It was smartly written I suppose, but the meta thing wasn’t for me. It got old pretty quickly and the last third of the book went on way, way too long.

If I had to give this a rating, I'd say 3 or 3.5 stars, but honestly, this feels more like a puzzle in the way of "Cain's Jawbone" versus an experimental mystery novel, so I'm not going to rate on GR. I'd if you're looking for a novel-esque mystery puzzle game, this is for you. If you're looking for a metatextual mystery novel, this may not hit

This book turns the classic crime novel on its head. There are several references to literature, characters, and films if you enjoy the murder mystery genre. I loved this original approach to murder cases, as well as how captivating and deep it was. This book is incredibly unique, fascinating, and a very clever. Mystery readers will enjoy it a lot.

The premise of this book is fascinating—an interactive murder mystery? Sounds fresh, innovative, new.

I really wanted to like this, but sadly it just didn’t deliver for me. It felt very slow, hard to get into, with a lot of legal jargon. Too long and tedious to be the immersive experience it claims.

This book was something of a rollercoaster for me. I was super excited when I read the description. Then the first 20% or so dragged, and I was starting to feel disappointed. Then the narrative picked up, and I was having a blast in the role of the Great Detective, trying to solve a cold case from 1974, where my hosts and fellow dinner guests were definitely suspicious characters, and possibly bending the truth as much as possible. And again, the narrative dragged and writing got too interested in amusing itself and less interesting in moving the plot forward. Then! I really enjoyed a taste of red herring. Finally, a sequel was set up and I was exhausted. This novel is very much a love-it-or-hate it, but puzzle lovers and RPG/cosplayers will have a blast.

Really interesting, meta-like premise with a lot of potential. But, in practice, it was just way, way, way too long and loaded down by way too much evidence to keep track of.

This book is an unusual read. It's not for everyone. It took a few pages (okay, maybe more than a few) to get my bearings. But once I got over my initial uncertainty, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. But it is an unusual read!

The Great Detective is called upon to solve a mystery from the 70's. A man has been accused of murdering his son's nanny and attempting to murder his wife. His son, or maybe sons, has/have brought in the Great Detective to reanalyze the facts of the murder and determine if his father is guilty of the crime. And if he is innocent, figure out who committed the crime. After a review of the facts, the trial is held in the courtroom.

As I said, I really enjoyed this book. Once I resigned myself to the weirdness of the format, I settled in for a ripping good murder mystery. I highly recommend it for all flexible mystery readers!

I had to DNF this one about 15% of the way in. The book never really captured me and I found the meta writing to be somewhat irritating. Other reviews love the meta writing, so I am definitely in the minority!

Thank you to Hazell Ward, Berkley, and NetGalley for the ARC!

🕵️‍♀️ Trust No One, Not Even the Narrator 🧩

Okay. So this book? Messed. With. My. Head. And I loved every second of it. I was waiting for it to give me a Choose Your Own Adventure vibe and tell to jump to different chapters based on who I thought the murderer was...

The Game Is Murder isn’t your typical cozy mystery. You’re not following a detective. You are the detective. You get tossed into this cold case from the 1970s with a stack of interviews, clues, and a creepy little contract that says, basically: solve it or else. No pressure, right?

The whole vibe is very Clue meets Agatha Christie meets some extremely clever author who clearly had way too much fun writing this. It’s full of little nods to classic mysteries, but never in a pretentious way, more like, “Hey, mystery nerds, this one’s for you.”

It’s twisty, immersive, and weirdly personal. Like the book knows you’re reading and is challenging you the whole time. I didn’t even trust the table of contents. 😅

It’s not super fast-paced and it’s definitely a brain workout at times—but if you like your mysteries smart, meta, and a little bit cheeky, this is such a fun ride.

What I loved:
🧠 Brainy clues that made me feel like Sherlock with a latte.
🎭 A moody, retro vibe that oozes atmosphere.
📚 Tons of cheeky nods to classic mystery greats (yes, Christie fans, you will live).
🌀 A plot so twisty I might need chiropractic care.

Will you solve the case? Maybe.

I’m still thinking about the ending. Still mad I didn’t solve it first. But still recommending it to everyone.

Just give it a chance - you might like it!

I love a good meta mystery and this book does not disappoint. It's like a surrealist painting and a murder mystery book decided to have a baby and it works.

The Game is Murder was clever and interesting, and definitely not your run-of-the-mill murder mystery.

Basic premise: A washed-up ex-detective in London gets an invitation to a murder mystery game. Having nothing left to lose, he decides to go.

Style: The Game is Murder is written in a very meta, story-within-a-story, not-quite-straightforward style.

Based on a famous UK murder case, there is definitely some true-crime appeal here. I liked the careful exposition of the clues, the crime, and social milieu within which it took place. This aspect of the book was thought-provoking and made me curious to learn more about the real-life case.

The Game is Murder is also written as an homage to mystery novelists and their creations, which really adds another layer of fun... if you are a classic mystery fan.

In summary, I would say The Game is Murder is a unique, twisty, brain-teasing murder written for readers who like something different, especially if the reader is mystery aficionado and well-versed in famous crime novelists and novels. Personally, it was my cup of tea, so to speak and I give it a solid four stars.

I would not recommend this to someone not looking for that particular type of thing. A reader unfamiliar with Christie, Doyle, Chesterton, et. al., might find the plentiful allusions tedious or confusing. And it is definitely not for a reader looking for a very action-packed, plot-driven story. For the right reader, however, it has a lot to offer.

I gave this one to 20% but gave up… I thought I’d enjoy the unique way of telling the story but this just didn’t work for me

Thank you for the opportunity to read early

A fun take on the mystery genre. Like with most mysteries, you will not be sitting on the sidelines watching the events unfold and following the detective on their hunt to solve the crime. This time you will be a part of the mystery. You will be “The Great Detective.” At the start you are given a contract to sign. Basically a set of rules with the most important being: unsolved mysteries are not permitted. You will meet a cast of characters and hear their testimonies. And others who will deceive you. Like in all great mysteries, there will be twists to make you question what is real and what is a deception. No one is to be trusted. Listen to your instincts. Think you got what it takes? Now it’s your turn to play, The Game is Murder.

Hazell Ward puts a new spin on the mystery genre. This book was entertaining, kept you on your toes and kept the pages turning. I enjoyed the references to some of the mystery greats. Puzzle lovers and armchair detectives will have a great time with this one. Buddy up with someone and read it together. See who can solve the mystery first.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for the advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review.

This was definitely an interesting take on a murder mystery, I loved how we are the “detectives” and tasked with figuring out what’s going on. It definitely made the book read a little faster.

3 stars

In this book you, the reader, are the Great Detective, reinvestigating a never-solved case from England in the 1970s. Your job? To determine who, how and why.

So, this was…..different. A bit meta. It was just OK for me. I think some people will like it, others will think it’s a bit too precious. I honestly don’t have any strong feelings one way or the other. The clues to figure out the “who” are there, even though I didn’t put them together.

I've enjoyed the recent spate of meta detective fiction we have been experiencing, of which this book is an exciting example. You get everything you sign up for in a detective novel--a brilliant detective, a closed set of suspects, and trope after trope after trope. While reading this book, I told multiple people who asked me what I was reading that I was immersed in a mystery where the author is messing with me, and it's really fun. That's the most succinct argument I can make for this book--you will be messed with, you will be told you are being messed with, and the whole thing is a great time. Come for the mystery, stay for the commentary and chapter titles.

This book is a great mix of murder mystery dinner theater and the game of Clue. For those who enjoy 3rd wall breaks in shows this book is for you! Entertaining and delightful read.

*The Game Is Murder* by Hazell Ward is an immersive and thrilling experience that transports readers into the role of the Great Detective. Set in 1970s England, the book revolves around a chilling unsolved case that beckons you to put your detective skills to the test.

From the start, the narrative hooks you with its unique structure—a murder mystery party where you are invited to listen to witnesses, sift through evidence, and ultimately solve a decades-old crime. The atmosphere is rich with tension and intrigue, making the reader feel as though they are actively participating in an old-school crime thriller.

What sets this book apart is how it plays with the concept of reader involvement. As the Great Detective, you're tasked not only with identifying the culprit but also understanding the motive and the "how" behind the crime. Ward carefully crafts each character and piece of evidence, ensuring that the reader is kept on their toes, never quite sure who to trust. The twists are unpredictable, and just when you think you’ve figured it out, another clue pulls you in a different direction.

While the concept is strong, the pacing can sometimes feel a bit slow as the complexity of the case and the multiple layers of mystery unfold. A few sections drag on a little too long, but this doesn’t take away from the overall experience, especially for fans of classic detective stories.

The ending is satisfying, albeit with a few loose threads that might leave some readers craving just a bit more resolution. Still, the book does a great job of delivering a complete experience while also leaving room for thought.

Overall, *The Game Is Murder* is an exciting and fresh take on the murder mystery genre. It’s perfect for readers who enjoy solving puzzles, piecing together clues, and indulging in a little bit of suspenseful mind-bending. The atmosphere and the challenge of solving the case are what really make this book shine.

I’d recommend it to anyone who loves crime fiction and is looking for an interactive, engaging experience. Four stars for a compelling, clever, and satisfying mystery!

An immersive book that drops you right into the role of detective. Trust no one but your gut instinct.

This is perfect for Clue lovers or those who call themselves an amateur detective!

Some moments did lag or seemed redundant but overall I enjoyed this book.

Hazell Ward’s The Game is Murder is an inventive twist on the murder mystery genre. Instead of following a detective, readers become the Lead Detective, reinvestigating a 1970s cold case. Ward cleverly breaks the fourth wall, pulling readers into an immersive experience that transforms reading into an interactive game. This interactive format is one of the novel’s standout strengths—Ward’s creative approach draws readers in, transforming the act of reading into a fully immersive experience. The richly evocative atmosphere captures the era without overwhelming the plot, and the layered mystery delivers satisfying twists. Puzzle-lovers will appreciate the intricate construction and the thrill of piecing clues together.

However, the novel isn’t without flaws. At times, the pacing is spun out—particularly in the middle sections, where certain witness interviews and evidence examinations feel repetitive. While the immersive format is a strength, it occasionally slows momentum when details become overly dense. Additionally, while some characters leap off the page, others tend to blend together. Distinct characterization sometimes takes a backseat to the intricate plot, making it challenging to keep track of who’s who in the large cast.

Still, The Game is Murder is a compelling read. Its innovative format and clever storytelling outweigh these minor flaws, offering a puzzle you don’t just read—you play. This is perfect for mystery fans eager to test their detective instincts. Look for it on shelves July 29!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Thank you to Berkley Publishing Group and NetGalley for the eARC.