logo

51 pages 1 hour read

Counterfeit

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2022

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Book Brief

logo
Kirstin Chen

Counterfeit

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2022
Book Details
Pages

288

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Contemporary

Publication Year

2022

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

Counterfeit by Kirstin Chen follows Ava Wong, a California lawyer turned at-home mom, who recounts to a police detective how her former college roommate, Winnie Fang, lured her into a scheme selling fake designer bags. The narrative shifts to Winnie, who escapes to China to avoid authorities, revealing Ava’s deeper involvement. Ava ultimately turns herself in, leading to a light sentence and the duo’s subsequent plan to exploit lab-grown diamonds.

Suspenseful

Mysterious

Gritty

Dark

Challenging

Reviews & Readership

3.7

107,347 ratings

51%

Loved it

40%

Mixed feelings

10%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Kirstin Chen's Counterfeit has been praised for its sharp and witty prose, engaging plot, and complex characters. Reviewers admire the novel's insightful look into the counterfeit handbag industry and its strong social commentary. However, some critiques mention the pacing as uneven, and a few felt the ending was somewhat predictable. Overall, it's a compelling read with a unique premise.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Counterfeit?

Readers who enjoy gripping novels with strong female protagonists and themes of crime and deception akin to The Flight Attendant by Chris Bohjalian or The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins will relish Counterfeit by Kirstin Chen. This book appeals to those who appreciate intricate plots and explorations of identity and ambition.

3.7

107,347 ratings

51%

Loved it

40%

Mixed feelings

10%

Not a fan

Character List

Ava Wong

A 37-year-old protagonist who struggles with feelings of professional and personal dissatisfaction. Coming from a family that valued achievement, she is ambitious and crafty but conflicted about her role as a mother and her desire to work outside the home.

A protagonist around Ava’s age who is described as attractive and stylish, with a background that made her resourceful and driven. She is ambitious and has a knack for creating opportunities, showing a desire for a settled, content life.

Ava’s husband, an ambitious and energetic surgeon who is ethical but somewhat self-centered. His lack of emotional support contributes to Ava’s personal conflicts.

Boss Mak is a Chinese businessman involved in luxury handbag production who has a sophisticated and charming demeanor. His daughter, Mandy, shares his ambitious and polished nature, taking over the business when he becomes ill, and serves as a foil to Ava.

Book Details
Pages

288

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Contemporary

Publication Year

2022

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Continue your reading experience

Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.