Fake ID Paperback – April 21, 2015

An engaging read for young adults. I found it captivating, demonstrating the author's skill in audience engagement.

This mystery/thriller about a teen in the Witness Protection Program was one of my favorite reads of 2014. I wish there was a word to describe what it's like to want to keep turning pages, fast, to find out what happens -- and simultaneously to want to linger on the page because the writing is simply gorgeous. I loved Nick Pearson's voice and his view of the world. He's a smart kid who's weary of reinventing himself with yet another new town, new school, new name, new identity. He gets pulled into the (small) world of newspaper reporting at his high school . . . makes an unlikely friend . . . and suddenly finds himself over his head in a murder mystery and a web of intrigue. A the same time he has to unravel a mystery within his own family and make some tough decisions. Strong characters, important ethical issues, page-turning plot twists, FAKE ID has it all. I think adult mystery/thriller fans will enjoy it as much as teens. Highly recommend!!

I read Lamar Giles' book yesterday, and I couldn't put it down despite all the distractions surrounding me. It starts fast, and it keeps going, but at the same time, you get to know Nick, the main character, really well and you come to care about him. The characters and the situation are unique and original, but very believable. Giles didn't take the easy way out in resolving the story, he kept it real. I left this book thinking about a part of the US population I'd never really considered, people in the witness protection program. The voice of the narrator and the fantastic writing are the stars in this story, but the page-turning plot engrossed me so deeply, I had a hard time slowing down enough to savor the great writing. I'll have to read it again! I'd give it five stars if I ever gave anything five stars, but so far, I haven't. I highly recommend this to adults young and old! Can't wait to see Mr. Giles' next effort.

Pure suspense and fine writing in this YA-for-all-ages mystery! It's one of the few thrillers I've ever read where character development is as strong as the plot. African American teenager Nick Pearson and his family have been moved around by the government too many times due to the misdeeds of Nick's restless father. Their last chance is in Stepton, a run down town that's Last Stop on the Witness Protection Express.Nick is quickly plunged into drama by his new friend Eli, journalism nerd and conspiracy theorist. He's also very aware of Eli's gorgeous sister Raya, and Raya's ex-boyfriend Zack, a football team meathead.Many adults avoid YA novels, perhaps due to the settings or to the painful revisiting of adolescence. This is a fine mystery on every level, one of the best I've read in 2015, and was nominated for an Edgar Award in 2015. Most highly recommended.

My 15-year-old son did not want to read for Summer. The suspense and intrigue had him giving me updates after almost every chapter. He thoroughly enjoyed it and learned some valuable lessons along the way!

Wow! I have been waiting for some dynamic murder mysteries for young adults to hit the market! I'm glad "Fake ID" was my first read. It was not what I expected from the title. I mentally created a story about someone getting into trouble using fake ID to get into a club. Boy, was I wrong! This story was a roller coaster ride! It unraveled with characters and events that made me feel as if I would miss something if I stopped reading. This is only the second book I've read that deals with issues related to diverse adolescents in the witness protection program. Giles' had me from the first page and I look forward to doing the same this Fall as I read aloud to struggling readers who love a good mystery!

I've been learning English for 7 years and ordered this book for learning the language during the stay in the United States. It was very easy to read and the story was enjoyable. I'm a very slower reader even with my mother language. However, I could finish reading this book in 5 days. Glad that i met this book!

The reason why I decided to request this book is because I liked the title and the mystery it contains. I know, right? But who doesn't like the suspense in finding out the truth? Although I was not really thrilled about the cover, I was intrigued to discover why Nick Pearson is in hiding!Nick Pearson’s family moves to Stepton, Virginia. Actually, Nick is not his real name. This is a fake name that was provided by Witness Protection. Why? Well obviously they are on the run. Nick’s job is to stay low but on his first day of school he meets girl name Reya. (Love, makes us do crazy stuff). He also gets in trouble and is somehow rescued by Eli Cruz, Reya’s brother. Eli tries to get him involve in solving a town mystery, which Nick doesn’t want to do anything with it. But after he finds Eli dead, he must uncover the truth.Although I had a hard time connecting with the main character, I liked how the story made me second guessed my many theories. I like how I was thrown off guard when I discover the truth and shocked when person behind the crime was revealed. Well what can I say, I am not a good detective.It amazed me how insane people and how good they can cover their true persona. More importantly, how crazy mysterious a hometown can be. You really do need to research about almost everything in life to be secured with your choices in life. Fake ID is a fun mystery story and those that enjoy reading this genre; I recommend that you read it.