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Just Play Along
When Andy and Mel's double date turns into a snuff film, Andy fights back, killing one of her attackers, leading to an unwanted aftermath of attention and threats.
Detective Daniel Connor links the attack to the recent discovery of six female bodies found buried in bushland on Sydney's Northern Beaches - three double homicides now thought to be part of an organised snuff-film ring.
When video of the attack is leaked online, the threats against the women escalate. Determined to find answers, Andy is caught in the middle of a deadly investigation.
Connor vows to protect Andy and Mel, but as more suspects are uncovered, the more he fears for their lives.
Book 1, Andy Knight Series
Australian English spelling
THIS BOOK CAN BE READ AS A STANDALONE OR PART OF SERIES
Detective Daniel Connor links the attack to the recent discovery of six female bodies found buried in bushland on Sydney's Northern Beaches - three double homicides now thought to be part of an organised snuff-film ring.
When video of the attack is leaked online, the threats against the women escalate. Determined to find answers, Andy is caught in the middle of a deadly investigation.
Connor vows to protect Andy and Mel, but as more suspects are uncovered, the more he fears for their lives.
Book 1, Andy Knight Series
Australian English spelling
THIS BOOK CAN BE READ AS A STANDALONE OR PART OF SERIES
- GenresMystery ThrillerFiction
450 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 3, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
May 19, 2018
Pretty cheesy and ridiculous, but I made it to the end so that's gotta count for something!!
I quite enjoyed the way this one started - with the showdown between the hero and the bad guys. It was a unique way to hook the reader in, and such a great way to start the story.
Unfortunately what follows is some pretty average writing telling a story with an extreme lack of credibility. My first issue was with the immediate romance between Andy and detective Dan, considering the abuse she's only just been subjected to. Zero trauma for this girl, and that was my first objection. She's just been through this massive, traumatic experience but, oh my, doesn't the detective have pretty eyes??
Then we follow as the cops attempt to determine who's behind the 'snuff films/pornography' ring, and while Andy attempts to come to terms with everything with the help of a few pills. Another unique aspect poorly explored: Addiction is a complex monster and here it's just not given the credit. Instead, Andy says cliche things but there's no proper exploration of the grip the drugs have, so Andy just comes across as whiny, naive and idiotic.
RJ is a bizarre character, and I think we're supposed to like him? But his first encounter he so I labelled him as a proper psycho then and there. But Andy starts to think he's okay? I mean, this girl is not in her right mind. She makes incredibly stupid judgement calls. Honestly, I don't get the attraction at all. And, oh, there is plenty of attraction, because naturally every single male character that encounters her wants to jump her bones.
I found it strange that Mel didn't get much of the spotlight, considering she experienced the drama with Andy. There were so many relationship dynamics that were combed over in favour of typical shallow romance and bizarre encounters with the 'bad guys'. I liked Morgan, the female detective, but she was about the only character that didn't get on my nerves. Everyone else was ridiculous and written poorly with exaggeration.
The actual crime plot was a bit hard to follow, and not particularly thrilling. The novel just spends too much time focusing Andy and her personal dramas and it all ends up a bit tepid. It was an okay read, but there was just nothing particularly deep considering how dark it went with the subject matter.
Not so bad as a debut, but definitely needs a lot of refinement. Still, an interesting read for crime-lovers, and I'll be interested to read new work from this author as her style evolves.
I quite enjoyed the way this one started - with the showdown between the hero and the bad guys. It was a unique way to hook the reader in, and such a great way to start the story.
Unfortunately what follows is some pretty average writing telling a story with an extreme lack of credibility. My first issue was with the immediate romance between Andy and detective Dan, considering the abuse she's only just been subjected to. Zero trauma for this girl, and that was my first objection. She's just been through this massive, traumatic experience but, oh my, doesn't the detective have pretty eyes??
Then we follow as the cops attempt to determine who's behind the 'snuff films/pornography' ring, and while Andy attempts to come to terms with everything with the help of a few pills. Another unique aspect poorly explored: Addiction is a complex monster and here it's just not given the credit. Instead, Andy says cliche things but there's no proper exploration of the grip the drugs have, so Andy just comes across as whiny, naive and idiotic.
RJ is a bizarre character, and I think we're supposed to like him? But his first encounter he so I labelled him as a proper psycho then and there. But Andy starts to think he's okay? I mean, this girl is not in her right mind. She makes incredibly stupid judgement calls. Honestly, I don't get the attraction at all. And, oh, there is plenty of attraction, because naturally every single male character that encounters her wants to jump her bones.
I found it strange that Mel didn't get much of the spotlight, considering she experienced the drama with Andy. There were so many relationship dynamics that were combed over in favour of typical shallow romance and bizarre encounters with the 'bad guys'. I liked Morgan, the female detective, but she was about the only character that didn't get on my nerves. Everyone else was ridiculous and written poorly with exaggeration.
The actual crime plot was a bit hard to follow, and not particularly thrilling. The novel just spends too much time focusing Andy and her personal dramas and it all ends up a bit tepid. It was an okay read, but there was just nothing particularly deep considering how dark it went with the subject matter.
Not so bad as a debut, but definitely needs a lot of refinement. Still, an interesting read for crime-lovers, and I'll be interested to read new work from this author as her style evolves.
November 23, 2018
JUST PLAY ALONG is Megan Daymond's debut novel, and she's taken on quite confrontational subject matter. A double date that turns into a snuff film, with one of the girls fighting back and killing one of the attackers in the struggle to survive. From there things go from bad to worse as video of the attack is leaked online, and Andy finds herself the centre of attention, and under threat. Add to that the discovery of six female bodies buried in bushland on Sydney's Northern Beaches, and a possible connection to the snuff-film ring, and Andy finds herself at the centre of an investigation, and a more drawn out fight for her life.
Starting out in sit up and take notice fashion, Andy's encounter and killing of one of the attackers is certainly going to grab reader's attention. Unfortunately things take an odd turn from there with romantic attachments, wilfully daft behaviour, some glossed over addiction issues and we end up with a central heroine who should be impressive but seems like a bit of a naive whinger, inexplicably irresistible to every man she encounters. It's also worth noting that whilst Andy's friend Mel is also caught up in the date disaster, she kind of disappears for large portions of the story here, with the focus being very much on Andy, and to be frank, Andy's almost epic stupidity. Difficult to avoid fleeting images of high-heels, power cuts, candles, scanty nighties and something going bang in the cellar.
It's a bit hard to tell where or how JUST PLAY ALONG was intended to play out. It definitely has a central plot idea with potential for some dark and light, some awful and good, but it kind of shape-shifts from tense thriller to personal drama, with a very overcrowded cast, pretty quickly. Even allowing for that, the attraction between a would be victim / come hero of her own hour and the well-meaning cop doesn't quite ring true. There's too little credibility in Andy's reactions to her circumstances and ongoing events, and behaviours with bad guys, good guys, or anybody much at all, for the attraction to be believable and the threat to have much sting. As always, debut novels need a little slack cut, and there is potential here - it does feel like it needs a little more focus on tension and plot advancement and a little more refinement in character development, to deliver what is ultimately a really strong central idea.
https://www.austcrimefiction.org/revi...
Starting out in sit up and take notice fashion, Andy's encounter and killing of one of the attackers is certainly going to grab reader's attention. Unfortunately things take an odd turn from there with romantic attachments, wilfully daft behaviour, some glossed over addiction issues and we end up with a central heroine who should be impressive but seems like a bit of a naive whinger, inexplicably irresistible to every man she encounters. It's also worth noting that whilst Andy's friend Mel is also caught up in the date disaster, she kind of disappears for large portions of the story here, with the focus being very much on Andy, and to be frank, Andy's almost epic stupidity. Difficult to avoid fleeting images of high-heels, power cuts, candles, scanty nighties and something going bang in the cellar.
It's a bit hard to tell where or how JUST PLAY ALONG was intended to play out. It definitely has a central plot idea with potential for some dark and light, some awful and good, but it kind of shape-shifts from tense thriller to personal drama, with a very overcrowded cast, pretty quickly. Even allowing for that, the attraction between a would be victim / come hero of her own hour and the well-meaning cop doesn't quite ring true. There's too little credibility in Andy's reactions to her circumstances and ongoing events, and behaviours with bad guys, good guys, or anybody much at all, for the attraction to be believable and the threat to have much sting. As always, debut novels need a little slack cut, and there is potential here - it does feel like it needs a little more focus on tension and plot advancement and a little more refinement in character development, to deliver what is ultimately a really strong central idea.
https://www.austcrimefiction.org/revi...
May 16, 2018
You know those horror movies where the characters decide to go outside and investigate the noise despite terrible things happening, and you sit there wanting to yell at the screen 'no, what the hell are you doing, stay inside' and you feel totally frustrated, we'll that's how this book had me feeling, I wanted to keep throwing the book down every time the main character Andy does something stupid, which is most of the time. Despite this I got through the book and did enjoy it, though on occasion I got a bit lost with the amount of side characters I had to keep track of. This is the first in a new Australian crime series.
Thanks to NetGalley for a copy in return for an honest review.
Thanks to NetGalley for a copy in return for an honest review.
April 16, 2026
This was actually really amazing. The only issue that I had with it was how many names (characters) got thrown around. A few times I had to stop to try to remember who was who, but the book itself was great. Gripping read and from the very beginning has you aching to see that the villains get what's coming to them.
May 24, 2025
Suspenseful
Definitely a suspenseful thriller that keeps you guessing til its end. I was completely drawn into this book and couldn't put it down.
Definitely a suspenseful thriller that keeps you guessing til its end. I was completely drawn into this book and couldn't put it down.
April 9, 2018
Thanks Netgalley for a copy to read and review.
That cover is ghastly...eye catching but ugly.
Well this was quite the read. Starring in your own snuff film, the reality of that has got to be a shocker. Andy Knight and her girlfriend Mel head out on a date with a couple of guys only to have their night end in terror and tragedy. This book was hell on wheels. A long cast of characters and a ton of stuff going on made it really hard to keep up with everything but I just couldn't put the book down. It seems Andy has quite the allure, since pretty much every guy she meets wants a peice of her. I thought the book was pretty good even though the cast of characters was outrageous. I almost had to make a spreadsheet there were so many characters. Other than that I look forward to the second installment of Andy Knight. Four stars of entertainment!
That cover is ghastly...eye catching but ugly.
Well this was quite the read. Starring in your own snuff film, the reality of that has got to be a shocker. Andy Knight and her girlfriend Mel head out on a date with a couple of guys only to have their night end in terror and tragedy. This book was hell on wheels. A long cast of characters and a ton of stuff going on made it really hard to keep up with everything but I just couldn't put the book down. It seems Andy has quite the allure, since pretty much every guy she meets wants a peice of her. I thought the book was pretty good even though the cast of characters was outrageous. I almost had to make a spreadsheet there were so many characters. Other than that I look forward to the second installment of Andy Knight. Four stars of entertainment!
April 30, 2018
I was immediately attracted by the cover of this book and its catchphrase: "when your appointment turns into a bad movie, only survive is the beginning."
It all starts when Andy and Mel go to a double date and it will turn into a bad movie. Especially since the discovery of six women's bodies in the undergrowth will allow Detective Connor to get his hands on an organized network. And the video of the attack will be put online. They will be in a deadly game, the detective will do everything for the protected.
A good thriller that deserves to be known in France, with a captivating story, moving and endearing characters.
It all starts when Andy and Mel go to a double date and it will turn into a bad movie. Especially since the discovery of six women's bodies in the undergrowth will allow Detective Connor to get his hands on an organized network. And the video of the attack will be put online. They will be in a deadly game, the detective will do everything for the protected.
A good thriller that deserves to be known in France, with a captivating story, moving and endearing characters.
June 2, 2022
I am not sure why many gave this book 4 ot 5 stars. The main character is not likable and for a person that went through a horrible ordeal she is quite gullible, trusting and in some case out right stupid. Especially with the guy who is friends with/knows the guy who attack her. I know the authour needed the outline in order to get the story where it needed to go but it is an very unbelievable for someone who went through a tramatic experience.
August 10, 2020
This is a thoroughly engrossing story with lots of twists and turns as the main characters try to protect themselves and future victims from horrible crimes. The characters and the scenes are vividly described and compelling. You will not be able to put this book aside until it is finished!
November 4, 2020
Excellent read
One hell of a debut. I have already got the next three books. This focuses on a horrible fact that is happening all over the world. Snuff films. This book will have you on the edge of your seat from the start till the stunning last page.
One hell of a debut. I have already got the next three books. This focuses on a horrible fact that is happening all over the world. Snuff films. This book will have you on the edge of your seat from the start till the stunning last page.
March 23, 2020
!!!
Very complex character connections. Good gripping thriller. Andy is shown to be flawed but very much an everyday kind of woman.
Very complex character connections. Good gripping thriller. Andy is shown to be flawed but very much an everyday kind of woman.
February 20, 2021
The cover attracted me. Not an author i have read anything of before but another added to my list. Lots of twists and turns.strong characters. Good storyline enjoyed it
January 30, 2022
Good
It was a twisted creepy story. The character of Andy irritated me at times. On whole it was decent story.
It was a twisted creepy story. The character of Andy irritated me at times. On whole it was decent story.
February 12, 2025
Rough opening chapter to set the stage, but levels out and is a compelling enough read. Reasonable amount of main and supporting characters.
May 28, 2026
I thought that this was an okay read. Story started strongly, the pace then eased but was okay. The dark subject matter was handled without becoming prurient.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews