In Overturned, Niki Tate's father is being released from prison due to new evidence, which overturned his murder conviction. The trip home from the prison is anything but pleasant, and Niki realizes that her parents have been keeping secrets. When Niki's father puts a stop to the illegal card games that she has been using to fund her escape from Las Vegas, Niki puts her new free time to use, investigating her parents' secrets, while putting her friendships, including her newfound boyfriend at risk in order to find the truth.

Lamar Giles has created a unique character in Niki Tate who not only is mature enough to run a Las Vegas casino but also beat experienced card players at their own game. Some of her choices are questionable but lead to most of the drama and conflict in the story. Overturned is a well-written and well-developed story that makes for a quick, enjoyable read. ( )

I love Lamar Giles characters, and this book is no exception. It's a fast moving mystery, with plenty of red herrings, great friendships, and a really wonderful lead. I didn't love the ending quite as much as the lead up, but it wasn't a disaster or anything. ( )

Killer concept and sharp writing! I need this to be a TV miniseries: Veronica Mars meets Las Vegas.

At sixteen years old, Nikki Tate hasn't had it easy for years. The daughter of Nathan Tate, famous poker player and former death row prisoner, she's spent the years her father was in prison helping her mother to keep the family's Las Vegas casino afloat. But just after Nikki's dad is released and it looks like Nikki might finally be able to focus on her life for once, everything falls apart and Nikki is left trying to find out why without losing her life in the process.

This is a solid YA mystery novel. On the grittier side of the spectrum, it delves into the realities of living in Las Vegas as a teen. Nikki is a complex character who is fascinating to follow through this world as she works to solve the central mystery of the novel. She's surrounded by a cast of well-developed supporting characters, which make the world believable. While I was a couple steps ahead of the whodunit, it was still an enjoyable mystery. Also if you're doing a diverse books challenge this one is an excellent option as Nikki is African American. Overall, a fast-paced read with a mildly gritty edge. ( )

Disclaimer: I am a Lamar Giles fangirl and have had him as a guest on my show Book Stew - link here - https://vimeo.com/channels/1037961/157151774

In his three novels, there has been a widening scope of both setting and conflicts - out of high school and here, into the very strange and grown up world of Las Vegas. The main character, Nikki, is embroiled in drama from the opening sentence. She's the daughter of a casino owner who has been in prison for murder. As a result, Nikki has had to handle very adult responsibilities that would stress out anyone, no less someone who should just be dealing with her upcoming soccer game. Nikki is supported by two wonderful friends who serve more as family than her distant mother.

There are multiple well handled story lines, and the novel accelerates smoothly into a breathtaking climax.

As with his previous two novels, also categorized as YA, Overturned will be relished by adult suspense/thriller lovers of any age. ( )