Is he a murderer or is she losing her mind?

Julie Hoffman loves her mother Kate, a beautiful force of nature and successful businesswoman who has just reconnected with and married her first love Charlie. Julie is thrilled to see her mother so happy and has become very fond of Charlie, plus she (and her doctor husband Eric) hopes that maybe this new relationship will give Julie a respite from being at her mother's beck and call. The last thing she expects is to get a phone call on behalf of her distraught mother just a few hours after the ceremony. Kate has called the police and accused Charlie of having murdered multiple people years earlier and gotten away with the crime, saying that he just confessed his worst secret to her. Charlie, meanwhile, says he never said it, that perhaps Kate's confused (having had more than a little bit to drink that day). Eric, whose relationship with Kate is rocky on a good day, says that its further proof that Kate's mind is slipping and calls in a neurologist friend for an immediate consult. Is Charlie gaslighting Kate, hoping that he will gain control of the business and money of which he swore he wanted no part? Is Kate displaying signs of Alzheimer's or dementia, her formidable brain that for decades has created deals that amazed the business community letting her down? Julie doesn't want to believe the former, but can't reconcile the latter with the woman she knows. She has always been in her mother's dominating shadow, but as the situation worsens she is going to have to find the strength within herself to sort through the distortions and ulterior motives at play, even from those whom she should be able to trust.
Set amongst the glamorous movers and shakers in the powerful world of Florida property development, where everyone from ambitious politicians to society's elite play angles and have hands about to slip in your pocket, author Bonnie Kistler has dreamed up an interesting premise for this psychological thriller. There are also those whose worries about the devastation to the environment wrought by massive development pitted against those whose only goal is to make the next bigger, more lucrative deal. I wish that the characters had the depth to enhance the plot line, but, must admit that I found Julie a bit too gullible, and couldn't find many characters to whom I could warm up. Julie does grow a backbone eventually, and there are twists right up until the end. It was a quick read and not a horrible one, just not one that stood out for me. Fans of Liv Constantine, Jaime Lyn Hendricks and Alafair Burke might find it appealing, as would those interested in a suspenseful tale set in the world of Florida development. My thanks to NetGalley and Harper Perennial and Paperbacks for allowing me access to Shell Games in exchange for my honest review.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

Bonnie Kistler's "Shell Games" is a riveting exploration of deception, family secrets, and the murky depths of human nature. This novel unfurls with an intricate plot that weaves together suspense and drama, immersing readers into a world where nothing is as it seems.

Kistler's storytelling prowess shines through in her creation of multifaceted characters who grapple with their own demons and hidden agendas. The protagonist's journey is particularly compelling, as she navigates a web of lies and betrayal to uncover the truth. Her resilience and determination make her a relatable and inspiring figure, drawing readers deeper into the narrative.

The atmospheric setting enhances the novel's tension, with Kistler's vivid descriptions bringing the story's locales to life. Each scene is meticulously crafted, adding layers of complexity and intrigue. The pacing is masterful, with perfectly timed revelations that keep readers guessing until the very end.

"Shell Games" is a thought-provoking thriller and an examination of the lengths people will go to protect their secrets and the consequences of those actions. Kistler's deft handling of suspense and emotion makes this a standout read.

"Shell Games" is a testament to Bonnie Kistler's ability to craft a compelling narrative that captivates and challenges readers. It's a must-read for fans of psychological thrillers and anyone looking for a gripping, immersive story.

Thanks to Harper Perennial and NetGalley to access to Shell Games in exchange for my honest opinion.
The book takes place in Florida, where Julie's 70 year old mother Kate is getting married to her high school sweetheart, after both had married others and lived full lives apart from each other before reconnecting a few months earlier., As soon as they are married, things start going downhill, and Julie is trying to figure out what exactly is going on.
I breezed through this mystery. Up until the last few chapters I wasn't exactly sure what was happening: Someone may have been gaslighting the others? Someone may have been experiencing delusional thinking due to aging? Someone may have been cheating on their spouse? Someone may have killed their spouse? SO MANY QUESTIONS! I didn't know and I couldn't wait to finish it. I suggest going in blind to this one - the wild ride is worth it!

3.5 stars

This will be higher rated for a lot of people, but it ended up kind of depressing me instead of being the fun ride I hope for with thrillers, so I docked it some. We're following Julie, the daughter of Kate, a wealthy 70-year-old real estate magnate in Florida. Kate has just married Charlie, her long-lost-and-then-reunited high school sweetheart. But on their wedding night Kate reports that Charlie confessed to a decades-old murder. Charlie swears he didn't, which calls Kate's faculties into question. I won't give anything else away because things really go off the rails from there, with multiple plotlines escalating throughout the novel. I liked Julie but disliked almost every other character in this book, especially her d-bag husband, and the resolutions to almost all the plotlines weren't really what I wanted them to be. I didn't predict how things played out, and I think for a lot of people that will be a thrill, but like I said, I ended up kind of bummed out after reading, so it's not a new favorite. I will keep an eye out for other books by the author, though, as I think this was mostly a case of this story specifically not being as much my speed as something else by them might be. Thanks to Harper Perennial and the author for the advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

A glamorous Florida wedding ends with the bride calling the police to say that her husband confessed to the Tylenol murders!

Conspiracy theories abound, but so do conspiracies.

I've liked a couple of Kistler's books in the past but this book wasn't for me and I hated ALL of the characters.

This book was chaotic and relied on a lot of tropes especially towards the end. It was entertaining and the twist at the end left my jaw on the floor.

This one had me looking at everyone and anyone and every time, there wasn't anything there. Even the ending had me scratching my head.

This was unreliable characters to the max!! I never quite knew who to trust!!
This book starts off with a wealthy woman marrying her high school sweetheart after reconnecting many years later. This turns crazy when the husband tells his wife that he committed a series of murders years ago, but then everyone starts to believe that the woman, Kate, is losing her mind. This book then follows Kate's daughter, Julie, and how she comes to discover whether or not her mom is telling the truth. This book gets wild and throws you for a loop. Overall, I highly enjoyed this book. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC of this book.

This is the first book by Bonnie Kistler that I’ve read and it definitely won’t be the last. The story is fairly simple: super-wealthy, super-smart, beautiful Kate, a Florida real estate magnate, has recently been reunited with her teenage sweetheart of 50 years ago and the magic is still there. They marry in a fairy-tale wedding but on their wedding night he confesses to a terrible crime — or does he? It becomes increasingly obvious that there is something wrong physically and neurologically wrong with Kate, although her daughter Julie, who is married to orthopedic surgeon Eric - they were introduced by Julie’s college roommate - refuses to see or believe it. Eric appears to have ulterior motives as he presses to have Kate declared incompetent to manage her own financial affairs. The story keeps up at a fast pace as the reader careens around the many twists and curves Kistler presents. I did not anticipate the ending and I think that it will take most readers by surprise. Fans of Kistler’s work will be thrilled to have the chance to read Shell Games and those new to her work, such as I was, will join them in anticipating her next book.

Shell Games
by Bonnie Kistler

Thank you to Harper Collins for the e-arc!

★★★★☆

Kate is a self-made real estate success- well known throughout Florida and a strong 70 year old woman. Kate reconnects with and marries her high school love and all seems like happily ever after. Until the night of the wedding, the new groom confesses a nightmare secret. Kate calls the police, but when they arrive, her new husband claims he didn't confess to anything and that Kate must have been mistaken. Kate's insistent that her new husband is a liar who is after her money, but everyone thinks Kate might be losing it. Kate's daughter Julie is somewhere in the middle - confused and unsure who to trust.

MY THOUGHTS
I was sucked right into this story! I had confidence in Kate but understood the way that Julie was stuck in the middle. It was fast moving and easy to follow.

My least favorite character was Julie's husband- Eric is a terrible husband! The way that he spoke to her, the way that he teamed up against her, kept secrets from her - I was not into any of it. I had some strong feelings about a relationship that wasn't even the main focus!

I never quite knew who to trust- never really knew where the story was going - which kept me on my toes.

This was a fast-paced,solid thriller. I didn't guess the ending at all, however I also didn't like the protagonist. She was annoying with how easily controlled she was, and I didn't think a lawyer who had such a strong mother would be so spineless. Good quick read.

3.5 rounded up

Based loosely on a real case, this was a fast paced psychological thriller that will keep readers heads spinning as they try to figure out just who is gaslighting who, what actual crimes were committed and who will end up with a wealthy inheritance at the end. Good on audio and an another interesting, entertaining read from Bonnie Kistler. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review!

I read Bonnie Kistler’s book, The Cage, a few years ago and loved it. It was one of those novels where you are glued to the pages and dont want to stop reading until the last page. Since then, I have eagerly gotten my hands on everything she’s written and I have not been disappointed!

Shell Games is her latest and I loved it.

Synopsis:

Julie’s mother Kate is a force of nature — a glamorous woman of seventy, a self-made real estate developer, a grande dame in Florida society, and a power broker in Florida politics. It wasn’t easy for Julie to grow up in the shadow of such a dynamo, but she loves her mother, and she and her husband Eric are thrilled when Kate marries her long-lost high school sweetheart, a salt-of-the-earth man named Charlie.

But their storybook romance ends abruptly. On their wedding night, Kate calls the police in hysterics to report that Charlie just confessed to a notorious unsolved crime from decades before.

Charlie says she imagined it. Eric says that Kate has dementia. And the FBI says that Charlie couldn’t possibly have committed that crime.

Julie doesn’t know what to believe. Is her brilliant mother losing her mind? Or is sweet, lovable Charlie gaslighting Kate to gain control of her fortune?

As Julie tries to navigate through this maze of paranoia and mind games, cracks start to develop in her own marriage as it seems that Eric is keeping secrets . . .

Set against a backdrop of rampant development and devastating climate change, Shell Games is a psychological thriller that will make your head spin and the pages turn as you wonder exactly who is doing what to whom.

Bonnie Kistler’s Shell Games delivers a gripping and intricately woven tale that keeps readers on edge with its unexpected twists and legal entanglements. The story follows Julie and her family as they navigate a series of harrowing events that touch on family dynamics, personal growth, and the complexities of control.

Julie’s character is deeply compelling—her journey from passivity to self-awareness is both heartbreaking and inspiring. Initially, Julie seems trapped in the motions of life, stifled by her mother’s overbearing nature and other individuals seeking to manipulate her. Yet, the unfolding events force her to confront these controlling influences and find her agency. This transformation is central to the narrative and resonates on a deeply human level.

What stands out most is how Kistler deftly balances the personal struggles of her characters with broader legal and social issues. The twists are not just surprising—they feel earned, with each revelation shedding new light on the characters and their circumstances. The narrative’s pacing is tight, ensuring that every development feels both shocking and inevitable.

Shell Games is more than a thriller; it’s a profound exploration of family, identity, and resilience. Kistler’s writing is sharp and evocative, making this a must-read for fans of character-driven suspense. For those who appreciate stories with heart and depth wrapped in a taut, thrilling package, this book is an excellent choice.

4.5 stars-
Shell Games is a very gripping and fast-paced thriller with so many twists and turns. This book is heavy on manipulation and gaslighting! So that can also be really triggering for those of us that have had a lot of experience with it.

I don't want to give anything away but I highly recommend and you will not want to put this down. I also want to research more into The Tylenol Murders now.

Only thing that bugged me, was that I couldn't get past how insecure the fmc was. I know it was relevant so it paints the picture for what gaslighting does to a person, but it went a little too far at times. I really didn't like how her husband wasn't just gaslighting her, but also emotionally and verbally abusing her as well. Overall, the author did a great job of gaslighting not only the characters, but the reader too.

Thank you Netgalley and the author for the opportunity to review, all opinions are my own.

I was excited to read Shell Games by Bonnie Kistler.
The storyline and characters were excellent. Kept me up and turning pages way past my bedtime.
The suspense and plot was very well thought out with lots of twists and turns that ensure you won’t put the book down.
It’s fast-paced with an intriguing plot. It is well written with compelling characters.
I was totally hooked from the first few pages it was very intriguing and hard to put down. 
The story was totally intense and intriguing.
 Her writing and storytelling held my attention, and I can’t wait to read more from her in the future.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Harper Paperbacks for gifting me a digital ARC of the new thriller by Bonnie Kistler. All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 5 stars!

You need to go into this one as blind as possible for full enjoyment, so to break the storyline down into its vaguest form, Kate, an elderly real estate developer powerhouse, has reconnected with her childhood sweetheart, Charlie, and they are getting married. On their wedding night, Charlie makes a confession to Kate and everything changes.

This was such a fabulous, roller coaster thriller! I questioned everyone because it seemed that everyone had ulterior motives, was gaslighting everyone else, and you didn't know who you could believe or trust, if anyone. Because when money and power are involved, even with family, everything gets muddy. This one kept me engrossed with all its twists and turns until the final one on the last page - perfection! Definitely a must read, so don't miss it!

SHELL GAMES by Bonnie Kistler may make you wonder if you can ever trust the people you know best.

Real estate developer and billionaire, Kate has always been a force to be reckoned with. She’ has her finger in politics, social activism and finally love again at the age of 70. When son-in-law Eric brought a friend, Charlie, to a family dinner. Kate is shocked to reconnect with a long lost love and Kate and Charlie pick up where they left off, and decide to marry.

Their marriage is short lived however when Kate calls the police on their wedding night, to report that Charlie has just confessed to a notorious unsolved crime. Charlie says she misunderstood, Eric, a doctor is convinced she has dementia, and only child Julie, who has always been at her mother‘s beck and call doesn’t know who or what to believe. Kate is convinced that Charlie is attempting to have her declared incompetent and take controlof her billions. Julie is so confused. While trying to support her mother she begins to notice cracks in her own marriage but doesn’t know how to fix them. Eric seems to be keeping secrets. Does anyone really know where the truth lies? And now with a hurricane bearing down, the family is in a fight to survive dangers from outside and within.

I really enjoyed SHELL GAMES as each reveal became clear. The writing is clear and concise which led to an enjoyable read. The twist and turns came quickly and kept me on the edge of my seat throughout, This is my first Bonnie Kistler novel but she is an author whose name I will remember.

Thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins Publishing for this ARC opportunity. All opinions are my own and given voluntarily.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for granting this book in exchange for my honest review.

I chose this book because I thought the cover looked enticing and the book was described as book you could read in one sitting,

I thought this book was not amazing but not horrible either. It was just Ok in my opinion. If anything it was a slight let down for me (as I was drawn in to the story, but found it a little hard to follow, and I thought the ending was slightly anti-climactic) and I am a little disappointed. With that being said, I am open to reading more by Bonnie Kistler in the future.

Overall, I would rate this book about 3.5 to 3.75 stars.