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A Game of Luck: A Sam Roma Detective Mystery
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
May 7, 2026
Black Rose Writing provided an early galley for review.
Full disclosure: Sandy is a member of the monthly writing group I moderate at the library where I work (so nice of her to mention us in the acknowledgements). I have known her for many years and had seen the start of this novel (the opening quarter) via group shares over four years ago.
One thing I appreciate about Sandy's writing is that she knows of what she writes; as a former police investigator, she has got the procedural details down cold. Also, by setting it in our own backyard, I know the facts relating to the metro Detroit area and the suburbs are going to be accurate. That puts a confidence in the narrative which carries over to the reader's experience with her book.
She also does a good job with worldbuilding, populating this corner of Michigan with a wide range of characters from all walks of life. Of course, all mysteries need a wide cast of suspects to draw the killer from. This one has plenty of possible suspects. And the end was certainly not something I saw coming.
Full disclosure: Sandy is a member of the monthly writing group I moderate at the library where I work (so nice of her to mention us in the acknowledgements). I have known her for many years and had seen the start of this novel (the opening quarter) via group shares over four years ago.
One thing I appreciate about Sandy's writing is that she knows of what she writes; as a former police investigator, she has got the procedural details down cold. Also, by setting it in our own backyard, I know the facts relating to the metro Detroit area and the suburbs are going to be accurate. That puts a confidence in the narrative which carries over to the reader's experience with her book.
She also does a good job with worldbuilding, populating this corner of Michigan with a wide range of characters from all walks of life. Of course, all mysteries need a wide cast of suspects to draw the killer from. This one has plenty of possible suspects. And the end was certainly not something I saw coming.
Review of advance copy received from Author
A Game of Luck is a detective mystery with twists and turns until the final chapter. Detective Sam Roma has to solve the murder of a young woman abandoned in a field while dealing with a new partner. The story leads quickly to more questions than answers with multiple suspects identified. Cady’s law enforcement experience is on full display as she expertly guides the reader through the investigation. If you’re a fan of Harry Bosch and Lucas Davenport, you’ll enjoy A Game of Luck.
Review of advance copy received from Author
A Game of Luck by Sandra J. Cady delivers an engaging police procedural with a solid central mystery and a likable lead in Sam Roma. The investigation unfolds at a steady pace, with enough twists and character dynamics—especially with her new partner—to keep things interesting. Overall, Cady has given readers a great read that will appeal to fans of character-driven crime fiction.
Review of advance copy received from Author
An excellent detective novel/murder mystery with some good plot twists set in Detroit and written by a former Detroit police officer. Good stuff and definitely a page turner!
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews