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lshea24's review
2.0
Not very original kind of boring and predictable the book dragged... the only shocking part was arty and jim being adopted
sea_caummisar's review
4.0
end of 2023/ beginning 2024 reread (actually Audible version, which was excellent)
fratnanny's review against another edition
2.0
I am thanking the universe that this book was a relatively quick read because I had to finish it for my readathon (yes, another readathon). The only reason I am giving it 2 stars and not 1 is because "Bad Games" started out pretty good. The family going on vacation, mom, dad, and two kids. Then they get approached by a weird dude at a gas station. This is where I hit the first bump in the road. I don't care what some stranger would tell me if we went to the same college, but I sure as shit wouldn't have told him my entire plans for the week and let him pay for gas. I mean, honestly, who does that?
Coincidentally this stranger is a serial killer who, with the help of his brother, likes to kidnap people for fun. No other reason than that. They had a good home, but they like to abduct people and torture them because it makes them laugh.
Yeah, I don't think so, friends.
The husband is a complete moron and had he listened to his wife in the first place, they wouldn't have gotten abducted but would have gone home.
In the end, it was all foreseeable, anti-climatic, and frankly not a series I would ever continue.
Coincidentally this stranger is a serial killer who, with the help of his brother, likes to kidnap people for fun. No other reason than that. They had a good home, but they like to abduct people and torture them because it makes them laugh.
Yeah, I don't think so, friends.
The husband is a complete moron and had he listened to his wife in the first place, they wouldn't have gotten abducted but would have gone home.
In the end, it was all foreseeable, anti-climatic, and frankly not a series I would ever continue.
brenluvsbooks's review against another edition
5.0
#jeffmenapace does it again!
This is the 3rd book by Jeff that I've read, and I love it.
His books are filled with maniacal psychopaths with a interest zest for torturing, and MAYBE killing if the victim is lucky.
Jeff Menapace makes Stephen King's writing look like bedtime stories.
This is the 3rd book by Jeff that I've read, and I love it.
His books are filled with maniacal psychopaths with a interest zest for torturing, and MAYBE killing if the victim is lucky.
Jeff Menapace makes Stephen King's writing look like bedtime stories.
baggman's review against another edition
2.0
You've done it to me again Goodreads Reviewers. You gave this one 3.87 stars, while I barely got through it and give it 2.5 stars. In fact, the only reason I got through it was because it was short.
Okay, the first 10 - 20 percent of the book, I actually enjoyed. Gave you a creepy, something really bad is going to happen feeling. After that, you're introduced to the first standup comedy serial killer duo. That's not from the author, it's my take on the antagonists and my opinion of the downhill trajectory of the story-line. And, it just got more unbelievable as the chapters rolled by.
What about the ending you might ask? Much, much more believable. Because, we know from history that most serial killer duos bring the intended victims to their mother's home to do the dirty deed while she watches TV in complete ignorance. Is that a plot twist or what?
Okay, the first 10 - 20 percent of the book, I actually enjoyed. Gave you a creepy, something really bad is going to happen feeling. After that, you're introduced to the first standup comedy serial killer duo. That's not from the author, it's my take on the antagonists and my opinion of the downhill trajectory of the story-line. And, it just got more unbelievable as the chapters rolled by.
What about the ending you might ask? Much, much more believable. Because, we know from history that most serial killer duos bring the intended victims to their mother's home to do the dirty deed while she watches TV in complete ignorance. Is that a plot twist or what?
dmsullivan's review
3.0
Somewhere between 2 and 3 stars. Not super believable, and some of the scenes were over the top (anything related to the Three Stooges was a bit much, and WE GET IT, the couple is still TOTALLY in love), and the end of the story just. kept. going.
That being said, it's a semi-entertaining, fairly quick read. It does sound like something that could be made into a movie (which, apparently it was?) so it has that going for it.
I would give another book by this author a try.
That being said, it's a semi-entertaining, fairly quick read. It does sound like something that could be made into a movie (which, apparently it was?) so it has that going for it.
I would give another book by this author a try.
sambrooke's review
3.0
Bad Games follows the lives of a suburban family who go on a weekend getaway to Lake Crescent. The Lambert’s plan was to relax, fish, barbecue, play some games...those plans would change soon enough.
The Fannelli brothers, Arty and Jim, were also heading up to Crescent Lake when Arty bumps into Patrick Lambert at a gas station. This is where the game begins. And this game is not so much a game between friends, but one between the cougars and the gazelles.
Now I liked the book, but some parts simply did not make sense. And the ending irritated the hell out of me. So I’ll begin my thought processes now.
“Kind of weird? That was flat-out bizarre Patrick. What would a grown man want with a little girl’s doll?”
Yes, what would a grown man want with a little girl’s doll? And trading that doll for a piece of candy? That age old saying about not taking candy from strangers is popular for a reason.
1. Strange danger
2. Why would a stranger randomly give a child a piece of candy?
3. More importantly, why would said stranger want to trade for a doll?
I’m sorry, but there’s something off about that. And the fact that only Amy seemed to realize this bothered me. I mean, Patrick...a strange guy who is apparently following you traded candy for a doll. And you told said guy where you and your family were heading for the weekend— why?
In fact, Patrick was always making excuses and reasons behind any strange behaviors. He wasn’t paranoid enough, too trusting. I just want to sigh and bang my head against the wall because, COME ON!
Amy, however, was sleeved out from that first interaction at the gas station where Arty paid for their gas...such an altruistic guy.
All these signs and they still didn’t leave. And then that stupid deputy! He could have at least faked compassion or tried to, I don’t know, take a potential stalker case seriously. Not like he has a lot on his plate. Ugh.
Moving on, I have some beef with the Fannelli brothers.
It was the look of absolute horror on the face of a father who had suddenly realized that his two sons meant to drown him for their own amusement.
Now, Arty and Jim. Absolutely nothing redeeming about those two slimy murderous buffoons. I wanted to gut them and watch them drown in a riptide. I wish it was possible to become one with a book temporarily. I’d go after them. The hunters become the hunted.
They were so vile and repulsive. I don’t understand how 8 and 10 year olds would find their father drowning funny. There’s something entirely off about them. Oh and for them, it’s all genetic. Still don’t understand how they both seemed to inherit the serial killer gene, but whatever. I guess I have to roll with it. Be one with the story.
By the way, the ending made me want to both punch a wall as well as roll my eyes as the clicheness. Seriously?! Was that necessary? And it didn’t even make sense. No 4 year old is going to put pins on the inside of their mom’s slippers. I’m sorry, but 4 year olds don’t think that way. At least, not that I’ve met.
Why Read This?
- It’s messed up. If you’re in the mood for a fatal family vacation, then go for it. Quite fatal indeed.
- Nature vs Nurture debate is brought up a lot, so if you like hearing about that, Arty and Jim are just as fascinated by it. Of course, they see themselves as the exceptions...mhm.
- It’s creepy. Made me rethink every “coincidental” encounter I’ve had. Actually, if you’re someone who’s easily paranoid, you might want to rethink reading this.
The Fannelli brothers, Arty and Jim, were also heading up to Crescent Lake when Arty bumps into Patrick Lambert at a gas station. This is where the game begins. And this game is not so much a game between friends, but one between the cougars and the gazelles.
Now I liked the book, but some parts simply did not make sense. And the ending irritated the hell out of me. So I’ll begin my thought processes now.
“Kind of weird? That was flat-out bizarre Patrick. What would a grown man want with a little girl’s doll?”
Yes, what would a grown man want with a little girl’s doll? And trading that doll for a piece of candy? That age old saying about not taking candy from strangers is popular for a reason.
1. Strange danger
2. Why would a stranger randomly give a child a piece of candy?
3. More importantly, why would said stranger want to trade for a doll?
I’m sorry, but there’s something off about that. And the fact that only Amy seemed to realize this bothered me. I mean, Patrick...a strange guy who is apparently following you traded candy for a doll. And you told said guy where you and your family were heading for the weekend— why?
In fact, Patrick was always making excuses and reasons behind any strange behaviors. He wasn’t paranoid enough, too trusting. I just want to sigh and bang my head against the wall because, COME ON!
Amy, however, was sleeved out from that first interaction at the gas station where Arty paid for their gas...such an altruistic guy.
All these signs and they still didn’t leave. And then that stupid deputy! He could have at least faked compassion or tried to, I don’t know, take a potential stalker case seriously. Not like he has a lot on his plate. Ugh.
Moving on, I have some beef with the Fannelli brothers.
It was the look of absolute horror on the face of a father who had suddenly realized that his two sons meant to drown him for their own amusement.
Now, Arty and Jim. Absolutely nothing redeeming about those two slimy murderous buffoons. I wanted to gut them and watch them drown in a riptide. I wish it was possible to become one with a book temporarily. I’d go after them. The hunters become the hunted.
They were so vile and repulsive. I don’t understand how 8 and 10 year olds would find their father drowning funny. There’s something entirely off about them. Oh and for them, it’s all genetic. Still don’t understand how they both seemed to inherit the serial killer gene, but whatever. I guess I have to roll with it. Be one with the story.
By the way, the ending made me want to both punch a wall as well as roll my eyes as the clicheness. Seriously?! Was that necessary? And it didn’t even make sense. No 4 year old is going to put pins on the inside of their mom’s slippers. I’m sorry, but 4 year olds don’t think that way. At least, not that I’ve met.
Why Read This?
- It’s messed up. If you’re in the mood for a fatal family vacation, then go for it. Quite fatal indeed.
- Nature vs Nurture debate is brought up a lot, so if you like hearing about that, Arty and Jim are just as fascinated by it. Of course, they see themselves as the exceptions...mhm.
- It’s creepy. Made me rethink every “coincidental” encounter I’ve had. Actually, if you’re someone who’s easily paranoid, you might want to rethink reading this.
nike13's review
4.0
Definitely kept my attention through this book. Just graphic enough without making me have to stop and regroup.
Also, it's nice to have a horror story where the married couple aren't recovering from a death of a child or thinking about divorce...
Also, it's nice to have a horror story where the married couple aren't recovering from a death of a child or thinking about divorce...