#thenevergame

Review: The Never Game – Jeffery Deaver

I received a free ecopy of this book in return for an honest review. Many thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity.

I am not new to Jeffery Deaver. I’ve read a number of his Lincoln Rhyme novels and The Bone Collector is a favourite film of mine. It’s always a tricky moment though, when the author starts a new series. It isn’t a given that you will like an accept this new hero, and Colter Shaw is very different from Rhyme.

Colter Shaw was raised by his university lecturer turned survivalist, parents. He is an expert at thinking outside the box, and, if necessary, outside the law too. He travels the country earning rewards by searching for missing people. It isn’t for the money, though. He is a restless character and needs a challenge, plus this seems like a good practical way to help people. He uses the rewards as a barometer of desperation. If you want a quick introduction to Shaw, there is a short ebook called ‘Captivated’ that will set you up. It isn’t necessary to read it before starting this book though.

In this book Colter Shaw gets involved in the world of computer gaming. He tangles with a series of kidnappings that appear to be modelled on an old but thriving game in which your avatar is left trapped with 5 items to help them escape. The pressure ramps as each new victim is presented with a more difficult level of the game.

As we go, we are introduced to Colter’s background via a series or rules his father raised him with. Most of them begin with the word ‘Never’ and though they were taught as survivalism they fit well with the life Colter leads.

The main mystery has an odd but very up to the minute solution. Just as intriguing is Colter’s personal big arc. His father’s paranoia and retreat from the world, which seemed like a form of dementia at the time, may have had a basis and Colter is aware that his father’s death was not the accident it appeared to be.

Like Deaver’s other books, this book has an attention to detail that reveals careful planning on the part of the author. Where Rhyme had lists of clues, Shaw has hand drawn maps. After an initial slow start, the pacing is fast. The characters are interesting, relatable and inclusive. Altogether this is a good solid thriller which leaves you with enough questions to make you want to read the next book in the series.

Also, someone somewhere is going to have to have to pull out the Ashton Shaw Never List as it seems like a rather useful life guide.