Summary and Reviews of Monkeewrench by P.J. Tracy

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Monkeewrench by P.J. Tracy

Monkeewrench

(UK title: Want To Play?)

by P.J. Tracy
  • Critics' Consensus (5):
  • Readers' Rating (17):
  • First Published:
  • Apr 1, 2003, 384 pages
  • Paperback:
  • Apr 2004, 432 pages
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About This Book

Book Summary

The odd-ball crew of a software company create a computer game where the good guy always wins, but their game becomes a nightmare when someone starts duplicating the fictional murders in real life.

Haunted by a series of horrifying and violent episodes in their past, Grace McBride and the oddball crew of her software company, Monkeewrench, create a computer game where the killer is always caught, where the good guys always win. But their game becomes a nightmare when someone starts duplicating the fictional murders in real life, down to the last detail.

By the time the police realize what's happening, three people are dead, and with seventeen more murder scenarios available online, there are seventeen more potential victims. While the authorities scramble to find the killer in a city paralyzed by fear, the Monkeewrench staff are playing their own game, analyzing victim profiles in a frantic attempt to discover the murderer's next target.

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Reviews

Media Reviews

Entertainment Weekly
From the well-drawn, intelligent characters to the perfect pacing, Monkeewrench is that rare mystery that stays ahead of the reader. You might think you've figured it out three-quarters of the way through, but rest assured, even the most overly confident reader will be delightfully surprised at the ending. Grade A

The New York Times Book Review
This smart thriller works all three story lines into a daunting plot involving a computer game called Serial killer detective that goes haywire when someone in the real world starts replicating its 20 staged killings.

Kirkus Reviews - Ellen Geiger/Curtis Brown
Late-night alert Don't settle down with this wacky, supercharged maiden voyage at your bedside till you've cleared your schedule for the following morning.

Booklist - Carrie Bissey
An engaging debut thriller by a mother-daughter writing team who lace their suspense with humor a la Harlan Coben.

Publishers Weekly
A mother-daughter writing team pens a soundly plotted thriller that fires on all cylinders ... an accelerating, unpredictable plot ... an array of well-drawn characters and, most importantly, witty repartee.

Author Blurb Harlan Coben
Fast, fresh, funny and outrageously suspenseful ... debut thriller of the year.

Author Blurb Jayne Ann Krentz
An exhilarating, roller-coaster ride of a story... Can't wait for the next book!

Author Blurb Nevada Barr
This book is not only original but genuinely funny...a truly satisfying, terrific read.

Author Blurb Robert B. Parker
Funny and convincing. P.J. Tracy's taut storytelling makes me jealous.

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Read-Alikes

Read-Alikes Full readalike results are for members only

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