Fun & Games – The Review
Written by Nikki-ann on Sunday, 13 November , 2011 at 4:34 pm
Author: Duane Swierczynski
Publisher: Mulholland Books
ISBN: 978-1-444-70756-4
Charlie Hardie, ex-cop turned housesitter, takes a job guarding the well-hidden house of musician Andrew Lowenbruck in LA’s Hollywood Hills. All he has to do is make sure it’s secure and doesn’t burn down while it’s owner is away. That shouldn’t be too hard, should it?
Unfortunately, things start to go downhill when Charlie discovers an unwanted guest – Lane Madden, a B-list actress claiming she’s being hunted by professional hitmen. Charlie thinks she’s just a crazy, doped up, paranoid actress. But he’s wrong and the hitmen aren’t letting anyone out alive.
Fun & Games is the first book to feature Charlie Hardie and what a great start to a trilogy it is. It’s a non-stop, pacey, action-packed thriller with a little humour injected. I could easily see this being converted into a Hollywood blockbuster. I read the whole book in just two sittings as I just couldn’t put it down due to its perpetual momentum.
I can’t wait to read what’s next for this character. Charlie Hardie is very much a 3D character – honest, flawed but pushes the boundaries. I like how he hopes this is all a dream and he’ll wake up on the sofa in front of the TV with a beer in his hand. Unfortunately, life isn’t that easy!
Fun & Games is all about survival and Charlie Hardie is perhaps the ultimate survivor, though he really is on the edge.
A highly recommended read!
I have to thank Milo from Milo’s Rambles for recommending this book to me, and Hodder & Stoughton for sending me a copy to review. I thoroughly enjoyed it and look forward to reading the second Charlie Hardie thriller, Hell & Gone (which I already have here waiting to be read!).
Buy Fun & Games by Duane Swierczynski.
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Please note: I received this book free from Hodder & Stoughton in return for a review. However, this has in no way influenced my opinion of the book.
Comments (8)
Category: Books,Crime,Reviews,Thriller
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Comment by Yvonne
Made Sunday, 13 of November , 2011 at 5:55 pm
Hi Nikki,
This sounds like a real tongue-in-cheek read, that’s easy on the eye and without too deep a plot.
We all need one of these occasionally, at least that’s the conclusion I came to, after reading and thoroughly enjoying one such book, a few months ago.
This would be a great addition to my reading list in that space, although I think that the cover art I found on this site, for the book, is much more in keeping with the storyline and characters, see what you think.
http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/s/duane-swierczynski/fun-and-games.htm
Great review, hope that you have had a good weekend.
Comment by Imaginography
Made Sunday, 13 of November , 2011 at 6:08 pm
It’s a shame I can never find enough time to read as my list of books grows and grows! This one could well be added though! Thanks for a great review 
Do you still do any photography?
Bobkat
Comment by Yvonne
Made Sunday, 13 of November , 2011 at 7:27 pm
This sounds like a really good read. Great review!
Comment by Lucy
Made Sunday, 13 of November , 2011 at 8:20 pm
You always find really interesting titles. I like these pulp thrillers set in my hometown and this one sounds very exciting. I’d also be more likely to pick up this cover than the US edition. Great review.
Comment by OldOldLady Of The Hills
Made Sunday, 13 of November , 2011 at 9:26 pm
This sounds like a book I should read—living in The Hollywood Hills, as I do….! I will look for it! Thanks, Nikki-ann.
Comment by Shelleyrae
Made Monday, 14 of November , 2011 at 11:32 pm
Sounds like a good read! Thanks for sharing your review
Shelleyrae
http://www.bookdout.wordpress.com
Comment by Petty Witter
Made Wednesday, 16 of November , 2011 at 6:32 pm
Non-stop, pacey, action-packed thriller and with some humour – now, this sounds just like my kind of read, thanks for recommending it.
Comment by Kathleen
Made Monday, 28 of November , 2011 at 8:06 pm
Well now I see that I read your review out of order. I needed to read this one first so I would learn about the start of the trilogy! I’ve never heard about this author or series before and appreciate learning about it!
