Book Review: ‘Checkmate,’ by Ben Mezrich

Article excerpt

Ben Mezrich's "Checkmate" centers on a compelling narrative, but the book suffers from a rush to publication that undermines its potential. The reviewer finds the core story intriguing enough to carry reader interest, yet notes that Mezrich's trademark speed-to-market approach, prioritizing timeliness over polish, has left the execution feeling hurried. The underlying material deserved more development, more nuance, more time in the author's hands before reaching shelves. While the premise delivers, the delivery falls short of what the story could have been.