I was intrigued about this and rightly so as everyone knows who Martin Kemp is surely? I loved that you get more of an understanding of the character and plot from the author notes. Enjoyable debut and would be happy to read more. Great thriller and well paced throughout. I enjoyed the characters but especially Ravi. Even though I read this I could hear Martin Kemp reading it to me!

Rating 3.5 stars

It was an okay story following a rock star whom had lost it all. Followed him round London as he got help from a friend, used by an ex girlfriend, used by another musician trying to stop a tabloid story coming out, chased by a thug gang and letting his daughter and ex-wife down. Bit cliche really.

Did feel like the author swallowed a thesaurus at the beginning.

I received this book from netgalley in return for a honest review.

I was curious to read the first novel by Martin Kemp from Spandau Ballet fame.
Johnny is an ex popstar who comes into contact with a music journalist who lives in her uncle's restaurant Graceland.. They offer friendship which feels real. There are darker undertones but an interesting read., keeping you turning the pages.

I really wanted to love this book as i am a fan of Martin Kemp, but it wasn't as gripping or thrilling as described, sorry not for me i didn't finish.

The premise of the book sounded fantastic, I couldn't wait to read it. Unfortunately after trying a number of times I just couldn't get into it! Just couldn't begin to feel anything for the characters, so didn't really care what happened to them - even though Jonny seemed to be a loveable rogue. Sorry but not for me. Many thanks to NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read and review this.

Johnny Klein is a fictional character, but could resemble any one of a number of washed up 1980s pop stars who have chosen not to make money out of the reunion circuit.

Johnny is what one might call a loveable rogue.

Once the most charming (and fancied) man in the business, now he's down on his luck, and almost out on the streets. He has broken relationships with those he loves through decades of heavy drinking and drug taking.

But he is trying his best to get back on his feet.

So desperate is he to do the right thing, and mend some of those broken relationships, that he will do almost anything to survive and start brining in some cash.

When an old contact says he wants to see him, Johnny is excited at the possibility of a gig. Maybe playing a stint in a band, or recording something as a session musician.

Unfortunately this person has other ideas. He needs Johnny's help with something that isn't strictly legal. Despite his reservations Johnny isn't exactly in a position to refuse, and he used to dealing with some unsavoury characters.

After all showbiz is full of them.

It isn't until he that he starts to wonder what he's gotten himself in to, and if he can make it out alive.

The Game is a brilliant debut, and I look forward to reading the next in the series.

Johnny Klein is a fallen 80s popstar who has lost everything - fame, fortune and family. In his eagerness to get back to the life he knew, he gets caught up in some twisted events. Can he stay safe, and more importantly keep the lives of his family and friends safe?

I really liked Johnny, he was a loveable rogue, and music journalist Mona and her restauranteur uncle were wonderful supporting characters. Ravi, the Elvis impersonator was my favourite though!

For me, the characters saved the book. The story at times was confused, and slowed down significantly in parts. However I'd definitely be interested in reading a second book featuring Johnny.

A well known band player bites the dust and loses his career and family. It’s all his own fault so it’s hard to feel any sympathy for the main character. He falls into East London gangs and gets himself into further trouble. This is not a particularly original storyline and I found it was barely readable. I am not recommending it.

Jonnie Klein, aging rock star, is bankrupt, separated from his wife, and feels he has hit rock bottom as he leaves his former home; but there is further down to go. His selfishness leads to one catastrophe after another until he is ready to face his past and honestly move forward.
Part mystery, part thriller this provides an interesting insight into the rock scene and gossip page journalism, from an author who knows the game inside out. The descriptions of London, West end, East end and Brick lane rang true. This book has great twists and turns and a tense climax, it's a well written story. My only complaint- I didn't like the fact that every minor side-character-musician gets a full name, that broke the flow of the story and I wondered if I was supposed to recognise who they were in real life.
I'm looking forward to the next book.

I'm a big fan of Martin Kemp and really wanted to love this book as it sounded good. It started off well but then I found the storyline slowed down and I struggled to keep my interest in the story. I felt like it dragged a lot in the middle with nothing much happening. It ended well and I definitely hope he writes another book in the future.

Why write your own autobiography when you can invent a mirror image rock star anti-hero who took the wrong path and ended up losing everything instead of morphing into a National Treasure?

Martin Kemp has lived the rock star life and has thankfully come out the other side very much intact (with a rich seam of stories to mine for our continuing delectation) - unlike The Game’s Johnny Klein, who ( although he is blessed with good looks, charisma and talent) sadly didn’t have the common sense to hang up his guitar and take up prime time acting, appearing on reality shows and writing novels before it was all too late.

The Game is a very, very entertaining read and Johnny Klein, despite all his faults, is an engaging and sympathetic protagonist who we can all root for. Will Johnny reunite with his long suffering ex-wife (who he is still desperately in love with)? Will he manage to get his chart topping old band back together and find true happiness? Will he ever be able to afford to buy himself some new cowboy boots and a decent guitar again? Well - spoiler alert - there’s a second book in the pipeline and we aren’t going to find out until then - which isn’t such a bad thing. Bring it on.

Many thanks to Mr Kemp and everyone concerned for letting me read and review this terrific novel.

Johnny is on a track to self destruction. He’s lost his house, he’s bankrupt and his family has left him. He’s hit rock bottom – the only way is up right? Nope, he’s got further to sink…

Johnny’s relationships with the various women in his life are complicated. His ex-wife he took for granted and still does despite her needing him. His mother in law who hates him. His daughter who he dotes on but who knows how flaky he can be. The ex-lover who wants him back… and then there’s Mona, the young journalist who wants to help.

The Game is a complex story with Johnny involved in two very different situations on top of his own disaster zone of a life. He’s got gangsters on his tail whilst rebuffing the advances his ex-lover who destroyed his marriage. But he can’t go anywhere without being recognised.

I remember reading Kemp’s first biography many years ago (we’re talking early 2000s) and from what I recall, I enjoyed it. Based on that recollection, I’ve bought his second and third (still to be read). But writing a novel is a different kettle of fish but I think Kemp has pulled off the transition from fact to fiction.

The Game is a decent read. It’s not pulsating high-octane or particularly a thriller as it’s being suggested on various bookseller listings. It painted a picture of the dark gangster underworld of London along with the sleaze of both the music and journalism industries which Kemp must have seen over the years. It is gritty and definitely held my attention. I’d read more fiction from Mr Kemp.

Johnny Klein is a washed up rock star who has reached rock bottom .
He’s hurt his family and friends and he’s living above an Indian restaurant on Brick Lane.
A contact he has in the music business throws a bit of business his way but in true Johnny style things don’t go to plan .
Johnny is a flawed character but his heart seems to be in the right place and I look forward to reading his next chapter .
An enjoyable read and a promising start .
Thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK.

I like Martin Kemp so was curious to read his debut novel, The Game. The cover is appealing and I thought it seemed like a book I would enjoy. Recently published, this book was released on 9th November. Thanks to HarperCollins UK and NetGalley for my copy in exchange for a review.

Johnny was a famous rock star, but years of alcohol and drug abuse have ruined his life, leaving him bankrupt and alone. When he’s offered a chance to make some much needed cash, he jumps at the chance, and ends up involved in some very dodgy dealings.

The characters in this book are well done and I really warmed to Johnny, for all his faults he’s a loveable rogue. It took me a little while to get into the story, but I think it was because I didn’t have the time to read much in one go.

The story was OK but I kept waiting for the edge of your seat thrill where you can’t stop turning the pages, and it never came. Some parts were a little predictable. The pace was slow for me but I think this book is setting up the characters in preparation for the second book in the series.

Overall, the characters saved the book for me and I quite liked it, but would have preferred more oomph to the story. I’ll keep an eye out for the second book as I’m interested to see how the characters progress.

I thought this was a fantastic read and I loved JK, he might be selfish sometimes but he has lots of redeeming qualities! Looking forward to reading more about him. Thanks NetGalley and Martin kemp.

#TheGame by Martin Kemp
Published 9 Nov '23
Harper Collins UK, HarperFiction

Washed-up '80s pop star Johnny Klein is bankrupt and living in an attic room instead of the mansion he's been used to. Without two pennies to run together, he needs to make some fast cash, leading him to the East End underworld and some decidedly dodgy dealings.

This debut from Martin Kemp is a fast and furious crime thriller with a gripping storyline and lead character that you can't help but like, despite all his obvious faults! Trouble seems destined to follow Johnny wherever he goes, so it's a good job he's got at least one friend looking out for him. You can't help but be pulled along for the ride with Johnny as the story progresses; the writing is so brilliantly compelling.

I am delighted to learn that Johnny Klein returns in 2024, in Martin Kemp's second novel, and I cannot wait to discover what next year has in store for him!

*Thanks to HarperFiction for providing an eARC via @Netgalley

Set between the worlds of music and East End gangsters, this is a good, gritty read. Johnny Klein is a washed up 80s rock star. Losing his house, his wife and child he truly has reached rock bottom. What will he do to claw his way back? There is always the chance he will sink even lower, back into the grip of drugs. Luckily for Johnny he's made a friend of music journalist Mona, and he's very glad of her uncle's offer of a room above his Indian restaurant in Brick Lane. There are some fabulous characters, like the Major and Ravi, the Elvis impersonator who is a real hero. Johnny discovers there are ways to relate to people that he had never thought of before. His travels on London transport are an adventure in themselves. Accidentally witnessing a serious crime puts Johnny and all he holds dear in danger. This is the East End - there is no free pass. A real rock and rollercoaster of an adventure. A great debut novel from one of my favourites from the 80s music scene. #netgalley #thegame

I will be honest and say I wasn't sure what to expect from this book. I was more than pleased to find I enjoyed it. Well written with fab characters and plot.

A pop icon on the 80s, a brilliant actor and now it seems a bloody good novel writer too. Is there no end the Martin Kemp’s talents?
A hugely enjoyable easy read about what can happen when the fame fades.

When a former rockstar falls on hard times, he soon discovers who his true friends and enemies are. Can he forge against the past and make amends?
I found this book an easy read.