
I will make sure you never end up in Spam jail again!! lol
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sounds interesting!
LikeLike
Great review Sam, I agree he writes at a pace that keeps things moving along very quickly!
LikeLiked by 1 person