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Dice Angel
Jimmy Delaney is on another bad roll. His ex-wife is cranky. Burglars clean out all the coins from the video poker machines at his saloon, Jimmy D's. His accountant is missing - with all the bar's money. He can't get a loan because the IRS has a lien on the joint and a rogue revenue agent with a personal grudge is seizing Jimmy D's on Friday unless he can come up with $50,000 in back taxes. Losing streaks in Las Vegas can be the worst in the world. And then a mysterious woman enters his life. A karma-spouting planet-charting colon-cleansing floozy - the Dice Angel. Can Delaney save Jimmy D's with a supernaturally hot hand at the dice tables at Luxor? Or does Lady Luck bite off, chew up, and spit out another Las Vegas loser...
- GenresFiction
242 pages, Paperback
First published February 5, 2002
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
July 9, 2012
Okay. The author had some interesting characters ie Stanford Poon IRS Agent and his "purist" Jimmy Buffet cover bad, the central character also seems real and you can easily imagine him being drawn from real life.
However, the plot really takes awhile to develop--everything that the the back cover of the book describes, it takes about 100 pages plus to happen.
Also, part of the problem is the lack of suspense. The ending has a little bit of a surprise, but everything happens in literally the last 10 pages.
The author creates some interesting descriptions, especially about Las Vegas from somone who has lived there (ie Exacalibur the largest Motel 6 in the World, or the number of people who have fell/jumped from the interior balconies of the Luxor) I would have enjoyed more of these real observer descriptions of Vegas.
However, the plot really takes awhile to develop--everything that the the back cover of the book describes, it takes about 100 pages plus to happen.
Also, part of the problem is the lack of suspense. The ending has a little bit of a surprise, but everything happens in literally the last 10 pages.
The author creates some interesting descriptions, especially about Las Vegas from somone who has lived there (ie Exacalibur the largest Motel 6 in the World, or the number of people who have fell/jumped from the interior balconies of the Luxor) I would have enjoyed more of these real observer descriptions of Vegas.
March 21, 2026
I never would have bought this book on my own. The author sent me a copy after reading my review of Ben Mezrich's Bringing Down the House. I wish someone would send me a book related to MIT. I don't like gambling, and I haven't been to Vegas since I was 16 in Circus Circus with my parents. Having said all that, I liked this book and just might buy Brian Rouff's second novel. 3 stars for being a quick, interesting read. But it's not high literature.
The author got me interested in the characters quickly. Poor bad-luck Jimmy Delaney, nasty ex-wife Joy, Wally the cop-friend -- I wanted to find out what happened to them. Jenny Delaney is a sweet little girl, and late in the book we hear about Tiny Tim (er, I mean Rachel), a symbol of pathos even though she isn't characterized at all -- not so much as a "God bless us every one." Some characters are hard to like, though. I've always found people who use profanity to be like people who choose halitosis over brushing their teeth: distasteful and distracting to discourse. However, the profanity doesn't seem gratuitous. It fits with the tone of the story. You might call characters like this "real." I call them vulgar. Jimmy, Wally, and several other characters have this flaw.
Another thing that makes Jimmy vulgar is his attitude toward women. A couple of his best quotes: "A little on the mousy side, but take off those big glasses and she's definitely doable." (p. 47) (Jimmy sizes up every woman he meets -- and the author shows us his dirty little mind every time.) "When you drive a 'Vette, you get the kind of women who are attracted to guys who drive 'Vettes." (p. 89) (To Jimmy's credit, he gave up driving Corvettes.)
The plot is summarized by plenty of other reviewers, but no one has touched on themes. Wondering if Jimmy would change and grow as he worked out his problems is what kept me reading to the end. On page 2 Jimmy says, "Honest people are in short supply here in Vegas, or anywhere else for that matter." Strangely enough, I see thematic similiarites between this story and M. Night Shyamalan's film, Signs. Both, to some degree, are stories about faith. The faith of Rev. Graham Hess is restored by a Higher Power, and Jimmy's faith is restored by ... his muse the Dice Angel and himself. Still, the ending of Dice Angel is satisfying. Simplistic, but satisfying. And the final sentence in the book is excellent! (In sharp contrast to the first: "The ringing phone ripped through my sleep like a buzz saw.")
I also see that not one review so far has used the words "New Age." Christians beware -- this book assumes a thoroughly pagan worldview. Faith in luck (whereas Hess in Signs starts with a grudge against God that blocks his faith, Delaney here starts with a grudge against Lady Luck), faith in whatever gods might exist (whether Mormon, Catholic, Zodiac), and "trust" in "the universe." Don't look for redemption in this story. Not in the Christian sense. Jimmy might be described as being redeemed, but it's a self-made redemption.
The author got me interested in the characters quickly. Poor bad-luck Jimmy Delaney, nasty ex-wife Joy, Wally the cop-friend -- I wanted to find out what happened to them. Jenny Delaney is a sweet little girl, and late in the book we hear about Tiny Tim (er, I mean Rachel), a symbol of pathos even though she isn't characterized at all -- not so much as a "God bless us every one." Some characters are hard to like, though. I've always found people who use profanity to be like people who choose halitosis over brushing their teeth: distasteful and distracting to discourse. However, the profanity doesn't seem gratuitous. It fits with the tone of the story. You might call characters like this "real." I call them vulgar. Jimmy, Wally, and several other characters have this flaw.
Another thing that makes Jimmy vulgar is his attitude toward women. A couple of his best quotes: "A little on the mousy side, but take off those big glasses and she's definitely doable." (p. 47) (Jimmy sizes up every woman he meets -- and the author shows us his dirty little mind every time.) "When you drive a 'Vette, you get the kind of women who are attracted to guys who drive 'Vettes." (p. 89) (To Jimmy's credit, he gave up driving Corvettes.)
The plot is summarized by plenty of other reviewers, but no one has touched on themes. Wondering if Jimmy would change and grow as he worked out his problems is what kept me reading to the end. On page 2 Jimmy says, "Honest people are in short supply here in Vegas, or anywhere else for that matter." Strangely enough, I see thematic similiarites between this story and M. Night Shyamalan's film, Signs. Both, to some degree, are stories about faith. The faith of Rev. Graham Hess is restored by a Higher Power, and Jimmy's faith is restored by ... his muse the Dice Angel and himself. Still, the ending of Dice Angel is satisfying. Simplistic, but satisfying. And the final sentence in the book is excellent! (In sharp contrast to the first: "The ringing phone ripped through my sleep like a buzz saw.")
I also see that not one review so far has used the words "New Age." Christians beware -- this book assumes a thoroughly pagan worldview. Faith in luck (whereas Hess in Signs starts with a grudge against God that blocks his faith, Delaney here starts with a grudge against Lady Luck), faith in whatever gods might exist (whether Mormon, Catholic, Zodiac), and "trust" in "the universe." Don't look for redemption in this story. Not in the Christian sense. Jimmy might be described as being redeemed, but it's a self-made redemption.
July 7, 2018
This is the author's first book and the first of his I have read. I like reading books that are set in places I am familiar with. I am also not aware of any Las Vegas-based mystery authors, oddly. Any others, that is.
Our hero is Jimmy Delaney, owner of Jimmy D's, a popular saloon originally started by his father. He discovers that he has been embezzled, and, worse, his taxes had not been paid for a while. He suddenly owes the IRS a ton of money. How does he go about finding it? Through a mystic of sorts. A woman who chants, does charts, casts spells...whatever seems to work. She helps others gamble. But has to be in the room.
The plotting is generally good, although the "Dice Angel" made no sense to me. Out of the blue comes this character with a shady past and a propensity for lying. But charming! At least to Jimmy.
Speaking of charming, I did not find Jimmy charming. He is fond of his employees and customers, and shows his humanity to them. But he has only resentment and dislike for his ex-wife, who is drawn simplistically and two-dimensionally. In general, the author's treatment of women is sad: cheesy comments about appearance, actions that are about forty years out of date. Mr. Rouff acknowledges many readers who helped him with this book. Did none of them suggest that he cut out the sexist comments? Or did they feel they were necessary in a book based in Vegas? If there were some acknowledgement of Jimmy's propensities within the book, some recognition by other characters, I'd feel better about them. AS it is, it just seems oddly ignorant. I don't believe Rouff himself would ever behave as this character does.
I wondered about a couple of other things. First, the IRS agent. I have dealt with unfriendly IRS agents but none that would ever have behaved as this one did. I found it ridiculous. It may be that the readers Rouff is writing for find exaggerations like this funny and enjoyable.
I also wondered why Rouff named some actual places in Las Vegas but then made up names for others. Those of us who live here or visit often can pick out what places he meant, and I could not figure why he made up names for some but not others.
Perhaps Mr. Rouff is simply writing for a crowd of which I am not a member. But maybe he's just getting started.
Our hero is Jimmy Delaney, owner of Jimmy D's, a popular saloon originally started by his father. He discovers that he has been embezzled, and, worse, his taxes had not been paid for a while. He suddenly owes the IRS a ton of money. How does he go about finding it? Through a mystic of sorts. A woman who chants, does charts, casts spells...whatever seems to work. She helps others gamble. But has to be in the room.
The plotting is generally good, although the "Dice Angel" made no sense to me. Out of the blue comes this character with a shady past and a propensity for lying. But charming! At least to Jimmy.
Speaking of charming, I did not find Jimmy charming. He is fond of his employees and customers, and shows his humanity to them. But he has only resentment and dislike for his ex-wife, who is drawn simplistically and two-dimensionally. In general, the author's treatment of women is sad: cheesy comments about appearance, actions that are about forty years out of date. Mr. Rouff acknowledges many readers who helped him with this book. Did none of them suggest that he cut out the sexist comments? Or did they feel they were necessary in a book based in Vegas? If there were some acknowledgement of Jimmy's propensities within the book, some recognition by other characters, I'd feel better about them. AS it is, it just seems oddly ignorant. I don't believe Rouff himself would ever behave as this character does.
I wondered about a couple of other things. First, the IRS agent. I have dealt with unfriendly IRS agents but none that would ever have behaved as this one did. I found it ridiculous. It may be that the readers Rouff is writing for find exaggerations like this funny and enjoyable.
I also wondered why Rouff named some actual places in Las Vegas but then made up names for others. Those of us who live here or visit often can pick out what places he meant, and I could not figure why he made up names for some but not others.
Perhaps Mr. Rouff is simply writing for a crowd of which I am not a member. But maybe he's just getting started.
June 2, 2021
A Surprise from the Past
I read Brian Round"'s second book, "The House Always Wins" but forgot that he had written an earlier one. Recently I saw this one mentioned is a post. So, I read this one and found myself completely drawn into the story. A tale of tough times in Vegas, luck, and doing the right thing. The only difference between now and twenty years ago is that people here are a tad less cynical than our protagonist. It's still a town of opportunists for sure. Short story is that you might well enjoy this tale of redemption. I sure did.
I read Brian Round"'s second book, "The House Always Wins" but forgot that he had written an earlier one. Recently I saw this one mentioned is a post. So, I read this one and found myself completely drawn into the story. A tale of tough times in Vegas, luck, and doing the right thing. The only difference between now and twenty years ago is that people here are a tad less cynical than our protagonist. It's still a town of opportunists for sure. Short story is that you might well enjoy this tale of redemption. I sure did.
October 29, 2025
This was such a fun read! A story about Las Vegas and the many characters there - the good and the bad. Brian Rouff writes with humor and knows the city intimately, as well as nearby Henderson, that locals will feel right at home. Jimmy D is a kind hearted guy who, through no fault of his own, gets in trouble with the IRS. Amaris, a unique woman, helps him out. The other characters, from the ex-wife to the daughter to the IRS agent are well developed. This is a must read.
November 11, 2013
Seems in Vegas, everything is a gamble, including whom you trust. Restaurateur Jimmy Delaney learns this rather quickly when he discovers his ex-brother-in-law/accountant has not only disappeared, but run off with all of Jimmy D's money. Turns out it's a fairly healthy sum, seeing as how Owen also neglected to pay the restaurant's taxes, leaving Jimmy holding an empty bag as people approach, palms outward.
The ex-wife is unbending in her determination to receive child support on time; no doubt Jimmy's freewheeling parental skills did nothing to temper her views. The revenue agent assigned to Jimmy's case is less sympathetic, if that's possible. Perhaps Jimmy shouldn't have criticized the guy's tuneless Jimmy Buffett tribute band, which specializes in songs even the most rabid of Parrotheads doesn't know by heart.
Bottom line, Jimmy needs fifty grand pronto, and in Vegas there seems to be only one way to get it. Jimmy is desperate enough at this point to consider the tip from a regular seat warmer at the restaurant: hiring a "Dice Angel" who brings luck to craps players in her own cosmic, Miss Cleo kind of way. It doesn't get anymore desperate than this, and Jimmy is not without his skepticism, wondering if this mysterious, aging bombshell is genuine or if her aura is as black as his future.
DICE ANGEL is a hybrid of Dave Barry and Carl Hiaasen zaniness, toned down a touch and relocated to Vegas. Author Rouff styles Jimmy D as a lovable yet caustic narrator; to all outward appearances he is the typical life-worn barkeep yet inside there is more to appreciate. Supporting players come and go yet leave lasting imprints like people you'd meet at a party and want to know better. The scenes where Jimmy actually applies his angel's techniques are especially uproarious.
DICE ANGEL is for readers who enjoy their mysteries, as their lives, with a twist of humor. No risks in checking out this read.
The ex-wife is unbending in her determination to receive child support on time; no doubt Jimmy's freewheeling parental skills did nothing to temper her views. The revenue agent assigned to Jimmy's case is less sympathetic, if that's possible. Perhaps Jimmy shouldn't have criticized the guy's tuneless Jimmy Buffett tribute band, which specializes in songs even the most rabid of Parrotheads doesn't know by heart.
Bottom line, Jimmy needs fifty grand pronto, and in Vegas there seems to be only one way to get it. Jimmy is desperate enough at this point to consider the tip from a regular seat warmer at the restaurant: hiring a "Dice Angel" who brings luck to craps players in her own cosmic, Miss Cleo kind of way. It doesn't get anymore desperate than this, and Jimmy is not without his skepticism, wondering if this mysterious, aging bombshell is genuine or if her aura is as black as his future.
DICE ANGEL is a hybrid of Dave Barry and Carl Hiaasen zaniness, toned down a touch and relocated to Vegas. Author Rouff styles Jimmy D as a lovable yet caustic narrator; to all outward appearances he is the typical life-worn barkeep yet inside there is more to appreciate. Supporting players come and go yet leave lasting imprints like people you'd meet at a party and want to know better. The scenes where Jimmy actually applies his angel's techniques are especially uproarious.
DICE ANGEL is for readers who enjoy their mysteries, as their lives, with a twist of humor. No risks in checking out this read.
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May 1, 2009Fiction
June 13, 2012
I read this book on a whim having found it on Amazon listmania. It was a quick read, but the plot is dull and I'm not really into the whole Las Vegas thriller thing.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews