Tricks of Fortune - by Lina Chern (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Tarot card reader extraordinaire Katie True gets embroiled in another local murder when her best friend becomes the prime suspect in this exciting mystery from the Edgar Award-winning author of Play the Fool.

"A delicious blend of suspense and madcap humor."--Library Journal, starred review of Play the Fool

Katie True has gotten her crap together. . . sort of. Now that the sinister events of the past year have wound down, Katie has finally made her dream come true and opened her own tarot reading room--even if it's in her sister's old real estate office in an outdoor strip mall. It's a good start, but her momentum grinds to a halt when the murder of beloved veteran police officer, Matthew Peterson, shakes her and her small community to the core.

Katie is torn. Lieutenant Peterson had saved her life as a child and holds a special place in her past. Even worse, her closest friend Gina--who knows Katie better than she knows herself--is the primary suspect.

As the investigation unfolds, the details surrounding Peterson's death become increasingly murky, as does Gina's innocence. All Katie knows is that following her intuition has gotten her this far. But will her trusty tarot deck help her when the truth about the people she loves is too terrible to face?

Review Quotes

Praise for Tricks of Fortune

"Charming first-person narration and some truly surprising plot turns make this a spirited good time."--Publishers Weekly

Praise for Play the Fool

"Lina Chern's voice shines brightly, and readers will be immediately drawn into Katie True's twisty and gripping investigation. It's a fantastic read."--Alex Segura, author of Secret Identity

"Chern pulls off a tricky blend of humor and menace that had me flipping pages like crazy. I can't wait for more."--Duane Swierczynski, New York Times bestselling author of Canary

"A delicious blend of suspense and madcap humor . . . [a] standout debut."--Library Journal (starred review)

About the Author

Lina Chern's debut mystery novel, Play the Fool, won the 2024 Mary Higgins Clark Award and was nominated for the 2024 Lefty and Anthony Awards. Her shorter work has appeared in Mystery Weekly, The Marlboro Review, The Bellingham Review, Black Fox Literary Magazine, and The Coil. She lives in the Chicago area with her family.