One word : brilliant! What? You need more words to convince you to buy and read this? I'll try but it won't be easy as this latest instalment in the Ruby Preston series totally blew my mind. It's that good, people!

Someone's playing a rather macabre game, a murder game. You know, in case you missed that from the title. When a woman goes missing, a countdown is set in motion and the killer will leave clues in the form of pictures : alive, tortured, dead. Ruby and her team find themselves in a race against the clock when a second woman goes missing.

These acts are reminiscent of a serial killer's work ten years ago. To find answers to her questions, Ruby sets out to meet him in prison. But this notorious killer may just be playing a game of his own. Will he help Ruby? Or is she putting her own life in danger?

These two killers, the original one and the copycat, are by far two of the most disturbing characters I've ever met. Talk about chills running up and down your spine. Murder Game is one dark and intense ride and had me guessing until the end. I had no idea who was responsible for these murders and when the killer was finally revealed, I think my eyes popped out of my head. Utterly blind-sided! Love it!

As always, Caroline Mitchell gets the balance between Ruby's personal and private life spot-on. Her relationship with Nathan continues to fascinate me and I can't wait to see how things will develop in the future. Can there ever be a happy ending for them? Or will Ruby have to make a choice? These are important questions, people, and apart from the brilliant crime fiction aspect of these books, it's why I keep reading. And you should too. At the risk of repeating myself, if you're not reading this series then you are missing out!

I’m a big fan of Caroline Mitchell’s novels. She writes well, constructs good plots and draws strong characters so why did I feel a bit disengaged with this one? Maybe because the story centres around a copycat serial killer and that doesn’t feel that original anymore. The copycat killer follows the script of the original killer, now in jail and known as the 'Lonely Hearts Killer'. Instead of using a lonely hearts ad in the paper the new killer uses an internet dating site aimed at married people who want that something special on the side. He otherwise follows the same script but his motives are quite different.
Mitchell’s DI Ruby Preston and her team do manage to solve this before there are too many bodies, which I liked. I also liked that this wasn’t all about Ruby’s personal life and family conflicts. She’s a strong character and her home life seems a lot more stable now that she has finally accepted her relationship with Nathan Crosby, member of a well known crime family with his own shady past, and is also getting to know Cathy, the daughter they gave up at birth. The pacing is pretty fast as the detectives race to try and find victims from the clues sent by the killer and overall it is an enjoyable read in a great series.

There's no words for it! Caroline Mitchell has done it again. This is the third book in Detective Ruby Preston series and this book kept me guessing to nearly the end. Plus, when I thought it was them it wasn't and I didn't see that one coming!
There's a new serial killer in town........and they target married women who want to have fun. A dating website especially for married rich women is set up on the web. He takes them to a hotel room, offers them drugs etc. But, No Sex!! He then removes their wedding finger and then they have a slow death. He enjoys taking photo's of them and then sends several photo's to their husbands over the next few days. He writes a word by their body in their Blood - But, time is ticking by for Detective Ruby Preston and her team.
Is this person copying another serial killer who is in prison? Is there a connection to The Lonely hearts killer? Detective Ruby makes a visit to go and see him. Does he give her information to help her solve the murders etc or is he toying with her? Does he know who the killer is? and have contact with them?
The case heats up when more bodies are found the same way. Then the killer starts calling a crisis line and starts boasting to 1 particular lady. Is he feeling guilty? has something gone wrong?
This book will have you hooked right till the end. There are lots of twists and turns that will have you hooked and guessing who is it?

Many thanks to the author/Bookouture/Netgalley for the advance digital copy.
A Big Fat 5 Stars for this book. So looking forward for Caroline's next book in the Detective Ruby Preston.

I have thoroughly enjoyed this series so I’m quite sad that this is actually the last in the Ruby Preston books. But OMG this book shows how to end on a high! This is definitely my favourite book of the series and Ruby Preston will be much missed by me!

What I love about Ruby is that she always takes the best direction to solve the crimes she investigates, even if it’s not always the most legal route! She only just lives on the right side of the law due to her relationship with bad boy Nathan. In Murder Game, she asks her boyfriend (I have a huge #fictionalcharactercrush on Nathan!) to use his criminal connections to help Ruby meet the notorious serial killer Nathan Gatley, who has been locked up for 10 years. His nickname was The Lonely Hearts killer and it looks as if he has a copycat after a series of similar murders occurs. The murderer is dispatching his victims in a particular way that has never been made public and so could only have been directed by Nathan himself. When Ruby visits him in jail, the tension was so intense that I actually got goosebumps! It’s obvious he is the missing link Ruby needs to follow to find the real killer but in doing so is she putting her own and others lives in danger?

I thought I was SO clever here! I was convinced I knew exactly who the murderer was and why, but I was so far off track I was in a different book completely!! And not only was I wrong, I also didn’t spot the twist that knocked me off my feet either! Which is probably why I absolutely loved Murder Game! It kept me guessing, wrong footing me when I least expected it, whilst all the while wondering how Rubys personal life would come together at the end! There was slightly less emphasis on the personal side of things in this book which I missed a little bit but the dark and gruesome main thread of the psychopathic serial killer on the loose really kept me gripped throughout and this more than made up for it!

Caroline Mitchells writing and plotting just gets better with each book she brings out so although I’m sorry to see Ruby go, I can’t wait to see where Caroline goes from here. This can be read as a standalone but, as usual, you will probably get more from it if you have the background information from the other books. Murder Game is highly recommended by me and if you haven’t read those other books in the series then make sure you catch up on them now!

There's a new serial killer in town .. and Ruby and her team must play the game in order to stop any more killings.

This killer targets married women who want to cheat on their husbands, courtesy of a well hidden web site. After he gets them to a hotel room, he drugs them, hogties them, removes their ring finger and then kills them. In between he is taking pictures and sending them to their husbands.

Once investigating, Ruby finds there was another serial killer who did the exact same things ... The Lonely Hearts Killer. He is, thankfully, still in prison. But does he know who his admirer is? And as ruby visits him in prison, is he trying to help ... or is he setting her up to be the next victim?

Things heat up when another body is found ...and then another. And then the killer starts calling a crisis line. Boasting? Feeling Guilt?

The suspense starts on the first page and never lets up. It's fast-paced with several suspects, some more obvious than others. The twists and turns kept me glued to my seat. Although third in the series, this one does well as a stand alone .. but as always, I recommend reading them in order. There are lots of little nuggets of information in the first and second that you won't want to miss.

Many thanks to the author / Bookouture / Netgalley for the advance digital copy. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.

The third installment in the Ruby Preston series and thoroughly enjoyable, let down a little perhaps by a rather weak ending.

In this outing Ruby is on the case of a copycat serial killer who is copying the killings of a serial killer known as The Lonely Hearts Killer a decade earlier.
Preying on married women who are looking to cheat on their husbands in a one night stand, the killer uses an exclusive online app called Debauchery where he advertises himself to the wealthy women.

The killers MO is the same. Meet his victim, bring them to a hotel room and keep them there for three days and post three pictures of the victim to their spouse over the three days. One of them happy and unaware with the killer, one of the victim in distress on the second day and one on the final day when the victim is dead. The killer also sends the victims wedding ring finger in the post to the spouse for good measure. Its an exact copy of The Lonely hearts Killer down to the last detail.

With no meaningful leads to follow Ruby decides to visit the original killer Mason Gatley in prison to see if he can shed any light on the killings. She is sure that Gatley must be in contact with the killer given the level of detail the killer has gone to.

As the killings mount and victims go missing, can Ruby get some clues from Gatley before the killer strikes again?

So this was a hugely enjoyable read overall. If you are familiar with Ruby Preston, her back story and personal life are elaborated on more in this outing which adds real fat to the story line and characters. The plot itself is really interesting. Theres more than an element of Hannibal Lecter here with the story line but thats not a bad thing at all. Those sections where Ruby visits Mason are very well written and the tension between the two of them is fantastic.

The story zips along at lightning pace and is very well written. Its an intricate story and the killer is very well hidden in story. Ruby and her crew are great characters to spend time with, especially if they have an interesting case, and this one held my attention throughout.

The only negative I have for this one is the ending which felt a little too weak and over convoluted. I would have been happier if the book ended two or three chapters earlier.

Thats only a minor complaint though. Overall I really enjoyed this one. The series has really found its feet and I look forward to Rubys next outing. I wouldnt hesitate in recommending this latest installment.

Many thanks to NetGalley, Bookouture and Caroline Mitchell to an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

DS Ruby Preston is on the hunt for a serial killer who seems to be pattering himself on the the past crimes of a serial killer called “The Lonely Hearts Killer”Mason Gatley, who has been incarcerated for 10 years. He calls himself Matthew and finds his prey in an exclusive website called Debauchery dedicated to married people who want a night they won’t forget! He gives clues to the victims spouses in three stages. First, photos of them alive, then with their finger cut off and the last is after he kills them. DS Ruby Preston is desperate for help in solving the crime before more women are dead that she has asked her criminal boyfriend Nathan Crosby to help her meet with Gatley in prison. Gatley plays with Ruby and tries to invade her mind while giving her just enough information to keep her coming back. Will she break him or will he break her? Or, will he set her up to be the next victim????

First, I’d love to thank Netgalley and Bookouture for allowing me to read this advanced copy! When I saw it listed on Bookouture’s books of available, I immediately requested it! I kept thinking “oh please allow me to read this” as I love Caroline Mitchell!!! She’s the bomb diggety of crime writers! was not disappointed! The closer I came to the end I though, “holy snap, I really didn’t see that coming “! I liked the characters even though I wanted to kick a few for with holding information 😡. An excellent read that I will highly recommend to my buds!!!!

Ruby Preston is back on top form, this time investigating a murder where the killer seems to be taunting the victim's family by sending 3 photo's. As the investigation continues, it appears to mimic a case from years ago yet the culprit is still safely in custody. Is this the work of a copycat, or is the original killer working to influence this killer to carry on his work?
This is the third in the series and they just seem to get more in depth and gripping as we go along. Seeing Ruby progress at work and improve her relationship with Nathan and her recently found Daughter in her personal life has been lovely, especially when she finds that he is working hard to distance himself from different aspects of his life to ease the conflict between their relationship and Ruby's job. I would happily recommend this book, which although part of a series, could just as easily be read as a standalone.

The last embers of a guilty conscience made Melissa twist her wedding band free. "Leave it on," the man behind her murmured, his breath heavy on the curve of her neck

When a woman has everything, where can she go to get that last bit of excitement, sex, drugs and the company of a man for one evening only?

Matthew Johnson picks his ladies very carefully from the dark web online dating site Debauchery

Detective Ruby Preston is back on the case and she knows that each victim will only have a few hours before the photos start to come and 48 hours before the last one is sent.
How can they find the killer with no stand out clues, although all the signs point to the Lonely Hearts Killer, Mason Gatley but he was caught 10 years previously.
So what does Mason Gatley know? Is he playing games with Ruby?
I always feel very privileged to get an early edition of this authors books.
Once again another OMG fantastic thriller by Caroline Mitchell.
Ruby Preston and DI Downes are some of my favourite characters and they continue to work brilliantly together again.
This story had me hooked from start to finish, kept my attention as we race to find the killer before he strikes again.
The authors writing continues to be sharp and fresh.
A page turner that kept me riveted with the twists and turns that awaited me.
So we come to the end of this particular series and the question on my lips ....
Will Ruby find contentment with Nathan and Cathy now they are part of her life again? or will her secrets come out.
Although Nathan is a lot more in the background in this book his presence is still there and he does his best to help Ruby.

I'd love to see this made into a TV series.

Without a doubt for me Caroline Mitchell is up there with the best of crime writers in this genre and I can't wait to see what's coming next out that computer of hers.

Caroline Mitchell was a new author to me, although she's written 8 previous books. In fact, this is the third book in this series. It was not a problem that I hadn't read the prior two.

In this book DS Ruby Preston is searching for a copycat killer who is mirroring a serial killer from ten years before. The original killer was labeled the Lonely Hearts Killer and the new one is also targeting women looking to cheat on their spouse. Ruby is back in a relationship with Nathan, with whom she has a daughter that they have up for adoption when she was born 20 some years before. He is part of a crime family and if their relationship were known, it wouldn't bode well for her career. I liked that other than her relationship with Nathan, Ruby is a sturdy, normal woman. No alcohol or drug problems, no family issues. She's also surrounded by a strong team that work well together.

The writing is fast paced with short chapters. We are given two POVs, both Ruby’s and the killer’s, who believes he is doing God’s work. The idea for the Sanity Line was a nice touch to give us more insight into the killer’s mental state.

This book will appeal to those who like Angela Marsons, Patricia Gibney or Robert Bryndza, other Bookouture authors. I will definitely be seeking out more of Mitchell’s books, especially the first two books in this series.

My thanks to netgalley and Bookouture for an advance copy of this book.

Another great book in the Ruby Preston series from one of my favourite authors. Having already read all of Caroline's previous books, I was expecting good things from this one, and I wasn't disappointed. I love Ruby's character and in this book we start to see more of her vulnerable side, with her dropping some of her guard down and starting to rely on those around her more for some emotional support..as well as some slightly dubious and perhaps not quite the usual legal route into certain situations from her not so straightforward relationship with Nathan Cross. I love psychological/crime thrillers but with so many out there it's sometimes difficult to find one with a unique storyline, but Caroline pulls it off with every one of her books. This one has me gripped from the start, and certainly kept me hooked with the twists and turns throughout the book....with an ending you will not see coming. It's a thrilling roller coaster ride of emotions too...from fear to that adrenalin pumping 'hurry up and get there, edge of the seat type moments'. Caroline's writing style is fast paced and intriguing in such a way that you want to know what's coming but don't want to finish this amazing book too quickly as it is such an enjoyable read. I'm really interested to see what Caroline delivers next....can't wait for her next book.

I found myself on the edge of my seat as soon as I started reading the first page, craving popcorn as a way to calm my nerves while I turned the pages impatiently to find out what would happen next. Because there is no doubt left that Caroline Mitchell has succeeded in creating another monsterly masterpiece of a serial killer! I have a weak spot for serial killer thrillers and this series without doubt manages to satisfy my somewhat onorthodox cravings for creepy and disturbing characters. You will be in for a treat with this one! The writing is very engaging and draws you right in, and I literally finished Murder Game in one sitting. This story works as a stand-alone as well, although especially the second book is highly recommended as well for serial killer/detective thriller fans. You won't find a boring minute in this story and the fast pace will help you fly through it! Without doubt one of my preferred detective series and one to keep an eye on if you enjoy the genre.

I'll tart it up a bit more for the blog tour :)

Great writing and a fab plot.
Caroline Mitchell is one of those authors that goes to the top of my reading pile. Always fast-paced and very clever.
I found it exciting in a dark way, I couldn’t stop reading.
Talk about going out with a bang as the series ends with this book. I’m really sad about this as I’ve really taken to Ruby Preston and her boyfriend Nathan. I love her team too.
Ruby’s meetings with Mason Gatley, notorious Lonely Hearts Killer, really freaked me out as they got under each other’s skin. Is there a copycat killer out there? How do they know the details of Gatley’s killings? He’s been in prison for ten years and some of the details have never been in the public domain.
It kept me guessing, even when the killer was revealed there was another whammy! I never guessed that one.
Caroline Mitchell creates some seriously dark and scary stuff. And the ring finger clue was horrific….but at least they cauterised, urgh.
I cannot recommend all her work enough.
Thanks to the publishers, Bookouture, and NetGalley for the copy in return for an honest review.

I am a big fan of this author; of both this series and her Jennifer Knight series too so I was really excited when I got my hands on this, the third in the Ruby Preston series.
Usual series rules apply. Although the main story is self contained within this book, to get the best from the main characters with regard to backstory and development, it is best to start from book one and read in order. I believe that this is especially important in this series as Ruby herself is a little, shall we say, complex and to be honest, books one and two are brilliant reads in themselves so no real reason why not to!
So, back to this book and we have a rather nasty killer at large. He abducts his victims and then sends photos to their nearest and dearest giving clues to their whereabouts. These photos show three stages of his plan, alive, tortured and dead. With not much time between each photo, the police are floundering to get ahead of the game. A game that has been played before; Mason Gatley, the original perpetrator, having been caught and convicted and current still in jail. The new killings included details that were not released at the time. Is this just a clever copycat who has discovered these details from some nefarious means or has Gatley found himself an apprentice? Ruby must use every means possible to try and get to the truth and catch the killer before more people die, even though it means possibly risking her own life to do so.
Well, this book not only met my very high expectations it completely blew them away. This is an author and a series that I don't even need to read the blurb to know that I am going to love the next book. A layer of trust that I don't mete out very often. As such, I usually make sure I have a clear chunk of time with no commitments before I start as I know full well that one I turn the first page I'll be hooked and won't want to put it down for anything!
Yes, on the face of it, it's your bulk standard Police Procedural. But this book and indeed the rest of the series is one of the best examples of the genre that I have read and this genre is my bread and butter, go-to genre. With strong characters and tight plotting, the book almost reads itself, it's that easy. But don't be thinking that easy means vacuous. Not at all. It's gritty, it's multilayered containing twists and turns aplenty, all served up with the usual red herrings and sleight of hand required for the genre. But, where this author comes into her own and turns her books from good books to great reads is in her ability to weave an interesting story containing all these things without patronising and duping the reader. So many times I have read a book and felt cheated as a reader. Felt that the author has used me and my weaknesses in progressing their book. Ms Mitchell however treats me as an equal. Yes, there's the misdirection that usually makes me groan when I discover it but here, my feeling is more of a job well done in a very clever way.
It also really helps that I love Ruby. She is strong and determined and mostly does the right thing if not always for the right reasons. Her private life is a bit tasty too with her relationship with Nathan being a bit in conflict with her job but, ever the professional, she handles this side of things well, especially important now that her connection with the Crosby's is a little more solid.
All in all, a cracking read that held my attention well and left me completely satisfied at its conclusion. My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.

Published by: Bookouture (31st October 2017)

ISBN: 9781786811622

Source: NetGalley

Rating: 5*

Synopsis:
A killer is playing a twisted game of life or death with his victims. After he captures them, a countdown begins. He marks the time by sending clues to the whereabouts of the women he has taken in three disturbing images: alive, tortured, dead.

In a race against the clock, East London Detective Ruby Preston must play the killer’s terrifying murder game and decipher the clues before more women die.

But this isn’t the first time the police have seen such a sickening crime. The notorious Lonely Hearts Killer, Mason Gatley, was put behind bars ten years ago for murdering six women in exactly the same chilling way. Desperate for more information, Ruby asks her gangster boyfriend, Nathan Crosby, to set up a dangerous meeting to allow her to see into the twisted mind of a murderer.

But the closer Ruby grows to the dark and charming Mason Gatley, the more worried her team becomes. Is he really helping her catch the killer? Or is he lining her up to be his next victim?

Review:
Wow! Every time I finish one of Caroline Mitchell's books I'm aware that I've spent the most part on the edge of my seat, mouth hanging open in shock and my heart hammering away! This was a real page turner with such a captivating plot. You can't help but like the fantastic Ruby Preston, who I absolutely ADORE. She's intelligently written and utterly captivating. I really like how her relationships with Nathan and daughter Cathy are interwoven with the case. It gives such a personal perspective in contrast to the professional side of Ruby and makes for a superbly well rounded character.

The case is shocking yet fascinating, like the scene of a car crash. The author is an expert at those twists and turns we just don't see coming...and there are plenty here. The story is intricate, dark and gripping, with great attention to detail. I was more than a little annoyed when life interrupted my reading time (much too often!) and I'm now eagerly awaiting my next fix of Detective Ruby Preston! Thanks to Bookouture for providing an ARC via NetGalley in return for my honest review.

I am really enjoying the Ruby Preston series. Caroline Mitchell has done a great job in making interesting characters, from the recurring ones to the new ones introduced.

There are many twists in the book, and it kept me guessing throughout. There are many intense moments, especially those with the killer, and when Ruby tries to get help from another killer in prison. The ending was especially brilliant.

I really enjoy reading about Ruby's private life too, so the balance of work and family life in the book is great. The Crosby's are such brilliant (and some insane) characters! I especially loved the scene with Ruby, Cathy and Frances Crosby.

As always, a brilliant story from. Caroline, and I can’t wait for the next one!

Holy sh*tballs!! Now this is one dark, twisted and OMFG deviously delicious serial killer thriller!! Caroline Mitchell has upped her game and given the reader a crazy mix of murder and mayhem to quench our thirst for the macabre. I loved the storyline and the fast paced plot with twists that just had me reeling! High five, Mrs Mitchell! If you loved Hannibal Lector...just you wait to see what Caroline has in store for you!

Full review will be posted on my blog nearer publication day!

Thank you to Netgalley and the Publishers for this review copy. Also thank you to the Publishers, Bookouture for organising the blog tour!

This is Book 3 of the Detective Ruby Preston series. It can be read as a standalone, but obviously makes sense to read the other two books first for continuity of the story.

In this instalment, Ruby is part of the team investigating what looks like a copycat killer. A killer is meeting married women, taking three pictures of them – alive, tortured, and dead - and then sends them to their husbands, along with their ring finger. But this has been done before, and the killer then, the notorious Lonely Hearts Killer Mason Gatley is safely locked up behind bars…which means he can’t have anything to do with it, doesn’t it? Ruby’s gangster boyfriend, Nathan Crosby, arranges for Ruby to meet Mason in prison. Can he shed any light on who the killer may be?

This was another great book from Caroline Mitchell. As per the other books, the story starts of fast paced and full of action. I got into the story instantly and was quickly turning through the pages just to get to the end of each chapter. The story is strong and exciting and leaves you having so many suspects in your mind that you really don’t know who the killer was. I worked out who the killer was at 90% (I checked!) and this time I was right, but it took me almost to the very end of the book to work it out, which for me was great – you don’t want to work it out too easily, where’s the fun in that! All the characters were great and I found the ‘Samaritan’ scenes seriously creepy!

I liked the way that Ruby’s relationship with Nathan was put on the back burner slightly and wasn’t made the main focus of the story. Whilst I like the character of Nathan, it was great to see Ruby for what she is – a great detective – and not the girlfriend of a gangster! I also loved her relationship with Downes, and maybe a little bit of me wants her to get with the good guy and not the criminal! I shall keep waiting for Book 4!

The DS Ruby Preston series by Caroline Mitchell is excellent, and this third instalment is a great read. The back story is fascinating as Ruby is in a relationship with villain Nathan and they have a daughter, from whom she was formerly estranged. This story deals with a serial killer whose victims are chosen through a website promoting illicit sex; the perpetrator sends severed fingers to the victim's family and eventually kills. The crimes mirror those of another killer who has been jailed for ten years, and Ruby must rely on him for help. The ending offers a fascinating revelation.