Disgraced Chicago Police detective Sam Laska may have thought he left the murder business behind, but when he agrees to investigate a suspicious death as a favor to a friend, he quickly realizes he's in for much more than he bargained for. The case leads him down a dangerous path involving drug dealers, hired killers, political puppet masters, and an enticing medical examiner's assistant. As he slowly unravels the conspiracy, he realizes his mistakes threaten the safety of those closest to him - and he knows the only choice he has is to sacrifice himself to bring the killers to justice. With non-stop action, pulse-pounding suspense, and a cast of unforgettable characters, "The Pain Gamef" is a must-read for fans of crime fiction and thrillers. Don't miss out on this explosive novel!

The discovery of a body on the side of a dark road thrusts former detective Sam Laska into a conspiracy of exploitation and murder in this new thriller by Richard Rybicki. The Cordele family, influential business owners in rural DeSoto county, are prime suspects when Laska discovers a bullet-ridden body near their property. Desperate to protect their interests, the Cordele’s wield their power and influence to corrupt cops and intimidate others into silence. When Laska learns the police are unwilling or unable to do their job, he makes the only choice he can and jumps into action. His old skills as a detective prove useful and he begins to see the picture coming into focus. But, as he pushes forward, his world is shaken when he learns of a mysterious connection linking his girlfriend back home to the powerful Cordele family. Intent on guarding their family’s secret, the alluring Addie Cordele and her sadistic brother prepare to deal with Laska. The plan they devise is simple. Seduce Laska or kill him.

Jesse Nichols is a man with nothing to lose. He's lost his job, his home, his family and is his freedom. He blames the man with everything to lose - Sam Laska. Leaving bodies in his wake, Nichols has escaped jail. With the Feds on this tail, he's tracked Laska to Chicago and is hell bent on seeking revenge by taking everything from him. But Laska will do anything to protect himself and the woman he loves. Anything.