Review: The Superuser
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 09 25, 2011
"Superuser" is a typical suspense or thriller novel, in that it has all the elements common to the genre, including a mystery in need of a solution and a fast-paced plot. However, it is also unique, because its setting in the poker scene will be new to many readers. While this is not the first novel written by a poker professional to take place in their world, it is the first I've seen in this genre. While fictional, the premise, that someone has found a way to see the cards of his competitors while playing online poker, is based on a true story, with some of the techniques used to uncover and prove this was happening in real life figuring into the plot of "Superuser."I knew these authors would get the poker playing parts of the story right (something non-poker playing authors seldom manage when poker is part of their story). But I wondered how well they would be able to keep the story credible without it appearing to cross the line into non-fiction. They managed this well. I spotted two places where they used real names, once referring in passing to some of the big names in poker, and, in another instance, mentioning two of the experts in the arena of poker math and statistics (one, a coauthor of one of Moshman's books). All other characters are fictional, with attributes that people in the sphere of competitive gaming share , but clearly not based on any specific individual. The same goes for politicians and other non-poker-playing characters. Events influencing the world of poker during the period of the actual superuser incident, mainly political, are replaced by alternate events with similar effects. The result is an alternative history: fiction that gives a realistic feel for the actual history.I can't imagine a poker player who wouldn't enjoy "Superuser." For non-players, it is a chance to experience a difference world vicariously.**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy. **