If you’re someone who likes thrillers that feel fast, cinematic, and just a smidge (in a good way) dramatic, Game of Nines is honestly a pretty fun ride. This is one of those stories that feels like it was meant to be listened to and not read and it actually works in this “straight to Audible” format.
The premise from the first scene is super gripping. A serial killer, 'The Nines Killer', appears 9 years after each of his killings, commits the crime and and vanishes without a trace. However, what follows is, after every murder, they invite three investigators to solve the case within seven days. In the event of failure, the killer will simply disappear again for nine years. It is gripping, a little theatrical, and most importantly built around that tension of the ticking clock.
Our FMC is Sarah Cole who is a data specialist for the FBI who is most definitely not a field agent. So when she starts getting some creepy-ass letters from a killer essentially saying “I’ve pulled off the perfect murder, catch me if you can” that’s a huge blow to her comfort zone. What makes her a great protagonist is this very thing. She’s not only intelligent but also anxious, aware and is not magically brilliant. You truly sense the strain she experiences.
She ultimately joins forces with two other investigators, one an LASD detective and the other an Israeli agent, and their interplay adds a lot. The team doesn’t get along just fine, there are many arguments, clashes of ego, second guessing and different ways to solve the case. The tension at play makes even the more lowkey investigation scenes entertaining, something which is a must when telling a mostly clue-and-deduction driven tale.
When it comes to clues… this is where the book is a bit hit and miss. There is something truly compelling about the mystery itself. The fact that all these murders are attributed to “game of nines” since 1952 just makes it all pretty creepy and almost mythical. You began to wonder if it was one person. A generational business? Something larger? The implementation of that mysterious feeling is done really well.
However, some of the conclusions seem a bit too hasty at the same time. There are times when the investigators quickly draw firm conclusions, and you are left wondering: How did we arrive to that? Although it does not entirely diminish the experience, it indeed causes some twists to feel less deserved than they could have been. If you are someone who loves very logical step by step mysteries this might frustrate you.
The pace of the book great. The brief and striking scenes, varying movements, and just a touch of suspense at the end of each scene are enough to keep you going. You feel that style propelling the narrative forward even in audio form. The book delivers a nice balance of action and character moments without feeling overly packed.
What really steals the show? The audio production. This is where the excellence of the book is truly revealed. The involvement of the entire cast makes a huge difference. Shailene Woodley voices Sarah Cole, absolutely nailing that combination of intelligence, vulnerability and sheer determination. The anxiety, the uncertainty, the need, it’s all so palpable and real.
The supporting performances from Morena Baccarin, Sasha Roiz, and Ben Shenkman provide excellent support. With each character having their own unique tone and personality, it never feels confusing or flat. It’s less like an audiobook and more like a TV miniseries playing in your ears. This makes it pretty engaging especially for something you might listen to on your commute or a short trip.
To sum this up, it is a thriller which is pure entertainment. This is fast, dramatic and a little over-the-top at times; but is also really gripping. The idea is clever, it is easy to root for the protagonist and the audio makes everything better.
Is it perfect? no. Some plot points feel hurried, and perhaps the logic seems off for a few events. But, is it gripping enough to make you want to listen to “just one more chapter?” Totally.
If you like puzzles about serial killers, high-stake time frames and stories that feel like they should be a movie, this is for you. A thriller that’s short, fast, energetic, and just twisty enough to keep you guessing till the end. It’s exactly what you want from a book like that.