Loved reading the amazing and engaging story. When some servants go missing and one of the missing ends up dead, Samantha and Adrian are on the case helping Kendrick. Read the highly recommended, wonderfully written, and a must read riveting story. Can't wait to read the next story in the series by the fabulous author, Sophie Barnes!

A Deceptive Game Ensues is a twisty, atmospheric mystery that blends historical intrigue with gritty suspense and just the right amount of emotional tension. Watching Adrian and Samantha navigate both their personal relationship and a dark, complex investigation made for a rich, layered story. The pace kept me hooked, especially when the plot turned underground—literally. I really enjoyed how the story kept me guessing without losing sight of the emotional stakes, and the ending left me excited for what’s next.

If you’ve been following this series, you’ll enjoy this new addition. However, I don’t think anyone who hasn’t read the previous books recently will be able to follow the plot and characters. The author definitely assumes that the reader knows everything that’s happened already in this series. I have read them, but I couldn’t remember a lot of the plot details so I was lost for some of the developments in this new book.

Otherwise, there are the same sorts of characteristics in this novel. There is a tension throughout because it’s clear that the bad guys are terribly evil with no conscience. The hero and heroine, the Crofts, are almost superheroes in their skills and smarts. And not all of the mysteries will be solved at the end with a cliffhanger to get you to come back for the next entry.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book that I received from Netgalley; however, the opinions are my own and I did not receive any compensation for my review

Secret tunnels? Murder? Married sleuths dodging bullets and betrayal? YES PLEASE. 🙌🕵️‍♀️

This book? Total banger. A Deceptive Game Ensues reads like Sherlock Holmes had a moody younger cousin with a dark past and a sassy, badass wife. The Crofts are goals—married, messy, and always getting dragged into murder mysteries they absolutely shouldn’t be part of (but I’m so glad they are). You get revenge plots, a secret society, AND a creepy hospital? Uh, yes. I was flipping pages like a maniac. Read it if you like your mysteries dark, clever, and full of delicious drama. 🖤🕳️

Love, lies, and lethal secrets—welcome to married life, Croft-style.

A Deceptive Game Ensues serves up murder, mayhem, and marital intrigue with a side of shadowy secrets—this twisty tale had me gasping, guessing, and gloriously glued to the page!

I am loving this series: the way it is written, the plot, the characters, all brings me back to a long gone time and to a twisted period.

In the fourth installment in the " House of Croft" series we deal with the aftermath of Adrian's pardon and the new path he and Samantha have to forge.

Crime is never too far away from the couple and they are sucked into a new investigation.

Nice addition of some new characters, can't wait for the next book!

I have received an advance copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily, thanks to the author for it.

Adrian and Samantha return home after receiving their pardon and are trying to settle down and enjoy their life together. But with these two, we know that is never going to happen! Meanwhile, Peter Kendrick has stepped back into his position at Bow Street but finds himself with a new assistant he doesn't want, but can't say no to. New murders and investigations ensue while the Croft's walk the tightrope of trying to keep their pardon intact, while helping Bow Street with the latest murder mystery. 4-1/2 Stars

I received an ARC for free and gave my honest opinion voluntarily.