What Really Happens in Vegas: True Stories of the People Who Make Vegas, Vegas

by James Patterson, Mark Seal

What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas—until now. James Patterson shows the real Vegas in a dazzling journey through “lively tales of those who labor and dream in Sin City" (Kirkus).

“Wild and wonderful…The magic of Sin City doesn’t just happen. Patterson and Seal tell its secrets in beautifully presented snippets that often overlap not just surprisingly, but charmingly too.” —Telegraph (UK)
 

Las Vegas is on Luxury Standard every clock in the airport is a Rolex. No dream is too big, no wish is too small—the VIP hosts in Vegas fulfill guests’ every (legal) desire. Jackpots hit when least expected. The Nevada Gaming Control Board has days to find a man who unknowingly won over $200,000 at the slots. “I love love”: the inventor of the Elvis impersonator wedding and the drive-thru wedding has performed hundreds of marriages—and believes in them all. Glamorous yogis take a helicopter across the desert to the Valley of Fire, where they perform sun salutations to the glory of Las Vegas. A gambling VIP “whale” loses $1 million at the casinos, yet still leaves saying, "Had a great time. I'll be back." ​
In What Really Happens in Vegas, full of surprises for both newcomers and Las Vegas regulars, James Patterson and Vanity Fair contributing editor Mark Seal transport readers from the thrill of adrenaline-fueled vice to the glitter of A-list celebrity and entertainment.

Genres: Nonfiction, Audiobook, Travel, History, Biography, Adult, Business

345 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 4, 2023

About the author

Official US Site
Official UK Site
JIMMY Patterson Books
ReadKiddoRead

James Patterson is the most popular storyteller of our time and the creator of such unforgettable characters and series as Alex Cross, the Women’s Murder Club, Jane Smith, and Maximum Ride. He has coauthored #1 bestselling novels with Bill Clinton, Dolly Parton, and Michael Crichton, as well as collaborated on #1 bestselling nonfiction, including The Idaho Four, Walk in My Combat Boots, and Filthy Rich. Patterson has told the story of his own life in the #1 bestselling autobiography James Patterson by James Patterson. He is the recipient of an Edgar Award, ten Emmy Awards, the Literarian Award from the National Book Foundation, and the National Humanities Medal.

Reviews

[Sharon Orlopp · Rating 3 out of 5]

I listened to this on audiobook and learned interesting behind-the-scenes stories about Vegas hoteliers, chefs, gamblers, and dancers.

The narration is terrific and the stories delve into personal details on how various people chose to settle in Vegas and became successful.

It is a light, fun book.

[Sheri · Rating 2 out of 5]

The title is catchy, but not truly indicative of the content. The tone differs from efforts in a similar vein by Patterson, and unfortunately, isn't quite as engaging as his other non-fiction character sketches.

One of the key differences is that this is more of a story of Las Vegas as a place, and an idea, as opposed to telling the conversational stories of individuals sharing their experiences. It's a behind-the-scenes look at the growth and evolution of Las Vegas with some information on individual persons who made and make Las Vegas. Generally, those persons are well-known and recognizable names associated with all the realms of The City That Never Sleeps.

I did find some of the content interesting and educational, but it became progressively less interesting as I couldn't identify with much of the background as I'm not too familiar with the foreground; I've never been to Las Vegas. It would likely be of more interest to someone who has been to and is familiar with the city, or even someone who lives there and wants to know more about the development of the area and the names behind the capitalistic changes.

I think with the title and Vegas's reputation as a city of indulgence and seduction, readers may expect more gossipy or scandalous tales, but this isn't that.

[JR · Rating 4 out of 5]

It seems like these days these one off random books by Patterson have been my favourite to read. Having been to Vegas once I found a lot of these stories super interesting and entertaining.

A lot of good insight about some of the famous Vegas landmarks and casinos. It had everything from Steve Wynn, to strippers, to the Belagio fountains. This dabbled in a little bit of everything.

I was actually stunned by some of the facts in this, like the liquor bill for club for one day to how many people actually dive in the fountains to make sure things keep running smoothly. Just stuff I wouldn’t normally think of but was mind blown when I read it.

Overall, great short stories, lots of wild times as only Vegas can deliver. 4 stars.

[Tim · Rating 1 out of 5]

Between "Private, Las Vegas" and "What Happens in Vegas," James Patterson should stop writing about Vegas.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this to remind myself of all the things that fascinated me about Las Vegas when I began writing THE PRINCESS OF LAS VEGAS three years ago -- and as book tour "prep." Also, the ONLY blurb on my first novel (the single worst first novel ever published, bar none) was. . .James Patterson. Thank you again, James!

[Scott · Rating 3 out of 5]

James Patterson tends to publish one or two non-fiction books each year, and “What Really Happens in Vegas” takes the readers behind the scenes stories that make Las Vegas the ultimate experience that it is for visitors.

It focuses on the movers and shakers who provided incredible visions that made Vegas a mecca for incredible visual experiences. It shares stories behind some of the biggest attractions like the Bellagio’s and Cirque du Soleil’s water shows (although different), as well as the magicians and famous chefs that have created their own successful styles in sin city. It also explores some of the history of Vegas, including establishing the mob museum and the little wedding chapels that include drive through service.

I especially enjoyed the stories of slot machine winners. There was one about tracking down an unknown winner whose slot machine froze up at Treasure Island and so he left. Another one was about an insurance agent leaving Vegas and winning at a slot machine in Harry Reid International Airport when her plane was getting ready to take off. For me, the personal stories were the best ones. And of course, there’s a story of a successful Elvis impersonator because that would be wrong.

The strength of this book was in the research and connection with the working insiders of Las Vegas. It provides interesting background and insight to some of Vegas’s biggest sites, shows, and experiences. I was pleased to read about the story behind the famous “What happens here, stays here” marketing slogan and how it was created and originally received by the public.

Overall, this is quick read, enabling you to focus on the stories that interest you more, while skimming the ones that that you find less of a connection with.

[Jules Poet · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this audiobook from Netgalley.

I really had to struggle to listen to this book. I have lived in Las Vegas for over 25 years and I can say I learned a lot about things I didn’t know before. Mostly, I learned about the rich, the famous, the happy, the successful, and the political movers and shakers and ultimate decision makers. A better title would be “What really happens in Vegas if you’re a mover and shaker on the Las Vegas Strip”

This book in no way reflects the reality I have had living here. There’s no mention of how horribly the homeless are treated, our rampant violence, or any of the other true realities of living in Las Vegas for the regular person.

There are so many of us that live by “I can’t afford” as in - I can’t afford the parking, the show, the concert, the meal, the glitz or the glamor.

Vegas was great for poor people when the poor were accepted by the establishments with $2.99 steak & eggs, Free attractions like the volcano and white tigers at The Mirage, the pirate show at Treasure Island, the lions at MGM - all of which are gone now.

This city has never embraced the down and out locals. If you can’t afford the goodies - you aren’t welcome.

There’s a whole other behind the scenes life here that has nothing to do with the strip.

These stories and anecdotes are nice and informative, and basically have no impact on the lives of the Las Vegas locals without cash to spare.

[Samantha · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun, quick read on the people who made Vegas into the glittering entertainment mecca that it is today.

This is divided into a series of vignettes about different aspects of what makes Vegas Vegas, and while some are more interesting than others, the book flows well as a whole and ranges around various facets of its tourism industry in a way that feels fairly all-encompassing.

The chapters on hoteliers, restauranteurs, and the gaming commission are a lot more interesting than those about things like, for example, a local yoga instructor, and it paints a pretty accurate picture of the city, and most specifically the Strip.

I would have preferred that the book diversify a bit away from the Wynns so that the reader gets a greater variety of information on the hotels (which, to me, are the best part of Vegas). I also would have preferred more inside-y, how the sausage gets made kinds of content than personal stories, but in all it’s a solidly entertaining book.

*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.*

[Mandy White (mandylovestoread) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. If you love Vegas you will love hearing about the behind the scenes, the stories behind the attractions and The Strip. It was fun and interesting, great in audio

[Mary Lynn · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ugh. I kept thinking that it would get better. It didn’t.

[R L HERSKOWITZ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is NOT a typical Patterson book.
It’s well written by co-author, Mark Seal, a nonfiction writer.
True stories about Las Vegas according to people that have lived there, worked there & visited.
Interesting.
I recommend this book.

[Teresa Brock · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to James Patteron, Mark Seal, Hatchett Audio Little Brown and Company, and Netgalley. This is a non-fiction book about what really happens behind the scenes in Las Vegas. Short stories about keeping the city that never sleeps going and magical with so many options other than slot machines. I’ve only been to Vegas as a stopping point through an airport, but I plan on going this next spring. Ive seen the fountains at the Ballagio, but I didn’t realize they needed scuba divers on staff. Did you know that you can do yoga in a helicopter? This book covers how the idea of Vegas came to fruition and gives you several behind the scenes examples that keep it running smoothly.

[Maggie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an interesting nonfiction book about Vegas. Having never been, I enjoyed learning about the history of the town. The book is written in short chapters; each chapter is a new tale about the history, the people, and the entertainment.
I listened to the audio book and thought the man reading did a good job. He made it easy to listen to.

Thank you to NetGalley and Hachette Audio for letting me listen to this ALC. :)

[Megan Rang · Rating 5 out of 5]

*****I received this free audiobook from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

I have recently traveled to Las Vegas so it made this book all the more interesting. It was about the stories that made Vegas what it is. How it evolved. It gives you a peek at the lives of many different people who worked there.

I found this book fascinating! I loved hearing about what I have experienced on my recent vacations as well as add more things on my “next visit” list.

[Sheila · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a free copy of, What really Happens in Vegas, by James Patterson, Mark Seal, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. I love Vegas, its so unique. This is is an interesting book on Vegas. I learned so new things about Vegas, and refreshed my memories on other parts. This books talks about casinos, the airport, the stars and more.

[Trevor · Rating 2 out of 5]

I felt the book was misleading. I thought it was going to be a lot of stories from people living on the strip, casino workers, taxi drivers, homeless people etc.

It reads like a dry history book about Steve Wynn outside of the few interesting sections. I DNF it after about page 220.

There’s also no sections about to south end casinos like NYNY, Excalibur, Luxor etc.

[Justine · Rating 2 out of 5]

Dull writing. Writing style and descriptions were poor. Dragged on and repetivie instead of creating the imagery I think the author aimed for.

Some cute anecdotes, but not enough to create this book.

[Daniel B · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really wanted to love this book but alas, like many gamblers, I placed my bet and lost. There is so much wrong with this book, and I’ll summarize:

1. The title - this is NOT a what really happens account. This is a glossy travelogue that glorifies poor decisions, exalts problematic figures (Goodman, Wynn to name two), and spends almost no time on anything dark. And Vegas has a dark side. If they had called it “Neon Nights: Fun, Fame, and High Rolling in Sin City” it would have fit better.

2. The writing - my gosh it’s like nobody edited this book. There is literally a page that explains the definition of a term…and a very short time later they define the same term in the same way once again. Some chapters do have very interesting fun stories, but there are also quite a few dull chapters that could have been left out.

3. This book was just released…and it’s already dated. There is some factually incorrect content. I know that happens in travel books but it was almost embarrassing how fast it happened here. From describing certain shows as massive hits when they are in reality shutting down, to calling certain establishments the “newest casino on the strip” when there are already multiple newer spots, it’s just weird and poorly researched.

In summary what is frustrating is that there is so much interesting about Vegas that they stayed away from and instead dedicated entire chapters to call girls or doing the Stratosphere bungee jump that are far less interesting or influential to the Strip. The book didn’t seem to know what it wanted to be - history? -humor? -advertisement?, and while there were some really fun portions, sadly it was more of a Chicken Soup for the Gamblers Soul than anything more substantial. A shame really, but maybe my love for Vegas and knowledge of Sin City made me the wrong person for this experience.

[Soquel · Rating 5 out of 5]

PG-13 only because Vegas entertainment is all about vice

I am a resident of Las Vegas. Why? because "What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas!" Our daughter was born here and we're rather fond of her so we live in this oasis of green in the middle of a very hot dry place. Vegas itself is a mirage. It's a city that is part artificial - hotel rooms with a population that drains our resources yet provides our livelihood. Fortunate residents like me live as far away from the strip as possible. We have 'one arm bandits' in our grocery stores and locals-only casinos but for the most part, we look like most other desert towns.

This book was great because I have seen the evolution of this town from a place where we would pick up relatives at the airport before driving back to St. George when the strip ended at Caesar's Palace, to the year they built Excalibur - where I stayed on my first anniversary. To this latest incarnation with all the Cirque Soleil shows and gourmet celebrity chef restaurants. This book found interesting topics to explore and serves as part travel guide, part history of this fabulous town.

[Caryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this extremely entertaining and a lot of that was thanks to Phil Morris, the narrator. He performed it rather than just read it and seemed as interested in the material as the authors. Just little vignettes about the history of Vegas and all their marketing strategies plus days in the lives of those who work and visit there. 🎧

[Allen · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had some great expectations that this book would be recounting some wild true stories of experiences people had while visiting Vegas. Mostly what we have here is a 358 page brochure of why we all should be visiting Las Vegas. There was some history of the creating of the casinos, that was mildly interesting. We had some true stories, with some interviews.
The majority of the book is exactly like reading advertisements with just more flowery, compliments and descriptions of what can be seen in Vegas.
I really hope the publishers got a huge kickback from the casinos in Vegas as this was just a large load of advertising for them. I’m picturing casino lobbies handing the book out free.

I was surprised to see that Mark Seal the co-writer of this mess also authored “Leave the Gun, Take the Canole: The Epic Story of the Making of the Godfather” as that was very well written and interesting.

I can’t really recommend this to anyone as it just seemed full of fluff to pad out more pages. A small bit here and there was interesting enough for me to give it 2 stars.

[Linda Armeni · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting but not what I thought it would be. Lots of facts and slow reading

[Jake Remus · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would only recommend this book to Vegas-goers. It delves into content with an assumption that you know the landscape and will understand the winks and references splayed throughout.

This being said, as a somebody who is enthralled by the city of Las Vegas, it was a fantastic peek behind the curtain at so many different angles of Las Vegas.

I probably won’t ever be a “whale” that can have cuisine from the greatest restaurants appear in front of them with the snap of a finger. I’ll very likely never be a private chauffeur for royalty and celebrities that has to learn to cater to their every wish. I’ll certainly never be a topless bartender at a gentleman’s club. It is because of these things that reading how Vegas is seen through each of these lenses, following a new person through their story and life each chapter, that shows you all of the individual elements that make Las Vegas magical for so many different people.

[Beth Gordon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I lived in the outskirts of Las Vegas when I was 10 to 13 years old (1988-1991). It was an exciting time to live there, as the Mirage and Excalibur opened when I lived there, and you could still get a $1 breakfast.

I loved learning about the inner workings of modern Vegas from this book. The authors interviewed workers, profiled Steve Wynn (who I didn’t know was the visionary of modern Vegas - I just thought he opened a couple casinos), and even featured the ad campaign, “What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas.”

I really liked the interviews of workers who give you insight to the VIP areas, as I could never see that side myself.

Lots of great info to ingest and an easy, clear read.

[Thacher · Rating 5 out of 5]

*I received the audiobook via NetGalley *

So to start off, I thought this was going to be a fictional story, it’s fine either way. It’s pretty interesting to hear about the history of Las Vegas and some cool fact that I wouldn’t have otherwise known.

I particularly liked hearing about the landmarks and being able to be like “oh I’ve been there”.

The story was pretty good.
Also the narrator did a good job

[Mickey Knipp · Rating 2 out of 5]

Deceptive. The book does a good job describing a few who did well, but it missed the millions who have went there lost their life savings and ruined families.
Rampant drug abuse.
Kind of read like a ad trying to get people interested in Vegas.
I gave it 2 stars instead of a zero because I thought it was interesting.

[Marie Barr · Rating 2 out of 5]

Unique stories of the real workers of Vegas. Liked some, others not so much. Found myself skimming through the ones I found boring. I love Vegas. Go at least once a year.

[Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

Extremely entertaining history of the development of Las Vegas...From its roots as the Mob's "Desert Flower," through its development, as a world-wide destination point...Contains many entertaining anecdotes, of the many "little people," behind the scenes that make Vegas, "Vegas Baby!"...Good Stuff!!!

[Sarah Burton · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was fine.

[Lindsay Rodriguez · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really interesting to learn about the history of parts of Vegas.