This
issue of WomeNews is all about sports and exercise. Unfortunately
I don't read many novels that feature sports. When Kristin
told me the topic I kind of hesitated, but then a light bulb
went off in my head. ESPN, known for their sports broadcasting,
has recently begun showing the World Series of Poker. One
of my favorite authors writes mystery/thrillers that take
place in casinos…a correlation! Hallelujah, I can write a
book review!
If
you haven't ever read anything by James Swain, what are you
waiting for? Swain is self-described as one of the best card-handlers
in the world, a gambling expert, and a magician. Add to that
a great writing style, one of the best "senior citizen" characters,
and the ability to successfully depict numerous gambling cons,
and you've got yourself one terrific read.
Tony
Valentine, a 62 year-old, retired New Jersey police officer,
is as feisty as can be. He owns a consulting company in his
retirement destination of Palm Harbor, Florida. His company,
"Grift Sense," (meaning "the instinct for spotting a scam"),
helps casinos catch creative con-people. Thus far there are
four books in the series featuring Tony Valentine: Grift
Sense, Funny Money, Sucker Bet, and his
newest release Loaded Dice. All of the novels take
place at different casinos from the Indian reservations in
Florida to fabulous Las Vegas. I don't think you necessarily
have to read them in order, but I would highly advise it.
Grift
Sense is a wonderful first novel. It has mystery, suspense,
romance, and gaming. Swain establishes Tony Valentine as somebody
that everybody who is anybody in the gambling industry knows.
In this particular novel, Tony is called into a Vegas casino
to stop a blackjack scam. While searching for the infamous
Fontana brothers, Tony gets lead into a world of greedy hustlers,
corrupt police, and crazy hit men. Throw into the equation
a good-for-nothing son, a quirky neighbor, and numerous plot
twists, and you're in for a reading roller-coaster ride.
Many
times Swain is compared to well known authors Elmore Leonard,
Carl Hiaasen, and Dave Barry. With the release of his fourth
book from a larger publisher, he is now beginning to get the
credit he deserves.
If
these are the types of books you like to read, this series
ranks as one of the best. If you've never tried any of these
authors then you cannot call yourself a "well-rounded reader,"
so pick up a copy today.
