This is the start of a new series about Colter Shaw who likes to find people for rewards. This story had me hooked from the start and was an interesting concept about "The Whispering Man" which is a computer game that the kidnapper is using as inspiration.

Jeffrey Deaver isn’t an author who disappoints and he delivers again with the first in a new series that is almost certain to do very well.

Colter Shaw is Something of a Jack Reacher take off though much slicker than the rugged and weathered Mr. Reacher.

Deaver knows exactly how to write and a thriller that keeps a reader entertained and there are many strings to this fast paced and riveting thriller.

For some reason this title slipped off my reading list so I am a Johnny-come-lately to The Never Game. I wasn't too fond of the start of the novel as the sub-headings gave the 'game' away. Yes, a real life enactment of a popular video game called The Whispering Man. I've never been a fan of video games, thinking time could be better spent doing something else, hence the shaky start but I found the character Colter Shaw (sleuth for reward) really interesting and had a clever approach for finding missing persons. I quickly warmed to the novel and it covered some interesting subjects too, including fake news. Furthermore, I was really getting in to whatever it was Shaw's father had uncovered when the novel ended! I imagine there are books to follow so I'll have to chase them up.

I have read a few Jeffery Deaver books and find I either love them or I am indifferent toward them. The Never Game was a slow starter that had me fearing the latter, but I soon found myself hooked on the story.

The Never Game was a story that hooked me in multiple ways, ensuring I was gripped by the various aspects of the storyline. It was one that had me creating theory after theory, eager to see how the pieces would come together. In the end, it did not go in the way I had anticipated, and I was gripped by the way the details came together. Moreover, the lingering elements left me wanting to see what happens in the next book. There are certainly many elements I want more of, and I cannot wait to dive in.

All in all, The Never Game has ensured I’ll be reading more of Jeffery Deaver’s Colter Shaw.

Brilliant as always! Jeffrey Deaver just seems to strike the right note of fear into this thriller!

I think that the students in our school library need to hear lots of diverse voices and read stories and lives of many different kinds of people and experiences. When I inherited the library it was an incredibly sanitised space with only 'school readers' and project books on 'the railways' etc. Buying in books that will appeal to the whole range of our readers with diverse voices, eclectic and fascinating subject matter, and topics that will intrigue and fascinate them was incredibly important to me.
This is a book that I think our senior readers will enjoy very much indeed - not just because it's well written with an arresting voice that will really keep them reading and about a fascinating topic - but it's also a book that doesn't feel worthy or improving, it doesn't scream 'school library and treats them like young reading adults who have the right to explore a range of modern diverse reads that will grip and intrigue them and ensure that reading isn't something that they are just forced to do for their English project - this was a solid ten out of ten for me and I'm hoping that our students are as gripped and caught up in it as I was. It was one that I stayed up far too late reading and one that I'll be recommending to the staff as well as our senior students - thank you so much for the chance to read and review; I really loved it and can't wait to discuss it with some of our seniors once they've read it too!

Well I've tried numerous times but unfortunately I have been unable to connect with this book. Not really able to give a true review.

Unfortunately I just could not get into this book. It may be one for other readers, but I was unable to finish it.

The first novel in Deaver's new Colter Shaw series.
Colter Shaw is an independent investigator, who travels the US helping police and other authorities solve difficult/tricky cases for a reward.

In THE NEVER GAME, he is hired by the father of a missing woman from Silicon Valley. As the story unfolds, we learn that there are actually three missing people, who have been stashed in different locations in California. Not only that, their abductions have a root in the darkest heart of America's tech-hub and billionaire culture, as well as the video-game industry.

As can be expected from Deaver, THE NEVER GAME is a tightly-written thriller. The characters are well-drawn, the plot is engaging and quickly-paced, and it's a real page-turner. If you've never read Deaver's novels before, then this is a great place to start. If you have, I'm sure you are already well aware of his new series.

Recommended for all fans of thriller fiction.

I was fortunate enough to receive an ARC of this book. I have always enjoyed Jeffery Deaver novels, and love this new series. Coulter Shaw as a character has a brilliant deep back story, and the end left you in a cliff hanger. I like the fact that he is not in law enforcement so can bend the rules more, but still works towards the grater good as law enforcement do. Fantastic start and looking forward to reading book 2 in this series.

Enjoyed this book and found it gripping and tense. Colter is an interesting character and one I'd love to read more about. When I first started reading, I didn't realise it was the start of a series and I'm excited to read the next ones!

I have been reading Jeffrey Deaver books for over 20 years and am never disappointed, he’s always a good bet - would recommend!

I usually enjoy books by Jeffrey Deaver, but for some reason I could just not get into this at all. I’m assuming it’s just me, and I won’t give up on him because of this.

I think one of the reasons The Never Game appealed to me so much was that it was so different from my usual go to police procedurals. Colter Shaw isn't a traditional detective . He's a Bounty Hunter or Missing Persons investigator with a bit of a difference; rather than out for the money. Shaw is out to make a difference. I was intrigued by his Prepper style upbringing and the mystery surrounding his family, in particular his father. He's a tough cookie and The Never Game was filled from beginning to end with action, drama and intrigue. I loved it.

Not really my type of story - I'm not really into reading a series about a particular investigator, but I can see how this would appeal to many readers. Quite an unusual story but not really for me.

I find Deaver’s books very hit and miss, and unfortunately I didn’t love this one as much as some of his others. Whilst it was still a good book, I was a bit disappointed. I don’t know why exactly, but something was missing compared to some of his past books that I’ve read. However I am looking forward to reading more of Deaver’s books in the future.

I love Jeffrey Deaver’s Books. This is the first in a new series, another hit in my opinion, featuring Colter Shaw. Raised by a survivalist parents he has a unique set of skills which helps him track missing people. There is much of his back story to be revealed in later books. A great plot line with many unexpected twists and turns, true Deaver.

I just couldn't get into the story - it was well written and well paced but I just didn't get invested in what was happening.

I might try and pick it up again in the future.

Didn't think Jeffrey Deaver could get any better but he really excelled with this one. The plot intensity & chill level increases throughout. Looking forward to more Colter Shaw novels!

absolutely love jeffrey deaver and its been a long time since ive read one of his novels. i stumbled across it and was so excited but im not sure if it didnt cut it for me because im a huge lincoln rhyme fan or if it just didnt cut it.. So im saving judgement till the next novel..