This is a game that no one want to play.

You are the next player.
You have a choice to make.

This is a game where nobody wins…
A gripping, intense thriller.
I loved this book, the characters, the twists. It's perfect this read. I high recommend for everybody.
Thanks netgalley

This was an interesting subject for a story. What would you do if faced with a choice between killing someone or having your loved ones threatened. I enjoyed reading The Players, it was even quite sad in parts but I did have a problem with the fact that nobody really attempted to overpower the Host, or do anything other than kill each other or themselves. Overall though it was an enjoyable read.

The Host forces people to become Players in his Game. Kill or be killed are basically the rules, if you don’t, the Host will kill your family. These Games are streamed online and although DI Karen Holt is suspended from duties, she can’t help but try to solve the case which also takes a personal twist.
Great plot and easy to read.

This is a rather ingenious thriller; the whole premise and the mastermind who’s behind it. I really liked the main character of DI Karen Holt, and her ex army partner Coulson. Given the premise of The Players, there are some standout moments in O’Sullivan’s latest offering. But for me the most standout was a particular emotional scene (I don’t want to spoil it for you!) I did lose my way a bit in the middle, but the ending pulled it back in for me.

I would have liked to learn more about Holt; her back story, the details of a particular case, but maybe O’Sullivan has more outings planned for Holt. If that’s the case, he’s made a cracking start.

Excellent.
Gripping psychological thriller with all the right ingredients.
The pace of this absorbing plot was just right with strong characterization and twists and turns throughout.
Although this is almost a whodunit there is even a moral message in there throughout and the length was, again. perfect.
Many thanks for the opportunity, the tension and the entertainment. Much appreciated.,

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 thrilling stars.

There was lots to like about this book - it keeps you guessing, you get a sense of the fear, the tragedy, and a few twists you don’t see coming.

Dropped a star due to a couple of niggles for me - Karen; she was annoying at times, quite unlikeable, and the end seemed a bit rushed after what was a great build up in the story.

Overall however I recommend this book & I will read more by the author.

Oh wow, this book, where do I start? The last time I was this scared reading a book was one of the Point Horror books when I was a teenager (the author actually references Point Horror in the book, which is weird as I felt this was like an adult version of Point Horror - I mean this in a good way, I loved those books)

The concept of this book is so scary because it feels like it could happen (the biggest twist in the book came from the acknowledgements and where the inspiration came from!)

Peterborough is being terrorised by someone calling themselves 'The Host' and he choses two players for each round, one of them will die...the police are up against it trying to stop the game from progressing. DI Karen Holt is currently on suspension but end up more involved in this game than she could've imagined.

There are plenty of heart stopping moments in this book, but one in particular stands out (no spoilers) but I was really hoping the cavalry would arrive in time...

This is a book that will stay in my mind for a long time - such a gripping read.

Thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to review this book, this is my honest opinion.

Firstly I would like to say that the quality of writing in this novel is absolutely astounding! The author did a fantastic job of richly developing the characters and I found myself rooting for them to outsmart The Host.

The Players had such a grippingly dark feel to it that I often found myself wondering how a person could create such a meticulous story and execute it so expertly! This is the first novel that I have read by Darren O’Sullivan and it most certainly wont be my last!

This is a competent police drama with an interesting premise; there’s a ‘host’ who manipulates people into harming others and a lead character, Karen, a police officer intent on catching the host.

I quite enjoyed this, but, just didn’t feel it was as good as the hype or cover suggested.

Thanks to NetGalley And the publishers for the opportunity to preview.

The Players is a solid, well-written, dark psychological thriller with a premise that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. If you were chosen to participate in a game that tests your moral compass, what would you do? When it's a matter of life or death, you'd be surprised what you're willing to do. The story is twisty and thrilling with realistic characters. If you're looking for a fast-paced thriller with an intriguing premise, this is the one for you. Be sure to check out The Players asap!

I have just finished this book, and quite frankly I am so astounded by the writing quality that I'm not quite sure where to even start with reviewing this book.

We meet DI Karen Holt, and learn about her past case, where everything went a bit wrong. She's currently suspended from her job, but clearly she lives and breathes being a detective because the suspension sure doesn't stop her getting involved in the case.

I love the characterisation within this story, I feel we really got to know the characters and I found myself really routing for them to get just one step ahead of The Host.

The Players has such a creepy feel, especially with the element of social media weaved throughout, the comments that are an everyday thing on local sites especially on incidents that have happened.

I am so stuck for words on reviewing because it is that good. But what I will say, is this is my favourite read of the year, and I am sure that it will be a favourite book for a long long time to come. Thrillers don't get better than this.

My first by Darren and I now have the rest of his books to dive into!

This dark thriller had me captivated from the outset.

The dilemma faced by the victims makes you stop and consider just what you would do if you were ever unfortunate to find yourself in that horrific scenario,

A rollercoaster of a book and one not to be missed.

I haven’t read any of this authors books before, however after reading this one I will be. Loved the fast pace of the story and keeping up with him.

💫 Book review 💫
The Players - Darren O’Sullivan
Publish date - 13/05/2021

I won a competition for a ARC on Facebook that was held by the author, who has become one of my favourites.

I have listened to a couple of his books, but this is the first time I have read his work. I could not get through this book quick enough, it’s fantastic and a must read for any thriller fans.

At about 30% I was concerned that, as so much had happened, it may fall flat at the end like so many others. In no way did this happen, the fast pace and interest was kept throughout.

I now need to catch up with the books I haven’t read.
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟/5

Thank you to @darrensully @netgalley and @hqstories for my advanced readers copy.
#netgalley #netgalleyreview #theplayers #bookreviews#bookstagram #booksofinstagram #arc

Wow what a read that was, with The Players , Darren O’Sullivan has nailed the psychological thriller with aplomb.

It’s hard not to think of the film series SAW but the other than the playing a game the comparison ends there as O’Sullivan doesn’t use or need silly machines to frighten his reader in this darkly compelling read.

With a devilish antagonist in ‘The Host’ , Darren O’Sullivan has created a villain who will get right underneath his readers skin, his actions will make your skin crawl and question your very own morality. And Social Media.

An absolutely enthralling fast paced genius of a read, a make me a movie thriller. I absolutely loved this.

This is the 2nd book I’ve read of Darrens but the first I’ve read of the Holt series. This is the 2nd book actually in the series, and I haven’t read the 1st. For me you don’t need to. I think it would help but by no means affects the read of the book. There is also plenty of history shared from the 1st book. The story starts as DCI Holt is on suspension following the killing of the 1st book’s killer. However a new killer is now on the loose in the most horrific fashion. Whilst this killer doesn’t kill himself, he pits two people against each other until one loses their life. I really like the book and was a solid read throughout. Very detailed and I liked the plot. My only one star deduction is because for me the ending could have been grander - no spoilers obviously.

The premise of this story drew me in- will an ordinary good person ever kill a stranger to survive? Karen Holt, a detective being investigated for a recent death finds herself and those she cares about in deadly danger. Who is the Host who enjoys pitting strangers against one another and why is he doing such terrible things? Interesting story but i found the Host a bit two dimensional. I liked Karen as a character and her determination to find the Host and outwit him

Thoroughly enjoyable read. Quick, engaging and compelling. You know why he’s doing what he’s doing, didn’t stop you wanting to know who was next... would recommend to others.

I absolutely loved this dark psychological thriller and I was hooked from the start. The story was fast paced and shocking but I couldn't put it down. This book definitely has the wow factor!

A complex, exciting, fast-paced read that bucks the trend in cookie-cutter thrillers. Sophie's Choice merged with Hannibal Lecter. My first book by Darren O'Sullivan - not my last.