In 2023, I reviewed Game Set Murder: A Stan Powell Thriller by Chris Merrill. The book was a product of the pandemic, as Merrill enrolled in an online creative writing course at a local community college during the shutdown. The long-time tennis player and industry veteran didn’t have a project in mind, but a story about a tennis sales rep that found himself in the middle of a complex web of lies, deceit, and murder (as the title suggests) took root. What ultimately emerged is a book that is the best fictional novel with a tennis-centric theme that I have ever read. Its authentic tennis detail is a bonus, but the novel succeeds on the strength of its characters, narrative, and craft.
I found Game Set Murder: A Stan Powell Thriller to be a thoroughly engaging book that captured and held my attention from the first page through the dramatic conclusion. For a first effort, the character development is outstandingly rich. It is apparent that Merrill drew on his extensive experience in the tennis industry, as the personas are instantly recognizable and relatable to anyone who has spent time around the sport.
Stan Powell is an FBI agent whose investigation into human remains revealed a vast criminal conspiracy of fraud and exploitation at a major tennis equipment manufacturer. He uncovers a trail of greed and corruption that puts innocent people in danger they never saw coming. While it was clear from the onset that a murder had been committed, the real intrigue was untangling the motives and who was responsible before others suffered a similar fate in the aftermath of the cover-up.
As an overthinking tennis geek, I enjoyed the glimpse into the inner workings of the equipment industry and the daily grind of the life of a manufacturer’s sales rep. Similarly, the tournament tennis depicted in the novel, surrounding the pursuit of gold balls and National Championships, rang true to my own experience.
I am convinced that I would have read Game Set Murder in a single continuous sitting had my life constraints allowed that. When I was forced to set my copy aside for any length of time, I found myself continually thinking about the story and how the narrative would ultimately be resolved. The extent to which it dominated my thoughts is a testament to how very good this book is.
At the time of my original review, I noted that Game Set Murder is well-structured for potential continuation as a series. The second installment of the series is out, and I eagerly started it this week. The Pale Rider takes Stan Powell into the world of bicycle manufacturing. While I am just getting started on that book, it’s already clear that author Merrill is once again blending authentic sports detail, a tightly plotted mystery, and a protagonist worth rooting for.
Additionally, an audiobook of Game Set Murder is now available, narrated by Brad Holbrook. His voice is a strong match for the tone of the story and the character of Stan Powell. For readers who prefer to experience books in audio format, this might be the ideal way to dive into the series.
While the narrative of Game Set Murder is based on a tennis theme, enjoyment will not be diminished for people with no interest or knowledge of the sport. However, if you are a tennis fan looking for a great book that still scratches the tennis itch, this is definitely the book for you.
Game Set Murder: A Stan Powell Thriller (Sponsored Link)
Game Set Murder: A Stan Powell Thriller (Audiobook) (Sponsored Link)
The Pale Rider: A Stan Powell Thriller (Sponsored Link)
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