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A review by momadvice
Bluff by Michael Kardos
adventurous
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I have read a lot of con artist novels over the years, but this 2018 backlist selection is my new favorite. Published in 2018, show guest Julia Whelan was the audiobook narrator for this novel and praised it as a fantastic under-the-radar selection that she wishes more people would read.
The concept is such a clever one. Magician Natalie Webb, once a rising star in the world of card tricks, is now a washed-up has-been at twenty-seven. After a gig goes horribly wrong, she finds herself in financial debt due to an impending lawsuit.
She takes on a freelance writing assignment to give an insider look at the art of cheating at cards to make ends meet. But when she becomes enveloped in the world of a mesmerizing cardshark, her journalistic endeavor becomes a personal test. She makes a dangerous proposition with the player to execute a $1.5 million magic trick that could change her fate forever.
I selected this book not only to discuss Kardos's research on card tricks but also because it delivered some of the best plot twists I've read this year. Each time I thought I had gotten to the bottom of the story, Kardos threw in one more wrench. The characters aren't the only ones with a well-thought sleight of hand; the author delivers too.
Equal parts thriller and mystery, I recommend that you listen to this on audiobook! While the paper copy offers some fun handwritten notes, Whelan's performance is captivating and enhances this selection greatly. I will be surprised if it doesn't become one of your favorites of the year.
The concept is such a clever one. Magician Natalie Webb, once a rising star in the world of card tricks, is now a washed-up has-been at twenty-seven. After a gig goes horribly wrong, she finds herself in financial debt due to an impending lawsuit.
She takes on a freelance writing assignment to give an insider look at the art of cheating at cards to make ends meet. But when she becomes enveloped in the world of a mesmerizing cardshark, her journalistic endeavor becomes a personal test. She makes a dangerous proposition with the player to execute a $1.5 million magic trick that could change her fate forever.
I selected this book not only to discuss Kardos's research on card tricks but also because it delivered some of the best plot twists I've read this year. Each time I thought I had gotten to the bottom of the story, Kardos threw in one more wrench. The characters aren't the only ones with a well-thought sleight of hand; the author delivers too.
Equal parts thriller and mystery, I recommend that you listen to this on audiobook! While the paper copy offers some fun handwritten notes, Whelan's performance is captivating and enhances this selection greatly. I will be surprised if it doesn't become one of your favorites of the year.