Having appeared as secondary characters in The Dying Game, some readers might be familiar with FBI Agent Nicole Baxter and Powell Agency owner Griffin Powell, but in this novel they are the stars of the show. Series readers would also be familiar with how much Nic and Griff dislike each other. Thankfully, they are able to put aside their differences when it comes to finding the bad guy. When the Beauty Queen Killer was taken out, Nic and Griff were the only investigators who believed he could not have been working alone. They were right.

Pudge, cousin and partner of the BQK, is ready to create his own legacy of killing. He decides that he will be "sporting" and only abducts athletic young women, women who could potentially escape from his "game." Naming himself The Hunter, Pudge decides to add to the challenge of the chase by alerting Nic and Griff. Contacting them separately, The Hunter shares just enough information with each so they can easily see the clue is only complete if they combine their efforts and work together. After the initial contact is made and the pair begin cautiously sharing information, Nic and Griff find they might be better partners than would have previously guessed. In fact, they might just be perfect together. Their new bond is tested when Nic is abducted by The Hunter, leaving Griff with the emotionally and mentally draining task of finding Nic before time runs out.

There are sad moments in the story as quite a few victims don't escape 'The Hunter'. Interesting character background stories give a depth to the friendships and the romantic relationship. The creepy serial killer and his determination to make Nic one of his victims are not given as much explaination as one might have hoped, but it does create a strong sense of unease throughout the story. This is good choice for readers who enjoy suspenseful stories with as much romance as drama.

Book Summary

New Game
The game is simple--he is the Hunter. They are the Prey. He gives them a chance to escape. To run. To hide. To outsmart him. But eventually, he catches them. And that's when the game gets really terrifying...

New Rules
Private investigator Griffin Powell and FBI agent Nicole Baxter know a lot about serial killers--they took one down together. But this new killer is as sadistic as they've ever seen. He likes his little games, and he especially likes forcing Nic and Griff to play along. Every unsolvable clue, every posed victim, every taunting phone call--it's all part of his twisted, elaborate plan. And then the Hunter calls, wanting to know if they're really ready to play...

But Winner Still Kills All...
There's a new game now, and it's much more deadly than the first. A brutal psychopath needs a worthy adversary. He won't stop until he can hunt the most precious prey of all--Nicole. And with his partner in a killer's sights, Griff is playing for the biggest stakes of his life.