Everand Logo

Welcome to Everand!

  • Discover millions of ebooks, audiobooks, and so much more with a free trial

    Only $11.99/month after trial. Cancel anytime.

    Unavailable
    Game: The Sequel to "I Hunt Killers"
    Unavailable
    Game: The Sequel to "I Hunt Killers"
    Unavailable
    Game: The Sequel to "I Hunt Killers"
    Audiobook13 hours

    Game: The Sequel to "I Hunt Killers"

    Written by Barry Lyga

    Narrated by Charlie Thurston

    4/5

    ()

    Currently unavailable

    Currently unavailable

    About this audiobook

    The second book in this thrilling, terrifying series by New York Times bestselling author Barry Lyga is perfect for fans of Dexter.
     Billy grinned. "Oh, New York," he whispered. "We're gonna have so much fun."
    I Hunt Killers introduced the world to Jazz, the son of history's most infamous serial killer, Billy Dent.
    In an effort to prove murder didn't run in the family, Jazz teamed with the police in the small town of Lobo's Nod to solve a deadly case. And now, when a determined New York City detective comes knocking on Jazz's door asking for help, he can't say no. The Hat-Dog Killer has the Big Apple--and its police force--running scared. So Jazz and his girlfriend, Connie, hop on a plane to the big city and get swept up in a killer's murderous game.
    Both the stakes and the body count are higher in this suspenseful and unstoppable sequel from acclaimed author Barry Lyga.
    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherHachette Audio
    Release dateApr 16, 2013
    ISBN9781619696785
    Unavailable
    Game: The Sequel to "I Hunt Killers"
    Author

    Barry Lyga

    Barry Lyga is a recovering comic book geek and the author of many books, including The Astonishing Adventures of Fanboy and Goth Girl, Goth Girl Rising, Boy Toy, and Hero-Type for HMH, Wolverine: Worst Day Ever for Marvel Books, and Archvillian for Scholastic. He has also written comic books about everything from sword-wielding nuns to alien revolutionaries. He worked as marketing manager at Diamond Comic Distributers for ten years. He lives in Brooklyn, New York.Visit Barry online at www.barrylyga.com.

    More audiobooks from Barry Lyga

    Related to Game

    Related audiobooks

    YA Mysteries & Detective Stories For You

    View More
    View More

    Related podcast episodes

    Related articles

    Reviews for Game

    4/5

    180 ratings29 reviews

    What did you think?

    Tap to rate

    Review must be at least 10 words

    • 4/5
      "Game" by Barry Lyga was incredible. The NYPD asks Jazz to come lend his unique insight into their manhunt for a killer they've named Hat Dog, because he either carves a hat or a dog into his victims. Billy is still on the loose, so Jazz is keeping an eye out for him as well. It turns out there are actually two killers, Hat and Dog, playing a sick, twisted game of Monopoly orchestrated by none other than Billy Dent himself, who is rolling the dice and calling the shots. The ending is a huge cliffhanger.
    • 5/5
      I loved Game. In this book, Lyga continues to build up each character. After surviving possible death, Howie appears to have more courage. I liked how Lyga wrote about each character's point of view. It allows the reader to feel more connected to every character and be 'in the know'. There were a few cliffhangers at the end, which makes me highly anticipate the third book in the series that is soon to come. This book is definitely on my favorites list now.
    • 4/5
      Well, I typed a thorough a thoughtful review which my computer has apparently eaten. I really don't feel like typing it all again, so...good book.
    • 5/5
      Jazz is back again, now hunting the prolific Hat-Dog Killer in New York City. With the help of Connie, Howie and the NYPD, Jazz gets inside the mind of this new killer, deciphering the gruesome crimes in order to predict the killer's next move before anyone else falls victim. "Game" was an outstanding sequel to "I Hunt Killers," with even more gory and horrific details spilling out in its pages. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time reading and was gripped by Jazz's story right up until the novel's suspenseful cliffhanger ending. This novel is definitely for older teens as it is quite graphic and I think adults will love this series as well.
    • 5/5
      There is something about the way in which Barry writes that me enthralled from beginning.

      I feel a sort of "motherly love" for each of the multi•dimensional characters that makes wish this was a TV show that I could run on a loop, like "Dexter."

      Compared to "I Hunt Killers," Game moves a bit slower. But the ending! Oh eM Gee the ending!! I literally sat at my desk slack•jawed, yelling "No, no, no!!" Talk about a CLIFFHANGER! If I didn't love the sequel as much as I do... I'd be REALLY ticked off right about now!

      I hope the next book in my queue ties up all th loose ends, because I REALLY need some "closure." Thanks for sharing your mad skills Barry Lyga, this is a straight up TEN!
    • 3/5
      Oh, the ending! I guess I'll have to read the next one. I had a hard time buying that the NYPD and FBI would be relying on a 17 year old kid so heavily. There were some eye-rolling moments for me during this volume.
    • 4/5
      Characterization was a little more frustrating in this one (REALLY, CONNIE?). But still an amazing read! ★★★★☆.
    • 3/5
      (I'm starting off with spoilers for the first book. You've been warned.)In the first book, Jazz was kidnapped by the Impressionist and rescued by his friends. Also, one of Jazz's teachers was killed, and Jazz's dad, the serial killer Billy Dent, escaped from prison and killed the social worker who'd been assigned to Jazz.Now a cop from the NYPD is at Jazz's door, asking for his help. Neither the NYPD nor the FBI can find a pattern behind the Hat-Dog killings, and they think Jazz, with his unique upbringing and insight into serial killers, might be able to help. Jazz does too, so he eventually agrees to go along. His girlfriend Connie goes with him.However, there's more going on than Jazz realizes, involving his dad, his own history, and possibly even something worse than his dad.I'll start by saying that if you liked I Hunt Killer, it'd probably be a good idea to have Book 3, Blood of My Blood, on hand and ready for the moment you finish Game. I say this as someone who is currently waiting for an ILL request for the next book to go through. This ends with multiple "characters in peril" cliffhangers, and it's excruciating.Game really strained my suspension of disbelief. Jazz spent much of the first book convinced that he knew better than all of the adults around him, but they were usually smarter than he gave them credit for, just not as willing to jump to particular conclusions. In this book, Jazz suddenly had both the NYPD and the FBI treating him like an expert, and hardly anyone batted an eye at this 17-year-old coolly examining bodies and crime scene photos. Both in terms of the way Jazz was treated and in the general gruesomeness factor, this read like an adult thriller.Still, Jazz, Connie, and Howie were teens, and there were multiple times I worried about them. Well, Connie and Howie more than Jazz - other than his "fish out of water" reaction to being in a big city, he generally seemed like he could take care of himself. I worried that Connie would take on too much and push too hard in an effort to prove something to herself and to Jazz. Her being with Jazz while he was looking into the Hat-Dog killer seemed like a recipe for "girlfriend in peril, captured by the serial killer." Then there was Howie, who was even hornier than I remembered him being - he kept trying to hit on Jazz's aunt, who'd agreed to watch out for her mother, Jazz's grandmother.There was a lot of gore in this, and unfortunately one of the on-page victims was still alive during some of the horrible stuff that happened to him. No new animal violence, although Jazz had a moment where he thought about what his dad did to his dog. And the ending, oof. That made me cringe, and possibly not for reasons Lyga intended. I'm pretty sure that if you're going to use bleach to disinfect a wound, it has to be really diluted, and I'm not sure it was in that instance. (I checked the scene again - no mention that it was diluted with water, unless that somehow happened earlier. Plus there's the whole issue of proper ventilation...)While I generally found this to be interesting reading, it didn't really hook me until some revelations in the second half. I had theories about what might be going on, some of which I hoped I was wrong about due to that whole "character in peril" thing - I really didn't want any of Jazz's friends to die horribly (again, I figured Jazz, as the main character, would be safe). Annoyingly, Lyga left almost all of my questions unanswered. Here's hoping that Book 3 makes its way to me as quickly as possible. I'd like to read it while my "need to know" feeling is still strong. And when I read that book, I'll finally worry about Jazz properly.(Original review posted on A Library Girl's Familiar Diversions.)
    • 5/5
      Jazz is back, but this time he has been called to New York City to help the task force catch the Hat-Dog Killer. Maybe these murders aren't as random as they seem. Can he find the clues that the police have missed in time to save the next victim? Will Jazz ever get the chance to face his father? This series continues to deliver page-turning excitement in every chapter. I cannot wait to start the final book "Blood of My Blood". Warning: this series is not for the light-of-heart. Nor is it for younger teen readers. If you feel comfortable and feel that your teen is mature enough for Criminal Minds then they can handle this book. If the images on Criminal are too much for them, wait a couple years before introducing this series.Adults: this book is definitely for you. Don't let the YA label deter you - this will keep you up at night.
    • 4/5
      I LOVED Connie's point of views in this as well as the glimpses into the killers' an Billy's minds but I found Jazz to get a bit repetitious after a while. The story was interesting and the murders kept me going which is always a plus.
    • 4/5
      I was gifted a copy of “Game” via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. That in no way changes my opinion of this book.

      I loved book 1 and was happy that book 2 picked up shortly after where “I Hunt Killers” left off. Jazz, the son of the most infamous serial killer, along with his girlfriend, Connie, and best friend Howie find themselves wrapped up in another situation, with yet another killer on the loose. But this time, the killer is terrorizing New York City.

      Even though NYC is far from where Jazz lives, the FBI still calls upon him for help and insight. After all, he was raised by a killer, can think like a killer, and just may be the only one who can help find out who is behind all this. But he is only 17, is he really prepared for what lies ahead?

      Although I enjoyed book 2 as much, if not more, than book 1, the ending was really disappointing. I am not one for major cliffhangers, and this one left you barely holding on. Someone, please pass me book 3 asap, the suspense of what was just revealed is killing me!
    • 5/5
      Oh my god. This book was fantastic and even better than the first book! The twist was completely mind blowing and genius!
      I was turned onto the Jasper Dent series by Ashley @ Socially Awkward Bookworm. It is one of her favorite series and after reading the first book, I Hunt Killers, I could definitely see why. Occasionally I have come across sequels that just don’t measure up to the first book. In this case it was the exact opposite to that. Game was much better than I Hunt Killers! I was very pleasantly surprised when I found that I just couldn’t put this book down. Jasper’s girlfriend, Connie, plays a bigger role in this book and while I found myself wanting to scream at her through the pages, her part in the story was definitely an exciting addition. There is so much more thrill to the story now that Billy has escaped prison. The mystery surrounding the Hat-Dog Killer is so suspenseful. The entire story keeps you on the edge of your seat. Jasper’s best friend, Howie, adds the comedic touch needed to lighten the mood a bit. I definitely recommend this book and series to anyone looking for a big thrill ride that will get your adrenaline pumping.
    • 5/5
      The sequel to I Hunt Killers is just as twisted and intense as the original. Jazz, Connie, and Howie continue on their quest to hunt down Billy Dent and along the way get caught up in a maze of serial killers and gruesome games. Jazz and the gang are in danger from start to finish as they wade into a series of murders in New York. But Lobo's Nod isn't safe either. Can Jazz, Connie, & Howie figure out the murders? Will they survive? Surprise ending sets up the third and final book of the series. Great, quick read that keeps you on the edge of your seat.
    • 4/5
      Jasper Dent uses his unfortunate knowledge of how serial killers think (he was raised by one) to hunt other serial killers. In this sequel to I Hunt Killers, Jasper is headed to New York with girlfriend Constance, leaving Howie behind to help Jazz's Aunt Samantha, Jasper's only non-crazy relative, take care of Gramma. Clever set up for the plot in New York, lots of action, and a cliffhanger ending.
    • 3/5
      I Hunt Killers was a breath of fresh air -- a unique and captivating novel, even though the topic was a little too gruesome at times. Thus, I was eager to see what a sequel would contain. Unfortunately, lightning didn't strike twice, as I found Game a big let down and seemed stale instead of new.
    • 4/5
      This is book #2 of the Jasper Dent young adult series. It is even better than the first. In this book we find that Jasper's Dad has escaped from prison and Jasper is drawn into the police investigation of a serial killer in New York as he tries to prove to himself that he is not a killer.I love the plot twists in these books and the way the author keeps you on the edge of your seat rooting for Jasper's mental health. Recommended read.I also received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
    • 5/5
      A must-read for those who like psychological thriller/suspense novels. For once I was glad that I was unable to read this when if first came out as there is a horrible cliffhanger ending!
    • 5/5
      Jazz's life has gotten somewhat back to normal, or at least as normal as Jasper Dent's life could ever be. Plagued by the same questions, and the same inner battle, he just can't seem to let himself rest. The only thing that quells the demons is Jazz's new passion; hunting killers. So when New York's finest calls upon him to help catch the Hat-Dog Killer, he answers.

      Pulled out of the safety of his small town, and taken away from the people who hold him together, Game shows an even stronger Jazz than the previous book. I was amazed at how much he grew during the story. Not only is he faced with an unfamiliar city, he also has to put together the pieces of a brand new serial killer's rampage. Watching Jazz fight off his inner demons, while simultaneously hunting for a true demon, kept things moving lightning fast. True to form, Lyga throws in twists and turns galore. Just when you think you've figured things out, you haven't. Trust me, it's frustrating in the best way possible.

      Connie also plays a much bigger role in this book. Jazz's feelings for her have always been tempered with the possibility he might someday snap. That's what I loved about their relationship in the first place. However in this book we really see how strong Jazz has to be to keep his life at an even keel. Best of all, Connie gets much more hands-on with the action! She is one feisty girl, and I couldn't help but want to follow her. If there was ever a girl who was worthy of Jasper Dent, Connie is it.

      I could babble on and on about the perfectly placed clues, the brilliant writing style, or the new characters who come into play, but then this review would essentially end up as a book itself. The highest compliment I can give Barry Lyga and Game is that 528 pages flew by in what felt like seconds. I was left holding a book, with a gaping maw, and lamenting the fact that there were no more pages left to read. There's one heck of a cliffhanger here, so don't say I didn't warn you. You should definitely pick up a copy of this book and, in the meantime, I'll be sitting here. Whimpering and waiting for more.
    • 3/5
      Received via Netgalley from Little, Brown Books for Young Readers in exchange for an honest review.

      Jazz, Howie and Connie are back in the squeal to I Hunt Killers. There’s a serial killer running amok in the Big Apple and Jazz has been requested to help out the NYPD. The Hat-Dog Killer has been terrorizing the city, and a little help from the son of the most notorious serial killer might just be the remedy.
      The novel was just as much of a page turner as the first; regardless it felt like the story might have dragged near the middle. Jazz has to help the NYPD catch the Hat-Dog killer, but unfortunately the amount of time Jazz spends altering his profile of his father to fit the Hat Dog killer seemed misplaced. Not all serial killers are alike, and not all profiles start from a base serial killer (I did some research into Profiling when I was in Criminology). If I were a high ranking NYPD officer, I would have sent Jazz home immediately because profiling a man who raised you is very different from profiling someone you’ve never met. Jazz is an expert on his father, not all serial killers and to attempt to spread this over to another (unrelated) case is just ridiculous.
      To top off the negative aspects of this novel, I can’t see the NYPD asking the advice of a child – regardless of their upbringing. The world just doesn’t work that way. There is a hierarchy, and inserting Jazz into the top echelons of a murder investigation just doesn’t jibe. Not only that but the lack of media attention on the clear desperation and inappropriateness of bringing a minor in on a case, really didn’t sit well with me – regardless if this is YA fiction.
      I loved the book, and once I stopped second guessing the reality of the situation, the novel was decent. I just can’t move on from the minor hierarchical issues and the misconceptions the author has on minors in a police investigation. If Jazz is really this big of a rarity that he needs to be called in on cases that adults should be working on (and isn’t in the least bit tied to his father, which is a completely different problem concerning interests) then Jazz’s current circumstances with his nutty grandmother should have been taken care of by now.
      This book is worth the read if you like YA fiction, crime fiction or mysteries –but unlike the first it just didn’t hit the spot. Regardless, I am looking forward to the next addition to the Jasper Dent series, what happens to Jazz with this latest cliff hanger?!
    • 4/5
      I Hunt Killers introduced us to Jasper Dent, son of Billy Dent who is well known for being a notorious serial killer. Attempting to prove that he’s nothing like his father, he decides to track an apparent serial killer in his hometown. His success in bringing down the killer is noticed and in this second installment, Jasper is asked by the NYPD to come to New York City to help them catch another serial killer. Unsure of himself, but wanting to do what he can to help, Jazz goes to New York and finds himself smack dab in the middle of a game that he never wanted to play.The thing that worked for I Hunt Killers was absent in Game. In Killers, Jazz took it upon himself to hunt for the serial killer and while not completely realistic was still somewhat credible. In Game, the NYPD has requested his presence in solving a murder because they’ve been unable to stop the guy and the murders continue to pile up.Come on, really? The NYPD. Asked a teenager. The son of a serial killer. Sure, he may have brought down a serial killer in his hometown, once, but that doesn’t make him some seasoned veteran. Highly unlikely in the full scheme of things and my ability to suspend disbelief could only go so far.Jazz, Connie, and Howie all find themselves on different paths in this book and subsequently all have their own cliffhanger to boot. I much preferred the gang all together, especially because Connie and Howie’s POVs both managed to grate on my nerves. Connie made some of the most idiotic decisions ever. You knew that something bad was going to happen to her because if it didn’t it would have been completely shocking. Her complete inability to think rationally was a complete contradiction from how she was in the first book so I’m hoping she finds her brain in time for the third book. Howie was the same old Howie but his charming immaturity didn’t win me over as it did in the past mostly because his constant sexual innuendos were straight up cringe-inducing. I realize his importance in a gory tale such as this, comic relief, but I would have appreciated a bit more maturity to go with the seriousness of the situation the characters were going through.I Hunt Killers was a fabulous thriller with a Dexter-like teenager that you couldn’t help but love. I read the first installment back when it first came out, April 2012, and was desperate to get my hands on the next installment. Clearly, as you might notice, I’ve finally read it and it’s July 2015. Yeah, I’m more than a bit late. When early reviews came out, the groaning and moaning about the cliffhangers left me leery so I quickly decided that I’d just rather binge read both final installments when the third book came out. And I’m finally doing just that. I picked up the third book, Blood of My Blood, right away because you can’t not do just that after the ending(s) Lyga gives us. So word of advice? Definitely have the next book ready to go.
    • 4/5
      In I Hunt Killers, author Barry Lyga introduced readers to Jasper (Jazz) Dent, only son of Billy Dent, the world’s most infamous serial killer. Billy was grooming Jazz to continue his legacy but Jazz had other ideas and, rather than become a serial killer, he helped the police bring one down.Now, in Game, the second book in the series, there’s a serial killer known as Hat-Dog terrorizing New York and a police officer have asked Jazz for help. But this killer doesn’t follow any discernible pattern, leaving even Jazz stumped. Worse, there is every indication that Billy is somehow involved. The story is told from multiple viewpoints including that of Jazz’ girlfriend, Connie but it’s mostly from Jazz’ viewpoint and he is a very interesting and complex character. He is likable and determined to prove his father wrong but he is also manipulative and occasionally deceitful. He worries that, despite all his efforts, it would take very little to turn him into the killer his father wants him to be. Game is a real page-turner and great fun to read and I will definitely be picking up the third in the series. However, I have two caveats: first, since this is the second in a series and though the Hat-Dog murders are solved, there is clearly much more to Jazz’ story and, not too surprising, Game ends on a cliffhanger and second, this is a YA novel but there are some disturbing scenes including rape, murder, and mutilation making it unsuitable for a younger teen audience.
    • 4/5
      Holy Cliffhangers Batman! Game is pure adrenaline rush that is even better than the first volume. Jazz's expertise is needed in a series of grisly NYC murders committed by the Hat-Dog Killer. Another great book in this series. The ending left me hoping that the next book will be released quickly!
    • 4/5
      I really liked this book, but I am frustrated that it ended right in the middle of the action. I really liked how I Hunt Killers was a stand-alone book, but this one didn't follow suit. Another complaint was that the characters took SO LONG to realize the Monopoly connection which I thought was obvious early on. I do think Lyga does a great job, though, keeping the suspense up and adding just enough gory details to keep us on edge. My favorite part of the books are getting into Jazz's mind to see his inner struggle, and also seeing how much information he can draw from such tiny details. I'll definitely read the third.
    • 4/5
      Interesting sequel, but be warned that this book does not end - it just stops with multiple plot lines hanging (over the cliff).
    • 5/5
      I loved I Hunt Killers, the first book in the Jasper Dent series. As hard as that book was to read in some parts due to my own sensitivity, I found that I could not stop turning the pages to see what would happen next. I was fascinated by the story of this boy who grew up with such a horrible monster of a father and who was trying desperately not to follow in his footsteps. When that book ended I was desperate for the sequel to come out and Game (Jasper Dent, #2) does not disappoint!Jasper ends up becoming involved in trying to solve the murders of a new serial killer called Hat-Dog after a detective from New York convinces him to come see the evidence and share his insights. The murders are gruesome and escalating and have the cops confused. When a direct message to Jasper at one of the crime scenes, welcoming him to The Game, Jasper realizes that somehow his father is involved. Another page-turner, I think I even enjoyed this book more than the first. It explores more about Jasper's romantic relationship and his introspection about that and his own nature and past. Creepy, but compelling, I'd recommend this book to anyone fascinated by people who become serial killers and what might become of the children they have in the midst of their crimes.
    • 5/5
      GAHH!! Amazing!!! I loved the first Jasper Dent book (I Hunt Killers) so I assumed I would like the sequel. Wrong! I LOVED LOVED LOVED it! It may even be better than the first one. Seriously so good.This time around the story follows not only Jazz, but his hot black girlfriend Connie and his best friend, Howie. The three of them all have adventures of their own to deal with it, adventures that are more connected then they realize.Jazz shoots off to New York where the NYPD have asked for his expertise on the serial murderer, the hat-dog killer (i'll admit at first I was skeptical that NYPD would ask for a teenager for help but as the story went on it did seem plausible). Jazz uses all the knowledge his dad (the worst serial murderer of all time) imparted on him to help out as much as he can. Back in his home town, Howie and his aunt look after Jazz's seriously crazy grandma and Connie starts to get weird texts asking if she wants to join the game.This book is so fast paced and amazing that you don't even realize it's over 500 pages. You fly through it and wish there was more at the end. Seriously must read. I am eagerly eagerly awaiting the next book in the series. This is hands down one of the best books I've read this year. A real nail biter that leaves you wanting more. Barry Lyga really does his homework and the details, the graphic crime scenes, intricate plot lines, and super amazing characters makes it hard to believe that this book is for young adults.
    • 3/5
      I was so looking forward to reading "Game," but unfortunately I was ultimately disappointed by the book. The unlikely-to-happen-in-real-life elements that I could excuse in "I Hunt Killers" (such as the Sheriff allowing Jazz in the investigation) were just too many in this one - now the FBI and NYC police were involving Jazz, an underage minor, in their investigation, without filling out any sort of paperwork? Connie decided to act TSTL. Howie hit on a much older woman. Billy Dent apparently has godlike powers and can plan things decades in advance. Oh, and the book ends in a cliff-hanger. It really should have been called "Game: Part I."
    • 5/5
      I don’t think its possible for me to put in words how utterly brilliant this author is. Not only did he manage to give me nightmares, but his characters have slithered in my mind to stay. *shudders*Plot. This plot is so fantastically done that I can not seem to get it out of my mind. Every part of crazy talk and watching Jasper put together murders is scary yet exciting every single time. I was not even half way through the book and went to bed only to have a nightmare about Billy Dent. Barry, you have officially messed with my head. A very good suspenseful plot, once you read this there is not turning back.Love. There is a love interest that went from good to bad in a matter of minutes. Jasper thought he can keep her safe. He thought he can keep her locked away from dear old daddy. He is wrong. Every step that Connie took to becoming closer to Jasper, I knew it would end bad. I had a gut feeling that when you try to hide something it will only come out. At this point, I’m desperate for the third book.Warped Story. If you enjoy psychological thrillers you seriously need to check this book out. I mean, what grasps me as the reader is the messed up life and childhood that Jasper had. Barry Lyga did an amazing job letting the reader get close enough to know and see what Jasper is feeling. Your able to connect with him and see the crazy, mess up childhood he had with Billy. To see what Billy taught and instilled in Jasper’s head. It’s thrilling to know what Jasper knows, still you get goosebumps of how easy it would be for Jasper to follow the same path as his father. Especially since Jasper is fighting his past and knowledge every single day.Just a few passages of Game and you are enthralled to read till the end. It’s like some force came over your mind and you can’t stop reading till the last page. Game is a well written, thought provoking story with promise and excitement. A sensational thriller unlike any other, Game is frighteningly amazing. R u game to play?
    • 4/5
      Review courtesy of Dark Faerie Tales.Quick & Dirty: This was a very intense mystery filled with fascinating characters, and a suspenseful plot. It defiantly has a really creepy vibe to it, but it is a really enjoyable read.Opening Sentence: She had screamed, but she had not cried.The Review: Jasper dent, better known as Jazz, is 17 years old and he is the only child of the notorious serial killer Billy Dent. Four years ago his father was caught and put in prison and Jazz has been living with his crazy Grandmother ever since, but four months ago Billy broke out of prison and Jazz is just waiting for Billy to contact him. Jazz was not only raised by Billy, he was being groomed to take over the family business. Billy wanted nothing more than for Jazz to carry on his legacy and become the world’s most renowned serial killer, but Jazz has other plans. Jazz is wired to be a killer, but instead he uses all the knowledge that Billy taught him to try and help catch killers instead.Meanwhile there is a new threat roaming around New York City called the Hat-Dog killer. He has been killing victims for the last eight months and the NYPD is stumped. They can’t figure out his patterns, and they are nowhere near figuring out his identity. They come to Jazz for help. Armed with his special ability to see inside a serial killers head he looks at the evidence and tries to find what the cops missed. Even Jazz seems to be slightly stumped by the killer but as things start to unravel Jazz discovers that the man he hates most might be behind the killings, his father.Jazz is a fascinating character. As you see inside his head, you see how torn he is between what he was taught and what he feels is right. Jazz doesn’t ever want to be a killer, but he is scared that one day something will trigger and he will become one. He feels so much guilt from all the deaths that he feels are his fault. Billy killed for years and Jazz never turned him in and Jazz can never forgive himself for it. On the flip side of things, Jazz really is a good person. He knows how to manipulate people to get whatever he wants, but he uses it to do good most the time. He doesn’t know if he has a soul, but he is doing everything in his power to prove that he is a good person. Of course he has scars and opening up to people is hard for him, but he is trying. I loved Jazz; he is so interesting and unique. I really enjoyed seeing his complex personality and I can’t wait to read more of his story.This story is actually told from multiple points of view. We mostly are in Jazz’s head but at times we also get to hear from his girlfriend, Connie. Connie and Jazz have been together for almost a year now and out of everyone he seems to be the most open with her, but it still seems that he is careful with how much he will let her in. Connie loves Jazz and she knows that deep down he is a really good guy, but there are times when she can see the Billy side of him. She is extremely independent and at times she makes really dumb decisions and that frustrated me a little bit.This is the second book in the series and I actually haven’t read the first book yet, but this one stood on its own just fine. I have heard amazing things about the first book and after reading this one I will defiantly be picking it up. The plot was very suspenseful and full of surprises. One minute you thought you had things figured out and then all the sudden Lyga would throw in something you totally weren’t expecting. It was really intense the whole way through and there were some really creepy moments. Usually, I am not a fan of scary books, but this one kept me on edge and I really couldn’t put it down. Some of the secondary characters bugged me a little bit at times, but overall I really enjoyed this book. I do have to say that the ending is probably one of the worst cliffhangers I have ever read, so I can’t wait until the next book comes out. I would highly recommend this to anyone that enjoys YA thrillers or mysteries, it will not disappoint.Notable Scene:The killer sat in his easy chair, the remains of a homecooked meal on the coffee table before him. The TV blathered the sorts of banalities his wife enjoyed—socalled reality TV, in which people competed to prove their superiority over one another. The killer tolerated the show, even pretended to enjoy it. One player and one alone captured his attention, a dental hygienist from Spokane, who spoke with a slight lisp and had hair the color of clarified butter and eyes so big and blue that he wanted to pop them out and eat them.The killer had never eaten eyes. Or any other part of a human body. But he now desperately, desperately wanted to. The thought consumed him in a familiar, caressing way. He knew this feeling. It had been with him most of his life. He could not remember a time in his life when he could look at a woman and not want to possess her. Possess was an important word. It meant much. It meant to own. It meant to maintain one’s calm. It meant to captivate and enter like a demon, though the killer did not believe in such bogus and repugnant claptrap.It also meant to have intercourse with.The killer wanted to own women. In every way. And he had, indeed, owned many. Even the ones he found possessed (that word again!) of subpar appearance he yearned to own, for to own meant to be able to destroy.Tall, short, thin, fat, ugly, gorgeous, black, white, all shades between and beyond… He wanted them all. For his own. So that no one else could have them. His to use and to keep or discard as he saw fit.He had spent much of his life dreaming of this. Dreaming of captive women, compelled to do as he commanded. Dreaming of them on their knees before him, subject to his whims—beaten or comforted, killed or succored, raped or loved.The dreams could not be sated. Not by anything he watched or touched or knew. Only finding her (any “her”) and owning her, making her his in every way, could satisfy his needs.FTC Advisory: Little, Brown Young Readers/Hachette Book Group provided me with a copy of Game. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.