End Game by Liz Mistry

🕵️ Just Finished 🕵️

I got lost in Liz Mistry’s latest. This is the 6th novel in the D.S. Nikki Parekh series. I came into this book with no prior knowledge of her other books in the series. This can be read as a stand alone.

A disturbing crime scene with four family members slashed to death at a table while playing monopoly. Fifth empty seat that appears to have been occupied prior to the massacre that leaves the team with more questions than answers.

Some years ago, this same family has endured the unthinkable — an abduction of Winnie, their oldest daughter when she was just eleven years old. That investigation closed and Winnie was never found.

Does the annihilation of the family have anything to do with Winnie’s disappearance? Nikki Parekh’s and her team are determined to find out as a complex investigation ensues.

A very well organized and written crime novel. I throughly enjoyed the investigation process in great detail. What a ride! Reminded me of Louise Penny books minus the coziness factor. To say I was engrossed is an understatement. I devoured this thing. Mistry made reading every sentence enjoyable. It’s like she knew exactly how to form sentences in a way that would make the reader glide through them.

This book is all about investigation details. You get a little bit of character development but not much. Perhaps that boils down to me being new to Nikki Parekh, and if you read the other five books, you may be more attached to her and her team. With that said, it didn’t take away from the story for me. It would be challenging to make the investigation exciting while creating complex characters. Something’s gotta give.

Triggers: child abduction, sex trafficking, murder

Others: some politics involved/mentioned — Brexit, “woke” policing, racism

End Game by Liz Mistry is a compelling and heart-wrenching crime novel.

This is the latest book in the DS Nikki Parekh series. It reads as a standalone, but you would understand the dynamics in the police unit and Nikki's family better, if you've read some of the previous books.
Tense, twisty and poignant, End Game is utterly engrossing. The narrative is powerful and gripping, with superb characterisation, and a kick-ass good detective.

The blog review is part of the blog tour for End Game with Rachel's Random Resources. #BlogTour

End Game is a compelling story with a clever mystery set in contemporary West Yorkshire. It explores dark themes through its characters and immersively informs the reader about the socio-political ethos surrounding the investigation. The police procedural element is detailed and enthralling, and coupled with the mystery and personal lives of the team, the story is authentic and addictive reading.

Suspenseful and twisty, it captivates and makes the readers invest in the characters making what happens to every individual matter. I like the multi-layered characters, the twisty mystery, and the story's contemporary relevance.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

Such a dark murder mystery
With strange family history.
Four family members dead
But did a fifth person escape instead?

A story about horrendous series of crimes
With child kidnapping, abuse and dark times.
An uncomfortable read, a difficult case, too,
Will Nikki and Sajid discover what is true?

A police crime thriller
But who is the killer?
How did they kill the four
What happened to the one more?

Different points of view are shared.
Feelings and attitudes are bared.
Leaving you with the need
For the detectives to succeed.

There are insights in to the off duty lives, too,
With family drama and a wedding all to do.
The police team are brought to life
Amidst the ensuing turmoil and strife.

For my complementary copy, I say thank you,
As I share with you this, my honest review.

BLOG TOUR REVIEW


Review for 'End Game' by Liz Mistry.


Read and reviewed via NetGalley for T. A. Williams, HQ Digital publishers and Rachel's Random Tours.


Publication date 14th April 2023.


This is the first book I have read by this author. It is also the sixth book in the 'Detective Nikki Parekh' series but can be read as a standalone.

I was originally drawn to this book by its gorgeous eye catching cover and its intriguing synopsis and title. The synopsis stated 'Don’t miss the next utterly gripping thriller from the Queen of Northern Noir! Fans of Angela Marsons, Patricia Gibney and JD Kirk will love this heart-stopping read.' . I am a huge fan of Angela Marsons and Patricia Gibney so am looking forward to seeing if it lives up to this statement. I must admit I was also biased due to the publisher being HQ Digital. I have yet to read a book published by HQ that I haven't enjoyed. Hopefully this won't be the first... Watch this space! (Written before I started reading the book).

'End Game' discusses some topics that may upset some readers or may not be suitable for others. I like to point this out ahead of time in my reviews so you can judge if this book is for you or not. In this book Liz discusses child kidnapping and child abuse.


This novel consists of a prologue and 61 chapters. The chapters are short in length so easy to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!


This book is based in Bradford, West Yorkshire, England 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿. The bonus for me of books that are partly or fully based in the UK is that I live in the UK and have sometimes visited places mentioned in the book which makes it easier to picture.



This book is written in a mix of third and first person perspective and the protagonists are Detective Nikki Parekh, an unsub and Marnie. The benefits of books written in first person perspective are as long as they are well written it makes you feel that you are being spoken to by the protagonist and it can create more of a bond between yourselves and them. If there are several protagonists you also get to see more of what is going on. The benefits of third person perspective with multiple protagonists are that it let's you see the bigger picture of what's going on and you get to know more characters more, what they are thinking and what they are doing. It feels like you get to see the whole picture and not miss out in anything. To have the benefit of both first and third person perspective ensures you don't miss out on anything.

OMG!!! LOVE, LOVE, LOVED THIS BOOK and LOVE, LOVE, LOVED THIS BOOK AND CANNOT WAIT TO GET STUCK IN TO THE PREVIOUS BOOKS IN THIS EPIC SERIES!!!


This book is fantastically written and had me hooked from the first page until the last. Liz's way of writing is perfectly evocative and she has such a creative imagination!! The descriptions were so vivid and realistic I felt myself feeling the cold and damp and reaching for a blanket to warm me up. This has got to be one of the best storylines I have ever read!!!! I haven't read any of the previous books in this series so for me it was an absolutely explosive way to begin a new series and I cannot wait to go back to the first book in this series and work my way back up to this one to get to know more about Nikki and the rest of the character's histories, backgrounds and how they got to be where they are now! Needless to say I absolutely LOVED the storyline. This book is absolutely perfect for any crime lovers as you are literally reading about crime, twists and murder!!! It just does not get better than that!!! Just seriously, I cannot say how brilliant all this book was!!! The storyline is packed with tension, suspense, murder, horror, kidnapping, tension and filled with twists and turns. I was absolutely shocked when everything was revealed and was not expecting it at all!!! I genuinely thought for once I had actually worked out who it was in this amazing series but Liz proved me wrong!! A HUGE congratulations to Liz, it is getting harder and harder to shock me but you did it well!!! Liz has obviously done her research on police procedurals which is yet another bonus as I've read many crime novels where the authors make massive mistakes due to not doing enough research. This is an absolutely epic police procedural and psychological thriller that will keep you on the end of your seat, biting your nails and keep you awake until you have got to the last page! I just could not put it down and was walking around with my kindle glued in my hands and each time I told myself one last chapter something happened to stop me from closing the book and this happened over and over until I had completely devoured it in one sitting!! Liz manages to weave the two storylines and timelines together perfectly ensuring there is enough information for the reader to slowly start gathering information but not too fast to confuse them or allow them to work too much out until Liz is ready for them to! It is an absolutely gritty, gripping and addictive book and regardless of whether you have read any of the books in this series or haven't read a single one like myself it will keep you wanting more!! There were some parts of this book that were quite hard to read, mainly the chapters from Marnie's perspective as we delve into the abuse she suffers after being kidnapped as a child. I am a mum myself so this is definitely one of my worst nightmares but Liz ensures she sprinkles humour into several of the present scenes to lighten up the mood at just the right times to put some light in the darkness. The ending ensured everything was tied up with no forgotten loose endings which is another pet hate of mine, when an author mentions something in their book and then seems to forget about it half way through as it is never mentioned or explained again afterwards.

This book really is a super fast, chilling, addictive, gripping, multi layered MUST READ!!!! Clear your schedules and grab your copy today!!

It is set over multiple time lines. When books show what has happened in the past and what is happening in the present I find it really helps the reader (if it is well done) understand why things are happening and what has lead to the present activities and decisions. It also shows the bigger picture.

Although this is the sixth book in the series I had absolutely no problems reading it without the others. Any details or events that have previously happened are mentioned in just the right amount of detail to let a new reader know what has happened and yet not too much to bore a previous reader.

It is always worrying when starting a new series as you have no idea who the characters are. It is very important for me to bond with not only the lead protagonists but also any characters that may make repeat appearances during the series too.


I loved meeting all the characters who were all strong, well defined and unique. Our main protagonist is DC Nikki Parekh who is a strong kick butt woman who I would not want to get on the wrong side of. I always love it when I come across books with such strong female leads being female myself. I loved that Nikki has managed to work out a good work/life balance so we get to know more about her both in and outside of work even though this is just one book in the series it feels like I have got to know her so well already and I cannot wait to read more about her past. I have a feeling she, along with several of the other characters, are going to become like friends and as well liked as some of my favourite fictional detectives and characters. I absolutely loved the close relationship Nikki has with her partner DS Sajid Malik and is even his best woman for his upcoming wedding to Langley. They both have their flaws and unique personalities and watching how close they are and the beautiful friendship they have making sure they each have each others backs and trying to cheer each other up was lovely. Again, I am looking forward to going back to the previous books in this series to see what their friendship was like when they first partnered up in crime. Their ex DCI Archie Hegley made me laugh out loud with his proverbial's and although we don't see an awful lot of him in this book as he is no longer working with them I got to know him enough to know that I cant wait to go back in time with the previous books and see what he was like as their DCI!!! I can guarantee they made a fantastic team although I should also imagine there would have been some kick offs and disagreements between them all too!! I cant say too much about Marnie as I don't want to give too much away but as she is another of our main protagonists I couldn't not mention her. Marnie's perspective is told to us in first person perspective and it absolutely broke my heart what she was going through and I even had tears down my face at one point along with several jaw dropping and sickening moments. This book is definitely not for the faint hearted and I had to continuously remind myself it was fiction as Liz's amazing writing skills made me feel like I was in the room with Marnie on several occasions and I just wanted to wrap her up in my arms! I could not stand journalist Lisa Kane who seems to be determined to break Nikki and her team and I wont give her any more typing time as I am gritting my teeth just thinking about her. However, regardless of whether you love or hate them each of these characters come to life and work perfectly together to create this gripping and addictive book and I was entirely invested in Nikki and her team and cannot wait to get to see the majority of these amazing characters again in previous and future books in this amazing series!!


Overall a chilling, gripping and addictive must read book in what really does promise to be an explosive series!


Genres covered in this novel include Women's New Adult & College Fiction, Traditional Detective Mysteries, Crime Thriller, Detective Fiction, Women Sleuths, Psychological Fiction, Murder, British Detective Stories, Literary Fiction, Crime Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Police Procedural, Women's Psychological Fiction, Sleuth, Women's Detective Fiction, Mystery & Suspense Fiction, Suspense, and Crime amongst others.


I would recommend this book to the fans of the above as well as fans of T E Kinsey, Beth Byers, Agatha Christie, Angela Marsons, Patricia Gibney, JD Kirk, Lee Strauss and anyone looking for a very easy, page turning and enjoyable read.


363 pages.


This book is just £2.99 to purchase on kindle and £8.27 on paperback via Amazon which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!


Rated 4/5 (I enjoyed it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.


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When a family of four are found slaughtered over a game of monopoly, little did Detective Nikki Parekh and DS Sajid Malik realise just what kind of can of worms they would open when they start investigating this grisly scene. Four bodies but there were five pieces on the monopoly board. Who was person number five?

From the get go I was hooked on this story, we have murders, and also the storyline of the child trafficking, that was harrowing though it did not go into detail the abuse was clearly implied - are the two connected and if so how? Just how far does the connection go?

The characters, the story - everything just flowed brilliantly and had me hooked reading into the small hours of the night, Liz Mistry s created a page-turner with End Game for sure!

5 stars

Marnie’s plight is heartbreaking. I wanted to rescue her from her horrible scar faced captor. The more I read about her ordeal, the more desperate I was to save her and return her to her family!

But first up, the mystery of the extra guest! Four bodies but five pieces on the monopoly board. Who was person number five?! The murderer? A witness? Someone who got away?! Who I ask you, who?!? Ok ok, you need to read this to find out!!

Despite being Book 6 in the series, this can be read as a standalone. Anything I’d missed by not having read all the previous books (I’ve read 2 of the 5), Mistry gave me enough in the characters’ thoughts or narrative to fill in any gaps. I instantly slotted myself into the team like they were people I worked with everyday (not that I’m anything more than an armchair detective, a not-so-great one at that!)

End Game is a brilliant police procedural thriller. Mistry has the perfect balance between work and play for her characters. I had the main event of the investigation up front and in my face but in the background, my literary friends had their personal lives poking their proverbial heads above the parapet to show these characters are real and not just ones to solve a crime. If you want a gritty crime thriller, End Game is a great one to read!

Just to begin, this is easily a book that I would reread!

This is the sixth book in the series, but you don't have to read them all, and I will definitely be going back to reread some.

The book starts with a very intriguing beginning that pulls the reader straight in. I was trying to figure out how it was all going to connect, and I fully loved this feeling. We get into the murder very very fast, and I was living for it.

The book blurb does not give off too much information, buttttt there is such a good reason for that. There are so many twists and turns and it's so hard to give away some spoilers, which has also made the review a little harder to write since I want to include every little duo.

The pace of this book is so fast, I felt like everything was happening real time for me. Like my mind was working just as fast as the characters. I felt like I was an investigator in this book and I truly enjoyed this book, and can't wait to read more from Liz Mistry. Sign me up for any of her books!!

This is my first introduction to this author and this series, and I’m sad that I haven’t read the first five books! Now I’ll have to go back and read them. That being said, I never for one moment that I was missing out on anything from previous books. What an engaging and entertaining read! This story is told via several perspectives, and it really enhances the telling of the novel. The author did a great job with the relationship between Nikki and Saj. Both of them are very likeable characters. Thrillers are one of my favorite genres, and right from the beginning I was trying to figure out the mystery of the 5th person at the table. I went through many guesses, but I did not figure it out at all. I wasn’t even close! I had to keep reading so I could learn what happened. This is a must read for anyone that loves to read thrillers.

This sixth book in the series sees Nikki coping slightly better with her issues now that her nemesis has gone however when she is hurtled into a mass family killing, her mental health is severely stretched to its limit. The story focuses on child abduction and its perpetrators which may not always make for easy reading but it does however make for a fast paced engrossing story. Within the story we hear from one of the captive girls and what she has been going through. The author is not afraid to be honest and open about many issues including racism and mental health and this only adds to the depth of the book.

Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC to review.

Zain Ahad has moved up to DCI after Archie Hegley’s retirement and Nikki is now a DI, together with close team of DS Sajid Malik and solid DCs Farah Anwar and Liam Williams providing excellent support at Bradford CID. An unknown caller leads them to the sumptuous home of the Salinger family, father George, mother Patricia and teenagers schoolboy Jason and university student Karen. All four of them are dead from horrific knife wounds but strangely a blood splattered table and monopoly board has been set for five. So who was the fifth person? A victim, a witness or a killer? That’s the question for Nikki and the team but as their investigation proceeds, they discover family life was not as pretty as it was painted. Patricia had been having an affair with one of George’s business colleagues which had led to a furious confrontation with the man’s wronged wife, and the family had already suffered greatly when the eldest child, Winnie, had been abducted 12 years ago at the age of 11 and was never found, in no part helped by a strange lack of interest by the police. Could either of these events be related to these dreadful murders? In addition to the narrative of the case, the reader also hears from Marnie aka Lily, a young girl taken from her garden and forced in a life of servicing warped men, punished when she does not comply but rewarded when she does, until one day she and another girl receive the ultimate reward – freedom, but at a price. We also hear the words of the perpetrator of this sick and perverted business which extends over many years, and as the case is thrown completely on its head, can the team reveal the dark and shocking truth behind the annihilation of a family and save some lives?
It was lovely to have an appearance from Archie and his “proverbials”, together with all the much-loved regulars including young Isaac now living back in Nikki’s house, Saj’s fiancé pathologist Langley and Marcus who provides an ever-calming presence in the turbulent lives of his family, although the wonderful Ali was sorely missed this time! I would suggest reading these books in order as they form a fantastic series and there’s lots of history running into each new one. The tension and pace are kept up throughout this sinister and compelling story told by a master story teller, as the reader tries to make sense of the baffling and twisty clues. Another superb addition to the series!

End Game by Liz Mistry.
The brutal murder of all four members of the Salinger family has shocked the sleepy Bradford village to the core. A mother, father, daughter, and son. . . all killed in exactly the same way – whilst sat around the coffee table, playing a game of Monopoly. But Nikki notices that there are five pieces on the board. One of the players is missing. . . Did they manage to escape the killer, or was the killer part of the game?
A brilliant read. Twisty and gripping. Captivating from the beginning. 5*.

Another gripping thriller from Liz Mistry. This book captivates the reader from the start.
The background stories of the victims and their harrowing experiences are skilfully merged with the recent crime and there is also further insight into Nikki’s work and family relationships.
Once started this book cannot be put down until it’s satisfactory conclusion is reached.
Liz’s Nikki Parekh books are definitely a must read.

4 Stars from me

There is a fabulous mystery central to this book, whereby a whole family are murdered while playing an innocent game of monopoly. Yet there is one empty seat at the table - this added a certain spike of intrigue for me and put me firmly in mind of Jonathan Creek style thrillers!

That is just one tiny aspect though, the main thrust of End Game is a gritty thriller featuring Detective Nikki Parekh and DS Sajid Malik and their team who have to delve into some pretty murky waters if they want to solve this case, and prevent more deaths.

Locations are descriptive and atmospheric and the book captures some very current and concerning themes, all handled beautifully.

Much like in earlier books by the same author, Nikki makes for a great lead character and she doesn't shy away from the tough decisions and difficult situations - even when sometimes she arguably should! Seemingly always needing to prove herself to the senior staff, and at times feeling hindered in her investigations, Nikki is a hardworking and dedicated copper in the pursuit of the truth no matter the cost.

I found myself greatly invested in this story with its multiple threads - all so masterfully pulled together by the author and would happily recommend the Nikki Parekh novels to any police procedural / crime thriller fans. 

My thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and Liz Mistry for letting me be a part of this blog tour.

When an anonymous tip-off leads detectives Nikki Parekh and Sajid Malik to the sprawling Salinger estate, Nikki’s senses are on high alert. The brutal murder of all four members of the Salinger family has shocked the sleepy Bradford village to the core. All killed in exactly the same way whilst sat around the coffee table, playing a game of Monopoly. But Nikki notices that there are five pieces on the board. One of the players is missing. Nikki is also working on a case that goes back years, the abduction & abuse of children.
The sixth outing for Nikki & team & another page turner. A well written book with strong characters & a well paced story. The tension builds throughout the book & some parts are unsettling but it was hard to put down. I thoroughly enjoyed how the two stories came together & the author tied everything up at the end. There are lighter moments especially concerning Nikki's home life. I look forward to book number seven
My review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

When Detective Nikki Parekh & sidekick Saj are called to the luxury house belonging to the Salinger family they are unprepared for the bloodbath they will find. In the opulent room four people sit round a table at at Monopoly game. They have all been brutally attacked . Nikki notices that there is a fifth place- who sat there & what has happened to them? Are they responsible for this attack- or were they a prospective victim who escaped? Investigations leads down a dark road involving the sexual exploitation of children. Nikki & her team struggle to find answers whilst at the same time trying to work out why their superiors seem to be keen to throw them to the wolves.

I love this series. The characters have grown throughout the series making the reader invest in their lives. The story was one to keep you guessing- some things I guessed right, but as usual, most came as a surprise! Thanks to Netgalley & the publisher for letting me read & review this book- can't wait for the next one!

I must admit to not having read all of the previous books in this series – and that’s on me (so many books, so little time) – but despite that, it was so simple to dip back into the series and I was able to quickly get up to speed with Nikki’s and Saj’s lives in and out of work. That said, I’m planning to go and fill in those gaps soon because reading End Game reminded just how good this series is.

Why is it so good? Author talent aside (because, doh! - that’s a given, right?) this particular book was so on topic with two very timely themes: grooming gangs and the trust people have – or don’t have - in the police.

Years before, a young girl, stewing over an argument with her parents, disappears and is never found. But Marnie isn’t dead, and she’s not alone either. The case has gone cold.

Meanwhile, in present times, a family of four, in the midst of an innocent game of Monopoly, is found brutally murdered at the table with little sign of them putting up any resistance. With a fifth player clearly taking part, and not accounted for among the dead, the question arises whether player five was the perpetrator or the one that got away.

And back at the station, Nikki Parekh, now officially a DI, is determined to prove herself, despite having one of the best clear-up rates on the force. Yet her bosses seem willing to throw her under a bus when the press call the police out for being “woke”. Nikki and her team come under further pressure to perform well. As has been said frequently of late, “a fish rots from the head”, and there’s a real stink coming from the station.

In combining these threads (how did she do that?), the author has created a tense, thrilling, often horrifying story that gallops at such a pace to its inevitable conclusion (no spoilers, but it’s incredibly addictive – you won’t be able to stop reading). On the way, the story is peppered with the stuff of life, from family challenges to planning a stag-do for Saj’s wedding. These (comparatively) lighter moments only endear Nikki and Saj’s families to the reader more, not forgetting the rest of their team with their own private revelations but who very obviously have their boss’s back regardless of the flak being hurled at them.

Compelling, chilling, and unforgettable – this is a story that will stay with me for quite some time. Definitely the strongest police procedural I’ve read in a long, long time. Kudos to Liz Mistry.

End Game by Liz Mistry is a gripping contemporary crime thriller. It is the sixth book in the DS Nikki Parekh series but can be read as a stand-alone.
The action takes place in and around Bradford as present day murders seem to be linked to crimes spanning decades. As the book progresses, the reader tries to join the dots.
As we work our way through the book, we ‘hear’ the voice of the crime boss, one of the victims, and watch the action alternating between present day to an undisclosed time in the past.
With comprehensive descriptions, the landscapes spring to life. As my daughter lives in Baildon, I was familiar with many of the locations which added to my enjoyment. The weather and dark nights all build on the dark atmosphere.
Nikki Parekh and her side-kick Sajid are likable, hard-working coppers. They leave no stone unturned in their pursuit of justice.
Family is important. Sometimes family are the people who share your day to day life as well as those who are blood related.
The action was fast paced and gripping. I read the book in just two sittings – I had to pause for sleep! Liz Mistry is a marvellous author who draws me in from the very first page and keeps me glued and guessing throughout. It was a totally gripping read.
I received a free copy from Rachel’s Random Resources for a blog tour. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.

End Game by Liz Mistry is book 6 in the Nikki Parekh police series and it could be the best one of the series, but then I may have said that about numbers 1-5 as well.
The series is always about very hard hitting topics, this book concerns kidnapping and the sexual exploitation of children and corruption in the hierarchy of the police force. The storyline is a very sombre, serious topic and the police team is very determined to get to the serious players in this sexual exploitation of minors. The characters of the police team are well drawn and show how they all have evolved and developed throughout the series. The ending of the book is in a lighter mood and is a welcome relief from the horrors of the previous pages.
Highly. Recommended

I love this series of books, the characters are so well written they feel like old friends. I got so involved in this one that I forgot to eat! The best yet.