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Strip Rules
Not yet published
Expected 18 Aug 26A down-and-out card counter gets the chance to turn his life around by taking down a ruthless Vegas casino boss in this raucous, big-hearted novel by the critically acclaimed author of Jade Lady Burning.
Blackjack pro Ronnie “the Technician” Redfield, the “most feared card counter between Vegas and Reno,” has his life blown up when a casino owner decides to take him down. Card counting isn’t illegal—since thinking isn’t illegal, yet—but the court battle costs Ronnie, a Vietnam vet, his livelihood, his sobriety, and his family. His wife is dead and his teenage daughter, Margot, has disappeared. Ronnie has failed her so badly he doesn’t know how to begin looking for her.
Now, three years later, he’s just about dug himself out of his hole. He’s living in a trailer outside Vegas when his old army buddy “Wild” Bill Grimsley, now a casino handler for high rollers, shows up in a limo to drag Ronnie back into the action. Bill has a revenge plot to take down Rodrigo Gwynne, the nastiest, most exploitative casino owner on the Strip. Bill’s grudge is personal, but Ronnie’s involvement will be strictly professional, what he does make money off the house. If he succeeds, Ronnie’s share of the take will be enough to get his life back on track—and hire a detective to track down Margot.
To infiltrate Gwynne’s casino, Ronnie assembles a team of misfit geniuses, blackjack pros who excel at role-playing or flying under the radar. The plan is off to a raring start, the card counters evolving their strategy through every new setback, when intimidation erupts into deadly violence. Ronnie could lose everything—was his comeback worth the risk?
Cult favorite crime novelist Martin Limón, author of the Sueño & Bascom series, delights in his first-ever standalone, drawn from his own experiences at the blackjack table.
Blackjack pro Ronnie “the Technician” Redfield, the “most feared card counter between Vegas and Reno,” has his life blown up when a casino owner decides to take him down. Card counting isn’t illegal—since thinking isn’t illegal, yet—but the court battle costs Ronnie, a Vietnam vet, his livelihood, his sobriety, and his family. His wife is dead and his teenage daughter, Margot, has disappeared. Ronnie has failed her so badly he doesn’t know how to begin looking for her.
Now, three years later, he’s just about dug himself out of his hole. He’s living in a trailer outside Vegas when his old army buddy “Wild” Bill Grimsley, now a casino handler for high rollers, shows up in a limo to drag Ronnie back into the action. Bill has a revenge plot to take down Rodrigo Gwynne, the nastiest, most exploitative casino owner on the Strip. Bill’s grudge is personal, but Ronnie’s involvement will be strictly professional, what he does make money off the house. If he succeeds, Ronnie’s share of the take will be enough to get his life back on track—and hire a detective to track down Margot.
To infiltrate Gwynne’s casino, Ronnie assembles a team of misfit geniuses, blackjack pros who excel at role-playing or flying under the radar. The plan is off to a raring start, the card counters evolving their strategy through every new setback, when intimidation erupts into deadly violence. Ronnie could lose everything—was his comeback worth the risk?
Cult favorite crime novelist Martin Limón, author of the Sueño & Bascom series, delights in his first-ever standalone, drawn from his own experiences at the blackjack table.
Audible Audio
Expected publication August 18, 2026
About the author
Martin Limón
46 books97 followersMartin Limon retired from U.S. military service after 20 years in the Army, including a total of ten years in Korea. He and his wife live in Seattle. He is the author of Jade Lady Burning, which was a New York Times Notable Book, Slicky Boys and Buddha's Money.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
January 11, 2026
⊱ ۫ ׅ ✧ 🂡 ARC review
This book was like a movie. It flowed smoothly, it was easy to follow and for someone who knows absolutely nothing about blackjack that was greatly appreciated. The characters were fun and easy to keep track of.
ᯓ➤ Ronnie (“The Technician”)
A likable but also flawed character. Had everything at one point and lost it all. His wife and daughter, his nice house. He’s clearly very intelligent but made questionable career choices.
I do wish we got more exposition and introductions on Ronnie’s work partners, Nikki, Al and Lenny. Especially when they all met up and started working together.
By ch. 9 things really started picking up, the pieces all clicked into place and the plot started to fully reveal itself.
The twist at the end of ch. 15 ----➢ GOOD
➥ Genuinely, did not see that one coming.
➢ ch. 14 Everybody says they’re going down, and Rodrigo Gwynne with them. “What’s that go to do with me.”
Spelling error? “go” should be “got”
♛ ♢ 🃜🃚🃖🃁🂭🂺 ♢ ♛
If you like heists, casino settings, good twists and thrill you’ll eat this book up. I would love to see a sequel to this.
This book was like a movie. It flowed smoothly, it was easy to follow and for someone who knows absolutely nothing about blackjack that was greatly appreciated. The characters were fun and easy to keep track of.
ᯓ➤ Ronnie (“The Technician”)
A likable but also flawed character. Had everything at one point and lost it all. His wife and daughter, his nice house. He’s clearly very intelligent but made questionable career choices.
I do wish we got more exposition and introductions on Ronnie’s work partners, Nikki, Al and Lenny. Especially when they all met up and started working together.
By ch. 9 things really started picking up, the pieces all clicked into place and the plot started to fully reveal itself.
The twist at the end of ch. 15 ----➢ GOOD
➥ Genuinely, did not see that one coming.
➢ ch. 14 Everybody says they’re going down, and Rodrigo Gwynne with them. “What’s that go to do with me.”
Spelling error? “go” should be “got”
♛ ♢ 🃜🃚🃖🃁🂭🂺 ♢ ♛
If you like heists, casino settings, good twists and thrill you’ll eat this book up. I would love to see a sequel to this.
April 3, 2026
Starts out interesting, than it got boring than good again then boring . The whole story was this way. What was the point .
Thanks NetGalley for advance copy
Thanks NetGalley for advance copy
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Gratitude to Soho Press and NetGalley for the ARC.
Strip Rules is a fun, fast one-day read that keeps the chips moving and the cards turning. Officially, the book closes with the disclaimer: “Do not use this book as a primer on how to play blackjack.” Unofficially… it often feels exactly like that. A surprisingly detailed blackjack guide cleverly disguised as a Vegas semi-noir.
The rhythms of the casino floor, the psychology of the table, and the little calculations behind every decision are woven so naturally into the story that readers might occasionally catch themselves focusing on the strategy as much as on the plot. Whether that is a feature or a side effect probably depends on how much you enjoy the game.
This is Martin Limon’s first novel outside his popular series about Sergeants Sueno and Bascom, and it was also my first encounter with his writing. It turned out to be a very pleasant introduction. The style is smooth, pacing adequate, and the late-night Las Vegas atmosphere comes through convincingly.
If there is a downside, it is that the book feels a bit like leaving the table just when things were getting interesting. Many of the characters are intriguing enough that it would have been nice to see more of them or learn a bit more about their backstories.
In the end, Strip Rules is an entertaining read that plays its hand well.
Strip Rules is a fun, fast one-day read that keeps the chips moving and the cards turning. Officially, the book closes with the disclaimer: “Do not use this book as a primer on how to play blackjack.” Unofficially… it often feels exactly like that. A surprisingly detailed blackjack guide cleverly disguised as a Vegas semi-noir.
The rhythms of the casino floor, the psychology of the table, and the little calculations behind every decision are woven so naturally into the story that readers might occasionally catch themselves focusing on the strategy as much as on the plot. Whether that is a feature or a side effect probably depends on how much you enjoy the game.
This is Martin Limon’s first novel outside his popular series about Sergeants Sueno and Bascom, and it was also my first encounter with his writing. It turned out to be a very pleasant introduction. The style is smooth, pacing adequate, and the late-night Las Vegas atmosphere comes through convincingly.
If there is a downside, it is that the book feels a bit like leaving the table just when things were getting interesting. Many of the characters are intriguing enough that it would have been nice to see more of them or learn a bit more about their backstories.
In the end, Strip Rules is an entertaining read that plays its hand well.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
“Strip Rules” was a fun little novel, almost novella size, that was easy to read in one or two sittings. The cast of characters are fun, and the group dynamics are enjoyable.
The style of this novel reminded me of some of the standalone novels of Lawrence Block and Donald Westlake. A down on his luck protagonist, taking on a too big to conquer bad guy, etc. Now don’t get me wrong, it would take a miracle for anyone to be able to write as well as those two legends, but the feel of this novel reminded me of their work.
Some of the details of how to play blackjack from a card counter’s perspective were a little over my head for a novel I’m just trying to enjoy, but the subject matter did make it fun to read.
I received this ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an unbiased review.
The style of this novel reminded me of some of the standalone novels of Lawrence Block and Donald Westlake. A down on his luck protagonist, taking on a too big to conquer bad guy, etc. Now don’t get me wrong, it would take a miracle for anyone to be able to write as well as those two legends, but the feel of this novel reminded me of their work.
Some of the details of how to play blackjack from a card counter’s perspective were a little over my head for a novel I’m just trying to enjoy, but the subject matter did make it fun to read.
I received this ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an unbiased review.
December 25, 2025
Strip Rules by Martin Limón is not yet available to request as an advanced read though you can add it to your wish list. Thank you Soho Press (Soho Crime), and NetGalley, for granting the wish and opportunity to read and review this novel.
Blackjack card-counter, Ronnie Redfield, is down on his luck from being charged, though acquitted, for counting cards. He has already lost his wife to cancer and his daughter also left in the aftermath of the trial.
He is approached by one of his Vietnam vet buddies, Bill Grimsley, to assemble a team of card-counters to take down the ruthless owner of Bacchanal Casino amidst a strike.
Ronnie assembles a team of card-counting renegades and infiltrates the casino with substantial success. The supporting cast of characters were interesting in their own ways and were pretty likeable.
This was simply written and easy to read in a single sitting. The technical information as it relates to Blackjack was easy to follow even if it was over the reader’s head. It was a fun concept and you learn quite a bit about Blackjack. Though the ending felt anti-climactic, it was effective.
Blackjack card-counter, Ronnie Redfield, is down on his luck from being charged, though acquitted, for counting cards. He has already lost his wife to cancer and his daughter also left in the aftermath of the trial.
He is approached by one of his Vietnam vet buddies, Bill Grimsley, to assemble a team of card-counters to take down the ruthless owner of Bacchanal Casino amidst a strike.
Ronnie assembles a team of card-counting renegades and infiltrates the casino with substantial success. The supporting cast of characters were interesting in their own ways and were pretty likeable.
This was simply written and easy to read in a single sitting. The technical information as it relates to Blackjack was easy to follow even if it was over the reader’s head. It was a fun concept and you learn quite a bit about Blackjack. Though the ending felt anti-climactic, it was effective.
March 14, 2026
Thank you Soho Press and NetGallery for the ARC.
Overall 4/5 ⭐️.
Coming from someone who likes to gamble and lived in Vegas, this was a fun read for me, I can see it being confusing if you never sat at a Blackjack table. It was giving “Ocean’s 13”, basically a group of misfit card counters are trying to stack up cash from a big casino at blackjack tables because the owner has wronged so maybe people.
The book was more about the Blackjack game, and very minimal on the plot, but it has blended together very well. This read as a standalone, and it was a quick read.
Overall 4/5 ⭐️.
Coming from someone who likes to gamble and lived in Vegas, this was a fun read for me, I can see it being confusing if you never sat at a Blackjack table. It was giving “Ocean’s 13”, basically a group of misfit card counters are trying to stack up cash from a big casino at blackjack tables because the owner has wronged so maybe people.
The book was more about the Blackjack game, and very minimal on the plot, but it has blended together very well. This read as a standalone, and it was a quick read.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
It was hard for me to get into this. It would be okay, then quickly get boring. After a certain point, it just became one of those books that I read while partially zoned out. It wasn't engaging to me, but I have no doubt that someone else would probably find this book interesting.
I obtained an ARC from NetGalley through my job.
I obtained an ARC from NetGalley through my job.
April 30, 2026
I received this ARC thanks to NetGalley & Soho Press.
Strip Rules was an interesting read for me, but also a bit confusing 😅
I’ve seen casino scenes in movies a million times, but I’ve never really understood the rules of the games, I just vibe with the plot. So reading a book that’s heavily casino-themed (Las Vegas, cards, blackjack terms, all of that) was definitely… an experience.
If I’m being honest, I didn’t fully understand most of the casino terminology, but I could still follow the general plot. In my head, it felt like an Ocean’s Eight or Danny Ocean-style heist story, and I enjoyed imagining the characters moving through that world.
That said, I think my biggest issue was the ending. I was expecting a bigger payoff — that dramatic “heist high” moment — but it felt underwhelming. I also expected more emotional depth, especially regarding the main character’s relationship with his daughter, since that was supposed to be the heart of the story.
Overall, it wasn’t a bad book. I think readers who enjoy casino settings and understand that world more might have a better time with it.
Strip Rules was an interesting read for me, but also a bit confusing 😅
I’ve seen casino scenes in movies a million times, but I’ve never really understood the rules of the games, I just vibe with the plot. So reading a book that’s heavily casino-themed (Las Vegas, cards, blackjack terms, all of that) was definitely… an experience.
If I’m being honest, I didn’t fully understand most of the casino terminology, but I could still follow the general plot. In my head, it felt like an Ocean’s Eight or Danny Ocean-style heist story, and I enjoyed imagining the characters moving through that world.
That said, I think my biggest issue was the ending. I was expecting a bigger payoff — that dramatic “heist high” moment — but it felt underwhelming. I also expected more emotional depth, especially regarding the main character’s relationship with his daughter, since that was supposed to be the heart of the story.
Overall, it wasn’t a bad book. I think readers who enjoy casino settings and understand that world more might have a better time with it.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews