Entertaining Whodunit, But Lacks Depth
This is Not a Game by Kelly Mullen is a fun closed-house murder mystery with a glamorous gothic setting and a compelling amateur sleuth duo. Mimi, a sharp and sophisticated 77-year-old with a taste for Gibson martinis, and her granddaughter Addie, who is nursing a broken heart, make for an enjoyable investigative pair. Their banter and chemistry add charm to the story, and the secluded mansion on Mackinac Island provides the perfect setting for a high-society murder.
The plot moves at a steady pace, with plenty of secrets, shifting alibis, and the requisite red herrings to keep readers engaged. The atmosphere is well-crafted, making it easy to picture the grandeur of the party and the tension rising as the body count increases. However, while the book is entertaining, the characters beyond Mimi and Addie feel somewhat one-dimensional, and the mystery itself is not as complex or surprising as it could be. The resolution ties things up neatly but lacks the punch of a truly jaw-dropping twist.
Overall, This is Not a Game is an enjoyable, light mystery that fans of classic whodunits will appreciate. It doesn’t reinvent the genre, but it delivers an entertaining ride with a likeable lead duo.