The mystery is decent so far. I have my suspicions, and I may be right or not, but I'm just glad it's not ridiculously and blatantly obvious. I like the main characters, and the cutoff for this book was at a decent place, so at this point it's above average. ( )

Nnngh, that last liiiiiine. I'm so excited to have another series to read!

This is not a perfectly written book*, but it's so close, and the plot's so compelling and the characters are so good, that I just can't care this time. The timeline is also intense - about a month - for both the budding romance and this scary killer. This book's a Happy For Now (HFN) with every promise to progress, and heck yes I'm-a go buy the next one as soon as I post this review.


This note is mostly for other writers:
*By 'not perfectly written, I mean reactions and feelings are often spelled out rather than shown, or shown, and then spelled out anyway. Sometimes readers need the shortcuts because the plot's too intense for subtle, but the power of a story shines brightest if we the readers get to learn how to "read" the character's words and actions and thoughts, rather than having these things just stated. Lots of writers never learn this and lots of readers don't care. I don't if the story's compelling - but I do wonder how much better it could've been. ( )

3,8 stars

The writing was good, as was the plot. The author didn't go for the obvious cliches and things were generally well thought out. Quite absurdly what mostly rubbed me the wrong way was how try-hard this book was in being politically correct, and I don't mean that in a sneering way. I simultaneously enjoyed how inclusive and thoughtful the story was, and rolled my eyes at how absurdly unrealistic that aspect of the story came off as (mostly in the police environment).

I'm most definitely going to read part two this spring, but not straight away (although I do already own a copy). I also wouldn't mind if Levi and Dominic's relationship would be more of a back drop than anything in the future books, as I was much more interested in the serial killer aspect than the "romance" that was pretty devoid of any real emotion. ( )

I’ve only read one book of CK’s before (Close Protection), and a couple of years ago at that, but I distinctly remember that it was pretty good. That's why after finding this series I couldn’t not give it a shot. And what do you know. Apparently, Ms Kingsbridge improves with time.
I enjoyed Kill Game immensely. The plot was well thought out and engaging from the start, and much more elaborate that I’d been expecting. It wasn’t merely a thin veneer spread on top of some mushy romance. The situation at the end was a bit abrupt, but as I see it, that was just the usual pre-cliffhanger build-up, which I didn’t really mind, because that cliffie was niiice.

All was good on the relationship front, too. There was no insta- anything in this book, THANK GOD. Levi and Dominic started out as not-quite enemies and their attraction was developed at a nice pace, culminating in a panty-igniting sex scene (but just ONE, damn it!), which is exactly what I prefer in my books. I liked the fact that afterwards, they didn’t jump into a relationship at the drop of a hat - even though it was obviously what they wanted - but decided to take things slow instead. And just how sweet was Dominic’s consideration? I love that guy! They’re perfect for each other and I can’t wait to see their relationship develop further. I noticed some parallels between this story and CK’s earlier work, particularly in regard to the two MCs. A big, muscled guy, who’s surprisingly caring and sweet despite his appearance, as well as not particularly bossy in the sack, and a smaller, leaner guy, who’s a dedicated bottom (but who’s just as badass, if not more so). That doesn’t really bother me, though, because what matters is the final effect - and Ms. Kingsbridge can write. So if that’s the way she likes her boys, then I have no objection.
Highly recommend to mystery and crime buffs! ( )

2021 reread
as good and addicting as the first time! ( )