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A review by sairaumar
A Game Most Foul by Alison Gervais
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
Thanks to the publisher & Net Galley for providing me with an eArc.
I was interested in this book as a fan of Enola Holmes, Sherlock, Hercule Poirot, Benoit Blanc, and the general murder mystery genre!
The book had a fun and interesting concept, but did read rather young for it to be set at college/college age-- may be better as an upper MG/lower YA set in HS based on the tone. It also didn't do much to set up the world -- I forgot where and when it was set often! Especially since often these types of mysteries are set in Victorian/England -- if they aren't, it helps if the setting also acts as a character for the enhanced mysterious atmosphere (like Knives Out).
The characters didn't get much development besides the relationship between the MC and Percy, which seemed a little unfounded as well.
As for the plot, it didn't really feel like a mystery where they gathered clues, looked at suspects etc. It was very much like they were in class, Ashley disappeared, they find her iPad and Holmes, they team up, then it's solved. The two mysteries didn't seem to be linked as nicely at the end as they seemed to want to be -- and didn't have a satisfying conclusion.
Overall the conclusion of the book was very rushed and half-done, and we never got answers as to if/why Ashley was related to the medium. Also was not a fan at all of the big reveal/culprit -- it seemed very out of character, especially as a Doctor. Also the ending prevented any sequels, but didn't really seem comprehensive enough to be a standalone.
I was interested in this book as a fan of Enola Holmes, Sherlock, Hercule Poirot, Benoit Blanc, and the general murder mystery genre!
The book had a fun and interesting concept, but did read rather young for it to be set at college/college age-- may be better as an upper MG/lower YA set in HS based on the tone. It also didn't do much to set up the world -- I forgot where and when it was set often! Especially since often these types of mysteries are set in Victorian/England -- if they aren't, it helps if the setting also acts as a character for the enhanced mysterious atmosphere (like Knives Out).
The characters didn't get much development besides the relationship between the MC and Percy, which seemed a little unfounded as well.
As for the plot, it didn't really feel like a mystery where they gathered clues, looked at suspects etc. It was very much like they were in class, Ashley disappeared, they find her iPad and Holmes, they team up, then it's solved. The two mysteries didn't seem to be linked as nicely at the end as they seemed to want to be -- and didn't have a satisfying conclusion.
Overall the conclusion of the book was very rushed and half-done, and we never got answers as to if/why