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A Game of Malice (Malicious Games Series) by Gledé Browne Kabongo

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A Game of Malice (Malicious Games Series) by Gledé Browne Kabongo
Hosted by Itsy Bitsy Book Bits
Genre – YA thriller
Page Count – 336
Cover Designer – Qamber Designs & Media

Welcome to Branson Academy, where secrets can kill, trust is a dangerous game, and the deadliest lessons aren’t taught in the classroom.

 When tech prodigy Mackenzie Fleming disappears, her best friend Lucas Rambally is determined to find her. But the deeper he digs, the darker it gets. Blackmail, death threats, secret societies, corporate espionage… This is way bigger than a missing person case.

 As his search intensifies, Lucas uncovers a web of dark secrets that could bring Branson Academy to its knees. Then Branson insider and chess master Ivy Ishihara starts dropping sinister chess metaphors. And they’re not just clever wordplay—they’re dire warnings. Lucas has stumbled into a game he was never meant to play, and one wrong move could prove fatal.

 The clock is ticking, and to find out what really happened to Mackenzie, Lucas must answer one simple question: Is his friend running for her life, or is her disappearance a mind-blowing con that conceals something far more shocking than anyone could have imagined?

Click here to experience a Chapter Reading of A Game of Malice (Malicious Games Series) by Gledé Browne Kabongo

Gledé Browne Kabongo is a multiple award-winning author of eight psychological thrillers that keep readers at the edge of their seats from the first page to the last.

​Her novels, characterized by their strong emotional core, high-stakes, danger, and jaw-dropping twists include: A Game of Malice, Our Wicked Lies, Fool Me Twice, Conspiracy of Silence, and the Fearless series.

​

Readers have described Gledé’s work as “unbelievably addictive,” “brilliant,” “captivating,” “unputdownable,” “spellbinding,” “deliciously duplicitous,” and “haunting and complex.”

​Gledé has spoken at multiple industry events including the Boston Book Festival, Sisters in Crime (SinC) New England Crime Bake, and the Women in Publishing Summit. When she’s not torturing her characters, she’s hosting webinars and workshops on the craft of writing fiction and working as a Content Marketing Manager for a high-tech start-up. Gledé lives outside Boston with her husband and children. You can reach her at glede@gledekabongo.com or her author website.

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Fool Me Twice by Gledé Browne Kabongo – Review by Louise Loughran

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Fool Me TwiceFool Me Twice by Glede Browne Kabongo
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I enjoyed this book, it was easy to read and had me turning the page wanting to know more all the time. The story flowed easy and I was not confused by the storyline and where it was heading. I would recommend this book to anyone that likes a good thriller.

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Fool Me Twice by Gledé Browne Kabongo – Review by Nina Maes

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Fool Me TwiceFool Me Twice by Glede Browne Kabongo
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Good story, with very real emotions that you can feel through the pages. Love how it draws you in to want to what is going to happen next. Like all the twist and turns. Looking forward to reading more from this author.

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Fool Me Twice by Gledé Browne Kabongo – Review by Lisa Helmick

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Fool Me TwiceFool Me Twice by Glede Browne Kabongo
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a great story that grabbed my attention from the start! I absolutely loved it! It’s compelling, tricky and full of great characters. This is my first book by this author and it won’t be my last! I really fell into the life with these characters and followed them all the way on their journey.

What I love about this most is that it is told mostly without a lot of back and forth in years. My favorite is that I couldn’t figure it out even when a few tidbits were thrown my way. A downside is that it does have some “filler”(plots that don’t move the story forward) and a couple subplots that just stopped.

This author has a wonderful style. She has a talent…I would call her a magician of words. She led me down a merry trail and I wasn’t sure where I would come out until I got there.

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Fool Me Twice by Gledé Browne Kabongo – Review by S. Bittles

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Fool Me TwiceFool Me Twice by Glede Browne Kabongo
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow, just wow! Browne Kabongo has blown me away with this novel. If you like the thriller genre and a fast paced read, then I highly recommend this one!

I was hooked as soon as I started reading, Browne Kabongo has a beautifully unique writing style and has done very well with this novel. Anytime I had to put the book down to do something I couldn’t get it off of my mind, definitely a page turner!

Very few novels I’ve read have had a character who shares my name, I believe it added an extra layer to the psychological element for me with this one.

I plan to go read Browne Kabongo’s other works, and I’m sure they will be as unique and captivating as this one is.

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Fool Me Twice by Gledé Browne Kabongo – Review by Michelle Austin

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Fool Me TwiceFool Me Twice by Glede Browne Kabongo
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a thrilling 4 star read. Once you start you will get pulled in.

In just one evening Shelby’s life takes a twisted turn, she finds herself getting arrested for a murder she didn’t committ. Things get even more complicated when Shelby’s past comes back to haunt her. When her loved ones are threatened things get more serious.

Will Shelby be able to keep her family safe? Will she find out who her stalker is?

There is so much in this book. We get danger, mystery, suspense and so much more. The author pulls you right in with her writing and we get several twists and turns and lots of secrets. All of the characters added a great element to the story. I loved Shelby’s strength and determination. If you’re looking for a read that pulls you right in this is the one for you. 1-click and get started today.

Reviewed by @mab54615
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Fool Me Twice by Glede Browne Kabongo – Review by Carla Clemmons

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Fool Me TwiceFool Me Twice by Glede Browne Kabongo
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow just wow! This book was amazing and is a real page turner! I drank a cup of coffee at 9 at night just to keep reading to see what happened next. This story is so intense and the writing is on point. Shelby is amazing and has such amazing resilience. Honestly I love all the Cooper’s. I don’t want to give any spoilers but I will say this story will keep you guessing and when you think you have it figured out, think again. I’ve read one other book by this author and will be reading all the others she has written! I cannot speak highly enough about this author or book!

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Fool Me Twice by Gledé Browne Kabongo – Review by Rachel Moss

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Fool Me TwiceFool Me Twice by Glede Browne Kabongo
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Fool Me Twice was a really good read! It was a great story and I enjoyed going on this thrilling ride. However, I feel like the story was drug out. I felt like it could have met the same ending with less fluff in the middle. I found it dragging for me throughout the novel. And the characters. I loved seeing the different dynamics of each person, but I really wish the author could have had all of them in the third person narratives instead of all of them third person except for Shelby, and have her first person. I didn’t enjoy that and it made the story a little confusing when it switched between the characters. Overall this was a great read that I enjoyed but I felt I would have enjoyed it more if it wasn’t so prolonged.

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Fool Me Twice by Gledé Browne Kabongo – Review by Angela Renee Diaz

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Fool Me TwiceFool Me Twice by Glede Browne Kabongo
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book was something else in a good way. Setting up someone for murder. Luckily she proves herself innocent with the help of her husband and his private investigator. There should be a trigger warning for mental health because I believe its realistic that you don’t know what a person is capable of in their mindset. Especially if they have mental issues.

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Fool Me Twice by Gledé Browne Kabongo – Review by Kristine Solano-Witucky

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Fool Me TwiceFool Me Twice by Glede Browne Kabongo
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I absolutely loved this book! I am more of a Romance person so I took a chance on this book and it did not disappoint. I just couldn’t put it down, I had to keep reading it. The mystery, danger, drama, crime, and of course the suspense was just insane. I can’t wait to read more by this author.

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Fool Me Twice by Gledé Browne Kabongo – Review by Jess Engel

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Fool Me TwiceFool Me Twice by Glede Browne Kabongo
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Engaging, fast-paced, and full of twists and turns. Fool Me Twice by Gledé Browne Kabongo didn’t let me down. Honestly, it took several chapters to really get going, but once the stage was set in the first 10% of the book, things really picked up and I couldn’t put it down!

Shelby has hidden her past from everyone, but it may be catching up with her—then she is accused of murder! Fearing for herself and her loved ones she sits in jail wondering if her name will ever be cleared.

Browne Kabongo creates an addicting story, as usual. I love the intricate details that bring the story together and keeps surprising the reader. Not my first by this author and certainly won’t be my last!

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Fool Me Twice by Gledé Browne Kabongo – Review by Stephanie Nicole

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Fool Me TwiceFool Me Twice by Glede Browne Kabongo
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Fool Me Twice by Gledé Browne Kabongo is definitely a thrilling read if your need a good one for this weekend. This book is filled with so much drama, mystery, danger, suspense and more that I really found myself not being able to put it down. This particular thriller is not a good novel to start if you have errands to run, this book gripped me from the very first page and took me on a roller coaster ride with so many twists and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat. You think that it’s just going to be a another normal day, but what happens when someone is accused of murder? Will the suspicions be cleared and the real killer caught? You’ll have to read Fool Me Twice by Gledé Browne Kabongo to find out for yourself.

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Fool Me Twice by Gledé Browne Kabongo – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

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Fool Me TwiceFool Me Twice by Glede Browne Kabongo
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Fool Me Twice is a gripping novel by Gledé Browne Kabongo. It’s a psychological thriller, following a seemingly normal woman as her life completely unravels. Framed for a murder she hasn’t committed, and with a stalker determined to get revenge, Shelby has to work hard to prove her innocence and protect her family.
This is a real page-turner – once you get started you will need to know why Shelby is being targeted, and if/how she will make it through this onslaught. Changes of narrative perspective drip-feed information to the reader, whilst keeping us in suspense.
One thing I particularly like about this book is the highlighting of women, in particular women of colour, in STEM. Shelby is involved in some really cool scientific research, and is committed to encouraging other women and girls to get into STEM. It’s really great to get this sort of thing in books that aren’t specifically about women in STEM, but that will still get readers interested and raise awareness of some of the difficulties they face.
For me, this is a five-star read. It isn’t a genre I read much but I was absolutely hooked and will definitely look to read more of Browne Kabongo’s work in the future. I would recommend it to any readers looking for something that will have them on the edge of their seats.

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Fool Me Twice by Glede Browne Kabongo – Review by Laura-Jane Minnie

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Fool Me TwiceFool Me Twice by Glede Browne Kabongo
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A great psychological thriller that drew me in from the start.
Every character seems to have secrets, but Shelbys are the darkest. When her physical therapist has been murdered, she is convinced someone from her past is setting her up. I was on the edge throughout the whole book, it really keeps you guessing on who the real murderer is.

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Fool Me Twice by Gledé Browne Kabongo – Review by Shea Gilkerson

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Fool Me TwiceFool Me Twice by Glede Browne Kabongo
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Fool Me Twice is a fast paced read, as well as a fast read. I really didn’t want to put it down! There are multiple stories to follow in this book, but it is easy to follow. Not all of the subplots come to a satisfactory conclusion, but overall I enjoyed the writing as well as the story.

Shelby Cooper is a scientist, mom of 2, and wife living with her family in a suburb near Boston – and she has secrets. When she starts gets strange messages and being pursued by vehicles, she knows her secrets are going to be revealed soon. Shelby isn’t the only person with secrets in this book – Will Shelby find out who knows her secrets and is framing her for murder? Will she and Jason be able to trust each other again? Will her family stay together? Stay safe?

If you like psychological thrillers, crime, etc – carve out a day or 2 and read this book. I really enjoyed it!

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Fool Me Twice by Gledé Browne Kabongo – Review by Rebecca Hill

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Fool Me TwiceFool Me Twice by Glede Browne Kabongo
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Gledé Browne Kabongo is a talented author. At first, though, I didn’t like this story. I was confused and struggled to keep up. I kept going, because I know how much I’ve loved her stories. I was so glad I did! Shelby Cooper is being harassed by a stalker and then is wrongly arrested for murder. Shelby does not want her hidden past to come out and is terrified that her stalker will hurt her family. There were several twists in the story that I did not see coming. It was a fantastic story. Once it got going, I couldn’t put it down!

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Fool Me Twice by Gledé Browne Kabongo – Review by Paula R Sayers

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Fool Me TwiceFool Me Twice by Glede Browne Kabongo
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Fool Me Twice by Glede Brown Kabongo is a great thriller. It caught my attention and kept me wanting to know the truth. Shelby Cooper is a wife and mother who is arrested for the murder of her physical therapist. Shelby is hiding her past from her family and friends and they have no idea until their lives are turned upside down by Shelby’s arrest and a stalkers threats. I never saw the twists and turns coming.

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Fool Me Twice by Gledé Browne Kabongo – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Fool Me TwiceFool Me Twice by Glede Browne Kabongo
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I was hooked from the start by this suspenseful, psychological crime thriller and it kept me gripped until the last page. Shelby Cooper seemingly has the perfect life, a successful career as a leading scientist in bioinformatics, a mother to two wonderful children, and a happy marriage to a successful man, but not even her family know who she really is. Shelby has a past which she has worked hard to hide and she has managed to start a new life, but now someone who hates her knows who she is. When Shelby is stopped by the police for a broken taillight this leads to her being arrested for the murder of her physical therapist. Shelby soon realises that whoever the killer is, they are out for revenge and seem intent on ruining her life by framing her for murder. This is a fast paced story with an intriguing storyline and plenty of plot twists that kept me guessing until the end.

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Fool Me Twice by Gledé Browne Kabongo – Review by Kayla Octaviano

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Fool Me TwiceFool Me Twice by Glede Browne Kabongo
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I don’t read many suspense books, but this book has inspired me to try to read more of them. I was on my toes at all times and constantly found myself getting goosebumps. The story was really well developed and completely worth the read. Read this book if you like anticipation, guessing what is going to happen next, and constant suspense!

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Fool Me Twice by Gledé Browne Kabongo – Review by Trish Ann

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Fool Me TwiceFool Me Twice by Glede Browne Kabongo
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this book. I thought the concept was interesting and the details were woven well. There were some parts that I did not really find were necessary particularly the relationship between Abbie and Ty. Also, I felt the ending was abrupt. While I understood the need for closure in that scene, I felt like the book just ended. I even went back because I thought I was missing something.

Overall, the story kept moving and held my attention. I would definitely read more by the author.

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Fool Me Twice by Gledé Browne Kabongo – Review by Tausha Treadway

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Fool Me TwiceFool Me Twice by Glede Browne Kabongo
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Fool Me Twice by Gledé Browne Kabongo. I LOVED this book .Its my favorite genre so I was excited to read it and I was not disappointed! Its the story of Shelby Cooper who is a very successful Bioinformatic Scientist, mom and wife. Problem is her own family doesn’t know about Shelby’s past and when it comes back to haunt her it can destroy her entire life. One traffic stop later for a minor traffic infraction and she’s arrested for murder and her whole life is turned upside down. She is being accused of murdering her physical therapist and she knows she’s being set up from someone in her past. Will she be able to figure out who is trying to sabotage the life she has now and will she be able to prove her innocence before the wonderful life she’s built is ruined? This book kept me turning pages as fast as I could and kept me guessing til the very end. I can’t wait to read the next great read by this incredible author!

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Fool Me Twice by Glede Browne Kabongo – Review by Dr. Anya Schultz

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Fool Me TwiceFool Me Twice by Glede Browne Kabongo
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Fool Me Twice is a psychological thriller about a woman named “Shelby Cooper”. Shelby Cooper is a mom, wife, and scientist that left a shady past and kept the secrets of then locked away. However, what Shelby doesn’t know is that the past and present are about to collide and bite her in the ass, but for reasons she cannot comprehend. This was a well written, nail biting, page-turner. The author, while changing stories among the characters throughout, still made it very easy to follow without getting lost. What I think I loved most was the fact that each character she wrote about had a strong, brave, assertive present, but with each being able to show a loving side, too. One of my favorite characters was actually, Abbie, Shelby’s daughter. She is a feisty, smart, brave young woman. I was glad to hear that the author has created a series around this character and I can’t wait to read it.

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Fool Me Twice: An unputdownable psychological Thriller by Glede Browne Kabongo – review by Melissa Saxton

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Fool Me TwiceFool Me Twice by Glede Browne Kabongo
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Fool Me Twice: An unputdownable psychological Thriller by Glede Browne Kabongo is legitimately a book that will take you hook line and sinker through Shelbys story of her past she tried so hard to hide from her family until a regular traffic stop leaves her framed for a murder she didn’t commit. not only do you learn Shelbys dark past secrets but she’s not the only one with secrets and someone is out for revenge. Can she face her dark past and unravel the nightmare she finds herself in to prove herself innocent. is her entire perfect life she built up in smoke. You won’t be able to put this book down because you will HAVE TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENS!!

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Fool Me Twice by Gledé Browne Kabongo – Review by Nakyshia Leger

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Fool Me TwiceFool Me Twice by Glede Browne Kabongo
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The words “unputdownable thriller” are perfect for this book! Shelby Cooper lives a life she created for herself after a rough past, a past she chooses to hide from her family. When Shelby is framed for a murder she didn’t commit, she realizes someone is out to get her, and she thinks her past may be connected. Every step along the way, a piece of the past is revealed, and Shelby is not the only one with secrets. The book did change point of views throughout, making it somewhat confusing. Once I caught on, I was drawn back into the story. Gleade Brown Kabongo created a complex depth of characters and a story that keeps you guessing at every turn. Right until the very last page I was surprised!

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Fool Me Twice by Gledé Browne Kabongo – Review by Lorrene Huisman

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Fool Me TwiceFool Me Twice by Glede Browne Kabongo
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a read! That was the single line I could figure to start with to lightly describe how well done this book was and is. I am simply amazed and how gripping the writing was as well as the psychological toll it had not just on the characters it contained, but as well as my mind as I read. Freaking amazing writing!

From first glance I thought oh good a thriller to suit my needs. I was pulled in so deep to the point this author is amazing in all they do, and I was pulled in and hooked and I literally spent my evening reading on the weekend till I finished and concluded the case of the boo. Just wow! The suspense was major I would say. I was griped and held till the final word on the final page!

The writing was imply brilliant to say the least, the characters were so well done and put together, their visual was more than just an image, but a very real person in my mind and head. I am left wanting more. It was like good Chinese food, you finished it all, but you still are left wanting more! To me suspense would draw you in, you blink then next big holy crud moment, it kept you on edge literally!

Again, amazing read an I truly highly recommend this novel. The writing is nothing less than great and astounding. I simply must say it is a must read and it is one not to be over looked and passed up. You have to read this to understand my excitement. I happily recommend this prize of a book !

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Fool Me Twice by Gledé Browne Kabongo – Review by Kerry Baker

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Fool Me TwiceFool Me Twice by Glede Browne Kabongo
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Fool Me Twice: An unputdownable psychological Thriller by Glede Browne Kabongo is a brilliant and gripping story by and author I have come to expect nothing less of. From the moment you start reading you are pulled into such an intriguing story. The author really keeps you on the edge of your seat and desperate to find out what is going on. Every time I thought I had it figure out the author found another way to throw me off. This is the kind of book that once you start it you just cannot put it down.
This is a fantastic book that I cannot take highly enough. You should do yourself a favour our and start reading it today!

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Fool Me Twice by Gledé Browne Kabongo – Review by April McCoy

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Fool Me TwiceFool Me Twice by Glede Browne Kabongo
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Where do I even begin. This book was INCREDIBLE. Like truly an unbelievable read! twists and turns you never see coming, bombs dropping everywhere. I was enthralled fully and couldn’t have put it down if I even tried! So well written and truly a thrilling tale! I couldn’t read it fast enough, but at the same time wanted to savour every word! I felt a serious NEED to get to the end and figure out what was really going on and boy oh boy! THE ENDING did NOT disappoint. This book is a work of art and the author Glede Brown Kabongo is a mastermind. To even have come up with a plot like this and wonderful characters like these, magic. If you enjoy reading a book from the edge of your seat look no further because you absolutely DO NOT want to miss this one!!!

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Fool Me Twice by Gledé Browne Kabongo – Review by Kristy Nelson

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Fool Me TwiceFool Me Twice by Glede Browne Kabongo
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I have previously read “Our Wicked Lies” by Kabongo. I loved it so much I’ll now blindly pick any of her books without even reading the synopsis. Fool me twice did not disappoint! True to the author’s style, the suspense begins immediately and doesn’t let up until the very end. I love how she gets right into the story so you are invested from the start. I recommend all her books!

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Fool Me Twice by Gledé Browne Kabongo – Review by Erica Shoebridge

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Fool Me TwiceFool Me Twice by Glede Browne Kabongo
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Intrigue starts right at the beginning of this one. It begins with hang-up calls, being followed and chased, then threats on the lives of her children. Someone has it out for Shelby Cooper, and they promise not to stop until she is utterly destroyed. There is lots to unpack here; Shelby is obviously hiding much from her family, but we find out about it slowly, as the clues are revealed. The psychological thriller aspect of this book is done very well. The characters fell a bit flat for me… I had trouble caring for them, which took a bit away from the plot. However, Kabongo is a good thriller writer, so if you like being on the edge of your seat, guessing at what’s coming next, this may be a good choice for you.

Reviewed by @ericalorraine
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Fool Me Twice by Gledé Browne Kabongo -Review by Kerry Carr

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Fool Me TwiceFool Me Twice by Glede Browne Kabongo
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this story. The author does an amazing job of making the story interested and gripping without giving away too many details and making the person behind it all obvious too early into the story. The story  a fast paced psychological Thriller involving murder, revenge and a stalker.

Everyone had a past and secrets from that past. But when their past comes back to haunt them it can destroy the perfect life that now have. That is what is happening to Shelby.
Someone is set on getting revenge for something she did in the past, however it not only Shelby they are set out to get, with her children getting dragged into this mess, Shelby know she needs to do whatever this stalker wants to save her family and children.
But when she is framed for murder, that puts a different spin on things. The stalker that seems harmless and turned deadly and Shelby now serious worries for her families safety as well as her own.
She can’t really get sent to prison for a murder she didn’t commit could she?

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