Book Review: The Never Game by Jeffery Deaver

The Never Game is a must-read for those who enjoy a mystery thriller with a unique protagonist, a well-paced narrative, and layers of complexity extending beyond the initial case.

The son of a survivalist family, Colter Shaw is an expert tracker. Now he makes a living as a “reward seeker,” traveling the country to help police solve crimes and locate missing persons for private citizens. “You’ve been abandoned. Escape if you can. Or die with dignity.” Hired by the father of a young woman who has gone missing in Silicon Valley, Shaw’s search takes him into the dark heart of America’s cutthroat billion-dollar video game industry.

When another person goes missing, Shaw must Is a madman bringing a twisted video game to life? Encountering eccentric designers, trigger-happy gamers, and ruthless tech titans, Shaw soon learns that he isn’t the only one on the someone is on his trail and closing fast….

How was it?

Jeffery Deaver’s The Never Game plunges readers into a gripping world where Colter Shaw, a modern-day tracker reminiscent of a Lara Croft type of character, navigates a narrative that seamlessly blends detective work with a distinctive hunter/prey dynamic. This mystery thriller takes on a singular vibe, thanks to the author’s choice of vocabulary during the investigation and Shaw’s compelling background.

The novel starts off by portraying Shaw as a unique character — a tracker of people rather than artifacts. The short and sweet chapters contribute to a well-paced narrative that keeps me engaged and the story moving at a satisfying rhythm.

One of the strengths of The Never Game lies in its effective use of flashbacks to delve into Colter Shaw’s past. These glimpses not only flesh out the character but also provide insights into his upbringing and skills, adding depth to the overall storytelling.

What sets this book apart is its ability to start with a seemingly small case, only to connect it to larger conspiracies seamlessly. While the main narrative could have stood on its own, the inclusion of overarching cases and conspiracies adds connective tissue to the novel and potentially sets the stage for an intriguing series. The skillful weaving of these larger elements into the plot enhances the mystery and brings thought-provoking hypotheses to the forefront, elevating The Never Game beyond a typical thriller.

In summary, Deaver’s The Never Game is a must-read for those who enjoy a mystery thriller with a unique protagonist, a well-paced narrative, and layers of complexity extending beyond the initial case. It successfully combines elements of detective work with a hunter/prey dynamic, making it a captivating start to the series.

Book Length — 416 Pages.

Hardcover Price — $21.89 (Amazon)