LAST BETS | Kirkus Reviews

Four people thrown together on a tiny Caribbean island gamble more than money as a hurricane looms in Moore’s thriller.

Painter Elly Sorenson returns to the island of Bonaire, a mecca for scuba divers and high-rolling gamblers, to complete a year-old commission; she needs the fee to pay off sizable debts. On arriving, she learns that her client, Trevor Martin, has lost everything on a backgammon bet. Rather than return his deposit, Elly stays to finish the portrait in exchange for free room, board, and scuba at the Flamingo Resort, where he runs the dive shop. There, she meets Steve Ryan, a high-stakes backgammon player from Australia, and his impetuous 16-year-old daughter, Rosie, an aspiring artist. Elly and Rosie are drawn to each other as artists, but Rosie has a crush on Trevor, who in turn seems interested in reviving his old dalliance with Elly. Elly’s father was also a gambler, and she realizes that by partnering with Steve, she can use her uncanny—but physically and emotionally draining—ability to visualize future moves to win the money she needs (“A portraitist who saw visions was considered eccentric. A gambler who did, an addict”). A huge storm is approaching the island, and only a handful of die-hards are staying on for one more dive or one last game. In this fraught moment, the teenager’s turbulent emotions spur her to make a reckless decision that risks dire consequences. The narrative moves quickly, switching between Elly’s and Rosie’s points of view, each in her own distinct voice: Ellie is observant, thoughtful, and haunted by painful memories, while Rosie is direct, impulsive, and hiding insecurity behind acting tough. Both are sensitive, determined, and independent. The other characters, including Trevor, Steve, the obnoxious bullying American tourist Bob Morris (who harasses both women), and the sensible, sympathetic bartender, Lucille, are well drawn and believable. While the novel offers hints of romance and moments of intense suspense, the evolving, complicated, and moving relationship between Elly and Rosie forms its heart.

An absorbing novel with intriguing characters who navigate challenging situations in a stunning setting.