About the Book
Book: Stratagem
Author: Robin Caroll
Genre: Christian Suspense
Release Date: November 2018
A High-Stakes Simulation Adventure Leaves Grayson Thibodeaux the Prime Suspect… .for Murder
Deep in the gritty underbelly of New Orleans, psychologist Grayson Thibodeaux loses everything when his wife leaves him to climb her company’s corporate ladder. He buries himself in his job of creating mind-bending adventure games for businesses as team-building explorations. When his ex-wife’s company hires Grayson’s to create an elaborate game, he doesn’t see how things can get worse. Until she dies during the course of the game he created…making him the prime suspect for murder.
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MY REVIEW:
Usually movies are inspired by books, but the note in the back of the book says Stratagem was hatched after the author watched Michael Douglas and Sean Penn in The Game. Having not watched the movie, it appears the book borrows the basic premise of the movie (a living game), inserts its own characters and adds an additional twist, with themes of forgiveness and acceptance. Grayson Thibodeaux and his partner, Colton York, design living games to build team spirit and test the mettle of a person. When their game is used to determine a promotion in Thibodeaux’s ex-wife’s firm, she ends up dead and Thibodeaux finds himself the main suspect.
Stratagem is a very fast-paced book with the urgent rhythm of a police force out to solve a murder ASAP. The fact that the characters are in a live game ups the tension and stress for both characters and readers. I thought maybe this time I figured out who-dun-nit. But no, the author, Robin Caroll, had a better idea, and my heart was beating triple time by the book’s end.
I have one issue with the book. That would be that Caroll couldn’t convince me that Danielle Witz’s attitude fit her otherwise mature personality. I could see the villain’s thinking being this skewed, but not Detective Witz’s, not even in just this one area. It just doesn’t ring true for me.
Having said all that, the action and thrills gave me enough satisfaction to rate this book a five star. I received s complimentary copy of the book from the author and the publisher through NetGalley. I was not required to leave a positive review, and all opinions are my responsibility.
Quotable about addictions:
“It’s never about the debts or consequences, only about being able to feed the high.”
About the Author
“I love boxing. I love Hallmark movies. I love fishing. I love scrapbooking. Nope, I’ve never fit into the boxes people have wanted to put me in.” Robin Caroll is definitely a contradiction, but one that beckons you to get to know her better. Robin’s passion has always been to tell stories to entertain others and come alongside them on their faith journey—aspects Robin weaves into each of her twenty-five-plus published novels. When she isn’t writing, Robin spends quality time with her husband of nearly three decades, her three beautiful daughters and two handsome grandsons, and their character-filled pets at home. Robin gives back to the writing community by serving as executive director/conference director for ACFW. Her books have been recognized in such contests as the Carol Award, Holt Medallion, Daphne du Maurier, RT Reviewer’s Choice Award, Bookseller’s Best, and Book of the Year.
You can find out more about Robin by visiting www.robincaroll.com.
Guest post from Robin
Behind the Scenes: Robin Caroll Shares Her Inspiration for Writing Stratagem
Dear Reader,
Thank you for journeying to New Orleans in a web of deceit and confusion with me. Sharing a place that has such connection for me was a pure joy. South Louisiana offers such a laid-back attitude that I often miss “home.” I hope you’ll enjoy sampling a taste of the flavor of Louisiana.
Years ago I watched the movie The Game with Michael Douglas and Sean Penn and was enthralled. There’s just something grabbing about messing with a person’s mind and life by using their own feelings and instincts against them. When this story of Stratagem first began forming, I wanted to use all that intrigue to mess up the game master’s life. The end result is quite the ride!
As the characters came alive to me, I found the theme of forgiveness and acceptance coming out in the story. Some of the emotions within this story are very personal to me, and I’m honored I was able to share them with you. It is my wish that you may be touched by Grayson’s faith journey as well.
Until next time. . .
-Robin
Blog Stops
Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, November 17
Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, November 17
Midnight Bookaholic, November 17
Back Porch Reads, November 18
Rebekah’s Quill, November 18
Real World Bible Study, November 18
By The Book, November 19
Reading Is My SuperPower, November 19
Genesis 5020, November 19
All-of-a-kind Mom, November 19
Lighthouse Academy, November 20
Inklings and notions, November 20
D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, November 21
Splashes of Joy, November 21
Moments, November 21
Just the Write Escape, November 22
Mary Hake, November 22
Simple Harvest Reads, November 22 (Guest post from Mindy Houng)
Bigreadersite, November 22
Aryn The Libraryan , November 23
Multifarious, November 23
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 23
Bibliophile Reviews, November 24
Remembrancy, November 24
amandainpa, November 24
Margaret Kazmierczak, November 25
Pause for Tales, November 25
Book by Book, November 25
Livin Lit, November 26
Ashley’s Bookshelf, November 26
Baker kella, November 26
Daysong Reflections, November 27
Texas Book-aholic, November 27
Painting with Words, November 28
Maureen’s Musings, November 28
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 28
Janices book reviews, November 29
Carpe Diem, November 29
A Baker’s Perspective, November 29
Godly Book Reviews, November 30
Tell Tale Book Reviews, November 30
Reader’s Cozy Corner, November 30
Giveaway
To celebrate her tour, Robin is giving away a grand prize of a $25 Amazon gift card and a copy of Stratagem!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter. https://promosimple.com/ps/d629/stratagem-celebration-tour-giveaway
ack on his life of crime and now uses his skills for a nation at war. But not until he rescues a clockmaker’s daughter from a mugging does he begin to wonder what his future might hold.
