Thriller writer JP Pomare’s latest book THE GAMBLER (Hachette 2026) is the second in a new series about Private Investigator Vince Reid, a character introduced in his previous novel THE WRONG WOMAN. Pomare’s trademark twists and surprising reveals again dominate this story, which is probably one of his most complex and labyrinthine plots to date.
I adore the protagonist Vince Reid, and his subtle background relationship with his partner Peyton. Pomare has created a character with a rich and layered background which has plenty of scope for further development in future novels.
In THE GAMBLER, Vince is visiting an old friend when he’s offered a fascinating case: a respected local woman opened fire at a political rally and killed a popular young university graduate, with seemingly no motive and no connection between the two women. Was it a random act of violence? Or a targeted attack? Either way, it appears to be a straightforward case and Vince takes it on thinking it will be easy money. But as he digs further into the facts, and the histories surrounding those involved, it becomes obvious that this case in anything but simple.
In fact, this is one of Pomare’s most complicated plots. He adds to the mix gambling and the mindset of compulsive gamblers; the Amish community; political intrigue; technological crime and scams; intergenerational trauma; revenge; obsession; friendship; trust; greed; and complex mathematics. These threads are introduced separately and appear at first to be disparate, but as the narrative unfolds, tenuous connections arise, and concrete revelations are discovered.
Readers of crime, and of Pomare specifically, will know what to expect in this book – many tangential threads satisfyingly coming together, lots of red herrings and clues, plenty of suspects and a pacy, page-turning story. But THE GAMBLER is as much about the why of the crime as the who and how (those questions are already answered in the opening chapter … or are they?) This twisty tale is sometimes a little difficult to follow but smart readers will pay attention to the many Easter Eggs Pomare hides along the way, and put two and two together as the story unfolds.
This book also delves deeper into personal connections, with the character of Vince Reid and his relations with others a sensitive and endearing element.
Pomare’s previous standalone 17 YEARS LATER was one of the best crime stories I’ve read in recent years, and I’m looking forward to seeing where he takes this new character Vince Reid and the situations, difficulties, challenges and experiences he foists upon him.