Welcome to the Game

Spencer Burnham, an ex-rally driver, moves his family from England to Detroit and opens a car dealership. He is disconnected from his daughter and losing control of drugs and alcohol. He has a chance encounter with a charismatic but lethal gangster, Dominic McGrath, who plans a last heist. Spencer proves himself behind the wheel, but McGrath has too much invested to allow him to leave. The two men apply their talents to besting each other, while mistakenly assuming they have only each other to beat.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 384 pages
Publication date: 05 January 2023
Publisher: Atlantic Books

Spencer Burnham, a former rally driver, relocates his family from England to Detroit and establishes a car dealership. However, his life is tragically disrupted by the untimely passing of his beloved wife. Stricken with grief and disconnected from his young daughter, Spencer's addiction to drugs and alcohol spirals out of control, leaving him on the brink of bankruptcy and barely avoiding the intervention of Child Protective Services. In a moment of desperation, Spencer crosses paths with a charismatic but dangerous gangster named Dominic McGrath. Feeling the pressure from informants, the increasing prevalence of tech surveillance, and a relentless detective determined to bring him to justice, McGrath hatches a final heist that promises a comfortable retirement if he can recruit a unique type of driver—one capable, trustworthy, and naïve.

Spencer, driven by his natural talent for driving, quickly proves himself as an exceptional driver under McGrath's guidance. The gangster offers him substantial rewards, but Spencer soon realizes that there is a dark and ruthless side to McGrath's operations. He desperately tries to escape the dangerous world he has entered, but McGrath has too much at stake to let him go. As the city experiences a scorching heat wave, Spencer and McGrath engage in a fierce competition, each using their considerable skills to outmaneuver the other. They mistakenly believe that they are the only ones in their game, unaware of the larger forces that are conspiring against them.

In the midst of their rivalry, Spencer begins to unravel the truth about McGrath and his criminal empire. He discovers the extent of McGrath's corruption, the lives that have been destroyed, and the countless victims who have fallen prey to his schemes. Spencer's moral compass is tested as he confronts the reality of his involvement with McGrath. He knows that he must choose between his own safety and the pursuit of justice.

As the stakes continue to rise, Spencer and McGrath find themselves in a race against time. They must execute their heist flawlessly, avoiding detection by the authorities and rival gangsters. But their plans are complicated by unexpected twists and turns, and they soon realize that they are not the only ones with their eyes on the prize.

In a final confrontation, Spencer and McGrath engage in a high-speed chase through the streets of Detroit. The adrenaline pumps through their veins as they maneuver their vehicles, each determined to come out on top. In a climactic moment, Spencer makes a bold move, using his skills and knowledge to outsmart McGrath and bring him to justice.

With McGrath behind bars, Spencer is left to reflect on the consequences of his actions. He realizes that he has been used by McGrath as a pawn in his criminal empire and that he has allowed himself to be consumed by greed and power. He vows to turn his life around, to make amends for his past mistakes, and to use his skills and knowledge to help others.

Spencer's journey is a testament to the human capacity for redemption and transformation. He has faced adversity and overcome it with courage and determination. His story serves as a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope for a brighter future.

Weight: 270g
Dimension: 130 x 197 x 29 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781804710258
Edition number: Main