Game: The Sequel to I Hunt Killers

Game is the second installment in Barry Lyga's 'I Hunt Killers' series, continuing the intense and morally complex journey of 17-year-old Jazz Dent. Having just solved a case in his small hometown, Jazz is drawn to New York City to assist the police in tracking a new, brutal serial killer known as the 'Hat-Dog Killer.' The narrative unflinchingly explores the dark psychological landscape of serial murderers, often through Jazz's internal struggle with his own lineage as the son of one of history's most infamous killers. The book handles sensitive topics of violence, murder, and psychopathy directly and graphically, making it firmly a Young Adult thriller rather than a book for younger children, despite the erroneous age range provided in some data. The emotional arc is one of constant tension and internal conflict, as Jazz battles both external threats and his own inherited predispositions. This book is specifically for older teens (14+) who are drawn to gritty crime fiction, psychological thrillers, and stories with morally ambiguous protagonists. A parent might reach for this when their teen expresses interest in true crime podcasts, detective stories, or complex character studies. Parents should be prepared to discuss the graphic nature of the crimes, the psychological aspects of evil, and the ethical dilemmas Jazz faces. Younger teens might find the content too disturbing, while older, mature readers will appreciate the intricate plot and character development. What sets this book apart from other YA mysteries is its deep dive into the 'nature vs. nurture' debate through the lens of a protagonist who is literally the son of a monster, offering a unique and unsettling perspective on crime-solving.