STRATAGEM BY ROBIN CAROLL is a fascinating read, full of suspense and hard to put down. The story takes place in New Orleans where a psychologist, Grayson Thibodeaux, makes games for corporate companies, mostly as team building excercises. These games often show up people's fears and failures, in many cases making them deal with them and leading to healing in those areas.
Recently divorced, his wife Anna Belle takes part in a game that he has specially designed for the company she works for, in order to choose the best candidate for a big promotion.
When she is murdered during the game, Grayson, being the ex husband, is the number one suspect. We can feel his emotions as he tries to make sense out of a senseless murder and also as so much is revealed about the woman he thought he knew, and who he still seems to love in spite of everything.
It is a most enjoyable read.
I was given a free copy of the book by Barbour Publishing Inc from NetGalley. The opinions in this review are entirely my own.

Fans of police dramas will enjoy this one set in New Orleans. A company who creates elaborate live game challenges with escape rooms has a surprise feature: a murder. Things get complicated as the victim is the ex-wife of the game creator.

This story was an interesting one, with a complex plot gradually building the suspense and drama through police interviews, some flashbacks, and eventually an action filled climax. There were so many people who could be the murderer that it surprised me when finally revealed. It was well written, creating a lot of character depth with meaningful dialogue and some heavy topics, with added faith. Grayson is a man who struggles with forgiveness understandably, and shows a lot of grace to others though the circumstances are difficult. Loved the conversation he had with Monique, as he wrestles with the "what-ifs" of his failed relationship; I found a lot of wisdom and encouragement in that. Others who care to "speak the truth in love" to him, like his colorful assistant Pam, were sources of inspiration too. Ultimately knowing that God can create something good out of our mistakes is a comforting thought.

Recommend to readers who enjoy crime mysteries with some action and faith elements. No romance here though the topics of marital problems and divorce are discussed.
4.5 stars

"Stratagem" by Robin Caroll is a suspense-filled read. If you enjoy clean, mysteries, you will enjoy this book. This book has a slight twist in solving the mystery.

This book takes place in New Orleans. A company is having a team building exercise involving an escape room. During the time of the game, someone is murdered. The ex-husband, who helped plan the game, is the main suspect. This book had some twists and turns in solving this mystery.

Robin Caroll is one of my favorite inspirational suspense authors. I do recommend this book and all of her books.

I received this book from the publisher through NetGalley for my honest opinion.

This book is well written with mystery and suspense. It holds your attention from beginning to end. If you have never read any of Robin Caroll"s books you are missing out on a really good author.. Thank you Barbour Publishing Shiloh Run Press via NetGalley for the ARC copy of this book. I really enjoyed the book and finding a new author. This is my honest opinion.

In this novel, the murder happens right away. The rest of the book unfolds who did it and why. As I typed those two sentences, it occurred to me that's how all mysteries start out. But this one was different. It seemed to me that the author put the challenge out front rather quickly for the reader to figure out who the murderer was. The book was not a page turner for me, but it was one that was a comfortable read and one that I wanted to return to and enjoy. Grayson and his partner, Colin, run a company that develops adventure games for corporations to use as team building experiences. Grayson's ex-wife is killed in a game he designed. Of course, the "ex" is the prime suspect. A hot shot detective is after Grayson, but her partner, who is Grayson's friend, tries to keep her reeled in and focus more on the facts. I enjoyed how this book revealed the complications of relationships and how the mind works. In my opinion, if a company like this were to exist, I think I'd pass on this type of game. But wait, the participants don't know they're in a game.. I will look for more books by this author.

I received a free e-book from NetGalley for an honest review.

This one was hard to put down! I loved the escape room style games and the mystery that came from playing it. This is a well written mystery that I enjoyed.

This was an interesting concept and it does seem "escape houses" for team development are becoming the thing to do for team building. Grayson Thibodeaux designs simulation adventures and his current design is used in a corporation to determine who should be promoted, the catch, his ex-wife is one of the contestants and she dies during the simulation so he is the prime suspect in her murder. The plot twists and turns as the investigators discover more to the story for each suspect that they interview. A rapid paced who dunnit!

Stratagem by Robin Caroll, a well written mystery with several twists. Grayson has set up an intricate weekend for the company his ex-wife works for and when she dies during that weekend the blame falls on him. He knows he didn't do it but the evidence starts to stack up against him...

Stratagem is a very timely murder mystery that centers around the currently trending escape room theme. Grayson is a former psychologist who now works at his own company, Game's on You, where he develops personalized escape rooms that use clues from each participant's personal life. Unfortunately for him, his ex-wife, Anna Belle, is murdered during a game she was attending with work colleagues.
Caroll layers on new clues and information, keeping the compass point spinning from suspect to suspect. Each character is well developed with their own unique personality, with even the supporting characters feeling fleshed out with unique motives and possible secrets. Throughout it all, Grayson acts realistically, ever the good guy without coming across as perfect or sanctimonious.
If you're looking for a new, cozy thriller to read during the weekend while snuggled up in bed, this is the perfect pick. The quick pacing and introduction of new clues and hints keeps the book moving along. The end is satisfying without being too predictable.

Robin Carol has a winner in Strategem, a murder mystery that focuses on a game designer whose ex-wife is found dead while taking part in a game he designed. The author has designed an excellent game of her own as clues are dropped throughout the story to confuse and/or guide the reader to a satisfactory conclusion.

There were so many things I liked about this book! For one, the plot was quite unique, a psychologist who, after years in private practice, now designs psychological games for his own company. Grayson was such a likable guy, even as an ex-husband with a shrew of an embittered ex. So it feels so unfair when he is accused of the murder of someone he loves. In fact, I believe one reason I did enjoy the story so much was because of his wholesome character. You may or may not guess who did the killing but will love the ride along the way, regardless.

Oh this book is fabulous with all the twists and turns. Yes, the guilty one is not hard to figure out but the why and how is amazing. The whole twisted idea of the games is fascinating. and I thought the team building I have been part of was bad..just imagine being put into the game. Pam was an amazing character with her sass and in your face ways. Anna Belle was a stinker, Tim was a whim and then there is Grayson. Never in a minute did I think he was involved. But he sure does some crazy things. Okay, got a little wrapped up in the story and characters. This book was an attention grabber. If I could give it more than 5 stars I sure would!
Thanks for letting me read this one!

Stratagem by Robin Carroll is a mystery that is hard to put down. Full of suspense and surprises as you turn each page it will keep you reading to the end. Grayson Thibodeau is a psychologist who creates mind games for corporations, generally for team building exercises. He uses detailed information from participants to use their fears and previous failings create the opportunity for them to deal with and sometimes heal from them. When the company his ex-wife, Anna Belle, works for wants a game he is very hesitant but convinced by his partner. The participants in this game will not know it is a game as they compete for a promotion. Tragically, Anna Belle dies during the game and Grayson becomes the prime suspect. Can he clear his name or will his life be destroyed?
I was unsure about reading this book when I received the offer from Barbour Publishing. I am so glad I did; I could not put this book down. I was drawn into the story line from page one by the characters and the mysterious situation. The characters are multi-faceted people and have many underlying motives for their feelings and reactions. Some I didn’t care for at first are redeemed when I learned issues they were dealing with at the time or limited information they had. The characters are very well written in this respect. This is a page turner that will appeal to a broad audience. I give this book 5 of 5 stars.
I received an advance copy of this book from Barbour Publishing through Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

This is a different kind of book than I normally read. I usually read romantic suspense thrillers or anything with a bit of a romance. This book is totally mystery with no romance. But, with that said, I'm a big fan of this author..So I thought I'd check it out. This book reminded me of cop movies or tv shows with a cast of characters and you get to guess who done it. That was fun because I really didn't guess until it was revealed. If you are a huge fan of murder mysteries, you will enjoy this book.
3 and a half stars.

Stratagem is a very well laid out murder mystery that Robin Carroll will keep you guessing as to who the real murderer is. This story will keep your attention and keep you wanting to read until you find out who is at fault. I thought all the characters were very well developed and fit together perfectly. Very well done by Robin Carroll for sure!

Grayson is part owner of the company Game's On You. This company devises games for other companies to encourage team building among its employees. When they get a contract for his now ex-wife's company, Grayson questions it all at first. Colton, Grayson's business partner assures him it will all be ok and they should go ahead with the contract. What Grayson wasn't expecting was for Anna Belle, his ex-wife, to come up murdered while she was at the game house. Who are the police going to point fingers at from the get go on this one? You got it, Grayson, even though he was out of town when it all happened.

Woven into this story is the life lesson of learning to forgive someone for what they have done to you, preferably before it is too late. You also learn how some people can keep things from you that you would never guess they would. I love how Robin Carroll keeps us guessing with the clues she throws at us as to who really murdered Anna Belle. This is a good Christian mystery that all adults can appreciate.

Fast paced book with plenty of clearly written dialogue. Events occur quickly and keep you wondering who the culprit may be. There is no profanity. There are several examples of people learning to trust others and follow Christian beliefs of forgiveness and redemption without being 'preachy'. Good Christian mystery. I read this book as a complimentary copy from Barbour Publishing through NetGalley. The opinions expressed are my own.Thank you for allowing me to read this book.

The perfect police drama!! I could not put this book down! This story is told in flashbacks, police interviews, present, and it builds and builds with every page. I never would have guessed who the murderer actually was! it was pleasant to read a book and not know right away who the culprit was and to be kept on my toes trying to figure it out. This beefy story was fleshed out nicely and I really appreciate it!

I’ve always been a fan of Robin Carroll, and Stratagem did not disappoint. The main storyline centers around a psychological game/escape room created by Grayson Thibodeaux. A game in which his ex-wife is murdered, and all signs point towards the ex-husband. The plot develops with police interviews of all of the participants in the house during the game. It creates a “who-dunnit” feel as I found it intriguing to see a crime scene through the various character’s accounts of the same event. Several characters had the motivation to commit the crime, and the reader gets caught up in putting the pieces together along side the detectives on the case.

This is a different style from some of author’s romantic suspense novels. This seems to fall more into the mystery/police procedural category. I rather enjoyed the departure from the traditional girl-meets-boy-on-the-first-page type of scenario, and if you’re a fan of romance, this might not be your favorite plotline. But it worked for me. While not action-packed suspense, this story dives into the psychology and motivations behind the crime. I’d recommend this book anyone looking for an intriguing mystery.

I received an ebook review copy of this book through NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Have any of you played the new reality games here you have to solve a series of clues to get out of a locked room? This book is about one of these puzzles, but it involves a group of people that are trying to leave a room in a haunted house to gain a much - coveted job and one of these people is murdered!
Grayson is the co founder of a company that devises games for companies that want to test out their employees’ worthiness for a job or build their team building skills. But this time, a murderer uses the game to kill Grayson’s ex-wife, Anna Belle, and the police suspect that Grayson killed his ex wife because of her unfaithfulness.
You will keep guessing “who killed her” until the end of the book!

I just finished Strategem by Robin Caroll. It was a good book, but not great. 🌟🌟🌟🌟 4 solid stars.

The book centers around a game (don't all books, in one sense or another?) created by a doctor for the company he owns. His company, you see, creates games for companies who want to see team building, or who would be better at using certain skills, or in this case, who would be best suited for a promotion. This game centers around four people...one of whom is recently divorced from the game's creator. Which normally would be a minor detail...until she turns up dead.

I must admit, I pegged a certain person from the beginning based on very little except a certain vibe I got. Much to my enjoyment, the person I pegged was not the killer - but the person it was had a great, well thought-out motive, and had just rewards coming to them as well. The book definitely had a Christian slant, but didn't go overboard with the religious overtones; it was a good ratio of religious /crime elements. All in all a very well-done book and I look forward to trying more from this author!

What a clever, mysterious, thriller Stratagem ending up being!! This author kept me on the edge of my seat throughout the entire book. My mind kept jumping from one suspect to another every chapter. Robin kept throwing twists after twist so I had no clue what was happening. Stratagem was so much more than I expected and a definite must read!
I can't wait to read more from Robin Caroll!

I was hooked on this book from the first page. I flipped the pages from one to another, completely engrossed in this imaginative, unique, original crime thriller. I was engrossed in the whodunit until the very end.

I think part of what makes this book so fantastic is the characters. You don't always know who exactly the good guy or the bad guy, but either way you feel connected to them and their part in the overall story. There is no unnecessary character in this book.

The plot of this book is intriguing, at best. I enjoy a good mystery. And this one sure is. I found myself trying to put the pieces together from the start. Every time I thought I had it nailed down, the author would make me second guess myself. I definitely was not disappointed.

This author is new to me. I see she has many other books out already. I will definitely be looking into her other books soon after getting a taste of her writing and story telling in this one.

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.

It was a great book of whodunit and definitely kept me guessing. The characters were relatable and were well defined. I enjoyed this book as it kept my interest throughout. This is definitely a type of book to follow along with notes of your own. Overall, this was a well written book that keeps you guessing.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Wow! This is one of those books that you only put down because life is screaming at you to take care of other things! It starts out as a story where a couple is divorced and one party is still not happy with the settlement. The author quickly moves into a who dunit and kept me guessing throughout the book. The action which never quit with escape rooms, abortion, addiction, anaphylactic shock, criminal mischief and murder had me on the edge of my seat the whole time. Was it really possible that God could take all of that and work it for the good? Was it even possible to learn to accept and forgive?
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

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.

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.

Usually movies are inspired by books, but the note in the back of the book says Stratagem was hatched after the author watched Michael Douglas and Sean Penn in The Game. Having not watched the movie, it appears the book borrows the basic premise of the movie (a living game), inserts its own characters and adds an additional twist, with themes of forgiveness and acceptance. Grayson Thibodeaux and his partner, Colton York, design living games to build team spirit and test the mettle of a person. When their game is used to determine a promotion in Thibodeaux’s ex-wife’s firm, she ends up dead and Thibodeaux finds himself the main suspect.

Stratagem is a very fast-paced book with the urgent rhythm of a police force out to solve a murder ASAP. The fact that the characters are in a live game ups the tension and stress for both characters and readers. I thought maybe this time I figured out who-dun-nit. But no, the author, Robin Carroll, had a better idea, and my heart was beating triple time by the book’s end.
I have one issue with the book. That would be that Carroll couldn’t convince me that Danielle Witz’s attitude fit her otherwise mature personality. I could see the villain’s thinking being this skewed, but not Detective Witz’s, not even in just this one area. It just doesn’t ring true for me.
Having said all that, the action and thrills gave me enough satisfaction to rate this book a five star. I received s complimentary copy of the book from the author and the publisher through NetGalley. I was not required to leave a positive review, and all opinions are my responsibility.

Quotable about addictions:
“It’s never about the debts or consequences, only about being able to feed the high.”

This is a very interesting read. Grayson Thibodeaux is a psychologically challenging game creator who finds himself in one continuous mess when it is discovered that a woman has died during his latest corporate offering. The game supports teambuilding while employees observe potential candidates for an important job in a corporation. To make matters more difficult, the woman who dies is his ex-wife. Even though she dies at the beginning of the story Anna Belle is a strong character throughout the book. The story really focuses on how one person can influence and improve or devastate another person's life. It is also a story of forgiving the unforgivable.
This is a good murder mystery as evidence builds against Grayson. I did figure out 'who done it' early in the book but the author brought in some twists that caused me to question my reasoning. That's what makes a good mystery. If you happen to enjoy the mental challenges of a clean murder mystery without a romance I recommend this new book by Robin Caroll. There are some real world conflicts and challenges in the Christian story.

Thanks Netgalley and Barbour Publishing for my ARC of the book. I'd like to see a series with these characters including the police officers, Brandon and Danielle.

I enjoyed this mystery. It was a complex plot designed so well that I had no trouble following it. I learned a great deal about corporations hiring companies to provide experiences such as character evaluation and team building. I was amazed at the organization and detail that goes into providing them.

The characters are developed well. Pam was my favorite. I liked her boldness and quick thinking. I had trouble liking Grayson. He had consulted for the police for two years yet now took evidence and mishandled it without informing detectives. I was surprised he was not arrested for evidence tampering. I felt he should have known better.

I do recommend this novel to readers who enjoy an informative mystery. You'll experience characters going through relationship challenges yet evidencing their Christian faith. You'll find a mystery that just might keep you guessing. And you'll have a good bit of suspense near the end.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book through Celebrate Lit. My comments are an independent and honest review.

Stratagem
by Robin Caroll
Barbour Publishing, Inc.
Shiloh Run Press
Christian , General Fiction (Adult)
Pub Date 01 Nov 2018


I am reviewing a copy of Stratagem through Barbour Publishing and Netgalley:


Psychologist Grayson Thibodeaux works in the deep underbelly of New Orleans. He loses everything when his life leaves him so she can climb her companies corporate ladder. So he buries himself in his job of creating mind bending adventure games for businesses as team building explorations.

Once his ex wife's company hires him he is not sure things could get any worse, until she dies during the game and he realize they could in fact get much worse, when he finds himself as the prime suspect of her murder!


I give Stratagem five out of five stars!


Happy Reading!

Stratagem is exactly the type of suspense/thriller novel that I like to read – a plot that plays at your mind even as it plays with the minds of the characters, characters by the way that you aren’t entirely sure you can trust. The whole lot of them. Just when you think you can relax around this character or the other, another layer of their lives or the plot is revealed and you just don’t know anymore. I love it! It keeps me guessing, keeps me invested in the outcome, and lets me play detective right along with the actual (fictional) detectives.

Grayson Thibodeaux is in a very complicated situation, one which continues to get more complicated as the book progresses. Not only does he have a career which is at once horrifying and fascinating (he creates ‘escape room’ type games with psychological twists based on the participants’ history and medical records, etc.) but he is also the number one suspect in the death of his ex-wife, who died during a game he had created. The lead detectives make the situation even more complicated – one is a good friend who is considered biased toward Grayson’s innocence and the other is bitter at Grayson having not called her sister back after a blind date. So, you know which side she falls on in terms of whether he’s guilty or not, and her opinion really keeps her laser-focused on Grayson and unwilling to consider other possibilities.

Now… brace yourselves, y’all… there’s no romance in this book and I STILL LOVED IT. It’s pretty much a straight suspense novel with a very moving subthread on forgiveness. Particularly a scene at the end that really touched my heart. While my mind was whirring with romantical possibilities throughout the book, I really didn’t miss that sort of tension because there was plenty of other tension to be had as the suspense plot continued to unfold.

Bottom Line: Gritty but touching. Complex but easy to read. Intriguing but… nope, no opposite here… intriguing and riveting. Stratagem by Robin Caroll is the perfect choice to read on blustery, cold fall/winter nights when you’re snuggled up under a warm blanket. It’s impossible to put down once you start reading, so don’t plan to sleep until you’ve finished it. Skillfully plotted suspense, layered characters, and a vivid setting all make this a must-read. Loved the nod to Darkwater Inn, from another of Caroll’s current reads.

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)

If you are a fan of psychological twists in your entertainment, then Stratagem is for you!

Robin Caroll gives readers a book filled with twist, turns, several suspects, and a game that is based on your weaknesses and fears. But what an entertaining ride it is!

I had an inkling of who the murder was at the beginning but my mind was changed several times throughout this story.

Grayson Thibodeaux is an intelligent character I sympathized with—especially as more about his life and his wife are revealed. The man was beaten down by his ex-wife in his marriage (and even after), but not once did I believe he was the murderer.

The addition of Brandon’s point of view as he and his partner are given the investigation from the legal side of things, and Stratagem is a well-rounded, complete read that will have me looking at escape room games differently the next time I go!

Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

The decisions of the past affect the present. We hope for good, but sometimes it's the less stellar choices that come back to us! Anna Belle had made enough enemies that finding her murderer wasn't easy. Grayson's insider knowledge as a former consultant with the police had some unforseen effects on the case.

How does a murderer define Stratagem?
Mind games.
Testing the limits.
Risky, but oh so rewarding if successful.

I like to read mysteries. Especially when I can be proven wrong, and proven right at the same time.

There's at least 10 people who could legitimately be suspects. I picked 2 to be my main suspects. It turned out that I was right about one of them, but I was way wrong about the motivation!

I read enough books that I can usually predict things well. When I get a surprise like this one, its a nice treat 😀

Watching the detectives battle each other's prejudgements and struggle with Grayson's "meddling" (i.e. attempts to clear his name /solve the mystery) was both frustrating and fun.

In this case, I would define stratagem as a very complex plot, packaged with distraction and diversions, and coming together perfectly in the end. If you like mystery, and getting the scoop from each of the main characters directly, you will enjoy this book!

*Review link goes live on 11.23.18

A well-written mystery/suspense novel with a great plot! I am a fan of Robin Caroll’s books and Stratagem definitely lives up to the standards I expect from the author. The plot is full of twists and turns, red flags and red herrings, and well laid-out details that I couldn’t be sure who was the perpetrator until near the end. Grayson is a great character, full of compassion, tenderness, and intelligence. From page one, Grayson pulls the reader into his world of pain, grief, and regret. Brandon and Danielle, the two detectives from New Orleans Police Department investigating Grayson’s ex-wife’s death, have a nice professional partnership and bring a voice of reason to order all the clues in a sequential manner. The theme of forgiveness is prominent in the story and Grayson’s sincere desire to forgive those who wronged him in the name of Christ endears him even more.

If you enjoy well-written suspense, you will absolutely enjoy this book. I was given a copy of this book from Barbour Publishing via Celebrate Lit Tours and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.

This book is one of those suspense novels that catches your attention right off, and just keeps on pulling you in....

I loved the setting--Louisiana, New Orleans, and then Mardi Gras. I loved the characters. Grayson especially. He's a creator of 'escape room' type of games. He's just come through a bitter divorce, and he and his ex-wife are at odds. Then Anna Belle dies and he becomes a prime suspect in her murder. But...the real kicker is, she was competing in a game. Yes! A game created by Grayson...when she died!

The characters were likeable. Well, the main characters, that is. I really liked Grayson, and wanted him so badly to be able to prove his innocence. The one cop was out to get him. Almost too much so. That part felt a little bit unrealistic. It didn't seem like she was able to keep her personal feelings out of her investigation in order to do her job properly.

I really enjoyed reading this book! The story is unbelievable--just full of plot twists, unexpected events, and so much more! If you like suspense, this is such a great read!

Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review, and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

A High-Stakes Simulation Adventure Leaves Grayson Thibodeaux the Prime Suspect. . .for Murder



Deep in the gritty underbelly of New Orleans, psychologist Grayson Thibodeaux loses everything when his wife leaves him to climb her company’s corporate ladder. He buries himself in his job of creating mind-bending adventure games for businesses as team-building explorations. When his ex-wife’s company hires Grayson’s to create an elaborate game, he doesn’t see how things can get worse. Until she dies during the course of the game he created…makmaking him the prime suspect for murder.


My Thoughts: Everyone loves a good mystery and this is no exception. Fast paced and keeps the reader guessing until the end. With so many twists and turns that keeps the readers' interest.


This is a well-written novel with interesting characters that the reader will easily identify with. This is my first novel from Robin Caroll, and it won't be my last. I truly enjoyed her writing and the plot for this novel was interesting.


Not only a mystery but a story about forgiving as well. A wonderful read for those who love a good mystery and suspense book.

I'm starting my review with a warning about the book. When you start this book, make sure you allow yourself time to read the entire book in one sitting. Why? To put it simply, because there is no way to read this book without stopping. The story line is rich in intrigue and takes us to the dark places of a person's emotions. I was shocked at first to read that a company thought the only way to pick who would get the promotion out of four people was to play a game. It's not just any old game, folks. It's a game specifically designed to use past hurts, fear, manipulation, anger and secrets against you. How will each person act in different situations is where the real nitty gritty goes.

To understand the master mind behind the game, we get to meet Grayson. I enjoyed him so much and found his intelligence to be quite impressive. I thought it was cool that the four people didn't know they were playing a game, but trying to outshine their peers in front of the boss. They were watched at all times like a lab rat which is kinda creepy. The author delves into their past in a way that brings out the darkness in some and in others an almost give up attitude. I can tell you right now I would never want to play this type of game. I did forget to mention that one of the players in the game is Grayson's ex-wife. Anna Belle is the epitome of girl gone bad. There is nothing nice I can say about her. She was mean, vindictive and down right evil. Anna Belle is the woman that other women hate and men fall all over for her attention. Someone definitely has it in for her, when she is found dead . The first person the police point a finger at is Grayson. I wasn't surprised because it is a given the ex-husband is automatically the top pick as the killer.

Anna Belle is certainly not a popular person and I'm not sure anyone shed a tear over her death except maybe her mother. There is however another character I found to be extremely annoying. Danielle and Grayson's friend Brandon are investigating the death. Danielle is so determined to prove Grayson guilty that she made me want to stomp on her feet several times. She is so relentless in proving Grayson guilty, that she has tunnel vision. Her character is so well developed I loved to hate her. She was one of my top picks of stand out characters in the story.Her nastiness towards Grayson is evident when she says to him, " Although , you know sometimes murderers will do bad things to themselves to garner sympathy and try to throw off suspicion."

It is a cat and mouse chase as Grayson tries to figure out what went wrong in the game, as the police start closing in on him. I was literally turning pages fast because I had to know who the killer was. I had my list but I was very wrong. The author has included faith in the book but not in a preachy way. Grayson really stands on his beliefs and will face the question of is he able to forgive. That is one of the great lessons in the book and one of the hardest things people have to deal with. The author knows how to shock readers with intense drama and an ending that will have you looking for more books by this very gifted author.

I received a copy of this book by Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

I’ve heard about being on a train or locked in while playing a game to try to figure out who did it before the ride or time is up.. This book took it to a new level! Playing it on the corporate level for a high level job when a murder throws the game off and into a whole new level! Lots of suspense, action and it definitely kept me guessing. I really liked this story! I was gifted a copy, no review was required. My review is voluntary..