About This Book
A parent would reach for this book when their teenager is struggling with the complicated emotions of a parent's return from prison or dealing with a sense of systemic injustice. Set in the high-stakes world of Las Vegas, the story follows Nikki Tate, a sharp girl who plays illegal poker to fund her escape from her hometown. When her father is exonerated after years on death row, their reunion is not the fairy tale she expected. The book explores heavy themes of trust, family loyalty, and the socioeconomic pressures of the working class. It is a gritty, realistic mystery that validates the anger and resilience of teens forced to grow up too fast. It is best suited for mature readers aged 14 and up due to its intense themes and depictions of gambling and street life.
