Katie True returns with a mystery that hits too close to home
Katie True has left her job in the dying mall and graduated to share a space with her sister’s real estate office for her tarot readings. When the cop that saved her life as a baby is killed in the line of duty items at the scene point to Katie’s bet friend Gina. Not willing to accept that her friend could do anything like what she is accused of Katie and Jamie investigate along with Katie and Gina on the sly and through this, Katie discovers that her hero was not the spotless bastion of virtue he portrayed himself to be. The more the cracks appear in Officer Pete’s carefully curated persona the more signs point away from Gina. The truth of Officer Pete and the truth behind his murder could very well shatter her small town. But Katie is not going to let her friend go down for a crime she did not commit.
Tricks of Fortune is the follow up to last year’s Play the Fool by author Lina Chern. Taking place approximately a year after Play the Fool, Katie has quit her mall job and now rents out space for her tarot readings in her sister’s realtor office which makes for an interesting and sometimes tense family dynamic. I love how the main story is interspersed with Katie’s recalling of her aunt Rosie’s instructing her in the tarot cards when she was younger. The incorporation of the tarot as an active role in Katie’s methods was a big selling point for me in Play the Fool and carrying this over into Tricks of Fortune really helps shape not only Katie’s backstory but also the overall story of her beloved aunt. But Katie and Aunt Rosie’s backstories weren’t the only ones that Chern explored. Throughout the entire story Chern seamlessly weaves back stories for practically every character involved. With those backstories revealed the probable suspect pool widened significantly once the curtain is pulled back, and Officer Pete’s history was exposed.
Overall Tricks of Fortune is a strong follow up to Play the Fool and I feel as though I know more about Katie, Gina, and many other residents of Lake Terrace now. I am looking forward to the next book to check back in with this town and its residents to see what new mysteries and adventures await.
If you like mysteries with a Cozy feel but are still unique and engaging, Lina Chern’s Play The Fool Mystery Series is a good one to jump into. I am sure this series will only continue to get better and more fun with each installment.
Full disclosure: I was provided a Netgalley copy of this title by the author or their authorized agent, however, have voluntarily provided a review. All opinions are my own.
Jennly Reads 