Book Review: Show Game

July 13, 2024

A mysterious vigilante abducts powerful abusers and exposes them in a twisted “Show Game,” in this psychological thriller by the author of The Preserve.

The pandemic may be over, but the world is not safe for those who prey on the innocent. A vigilante known by the alias “Alex” knows what these transgressors have done. And taking them captive is only the first step toward vengeance. In order to be set free, they must first play the Show Game . . .

A predatory priest, a double-dealing politician, a fraudulent philanthropist—Alex has ways of making them confess, on camera, for all the world to witness. But the Show Game is building toward a darkly personal finale: exposing society’s most notorious and evil abuser.

As Alex gets closer to the main event, investigative reporter Owen Tanaka is determined to unmask the vigilante’s true identity and motive. But when a shocking revelation hits close to home, Owen must decide whether to stop a criminal mastermind’s devious scheme . . . or let the Show Game play its final round.

“Show Game is not only a high-octane thriller, it’s an urgent and timely reckoning for the sins of the past. A thriller crackling with heart and soul.” —Jahmal Mayfield, author of Smoke Kings

My Review

I did like this book. It is always great to see a vigilante bring down the "bad" guys. Thus, when the bad guys are served their justice, you don't feel bad for what happens to them. Reality/game shows are still popular shows.

Having the mysterious Alex broadcast to the whole world in the form of a show game with the bad guys confessing their crimes is poetic justice. While Alex maybe one step ahead of Owen on exposing the truth, Owen soon comes to realize that they both have the same end game goal.

I did find this book to be a quick read. As I stated the concept of this book is a really good one. Yet, I did find myself struggling to find a connection to the characters overall. Therefore, I did struggle to always comprehend what was happening at any given time. Overall, I still did like this book.

About the Author

Steve Anderson is the author of the Kaspar Brothers novels: The Losing Role, Liberated, Lost Kin, and Lines of Deception. Under False Flags is the prequel to his novel The Preserve. Anderson was a Fulbright Fellow in Germany and is a literary translator of bestselling German fiction as well as a freelance editor. He lives in Portland, Oregon.