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Fair Play
The year is 1920. Six strangers seek refuge from a storm inside a remote mansion located in the middle of nowhere. Grateful and feeling secure, the strangers settle in for the night thinking that the worst is behind them. Unfortunately for them, a killer may be among them as, one by one, they begin to die. While they struggle to stay alive and avoid execution, a set of beady eyes watches their every move from off in the distance. Think you know where this story is headed? Think again.
In the year 2020, a group of friends also begins to die one by one in the exact same style and method of operation as the original 1920 killings. As the police try desperately to unravel the mystery and prevent more deaths, the connection between the two murder sprees becomes clear. Once that connection is revealed, the case takes on a whole new meaning as it suddenly morphs into something that no one – least of all the reader – would ever expect.
Enter Jill Jennson, a highly decorated police officer whose life and career are now in shambles. Personally assigned to catch this elusive new serial killer, she once again has the support of her friend and partner Caiden Mathews to put an end to the grisly murders plaguing their city. However, Jill has demons of her own that not only threaten to derail the entire case, but also her friendship with Caiden.
From the author that brought you Ever Told, Benjamin Bremasi once again takes his readers on a shocking and thrilling journey that will have you contemplating who you can trust, the unfairness that we all experience in our lives and how simple coincidences can shape our futures. Fair Play is filled with unpredictable twists, heart – racing suspense and a truly diabolical ending that you’ll never see coming.
In the year 2020, a group of friends also begins to die one by one in the exact same style and method of operation as the original 1920 killings. As the police try desperately to unravel the mystery and prevent more deaths, the connection between the two murder sprees becomes clear. Once that connection is revealed, the case takes on a whole new meaning as it suddenly morphs into something that no one – least of all the reader – would ever expect.
Enter Jill Jennson, a highly decorated police officer whose life and career are now in shambles. Personally assigned to catch this elusive new serial killer, she once again has the support of her friend and partner Caiden Mathews to put an end to the grisly murders plaguing their city. However, Jill has demons of her own that not only threaten to derail the entire case, but also her friendship with Caiden.
From the author that brought you Ever Told, Benjamin Bremasi once again takes his readers on a shocking and thrilling journey that will have you contemplating who you can trust, the unfairness that we all experience in our lives and how simple coincidences can shape our futures. Fair Play is filled with unpredictable twists, heart – racing suspense and a truly diabolical ending that you’ll never see coming.
181 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 15, 2019
2 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
May 11, 2020
I was toying between giving this 3 stars or 4.
Why I wanted to give this 3 stars. Parts of this were slow, and there were too many characters. By page 22 the reader is introduced to about 18 characters. All within about 4 chapters. To top that off the characters were interacting with one another in great detail, revealing a lot about their personality and then subsequent chapters honed in on some of these characters, their emotions and back stories. And then they were killed by the end of the chapter. Far too much going on within just the first 50 pages.
Why this novel got 4 stars from me then instead of 3. I loved the ending and all of the connections made. Once you read this you will know what I mean. I don't want to give anything away, but huge connections were made and I really liked that. It also helped that I read another Bremasi murder novel and it was referenced in this novel too. And although this is most certainly a stand-alone novel, I did like the gentle references back to that novel.
What I liked: The chapters were very short so it made for a very quick read. I also liked the plot and ALOT of action occurred in this book. I also really liked the main detective in this novel.
So why did it not get 5 stars? Some parts were too slow, we were introduced to too many characters very early on and in too much detail,, but these were very minor characters and were killed off within pages of these long character descriptions.
Would I read more from this author?
Yes I would. I have read two Bremasi novels that concern Jill the detective and I will read a third because the length and pace is shorter compared to other murder thrillers and because I like the attention to detail and the careful plot twists.
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
Why I wanted to give this 3 stars. Parts of this were slow, and there were too many characters. By page 22 the reader is introduced to about 18 characters. All within about 4 chapters. To top that off the characters were interacting with one another in great detail, revealing a lot about their personality and then subsequent chapters honed in on some of these characters, their emotions and back stories. And then they were killed by the end of the chapter. Far too much going on within just the first 50 pages.
Why this novel got 4 stars from me then instead of 3. I loved the ending and all of the connections made. Once you read this you will know what I mean. I don't want to give anything away, but huge connections were made and I really liked that. It also helped that I read another Bremasi murder novel and it was referenced in this novel too. And although this is most certainly a stand-alone novel, I did like the gentle references back to that novel.
What I liked: The chapters were very short so it made for a very quick read. I also liked the plot and ALOT of action occurred in this book. I also really liked the main detective in this novel.
So why did it not get 5 stars? Some parts were too slow, we were introduced to too many characters very early on and in too much detail,, but these were very minor characters and were killed off within pages of these long character descriptions.
Would I read more from this author?
Yes I would. I have read two Bremasi novels that concern Jill the detective and I will read a third because the length and pace is shorter compared to other murder thrillers and because I like the attention to detail and the careful plot twists.
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
July 31, 2020
I have to admit to being rather disappointed with this book. It is supposed to be an intense, twisted murder mystery, but instead comes off as a cliche wrapped in a cliche, topped by a cliche. After reading Mr. Bremasi's previous novel, Ever Told, I was expecting another surprising reveal, but I didn't get it. Instead of the open-mouth ending I was expecting, I found myself rolling my eyes. That's never a good thing. The dialogue is stilted and wooden, the lead detective is behaving very unprofessionally and out of character and the remaining characters are flat and poorly developed.
I can't really go into detail about the issues I had with the book without spoiling it for everyone else, but, as with Ever Told, I can discuss two major issues I had. Once again Mr. Bremasi alternates between past and present as a method of telling the story, but also adds frequent changes in point of view. The majority of the story is told in the third person but changes into the first person when Amy is the focus of that particular chapter. It is very disconcerting because POV doesn't change every time Amy is mentioned, so it is difficult to determine why Mr. Bremasi changes up. It is very jarring, or at least it was for me.
The other issue is the lack of editing. Mr. Bremasi's previous novel was bad when it came to editing, but this one is worse. For example, "It was tucked away near acres of woodland surrounded by trees and woodland." Seriously? Did he even reread that sentence? And, "At the moment, I can barely help myself right now with my own health issues." "At the moment" and "right now" are the same thing!!! How can you not see this, especially when the "About the Author" section indicates Mr. Bremasi has an Advance Degree in Reading. So disappointing. I'm afraid I'm done with this author.
I received a review copy from Book Sirens and this is my honest opinion.
I can't really go into detail about the issues I had with the book without spoiling it for everyone else, but, as with Ever Told, I can discuss two major issues I had. Once again Mr. Bremasi alternates between past and present as a method of telling the story, but also adds frequent changes in point of view. The majority of the story is told in the third person but changes into the first person when Amy is the focus of that particular chapter. It is very disconcerting because POV doesn't change every time Amy is mentioned, so it is difficult to determine why Mr. Bremasi changes up. It is very jarring, or at least it was for me.
The other issue is the lack of editing. Mr. Bremasi's previous novel was bad when it came to editing, but this one is worse. For example, "It was tucked away near acres of woodland surrounded by trees and woodland." Seriously? Did he even reread that sentence? And, "At the moment, I can barely help myself right now with my own health issues." "At the moment" and "right now" are the same thing!!! How can you not see this, especially when the "About the Author" section indicates Mr. Bremasi has an Advance Degree in Reading. So disappointing. I'm afraid I'm done with this author.
I received a review copy from Book Sirens and this is my honest opinion.
April 24, 2021
I got a copy of this for free.
I read the first book right before this, and gave that 3 stars. Happy to give this 4 stars! The author has definitely improved since his first book. The characters are better, but there are still quite many of them, and we don't get to know them very well. The story is much better! The blurb peaked my interest, I really liked the idea of murders in 2020 happening the exact same way as murders in 1920. At first I thought the 1920 part went way too fast, but later I realized there was way more to the 2020 story. Towards the end it was just shock after shock, my jaw actually dropped at one point! The connection to the first book was also really clever. Cause even though it's technically a series, the two books didn't feel very connected. The previous book had a ''20 years later'' part, while this takes place maybe 3 years after the main events of the first book.
Also, I just need to mention that it's weird reading a story set in 2020 without covid being mentioned! I've already read several books set in 2020, and they all mention it. So this not doing it felt kinda unrealistic, haha. Made me wonder how contemporary fiction will be affected.
Anyway, like the first book, this story jumps back and forth between 1920 and 2020 for the most part, and the character Amy gets chapters from her POV. That made it a little confusing, but I see that it was needed. And again, like the first book, my PDF copy at least is a little over 100 pages with very small text and long paragraphs, making it a little hard to read.
But I was definitely more satisfied with this one! It kept me more engaged. If the author can keep improving, his next book(s) will be great!
I read the first book right before this, and gave that 3 stars. Happy to give this 4 stars! The author has definitely improved since his first book. The characters are better, but there are still quite many of them, and we don't get to know them very well. The story is much better! The blurb peaked my interest, I really liked the idea of murders in 2020 happening the exact same way as murders in 1920. At first I thought the 1920 part went way too fast, but later I realized there was way more to the 2020 story. Towards the end it was just shock after shock, my jaw actually dropped at one point! The connection to the first book was also really clever. Cause even though it's technically a series, the two books didn't feel very connected. The previous book had a ''20 years later'' part, while this takes place maybe 3 years after the main events of the first book.
Also, I just need to mention that it's weird reading a story set in 2020 without covid being mentioned! I've already read several books set in 2020, and they all mention it. So this not doing it felt kinda unrealistic, haha. Made me wonder how contemporary fiction will be affected.
Anyway, like the first book, this story jumps back and forth between 1920 and 2020 for the most part, and the character Amy gets chapters from her POV. That made it a little confusing, but I see that it was needed. And again, like the first book, my PDF copy at least is a little over 100 pages with very small text and long paragraphs, making it a little hard to read.
But I was definitely more satisfied with this one! It kept me more engaged. If the author can keep improving, his next book(s) will be great!
December 27, 2020
Wow! Book two! Mr. Bremasi knows how to deliver a gripping page turner. Once again a thrilling, suspendful, intreging, dramatic, intricate, tightly packed woven story. Unforgetable!
He presented the reader with multi faceted characters. A well written, well developed, fast paced story.
Wow! Exciting! Clever! Entertaining! Absorbing read! Can't stop reading!
On the edge of your seat ending! Unbelievable! Find out for yourself! You won't be sorry! Read and enjoy.
I received an ARC free from BookSirens and this is my voluntary honest review.
He presented the reader with multi faceted characters. A well written, well developed, fast paced story.
Wow! Exciting! Clever! Entertaining! Absorbing read! Can't stop reading!
On the edge of your seat ending! Unbelievable! Find out for yourself! You won't be sorry! Read and enjoy.
I received an ARC free from BookSirens and this is my voluntary honest review.
July 27, 2022
** 3.5 stars rounded up to 4**
After reading the author's first book, I was excited to read his second.
The writing is not something I enjoyed in either of the author's books, but the plots make up for that. But the very last twist in this book seemed to be an afterthought, and hastily thrown together. So, I marked it as 3.5 stars. I'll definitely read more by the author.
I received an advance review copy for free through BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. I would like to thank the author and publisher for the copy.
After reading the author's first book, I was excited to read his second.
The writing is not something I enjoyed in either of the author's books, but the plots make up for that. But the very last twist in this book seemed to be an afterthought, and hastily thrown together. So, I marked it as 3.5 stars. I'll definitely read more by the author.
I received an advance review copy for free through BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. I would like to thank the author and publisher for the copy.
April 19, 2020
I loved this action packed story. This book will keep you on the edge of your seat with twists and turns that you won't see coming, leading up to an explosive surprising ending. If you enjoy James Patterson, you will love Fair Play. I received this book for free and I am voluntarily leaving my review.
January 27, 2021
Usually I figure out a mystery before the end. Not so much this time. The author's masterful use of foreshadowing leads us down a garden path. In the end we are just trying to find the exit from the maze. Well done. This is an easy read, engaging, with just the right amount of twists and turns. Oh what turns.
I recieved an advanced review copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.
I recieved an advanced review copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 3, 2020
Great, multi-faceted characters. Very interesting plot. Vivid descriptions.
*I received a complimentary ARC of this book in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.
*I received a complimentary ARC of this book in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.
April 5, 2020
This is a very exciting murder mystery. It’s full of suspense and twists and turns throughout. It’s fast paced and the storyline is very well developed. I was thoroughly entertained. I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving this review
March 25, 2020
Wow! I absolutely loved this book! The story was very fast paced and the point of view narration changed quickly but I found it easy to follow. The characters were well written and the ending left me astounded. I had no clue! I received an ARC from BookSirens and this is my honest opinion.
February 29, 2020
This is the second book of the author published in October 2019.
Initially there are two strands in the book, a past strand of 1920 and a present strand of 2020.
in the past strand of 1920, a group of six people in Oregon whose cars are involved in an accident in dark and rainy night seek shelter in an isolated mansion. The owner and only occupant of the mansion allows them to stay for the night. However, the guests are killed one by one by different methods , the first one by strangling, the second by poison and so on.
In the present strand of 2020, a group of six people who form the cast in a theatre play to be opened soon in New Hampshire, are similarly being killed one by one. What is strange, the method of killing follows the same order, the first by strangling, the second by poison and so on.
The actual significance of the past strand and its link to the present strand is revealed half-way through. It is a clever idea and would come as a surprise to readers.
The book is highly suspenseful and a page-turner with several twists and turns. The plot is quite good and interesting with several clever ideas.
I was initially inclined to rate this as 4 stars but felt that it has one twist too many and hence I rate it as 3 stars.
I received a review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Initially there are two strands in the book, a past strand of 1920 and a present strand of 2020.
in the past strand of 1920, a group of six people in Oregon whose cars are involved in an accident in dark and rainy night seek shelter in an isolated mansion. The owner and only occupant of the mansion allows them to stay for the night. However, the guests are killed one by one by different methods , the first one by strangling, the second by poison and so on.
In the present strand of 2020, a group of six people who form the cast in a theatre play to be opened soon in New Hampshire, are similarly being killed one by one. What is strange, the method of killing follows the same order, the first by strangling, the second by poison and so on.
The actual significance of the past strand and its link to the present strand is revealed half-way through. It is a clever idea and would come as a surprise to readers.
The book is highly suspenseful and a page-turner with several twists and turns. The plot is quite good and interesting with several clever ideas.
I was initially inclined to rate this as 4 stars but felt that it has one twist too many and hence I rate it as 3 stars.
I received a review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 3, 2020
What Do 1920 and 2020 Have In Common?
In 1920 a group of six people in Oregon whose autos were rendered inoperable in a collision make their way through a dark and rainy night looking for refuge from the storm. They find what first appears to be an abandoned old mansion and make their way inside only to find the house is not deserted after all.
In 2020 a group of seven people are engrossed in rehearsal for a play opening soon in New Hampshire. They are an amiable group, enjoying the preparations for the upcoming opening, spending an evening together relaxing after a successful day.
The people in both groups are brought together for dissimilar reasons, but there is a common thread running through both groups as their fates link in a diabolical plan of death. This is a well-crafted plot with plenty of surprises along the way. The only thing missing is the urgency in the narrative that causes that feeling of dread, anticipation, and foreboding that goes hand-in-hand with a really great can’t-put-down mystery.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
In 1920 a group of six people in Oregon whose autos were rendered inoperable in a collision make their way through a dark and rainy night looking for refuge from the storm. They find what first appears to be an abandoned old mansion and make their way inside only to find the house is not deserted after all.
In 2020 a group of seven people are engrossed in rehearsal for a play opening soon in New Hampshire. They are an amiable group, enjoying the preparations for the upcoming opening, spending an evening together relaxing after a successful day.
The people in both groups are brought together for dissimilar reasons, but there is a common thread running through both groups as their fates link in a diabolical plan of death. This is a well-crafted plot with plenty of surprises along the way. The only thing missing is the urgency in the narrative that causes that feeling of dread, anticipation, and foreboding that goes hand-in-hand with a really great can’t-put-down mystery.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 31, 2020
Fair Play, my first highly enjoyable read from author Benjamin Bremasi. An intricate, tightly woven story-line made for a page-turning read, though I have to admit that at times it reminded me of a Scream movie. Better yet this is the second in a series. I’ll be reading more in this series & from this author, now I just need to get Ever Told, the first book that references the happenings that occurred to Jill prior to this book . I was given a Kindle ARC copy of this book & am voluntarily reviewing it. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews