An intriguing murder mystery premise. Katie True may be meandering through life, unsure of her next move, but she is an asset to the local Detective, again using her tarot reading talents to help unearth a killer. Katie is a quirky main character, and there are pangs of a will-they-won't-they with the detective.

This is the second book in a series, and I recommend starting at the beginning.

Advanced reader copy provided by Ballantine/Bantam Books. All opinions are my own.

I really enjoyed the last book by Lina Chern but I struggled to keep interested in this sequel. The whole cop murder mystery aspect left me cold and kind of lost. The narration by Kristen Shieh was good but even that couldn't make me want to finish the story. Sadly I gave up around 30%. Maybe just not the book for the mood I was in? Will try again another time perhaps. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review.

Tricks of Fortune is a quirky, tarot-tinged mystery that’s funny and heartfelt. Katie True is such a relatable, snarky narrator — you can’t help rooting for her as she tries to clear her best friend’s name while stumbling through tarot readings, family drama, and some wild twists. The tone swings between cozy and serious, which might not work for everyone, but I loved the mix of humor and suspense. I did end up guessing the killer before the big reveal, but if you like your mysteries with personality, a touch of woo-woo, and plenty of banter, this one’s a fun ride.

I had the privilege of reading this story through NetGalley. At first, it took me a while to get into—the narrative moves between past and present, and events sometimes unfold quickly, so it required a bit more focus. I had read the first book in May, and while I couldn’t remember as much of it as I’d like, I actually enjoyed this installment even more. A brief recap at the beginning would have been helpful, though.

Once the story picked up, it became much easier to follow. I especially enjoyed how each tarot card tied into the unfolding events—it added a unique and thoughtful layer to the story. I had a hunch about who was behind everything and figured it out about halfway through, but I still appreciated the way it all came together.

Overall, I really enjoyed the book. I think part of my slower start had more to do with my own busy personal life than the story itself, since I struggled to find the focus and reading time I wanted. Still, this was an engaging read, and I’m glad I stuck with it.Thank you for the opportunity to read this book.

Thank you to Ballantine for my copy of TRICKS OF FORTUNE.

I loved the first book in this series, but this second one didn't do it for me. I just couldn't bring myself to care about these characters anymore. This was a slog for me, and I don't recommend it.

Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of Tricks of Fortune.

I'd recommend readers check out the first book in the series before reading the sequel.

Katie True is back in all her messy glory and this time her BFF, Gina, needs her help to clear her name when she's wrongly accused of murdering a good cop.

But Katie has a personal connection with the deceased and when her investigation turns up dark secrets, she realizes her savior was never who he pretended to be. But who is? And will that knowledge put Katie in danger once again?

I'm intrigued by tarot cards which is why I began reading this series.

Katie is a likable character, she's goofy, innocent, and is pulled into the investigation to exonerate Gina.

The narrative seems messier this second time around; we get flashbacks where we learn how Katie was taught to read tarot by her unorthodox aunt, Rosie., which disrupts the pacing of the story.

There are the usual suspension of disbelief moments when Jamie confides details of the case to Katie and how she uses tarot to figure out whodunit. This gimmick is wearing out its welcome pretty quickly.

I like tarot cards and tarot card readings but I prefer my mysteries to be grounded in reality and police procedure.

Katie True doesn’t seem to have the best of luck with best friends. In the first book in the series, Play the Fool her best friend Marley is murdered. In the second book, Tricks of Fortune, her new best friend Gina is accused of murdering the police detective, Matthew Peterson, who saved Katie’s life when she was a baby. But as Katie begins investigating, she realizes that she really doesn’t know Gina nor did she really know Matthew Peterson. Do you really know anyone? Even yourself?

Each chapter begins with Katie’s interaction with her Aunt who taught her how to read the cards. And, yes, I would really love Katie’s eccentric Aunt to make an appearance in some future novels, despite the fact that it feels like her Aunt is lost. In some ways her Aunt is a bit like Katie if Katie let her life become consumed by weed (and who knows what else): smart but underachieving. In the scenes with Katie’s Aunt, we are introduced to some revelation from the cards that will be pertinent in that chapter.

As in the previous novel, police detective Jamie and Katie’s younger brother Owen play a large part as does Katie’s sister who couldn’t be more different from Katie if she tried. Jamie and Owen help Katie sort through the bits that she intuits with Jamie offering a more commonplace perspective and Owen one that comes from having an above-average intelligence.

Lina Chern provides lots of twists to keep the reader engrossed but I think I would have been immersed regardless simply because of how well the characters are written. These characters make me want to keep reading about them as I become more and more invested.

I certainly hope that Lina Chern gives us the opportunity to read more in this quirky series in the future!

Many thanks to Bantam for sending me a copy.

“Tricks of Fortune” is the second book in Lina Chern’s “Play the Fool” mystery series featuring tarot card reader Katie True. Although it is not essential to read the first book in the series beforehand, it is helpful to do so to get a sense of the characters and their development from one book to the next.

“Tricks of Fortune” does not disappoint, and it is actually a stronger mystery than the series opener. It is best understood as Katie True’s origin story. The mystery in this case involves the suspicious death of Lieutenant Pete Peterson, better known as “Officer Pete,” who rescued Katie from an accident when she was a baby. The mystery is so confounding as Pete was beloved by the community, and Katie becomes involved when her friend Gina Dio — a former police officer — is suspected of the murder. Jamie is back as the homicide detective assigned to the case, as well as Katie’s love interest,

The book is well-plotted and surprisingly funny given the grim and timely revelations about Officer Pete’s true character. The book also does a great job showing Katie’s origins as a tarot card reader as her Aunt Rosie explains the Major Arcana to her with Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey blaring in the background, and this knowledge is then integrated throughout the larger plot. A quirky read that is hard to put down. 4 out of 5 stars. Highly recommended.

Thanks to NetGalley and Bantam/Random House for a complimentary copy of this book.

I didn’t realize Tricks of Fortune was the second book in a series, and I definitely felt like I was missing some important context and character development. While the writing was sharp and there were some fun moments, I think I would’ve enjoyed it more if I’d read the first book beforehand. As a standalone, it didn’t quite hook me the way I hoped, but fans of the series might appreciate it more.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5)
Katie True and her tarot cards are back and just as delightful. This sequel zips into a cozy mystery that’s more gritty than usual but still full of witty humor and emotional stakes. The small‑town vibe and quirky characters feel familiar yet refreshed, and the murder mystery feels well‑crafted and engaging. I loved watching Katie wrestle with loyalties and intuition, all while carrying her unique voice and wit. The story builds nicely and leaves me wanting more from this town and these people.

This is a fun, quasi-cozy mystery. I say quasi because maybe there's a bit more blood than the average cozy but not much. It's just a bit grittier than normal. The writing is, for me, superb - fun and insights in every sentence. I love the way it's written, lighthearted but not frivolous. The characters are distinctive and well fleshed out. And I really like the way Katie's tarot training is spread throughout and explained. The mystery and killing are almost inconsequential compared to the rest of the story - until the end. I would recommend this book to anyone looking for anyone looking for a fun murder book. If that's a thing.... Now I need to read Lina Chern's other book!

This ARC was provided by NetGalley and the publisher, the opinions expressed herein are strictly my own.

TRICKS OF FORTUNE by Lina Chern (Play the Fool) is the second murder mystery to feature tarot card reader Katie True. This time, her good friend, Gina, is a prime suspect in the murder of a local cop, Officer Pete. Chern is an Edgar Award-winning author, and I find her stories to be filled with suspense and humor. I had a sixth sense while reading and was gratified to see the author's note which refers to the real-life case involving Illinois resident Lt. Joe Gliniewicz. Chern adds her own twists and character secrets. She also flashes back to the time when Katie's eccentric Aunt Rosie, stressing the need to move forward and accept change, first explained how to read the cards. Those chapters are guaranteed to make readers smile and laugh. TRICKS OF FORTUNE works as a stand-alone mystery, but readers will enjoy reading Play the Fool first. As Katie says, "Our brains are wired to look for patterns. You get a bunch of random images, your brain is automatically going to make a story out of it. It's why the cards work. It's not magic, but it's real." For more on Chern's perspective on the cards and writing mysteries, see her interview with Chicago Review of Books.

I like this story it was a fun fast paced read the characters were very witty funny sneaky but the wow in the storyline was great thank you netgalley

Lina Chern's second Katie True novel gives us some of her backstory, and I can't help but think Katie would be my new BFF. Who can't help but love a tarot reading, down on her luck, amateur sleuth? Katie is stuck between her new police beau and her childhood bestie, making things more complex because they're all trying to solve the latter's father's murder, and because the dad was a top cop in the community. Katie's core beliefs are stressed out as she works to discover who she can trust. I need more Katie in my life. Bring on #3!

Two years ago, I reviewed Play the Fool, the first mystery featuring Lina Chern's unlikely mystery-solver, Katie True. I said it was "fun but formulaic," and I have regretted it ever since. Mysteries are formulaic; genres are formulaic. It was fun. Why couldn't that have been enough for me? I don't know. I guess I was in some weird pretentious mood. The fact of the matter was Play the Fool was fun, and written well, and I was wrong. Fortunately, Chern has written another mystery for her tarot card-reading heroine. In Tricks of Fortune, rumor and reputation go head-to-head as Katie finds herself in the maelstrom surrounding a beloved officer's death.

Officer Pete is a figurehead in the small Midwestern community, the kind of cop that cements faith in the police always being the good guys. Officer Pete has a special connection to Katie, too: When she was a baby, he saved her life by carrying her from a car wreck to an ambulance that couldn't get through the traffic in time to treat her. She's stayed close with him and his family, including his son, Matt. Matt is, of course, distraught. Katie's friend, Gina, is also upset by the murder—mostly because she's the prime suspect for it. It's Gina who drags Katie around trying to clear her name, even as Jamie, the hunky cop from a neighboring jurisdiction, asks for her help with his part of the investigation. 

Katie's only scratched the surface before it becomes clear that Officer Pete didn't quite live up to his reputation. She's stonewalled by police on the force, even the ones she knows had bad interactions with Office Pete. Even former officers seem reluctant to talk, despite clear indications they have a story to tell. And when clues do emerge that someone else might have been responsible, the official investigation remains focused on trying to prove that Gina did it. Meanwhile, Katie's own problems are growing. Besides her sister getting impatient at Katie's playing detective on top of not growing out of her silly tarot cards, Matt seems to want to be closer than ever. And then, of course, come the warnings for Katie to back off her unofficial investigation—some of which are more gentle than others. As she wades deeper in the much, it becomes clear that Gina is far from the only person Officer Pete crossed as he built his sterling reputation.

Within the mystery genre, quality plotting and pacing is crucial, and Fortune checks those boxes nicely—though, the toe dipped into the fickle waters of a love triangle, of sorts, slowed down the investigation in places. Rather than being simply a vehicle for plot, though, Chern's writing sings with artful composition and delightful turns of phrase that not only make reading easy but pleasant, too. Multiple times, I found myself pausing to appreciate a particularly nice sentence or evocative description.

But where Chern really shines is in her characterization. Katie is a mess, as we're both told and easily able to see in her failure to gain much traction in traditional paths to adult success. Yet her strength is in connecting to people, and connecting to them on the level that matters to them—or cuts them deepest. Her almost supernatural ability gets a nice mysticism from the cards she deals, allowing her a framework to talk people through their stories or worries or shame or fear. Best yet, she's sincere in these connections, the secret sauce that really gets people to open up, and that prompts both Gina and Jamie to do what she can to crack the uncrackable. The vast majority of characters get a bit of a charitable glow-up when seen through Katie's accepting eyes, which also keeps Fortune from straying into the cynical. Good does eventually come for Katie, a nice bit of positive karma for someone who deserves it.

It wasn't until the end that I discovered a real-life inspiration for the setup in Fortune, something I hesitate to mention now because foreknowledge would take the teeth out of the eventual reveal. Finding out after meant an outrageous bit of reading after The End, and a reminder that truth really is stranger than fiction. But even knowing the culprit and motive, Fortune's central questions stand: Where's the line between a person and their image? And is it better to let a pleasant lie stand when the truth would hurt so many? 

There's probably a close limit of how many murder investigations Katie True can get roped into without straining credulity too much, but I'll probably keep reading right up to that point and beyond. And if Chern branches out to new settings and characters, I'll probably follow along there, too.

This is a very interesting mystery. Loved the characters and the humor. When Katie was a baby, she was in an accident and was saved by a policeman. The cop and his son have stayed in her life all these years and now someone has killed the cop. One of Katie's friends is accused of the murder. She didn't do it, did she? Katie has moments of doubt, so she sets out to find the murderer. What she finds are secrets. So many secrets and things she didn't want to know. The man who saved her was not the man she, and everyone else, thought he was. Who killed him? Can she find the killer?

Editor’s note: Will publish in newspapers in Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, NC July 24 and weekend editions

July book roundup: Strange towns, dangerous allies, unlikely magic and … a new Reacher short story

By Tom Mayer, Tmayer@RN-T.com

This month’s fiction lineup offers something for every kind of summer reader — from high-octane thrillers and mystical fantasy to genre-defying romance and cozy speculative tales. Whether you’re chasing outlaws, getting lost in magical archives, checking into a supernatural inn or catching up with Reacher in between novels, these titles deliver imagination, suspense and emotional punch in equal measure.

But first, a bit of a cheat. Robert Dugoni’s recent Tracy Crosswhite dropped in late spring, but a final copy of the book took some time to make it to my desk. With the incredible output and range Dugoni has offered his readers in the past year (“A Killing on the Hill,” “Beyond Reasonable Doubt,” “Hold Strong” and “A Dead Draw”), and at least two more in the works for 2026 — Tracy Crosswhite and Keera Duggan series continuations — I’m going to dig a bit deeper into the author’s most recent novel before we get to the monthly list.

Dugoni’s latest and most sensitive offering, “A Dead Draw” (Thomas & Mercer), not only captures echoes of the 10 Tracy Crosswhite novels that have come before, but brings to a boil a storyline that has been percolating since the debut of “My Sister’s Grave” in 2014.
It’s also his most personal storyline to date, making the launch of this 11th full-length story featuring the high school chemistry teacher turned Seattle, Washington-homicide detective both a perfect launching pad for those new to the series, and a satisfying continuation of the narrative for long-time readers.

But it’s not Tracy that brings it home in this novel. That honor goes to a new character, Lydia “Lightning Strike” Johnson, an autistic sharpshooter who becomes the detective’s touchstone. Lydia is on the spectrum, but she’s got the potential to be self-sufficient. She’s also a double for Tracy’s younger sister, Sarah, whose disappearance and murder in that first release not only highjacked the trajectory of Tracy’s life, but continues to be a specter in her current role capturing killers.

And like Sarah, Lydia is a character over which Dugoni labored.

“I hope I captured her accurately,” the author writes in the novel’s acknowledgements. “I did a ton of research to get it right, then had two epiphanies when I met two individuals, one from my childhood and one I met fortuitously, who were clearly on the spectrum and told me so. It was fascinating to hear them tell me what they understood without any embarrassment or self-consciousness. I’ve tried to conduct by own life similarly, talking openly about my stroke (in 2016) and the anxiety that resulted from it. … I have a brother with Down syndrome and have a heightened awareness of characters in books who are different. My intent was to portray Lydia as an accomplished, high-functioning human being but one who must deal with something over which she has no control.”

Capturing that awareness in Lydia sharpens the storyline about a warrant gone bad that frees a man who is a suspect in at least two murders — a man who became a prison-disciple of Sarah’s killer, the murderer who Tracy actually helped free in the series’ debut.

Now, as that killer’s protégé, Erik Schmidt is fixated on revenging his mentor by recreating an elaborate showdown that will lure Tracy to her hometown of Cedar Grove, Washington — the place of Sarah’s murder and now the full-circle space where Tracy’s daughter, husband and friends are in fatal danger.

That’s an oversimplification, of course — as is the portrait here of Lydia — because the hazard of any Crosswhite review is overstepping the author’s intricate plotting and plundering into a spoiler or two. But also of course, the only way to absorb the full complexity of a Dugoni thriller is to begin with page 1, and “A Dead Draw” is a fine place to start.

Now, here’s a look at some of the most notable new releases on the shelves in July:

"Infinite Archive (The Midsolar Murders Book 3)" (Ace Trade Original) by Mur Lafferty: Amateur sleuth Mallory Viridian has earned her space sea legs aboard Station Eternity — but now a living, working version of Earth’s entire Internet is on its way, and there’s going to be a party, with Mallory as the guest speaker. As the massive data ship Metis docks for a murder mystery convention, Mallory’s agent is killed and now it’s up to her to untangle the whodunit amid alien etiquette and sentient tech. Ideal for fans of speculative fiction with a bit of a literary twist, this novel will captivate readers who enjoy flowing series relationship arcs (be sure to read the first two in the series).

"Tricks of Fortune (A Play the Fool Mysteries Book 2)" (Bantam Trade Paperback Original) by Lina Chern: Tarot card reader extraordinaire Katie True gets embroiled in another local murder when her best friend becomes the prime suspect. When a beloved veteran police officer is found dead, Katie discovers tangled relationships and hidden truths that her cards and instincts must decipher. Perfect for readers of contemporary mysteries featuring fun, smart female leads — especially those who like their crime with a touch of cultural nuance and spry wit.

"Welcome to Cottonmouth" (Blackstone) by Jay S. Bell: What does the US government do with expired spies and special operators? It ships them to a small East Texas town where everything runs, sort of, peacefully — until a pair of women on the run from a ruthless criminal shatters the uneasy serenity. But doing the right thing for the pair might shatter the secrecy vital to Cottonmouth, Texas, and de facto mayor Devlin Mahoney has to make the choice. For fans of Slow Horses with an American twist.

"Soulgazer (The Magpie and the Wolf Duology Book 1)" (Ace Trade) by Maggie Rapier: Aboard a mythical isle quest, “Soulgazer” is rendered in prose readers will want to highlight line by line. Born with a penchant for volatile magic, Saoirse wants nothing more than to be without the curse that has plagued her since childhood. Facing an unwanted and forced marriage proposal, Saoirse seeks out a pirate who can help her get rid of the magic … but first she’ll have to use it for his own purposes. A quest, and an unlikely proposal of its own, ensues. Rapier is a debut author from Alabama and her first literary foray is tailored for those who crave both magic and romance, and high concept fantasy grounded in a human connection.

"The Irresistible Urge to Fall for Your Enemy (The Dearly Beloathed Duology Book 1)" (Ace) by Brigitte Knightley: In this slow burn enemies to lovers fantasy romantasy, an assassin’s sickness forces him to rely on a healer from an enemy faction — and loyalties, plus affections, are tested. Their forced cooperation soon leads to mutual dependence, unexpected attraction and an uneasy truce with far-reaching consequences. Ideal for romance readers who love brainy protagonists, simmering tension, and meta literary hijinks. Not suitable for readers concerned with graphic violence and medical content including fictional, life-threatening diseases affecting adults and children.

"American Mythology" (Doubleday) by Giano Cromley: A bizarre group consisting of a pseudo-scientist, a filmmaker and the two, total, membership of the Basic Bigfoot Society embarks on a quest to find the creature, confronting nature’s mysteries and the human heart in equal measure. Along the journey, myth and reality weave together as secrets and the lure of the unknown collide in the wilderness. For those who want a character driven drama with friendship and a love for nature at its core.

"Bat Out of Hell" (Blackstone) edited by Don Bruns: A book of thriller stories inspired by Meat Loaf’s debut album, this anthology features a brand new Jack Reacher story and thrilling mysteries from top authors, including Andrew Child, Rick Bleiweiss, Heather Graham, Don Bruns, John Gilstrap, Dave Bruns, C.J. Kudlacz and Charles Todd — in a nonstop, engrossing mystery seesaw. At the top of that list is Child’s offering: When Reacher stops in a dying desert town, he’s drawn into a fight against entrenched criminal elements with no safe escape. This anthology is the fourth in Bruns’ Music and Murder Mystery Series. A must read for thriller devotees and long time fans of the Reacher series — especially those craving tight plots and righteous action.

"A Witch’s Guide to Magical Innkeeping" (Berkley Trade) by Sangu Mandanna: A whimsical, heartwarming tale follows a witch with no powers who is helping to run a peculiar inn for quirky beings. Enter a magical historian giving her a second chance at power, community and purpose. As Sera juggles enchanted guests and hidden pasts, she discovers that true magic lies in the bonds, and family, she rebuilds. Perfect for readers who want low stakes fantasy with heart, humor and a magical touch.

"Love You to Death" (Random House) by Christina Dotson: Kayla and Zorie have made a habit of slipping into weddings they weren’t invited to — usually to make off with the cash and gifts. But when the only two Black women show up at an antebellum-themed ceremony in the Deep South, the odds are stacked against them from the start. What was supposed to be their final, low-risk score quickly spirals into chaos, and they’re soon caught in a media frenzy as the infamous “Wedding Crasher Killers.” For Kayla — stuck in a dead-end housekeeping job and still picking up the pieces after a reckless teenage mistake — this runaway road trip becomes a reckoning with her past, her future and her friendship with Zorie, whose secrets run deeper than Kayla ever imagined. A fierce, fast-paced thriller for readers drawn to dark friendship tales and twisted crime capers.

Sample link: https://admin-newyork1.bloxcms.com/northwestgeorgianews.com/tncms/admin/action/main/preview/site/rome/opinion/columns/july-book-roundup-strange-towns-dangerous-allies-unlikely-magic-and-a-new-reacher-short-story/article_d8543c69-3457-4396-83f9-5a5a992741da.html

In Chern’s second Play the Fool novel, tarot card reader Katie True returns, employing her fortunetelling skills to help solve the murder of a hero from her past. She feels a bit out of her depth working with a detective solving a murder, but the cards don’t lie and the personal insights she conjures get people talking. There are suspects galore, lots of dead-ends, and a boatload of red herring to follow. And as she gets closer to the truth, the stakes keep getting higher. Readers have the great fortune of a ringside seat as Katie plies her craft and draws The World card.

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 her 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.

Even better than the first Katie True book! The characters and plot in this one both excel, and it's nice to see how Katie connects with her community in her unique way, The mystery being solved is complex, and full of interesting turns and possibilities.