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This Is Not a Game

One body. Two unlikely sleuths. The time for playing nicely is over...

Widower Mimi is rarely one to ask for help. She knows where to buy her favourite sourdough. And she knows the unmatched pleasure of an evening crossword with her cocktail of choice – a Gibson.

But when Mimi receives an invite to her wealthy neighbour’s charity auction, she knows she needs back-up – fast – and she knows just who to ask.

Mimi’s granddaughter Addie needs help too. Three months ago she was toasting her engagement and the success of the hit video game she created with her fiancé. Now she’s single and her ex has cut out of a deal to sell their murder mystery game for millions. A weekend with her grandmother promises welcome relief from endless reruns of Buffy and Poirot.

But what Mimi isn’t telling Addie is that a blackmail threat looms over the invitation.

The auction is barely underway when the host’s body is discovered in the lavish halls of her own mansion. Soon Mimi and Addie are caught in a dangerous game as they use their unique skills to narrow down the suspects.

And when another body turns up, it’s clear that only the winner will survive…

Slick and witty

Daily Mail

About Kelly Mullen

Kelly Mullen has worked as a producer in Hollywood and a marketing executive in New York and London. During the pandemic she took online writing courses through Curtis Brown Creative and The Novelry, which reignited her childhood passion for writing. This Is Not A Game is her first novel and was inspired by a two-week stay at her grandmother’s house in 2021.

As an executive producer, her credits include Academy Award-nominated Trumbo starring Bryan Cranston and Helen Mirren, and AppleTV+’s Dads produced with Ron Howard. Her creative work for brands has won over 50 awards, including Cannes Lions and Clios.

Born and raised in Iowa, Kelly is now a dual citizen of the US and UK. She lives in London with her husband and their rescue cats.
Details
  • Imprint: Penguin
  • ISBN: 9781804951606
  • Length: 400 pages
  • Price: £9.99