This Is Not a Game

A deliciously smart locked-room mystery with a difference - featuring an irresistible grandmother and granddaughter sleuthing duo. Perfect for fans of Janice Hallett and Richard Osman.

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…

About the Author

Kelly Mullen is an author, producer and marketing executive. As an executive producer, her credits include the Academy Award-nominated movie Trumbo starring Bryan Cranston and Helen Mirren, and the AppleTV+ documentary Dads, which she produced with Ron Howard. Kelly’s creative work for brands has won more than fifty awards, including Cannes Lions and Clios.

Her debut novel This Is Not a Game was called ‘fabulous, over-the-top fun’ by The Guardian and named one of Waterstones Best Crime & Thrillers of 2025. A Murder in Eight Cocktails is her second novel. She lives in London with her husband and their rescue cats.