Official Review: Playing the Badger Game by Robert Henson

[Awilson531]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Playing the Badger Game" by Robert Henson.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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Playing the Badger Game by Robert Henson is a fantastically gripping novel in which the reader is enticed into a world of historical crime and mystery. Set in the U.K., It follows the story of a number of specially equipped detectives and crime solving people in their quest to solve a number of crimes, and their intense interactions with the antagonist of the story as they seek to become the heroes of the hour and overcome several hurdles in their path.

I found this to be one of the most gripping books I have ever read. With many twists and turns, this book is exceptionally fast paced and includes many moments that will make the reader sit at the edge of their seat, particularly during parts filled with danger and near death experiences. The characterisation of Max Campbell and Yvonne Hall in particular was sublime, in that the tension in particular moments was so high as I felt as though these characters were really with me.

As well as the gripping aspect of the book, I liked the actual plot the most. I am not usually a keen crime novel reader, however Playing the Badger Game may have just introduced me to a new genre of books. I liked that the book was exciting the whole way through, with almost no moments slow or dull. I think this aspect really helped me engage with the book in a new way I have never experienced, which left me very satisfied once I finished. The content of the plot explores a world which I am a stranger to, with its' focus on crimes including prostitution, yet I was so engrossed I felt at the end as though I was entirely familiar with each and every character and the settings. I also liked how exceptionally well edited this book was, with no errors spotted.

I would have to say that the part of the book I disliked the most was the overuse at points of description and explanation in place of dialogue. I found that often places I'd expect dialogue to crop up were in fact lengthy sections of descriptive detail. This was not a massive issue or negative when reading, but it did leave me feeling as though I could have heard from the characters more to save heavy inference and description. However, I understand that for some, this may actually add to the suspense by leaving us as readers guessing at times, so I would not deduct a star for this point.

I am going to award Playing the Badger Game 4 out of 4 stars for several reasons. Not only was it very well edited, an excellent length and expertly written, it was also a perfect introduction for me into the crime genre. I thoroughly enjoyed the gripping plot and the dynamics between the protagonists and antagonists, as well as the historical feel with the novel being set in the 1980's. Overall, I'd recommend this book to anyone who has a free day to read because this is not a book that you can put down and forget about! However, this read is perhaps not suitable for young adults due to the focus on prostitution, brothels and other crime.

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Playing the Badger Game
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[Wy_Bertram]

I'm ordinarily a big fan of crime novels but I'm doubly curious about this one. The cover is really gripping, and you did an amazing job on the review.

[NetMassimo]

Historical fiction is not my thing, but the 1980s are a time when I was growing up, not history. The mystery seems intriguing with well-developed plot and characters. Thank you for your great review!

[Pearl Akpan]

I’m a big fan of crime thrillers so thanks for a well written review.

[EudoraMac]

Amazing review!
I love crime thrillers so I'll be sure to add this to my shelf!
Thank You.

[Kola+wole]

Fast paced and enjoyable review. Well done.

[BraItu]

I love the fact that it is well edited... Seems like a good book to read