Truth Detective: Lessons from Poker on Risk, Reward and Imperfect Information

I was gripped from the outset by The Truth Detective. No doubt because, as a competitive poker player, Alex O'Brien has skin in the game, she has made this exploration of how to read and understand human behaviour thrillingly alive. You might not emerge from the book as a poker champ, but you'll be astonished, enthralled, and - who knows? - even enriched by what you'll learn. -- Philip Ball, broadcaster and author of Bright Earth, Critical Mass, The Modern Myths and How Life Works

O'Brien is a science writer and The Truth Detective is backed up by tons of knowledge bombs ... explaining how poker has taught her to navigate the scary world out there, sniffing out the BS and being able to read people ... it relates to life in an incredible way ― Forbes

This is a book about poker - a game of skill and intellect rather than emotion - that isn't really about poker ... The Truth Detective is surprisingly rewarding and often very revealing about human nature. Reading this book help[ed] me understand the world, and in particular other people's idiocies and bad behaviour, better. It's strongly recommended. ― Daily Mail

Through the lens of her personal experience as a poker player, Alex O'Brien reveals the tricks that can help each of us navigate a world beset with uncertainty and misinformation. I gleaned such useful advice from this heartfelt book - and came away also wanting to learn how to play poker! -- Angela Saini, journalist and author of 'Inferior: How Science Got Women Wrong' and 'The Patriarchs: How Men Came to Rule'

[The Truth Detective] got me thinking about the life skills we've acquired through playing games... risk is an important skill to learn in life [and the book] explores how the games rules and strategies help us to better navigate the world and make better choices -- Jessica Creighton ― BBC Woman's Hour

The Truth Detective is the kind of timely popular science that captures people's attention and deserves to be widely read -- Alom Shaha, author of Mr Shaha’s Marvellous Machines, Mr Shaha’s Recipes for Wonder and Why Don’t Things Fall Up

Alex O'Brien picks up where Kenny Rogers left off with this approachable set of essential lessons for opening your eyes to the game that is our society. -- Subhadra Das, author of Civilised: Ten Lies that Made the West

Now, more than ever, it is vital that we all think critically about the news we're reading, the media we're consuming, and the opinions being easily thrown around. O'Brien's book takes us back to the basics of such critical thinking with the insightful premise of making decisions when clouded by uncertainty. A brilliant poker player, she brings her experience from the game and shows us how to apply this to everyday life. I will definitely be applying some of the lessons I've learnt! -- Roma Agrawal MBE, engineer, broadcaster and author

The Truth Detective is a belter and [the] perfect Christmas present for those awkward relatives who don't want jumpers, mints or Annuals -- Nicholas Booth, former technology editor of The Times and author The Search for Life on Mars

Engaging ... Alex O'Brien holds all the aces here [with] first-hand experience at the table and a good grip on the latest science and psychology. Follow suit to boost your odds at winning in that great game we call life -- Roger Highfield, Science Director of The Science Museum and author of Virtual You

A fascinating book that uses poker to discuss philosophy, magic, strategy, cognitive science, game theory, deception, biases, risk management, and much more. Who knew one book could teach you so much about poker and the best scientific research in so many fields? -- Seth Stephens-Davidowitz, New York Times bestselling author of Everybody Lies and Don't Trust Your Gut

A wise, mind-expanding guide for living in uncertain times. In The Truth Detective, Alex O'Brien draws on her experience at the poker table to provide a whole new lens on the world. A perspective-changing book that will help you make smarter, more informed choices when navigating life's unknowns -- Richard Fisher, author of The Long View

The Truth Detective is both a riveting read and a call to action. Alex O' Brien intertwines lessons from the poker table with cutting edge scientific research on human behaviour and the brain, showing us how to understand the world better, and to understand ourselves better. I found myself thinking about The Truth Detective long after I read it. Even if you've never played poker, you will be richly entertained and educated by this beautifully written gem of a book -- Jennifer Shahade, author of 'Chess Queens' and two time US Women’s Chess Champion

I can't imagine a book more perfectly suited to its time than The Truth Detective. The challenge of knowing 'what is the truth' goes far beyond the poker table. By using the game of poker to explore truth and deception, O'Brien makes the topic not just accessible but also truly entertaining. The interviews and well-documented research woven throughout give scientific backbone to a much-needed look at a very important topic. This is an exhortation for us all to be more careful consumers of 'truth'. -- Kara Scott, broadcaster and World Series of Poker anchor

Captivating, gripping and the best book I've read since 'Thinking Fast and Slow'

O'Brien doesn't pull any punches, and examining the bluffs we seek and the bullshit we find in life, [she] combines a number of studies, sources and complex thoughts into a case for critical thinking. This is a book that should be read and savoured in full; it pulls many of the great concerns of the day such as AI, climate change, fake news, pandemic issues, and the power of social media into a riveting page turner. As soon as I started reading The Truth Detective I literally couldn't stop ... do someone you love a favour and give them the gift of this book.

-- Dara O’Kearney, former ultra runner and author of The Poker Solved Series

From the first page to the last, The Truth Detective captivates the reader with a new perspective on an age-old game. Steeped in stories and research, which both inspire and educate, O'Brien has crafted a 'poker book' that belongs on every bedside table, even if you have never played the game. It's that good. And it matters that much -- Erin Lydon ― President, Poker Power