Overturned

Reviewed by: Noelle Gallant - Saco Middle School, Saco, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 20, 2017

Review

Overturned by Lamar Giles tells the story of Nikki Tate, a girl whose family lives in their Las Vegas casino and whose criminal father has just been released from prison. Nikki balances a normal life - friends, soccer, boyfriends - with an extraordinary life of under-the-table illegal poker games and murder investigation. After evidence surfaces that her father might not be guilty, Nikki embarks on an adventure to solve the crime, while simultaneously falling in love with a competing casino owner’s son.

Giles threads symbolism (cards, poker, and Vegas) throughout this thriller. The main characters are well developed for the most part, though a few key characters (unnamed for fear of spoilers) fall a bit flat. Giles's thrilling writing style keeps readers turning pages as Nikki and her friends uncover evidence and tempt fate.

Readers who have an interest in poker and like mystery/crime novel would enjoy the fast pace and the insiders' view of Vegas depicted in Overturned.

Overall Book Score: good