Lucky by Marissa Stapley centers on a con woman grappling with self-discovery and redemption. Reviews highlight its engaging plot and multi-dimensional protagonist as strengths. However, some readers found the pacing uneven and secondary characters underdeveloped. Fans of thrilling, character-driven narratives will appreciate its emotional depth and suspenseful twists.

Readers who relish thrillers with emotional depth, complex characters, and a touch of romance will enjoy Lucky by Marissa Stapley. Fans of Taylor Jenkins Reid’s Daisy Jones & The Six and Liane Moriarty’s Big Little Lies will find a similar mix of intrigue, personal growth, and unexpected twists.

Lucky by Marissa Stapley centers on Luciana Armstrong (Lucky), a grifter navigating her past and present amid the 2008 financial crisis. The novel alternates between Lucky's early years with her con artist father, their various scams, and her adult life, where she confronts the consequences of her actions. Set in locations like New York, Las Vegas, and Seattle, the story explores themes of luck, familial bonds, and deception. The book contains instances of miscarriage, assault, and violence.

Mysterious / Suspenseful / Emotional / Dark / Bittersweet

- Lucky by Marissa Stapley was selected by Reese Witherspoon as a December 2021 pick for her book club, Hello Sunshine Book Club.
- Before becoming a full-time author, Marissa Stapley worked as a magazine editor and a freelance writer, lending her storytelling a journalistic touch.
- Marissa Stapley is a Canadian author, and Lucky marks her first thriller venture, blending elements of suspense and romance.

**Luciana Armstrong (Lucky)**
The protagonist of the novel, who uses multiple aliases throughout the story, reflecting her complex life as a grifter. Driven by a desire for a different life, she navigates challenges and relationships while grappling with her identity.

**John Armstrong**
Lucky’s adoptive father, who is both caring and morally complex. He is deeply involved in grifting and teaches Lucky these skills, creating a morally ambiguous father-daughter relationship.

**Priscilla Lachaise**
An untrustworthy thief who serves as an antagonist in the story. She is involved in criminal activities that affect Lucky's life adversely.

**Cary Matheson**
The romantic interest of Lucky and son of Priscilla. He is involved in alias-switching and has a complicated relationship with Lucky.

**Marisol Reyes**
Once involved in criminal activities, Reyes undergoes a positive transformation and aids John and Lucky, highlighting the possibility of change.

**Sister Margaret Jean**
A former grifter turned nun who discovers Lucky as an infant. She serves as a guiding figure in the novel, supporting Lucky’s biological mother.

**Darla and Stephanie Dixon**
A mother and daughter who are involved in a scam with John and Lucky when Lucky is young. They represent a contrasting family dynamic to Lucky’s life with John.

**Gloria Armstrong**
John's estranged wife, whose mysterious presence influences Lucky's understanding of trust and deception.

**Valerie Mann**
Lucky’s biological mother, who pursued a successful legal career and helps Lucky navigate legal challenges. Her past actions provide a backdrop to Lucky’s early life.

Marissa Stapley

Adult

Novel

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1, Prologue-Interlude 4

Lucky Part 1, Prologue-Interlude 4 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapter 5-Interlude 8

Lucky Part 1, Chapter 5-Interlude 8 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapter 9-Interlude 10

Lucky Part 1, Chapter 9-Interlude 10 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapter 11-Interlude 14

Lucky Part 1, Chapter 11-Interlude 14 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 15-18

Lucky Part 2, Chapters 15-18 Summary & Analysis

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