Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

In the bustling and shadowy streets of 1920s Melbourne, “A Deadly Game” by Laraine Stephens invites readers into a world where glamour and danger intertwine. This third installment in the Reggie da Costa Mystery series is a compelling blend of historical richness and suspenseful narrative that grips the reader from the first page.

The story unfolds with Reggie da Costa, a celebrated crime reporter for The Argus, stepping away from his usual beat to delve into a case that is as personal as it is perplexing. The mysterious death of Katherine, an identical twin and museum assistant, sets the stage for a tale of deception and discovery. Reggie, along with Ruby Rhodes, Katherine’s surviving sister, embarks on a quest to unravel the enigma of Katherine’s opulent lifestyle, which seems impossible on her modest salary.

As Ruby daringly assumes her sister’s identity, she and Reggie navigate the perilous waters of illegal gambling dens and risqué social clubs. The narrative is a masterful dance of intrigue and revelation, where each clue leads deeper into the heart of Melbourne’s underbelly. The city itself becomes a character, with its vibrant life and historical backdrop providing a rich canvas for the unfolding drama.

Laraine Stephens’ writing is a treat for lovers of historical mysteries. Her attention to detail paints a vivid picture of the era, making the reader feel as though they are walking the same streets as Reggie and Ruby. The dialogue is sharp, the pacing is tight, and the atmosphere is thick with the tension of a good mystery.

“A Deadly Game” is a journey into the past, a study of characters who are as complex as they are charming. Reggie da Costa is a detective who is as much at home in a high society ball as he is in a back-alley brawl, and Ruby Rhodes is a heroine whose courage and cunning make her a force to be reckoned with.

“A Deadly Game” is a delightful addition to the Reggie da Costa series and a must-read for fans of the genre. It’s a book that offers not only a puzzle to be solved but also a window into a bygone era, brought to life with skill and passion by Laraine Stephens. With its engaging plot and memorable characters, this novel is sure to leave readers eagerly awaiting the next adventure of Reggie da Costa.

A Deadly Game by Laraine Stephens
Reggie Da Costa Mystery #3

Excellent in every way ~ Couldn’t put it down ~ First time reading this author but not the last!

What I liked:
* Reggie Da Costa: seasoned well respected crime reporter, dapper dresser, has plenty of sources, enjoys the finer things in life, loving & protective son, willing to share his experience, thinks he might be ready to settle down soon, intriguing, deeper than his first impression might suggest
* Ruby Rhodes: intelligent, responsible, quiet, sedate, close to her brother, doesn’t believe her sister’s death was an accident, willing to go undercover to find a murderer, stronger than she realizes, grows a lot in this book and begins to truly come into her own
* Dusty Rhodes: younger than his sisters, budding journalist, hired to work with Reggie as an assistant-apprentice, protective, would like to see more of him
* Horace Striker: criminal-gangster, wants revenge-justice for the murder of his nephew, assists Ruby in her undercover endeavor
* The backstory that explains the secret Ruby is carrying and why she feels so strongly that she needs to find her sister’s killer
* The tie-in to archaeology, Egypt, and stealing of antiquities
* The plot, pacing, setting, era, and writing
* Some of the news stories tackled in the book
* The costumes, settings, and details pertinent to the era and being able to “see” things as they no doubt were in the 20’s.
* All of it really but mostly, reading an excellent book by a new-to-me author

What I didn’t like:
* Who and what I was meant not to like

Did I like this book? Yes
Would I read more in this series/by this author? Definitely!
NOTE: This is third in a series but easily read without reading the previous books

Thank you to NetGalley and Level Best Books – Historia for the ARC – this is my honest review.

5 Stars

This 1925 mystery takes place in Australia. It is well-written with a good storyline and an interesting plot. It has a bit of a spy element to the story. I really liked the characters; especially Ruby. She was so willing to find out who killed her sister that she pretended to be Miss Kitty and worked with a gangster to rat out the killer. That takes guts! I liked the relationship between Ruby and Reggie. I thought they complimented each other well. I’m looking forward to reading the next book!

Thank you to NetGalley and Level Best Books for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!

Love the old car on the cover. The story is from the point of view of the surviving twin. She inherits a house from her estranged identical twin. Their personality and adult lives are nothing alike. But she can't just accept her sister died by suicide. The book tells the story of her search for answers. She finds unwelcome details of her sister's life. Her brother and his boss are newspaper guys. That adds another layer of discovery. Good story

"A Deadly Game: A Reggie da Costa Mystery" by Laraine Stephens is a captivating and thrilling historical mystery that takes readers on a journey back to the vibrant and mysterious world of Melbourne in 1925. This novel is a page-turner. It was very hard for me to put down.

The story centers around Reggie da Costa, a crime reporter known for his wit and investigative skills. However, when he takes a break from covering the city's gangland crime, he finds himself embroiled in a different kind of mystery. The death of Katherine, a museum assistant who seemingly lived a luxurious life, sets the stage for an intriguing plot filled with secrets and surprises.

Reggie is a brilliantly developed protagonist who is not just a fearless reporter but also a genuinely likable and relatable character. His determination to unravel the mystery behind Katherine's secret life, and his partnership with Ruby Rhodes, adds depth and intrigue to the story. The chemistry between the two characters is electric, and their dynamic is one of the highlights of the book.

Stephens's portrayal of 1920s Melbourne is vivid and immersive, bringing the era to life with all its glamour, intrigue, and danger. The illegal gambling dens and risqué social clubs of the time serve as a backdrop for Reggie and Ruby's investigation, adding layers of excitement and suspense.

As the plot unfolds, readers are taken on a rollercoaster ride of twists and turns, each one more shocking than the last. The pacing is impeccable, keeping you on the edge of your seat, eagerly anticipating the next revelation. Stephens's ability to maintain suspense throughout the story is remarkable.

"A Deadly Game" is a delightful blend of mystery, suspense, and historical fiction, with a touch of romance and a dash of the unexpected. Laraine Stephens has crafted a narrative that keeps readers engaged from the first page to the very last. If you're a fan of historical mysteries filled with strong characters, intricate plots, and a vivid sense of time and place, then this book is for you. It's an exhilarating journey into the past that you won't want to miss.

"A thrilling journey into the heart of 1920s Melbourne – a world of secrets, suspense, and unforgettable characters."

"Laraine Stephens weaves a web of intrigue that keeps you guessing until the very last page. A must-read for mystery enthusiasts."

"Reggie da Costa is the detective we've been waiting for – smart, charming, and endlessly captivating. An unforgettable hero in an unforgettable mystery."

"Step into the past and get lost in the glamour and danger of 1920s Melbourne. A Deadly Game is a masterclass in historical fiction."

"With its blend of romance, suspense, and historical authenticity, Laraine Stephens's novel is a compelling and irresistible read."

"A Deadly Game is a mesmerizing dance through a bygone era, filled with surprises and suspense. Laraine Stephens has penned a modern classic."

"Intrigue, secrets, and a touch of romance – this book has it all. Reggie da Costa's investigation is a delight from start to finish."

"Laraine Stephens's storytelling is as sharp as her protagonist's wit. A Deadly Game is a gem of historical mystery fiction."

"Reggie da Costa is the hero we've all been waiting for in the world of historical mysteries. Prepare to be captivated."

"Step into the past and embark on a journey you won't soon forget. A Deadly Game is a spellbinding tale of mystery and adventure."

A Deadly Game is the third book in the Reggie De Costa series, and although I think the author is a great writer, this is the last series book I will read. Even with the focus on the mystery of Ruby Rhodes and her twin sister's death, the main character is unappealing misogynist. Although the book takes place in 1920s Melbourne, I expect creative license in character development. Crime reporter de Costa is beyond unappealing, even as an anti-hero. Hopefully Stephens will start a new series - she is a great writer.

Melbourne 1925. Identical twin Ruby Rhodes is convinced that her sister Catherine, 'Miss Kitty', was murdered. Ruby inherits her house, but how could she afford this and all the clothes on the pay of a museum assistant. Ruth decides to impersonate 'Miss Kitty', to find the answers and the killer of her sister aided by Reggie da Costa, crime reporter on the Argus, and gangster Horace Striker. But what else will they discover.
An entertaining historical mystery with its likeable and varied characters which can easily be read as a standalone story.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.