Kill Game

Seven of Spades, Volume 1

By: Cordelia Kingsbridge

Narrated by: Wyatt Baker

Length: 7 hrs and 56 mins

Publisher's summary

Homicide detective Levi Abrams is barely holding his life together. He’s reeling from the fallout of a fatal shooting, and his relationship with his boyfriend is crumbling. The last thing he’s prepared for is a serial killer stalking the streets of Las Vegas. Or how he keeps getting thrown into the path of annoyingly charming bounty hunter Dominic Russo.  

Dominic likes his life free of complications. That means no tangling with cops—especially prickly, uptight detectives. But when he stumbles across one of the Seven of Spades’s horrifying crime scenes, he can’t let go, despite Levi’s warnings to stay away. 

The Seven of Spades is ruthless and always two moves ahead. Worst of all, they’ve taken a dangerously personal interest in Levi and Dominic. Forced to trust each other, the two men race to discover the killer’s identity, revealing hidden truths along the way and sparking a bond neither man expected. But that may not be enough to protect them. 

This killer likes to play games, and the deck is not stacked in Levi and Dominic’s favor.

©2017 Cordelia Kingsbridge (P)2018 Riptide Publishing

Why haven't more books been released into audio???

I was a bit, okay very, hesitant picking this book up. On the one hand, I really wanted to listen to this book. On the other hand, after listening to the sample, which was bad - narration wise - I wasn't sure if I'd be able to listen to 8 hours of Wyatt Baker. So I let the book go. But over the months I kept coming back to it, I was drawn to it. So I figured I was going to give it a try anyway. And you know what - I'm so glad I did! The sample did not make this book any justice - at all. I loved this book and can't wait for the next one!

There's a serial killer hunting in Las Vegas, nicknamed the Seven of Spades. Why you might ask. They leave that particular playing card at each of their kills. The last thing homicide detective Levi Abrams need is a serial killer, closely followed by constantly crossing paths with bounty hunter Dominic Russo. Unlucky for him, he gets both. Add in a tanking relationship and dealing with the consequences from a fatal shooting and his life is a bit of a mess. A mess that does not need his growing attraction to Dominic. Or a bounty hunter set in catching said serial killer.

I like how both Levi and Dominic are so human. They are flawed, imperfect and they are people like you and me. They have issues and inner demons they fight. It makes them relatable and in turn the story more believable. I loved them as individuals, but even more together. They have chemistry that's off the charts and you can almost see the string that pulls them together.

This is definitely my kind of book. The suspense, the twists and turns. The mystery of it all. The thrill of the hunt. The flawed, real characters, the slow build of a relationship. Please just give me more! I'm waiting impatiently.

Like I said in the beginning, I had huge doubts about this book, about Wyatt Baker's narration. So no one is happier than me to be wrong. I loved this book, and everything about it. So the narration wasn't flawless - very few are. I would have loved a little more emotion and feelings from Baker. Just to have that extra layer, to connect just a bit more, because at times the narration felt a bit detached. However, that's most noticeable when you start listening. After a few minutes the story takes over and you are immersed and engrossed, the rest of the world disappears. So if you are able to listen to this book in one go those first few minutes will be erased from your mind, but when you need to start and stop when RL intrudes, those first few minutes are more noticeable and more difficult to overlook. Something that I always appreciate with narrators is the use of different voices for different characters, that always helps the listener to keep track if who’s talking and making the listen much easier and relaxing. Or well, in this case as relaxing as a hunt for a serial killer can be.

I loved this book a lot and I only have one wish - for the rest of the series to be released in audio asap, because the suspense of what happens next might just kill me.
Highly recommended.

A copy of this book was generously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review for Love Bytes.

Horrible narration 😤😥🤬🤬

Whoever chose the narrator did a disservice to the series and listeners. The performance is so stiff and robotic.

Nail biter!!! Sooooo Amazing!!!

LOVED IT! LOVED! LOVED IT! So, I really liked this book. Why?

1. Great PLOT. A true thriller. A vigilante serial killer is slashing their way through Sin City’s baddies. Detectives Levi Abram and Martine Valcourt are on the case. And so is bounty hunter Dominic Russo, ex Army Ranger. Super well paced and interesting. For the life of me, I couldn’t figure out who the killer is. I still can’t since this seems to be a five book series. Oh god help me! I won’t be able to wait!

2. The CHARACTERS. Dominic, Dominic, Dominic. *fans self* This hunk of bad-ass is all sweetness inside. With a winning smile. And he’s HUGE. All over. He’s got problems such as a gambling addiction, and no plans for the future. I mean, one can only keep collecting twinks for so long.

Then there’s Levi. Krav Maga expert. Lean, mean, and not the most personable man. He looks down on the likes of bounty hunters like Dominic. So of course, these two are thrown together thanks to our serial killer. And while they only have one sex scene in the book together, it’s scorching hot. There’s other sex, but with other people. No, there’s no cheating aside from a kiss.

Another thing I liked about this book was Levi’s partner, Martine. It’s always wonderful seeing strong female secondary characters who take part in the story in roles other than mother, sister, ex, or BFF.

So, we have a host of characters, male and female. A serial killer of unknown gender. And a budding relationship. Can I just hope and pray that we have a female baddie for once?

This was a NTM narrator and while it took me a while to get used to his voice, I soon grew to love it and thought it was a perfect fit for these guys!! I’ve already picked up the next book in audio (although I’ve already read them all in ebook)!!!

You gotta listen to this book! I can’t wait until the last three of this five book series come out in audiobook!!!

Narrator and editor should be fired

I love these books, the story is amazing, but if I hadn't read them first this narrator might have killed them for me. Beyond the often wooden delivery he mispronounces words. There is zero excuse for that. If the narrator doesn't know the pronunciation, the director should, and if they don't, the editor had better. He pronounced carotid, carrot-id. Who doesn't know how to pronounce carotid?? I mean, obviously everyone connected to this production, but really? This was only the worst example of mispronunciation. I am desperately disappointed as this could have been amazing in audio.

Favorite series!

This is one of my favorite series hands down. It has everything I could want and more.

Good Book

I enjoyed this book. I like Levi and Domanic they ate a good match. I am into the Mistorey books lately. Good story and looking forward to reading more and getting more of their story.

Addicting Who-Done-It

oh I really loved the dual POV, mm romance, and mystery in this! immediately will be diving into the next book of the series.

addictive!

Would I listen to it again: yes
Did the story keep me engaged: yes
Was I invested in the characters: yes

I've waited until the whole series was available in audio before starting this one, and I'm glad I did. It has me intreigued, and knowing I don't have to wait for the next one to be released was worth the wait!

📖 Story comment: Good pace, likeable characters, intersting plot - and it's great to see a strong secondary female character. I like the developing relationship between Eli and Dom, and this has been a good "set-up" for the rest of the series, I'm even liking the "vigilante" seriel killer picking off his version of "bad-guys".

🎧 Narrator comment: I enjoyed Wyatt Bakers narration, his style reminds me of the old "Dragnet" Radio drama's - he has good timing, and it's easy to tell the characters apart, overall I enjoyed it and would happily listen to it again.


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📌 Where does it fall on my personal scale? 8
• 1 not my thing • 2 didn't like the narration • 3 didn't keep my attention • 4 was good, but once was enough • 5 enjoyed it • 6 will listen again if i'm in the mood for the narrator [4⭐] • 7 goes on the "re-listen" list [4⭐] • 8 kept me up past bed-time [4.5⭐] • 9 recommended to family/friends [4.75⭐] • 10 own it in all formats [5⭐] • 11 keep a copy with me at all times [5⭐]

good book. always loved this author

I enjoyed this book. great start to the series, made me want to keep reading.

Surprisingly good, a real plot

(As always, my review is taking the genre into account for how it rates.)

This book was pretty good, it does end on a cliffhanger of sorts, I don't think that's a spoiler given the series title (the mystery isn't yet resolved). I'm definitely intrigued, I feel like I know who did it, but I want it to be someone else for satisfaction's sake. At any rate, a good use of red herring information and clue dropping, it kept me interested.

I appreciated that we got glimpses of the POV characters' lives without the mystery plot being left completely on the wayside. For a first book in a series, it was very nicely balanced between plot, intrigue, and establishing/developing characters. I also thought the author did a great job of filling the book with characters so the story didn't feel insular or superficial, but still let those characters be only side/background characters so the book wasn't overflowing with unnecessary details.

I liked the slower approach to building something between the main characters, though it definitely isn't a slow burn. I hope to like Levi a bit more in the next book, he wasn't a bad character and I did connect to him in some scenes, but compared to Dom I felt he missed a bit of heart.

The narrator was okay, no annoying voices, but not my favorite. As a personal choice issue, I didn't find the voice he chose for Dom fitting at all. I noticed he mispronounced a few more words than seems typical for audiobooks, but it wasn't anything too distracting.

If you liked this book, I'd recommend checking out the Shadow or the Templar series, it is another LEO and consultant series (though completely different set up) that I loved. Hoping this series improves as much each book as that one did.

A fantastic start to a new thrilling series

I’m so glad that this book is now available on audio!
A fast passed thriller that I read in one sitting and now have also listened to the audio version in one sitting also.
Cordelia Kingsbridge really knows how to bring realistic characters, romance and a perfectly paced plot together.
This is the first audio book I have listened to narrated by Wyatt Baker and I have to say he was perfect.
5 stars all round

Loved the story, shame about the narrator....

This series is one of my very faves, mainly due to the whodunit element admittedly, but the hotness between Levi and Dominic adds to the overall excitement and nail-biting moments. Unfortunately, for me anyhoo, the choice of narrator [new to me] was not a wise one. His interpretation of Levi's voice in particular was very wooden...almost as robotic as the electronic voice for the Seven of Spades killer. I liked his Dominic voice, but that was about it so not sure whether I'll buy another audio if the same narrator is involved. 3.5 stars rounded up.

🎰 So Much Fun! ♠️

The overarching case is so much fun, I am delighted that the investigation will be spread over the five-book series! I like the backstories and complexities of Levi and Dominic. As I love my martial arts, I am beyond thrilled that Levi practices Krav Maga and that his fight scenes are badass! 🌟 The best aspect of Kill Game is the way the dialogue is written - it is easy, free flowing and believable making me feel like a fly on the wall! Star removed for tired tropes of a protagonist leaving a toxic relationship and a boyfriend who doesn't get him, imaginatively naming the Jewish character Levi and the bigger, brawny character Dominic 🙄 and criminally making Dom the mellow one. Like? Why? With memorable characters, a twisty plot and the deliciously looming throw down with a serial killer, I remain excited about what comes next.

🎧 Dominic’s characterization was my favourite because I heard the joie de vivre in Wyatt Baker’s vocalization. Levi was also vocalised well but I wished for more emotion to convey when he broke down or had an outburst. WB’s inability to emote disappointed because the story had fabulous emotional beats like a side character mentally and emotionally unravelling or the one and only sensual scene between Levi and Dominic 😔. As the series progresses, I do hope Mr. Baker loosens up. Otherwise, WB is very easy on the ear and gave an acceptably energetic performance.

Politically Correct Murder

Perfect narration made it possible to continue in this story till the PC nonsense overtook the sense of the tale. How does the writer justify the moral choise of murder with other moral choices?; it seems incongruous and put a serious poke in the spokes. Once the wheel is off, it's not possible to continue.

SADLY RETURNED

Very entertaining

Really enjoyed this. Interesting storyline with likeable characters. Definitely going to continue with the next in the series. The narration does take some getting used to, for someone that can add such character when people are speaking he sure does become absolutely monotone when someone isn’t. Meant that I had to really concentrate to understand for the first few chapters but once I got the hang of the style it was fine. The sex scenes are pretty hot so be aware it’s nsfw!

Good start to the series

Enjoyable thriller with some nice twists and turns. The mc's had a good rapport and i'll happily get the next book in the series

Thoroughly enjoyed this book

As is usual, I read this as an e-book first and I really enjoyed it so when I saw that it was available as an audio book I decided to give it a go and have not been disappointed. I've read the second book in the series and I've got books 3 & 4 so I hope that they'll all eventually come out in audio so I can have the full set. The story was very good and I haven't guessed who the antagonist is yet so we'll have to wait and see if I manage it before the author reveals all.
The narration was interesting; when Wyatt Baker was narrating dialogue it came out well, sounding natural and with pretty good distinction between the characters, when he narrated non-dialogue text it sometimes came out a bit like a film trailer voiceover, and that's not to say that was a bad thing, and it didn't detract from my enjoyment of the story, it was just an interesting difference.
I'm still giving it 5 stars overall.

The perfect blend of mystery and emotion

The perfect blend of mystery and emotion. Cordelia has outdone herself again. I have waited a long time to be able to read/listen to this as I haven't been able to afford it for a while. It was worth the wait. As ever, the author weaves a delightful story that perfectly balances the personal lives/relationship of the two main characters and the thriller/mystery genre. It's not just a trashy romance novel (which don't get me wrong, I love as well) this is a real story and I'm so excited that I still have the rest of the books to come. The two main characters both have their own flaws which make them seem more real and their relationship I feel begins very naturally. Such an engaging read I was gripped right from the start and I came to the end with a sense of dismay.

Really hope the narrator records the other books as Wyatt Baker really expressed the emotions of all the characters so well. I really felt drawn into the story and Cordelia's world by him and would love to hear more as it makes the books so accessible to me.

Definitely recommend if you're looking for a well-developed story, engaging characters and that something a bit different.