We Play Games by Sarah A. Denzil

Hey, it’s Diego.

Last week, I listened to the audiobook version of We Play Games by Sarah A. Denzil. *

And it was different to what I’m used.

Let me give you my spoiler-free, unbiased review.

First time reading? Sign up here.

* _{This email contains affiliate links. I may earn a commission if you buy through them, at no extra cost to you.}

In partnership with

Culture Clarity Without the Clickbait

Lifelong learners deserve more than clickbait lists. 1440’s Society & Culture brief takes you beneath the buzzwords to reveal the forces shaping our shared experience—technological shifts, artistic movements, demographic trends. In about five minutes, gain a clear, evidence-based perspective that sparks conversation and fuels deeper exploration. No lofty jargon, no spin—just intellectually honest storytelling that turns curiosity into genuine understanding.

Join Now

We Play Games by Sarah A. Denzil – Review

Effie and Ben are partners in marriage and crime. Both from rich backgrounds themselves, they started conning people out of their money because they were bored. They seduce wealthy couples and extort them for money and power. Five years after they married, things have taken a dark turn, however, and Effie has had enough and wants out. But will Ben let her leave knowing what she knows?

This book is a domestic thriller with most of the action happening in a small, wealthy gated community.

Denzil’s writing is well crafted. The story is written around the audiobook version, and as such, the dialogue and inner thoughts flow naturally. There are also clips around blogging and podcasting going on between chapters, providing backstory into the characters, which bumps the production value of the audiobook.

Both point-of-view characters are not likable. Ben and Effie are borderline psychopathic, deeply flawed, intelligent, proactive characters. You’d think that would be a turn-off, and I don’t normally pick up books where these types of characters are the protagonists, but they made for a very interesting read.

Considering the story picks up rather quickly, and we follow a single timeline, this was an easy read. There was an overarching theme of redemption, with the story developing as the characters make decisions around actions and reactions. There are thrills, but they are few and spaced out.

There is no romance here, only manipulation. No sex scenes, although sex is implied and a major topic in the story. There is no swearing and no graphic violence.

So, what about the ending? (No spoilers obviously)

The ending resolves the main conflict, although it didn’t have a big payoff. We don’t spend time with the characters after it either.

We Play Games is an interesting window into the lives of predatory, sociopathic rich people. It was easy to pick up and fast to finish. I would recommend this to people who normally enjoy getting into the point of view of killers and are looking for a redemption arc. It doesn’t disappoint.

Similar Books to We Play Games?

• First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston

• The Lies I Tell by Julie Clark

That’s all for this week.

See you next time.

— Diego Dunne

P.S. Let me know how I did today by replying to this email or by tapping on the poll below:

_{Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. You can read more about it in our Terms of Service.}