The Never Game

By: Jeffery Deaver

Narrated by: Kaleo Griffith

Length: 11 hrs and 20 mins

Publisher's summary

A New York Times Book Review Top 10 Crime Novel of the Year

From the best-selling and award-winning master of suspense, the first novel in a thrilling new series, introducing Colter Shaw.

"You have been abandoned."

A young woman has gone missing in Silicon Valley, and her father has hired Colter Shaw to find her. The son of a survivalist family, Shaw is an expert tracker. Now, he makes a living as a "reward seeker", traveling the country to help police solve crimes and private citizens locate missing persons. But what seems a simple investigation quickly thrusts him into the dark heart of America's tech hub and the cutthroat billion-dollar video-gaming industry.

"Escape if you can."

When another victim is kidnapped, the clues point to one video game with a troubled past - The Whispering Man. In that game, the player has to survive after being abandoned in an inhospitable setting with five random objects. Is a madman bringing the game to life?

"Or die with dignity."

Shaw finds himself caught in a cat and mouse game, risking his own life to save the victims even as he pursues the kidnapper across both Silicon Valley and the dark net. Encountering eccentric game designers, trigger-happy gamers, and ruthless tech titans, he soon learns he isn't the only one on the hunt: Someone is on his trail and closing fast.

The Never Game proves once more why "Deaver is a genius when it comes to manipulation and deception" (Associated Press).

©2019 Jeffery Deaver (P)2019 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

"Jeffery Deaver creates insanely devious plots calculated to make your head explode...[The Never Game] dazzles with its crafty twists and turns.” (The New York Times Book Review)

“Deaver introduces a fascinating new character in the methodical Colter Shaw. Nothing is predictable in the case, and like a curvy mountain road, the twists are intense. Hopefully more stories with Shaw are in the future.” (Associated Press)

“[A] superb series launch from Thriller Award-winner Deaver.... Fans of twisty suspense that pushes the envelope of plausibility without inviting disbelief will be enthralled.” (Publishers Weekly, starred review)

Gr8 listen

Great story & narrator. I hope JD writes more with Colter Shaw. I'm planning on listening to the Goodbye Man.

Two for One, Story and Credit

This author is mixed for me and l am not compiled to buy his work unless l am a big fan of the narrator. The story was several hours too long as the author established our hero’s background, good but that could have been spread out over the books to come. This diluted the mystery and at times it got lost. I am a fan of Mr Griffith, see the l Team series he reads. Well done
See the 3 star reviews of this story and they pretty much sum up my misgivings.
Once again, Shelly’s review is better than the story. This is two in a row for me!

Narrator ruined a good book for me.

I tried to hang in there but the narrator made a serious tense story sound like a self help book. I can’t pin it down for you but I eventually couldn’t finish it and did return it.

Enjoyable and Unique

I really enjoyed the character of Coulter Shaw. His profession was unique to me, and there's still much mystery surrounding him. This book caught my interest right away, and kept it all the way through. I look forward to seeing more of Coulter Shaw.

Engaging

Loved the book. I’m looking forward to listening to more of Jeffery Deavers books. They keep me walking.

Not Deavers best

Not Deavers best, no Lincoln Rhymes here in my opinion. but I'll purchase the next one. entertaining

Room to grow on

You. I think this is a good start to a great series. The main character is well fleshed, and has a intriguing personality. The story was good learned a few things about the main subject mater which is role play gaming. That is not my thing but it was explained well enough for a newbie. This is not however one of his best books, but potential in further additions.. So if the subject matter interest you it’s worth your time cash or credit.

Great surprise

1st time with this author and very pleasantly surprised. Totally unique character and storyline and masterfully crafted complex plots . Definitely will read next in series

Not as good as I had hoped.

The story did not hold my attention. I was confused about the purpose of the story. Conclusion was not tied up as I would like. The end seemed like a clumsy lead in to another story.

Excellent Dever book...

Enjoyed listening to this book...very much! I hope there will be a sequel... thank you.