This is the first book in the Colter Shaw series. I found it to be interesting but a little disjointed because of the back and forth in time scenes. I will read the next book to fully embrace the character. ( )

Story: 7 / 10
Characters: 7
Setting: 7
Prose: 7 ( )

The Never Game by Jeffrey Deaver is a 2019 G.P. Putnam’s Sons publication.

This is the first book in the Colter Shaw series.

Colter Shaw makes his living by working on cases in which a family has offered a reward for information- mainly in missing persons cases, obviously, which is how he gets involved in the case of a young girl who went missing in Silicon Valley.

The case turns out to be a kidnapping- which sets off a string of other kidnappings and murder, which is how Shaw winds up helping law enforcement.- Without any additional reward money.

As the investigation deepens it comes to light that the kidnappings and murders are patterned after a popular video game called ‘The Whispering Man’…

My husband likes this author, but try as I might, I remained underwhelmed, eventually giving up entirely. But some while back, I saw one of those ‘top ten’ list of novels centered around cults, and the second book in the Shaw series made the cut. Though I had some reservations, I decided to give the series a try and felt I would probably have better luck if I started at the beginning.

I’m not sure where to start here...

The premise was an interesting look inside the world of video gaming, while building an ongoing personal thread for Shaw to deal with. But there were heavy execution issues and writing quirks that took me out of the story. Shaw’s percentages logic was interesting in the beginning, but quickly wore thin. The story just did not grab me as I’d hoped.

That said, the book I really wanted to read is the follow up to this one- and since I’ve gone to this much trouble, I will definitely read the next installment- which will determine whether or not I continue with this series.

Overall, for some reason I don't jibe with this author- but maybe the second installment will change my mind. Here's hoping...

2 stars

*Note: There was an odd exchange in this book about Nancy Drew- so I'm just going to ask. Guys- Have you ever heard of Nancy Drew? Have you ever read any of her mysteries? Just curious. ( )

Deaver delivers an extremely well paced, high impact story while bringing forth Colton Shaw, a character of depth and charisma. I found it highly engaging and as a Bay area resident could easily envision the locals. Weaving a video game titled The Whispering Man as the element the mysterious kidnapper models his process after, the reader must navigate a labyrinth filled with twists, odd characters and cops. Having read "The Bone Collector" previously, this book is on par. What's notable is the consistency of the pace; while many crime/mystery writers go the momentum route, he keeps the reader engaged from first words to last. ( )

A young woman has gone missing in Silicon Valley and her father has hired Colter Shaw to find her. The son of a survivalist family, Shaw is an expert tracker. Now he makes a living as a ‘reward seeker’, travelling the country to help police solve crimes and private citizens locate missing persons. But what seems a simple investigation quickly thrusts him into the dark heart of America’s tech hub and the cutthroat billion dollar video-gaming industry.
This is a new series introducing Colter Shaw. Jeffery Deaver is one of my favourite authors and, as usual, it’s non stop action. I got through it in no time. ( )