Synopsis/blurb……….
Eddie Nelson is a professional poker
player, testing his skills in Las Vegas at the World Series of Poker for the
first time. Unfortunately, he's on the worst run of his life and can't afford
his buy-in to the Main Event. Then he meets a shadowy figure called Raphael who
offers to back him for a fifty-fifty split of any winnings. But if he loses, he
has to play in a private tournament of Raphael's choosing...
Drawing Dead is a tale of poker and
vampires by Scott McKenzie, author of One Day in Gitmo Nation, Death by Autopen
and Rebirth.
A bit off
the usual track as far as my reading tastes are concerned, but an enjoyable 90
page excursion to Vegas in the company of an aspiring poker professional.
I do like
books that delve into the mindset of the gambler, whether it’s the suave, ice-in-the-blood
professional with the stony countenance, or the sweaty, fidgety, small stakes
hustler whose life flashes before him as he desperately awaits the turn of the
final card, bringing either temporary salvation or ruin.
I’m less
fond of vampires myself, but it was an interesting tale, well told and it kept
my attention. Great setting with the bright lights and strip well described, as
well as the seedier side away from the glamour of the big casinos. I got a feel
for Eddie’s hopes and dreams and fortunes which rose and fell on the turn of
the cards. Our poker games were explained and strategized as the hands
unfolded, with McKenzie ratcheting up the tension as the games climaxed. This
was done without ever feeling as if I was reading a “how-to” guide.
 |
| Scott McKenzie |
The ending
was slightly telegraphed and a bit predictable, but overall a decent way to
pass a couple of hours. I usually ask myself after finishing something whether
I’d want to read more by the author in future. On this occasion – it’s a yes,
but probably on the proviso that the vampires stay in the closet next time
around and the tale has all its roots firmly in the real world.
4 from 5.
I accessed
this one when it was a freebie over on Smashwords either late last year or
earlier this.
The author
has his website here.
Col - Oh, that does sound interesting. I'm not much of a one for books about vampires either, but the Las Vegas atmosphere and the suspense sound interesting. Glad you enjoyed it.
ReplyDeleteYou and me both Margot, but it made an interesting change, cheers.
DeleteCol, I'm not much of a fan of gambling and vampire books though I might read occasionally read one off the shelf.
ReplyDeletePrashant, I don't mind books that have gambling as a theme or element, some of Dick Francis' work touch on it with horse racing and betting. Some of my US fiction also involves it. Tom Kakonis - one of my favourites has his main character in a few of his books - Timothy Waverley as a gambler. I think its the vampire side that appeals less, though again there's a great series by Charlie Huston that I've read a couple of, where his lead is a reluctant one.
DeleteCol, I read a few Dick Francis in my twenties and I'd forgotten that many of his novels are, in fact, set in and around horse racing. It's interesting that his paperbacks are still widely available in my neck of the woods, especially at book exhibitions. So far I have not been inclined to buy or read any.
DeleteI have a load of DF stashed away. I think I have managed a couple so far. I would say I ought to get back to him, but then I know I'll get my head turned by someone or something else before I ever do!
DeleteHis son is keeping the flag flying by continuing with the books, not that many of them were series-orientated - but they were popular and good sellers.
Gambling and vampires is a weird combo, especially with a Vegas setting. But possibly weird in a good way. and 90 pages - can't argue with that. Glad you enjoyed it - I'll see when the embargo ends...
ReplyDeleteWeird in a good way sums it up. Did you have some vampires on your blog recently, or am I mis-remembering? I have more as well somewhere - Charlie Huston - Joe Pitt books.
DeleteI don't know, poker and vampires. Might be OK.
ReplyDeleteI'm more enthused by the poker elements. I do like desperate gamblers and seeing the consequences resulting from their actions more than the vampire bit, but it worked.
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