Let The Game Commence by David Palin
Arthur Du Fuss, bitter, alone, and ignored by his neighbours, has two secrets: one dies with him when he commits suicide; the other is the vast wealth he amassed through the creation of a cult board game. Now his erstwhile neighbours receive a post-mortem invitation to the offices of a charismatic City lawyer to play a final version of the game; the prize - Arthur's fortune. As they dice with the devil, the game first exposes the fragility of their relationships, and then tears them apart, with tragic and horrifying consequences. But Arthur, too, must pay for his revenge. The old man learns that outstanding debts can still be called in, even when you are dead.
About the author
David was born in West London and lives in Berkshire. He is the author of several published novels, dark psychological thrillers, the publication of which has led to interviews on BBC Radio and in the local media. David is intrigued by the things that hide, often in plain sight, in the shadows beyond the light of our everyday lives. As a fluent German speaker and having studied English and German literature, he believes we are drawn to darker tales and imaginings. David has collaborated as editor and co-writer for various authors, as well as producing screen treatments and screenplays (including one of his own) for writers whose novels have sparked potential interest from film producers. Away from writing, David loves sports, music, the theatre and travelling, many of which have seemed like elements of a fantasy tale in our recent tough times!
Review
‘Let The Game Commence’ is a fiendishly dark tale with one of the most original plots I have read for a very long time! It covers a plethora of themes - betrayal, jealously, loneliness, greed, vengeance and pure evil to name but a few. I honestly kind of want to play the board game that is featured in the book as it does sound like fun - in the way Cards Against Humanity is fun!
I honestly found that the plot of this was very unique - even the layer of Arthur seeking revenge on all his neighbours being one aspect but when combined with the game being played it took it to another level for me! Personally, I could have gone without the plot point of the lawyer but that’s only my opinion as I know lots of other readers love this aspect. Probably my cynical and rational personality showing there. Despite being the baddie of the story I felt there was empathy there for Arthur as it reflects on how society has changed - we no longer get to know our neighbours on a social level and the elderly do bear the brunt of that. I could feel the reality of that part of the book and it definitely rang true for me.
I don’t really want to say too much about this book as it’s good to come to this one ‘blind’. Part of the fun is the twists and turns, thinking it must be wrapping up now and then bam something else stops you in your tracks!
This is really a fun and very twisted read - let me know if you read it.
