the scammer (Duomo Editorial, 2020) is a novel by Janelle Brown. A somewhat bizarre story with a premise that does not seem original. However, as the plot progresses, the reader will come across a much more interesting story that will hook them until the end.
Located within the thriller, this book tells us the story of Nina, a scammer who needs money quickly and easily.. He knows how to steal and from whom, so his deceptions are usually quite effective. But her next victim will change everything and make Nina discover who she really is. the scammer It is a difficult read to put down that shows how appearances can be deceiving.
The scammer: when appearances are deceiving
Basis of history
Nina has put into practice everything her mother taught her about theft and fraud. He dedicates himself to stealing from wealthy people who he knows will not harm him excessively, since he only steals what he considers they will not miss. He makes a selection of his robberies after having conned these rich guys. He needs the money because, precisely, his mother has become ill.. And although his plans always seem to go perfectly, at some point he will need to undertake a new deception that will thwart his goal, as well as his own life.
When Nina thinks that scamming Vanessa is a good idea, she wouldn't have imagined the bond they have in common.. Apparently they are two completely opposite girls. Nina steals out of necessity, while Vanessa is a an influencer daughter of a rich family. The fact that Vanessa retires for a time to a large family house in the mountains will cause several mysteries to emerge after years of hiding. These secrets will mean a big twist in the plot that will directly affect the two girls.
The use of social networks as a theme of the story is very convincing to attract younger readers.. That is why it is a novel simultaneous to the times we live in. If we add to that the fact that the scammer It becomes a book of intrigue with several plot twists, success is assured among those looking for an entertaining and easy-to-read story.
The thief and the influencer
On the other hand, it is not by chance that Nina comes into Vanessa's life; The protagonist had a relationship in the past with the family of the an influencer that now he will want to exact revenge. The game of deception that serves as the basis of the novel becomes, however, a destiny that is difficult to imagine for the two girls. The writer also entertains herself by sowing doubt in the characters and the reader about the type of person the protagonists are..
the scammer is a thriller with a certain psychological aspect. Janelle Brown delves deeper into the characters and their psychologies as the narrative progresses and she details the interests of Nina and Vanessa until she completely surprises the reader. At this point it is worth dwelling on Vanessa's character. Since her appearances are deceiving, and not everything she shows in her public life has reciprocity with what she really feels. Points of view and internal discourse intermingle with past and present action and the winding game becomes increasingly convoluted.
As for the characters, it is also important to mention Nina's mother and her boyfriend.. The first is about a sick woman who has been far from being a model mother for her daughter. And the second will also take center stage in some events of the story.
Conclusions
the scammer It is a novel that becomes more addictive and interesting after the first part. It stands out for its characters and plot twists, as well as for its unprecedented outcome. An thriller full of mystery and secrets from the past that fits with the present moment thanks to the theme of social networks. It has relevant psychological nuances due to the construction of its characters, who are the great asset of the novel. Janelle Brown creates antagonists from whom we don't really know what to expect and the author avoids blacks and whites, so she attributes certain shadows to them that enhance the reading of the novel. A good option for readers looking for a pleasant time of recreation and intrigue.
About the author
Janelle Brown is an American writer and journalist born in San Francisco.. He studied at the University of Berkeley and currently lives in Los Angeles. She has collaborated in such well-known media outlets as ELLE, Vogue, The New York Times o Los Angeles Times. His work as a novelist has stood out for its sales although In Spanish at the moment it has only been translated Pretty things, the scammer, in Spanish. Nicole Kidman acquired the rights to the novel to produce and star in it. Brown's other works are titled All We Ever Wanted Was Everything, Watch Me Disappear o This is Where We Live.