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3.22 AVERAGE
3.22 AVERAGE
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
The plot was fun but the writing was a bit of a struggle sometimes.
[b:The Fraud Squad|61319611|The Fraud Squad|Kyla Zhao|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1655666337l/61319611._SY75_.jpg|91753167] is [a:Kyla Zhao|21625964|Kyla Zhao|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1652716055p2/21625964.jpg]'s debut novel and I loved it! It actually made me really excited to see what she will write next, and I couldn't help but get caught up in Singapore’s high society. It was interesting learning about not only the culture in Singapore but their socialite scene as well, and I loved getting to know our MC Samantha Song. For me, Sam's friend Raina was the voice of reason in her life, and I liked that even though she ends up getting mad at her (for good reason), she was still there for her when Sam needed her. I loved all of the various relationships that are explored in the story, and while there is plenty of drama and tension, there is a lot of relatability as well.
I haven't read it yet, but I would liken The Fraud Squad to [b:Crazy Rich Asians|16085481|Crazy Rich Asians (Crazy Rich Asians, #1)|Kevin Kwan|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1364852559l/16085481._SY75_.jpg|21571970] based on what I have heard, and I would love to see this turned into a movie someday! It really read like one, and I wouldn't mind seeing the S Gala and all the gorgeous outfits onscreen. And if you enjoy audiobooks, I would definitely recommend listening to this book. Siho Ellsmore is a fantastic narrator and I thought she did an incredible job of breathing life into the characters, especially Sam. I also really enjoyed the fashion/media aspect of the book, and there were a lot of things included that I am a huge fan of reading about. There is a little bit of romance, but this is more about the character growth than anything, and I can’t wait to see what Zhao’s next book will bring.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I haven't read it yet, but I would liken The Fraud Squad to [b:Crazy Rich Asians|16085481|Crazy Rich Asians (Crazy Rich Asians, #1)|Kevin Kwan|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1364852559l/16085481._SY75_.jpg|21571970] based on what I have heard, and I would love to see this turned into a movie someday! It really read like one, and I wouldn't mind seeing the S Gala and all the gorgeous outfits onscreen. And if you enjoy audiobooks, I would definitely recommend listening to this book. Siho Ellsmore is a fantastic narrator and I thought she did an incredible job of breathing life into the characters, especially Sam. I also really enjoyed the fashion/media aspect of the book, and there were a lot of things included that I am a huge fan of reading about. There is a little bit of romance, but this is more about the character growth than anything, and I can’t wait to see what Zhao’s next book will bring.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
The writing is competent, if a bit obvious and repetitive with it's analogy choices (e.g. 'it felt both like she had known him forever and like she was meeting him for the first time'). However, the characters are flat, the plot was fun in theory but not fun in execution, and the romance lacked any charm or chemistry due to our characters lacking charm themselves. This book would have been marked DNF were it not required reading for book club.
DNF at 24%. I was expecting Crazy Rich Asians and maybe I shouldn't have but there are a lot of dialogues I'm not interested in and I couldn't get into it. Sorry!
lighthearted
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I really wanted to love this book—the idea of an ordinary woman infiltrating Singapore’s high-society elite had so much potential. Unfortunately, it never quite delivered the glitz, tension, or emotional depth I was hoping for.
While the setting (luxury boutiques, exclusive parties, old-money families) felt vivid, the execution fell flat. The protagonist’s motivations and conflicts often seemed glossed over—like when she’s betrayed but quickly brushes it off without much emotional fallout. The writing style leaned toward simplistic, making it hard to feel fully immersed in the world or invested in the characters’ choices.
That said, it’s a light, easy read if you’re looking for something undemanding. But if you crave sharp social commentary, complex relationships, or high-stakes drama, this might leave you wanting more.
This review was crafted by AI based on my thoughts.
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Eh, 2.5 stars. It's not bad, but I sort of felt like there wasn't enough 'fraud,' and the twist ending didn't feel like there was enough material leading up to it.
The FMC was annoying and the story was beyond predictable. Admittedly I probably should have DNF’d but I read it all the way through.
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated