Part three of the Ruby Preston series, and it just keeps getting better!

A killer is stalking bored rich housewives who fancy a bit of a stroll on the wild side. He's judge and jury on the unfaithful and his punishments are capital.Ruby Preston is on the case and it becomes apparent that this isn't the first time crimes have been carried out this way. Soon she finds herself in a deadly game of cat and mouse with incarcerated serial killer Mason Gatley. He might be locked away but could the Lonely Hearts Killer be behind these new crimes?

I've really liked previous Ruby Preston novels but the one thing that has bugged me is sometimes they have been more about her personal life than the detective side of things. For me the balance was slightly scewed. But this has just the right balance. A great story that kept me hooked throughout.

Murder Game is the third book in the Detective Ruby Preston series written by Caroline Mitchell and published by Bookouture. I am such a fan of this series and have reviewed both of the previous books on damppebbles in the past (click HERE for my review of book one, Death Note and click HERE for my review of book two, Sleep Tight). My love for Ruby and her tough guy beau, Nathan is pretty darn strong so there was no way on earth I was going to miss this latest instalment.

The first two books shine so brightly for me because they’re exactly what I enjoy reading; a delusional yet completely different serial killer in each book with a pretty consistent M.O. The killer knows what they’re doing, why they’re doing it and they’re going to keep on doing it until Ruby and DI Downes catch them. Perfect! The reader is introduced to another dark and evil mind in Murder Game but this time there’s a rather sinister twist. Convicted of six murders, named The Lonely Hearts Killer and stuck behind bars for a few more years, Ruby has the displeasure of meeting Mason Gatley. It seems their latest offender is basing his crimes on Gatley’s from back in the day (DI Downes was a DC at the time so we’re talking a few years ago!). I loved the tension Gatley brought to the pages of Murder Game. What a thoroughly loathsome character but I have to confess to secretly enjoying Ruby’s stand-offs with the vile killer!

What makes this series stand out head and shoulders above others is the relationship between Detective Sergeant Ruby Preston and the love of her life, local gangster, Nathan Crosby. The chemistry between the two characters really sparks and my reaction to them in the first book really surprised me, especially as romantic relationships don’t really work for me in crime fiction (if I wanted soppy stuff I would read romance – that’s my opinion anyway!). I felt that chemistry was lacking a little in Murder Game. It certainly wasn’t as full on or as intense as the first two novels and I missed it.

If I’m honest, I felt the entire Crosby family were a little absent in this latest instalment. Murder Game focuses more on the investigation rather than the relationships between the characters. With any other series this would have pleased me no end but I couldn’t help but feel a little disappointed. I wanted more of Nathan’s mother and her inherent dislike of Ruby because she’s a copper. More of Nathan’s caustic, sadistic brother, Lenny who always lends a vile edge to the story. I really felt their absence.

Would I recommend this book? Absolutely! If you’re a fan of the serial killer thriller then you really must read this series because it’s incredibly special and one of my all-time favourites. I adore Ruby Preston and I adore Mitchell’s writing.

Four out of five stars.

I chose to read and review an eARC of Murder Game. The above review is my own unbiased opinion.

I have been a fan of Caroline’s for quite while now. I read her police procedurals with a supernatural twist and really enjoyed them, although I am now paranoid and avoid the crows, rooks and any other black birds where I can. Those who have read the books will know exactly what I mean. However, for some insane reason I haven’t actually managed to read her books featuring Detective Ruby Preston. I know, I know where have I been all this time and how could I have missed this fabulous series. I was asked if I would like to participate in the blog blitz for ‘Murder Game’ and I thought that this was the ideal opportunity to get to know Ruby Preston. Well I now know what I have been missing and I fully intend to read the first two in the Ruby Preston series just as soon as I can.

I took to Detective Ruby Preston from the start. She is one feisty young lady who is headstrong and determined to get to the heart of the case. She does have a softer side once you get through the hard shell that she has created around herself and she is compassionate. Ruby is head of a small team of detectives but they work really well together and you get a real sense of how tight knit they really are. Ruby is ambitious and has a desire to progress through the police service. However, there is a slight problem in that she is in a relationship with Nathan Crosby, who is a criminal. So you could say that she certainly has a conflict of interest. There’s only one person who knows about this relationship and that is her immediate superior DI Downes. He certainly doesn’t agree with or like it but he keeps quiet. Downes and Preston get on really well together. It’s certain that she has history with DI Downes as they had a brief fling but there is nothing between them now and I just loved the closeness of their working relationship.

I have to say that this book is superbly written. Caroline Mitchell comes up with some sick and twisted but brilliant plots for her books. When you pick up a book by Caroline Mitchell, you are guaranteed one hell of a read and one hell of a rollercoaster ride. The story hits the ground running and the pace is maintained throughout the book. I really got a sense of the pressures that surround a police team during an investigation and I shared the team’s frustration while they were waiting for a breakthrough in the investigation. Reading this book is like being on the longest and loopiest rollercoaster ride with all the twists, turns and stomach churning moments. Just when you thought that you could reclaim your stomach then off the action would go again. There were times that I almost had to read through my fingers and hold my breath because I genuinely feared what was going to happen next. Reading this book became like an addiction to me and I found that I just couldn’t put the book down. It was almost as if the Kindle became glued to my hand as it came everywhere with me. I even begrudged taking my two Labradors out because it meant that I had to break off from reading the book, which got me some filthy death stares but they were cheered up by the treats that I gave them. Phew I was forgiven. Anyway I digress and back to the review. The pages of the book were turning so quickly that it was almost as if they were turning themselves and before I knew it I had finished the book, which I was so disappointed about. I was enjoying the story and the writing style that much that I just wanted the story to continue.

In short, I absolutely, totally and utterly LOVED reading ‘Murder Game’. This is one book that will stay with me for a heck of a long time and it has left me with a book hangover. In fact I almost had to have a lie down after I had finished because I needed to recover. I would definitely recommend this series to anyone. I can’t wait to read what comes next from the twisted but brilliant mind of Caroline Mitchell. Here’s hoping we don’t have too long to wait until her next book, but in the meantime I will content myself with reading the first two books in the Ruby Preston series. I give this book 5* out of 5*.

Ruby Preston may just be the best detective (male or female) to hit the literary scene in a long time. I look forward to more from this author as this is a white knuckle page turner from page 1.

I have previously read the first in the Ruby Preston series, so was keen to continue with her story. In this book, a man is meeting people through a dating website, and torturing and killing them in hotel rooms. The MO is virtually identical to that of a serial killer from 10 years ago who is still in prison, and many of the details were never made public. How does the copycat killer know all these details? Can the original killer be somehow in contact and passing on the details? This is a real page turner that keeps you guessing to the end. Thanks to NetGalley for a preview copy.
Copied to Goodreads.

The killer is playing a murder game. He is killing woman who are being unfaithful to their husbands. It is up to Ruby to work out who Matthew the killer really is. This is a fast paced book with the short chapters adding to the suspense. All the clues are brilliantly put together and the identity of Matthew and the final twist make this a very cleverly told story.

This is the 3rd book in the Ruby Preston series,you can read these as stand alone but there are some ‘history’ that you would need to know about so best tor read 1&2 first , oh what a shame !
I loved this book i had to have a break in between but it was always in the back of my mind gnawing at my brain about what was coming next , so I was happy to get back to it ! And it didn’t disappoint me at all, it was the usual mind messingly brilliant writing by Caroline Mitchell
Ruby is ballsy and wont let a guy get the better of her i sometimes think there is a little of Caroline in Ruby.

I didn’t guess the ending there was a maze of mind quizzing questions sent my head spinning and BOOM! Brilliant.

Murder Game by Caroline Mitchell is the third book in the Detective Ruby Preston series. In this book, there is a serial killer targeting a very specific group of people. This killer is cold, sadistic and always seems a step ahead of the police. Not only is the killer torturing the victims but their loved ones too are not spared. Sounds like a psychopath, right? If that’s not twisted enough, these murders are not totally new. There is killer in jail who had the same MO. Now detectives have to figure out whether they are dealing with a copycat.

I have always liked Detective Ruby Preston. She is tough but at the same time, she takes care of those around her. I also like her odd relationship with Nathan. It is not every day that we encounter detectives who date gangsters. Although Nathan’s presence is not dominant in this story, it is still felt though Ruby’s narration.

The story is told through Ruby’s POV mainly but there are a few chapters narrated by the villain. This was a tense read and I couldn’t guess the identity of the killer. I didn’t even have a clue at all so I had to rely on the detectives to find the answers. Each chapter was suspense filled as the killer found new victims. Needless to say, this made it an addictive read.

Murder Game by Caroline Mitchell is fast-paced, twisty and quite unpredictable. The suspense begins from the prologue to the final chapter. This series is perfect for fans of police procedural.

wouldn't expect anything else from this author, dark, gripping and completely engrossing ! 5 stars and desperate for the next one !!!

DS Ruby Preston is looking for a serial killer who is copying murders from 10 years earlier! That serial killer was known as the Lonely Hearts Killer . He's targeting women that are looking to cheat on their husbands. This book has a great plot !! This is the worst killer ever , tormenting his victims till he kills them . Caroline Mitchell 's books never disappoint!!! This book was dark and disturbing! This is the third book in the Detective Ruby Preston series . Loved this book ! Thanks to Netgalley, Bookouture and Caroline Mitchell for the copy in exchange for my honest review.

This is the third book in the Detective Ruby Preston series - as always I think these need to be read in order as there is background information which flows through the book.

This was a very fast paced read, I had strong feeling towards many of the characters. Mason Gatley, convicted serial killer, gave me the creeps and I grew fonder of Ruby Preston.

There are lots of twists and turns and the book kept me guessing till the end with lots of nailbiting.

Very well written book. The police are in a race to find the killer before the victims are actually killed. The killer appears to be a copycat of an older murderer who is currently in prison.

Another great read in this series told from the view point of Ruby and the killer . Fast paced , short sharp chapters kept me hooked from the beginning . Thanks to netgalley and bookouture for my chance to read

Another brilliant read from Caroline Mitchell. This is the third book in the DI Ruby Mitchell series. I would recommend reading the other books in the series first to get a better insight into Ruby and her background.

In this book Ruby and her team of police officers are trying to find a serial killer who is capturing married woman and sending photographs to their husbands showing them in various states of distress and torture . Ruby and her team must find the killer before it’s too late. The killings are similar to a spate of murders that happened years before and the killer was caught and is now serving a prison sentence . Ruby arranges to meet the prisoner in the hope he will give her clues that will help catch this copycat killer.

This book will have you on the edge of your seat as you try to figure out who the killer is. I thought I had it sussed but I was way off the mark ! A fabulous read.

A copycat serial killer on the loose and a race against time to find the next victim before they end up another statistic.
This is a fast paced, up to date thriller had had me hooked from the beginning right to the end. It is well written and had shades of Silence of the Lambs to it.
I really hope there is a book number 4 in this series.

Review as posted on Goodreads:

From the start I was drawn into this story.

Having read and loved 'Love You to Death' the first book to feature DS Ruby Preston, I was keen to see how Caroline Mitchell developed the characters.

She has successfully managed to develop the police characters in this novel. Like the first book the plot develops at a blistering pace.

I like the style of her writing and characterisation. Her experience as a serving police officer shows through with some pithy dialogue between DS Ruby Preston and her colleagues. There are some witty one-liners.
Plenty of suspects.
Plenty of twists.
Tension throughout.

The story builds to a dramatic conclusion with sufficient plot twists to maintain interest. I for one look forward to future instalments in the DS Preston series.

I give thanks to Netgalley and the publisher, Bookouture for a copy in exchange for an honest review.

I loved this book from the second I opened the page. The book grabs you and keeps the reader totally enthralled from start to finish. Looking forward to the 4th book in the series

Caroline Mitchell kicks it out of the park yet again with another thrilling novel in this series. Book number 3 - Murder Game continues with Detective Ruby Preston's story. I can't get enough of the clever writing and really interesting characters. I love the conflicted nature of Ruby and her life, balancing her ex crim boyfriend with her police work and her newly found daughter she gave up many years ago. Ruby is a vibrant and strong presence and I look forward to continuing to read her as the lead in this series.

There's a copycat serial killer that has been discovered once victims have been found with startling similarity to the 'Lonely Hearts Killer' who is serving a life sentence in prison. Ruby must work within a 3 day deadline before each victim is killed, with the killer taunting the families of the victims, sending severed wedding ring fingers and pictures of their loved ones. It's a fast paced, thrilling police procedural/ murder novel and will keep you on your toes to the last page.

Thanks to the publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This is the first book I have read by this author and I LOVED it!. I was worried with it being the 3rd book in the series, but I had no issues following it. I do feel that I would have benefitted from reading the previous books but it wasn't necessary and it didn't seem like I was missing out on any real important facts.
I thought the short chapters were smart. I find, sometimes, that if a chapter drags on and on with too much information in it I get bored and enjoy it a lot less. No problems here. Each chapter gave just as much information it needed to and kept my attention throughout!
I also really, really loved the whole Silence of the Lambs feel this book gave me. Each time Ruby went to visit Mason I got this kind of Hannibal/Clarice relationship vibe and it gave me chills. Just brilliant!
The storyline had me hooked from the beginning and I honestly could not figure out who the killer was. Shocked!!!
Definitely a gripping detective story that had me glued to the pages. I will be looking for more from this author!

I have read the previous two Ruby Preston books and enjoyed them so I was glad to get my hands on Book 3.

I like Ruby as a character. She is feisty, conflicted and comes across as real. In the previous two books there was a great deal of narrative devoted to her difficulties involving her lover & his family. Although they gave a good background to the character I found them rather tiresome and though they detracted a bit from the nitty-gritty of finding out 'whodunnit'. This book is a welcome break from that. Although mention is made of the family (who do turn out to have their uses) the main focus is on the murders.

An internet site called 'Debauchery' offers a bit of extra-marital excitement but for some it is the start of a horrific end. The deaths seem worryingly similar to a previous string of murders, but the perpetrator is behind bars. Is this just a copycat or is the sinister Mason Gatly pulling the strings from jail? Whoever it, they enjoy teasing the relatives and the police by sending pictures and 'mementos'- from the first picture sent they have three days before the end.

This is a fast paced police procedural. It was totally engrossing and a real five star read. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this great book.