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Lamar Giles
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Fake ID Paperback – April 21, 2015

by Lamar Giles (Author)
4.5 out of 5 stars 233
See all formats and editions
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Lamar Giles takes readers on a wild and dark ride in this contemporary Witness Protection thriller, perfect for fans of James Patterson, Harlan Coben, and John Grisham.

Nick Pearson is hiding in plain sight. In fact, his name isn't really Nick Pearson. He shouldn't tell you his real name, his real hometown, or why his family just moved to Stepton, Virginia. And he definitely shouldn't tell you about his friend Eli Cruz and the major conspiracy Eli was uncovering when he died. About how Nick had to choose between solving Eli's murder with his hot sister, Reya, and "staying low-key" like the Program said to do.

But he's going to tell you—unless he gets caught first. . . .

Previous page
  1. Print length
    336 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Amistad Books for Young Readers
  4. Publication date
    April 21, 2015
  5. Grade level
    8 - 9
  6. Reading age
    13 - 17 years
  7. Dimensions
    5.31 x 0.76 x 8 inches
  8. ISBN-10
    0062121855
  9. ISBN-13
    978-0062121851
  10. Lexile measure
    HL640L
  11. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

Review

“Fast action, judicious plot twists, and sufficiently evil teens and adults should keep thrill-seeking readers awake long into the night. ” — Kirkus Reviews

“[An] engrossing thriller.” — Publishers Weekly

“Conspiracy theorists and thriller fans alike will be guessing right up to the end of this exciting debut.” — Booklist

“Smart, punchy teen dialogue; a strong African American protagonist; and non-stop twists and turns make this mystery pop.” — The Horn Book

From the Back Cover

My name isn't really Nick Pearson.

I shouldn't tell you where I'm from.

I shouldn't tell you why my family moved to Stepton, Virginia.

I shouldn't tell you who I really am, or my hair, eye, and skin color.

And I definitely shouldn't tell you about my friend Eli Cruz and the major conspiracy Eli was about to uncover when he died—right after I moved to town. About how I had to choose between solving his murder with his hot sister, Reya, and "staying low-key" like the Program has taught me.

About how moving to Stepton changed my life forever.

But I'm going to.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Amistad Books for Young Readers; Reprint edition (April 21, 2015)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 336 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0062121855
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0062121851
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 13 - 17 years
  • Lexile measure ‏ : ‎ HL640L
  • Grade level ‏ : ‎ 8 - 9
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.31 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.31 x 0.76 x 8 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 out of 5 stars 233

About the author

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Lamar Giles

Lamar Giles

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Lamar Giles writes for teens and adults across multiple genres, with work appearing on numerous Best Of lists each and every year. He is the author of the acclaimed novels Fake ID, Endangered, Overturned, Spin, The Last Last-Day-of-Summer, Not So Pure and Simple, and The Last Mirror on the Left as well as numerous pieces of short fiction. He is a founding member of We Need Diverse Books and resides in Virginia with his wife.

Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
4.5 out of 5
233 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

Belmont Reader
5.0 out of 5 stars Stylish, page-turning mystery for teens and adults alike
Reviewed in the United States on April 30, 2014
Verified Purchase
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!!
One person found this helpful
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Yuji Yamamoto
4.0 out of 5 stars Finished in 5 days!
Reviewed in the United States on August 3, 2016
Verified Purchase
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!
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Eileen Macdougall
5.0 out of 5 stars FANTASTIC WRITING AND CHARACTERS!
Reviewed in the United States on November 20, 2015
Verified Purchase
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.
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M. Jordan
5.0 out of 5 stars A good read for teens
Reviewed in the United States on July 9, 2023
Verified Purchase
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!
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Glenn
5.0 out of 5 stars A Terrific Read
Reviewed in the United States on August 11, 2022
Verified Purchase
Read this gem in one day-fast paced, expertly plotted, and truly enjoyable. I was completely blown away by FAKE ID and I can't wait to read his soon-to-be-released first foray into horror, The Getaway. The man can WRITE!
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Lane
4.0 out of 5 stars Kept me on the edge of my seat (and kept me up late!)
Reviewed in the United States on January 23, 2014
Verified Purchase
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.
6 people found this helpful
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Kaye
5.0 out of 5 stars Fast paced & fun
Reviewed in the United States on October 10, 2019
Verified Purchase
A 4.5 effort. I chose this because it was about a kid in Witness Protection. The story didn’t disappoint. It was suspenseful, amusing, & a little sad at points. Nick’s dysfunctional little family unit was fun to watch. I liked Nick & Eli the best. Loved the Whispertown mystery. Cute/ funny quote: “... I motored away unlicensed and unconcerned.” This is the second book I’ve read this month which would be a good movie.
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Yara Santos - OUaT
3.0 out of 5 stars onceuponatwilight.com
Reviewed in the United States on March 30, 2014
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.
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Top reviews from other countries

Kindle Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars A Great Debut
Reviewed in Germany on October 3, 2016
Verified Purchase
A wonderful debut. This book deals with Nick Pearson who isn't actually Nick. His real name is Tony and his father is a former mobster who has turned state's witness and has now been placed in the Witness Protection program, or WitSec for short.

Trying to figure out who you are as a teen is hard enough, but having to pretend to be somebody you completely aren't is even harder. Where does the persona and the real meet? Where do they divide?

The plot of this book is a murder mystery. Is his mobster dad involved? If so, why?

But the real story is Nick/Tony coming into his own right. Learning how to navigate between who we really are and who we are pretending to be. And in Nick's case, the difference between the two are worlds apart.

The only thing I didn't like about this book was some of the characters felt flat to me. Zach, the bully at school and his cronies played no real role in this book. They were only there to make things difficult for our protagonist. And without giving away any spoilers, let's just say I didn't buy the killer's motivation. And the ending dragged on a bit.

But other than that, a great book. Great voice. I really enjoyed Nick as a main character and hope to be able to read about him again.
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Chen
5.0 out of 5 stars Great
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 10, 2015
Verified Purchase
My daughter really like this!
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