Midwest Book Review
Death Game, Reviewed by Mayra Calvani
CG expert Cooper O’Brian’s life turns upside down when her younger brother, a troubled teenager, is accused of murdering another boy in what looks like a deadly game. In spite of the evidence, including a tape which shows her brother shooting the victim, Cooper believes something just doesn’t feel right. Is the tape fake? How can she prove it? With her brother on the run and the authorities after him, Cooper begins to investigate on her own… only to discover a bottomless vortex of deceit, rage and death.
As the story unfolds it becomes obvious that something much more sinister and terrifying than a simple murder is stake. Twisted computer games, ‘closed cities’, terrorism, and a massive conspiracy mix together to create a suspenseful thriller that will touch readers in an emotional level. Its horrifying implications are not far from reality in the present world we live in.
Though the story is written in first person, which is somewhat unusual for a thriller, talented author Cheryl Swanson maintains a quick pace that reaches a spine-tingling, heart-stopping climax. Sensitive readers who are easily offended by explicit language should be aware that this book contains its fair share of it. Swanson’s style is characterized by a stabbing wit and razor-sharp sentences that suit the plot and add momentum to the pace. An impressive debut novel by a promising author.
“Sharp, fast-paced mystery. An intricate plot
with fine characterization and plenty of surprises.”
Foreword Magazine
“Spine-tingling, heart-stopping climax.”
Midwest Book Review
“Stunning…a great thriller.”
Epinions“An impressive debut by a promising author.”
TCM Review
“Kept me on the edge of my chair from the very first chapter.”
Edgar nominee, Jeffrey Marks
“Gripping entertainment. Plays across the brain like a fast-paced movie.”
Author, Jackie Griffey
“Local trivia abounds. San Francisco is vividly portrayed.”
Richmond Review
“Twisted computer games, closed cities, terrorism and a massive conspiracy mix together to create a suspenseful thriller.”
The Habitual Reader
Death Game, Review by M.D. Benoit, mystery-sci-fi author of the Jack Meter case files and Synergy
What would push Cooper O'Brien's brother Jimmie to shoot and kill another teenager, one he didn't even know? The evidence is there: a tape of the shooting, with Jimmie's face clear as day on it. But Jimmie isn't there to defend himself. He disappeared, leaving behind the murder weapon.
What follows is Cooper's quest to prove her brother innocent, despite all the evidence against him. As she gathers facts, the situation becomes more and more complex. Is everyone involved in a dark, secret plot, including her ex-husband and her ex-lover? Where is Jimmie, and what would have impelled him to kill? Did his beloved video games hide a darker side to them?
Death Game hits the ground running, and never stops. With this first novel, Swanson impresses with complexity of plot, intricate characters, thrilling suspense, and a final chase worthy of a James Bond movie. Swanson also gave Cooper O'Brien a sharp, gutsy, sarcastic tone that goes extremely well with her neurotic toughness.
Death Game is a satisfying read that ends in a thrilling climax. No cheating and reading the ending first, though! Buy it and read it first page to last—you’ll be glad you did.
Busting Loose, Reviewed by Skip Crayton, author of The Letter Sweater
Sandra Mercer, the heroine of my love story, The Letter Sweater is a breast cancer survivor. During my research, I found very little in print about the disease that really “told it like it is.” Fortunately, I found a survivor willing to open up her life to me so that I could understand the vastness of this illness. The hours of interviews helped to make Sandra a real character. If I’d had access to Cheryl Swanson’s new book, Busting Loose, I’d been able to gain that same understanding—something that is now available to everyone. Cheryl holds nothing back and answers all the questions and more; from the shock of discovery, to what’s next, to available options, to how to deal with life beyond diagnosis and surgery. She answers questions as simple as buying a bathing suit to those as complex and personal as sex after surgery. One touching and funny chapter titled Kissing Momma’s Boo-Boo, deals with her child’s reaction to her reconstruction. Although the book is hugely informative, to me the best part is that it reads like a conversation with an old friend. Breast Cancer does not just affect the individual; it affects the entire family If there is one book that is a must read for those facing breast cancer, Busting Loose goes beyond anything else in print.