Red Glove by Holly Black

From Goodreads:

Curses and cons. Magic and the mob. In Cassel Sharpe's world, they go together. Cassel always thought he was an ordinary guy, until he realized his memories were being manipulated by his brothers. Now he knows the truth—he’s the most powerful curse worker around. A touch of his hand can transform anything—or anyone—into something else.  

That was how Lila, the girl he loved, became a white cat. Cassel was tricked into thinking he killed her, when actually he tried to save her. Now that she's human again, he should be overjoyed. Trouble is, Lila's been cursed to love him, a little gift from his emotion worker mom. And if Lila's love is as phony as Cassel's made-up memories, then he can't believe anything she says or does. 

When Cassel's oldest brother is murdered, the Feds recruit Cassel to help make sense of the only clue—crime-scene images of a woman in red gloves. But the mob is after Cassel too—they know how valuable he could be to them. Cassel is going to have to stay one step ahead of both sides just to survive. But where can he turn when he can't trust anyone—least of all, himself?  

Love is a curse and the con is the only answer in a game too dangerous to lose.

Okay, I will make this as unspoilery as I can (yes, it's a word... I just invented it!). The first book I did enjoy, but not at first. I thought it was a bit slow. However, this book starts off with a bang. I think that is due to the fact that the world was already built and so it doesn't waste any time with Cassel. Because of that, I enjoyed this book even more than the first. And even though it has been a year since I visited Cassel and his friends, I slid back into that world easily.

Cassel finds himself back in trouble (when isn't he in trouble?) and several mysteries to be solved. Plus, he also finds himself in several binds in which it seems that no one answer is the perfect one. As with the first, Cassel worries about everyone, and is still our smart con man. He uses this to his advantage while he considers what his future will be if he survives senior year. All this and a few twists and turns make this book a fun ride. If you read the first one, you will enjoy this one. If you haven't read either, I suggest you read the first as it sets up the world in which Cassel inhabits.

I give this book 4 stars. It should be published April 5, 2011. I was given this eARC from the publisher and no compensation for my review was given.