This book is a great mix of murder mystery dinner theater and the game of Clue. For those who enjoy 3rd wall breaks in shows this book is for you! Entertaining and delightful read.

*The Game Is Murder* by Hazell Ward is an immersive and thrilling experience that transports readers into the role of the Great Detective. Set in 1970s England, the book revolves around a chilling unsolved case that beckons you to put your detective skills to the test.

From the start, the narrative hooks you with its unique structure—a murder mystery party where you are invited to listen to witnesses, sift through evidence, and ultimately solve a decades-old crime. The atmosphere is rich with tension and intrigue, making the reader feel as though they are actively participating in an old-school crime thriller.

What sets this book apart is how it plays with the concept of reader involvement. As the Great Detective, you're tasked not only with identifying the culprit but also understanding the motive and the "how" behind the crime. Ward carefully crafts each character and piece of evidence, ensuring that the reader is kept on their toes, never quite sure who to trust. The twists are unpredictable, and just when you think you’ve figured it out, another clue pulls you in a different direction.

While the concept is strong, the pacing can sometimes feel a bit slow as the complexity of the case and the multiple layers of mystery unfold. A few sections drag on a little too long, but this doesn’t take away from the overall experience, especially for fans of classic detective stories.

The ending is satisfying, albeit with a few loose threads that might leave some readers craving just a bit more resolution. Still, the book does a great job of delivering a complete experience while also leaving room for thought.

Overall, *The Game Is Murder* is an exciting and fresh take on the murder mystery genre. It’s perfect for readers who enjoy solving puzzles, piecing together clues, and indulging in a little bit of suspenseful mind-bending. The atmosphere and the challenge of solving the case are what really make this book shine.

I’d recommend it to anyone who loves crime fiction and is looking for an interactive, engaging experience. Four stars for a compelling, clever, and satisfying mystery!

An immersive book that drops you right into the role of detective. Trust no one but your gut instinct.

This is perfect for Clue lovers or those who call themselves an amateur detective!

Some moments did lag or seemed redundant but overall I enjoyed this book.

Hazell Ward’s The Game is Murder is an inventive twist on the murder mystery genre. Instead of following a detective, readers become the Lead Detective, reinvestigating a 1970s cold case. Ward cleverly breaks the fourth wall, pulling readers into an immersive experience that transforms reading into an interactive game. This interactive format is one of the novel’s standout strengths—Ward’s creative approach draws readers in, transforming the act of reading into a fully immersive experience. The richly evocative atmosphere captures the era without overwhelming the plot, and the layered mystery delivers satisfying twists. Puzzle-lovers will appreciate the intricate construction and the thrill of piecing clues together.

However, the novel isn’t without flaws. At times, the pacing is spun out—particularly in the middle sections, where certain witness interviews and evidence examinations feel repetitive. While the immersive format is a strength, it occasionally slows momentum when details become overly dense. Additionally, while some characters leap off the page, others tend to blend together. Distinct characterization sometimes takes a backseat to the intricate plot, making it challenging to keep track of who’s who in the large cast.

Still, The Game is Murder is a compelling read. Its innovative format and clever storytelling outweigh these minor flaws, offering a puzzle you don’t just read—you play. This is perfect for mystery fans eager to test their detective instincts. Look for it on shelves July 29!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Thank you to Berkley Publishing Group and NetGalley for the eARC.

In The Game Is Murder, you aren’t just reading the mystery—you’re living it. Cast as the lead detective, you must unravel the truth behind a chilling 1970s cold case that has never been solved. Every clue, every conversation, every red herring is yours to decipher. Listen. Examine. Deduce. But most importantly… trust no one.

What seems like a straightforward case quickly unravels into something far more sinister. Nothing is what it seems. Lies run deep. And the deeper you dig, the more you begin to question not just the crime—but your own instincts.

Hazell Ward has created a breathtaking, fully immersive experience that will have you questioning what’s real and what’s deception. With an atmosphere so vivid and a mystery so intricate, you’ll forget what decade you’re in.

Step into the story. Solve the case. If you can.

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