elle_loves_reading's review
4.0
The Long Game is a nice easy weekend read. The characters were believable and very engaging. I especially liked Zoe and her service dog, Harry. They make a great team. This is a fast paced whodunnit thriller with a great plot. Some surprising twists precede the big reveal. I would very much like to read more of Zoe and Harry's adventures.
Thank you to NetGalley and Text Publishing for an ARC to read and review.
Published on 3rd August, 2021
Thank you to NetGalley and Text Publishing for an ARC to read and review.
Published on 3rd August, 2021
nedge's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
kbranfield's review
4.0
4.5 stars.
The Long Game by Simon Rowell is a cunning mystery with a marvelous lead protagonist.
Detective Sergeant Zoe Mayer has been on leave for the last several months and she is eager to get back to work. Her first case is the murder of thirty-nine-year-old Ray Carlson who everyone says was a great guy. He is recently separated from his soon to be ex-wife, Donna and he enjoys surfing with his childhood friend Dwayne Harley. With her service dog Harry at her side, Zoe and her partner Detective Senior Constable Charlie Shaw are soon on the hunt for Ray’s killer.
Zoe is an experienced homicide detective who has sharp instincts and a keen intellect. She is quick to reassure Charlie and their boss Detective Inspector Rob Loretti she does not need any coddling. Zoe is not an investigator to take things at face value and she can be tenacious when she has doubts about how solid her case is. She works hard to present a calm exterior even when she is frustrated so no one can doubt her fitness for duty. She can easily hold her own when some of her fellow detectives try to rattle her. But will Zoe take unnecessary risks as she attempts to ensure they have the arrested the right person for Ray’s murder?
The Long Game is a riveting police procedural with a well-developed storyline that is fast-paced. Zoe is a crack detective who is willing to follow her hunches in order to make sure justice is served. Charlie is a good partner but he sometimes does not always have Zoe’s back. The investigation into Ray’s death is wrapped up fairly easily but when new information comes to light, Zoe does not hesitate to take a second look at her case. Despite a few hints here and there, the reason for her extended leave remains shrouded in mystery. With stunning twists and devious turns, Simon Rowell brings this outstanding mystery to a thrilling conclusion.
The Long Game by Simon Rowell is a cunning mystery with a marvelous lead protagonist.
Detective Sergeant Zoe Mayer has been on leave for the last several months and she is eager to get back to work. Her first case is the murder of thirty-nine-year-old Ray Carlson who everyone says was a great guy. He is recently separated from his soon to be ex-wife, Donna and he enjoys surfing with his childhood friend Dwayne Harley. With her service dog Harry at her side, Zoe and her partner Detective Senior Constable Charlie Shaw are soon on the hunt for Ray’s killer.
Zoe is an experienced homicide detective who has sharp instincts and a keen intellect. She is quick to reassure Charlie and their boss Detective Inspector Rob Loretti she does not need any coddling. Zoe is not an investigator to take things at face value and she can be tenacious when she has doubts about how solid her case is. She works hard to present a calm exterior even when she is frustrated so no one can doubt her fitness for duty. She can easily hold her own when some of her fellow detectives try to rattle her. But will Zoe take unnecessary risks as she attempts to ensure they have the arrested the right person for Ray’s murder?
The Long Game is a riveting police procedural with a well-developed storyline that is fast-paced. Zoe is a crack detective who is willing to follow her hunches in order to make sure justice is served. Charlie is a good partner but he sometimes does not always have Zoe’s back. The investigation into Ray’s death is wrapped up fairly easily but when new information comes to light, Zoe does not hesitate to take a second look at her case. Despite a few hints here and there, the reason for her extended leave remains shrouded in mystery. With stunning twists and devious turns, Simon Rowell brings this outstanding mystery to a thrilling conclusion.
zombieslayer's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
textpublishing's review
The following book reviews have been shared by Text Publishing – publisher of The Long Game
‘The Long Game is a nail-biting ride. Detective Sergeant Zoe Mayer and her service dog, Harry, kept me enthralled to the end.’
Greg Woodland, author of The Night Whistler
‘A sharply written, vividly set page-turner, inhabited by memorable characters, including Harry the loyal service dog.’
Tania Chandler, author of All That I Remember About Dean Cola
‘Beautifully written, this clever crime thriller kept me hooked till the end.’
Sara Foster, bestselling author of You Don’t Know Me
'Gripping and pacy, The Long Game is [a] great read from a local author.’
Readings
’This is a very entertaining crime novel that is elevated above much of the competition by its easy flowing style, nicely limned characters, vivid descriptions and strong sense of credibility. A terrific read.’
Canberra Weekly
‘An absolute cracker.’
Urban List
’The start of what one selfishly hopes is a long series…with heaps of potential, good characters and an interesting, complicated and tricky central plot.’
AustCrime
‘Compulsive reading.’
Canberra Times
‘The Long Game is a nail-biting ride. Detective Sergeant Zoe Mayer and her service dog, Harry, kept me enthralled to the end.’
Greg Woodland, author of The Night Whistler
‘A sharply written, vividly set page-turner, inhabited by memorable characters, including Harry the loyal service dog.’
Tania Chandler, author of All That I Remember About Dean Cola
‘Beautifully written, this clever crime thriller kept me hooked till the end.’
Sara Foster, bestselling author of You Don’t Know Me
'Gripping and pacy, The Long Game is [a] great read from a local author.’
Readings
’This is a very entertaining crime novel that is elevated above much of the competition by its easy flowing style, nicely limned characters, vivid descriptions and strong sense of credibility. A terrific read.’
Canberra Weekly
‘An absolute cracker.’
Urban List
’The start of what one selfishly hopes is a long series…with heaps of potential, good characters and an interesting, complicated and tricky central plot.’
AustCrime
‘Compulsive reading.’
Canberra Times
majic's review
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
laurenmvmills's review
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
bibliobliss_au's review
4.0
During a sweltering Melbourne summer, Detective Sergeant Zoe Mayer makes her return from extended leave and is keen to dive straight back into work - but now with her new service dog, Harry, by her side. After a man is found dead with a knife in his chest, an arrest is made and the case appears closed. But Zoe’s instincts tell her there’s more to this case and she pursues an investigation that puts her career and life at risk.
This was a really great read and an impressive debut. The story zipped along at speed & I thoroughly enjoyed the ride.
Zoe is a great lead, she’s tough, makes smart decisions & backs herself. I loved the representation of a protagonist with a service dog and that Zoe never expressed doubt in her abilities while requiring this additional support. The reveal of her past trauma was gripping and well-paced.
Is this the start of a series featuring Zoe & her service doggo Harry? I hope so!
Recommended for crime mystery fans!
A big thanks to Text Publishing for sending me an uncorrected proof of this book.
This was a really great read and an impressive debut. The story zipped along at speed & I thoroughly enjoyed the ride.
Zoe is a great lead, she’s tough, makes smart decisions & backs herself. I loved the representation of a protagonist with a service dog and that Zoe never expressed doubt in her abilities while requiring this additional support. The reveal of her past trauma was gripping and well-paced.
Is this the start of a series featuring Zoe & her service doggo Harry? I hope so!
Recommended for crime mystery fans!
A big thanks to Text Publishing for sending me an uncorrected proof of this book.