Game (Jasper Dent #2)

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Author(s)

Barry Lyga

Publisher

Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

Genre(s)

Horror

Age Range

16+

Release Date

April 23, 2013

ISBN

978-0316125871

Buy This Book

Billy grinned. “Oh, New York,” he whispered. “We’re gonna have so much fun.”

I Hunt Killers introduced the world to Jazz, the son of history’s most infamous serial killer, Billy Dent.

In an effort to prove murder didn’t run in the family, Jazz teamed with the police in the small town of Lobo’s Nod to solve a deadly case. And now, when a determined New York City detective comes knocking on Jazz’s door asking for help, he can’t say no. The Hat-Dog Killer has the Big Apple–and its police force–running scared. So Jazz and his girlfriend, Connie, hop on a plane to the big city and get swept up in a killer’s murderous game.

Billy grinned. “Oh, New York,” he whispered. “We’re gonna have so much fun.”

I Hunt Killers introduced the world to Jazz, the son of history’s most infamous serial killer, Billy Dent.

Editor reviews

2 reviews

Riveting Sequel

July 17, 2013

Overall rating

4.0

Plot

N/A

Characters

N/A

Writing Style

N/A

Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)

N/A

What I Loved:

GAME continues the story of Jasper Dent, son of notorious serial killer Billy Dent, who was raised by his father to be a sociopath--to be the best serial killer who ever lived, but who is determined to choose a different fate for himself even while part of him believes that isn't possible. I was won over in I HUNT KILLERS by Jazz's narrative voice: a kind of youthful Dexter with a more active conscience. Jazz's engaging, almost mesmerizing voice is present in GAME as well, and it drew me in right away. The secondary characters leap off the page in vivid detail as well, each feeling fully realized and distinct. Interestingly enough, Connie, Jazz's girlfriend, has a stronger developmental arc in this story than Jazz himself. I was fascinated by her journey and her choices.

GAME, which is basically CSI NY meets Criminal Minds, had enough twists and turns to keep the reader turning the pages. Bodies pile up, a strange game is afoot, and danger circles ever closer to Jazz and those he loves. There were hints at some interesting developments that will probably be revealed in the third installment. Readers who love thrillers, police procedurals, or shows where a rogue investigator with a unique approach to crime solving saves the day will really enjoy GAME.

What Left Me Wanting More:

As much as I enjoyed spending time inside Jazz's head again, some of the urgency of his struggle between the darkness inside of him and his determination to make different choices for himself, was lost in this book. I didn't feel the same fear of his father, or the same sense of desperate urgency to catch the killer. In many ways, the plot in this book, while engaging, felt like a lot of set-up for book three. The ending is abrupt as well. I don't mind cliffhangers, but this felt almost jarring. All of that said, I am still fully invested in the series and can't wait to read the next book.

Final Verdict:

A fast-paced thriller with a haunted protagonist make GAME an excellent book for readers who love to stay up way past their bedtimes.