SOLVED. SFR m/f F has a talent for reading cards, is stuck on a planet she came to research; M needs a talented card reader to read his cards because his cards have been "locked" by a relative so he can't use them. [s]

[Barbara]

First book in a series of three or four, first read by me in 2008 but likely to have been written in the 1990s or 1980s.

The book is set on a planet which F visited to do some research and she is now stranded there (cant remember why). It opens with F trying to make some money by illegally reading cards in the street and her talent is noticed by M, who is a local inhabitant and a member of a very important family. Threatened with being turned in to the authorities, F agrees to help M with his card reading for wome wealthy clients, which is designed to con said clients. Sorry for somewhat vague description, my recollections of plot are a bit hazy from then on.

Your efforts to find the title of this book are much appreciated!

[Aerulan]

The Gate of Ivory by Doris Egan, great trilogy!

[Barbara]

Oh my goodness, this is it. Thank you so much!

[Aerulan]

Barbara wrote: "Oh my goodness, this is it. Thank you so much!"

You're welcome!