Lina Chern's Tricks of Fortune is a cozy mystery that follows tarot card reader Katie True as she becomes involved in solving the murder of a beloved police officer. The novel combines elements of suspense, humor, and personal growth, offering readers an engaging experience.

Katie's character development is notable; transitioning from the tumultuous events of the previous year, she now operates her own tarot reading room. This setting provides a unique backdrop for the unfolding mystery. The plot weaves together various themes, including a murder investigation, tarot readings, a real estate deal, and hints of a love triangle, which adds depth to the narrative.

The pacing of the story is commendable, maintaining reader interest through a balance of character-driven moments and plot progression. The incorporation of tarot lessons as flashbacks is a creative touch, enriching the storytelling by blending symbolism and imagery effectively.

However, some readers might find certain plot developments, such as the introduction of Katie's childhood rescue by Lieutenant Peterson, to be less seamlessly integrated, feeling somewhat disconnected from the main storyline. Additionally, while the novel is part of a series, it can be enjoyed as a standalone, though familiarity with the first book may enhance the reading experience.

In conclusion, Tricks of Fortune is an enjoyable read for fans of cozy mysteries, offering a mix of suspense, character development, and unique thematic elements. While it has minor areas that could be refined, it remains a solid contribution to the genre.

This book had promise based on the the first book and the description of the second, However, the writing style did not flow well for me. Maybe I am not the right reader for this book!

The mystery/thriller aspect fell flat for me. I had trouble sticking with this book.

"It's why the cards work. It's not magic, but it's real."

In this fantastic sequel to Play the Fool, Katie True finds herself embroiled in the murder of a man credited with saving her life as a baby.

My favorite part of this book isn't the compulsively readable voice Lina Chern writes with (though it very is), and it isn't the mouth-watering banter between Katie and Jamie, Katie and Gina, Katie and Owen (Katie is clever AF and I wish I was her), it's the unique way the author incorporates tarot into Katie's story.

There is no woo-woo, no That's-So-Raven premonitions, no psychic/hardened cop duo you find in most books in this vein--instead, Katie uses the cards as a tool, an ice-breaker, a way to sort out her own thoughts and to help others plumb the depths of their innermost feelings. In Katie's own words, it's not magic, but it's real. As a long-time tarot reader, this is how I have always seen the cards--not as a way to see the future, but a way to make sense of the present, to reckon with the past, and to pave the way for what is to come.

You don't have to read Play the Fool in order to make sense of this story, but why in God's name would you do yourself such a disservice?

I really liked this book! It was very entertaining and had the elements of a good thriller book. I think it was a very well written book, and it did keep me entertained all the way throughout the read!!

Thank you to NetGalley, to the author, and to the publisher for this complimentary ARC in exchange for my honest review!!!

I loved Play the Fool and have been waiting for a sequel for quite some time. I was so excited when I was approved for this one - the blurb, the cover, and the thought of a continuation of the characters and storyline from the first book all really drew me in. Unfortunately, I just could not get into this one. I struggled fairly early on, with the flashbacks feeling like I was reading a coming of age middle grade/YA story, and the contemporary mystery failing to grab me either. The pacing felt uneven and the characters fell flat for me this time. It didn't feel the same as the first book, in either the energy level or the character development. This one just wasn't for me.

I really wanted to like this book because I love Tarot cards and a good mystery. But this fell flat—flatter than a deck missing its Major Arcana.

The writing is all over the place. The tone swings wildly between serious and overly casual, with jokes that feel awkwardly wedged in rather than naturally flowing with the story. At times, it seems unsure whether it wants to be a tense mystery or a snarky commentary, and the result is a book that never quite finds its footing.

The descriptions don’t help, either. The author has a tendency to throw in adjectives that feel more like distractions than enhancements, turning simple sentences into clunky, overworked messes. Instead of creating a vivid atmosphere, the writing often gets bogged down in unnecessary details that don’t add much to the scene.

“Rosie set her bowl of Cheetos on my mom’s pristine white couch and picked up the TV remote. The bowl wobbled like a top. Rosie put down the remote and made the bowl wobble again. And then again.”

“I tripped and fell against the post. The noise was a thick wall of danger, like a herd of predators rumbling through a forest.”

Then there’s the background information—so much of it, and rarely in the right places. Instead of weaving details in naturally, the book dumps them in giant, momentum-killing chunks that make it feel less like a novel and more like an impromptu lecture. It’s clear the author has done their research, but the way it’s presented makes the pacing suffer, pulling the reader out of the story rather than immersing them in it.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing group for the ARC!

Great followup to the first book in this series! Does not disappoint. Mystery books can sometimes feel a little long to me, with all the red herrings and stuff - this one didn’t feel that way to me, I enjoyed it from start to finish!

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and publisher for an advanced copy to honestly review.

"Tricks of Fortune" by Lina Chern is the anticipated sequel to her acclaimed debut, "Play the Fool." Scheduled for release on July 1, 2025, this mystery novel continues the adventures of Katie True, a tarot card reader turned amateur sleuth. Having established her own tarot reading room in her sister's former real estate office, Katie's newfound stability is disrupted when the murder of a respected police officer, Lieutenant Matthew Peterson, shocks her small community. The situation intensifies as Katie's best friend, Gina, becomes the prime suspect, compelling Katie to delve into the investigation to uncover the truth.

Early reviews commend Chern's skillful blend of suspense and humor. One reviewer on NetGalley describes the novel as an "intriguing mystery" set in a "charming yet deceptively intricate small town," highlighting Chern's ability to craft vivid characters with unique quirks and complexities. The narrative is noted for its clever dialogue and the protagonist’s sardonic humor, with twists that keep readers engaged and guessing. The reviewer adds that just when you think you've solved the puzzle, Chern artfully shifts the game, proving her mastery in keeping the audience on their toes. citeturn0search1

"Tricks of Fortune" is poised to deliver a delightful mix of suspense, wit, and heartfelt moments. Fans of the "Play the Fool" series and newcomers alike can look forward to a compelling mystery that explores themes of trust, loyalty, and the complexities of human relationships.

I loved Play the Fool and was excited to see the author wrote a follow-up. Tricks of Fortune is engaging and surprising. I recommend reading both novels in the series but this sequel can be easily enjoyed as a standalone.

There is a lot going on—murder mystery, tarot readings, a real estate deal, possible love triangle—and it worked for me! Katie remains a compelling character and I continue to be riveted by her relationship with Jamie. Katie and Jamie are friends, amazing collaborators, and both seem to be holding back their romantic feelings. Katie's brother, Owen, brings charm and levity to the story.

While I had a great time reading this, I did think there was a bit of retcon going on with the introduction of Katie being saved by Lieutenant Peterson as a child. I understand why this was introduced but also think the plot would have worked without this storyline. Highly recommended to anyone looking for their next great mystery read. 4.5 stars.

Thank you very much to Random House Ballantine and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a copy. I’m looking forward to the next installment!

I am normally weary of mystery novels due to the predictability of them, but this stumped me. I enjoyed Tricks of Fortune more than I had hoped I would.

This was a very cozy and causal read for me. It was very fast paced with a mix of character and plot driving the story forward. I enjoyed the use of Tarot lesson flashbacks as a device to keep things moving forward and set up the changes in the chapters. I liked that a lot actually. The symbolism and images created during those scenes was so well done that it felt like watching a movie before diving back into Katie in her present time.

I appreciated how every thing slowly unraveled in this book despite how short it feels in comparison to many other mystery novels. I feel like the constant "who done it" and "wait, I didn't catch that before," kept me very invested. I also appreciated how seamlessly it was all put together at the end. It felt like almost... meeting your true crime friends for coffee.

I am in a book club that tends towards thrillers and mysteries, especially ones related to Law Enforcement. I cannot wait to suggest this book.

Thank you to NetGalley and to Random House - Ballantine for the ARC of Tricks of Fortune by Lina Chern.

I stumbled upon the first book in the series, Play the Fool, last week, and was pleased to receive an ARC to continue Katie True's story.

In this sequel, it has been a year and Katie now has her own tarot card reading office based out of one of her sister's properties. She's maintained her friendships with Gina and Jamie. Her brother, Owen, remains the heart of the book with his delightful intrusions into her personal space. Things seem to be going well, but then a cop who saved Katie from a car accident when she was an infant is brutally murdered and no one can seem to solve the crime. When Gina is accused of the murder, and with her past feeling like a focal point, Katie is onto a new case and into new danger.

Having read the first book so recently I think it feels in conflict with the sequel, or, rather, like parts of the second book should have been what established the first book and now seem out of place. The flashbacks with Gina's aunt explaining how tarot cards work would have been incredibly helpful in the first book, so it may have been a recommendation from other readers to do so for this one. For me, while helpful, it now just felt a bit out of place. Katie's backstory with Officer Peterson also felt out of place as this rescue seems like a very large piece of family lore that better explains some of her reticence as a human to "accomplish great things." It was odd for her all of a sudden to be a mini-celebrity where everyone recognizes her name vs the first book where everyone just thinks her name is fake. I also found myself a bit confused about the relation of the town where Officer Peterson worked vs where Katie now lives / her family lives and how Jamie gets pulled across multiple town departments - it didn't really track to me how they all align.

When it comes to the mystery itself, I think I solved it by about the 30% mark and then it was just a matter of the threads working themselves out as to the why. I think the ending part about the consequences this person faced seemed impossible considering the premeditated murder and timeline of how court cases work, and that really threw me off the story at the very end.

I did like the story, but I think there were some sequel growing pains here trying to overcorrect aspects of the first book to realign for the future of the series. I would still be interested in how the series continues and how Katie continues to grow into this new skill and in her friendships and family relationships. I appreciate that she uses tarot to read people, not to actually have a paranormal ability, and I like that it's used as how she views people and the world as opposed to being the reason the crimes are solved. Like I mentioned earlier, Owen is really the star of the whole series and he adds great levity to all of his scenes. Katie and Jamie are trying to protect their friendship by avoiding becoming romantically entangled, but their relationship is evolving regardless. Gina remains a mystery, and an interesting one at that, though I hope the third book isn't once again focused around her antics in relation to a murder and it expands outward.

I would give this a solid 3.5 stars, rounded up to 4 here.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

In "Tricks of Fortune", Lina Chern masterfully intertwines wit, intrigue, and a dash of the bizarre to create an intriguing mystery.

This latest installment in the "Play the Fool" series transports readers into a world where nothing is as it seems and every character harbors secrets waiting to be unveiled.

Set against the backdrop of a charming yet deceptively intricate small town, the protagonist—our endearingly quirky amateur sleuth—finds herself ensnared in a web of deception and treachery.

Chern's skill in crafting vividly lifelike characters shines brightly here; each individual is meticulously portrayed with quirks and complexities that make them jump off the page.

The narrative features clever dialogue and the protagonist’s sardonic humor.

As clues are uncovered and red herrings are discarded, readers are treated to a series of twists that keep the tension taut and the pages turning. Just when you think you've solved the puzzle, Chern artfully shifts the game, proving her mastery in keeping the audience on their toes.

Chern doesn't shy away from exploring deeper themes of trust, loyalty, and the often-blurred lines between truth and illusion. This lends the story an emotional resonance that elevates the story to a reflective piece on human nature and relationships.

"Tricks of Fortune" is a delightful concoction of suspense, humor, and heart. Whether you're a long-time fan of the "Play the Fool" series or a newcomer looking for a fresh and engaging mystery, this book is a must-read.

Highly recommended for anyone who loves a good puzzle with a generous sprinkle of cleverness and charm, and prepare for a journey filled with unexpected turns and unforgettable characters.