Action packed! You won't find anything boring about Stratagem! Psychologist Grayson is an excellent protagonist as he writes games for corporate team building. When Grayson's ex-wife is murdered while playing one of his games, suspicion points to Grayson! Grayson's friend, Brandon is one of the police detectives investigating the case but Brandon's partner is sure Grayson is guilty. It takes a while to figure out who the real murderer is! Grayson learns to forgive and to remember the young woman he fell in love with. I received a complimentary copy of Stratagem from NetGalley and Barbour Books. This is my honest opinion.

These are mind games on many levels playing with the weaknesses and fears not only for a potential promotion but also for personal gain.
This novel is well constructed and psychologically believable, the characters are authentic, the crime solving relatable.

Stratagem by Robin Carroll is a psychological murder mystery. I loved following the two detectives, Brandon and Danielle, as they interviewed the possible suspects. With each interview something new would be revealed. At first I was really not going to like Danielle, but she finally redeemed herself.

In parallel Grayson and Pam trying to determine who killed Anne Bell, Grayson’s ex-wife. Obviously Grayson is a major suspect with being the ex-husband. Grayson’s skill of reading people was riveting.

The game itself was fascinating and how Grayson would develop it. This would be a great book club read. There are a lot of topics up for discussion. It made me reflect on how I would handle being in the game.

I suspected the killer at one point; but I also suspected several others throughout the revealing of the story. My recommendation is to have Grayson go back to assisting the police and this could be a series. His skills are fascinating.

Violence - someone is murdered, someone is trying to stop them from finding out who did it.

A fun "Whodunit"! I enjoyed this reading about the mystery of Anna Belle's murder. I was intrigued with Games on You and their part in setting the stage for this event. I was fascinated by the parallel investigations by the detectives and Anna Belle's ex-husband and his assistant. The characters were well developed and believable.

I wish there had been more foreshadowing through early parts of the story to suggest who the killer was. The story was almost complete before I had any inkling of what actually happened and why.

Otherwise, the story progressed quickly and I was compelled to complete the book as fast as I could. I loved the Epilogue and found that it was a perfect way to end the book.

Starting this year, I have been avoiding looking at the summary of most of the books that I read, including those I review, to make reading a more exciting experience and to steer clear of figuring out the plot too early. “Stratagem” was featured on many Christian book blogs prior to its release, so when the chance came to read and review it, I jumped on it. Going in, I thought that it was going to be a techno-thriller, so I was actually very pleasantly surprised when I realized that it was about a (fictional) murder investigation. Mysteries and thrillers, including crime thrillers, are among my favorite genres, and it is an added bonus when it happens to be Christian fiction as well because despite the subject matter, I can be assured that the language and details will not be too coarse or gritty.

“Stratagem” deals with many contemporary issues and a believable cast of characters. There is the murder early on in the story, and as the backstories of the characters unfold, it becomes evident that they are true-to-life in all its virtues and vices. There are no saints, and even the protagonist, Grayson Thibodeaux, has a painful past; he is still coming to terms with prior betrayals when he is plunged into even bigger problems. Some of the topics broached in the novel are divorce, abortion, infidelity, and phobias, among others. The concept of Game’s On You was simultaneously intriguing and disturbing, especially with the real advent of escape rooms as entertainment. Virtual reality takes flak for its potential ill effects on players, and I shudder to think of something like Game’s On You coming into play in society as well. Nevertheless, its use in the novel certainly stokes the reader’s adrenaline, and that, combined with the progression of the narrative, make this an un-put-downable thriller.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

Thank you to Shiloh Run Press for the free review copy. All opinions are my own.

This was my first thriller that had believers in it, and I was extremely impressed. I loved how this the build up in this book was creative, but it didn’t have all of the swearing that’s found in regular thrillers.

I loved the plot of this book. Game’s On You sounds like an awesome company. I liked how the intricacies of the game added to the confusion with the murder. I thought that the plot was well thought out. I didn’t figure out the ending until the end – which doesn’t happen all the time.

I also like how this book had real life elements strung throughout. It didn’t seem improbable. The things Grayson goes through by himself and with Anna Belle were things that are commonly dealt with.

Another great one from Robin Caroll.

She grabs the reader and won't let go. I live very close to New Orleans, and Caroll really gets NOLA. There is a great flavor about the city that a lot of authors try to capture but don't. Caroll does.

Story premise is very good. Murder of an ex-wife and multiple culprits have motive to do her in, especially her ex-husband. Just the kind of gumbo mix that gives a lasting taste and satisfaction.

I won't spoil it for you, but I double dog dare you to figure this one out before the end. It's a great puzzler.

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Stratagem is a different murder mystery from most. The murder takes place in a reality game. The victim’s ex husband is the designer of the game so…….he is suspected, of course….. Grayson and his partner, Colin, run a company that develops adventure games for corporations to use as team building experiences. During the playing out of the game, the murder occurred. Many participants in the game and lots of suspense, but who was the murderer and how did it happen in the midst of the game. We have a biased detective who is sure without a doubt that it is Grayson because of a rather ugly divorce……a very enjoyable who – dunnit taking place in New Orleans that will keep you guessing……I was given a copy via Netgalley and the publisher. I was not required to leave a review, but I am pleased to do so.

Stratagem by Robin Caroll, is a great read and I enjoyed this book and the writing style. Full of suspense and danger. Psychologist Grayson Thibodeaux is the lead suspect when is ex-wife is murdered in one of his team building games that his company has created. Now he has to figure out what happened. He has some help from his pink-haired assistant. It was fun to return to New Orleans where I visited a few years ago and stayed in the Garden District. Great story will be looking into more books by Robin Caroll.

I received this book from NetGalley and all opinions are my own.

Grayson Thibodeaux’s divorce from Anna Belle didn’t go well … which unfortunately makes him the prime suspect when she’s murdered in a game he designed. It doesn’t help that he’s friends with one of the investigating officers, because it’s the other one who is sure he is guilty. Which means he has to find the real culprit.

Stratagem is a murder mystery with a unique concept. Grayson is a psychologist who is the co-owner of a business which designs “games” as training, teambuilding, or recruitment exercises. As readers, we’re sure Grayson isn’t the culprit and that the detective is picking on him, but the facts do add up. Grayson has no alibi. He has motive, means, and opportunity.

But if Grayson didn’t murder Anna Belle, who did? And why?
I recently read and reviewed Darkwater Inn by Robin Caroll. Stratagem is a standalone novel that’s not related to the Darkwater series, although it’s still set in New Orleans and the Darkwater does make a cameo appearance. While Darkwater Inn had romantic aspects, Stratagem is purely a murder mystery with no romance … but it’s so good I didn’t notice (hey, I’m a romance reader. This is important).

As I said, it’s a unique concept, and that’s always a good start.
The characters were excellent, the plot was original with plenty of twists, and there was a definite Christian thread. All in all, the best kind of Christian suspense.

Thanks to Shiloh Run Press and NetGalley for providing a free ebook for review.

A Game Gone Wrong

Grayson Thibodeaux’s company, Game’s On You, designs psychological games to test people sometimes for a hiring decision, sometimes for team building. The company is so good that even Grayson’s ex-wife Anna Belle’s company hires them to build a game determine which of four contestants should win a promotion.

The fact that Anna Belle is one of the players disturbs Grayson, but his partner, Colton York convinces him to do it because money is good. The only problem is that Anna Belle dies during the game and Grayson is the prime suspect.

Because the murder happens early in the book, the focus is on finding the killer. The detectives, Brandon and Danielle, use interviews to determine what happened. This is not an action packed story but the use of interviews gives us a chance to get to know all the suspects. Personally, I enjoy this type of mystery. As the clues come out, it gives you a chance to play detective.

The characters are good. Grayson is conflicted. He loves his wife, but she treated him badly in the divorce, and he’s having trouble forgiving her. Pam, his assistant, is smart and somewhat pushy, but she’s exactly what he needs to keep going. Brandon is a good character with sturdy faith. I liked the way he wouldn’t take the easy answer of Grayson’s guilt. His partner, Danielle, is not likable. She has a grudge against Grayson and it clouds her judgment.

My favorite character was Monique, Anna Belle’s mother. She is on Grayson’s side and talks intelligently to him about her daughter. I liked her strong faith and that she was able to express her feelings so clearly.

I recommend this book. If you like psychological mysteries, this is a good one.

I received this book from Barbour Publishing for this review.

I really wanted to like this book. It started off well with interesting characters and a murder mystery. I was just starting to really get into it and then Voodoo and Hoodoo was brought up again as with the author’s previous book I’ve read. This lost the book for me and I did not continue reading due to that subject matter. If that was not part of the book I would have continued.

I have to many other books to read to struggle through a subject I do not want to read about. Unfortunately a miss for me.

Stratagem by Robin Caroll is an exciting police drama that readers who love suspense and murder mysteries won't want to miss. The author does an interesting take on the murder with it happening during an elaborate game that is designed for team-building and choosing the best person for a promotion. And within the game, a game that played on the players' worst fears, someone has other designs for one of the contestants--Anna Belle ends up dead. Grayson, the ex-husband, is the prime suspect and even though readers pretty much know he is innocent right from the start, the author does a great job keeping the reader wondering how is he going to be proven innocent when clues definitely point to him and wondering just who is the killer. Would the truth be revealed? Who wanted Anna Belle dead and why? The story kept me guessing right to the edge-of-the-seat climactic ending. Great characterization elicits strong feelings of like or dislike for the characters--some with sass, some with loyalty and some with definite attitudes. There is depth to the main characters and their reactions and emotions are relatable and realistic. The story is about Grayson and I liked how the author portrays him as a man of faith, and his all-too-difficult struggles with his feelings about his ex-wife. One character recognized that Grayson's faith was not just a card he carried, it was the life he lived. Would he ever be able to truly accept and forgive her betrayal? I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more of this author's work.
I received a complimentary copy of the book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review. The opinions are my own.

Stratagem is a fast-paced Christian novel that takes the reader on a runaway roller coaster ride. With likable characters and a mystery that challenges the reader, this intriguing story drew me in from the beginning and kept my attention throughout. I learned about a level of corporate team-building “games” that I hadn’t heard of before, and I’m so thankful I didn’t have to learn about them first hand!
Grayson Thibadeaux returns to town after a long weekend away. Grayson and his business partner Colton own a unique company catering to the needs of elite corporations, Games on You. Colton works out deals with potential clients, and Grayson, a psychologist, designs games to show management how well each person performs under game-driven pressure, alone and in teams.
The company Grayson’s ex-wife Anna Belle works for, Deets PR, hired his company to provide a 3-day set of detailed games. Three employees besides Anna Belle are in the games, competing for a coveted promotion to be the Executive Accounts Rep. Hers is one of the most creative minds in PR in New Orleans, but can she stand up to the pressure of the games? After helping set everything up in the creepy leased house, Grayson leaves before Anna Belle arrives. Despite her great deceit and betrayal, Grayson still mourns their marriage and the young woman he fell in love with.
Employees of Deets do not get to finish the game. Anna Belle died on the first full game day of anaphylactic shock. The culprit? Whoever laced her Energy Drink with the substance she is allergic to. Grayson had been out of town playing golf. He lost his phone in the creek at the golf course on the first hole and had no contact with anyone from New Orleans to hear the news.
He comes home to find Detectives Brandon Gibbons, a friend with whom he had consulted on various cases in the past, and Danielle Witz, who has not liked him for quite some time on his steps. They tell him about Anna Belle and question him. Witz won’t let go of him having no witness to his whereabouts Thursday afternoon and how he had designed the games knowing Anna Belle was a participant.
Grayson and his assistant, Pam, have become good friends over the course of working together. They make a good analytical investigative team. While many would argue that the scenarios in the games he designs can be brutal, using references to their past shame or perceived weaknesses shows their ability – or not – to grow through their shortcomings to work at high-functioning tasks under duress. I’m glad to see how Grayson and his ex-mother-in-law begin to build a new relationship. He is a young man of prayer and faith, and I appreciated seeing his prayers throughout.
This Christian suspense novel is intense and very well-written. The plot, and the games, have twists and turns that grow the suspect list. The four people in the game were pitted against each other. The bad guy could have been any one of several people, and I ran down the rabbit hole pursuing more than one suspect. I considered the right person, even part of the motive, and had no pleasure to be mostly right. There are many horrifying moments before the overall satisfying conclusion. I highly recommend this book to those who appreciate well-written Christian suspense that shows the gospel.
From a grateful heart: I received a copy of this from the publisher and NetGalley, and this is my honest review.

3 Stars
The description of this book is really intriguing and made me automatically want to read it. But, sadly the book fell flat for me. This one had more of a mystery story feel to it than the action packed suspense I was expecting, and as such seemed to move at a slower pace than I personally prefer. I loved the main character, Grayson, I thought he was totally fabulous and the games he created were absolutely fascinating to read about! The faith story was also great and very well done! I did guess the villain's identity early on, there were a couple of other possible suspects, but my first and strongest instinct turned out to be correct. I always love to play detective when I read this type of novel, and I love it when my guesses turn out to be correct!
One thing that bothered me about this book was that there seemed to be quite a bit of repeated information, and even though I understand the reason for that I'm sorry to say that it did make me want to skim over those parts.
Overall, there were parts of this book that I really liked, but I think it just wasn't for me. But, if this book interests you I highly recommend you give it a try, Stratagem might be just the right book for you.


I received an ebook copy of this book from the publisher which did not influence my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions are one hundred percent my own.

This novel is sort of a psychological thriller, but it is the psychologist who plays the mind games on others who is being framed for the murder of his ex-wife. Grayson Thibodeaux, encouraged by his then-wife, Anna Belle, left his consulting job with the New Orleans Police Department for a more lucrative partnership in Game's On You, a company that creates customized games that bring out an individual's strengths and weaknesses. His ex-wife is found murdered while participating with others competing for a promotion in a game that he created for the company for whom she worked. While there is no shortage of suspects, Grayson tops lead investigator Danielle Witz's list, and the evidence keeps piling up.

Readers will enjoy this fast paced suspense story that will keep them guessing until they reach the final chapters. There is encouragement to be found in both Grayson's faith and in the fact that there were those who stood by him, confident in his innocence in the face of overwhelming evidence to the contrary. Other than the physical features of the house in which the game took place, the story line and dialogue are quite believable, enough so that the reader is likely to allow for some leeway on the game's setting.

I thoroughly enjoyed the time I spent reading Stratagem and believe other fans of suspense will as well. I thank NetGalley and Barbour Publishing for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion. I was not under any obligation to write a positive review and received no monetary compensation.

Grayson Thibodeaux, a psychologist along with his longtime sociologist friend, Colton York, has built a business called "Game's On You" where they create these elaborate custom games for corporations to use to if they are considering promoting someone within and there are several viable candidates or for any number of reasons. Between the two of them, they have made this a lucrative business.
The latest game that Grayson designs just happens to be for the PR Firm his ex-wife, Anna-Belle works for, they're looking for the best candidate to fill this position, and she's among a group of several people. Grayson is against taking this job, but his business partner finally convinces him that it's like any other game they have designed and it's not a big deal.
Famous last words Right?
Anna-Belle is ambitious to a fault, and she's still not happy with her divorce settlement from Grayson. She has a showdown with him regarding their settlement in the reception area of his office right before she's supposed to start this "game."
The only people who know this is a game are the CEO of her firm and their board of directors and the staff of "Game's on you." So the last time Grayson sees Anna-Belle things couldn't get any worse. He goes out of town and returns home to find a duo of homicide detectives who have been trying to hunt him down over the long weekend but unfortunately for Grayson; he lost his phone while out of town.
Ms. Caroll has done a great job with this mystery; I love the New Orleans setting plus it being a faith-based novel was a bonus.
I look forward to reading more from her. I think this would be a great start of series; she had me right up to end on who murdered Anna-Belle.
Disclosure: I would like to thank the publisher and NetGalley for providing an e-galley in exchange for honest review. The opinions I expressed above are my own.

This was a fast-paced mystery read, set in my favorite city. The mystery was good, not as many twists and turns as I'd really like in a psychological mystery, but still a solid plot. I enjoyed the fact that it is Christian Fiction, but not the hallmark-y variety. (We need more evidence and mystery Christian fiction!)
I liked all of the characters, thought they were well drawn.
Thanks for a good read!

3 1/2 ⭐️‘s

While I enjoyed the storyline, I felt that the police procedural part just didn’t ring true. There were too many gaps. Although the perp didn’t seem obvious, it was fairly obvious to me. The Christian aspect of the book was refreshing with no language to wade through or pages that needed to be skimmed or skipped! A cozy mystery for a blustery day.

After returning home, Grayson is surprised to find that his ex-wife, Anna Belle, has been murdered. Her death from an anaphylactic shock reaction surprises Grayson since he knew Anna Belle was extremely careful. Due to being the ex and the creator of the corporate game where his ex-wife died, Grayson is assumed to be the prime suspect by the lead detective. His friend and assistant Pam will help him unravel the mystery. I received a free copy of this book from the publisher through Netgallery. This was an intriguing mystery as the clues are slowly unraveled. I personally would not want to be a participant in a game designed by Grayson. Throughout the book, Grayson struggles with trying to forgive his ex-wife. I enjoyed reading this Christian mystery, I would like to see the police detectives solve another mystery with Grayson's and Pam's help.