"Exciting thriller"
Casino employee Johnnie Koscko leaves Vegas with enough of
a stake to return home to Biloxi, Mississippi to buy the
Jackpot Bay Casino. Johnnie envisions the area becoming
part of the European high roller jet set. In fact his
first plane load of the Monte Carlo crowd is coming to
Biloxi in a few days to gamble at Johnnie's casino and to
listen to the rock sound of the very popular Snow Mountain. However, as usual for Johnny just when he seems paused for
success he rolls craps. The casino insurance carrier is
concerned over missing revenue. They send private
investigator Jack Delmas to force Johnnie to hire security
auditor Tara Stocklin. Even with Jack and Tara involved,
Johnnie seems to be holding the "Deadman's Hand" as murder
and robbery follow. Readers who try a Jack Delmas novel will believe they hit
the jackpot, as he is a strong character who consistently
provides the audience with a quiet intelligent outlook as
he tries to do the right thing though not always
successful. However, the rest of the key cast members such
as Johnnie and Tara, etc. come across as worthless sharks
with nothing much to redeem them so that they appear more a
caricatures than people. Still the exciting story line of
JACKPOT BAY is an engaging look behind the scene at the
Gulf Coast gambling spots. For those who don't know Jack,
he is worth the time to read about even in this novel, but
especially in his previous appearances like MASSACRE ISLAND. Harriet Klausner
Reviewed by PNR Group Member
Posted October 17, 2002
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