Shell Game

by Carol O'Connell

Book Overview

She hit the New York Times list with Bone by Bone . Now her repackaged backlist will fly off the shelves. When a legendary magic trick goes horribly awry on national TV, detective Kathleen Mallory... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0399144951
• ISBN13: 9780399144950
• Release Date: July 1999
• Publisher: Putnam Publishing Group
• Length: 374 Pages
• Weight: 1.56 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.4" x 6.3" x 9.3"

Customer Reviews

Maybe her best one yet......

This fifth book in the Mallory series was the best one I've read yet and I love the fact that each one of these books stand alone. Instead of repeating whole sections of previous books to fill the reader in, O'Connell sums up everything you need to know in one or two sentences here and there. She is truly a gifted writer. This story finds Mallory in the middle of a revenge murder surrounded by magicians. The regular cast appears yet they are much more in the background this time as Mallory is front and center. For the first time the reader becomes much more emphatic with her character as we see a softer side and watch Mallory evolve into this more humane person (she opens up and shares a deep dark secret - her pysch evaluation as a child - with another character and we also see how hurt she is when those closest to her don't believe her). However, just when we think Mallory has changed and gone all sappy on us, the plot ends with Mallory being pure Mallory which is pure genius. I've always thought Mallory was a misunderstood character as she does stand for moral principles and maybe you have have to be somewhat cold to be willing to go to the lengths she does when choosing between right and wrong. We even understand why Mallory is the way she is given her background......and although there are no obvious "Stone Angel" references, the revelations of Mallory's past in that book have visibly and profoundly affected Mallory as her story continues in this murder mystery. Speaking of which, I'm thrilled the whole haunting love story of Louisa and Malakhai was the focal point as it was always hinted at previously and the real narrative was fascinating. This author knows how to write a spellbinding tale.

Not a disappointment at all!

I did not find this installment disappointing like the other reviewer. Kathy Mallory is one of the most interesting protagonist I have every read. Carol O'Connell has created a hero that you want to dislike, but you can't help but feel sorry and like her. Mallory brings out all your emotions. I thank the author for not changing Mallory too much after Stone Angel. The changes are there, you have to remember, Mallory would not be able to change too much quickly. Thank you, Ms. O'Connell for staying true to Mallory.In Shell Game, Mallory has met her match. With a personally that sees in black and white, what does she do in the world of magic? With magicians as foes, Mallory becomes a fish out of water, or is she? Ms. O'Connell creates a world of illusion in Shell Game. The villain(s) has spent his life practicing misdirection, trickery and lies. Mallory has too, but is 50 years short on experience against these guys. Oh, what a tangled web they can weave. I couldn't figure out what was going on till the very last few pages. What a wonderful read, Ms. O'Connell's pose is top notch. I love the way this author writes. So different, yet flowing and easy to read. I always set aside blocks of time to read her books. You'll not want to put her down. You will want to stay with it till the end. I would suggest that if you are interested in this series, start with the first one, Mallory's Oracle. Ms. O'Connell develops Mallory over the course of all her books. To miss one, means not understanding a portion of Mallory. Mallory is the most complex character I have ever read. So, get started and enjoy!

Mallory moves forward

I found this book to be at least as powerful as O'Connell's other novels (including _Judas Child_, which I thought was absolutely amazing). Mallory actually grows, instead of being just a strange, crippled creature for the plot to bounce off of; whether or not her growth is worth what it cost her remains to be seen. The compassion with which O'Connell describes pain and human tragedy makes reading about the events all the more harrowing and unforgettable. Easily the best book I've read this year.

"Mallory's Back"

Carol O'Connell has done it again. Mallory is back in New York being Mallory. A wonderful read, with, as usual, an offbeat storyline, this one centered on magic, misdirection, and murder committed during World War II. There is no one quite like Mallory. Can't wait for the next.

Maybe the best Mallory yet!

I usually don't gush, but Shell Game is really something. Love her or hate her, Mallory is present in this book. We often see the action from her strange point of view. Contrast this with her not quite there-ness until the climax in Stone Angel.A must read for series fans!