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Bad Games #4
Malevolent
After years of silence, the game is back on…
Widower Allan Brown is hosting a support group in his home for the bereaved. One of the guests in attendance will be Amy Lambert, this week marking the five-year anniversary of her family’s horrifying ordeal at Crescent Lake.
Of course it’s hardly cause for celebration.
Still, some unwanted guests plan on attending the support group to help Amy celebrate all the same.
In this terrifying fourth installment in the acclaimed Bad Games series, Bad Games: Malevolent will test the absolute limits of human endurance, and remind us all that evil never truly rests.
Widower Allan Brown is hosting a support group in his home for the bereaved. One of the guests in attendance will be Amy Lambert, this week marking the five-year anniversary of her family’s horrifying ordeal at Crescent Lake.
Of course it’s hardly cause for celebration.
Still, some unwanted guests plan on attending the support group to help Amy celebrate all the same.
In this terrifying fourth installment in the acclaimed Bad Games series, Bad Games: Malevolent will test the absolute limits of human endurance, and remind us all that evil never truly rests.
236 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 16, 2017
541 people are currently reading
934 people want to read
About the author
Jeff Menapace
42 books714 followersA native of the Philadelphia area, Jeff has published multiple works in both fiction and non-fiction. In 2011 he was the recipient of the Red Adept Reviews Indie Award for Horror.
In March of 2014, his novel BAD GAMES was a #1 Kindle bestseller and is now being optioned as a feature film.
Free time for Jeff is spent watching horror movies, The Three Stooges, and mixed martial arts. He loves steak and more steak, thinks the original 1974 Texas Chainsaw Massacre is the greatest movie ever, wants to pet a lion some day, and hates spiders.
In March of 2014, his novel BAD GAMES was a #1 Kindle bestseller and is now being optioned as a feature film.
Free time for Jeff is spent watching horror movies, The Three Stooges, and mixed martial arts. He loves steak and more steak, thinks the original 1974 Texas Chainsaw Massacre is the greatest movie ever, wants to pet a lion some day, and hates spiders.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 131 reviews
July 8, 2025
4.25 stars
January 5, 2018
I really dug the first Bad Games. The two sequels, while fun, lacked what the first had. Suspense.
Malevolent takes place sometime after the last one. Amy has moved on with that life. The family of crazies are all done. Except one little bitch who doesn't want to stay dead. Remember psycho ass Kelly from the last one? Well she's back and she wants to play a "game" like the people she followed in the last book.
We have a few new character joining the fold and we have a plan that seems so batshit insane that it actually might work. This is more Strangers type movie edition than anything else.
Good: The dialog is still pretty solid. Jeff gives a good voice to everyone, kind of gets you to trust and know them. We also get some badass moments, mostly from Caleb. The ending leaves a interesting way this series could go for sure.
Bad: Everyone is so fucking dumb. I get it's a horror book so they have to be kind of but damn. There's so many moments of frustration, and not in a "damn I didn't see that coming" but in a "How fucking stupid is this?" moment. Also Kelly wasn't nearly as scary as the brothers or the sister from the previous 3 books.
Overall it's a 2.5-3 out of 5. It's fun, it's easy, it's enjoyable, but not as memorable as the last few. I'll still read this series if it continues because it's fun but I won't lie. I'm just a tad bit let down.
Malevolent takes place sometime after the last one. Amy has moved on with that life. The family of crazies are all done. Except one little bitch who doesn't want to stay dead. Remember psycho ass Kelly from the last one? Well she's back and she wants to play a "game" like the people she followed in the last book.
We have a few new character joining the fold and we have a plan that seems so batshit insane that it actually might work. This is more Strangers type movie edition than anything else.
Good: The dialog is still pretty solid. Jeff gives a good voice to everyone, kind of gets you to trust and know them. We also get some badass moments, mostly from Caleb. The ending leaves a interesting way this series could go for sure.
Bad: Everyone is so fucking dumb. I get it's a horror book so they have to be kind of but damn. There's so many moments of frustration, and not in a "damn I didn't see that coming" but in a "How fucking stupid is this?" moment. Also Kelly wasn't nearly as scary as the brothers or the sister from the previous 3 books.
Overall it's a 2.5-3 out of 5. It's fun, it's easy, it's enjoyable, but not as memorable as the last few. I'll still read this series if it continues because it's fun but I won't lie. I'm just a tad bit let down.
January 2, 2021
Wow! It's been WAY TOO long since I have read book #3 of this series, and was immediately reminded why I love this series. It flew by and being a native to the Philadelphia area it felt like a trip down sweet nostalgia lane from start to finish. (#Bonus!) When I heard Dorney Park (amusement park in the Philly area) mentioned my jaw fell. I had forgotten all about the many childhood trips there with my family. Crazy. Talk about memory bubbles. . .
Book #4 was a rush, and I have to say Kelly's character (as diabolical as she is) had me cracking up the whole book. Some of the quick witted snark she would spew out had me in stitches - She certainly is one exceptionally intelligent little sociopath - and her character is perfection!
Just started #5 and glad I went right into it because all of the characters and their backstories are fresh in my mind. Menapace has it all - humor, thrills, mystery, and excellent character development.
Start with book #1 and enjoy the ride! \ = o p
Book #4 was a rush, and I have to say Kelly's character (as diabolical as she is) had me cracking up the whole book. Some of the quick witted snark she would spew out had me in stitches - She certainly is one exceptionally intelligent little sociopath - and her character is perfection!
Just started #5 and glad I went right into it because all of the characters and their backstories are fresh in my mind. Menapace has it all - humor, thrills, mystery, and excellent character development.
Start with book #1 and enjoy the ride! \ = o p
December 14, 2017
5+stars for this one! I really LOVE this entire series. And the author says that he's working on book 5!!!
{happy dance!}
Review to come.
{happy dance!}
Review to come.
September 4, 2017
GO OUT AND BUY THIS SERIES NOW!!!!!
You would think that now that we are at Book 4, we would just have a copy of the previous three books. But.... no. Jeff gave us a whirlwind page turner, though less visceral than the previous novels, it had enough action and plot to compensate. Absolutely flew through the pages and now waiting in anticipation for Book 5. Gotta tell you too that I love Caleb's character. He just stands out as an interesting one... can't wait to find out how you develop his future.
You would think that now that we are at Book 4, we would just have a copy of the previous three books. But.... no. Jeff gave us a whirlwind page turner, though less visceral than the previous novels, it had enough action and plot to compensate. Absolutely flew through the pages and now waiting in anticipation for Book 5. Gotta tell you too that I love Caleb's character. He just stands out as an interesting one... can't wait to find out how you develop his future.
July 17, 2018
Wonderful
Loved these books! I just can’t wait until book 5 is out! I highly recommend this series of books! Great
Loved these books! I just can’t wait until book 5 is out! I highly recommend this series of books! Great
June 23, 2018
Now that. I have read all four books I have to say that it was good and fun read. Jeff is a pretty good writer and knows how to weave a scary plot and to keep the tension to a point that it causes you to squirm in your until the end sneaks up and bites you in the uh butt. I 'll be reading more of his work in the future.
I screwed up an
Oh well what are you gonna dod put it on the wrong line. That's what happens when you get old.
I screwed up an
Oh well what are you gonna dod put it on the wrong line. That's what happens when you get old.
January 15, 2022
I've read the entire Bad Games Series. I know all the psychopathic villains in the series: Arthur and James Fannelli, John Brooks, Monica Kemp, Kelly Blaine, Andy Franklin and Charlie Hall. All of villains were insane serial killers. In my opinion, the least frightening ones were Andy Franklin and Charlie Hall, and the most disturbing one was Kelly Blaine. In terms of being dangerous, Monica Kemp came first preceded by John Brooks, Kelly Blaine, the Fanneli Brothers, Andy Franklin and Charlies Hall. It's true that Arty and Jim were the first primary antagonists of the series, but in terms of cunning Kelly Blaine and their father and sister surpass them, which makes them more dangerous. John Brooks and Monica Kemp were also physically superior to Arty and Jim. Kelly was probably the most frightening and cunning serial killer in the series. This is proven by how she sadistically burned her brother and parents to death and cleverly killed others over petty reasons, without getting caught. The thing that Monica surpassed her in were combat skills. Although she never succeeded in physically surpassing Monica, Kelly did surpass her mentally, which was by how she killed Domino and cleverly murdered her victims without getting caught. Her plans to kill the Lamberts, though evil, were relatively brilliant, but they failed. In the end, she committed suicide to avoid going to jail.
September 23, 2017
Disturbingly Brilliant
I've been reading books since I was a little kid, over 40 years (almost 50) and Jeff Menapace is suddenly The Man! It is extremely rare that a story can influence my dreams (or nightmares) and this one did just that. It is exactly what it says it is, a dark psychological thriller that will keep you awake at night, not just because of the dark story but because you will not want to stop reading.
The characters are beautifully written, you will feel like you know them intimately, any reader will either want to protect them with their own lives or hold them down by the throat and punch them to death! The quality of the writing itself is just amazing, descriptives are perfect and the pace is exactly what you want from a thriller.
On top of all that, the scariest thing about this book and the previous trilogy is that it could all be real, there are psychopaths out there just like this, so beware dear reader!
I've been reading books since I was a little kid, over 40 years (almost 50) and Jeff Menapace is suddenly The Man! It is extremely rare that a story can influence my dreams (or nightmares) and this one did just that. It is exactly what it says it is, a dark psychological thriller that will keep you awake at night, not just because of the dark story but because you will not want to stop reading.
The characters are beautifully written, you will feel like you know them intimately, any reader will either want to protect them with their own lives or hold them down by the throat and punch them to death! The quality of the writing itself is just amazing, descriptives are perfect and the pace is exactly what you want from a thriller.
On top of all that, the scariest thing about this book and the previous trilogy is that it could all be real, there are psychopaths out there just like this, so beware dear reader!
August 12, 2018
As a finale for this particular series it ends well and with some irony, and a universal truth/ perspective explored. This was enough for a four stars rating for me. The rationales of the characters were more believable than previously; however the characters themselves were somewhat cartoonish.
This story is not a cliffhanger, it ends with a nice bow, but there will be another installment! Initially I had every intention of being a troll about this, but I'm here to, instead tell you that Bad Games: Malevolent can easily serve as closure for the series, if you were getting as tired of the series as I was.
If you're new to the series, you need to start with book one. However, be warned, this series oozes "B" Horror movie. This can be both fun, entertaining, and annoying.
This story is not a cliffhanger, it ends with a nice bow, but there will be another installment! Initially I had every intention of being a troll about this, but I'm here to, instead tell you that Bad Games: Malevolent can easily serve as closure for the series, if you were getting as tired of the series as I was.
If you're new to the series, you need to start with book one. However, be warned, this series oozes "B" Horror movie. This can be both fun, entertaining, and annoying.
September 4, 2017
Time to put this series to bed
I really liked the first two books, I thought the third one was a little convoluted and forced yet still a good exciting book once you suspend your disbelief at the ridiculous sister and father introduced in that book. A fourth book just was unnecessary, somewhat repetitive and although a well written thriller a writer of Jeff Menapace,s caliber should have moved on. I have read many of his books and enjoyed them all but time to put this baby to bed although a fifth book is on the way and since it takes place 10 years in the future and with a little foreshadowing at the end of this book I will probably be reading the next one.
I really liked the first two books, I thought the third one was a little convoluted and forced yet still a good exciting book once you suspend your disbelief at the ridiculous sister and father introduced in that book. A fourth book just was unnecessary, somewhat repetitive and although a well written thriller a writer of Jeff Menapace,s caliber should have moved on. I have read many of his books and enjoyed them all but time to put this baby to bed although a fifth book is on the way and since it takes place 10 years in the future and with a little foreshadowing at the end of this book I will probably be reading the next one.
February 2, 2019
Set five years after the events of the original book, this story blends the characters we've grown to love (and hate in some cases) with new heroes and villains.
Obsessed with being the best of the worst, Kelly (from book 3) becomes the primary antagonist of this tale. Will she accomplish what the twisted family could never achieve or will she fall victim to their same ending?
As always, thrills, horror, and shocking moments come at a fast pace. I could not put this book down and eagerly await the next book in the series. Jeff has quickly become one of my favorite authors and I look forward to reading more.
Obsessed with being the best of the worst, Kelly (from book 3) becomes the primary antagonist of this tale. Will she accomplish what the twisted family could never achieve or will she fall victim to their same ending?
As always, thrills, horror, and shocking moments come at a fast pace. I could not put this book down and eagerly await the next book in the series. Jeff has quickly become one of my favorite authors and I look forward to reading more.
May 27, 2021
Jeff Menapace is slowly turning into a favorite of mine for the horror genre. The gore and sadism he can display through words is amazing. If any of you remember Kelly from the previous novel she certainly lives up to the horrid reputation she developed in Hellbent. She is sadistic, smart, cunning and you either love her or hate her. Menapace has a way of making the reader fall in love with the "good" guys and also a way for the reader to really feel the pain and anguish that they experience through their encounters with the "bad" guys.
September 14, 2024
Rating: 4.3/5
After a somewhat lackluster third book, Jeff really bounced back with this one. The twists, the suspense, and the bold character decisions all raised the stakes significantly. "Short and strong" perfectly sums it up. While it’s still peppered with Jeff’s signature—and occasionally cringey—quips like “Jonny Boy,” the characters and their actions felt much more believable this time around. This was a powerful entry that rekindled my interest in the series, just when I was considering giving up after book 3.
After a somewhat lackluster third book, Jeff really bounced back with this one. The twists, the suspense, and the bold character decisions all raised the stakes significantly. "Short and strong" perfectly sums it up. While it’s still peppered with Jeff’s signature—and occasionally cringey—quips like “Jonny Boy,” the characters and their actions felt much more believable this time around. This was a powerful entry that rekindled my interest in the series, just when I was considering giving up after book 3.
June 3, 2025
This stop in the series was a bit easier to digest than the first 3. Having read all 4 in succession, I developed a familiarity with the author's writing style and the characters involved. Aside from one "Pet Cemetery " style scene, there were only a couple that were gory. There wasn't as much smut, but the foul language is always there.
No spoilers this time, but I did find it left a bit of a void as to what happened to a couple of the characters. I suppose they were pretty irrelevant, however.
No spoilers this time, but I did find it left a bit of a void as to what happened to a couple of the characters. I suppose they were pretty irrelevant, however.
October 3, 2017
In typical Menapace style, the book was fast paced and easy to hit a stride. There wasn't as much mystery surrounding the villainous Kelly and her plans for Amy et al and I won't give away the spoiler - but I hated it! Still, I like Menapace books - they are as comfortable to me now as a pair of cozy house slippers. I will definitely read Bad Games #4 when it is released, and am now reading another of his books called Side Effects.
June 12, 2020
The idea for the fourth book seems really good, yet it felt like it was a mess. It started out great, but imho, fell apart quickly. I wanted our killer to be great or even greater than the previous killers... but that just wasn’t the case. Amy called it pretty early on by basically calling the killers plan dumb. I was really disappointed in the killer because I had hopes for the person. Oh well. I’ll continue the series because it is still fun but yeah, this one just didn’t do it for me.
August 21, 2017
O.M.G.!!!!
I'm so glad Jeff Menapace went ahead and wrote a 4th "Bad Games!" We fans of the other three anxiously awaited it, and we were not disappointed! I love how it continued the story so seamlessly, though parts were sad and unexpected, it was all in all fun and exciting to read. Can't wait for book 5!
I'm so glad Jeff Menapace went ahead and wrote a 4th "Bad Games!" We fans of the other three anxiously awaited it, and we were not disappointed! I love how it continued the story so seamlessly, though parts were sad and unexpected, it was all in all fun and exciting to read. Can't wait for book 5!
September 11, 2017
Great read
I finished this book in a day because I couldn't put it down. I enjoyed it as much as the first three. At times I had to turn my kindle off because the story was giving me anxiety, which is how I know it's a good story. Could not keep my kindle off long though...I needed to know that Amy and her kids were going to be okay. Highly recommended! Enjoy
I finished this book in a day because I couldn't put it down. I enjoyed it as much as the first three. At times I had to turn my kindle off because the story was giving me anxiety, which is how I know it's a good story. Could not keep my kindle off long though...I needed to know that Amy and her kids were going to be okay. Highly recommended! Enjoy
September 17, 2017
Awesome series
I don't know what it is about these books. The plot lines aren't so incredibly original, but Menapace gets it right with their interactions, the backward looking plot twists, and just the juxtaposition of villain and (anti-villain?) I'm thrilled he continues the Bad Games series. These books are beyond entertaining!
I don't know what it is about these books. The plot lines aren't so incredibly original, but Menapace gets it right with their interactions, the backward looking plot twists, and just the juxtaposition of villain and (anti-villain?) I'm thrilled he continues the Bad Games series. These books are beyond entertaining!
January 13, 2018
READ THIS SERIES!
Don’t even hesitate. Read this series! I couldn’t put it down. As a librarian I read a LOT of books and this is at the top of my list of favorites for serial killer/thriller genre. I’ve told everyone I know about this series. I will definitely be reading more by this author. Can’t wait for book five!
Don’t even hesitate. Read this series! I couldn’t put it down. As a librarian I read a LOT of books and this is at the top of my list of favorites for serial killer/thriller genre. I’ve told everyone I know about this series. I will definitely be reading more by this author. Can’t wait for book five!
April 1, 2018
Gripping story will be reading adding the next one
Definitely a gripping story line. I did not want to put it down. Will be reading the next book and more to come.......was sorry to see Domino leave the story waiting to see who will take his place. Amy has certainly grown as a character
.....................
Definitely a gripping story line. I did not want to put it down. Will be reading the next book and more to come.......was sorry to see Domino leave the story waiting to see who will take his place. Amy has certainly grown as a character
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June 14, 2018
Excellent
My goodness excellent books to read from 1 to 5, must read book 1 first though because it carries on the story, fantastic writing from the author and great detail, recommended to who likes to read these sorts of books, cannot wait till book 5 hurry up Jeff i need to read it 😀
My goodness excellent books to read from 1 to 5, must read book 1 first though because it carries on the story, fantastic writing from the author and great detail, recommended to who likes to read these sorts of books, cannot wait till book 5 hurry up Jeff i need to read it 😀
July 4, 2018
You know, sometimes sequels are not near as good as the original books. But that is definitely not the case with Menapace's "Bad Game" series! Each one gets better and better - scarier and scarier! The villains are crueler and the heroes braver! The 4th in the series proves this beyond a doubt! Excellent scary read!
August 27, 2018
Great series!
I am always looking for a good book to read and I hit the jackpot when I found this series. It's hard to surprise me at times, I believe I'm more cynical than I've ever been, however, this series kept me in my toes. I fell asleep on more than one occasion because I didn't want to put it down.
I am always looking for a good book to read and I hit the jackpot when I found this series. It's hard to surprise me at times, I believe I'm more cynical than I've ever been, however, this series kept me in my toes. I fell asleep on more than one occasion because I didn't want to put it down.
September 18, 2018
Bad games
Wow bad games is a great title to this book , Amy again meets nasty people wanting to hurt her and her children , Kelly Blaine is a nasty person who wants to hurt people in ways that make you winch reading it.
Will Amy survive , have just read book 5 is in the making can’t wait 📚🙂
Wow bad games is a great title to this book , Amy again meets nasty people wanting to hurt her and her children , Kelly Blaine is a nasty person who wants to hurt people in ways that make you winch reading it.
Will Amy survive , have just read book 5 is in the making can’t wait 📚🙂
November 19, 2018
Keeps the suspense rolling!
This is the fourth book in what I can only call one of the most thrilling and suspenseful series I have read in a long time.
An excellent, quick read (quick because you won't put it down) that fans if the genre should not miss.
Can not wait for book five! Bring it on Mr. Namespace!
This is the fourth book in what I can only call one of the most thrilling and suspenseful series I have read in a long time.
An excellent, quick read (quick because you won't put it down) that fans if the genre should not miss.
Can not wait for book five! Bring it on Mr. Namespace!
May 21, 2019
Another great read.
I don’t like to leave spoilers & I’m not great at reviews but I will say this: This was another great read & I just couldn’t put the book down. I’ve already purchased book 5 & I can’t wait to see what happens next. This is a good book, but don’t take my word for it....Read it!
I don’t like to leave spoilers & I’m not great at reviews but I will say this: This was another great read & I just couldn’t put the book down. I’ve already purchased book 5 & I can’t wait to see what happens next. This is a good book, but don’t take my word for it....Read it!
January 28, 2020
Bit disappointed and frustrated what happened to Domino thought he would always be on the alert being who he was !!Thought everyone should have been more alert but not was the case perhaps iv'e been reading too many military thrillers least i could breath again at the end of the book !!see what no 5 brings !!
The Author certainly knows how to keep his readers on edge great read .
The Author certainly knows how to keep his readers on edge great read .
December 22, 2021
Malevolent (Bad Games #4) was a good read by Jeff Menapace.Allan Brown is a widower who is hosting a support group in his home. Amy Lambert is one of the guests, and this marks the five year anniversary of the ordeal at Crescent Lake. There are unwanted guests who plan to help Amy celebrate. I enjoyed reading this book and can't wait to read more by the author.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 131 reviews