In critical reviewing, "The New York Review of Books" stated that the book was "compulsively readable", and praised the author by saying "Any writer who can get his audience to ask breathlessly, 'What next?' needs no help from this or any other envious reviewer." "Publishers Weekly" called the book an "engaging and absorbing family saga", while the "Los Angeles Times" Review of Books commented that Sheldon was "a genius... at writing potboilers. In "Master of the Game" he has outdone even himself". The "Los Angeles Times" also reviewed the lack of sex in the book. "This viewer hoped for a wee spot of sex to relieve the monotony. The business of sexual union is depicted with curious, witless brevity" "The New York Times" disagreed, stating that "If your reading taste runs to rape, sodomy, homosexuality, and numerous other fleshy diversions, be assured; Mr. Sheldon has something for you." In Massachusetts, the "Worcester Sunday Telegram" reviews that "the title of this book is an apt description of the author. In the business of creating hard-to-put-down bestsellers, Sidney Sheldon is indeed the master of the game.", while "USA Today" praises Sheldon by saying that he is"a master storyteller at the top of the game." In Europe, the "London Review of Books" categorizes the main protagonist of the novel, Kate Blackwell as being "presented as some kind of role model, but it is the sort of role made popular in olden times by Joan Crawford".