The Never Game by Jeffrey Deaver

Description from Amazon:

The son of a survivalist family, Colter Shaw is an expert tracker. Now he makes a living as a “reward seeker,” traveling the country to help police solve crimes and locate missing persons for private citizens.

“You’ve been abandoned. Escape if you can. Or die with dignity.”

Hired by the father of a young woman who has gone missing in Silicon Valley, Shaw's search takes him into the dark heart of America’s cutthroat billion-dollar video-game industry. When another person goes missing, Shaw must ask: Is a madman bringing a twisted video game to life?

Encountering eccentric designers, trigger-happy gamers, and ruthless tech titans, Shaw soon learns that he isn't the only one on the hunt: someone is on his trail and closing fast....

 

Okay, so I said I wouldn’t read any more of this series, but I found this in the library and figured I’d try the first one to see if it sets the series up well and I just happened to not enjoy a later one. Turns out that was the case!

 

The book opens with a bang and it’s pretty much at a fast pace all the way through. We learn a bit more about Shaw’s background and how he was raised, plus are offered a question into his past. But for now, Shaw is a private citizen for “hire”, one who will track down missing people for the reward. When he takes up an offer in Silicon Valley, he finds out that the case may be linked to the world of gaming, and in particular one called The Whispering Man that gives you five pieces of equipment and you have to figure your way out of a life or death situation with them.

 

The gaming parts were interesting and the whole world of gaming (not just the stuff you see in movies) is really complex and hugely popular. Shaw gets to meet a number of rivals within the industry as well as fans, one who becomes a romantic interest. I found her character somewhat stilted, though. Couldn’t really connect with her.

 

I did enjoy the way Shaw worked through the kidnapping but I guess in many places you have to just accept certain things about the story that would normally require a decent explanation like his money or his ability to get through areas he shouldn’t be allowed in.

 

I still don’t think this series is as good as Rhyme but I’ll try another just to see where it’s going.