The Cardturner

Think a novel about bridge sounds a bit dull? Wrong. Romance, lies, glamour: it’s Casino Royale minus spies and plus big family secrets. Alton’s elderly uncle wants Alton’s company at his bridge club. Alton is happy to play along. It’s better than working a summer job at the shopping mall. Plus, his mum says his uncle might leave them some money when he dies. Still, Alton has no idea what a heady cocktail of romance, glitz and mystery he’s about to uncork. Because – like all seemingly casual choices in Louis Sachar’s wonderful books – this choice soon leads to very unexpected places. A real friendship with his uncle. Kisses with the beautiful Toni. And a mystery that spans decades, finally brought to a close.

• A masterly tale of friendship, luck and destiny

• Louis Sachar is the author of Holes and Fuzzy Mud

• “The human drama is gripping” – Financial Times

• “A wonderful read” – Bookfest

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