One of my first reads of the year was Vanishing Games by Roger Hobbs, which is the follow up to the incredible Ghostman, that I read quite a few years ago now.

Both of these books are excellent, but I had put off reading the second one for some time, mainly because the author, Roger Hobbs, passed away in 2016 while in the middle of writing book three. I’m not sure why, but it gave me a funny feeling to think about reading what turned out to be his last work, which does Vanishing Games a huge disservice, as it’s a gripping and original thriller, which I absolutely loved.

The first book was a spectacular debut novel, but this second book had a whole different feel to it, I guess because the first book was just about Jack – the Ghostman of the title – but in this book we meet Angela. She has history with Jack, but she is just as skilled and ruthless as he is, and taught him everything he knows. Having the two of them playing off each other while trying to avoid Triads and assassins , using their unique set of skills is a thrill to read.

Having said this, it’s sad to think what might have been coming in the third book in the series as the plots in the first two are clever, detailed and exhilarating.

This is certainly a book to get stuck into, just over 400 pages worth of great writing, something to keep you going.
Talented writer, plenty going on to keep you interested.

This was an ok story. A bit too far from any life I know to engage me. But the story trots along at a fast if slightly unbelievable pace. Too many things happen - the characters never sleep or eat! Not the best but entertaining enough.