Review: Lucky by Marissa Stapley

A compelling and thrilling road-trip novel about a talented grifter named Lucky whose past comes back to haunt her.

What if you had the winning ticket that would change your life forever, but you couldn’t cash it in?

Lucky Armstrong is a tough, talented grifter who has just pulled off a million-dollar heist with her boyfriend, Cary. She’s ready to start a brand-new life, with a new identity—when things go sideways. Lucky finds herself alone for the first time, navigating the world without the help of either her father or her boyfriend, the two figures from whom she’s learned the art of the scam.

When she discovers that a lottery ticket she bought on a whim is worth millions, her elation is tempered by one big problem: cashing in the winning ticket means the police will arrest her for her crimes. She’ll go to prison, with no chance to redeem her fortune.

As Lucky tries to avoid arrest and make a future for herself, she must confront her past by reconciling with her father; finding her mother, who abandoned her when she just a baby; and coming to terms with the man she thought she loved—whose complicated past is catching up to her, too.

This is a novel about truth, personal redemption, and the complexity of being good. It introduces a singularly gifted, complicated character who must learn what it means to be independent and honest…before her luck runs out. 

Kindle, 256 pages

Expected publication: April 6th 2021

 by Simon Schuster

4/5 stars

Canadian author, Marissa Stapley is a sorta new author to me. I've only previously read one of her books, The Last Resort which I enjoyed.  I also had the privilege of attending the author event upon its release - boy I sure do miss those events.

Lucky is told by Lucky herself as she tells her story both in past and present day settings.  I loved getting to know her with an upbringing so contrary to what I think as normal.

Deserted by her boyfriend and holding a winning lottery ticket that she can't cash in sets her off on an adventure showing her skills as a grifter on one hand and the desire for a normal life on the other.  How that was even possible, with her history kept me reading just one more chapter.

This book moved at a nice pace, it was entertaining and kept me guessing.  The might have seemed a little rushed and tidy but still one I liked.

Look for Lucky on bookshelves April 6th.  My thanks to Simon & Schuster Canada for a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.