Derek Armstrong, author of his debut thriller The Game, knows how to tell a story. His narrative is dead-on, his dialogue snaps with authenticity and his main protagonist is entertaining and memorable. The shorter chapters make for a briskly paced read, while he delves into subplots and characterizations that keep you up to speed.
The story starts off with Detective Alban Bane pushing his way past prison protestors so he can witness the execution of serial killer Tyler Hayden. Just before the psychopath’s death, he says that he knows who killed Bane’s wife. And that admission sparks an intriguing subplot. With skill, Armstrong draws out Bane’s personal issues and his fears.
Bane’s sidekicks are Justine Kipfer—aka Kip—and his trusty pal Armitage Saulnier, or Arm. And Bane’s two daughters also play a small role. Not only are these characters important to the story, they are used to show the depth and emotion of Alban Bane, who otherwise might just come across as a wisecracking ass. But he doesn’t. In fact, his sarcastic humor and his obvious love for family and friends are what make this novel so appealing.
Also appealing is the novel’s setting. An old mansion, once owned by Mordecai Mason, the ‘bogeyman’ of Vermont and a famous mass murderer who slaughtered his entire family. The mansion is now host to a new and deadly reality game show where one contestant will walk home with a million dollars—if they make it out alive. Someone is killing off people involved with the show.
Enter, Abbey Chase, the show’s producer, who reminded me of a blond Susan Lucci. She is arrogant, all business and gets what she wants. Most of the time. Her ‘charms’ seem lost, mostly, on Alban Bane. Along with Chase, there is a multicultural buffet of contestants who provide for an interesting mix. It certainly makes it easier to keep all the characters straight. Normally, a novel that deals with too many would turn me off. But Armstrong is a master at creating unique characters and giving them individual traits that set them apart.
And the author always keeps you guessing. He leads you down paths that twist and turn, like the secret pathways in the walls of the old mansion. And just when you think you’ve got it all figured out, Armstrong throws another curve ball and sets your head spinning. Thoroughly gripping and an easy read with enjoyable characters, this is one thriller you won’t put down until you’ve read the final page!
