This was just okay for me. I liked the premise and uniqueness of the tarot aspects of it and thought the quirkiness was interesting. In the end the plot felt divided as if the focus was split which made for a fragmented story that didn't feel as deep as it could have. It started out better than it ended but I didn't dislike it all.

Lina Chern blends the intriguing world of tarot cards with a murder mystery, crafting a charming yet occasionally uneven narrative. As someone intrigued by tarot cards and their mysticism, diving into Katie True’s journey was a welcome escape. While I’m not adept at reading them myself, following Katie’s adventure proved to be enjoyable.

Katie True, a middle child grappling with her place among her ambitious family’s expectations, is stuck in a dead-end mall job. Her dream of owning a tarot card business seems far-fetched until a sudden turn of events thrusts her into a murder mystery involving her best friend Marley. The story unfolds with Katie reluctantly teaming up with a sympathetic cop to uncover the truth behind Marley’s untimely demise.

Chern’s writing style is engaging, infused with humor that makes it easy to root for Katie, despite occasional concerns about her life choices. The integration of tarot card imagery throughout the narrative adds a whimsical and mystical layer to the otherwise straightforward mystery. Katie’s unique ability to envision tarot cards that reflect people and situations she encounters adds a captivating twist to her amateur detective work.

However, "Play the Fool" does have its shortcomings. The storyline occasionally stretches into implausible territory, demanding a significant suspension of disbelief. The blending of genres—mystery and a hint of romance—sometimes feels disjointed, leaving some plot aspects underdeveloped or unresolved. Katie’s close involvement in the investigation, alongside a police officer, can strain credibility at times, considering their initial interactions. Yet, Katie’s flawed yet relatable personality and determination will resonate with readers who appreciate imperfect protagonists.

While I had a hunch about the ending early on, the journey to reach it was still engaging, thanks to Katie’s quirks and mishaps. Chern successfully balances light-hearted moments with the darker undertones of a murder investigation, making "Play the Fool" a quick and entertaining read.

If you enjoy mysteries that blend a touch of magic with humor, or if you appreciate protagonists navigating their own unique struggles, then "Play the Fool" is a book worth picking up.

Play the Fool felt like gritty thriller with a cozy, small town mystery hidden underneath, much as our gothy protagonist's prickly exterior envelops as sweet empathetic girl who's had one too many hard knocks. While the plot and happenings sometimes felt a little too predictable yet far-fetched, I nevertheless enjoyed following Katie's quest for the truth.

I first picked up the book for its tarot motif, and I was quite fond of the way the cards were used in this book. Much like how I do, I liked how Katie does not necessarily believe in the magic of tarot but more the guiding of thought that the cards allow. I thought this was a fun and was used to good effect throughout the book. Regarding Katie herself and the other characters, I felt they were a bit flat alone, but I did enjoy the way they interacted and bounced off one another. Some of my favorite scenes were some of the quieter ones where characters have heart-to-heart confessions/discussions rather than the larger action pieces.

I would be happy to pick up another work by this author to see what she has in store (especially if it means more fun tarot appearances). Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for access to this ARC

I struggle with this book attempting it several times I just could not get into it or make myself care about the fates of the characters. This one was a pass for me

Man, this book was so unexpectedly funny! I don’t read many mystery books in this vein, but I’m glad I nabbed this one. The characters are so perfectly imperfect and fit their roles so well. There were twists I didn’t see coming at all. I’d love to see more from Katie and Jamie.

Loved everything about this book—from the dry/dark humor, the tarot elements woven in, the characters, and the clever plot.

First off the cover and tarot cards are what pulled me in to ask to review this book. The plot itself was interesting but I felt could've used an overall darker feel. I enjoyed the characters and the atmosphere of the book. The use of the senses and the addition of the tarot readings were a choice that brought a different aspect to this mystery. While some moments felt predictable I did guess at the twists a little bit. I did overall enjoy this book and gave it 4 stars.

I was intrigued by the book’s description and was therefore excited to try “Play the Fool”. I appreciated the humor and vantage point of the protagonist in this book, but the story was a bit confusing. Several outside characters were introduced that added to this level of confusion. I really wanted to like this one, but the mystery element of it really didn’t develop in the way that I hoped. 3 stars ⭐️. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the copy for review.

Play the Fool, by Lina Chern is a murder mystery with more than one delicious twist. Katie True, whose ability to read tarot cards verges on (and plunges headlong into) the supernatural, is the classic underachiever in an upwardly mobile, hyperconventional middle-class family. Her world of one dead-end job after another takes a surprising turn with a new friendship. Marley is free-wheeling, mysterious, and absolutely comfortable in her own skin. Their burgeoning relationship gives Katie hope that she, too, can one day live an authentic, irreverent, and joyous life.

Then a hapless young man stumbles into the shop where Katie works, claiming to be the boyfriend Marley intends to break up with. Katie takes pity on his evident distress and agrees to do a tarot reading for him. She discovers a photo on his phone. It’s of Marley, murdered by a gunshot wound to her head.

Shocked and grief-stricken, Katie determines to find Marley’s killer. Even if it means taking reckless chances and ignoring the advice of the gorgeous, emotionally bottled-up cop to stay out of it.

Throughout the thriller whodunit that follows, Katie’s first-person voice shines through. In her quest to discover Marley’s killer, she must come to terms with her own lack of purpose, fend off her well-meaning but domineering family, and stay alive through one dark, dangerous plot twist after another.

Katie’s luminous voice elevates a well-written mystery to something more. I didn’t care whether or not she possesses supernatural clairvoyance or an exceptional ability to read people. What matters is her brilliant insight coupled with all-too-human vulnerability. The fact that she is both kind and hilariously funny adds to the delicious tone.

And I did not see the ending coming at all.

This book was so unique. The tarot cards were a fun addition to the mystery. She teams up with the cop to solve the murder, and even though it’s a friend she hasn’t known very long, it was clear she valued the friendship. I was super intrigued in the beginning, but it started to feel repetitive so I got lost. Especially with Jamie’s on and off again friendship. Plus, what is this girl doing investigating a murder on her own? Because she thinks she’s good at reading people? Meh. The ending wasn’t worth the ride.

I, like many others, was initially drawn in by the really cool cover. I love the neon lights and the physic parlor feel. And how often do you read a book where tarot readings are a central part?

Play the Fool was a completely entertaining read. I do recommend managing expectations as the whodunit is more quirky cozy mystery than a thriller mystery. I really liked Katie as a character and of course the tarot reading elements that lead to a whole lot of shenanigans. Katie's relationship with her brother and the author's humor were also highlights for me. It reminded me a bit of when I picked up the first Stephanie Plumb book. Just the pure joy of escaping into a story.

Overall this is a solid debut and fun read that I devoured in a day. Dare I say, it would also make a very entertaining series?

100% will check out more from Lina Chern!

🔮 PLAY THE FOOL by Lina Chern 🔮

★★★☆☆

📖 About: A clever whodunit where Katie True, a cynical tarot card reader, takes center stage. Back in the suburbs after a failed attempt at adulting, Katie's life takes a dark turn when her mysterious and worldly friend Marley is found dead. A photo with a gunshot wound becomes a chilling puzzle, and Katie, armed with her tarot cards and razor-sharp instincts, sets out to unravel the truth behind Marley's death.

🍹 Drink Pairing: A shimmery mystical marg of course. Who needs to see the future when you could just enjoy the moment with a delish spooky drink instead?

🌟 Review: This story sounded right up my alley so I was so excited to receive a copy! A girl working at a strange Russian tchotchke shop, who then accidentally falls into solving a murder mystery with a strange cast of characters, settings, and with some spookiness weaved in — sounds like my kind of story. The first third of the book was SO good - it had me extremely entertained and I couldn’t wait to see what happened. Things get pretty wacky and unpredictable after that so I don’t want to give away too much, but if you love strange mysteries then definitely give this one a try!

Thank you to Ballantine and Netgalley for my copy in exchange for an honest review!

I loved the cover of the book but felt the story was lacking. There was a few parts that just didnt line up with the plot but overall I thought it was an entertaining read

I had SUCH high hopes for this one based on the cover, but I was left disappointed....nothing was suspenseful and I just left just really bored.

This book showed a lot of promise but ultimately fell apart about halfway through. I liked how quirky this book was, but the story was so convoluted. I would read from this author again, but she needs to reel it back. Less is more.

This was unlike anything I'd ever read. I don't know much about Tarot cards. I thought this was fast paced and kept me guessing. This whodunit with likeable characters was lovely.

*Arc provided by Random House Publishing/Ballentine Books in exchange for an honest review.*

This book was a cute mystery/thriller that was just a fun read. There's something about a fake fortune teller trope that gets sucked into solving a crime that just feels comforting. Maybe it's just my household but that little bit of superstition that feels like too much of a coincidence makes it feel a bit more real even though you know practically that this is not real life.

I would read this book again in the fall just for the spooky vibes.

I would like to thank Random House for providing a digital copy of this novel via NetGalley. Play the Fool tells the story of Katie, who is determined to find he culprit of her friend's demise. The beginning chapters set up this main premise as well as delving into how they became friends. In order to find the culprit, Katie attempts to explore why someone would want her friend gone. She goes into her friend's past digging for answers. As a result, she discovers she didn't know her friend as well as she previously thought. Helping her along is a police officer she becomes attached to. He plays an important role in the resolution of the case. The story is pretty lighthearted despite the premise of a murder mystery. It was well paced and a fun read.
3.5/5

The main character of this novel, Katie, is a sort of aimless underachiever, back in her hometown in her 20s, and working one dead end job after another while also being a tarot card reader. At the start of the book, she discovers that Marley, a friend she has made working at her mall job, is dead, and she gets caught up trying to investigate it herself while also developing a bit of a flirtatious friendship with a police officer also investigating.

I really enjoyed this one - lots of quirky characters including not just Katie but the people around her, and I enjoyed both the amateur sleuth angle and how her tarot card skills (whether her ability to suss out people or perhaps a touch of something more) helped. If you enjoy the Finlay Donovan series, I think you might enjoy this one too. I finished it thinking I hoped there would be a sequel, and indeed looks like there is going to be one in fall of 2024!

I have a soft spot for books that seem like straight reality until they take a turn into the magical and mystical, and this one fits right into that subgenre. Centered around tarot and things that aren't as they seem, this is the story of two new friends, until it takes a turn into the seemingly supernatural. A great debut from Chern, this was surprising, suspenseful and satisfying.