Our Kind of Game: A Novel BY Johanna Copeland

In her riveting and suspenseful debut, Copeland explores the balance of power in relationships and the quest for control through a serpentine tale of violence, reclamation, and the impact on future generations.

In 2019, Stella Parker appears to have the perfect life: a loving husband, two joyful children, and a beautiful home in the affluent suburbs of Washington, DC. She left a thriving law career to raise her family, but her idyllic existence is shattered when her neighbor Gwen arrives, claiming to know things about Stella’s past. This unexpected encounter forces Stella to confront the dark secret that her seemingly perfect life is built upon.

Flashback to 1987, where Julie Waits dreams of becoming a cheerleader, hoping it will bring her normalcy and friendship, and serve as an escape from her tumultuous life with her widowed mother. Their constant moves and her mother’s dangerous relationships create a chaotic environment, and when her mother ends those relationships, the past becomes a forbidden topic for Julie.

As Stella delves deeper into Gwen’s claims, she uncovers the connection between her past and present, and the true identity of Julie. The revelations become increasingly terrifying, revealing the buried truths that bind their lives together.

Filled with shocking twists and turns, Copeland’s debut is a gripping exploration of what it means for a woman to control her life while examining the cumulative impact of daily violences against women. This novel highlights the intricate link between physical and psychological harm, and the generational effects of trauma.

Fans of Karin Slaughter will not want to miss this powerful and thought-provoking thriller that keeps readers on the edge of their seats from beginning to end.