Games can kill you. Especially virtual ones...

Leela Crowe is living a quiet life after leaving her PR job at Jolvix two years ago.

Then, she receives an apology and the person who sent the apology dies. When this happens to other people who have wronged Leela, she knows this is associated with Jolvix and the VisPex goggles.

Leela with the help of her dead fiancee's brother, Teddy Lindmark, and Eve (someone we know from a prior book) will help her in trying to uncover the identity of the serial killer and hopefully stop him before another death occurs.

The Slaying Game had an interesting premise that hooks the reader from the very beginning.

Regarding the characters, I must admit that Leela sometimes annoyed me. She spent too much time in her head and she was rude to Teddy quite a bit. I couldn't help but love Teddy. I did like that both had pets and that no harm came to them.

There is one thing I disliked about this book and it was the author's dig at Florida. What the heck? Is she trying to upset her Florida readers? Even Taylor Swift loves FL...

Cliffhanger: No

4/5 Fangs

A complimentary copy was provided by Mirror House Press via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

The Slaying Game by Faith Gardner is a thrilling addition to her Jolvix Episodes series, and it stands out as a gripping and intense read. The story follows Leela, a former PR professional for the tech giant Jolvix, who finds herself entangled in a deadly game when her enemies start dying under mysterious circumstances. These deaths, initially appearing as unrelated suicides, are linked to a high-tech weapon from her past work at Jolvix.

Gardner excels in building a narrative filled with suspense and unexpected twists. The plot is intricately woven with multiple red herrings that keep you guessing until the very end. The dynamic between Leela and Teddy adds an interesting layer to the story, and Gardner handles sensitive topics like addiction and grief with insight and realism. The futuristic elements are balanced well with the interpersonal aspects, creating a story that is both thrilling and thought-provoking.

While the pacing can be uneven at times, it does not detract significantly from the overall experience. The ending, particularly with the bonus epilogue from Teddy’s perspective, is satisfying and leaves a lasting impression.

Overall, The Slaying Game is a compelling read that fans of psychological thrillers and Gardner’s previous works will thoroughly enjoy. It’s a standalone novel, but those familiar with the Jolvix series will appreciate the context even more. This book is a must-read for those who love a well-crafted mystery with a futuristic twist.

I wasn’t a huge fan of Pearl in Deep. I am all for far fetched plots but sometimes I can’t find it in me to sign up. This was one of those. A lot of people enjoyed this book, I was in the minority

"The Slaying Game" by Faith Gardner is a thrilling and witty mystery novel that puts a fresh spin on the classic whodunit genre. Gardner's sharp writing and clever plot twists keep readers guessing until the very end, making this book a must-read for fans of suspenseful storytelling.

At the heart of the novel is the protagonist, Juniper Torres, a captivating amateur sleuth with a penchant for solving crimes. When a murder rocks her small town, Juniper finds herself thrust into the center of the investigation, determined to uncover the truth behind the grisly crime. Gardner skillfully crafts Juniper as a complex and relatable character, blending her sharp wit with vulnerability and determination.

One of the novel's greatest strengths lies in its inventive premise. Set in the world of live-action role-playing games (LARPing), "The Slaying Game" offers a unique and immersive backdrop for the mystery to unfold. Gardner's attention to detail brings the LARPing community to life, with vivid descriptions of elaborate costumes, epic battles, and intricate plotlines that will delight readers.

The pacing of "The Slaying Game" is brisk and engaging, with each chapter building suspense and tension as Juniper gets closer to unraveling the mystery. Gardner expertly weaves together clues and red herrings, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as they follow Juniper's investigation. The result is a gripping page-turner that will leave readers eagerly turning the pages to uncover the truth.

Gardner's writing is infused with humor and wit, adding an extra layer of enjoyment to the novel. From Juniper's witty banter with her fellow LARPers to the clever wordplay sprinkled throughout the narrative, there's never a dull moment in "The Slaying Game." Gardner's sharp dialogue and keen observations of human nature create a dynamic and engaging reading experience.

In conclusion, "The Slaying Game" by Faith Gardner is a delightful and entertaining mystery novel that will keep readers hooked from start to finish. With its engaging plot, memorable characters, and inventive setting, it offers a fresh take on the traditional whodunit genre. Gardner's clever storytelling and sharp wit make this book a standout in the world of mystery fiction, and it's sure to leave readers eagerly awaiting her next literary offering.

A fantastic fast paced psychological thriller with intense action. Everything that you look for is a devious, twisted psychopath with unexpected twists. Each of the books in the series involves the company Jolvix, but each differs in the ending. A must-read!

This was a well done book where you know the mystery has many many twist and turns you will enjoy and have you guessing alot

Nope, this book did not slay.

I'm a Faith Gardner fangirl who has binged every Jolvix Episode eagerly... until now. Maybe it was wrong mood wrong time, but it took me ages to finish this and I was left unimpressed.

Not only is The Slaying Game longer in length than its counterparts in the universe, the plot and premise didn't draw me in too. The only reason I continued turning the pages was because I had confidence in Gardner and I wanted to know whodunit. The latter was an immense disappointment.

But wow, I wasn't expecting Gardner to do *that*! 👏 Not that she has ever shied away from a challenge and I respect that. Definitely didn't see it coming! 😱 Bonus points for the sarcastic wit + incisive commentary about womanhood, technology and society as always.

As a thriller, this was just fine, but the author's talent is undeniable. Am I looking forward to her next release, whether Jolvix Episode or not? Absolutely.

This book was like none other that I’ve ever read before(in the most amazing way)! It was definitely out of my comfort zone sub-genre wise, but I’m glad I gave it a chance because let me tell you👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾 Let’s first start with the dedication, it made me laugh sooo hard and set me up to absolutely love the author’s writing style and tone😂

This was a super fast-paced, high stakes, high tech, drama filled thriller suspense that could easily make the transition to any streaming service as a series or a film (that is, after the striking is over, and the studios reach a fair agreement with all the writers and actors).

I really enjoyed the premise of the book, the execution of that premise, the writing style, and the unraveling of all the suspenseful/mysterious parts. The plot flowed well and was very wonderfully crafted gave me the same vibes as as some of the novels of Ruth Ware, John Marrs and/or Harlan Coben!

*If you need, definitely check out content warnings as this book may not be perfect for everyone*

**I should also mention this book is part of a series but I read it as a stand-alone as it was super easy to dive into and get caught up with the fact.**

4.50⭐️

Special thanks to Mirror House Press and netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book on its publication day!

I did not finish this one, it was not for me, I couldn't relate to the characters, and just did not care for the story.

First of all I want to say thank you to NetGalley, Mirror House Press, and Faith Gardner for my ARC. I had no idea this was part of a series but I definitely added the rest of them to my TBR after reading The Slaying Game! This was definitely a rollercoaster and had me guessing till the end. I love the futuristic aspects of this book. I personally found most of the characters very likable a few that weren’t meant to be disliked were painted in that picture. The back and forth perspective kept the book interesting and kept my attention. I didn’t want to put it down because I just had to know how it ended! Can’t wait to read more from Faith! :)

Disturbing, mysterious and unlike anything I read before.

Genuinely had no idea where the story was going, but it had me on the edge of my seat. The dialogue is effortless and humor is sprinkled in with the slayings.

4 stars

Finally finished! Took me forever, but that says more about me than about the book.

This is the 6th book in the Jolvix series of light sci-fi novels. They are interconnected by the fact that they all occur in the same universe and different characters/situations may reappear or be mentioned in subsequent books, but they are all standalone novels. I do recommend reading them in order because it does greatly increase the enjoyment of the experience.

Leela used to work for Jolvix, but a series of events led to her leaving that job with an ironclad NDA. Now she happily works for a cat rescue, and despite her overbearing boss, Leela's stress level has decreased and she is enjoying life. That is, until she receives a bizarre apology note from a former high school nemesis, and later discovers that the woman has died apparently by suicide. And then it happens again with another. Are these deaths tied to Leela's former position and the VR headset game they were developing? Why are these people dying?

I was intrigued by this book from the start, and the narrative kept me invested throughout. Gardner has a way with creating characters that readers will root for. There's humor, drama, action, a bit of romance and mystery, and all of those things together make for a very entertaining reading experience.

The author, while continuing to examine the benefits and drawbacks of technological advances, also looks at some of the tougher issues of loss and addiction. I feel like they are realistically portrayed and give the book unexpected depth.

This is definitely one of my favorites of the series. I highly recommend picking them up.

Heart pounding thriller that left me on the edge of my seat. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this one. Definitely one of the best books this year.

Full disclosure: I am a Faith Gardner fan. I get her email newsletter, have read all of the Jolvix episodes (and bonus epilogues), and am happy to read more about Jolvix in the future. All have been four to five star reads with Amen Maxine and Pearl in Deep topping my list. The more episodes we read, the more we see connections and I absolutely love that! If you haven't read any of the other Jolvix titles yet, be sure to read Eve in Overdrive (my favorite cover of the bunch) as it is a prequel to this title. What to say about this latest release. . . Here are my four favorite things:
🌟Teddy was adorable! I did not love Leela so much (definitely not as much as the villain), but that guy is a keeper.
🌟Leela was employed by a cat shelter called "Feline Better." 😹 Her somewhat annoying supervisor wants more cat puns in the employee manual. They have a Meow Meow lounge!
🌟All the bits connecting to other episodes. I love book connections! 🥰📚
🌟The bonus epilogue! Just subscribe to Faith's newsletter and download it. A fabulous finish!
Why not five stars? I really hated the technology being utilized as a weapon. These books really make one ponder the lines that have been crossed with technological advances. Just because we CAN does not always mean we SHOULD.

Thank you to Mirror House Press and NetGalley for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.

I was given this as an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was dark and twisty, really kept me guessing. I absolutely love this series, and this has to be the darkest of them yet. A few typos, and took me awhile to read because of schedule, but I really enjoyed this new read by this author.

I felt like I really got to know the main character. The author did well with bringing her story to life. The plot was well-rounded and fleshed out.

One thing I wish was that I wish that there was more of a mention on who did it, like more breadcrumbs.

All in all, definitely would recommend this to anyone that wants something of substance.

This book has great potential. For me the struggle was that I did not understand where it was going. I think the game aspect was meant to be a surprise, but I was mainly confused. I felt lost and discombobulated---but not in a mystery kind of way.

The book started to get interesting around 10% of the way in. The book lagged a bit until this point.

I liked the idea of the strange stalker attempting to avenge her. This felt unique to me.

I could not wrap my brain around the MC. She was not relatable to me.

The bots were an odd addition to me---almost out of place. But I did find their banter funny. It would have been great for maybe this aspect to have been expounded upon.

Barnett was disgusting. I hated him. That was clearly the point, so the author did a great job with that.

The story was unique, but I was expecting to be thrilled or have more jump scares. It did not keep me on the edge of my seat, but I was interested.

The ending was semi-predictable once you understood the game. But the killer was a surprise.

I wish it could have dove into Jacks and Leela's story a bit more. I just didn't feel connected to them at all.

So I want to start by saying that these Jolvix books are my favorite books of all time. I am blown away each time I read one. Faith Gardner is a genius. I wanted to read this one when I was having a bad day and today was the day. What a coincidence right?! Today my friend did not win the race for mayor.
So I had to fall into the Jolvix nightmare world.
Leela works in a cat rescue/cafe, which is of course everyone's dream job. One day someone breaks a window and two cats disappear. There is also blood all over. She ends up doign a news clip. I have been there! Not long after our girl gets a message from her high school rival apologizing for high school trauma.. When she looks her up she finds that she is dead. It is a lot.
Also Leela used to work at Jolvix and might know too much.
Her personality is hilarious. I was laughing so hard at her thoughts about Daisy.

Thanks for this! I loved like I love all these books. I am disturbed.

“It’s playtime.”

Well written, well thought out, gripping and absolutely fantastic! Its pretty much a given, if Faith Gardner writes it, I am going to read it!

Leela Crowe once worked PR for Jolvix. But she has moved on to a job at a cat rescue/shelter. She is doing well, happy to have left Jolvix after the cover up she had to do for them. Then an apology message arrived from a high school nemesis who locked her in a locker so Leela could not audition for the coveted position in the school play. It’s a blast from the past and brings back memories for Leela. She then learns that the woman committed suicide after sending the apology message. Strange. But soon there are more apology messages and more deaths. Leela will need some help as she becomes a suspect as the dead are people who have wronged her. Who does she call for help? Teddy!

Woohoo!

Of course, other characters are in this as well, that readers of this series will recognize. This is such a fantastic series! Can this be read as a stand-alone? Sure, but again, this is such a great series, please go back and start with Amen Maxine.

I enjoy how the characters are quirky, entertaining, witty, and sarcastic while also dealing with some serious issues. There are some creepy moments, some tension, and some suspense which had me turning the pages as fast as I could. I was fully invested in finding out who was behind everything. Could it be a Jolvix competitor? Could it be Jolvix? Faith Gardner has created a highly original and intelligent world with emphasis on high technology.

Original, well thought out, well written, gripping, and addictive. I can't wait to read what Faith Gardner writes next!

This was excellent, magnificent and overwhelmingly good. I love Gardner and this might be my favorite book by her so far.

The plot follows a former jolvix employee, trying to live a silent, comfortable life after loosing her fiancé. Soon someone she knows dies and she gets a message apologizing for how she was treated back then. It is ruled a suicide, but there really is more to it, which soon becomes all to clear.

This is definitely an intense read, but what made it stand out for me was the main character, her personality was divine. She was snarky, gutsy and very likable. The humorous interactions were a perfect remedy to the sombre events, and I felt supercool just reading about her thought processes because I wanted to be like her. Even if her life was messy and complicated she just interacted with the world in the most interesting way. Her relationship to teddy was also a joy. Her hate/love relationship with Teddy made the whole reading experience even more pleasant, I wanted to know more and that need never wavered. My only misgivings is that the book eventually ended, which I was sad about.


Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the arc.

The review is also at goodreads and instagram (@ninjabooks)

Thank you to the author Faith Gardner, publishers Mirror House Press, and NetGalley, for an advance digital copy of THE SLAYING GAME. All views are mine.

I really struggled to connect to this book. I didn't find the story, the characters, or the style interesting, so it wasn't a fun read for me.

Three (or more) things I loved:

1. This book uses the second person narrator well, I'll give it that.

2. I couldn't always follow the twists, but I like a story that is more twisty than straight. Makes it more exciting!

Three (or less) things I didn't love:

This section isn't only for criticisms. It's merely for items that I felt something for other than "love" or some interpretation thereof.

1. I'm 25 percent of the way through this book and I've yet to get interested. Starting over.

2. The concept of a VR helmet fitted with a gun for assisted suicide is far from original.

3. Omg I don't even know what to say about this book except, do I have to keep reading it?

4. I do not care who "you" is or what "you" supposedly suffered to justify all this.

5. This book absolutely crawls over details that mean nothing, but a character's reaction to finding the dead corpse of the man she loves gets rattled off like a grocery list. Talk about telling and not showing.

6. This is one implausible ending. I can't even begin to explain all the ways this is unbelievable.

Ratings:
Cover: 4.1
Concept: 3.5
Character Work: 3.5
Settings / World Work: 3.8
Narrative: 3.6
Pacing: 3.8
Plot / Logic: 3.8
Ending: 3.5
Steam: n/a
Style: 3.8
Overall Rating: 3.71