When Kate married her long lost high school sweetheart, Charlie, everyone is thrilled with the match. Charlie is great guy, and while he doesn’t have much, he’s insistent upon a prenup as Kate is extremely wealthy. On the wedding night everything changes when Kate insists that Charlie has confessed to a horrific crime, a crime that even the FBI can’t tie him too. Now Kate’s daughter, Julie, no longer knows what to believe. Is Charlie gaslighting her mom, is her mom losing her mind … and what about her own husband, Eric? He’s definitely hiding something! This was a fast paced twisty story that had me hooked from beginning to end!

Thoroughly entertaining domestic thriller that proved nearly impossible to put down.

I love guessing in the books I read. I like to think that I can figure out the big twist or denouement before the author lets me in on the reveal. In this case, though I had suspicions, I was always thinking that the author had a trick or surprise or two up her sleeve. I wasn’t sure which way this was going to go, and if you’re like me, the ending has to be just right for me to really appreciate a book.

The characters in this story are so well drawn and believable. I paid really close attention to everthing each said or did trying to discern their motivations. Is this one guilty or is that one being honest? Who can be trusted and which of them seems like a schemer. In this intricately plotted web, it’s hard to discern their motivations truth. I was really letting my dubious nature reading between the lines. Skeptical about each of the players because there was a lot of money at stake.

Kate is a wealthy CEO with a daughter, Julie. After 50 years, Kate reconnects with her first love, Charlie Mull. They’d met in high school but were separated by circumstance and different choices. On the night after their huge society wedding, something goes terribly wrong. The next thing we know, Kate has accused Charlie of a terrible crime. She claims he confessed it to her. In a whirlwind of accusation and even an investigation, the suggestion is proffered that Kate may not be completely mentally competent. Is this a ploy — gaslighting and manipulation?

Julie, the daughter, has been in her mother’s shadow for her entire life. Married to Eric, an orthopedic surgeon, she is somewhat controlled by him as well. When tragedy strikes, will Julie stand up and fight or not. Lots of interesting family dynamics.

The big mystery involves a crime bigger than everyone wanting Kate’s money. I enjoyed the intrigue and was hoping that things would turn in a manner that provided the best conclusion to all the drama.

I was able to listen to the audio book while also following along in the e-book ARC provided by the publisher. The narrator did a fantastic job of imbuing the text with appropriate tone, voice, and dramatic flair that enhanced my appreciation of the novel. The production was well done and made the story and characters come to life.

SHELL GAMES is a binge-able thriller with characters you want to love and hate, a mysterious death, and duplicitous acts galore. Kistler truly brings the suspense to this story as well as eloquently dealing with the complexities of family relationships.

From the beginning, the author plays mind games with her characters and the reader. You don’t know what or who to believe. This uncertainty in the truth is what makes this mystery so good. At various points, I was certain I had my footing and knew where it would all end. And then…boom…another well-placed reveal sent me back to questioning everyone. Loved it!

This is the second book I have read by Kistler, and may I say they keep getting better. Her ability to get inside her characters’ heads and allow the reader to go down the rabbit hole with them is wonderfully addictive. Julie is someone I instantly connected with. As I was reading, I hoped the series of events would unfold in a way that would leave her in a better place than where she started. Did it? Well, now, where is the fun in me telling you that? You will have to dive into this one yourself.

Phew this book was filled with gaslighting and lie after lie!!

Kate Sawyer is a widowed mother, a real estate developer, and a billionaire and a political socialite, it’s her wedding night she just married her childhood crush that got away Charlie! They are preparing to head off on their honeymoon. until Charlie drops a bomb on her she says he confessed to a notorious unsolved crime, and then he denies it to police, he’s now claiming his new wife is suffering from dementia and mental health issues. Kate’s daughter Julie doesn’t believe her Mom is lying or suffering from any type of illness. Julie’s husband Eric agrees with Charlie that her mom must have dementia. So why is Charlie saying these things? 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 . . . So whose gaslighting who, is this all for the family fortune. Trust me when I say you won’t see the ending coming!

When Kate married her long lost high school sweetheart, Charlie, everyone is thrilled with the match. Charlie is great guy, and while he doesn’t have much, he’s insistent upon a prenup as Kate is extremely wealthy. On the wedding night everything changes when Kate insists that Charlie has confessed to a horrific crime, a crime that even the FBI can’t tie him too. Now Kate’s daughter, Julie, no longer knows what to believe. Is Charlie gaslighting her mom, is her mom losing her mind … and what about her own husband, Eric? He’s definitely hiding something! This was a fast paced twisty story that had me hooked from beginning to end!. Thank you to HarperCollins and NetGalley for an ARC of this book.

This is a complicated psychological thriller that runs the gamut from romance to gaslighting to murder. Julie is the central character that had been manipulated by both her mother and her husband but was strong enough to trust her instincts when she needed to and was not afraid to say she was wrong and correct her mistakes. Her husband Eric was a piece of work from the beginning and easy to see through. Charlie was harder to pin down and was at times very likable and at time easily hated.
4.5 Stars

I was excited to hear that Bonnie Kistler had a new book out. I really enjoyed her previous book - The Cage. But I have to say that this new novel - Shell Games - is even better!

Have you heard the phrase "Shell games" before? "A shell game is a swindle, a fraud, especially one in which items or information are shifted around in a secret manner to avoid detection." Meet Kate, her daughter Julia and her extended family. Oh, did I mention that Kate is very, very rich? Huh uh.....she is.

And how about the word gaslighting? "To manipulate someone using psychological methods into questioning their own sanity or powers of reasoning."

Well, I was totally caught up from the first few pages. We meet all of the characters and I started to slot each of the into their 'place' in the plot. And....they changed their narrative, their standing, their loyalty and more. Just when I thought I had the answer to the whodunit, someone changed their story. I loved being unable to find the answer all the ways to the last pages. (Truly, the last two pages)

Kudos to Bonnie Kistler - a clever writer!

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!