What do you think?
Rate this book
Billy Cunningham #2
Bad Action
Con artist Billy Cunningham is no stranger to the casinos of Las Vegas—he’s ripped off every single one. But his latest scam—a year in the making—promises his crew their biggest payday yet. Billy has thought of everything down to the last detail…or so he thinks.
He hasn’t counted on the father-son team of contract killers looking to cash in on Billy’s head. Or his old flame, Maggie Flynn, out for payback for her broken heart. If Billy and his team can pass themselves off as high rollers for a week straight, living it up in Vegas’s most exclusive suites and box seats, they’ll get their chance to make their VIP status permanent. It’s the biggest scam of their lives—if they live.
He hasn’t counted on the father-son team of contract killers looking to cash in on Billy’s head. Or his old flame, Maggie Flynn, out for payback for her broken heart. If Billy and his team can pass themselves off as high rollers for a week straight, living it up in Vegas’s most exclusive suites and box seats, they’ll get their chance to make their VIP status permanent. It’s the biggest scam of their lives—if they live.
389 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 10, 2016
About the author
James Swain
49 books357 followersJames Swain is the national best selling author of seventeen mystery novels, and has been published in twelve different languages. His books have been chosen as Mysteries of the Year by Publisher’s Weekly and Kirkus Reviews, and have received three Barry Award nominations, a Florida Book Award for Fiction, and France’s prestigious Prix Calibre .38 for Best American Crime Fiction. Born in Huntington, New York, he graduated from New York University and worked as a magazine editor before moving to Florida to run a successful advertising firm. When he isn’t writing, he enjoys researching casino scams and cons, a subject on which he’s considered an expert.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
May 16, 2017
Las Vegas is the promised land for gamblers with its endless line of casinos, each done up in a different theme. Most gamblers were small time regular folks who came in for a quick weekend and dropped more at shows, restaurants, and ships than on the gaming floor. Plenty of
money to be made there for the casinos and several specialized in this type of customer. Other casinos trolled after whales, rich folk who were wined and dined and put up in fabulous suites because on a good weekend they could make or break a casino corporation's quarterly returns.
In the second Billy Cunningham novel, Billy and his crew of cheats, grifters, ex pornstars, and card sharks masquerade as a whale and his entourage in a bold attempt to pull off the heist of the century. In the midst of it all, a professional hit has been put on Billy's head and his old flame is back in town but mad as hell at the way Billy dumped her like a sack of potatoes.
Forget how many pages there are in this book. The pages will turn so quickly you won't realize how long it is. Really enjoyable. Filled with action from start to finish. Hard to put down.
money to be made there for the casinos and several specialized in this type of customer. Other casinos trolled after whales, rich folk who were wined and dined and put up in fabulous suites because on a good weekend they could make or break a casino corporation's quarterly returns.
In the second Billy Cunningham novel, Billy and his crew of cheats, grifters, ex pornstars, and card sharks masquerade as a whale and his entourage in a bold attempt to pull off the heist of the century. In the midst of it all, a professional hit has been put on Billy's head and his old flame is back in town but mad as hell at the way Billy dumped her like a sack of potatoes.
Forget how many pages there are in this book. The pages will turn so quickly you won't realize how long it is. Really enjoyable. Filled with action from start to finish. Hard to put down.
June 4, 2016
I had a chance to meet James Swain a few years ago at a signing where he was not only autographing copies of the Tony Valentine series but showing off his skill at card manipulation and magic. If that did not cure one of playing with strangers, nothing will! But if also demonstrates he knows whereof he speaks when it comes to gambling and scams. The Valentine series features a retired detective who consults with casinos to determine and correct how people are cheating their systems. This series, featuring Billy Cunningham posits the opposite viewpoint, that of a scammer and this book describes Billy and his crew taking on his biggest scam ever. Lots of action and violence. I enjoy the revealing of the methods used to try to take the casinos money but must admit many are so elaborate and involve the use of insiders that I have trouble imagining some of them even working. (I mean seriously, would marking 6 cards in a 6 deck show really give anyone enough of an advantage to make a fortune?) But fun to contemplate the methods. I do notice in this one that Swain takes pains to paint ways in which casinos might cheat their customers, probably to make Billy the thief a bit of a more sympathetic character. Anyway, a quick entertaining read that held my interest. Grab a copy and head for the beach.
October 31, 2016
Like others, I preferred the first Billy Cunningham book, Takedown. James Swain continues to demonstrate his in-depth knowledge of Las Vegas, casinos, and the gaming industry. Billy and his crew are out for the big score, with Billy posing as a whale (wealthy gambler) to garner the attention of a profit-driven corporate owner of casinos. Meanwhile, his nemesis in gaming enforcement hires two assassins to kill Billy, and who kill the wrong Billy Cunningham in an early scene. Fun stuff, and a solid beach read, but Billy's character seems to me to be less stable than previously. Like the surprise score at the end.
September 10, 2018
If even half of the scams James Swain reveals about Las Vegas casinos and the myriad thieves and con artists that target them are true, then anyone reading Bad Action ought just head for the shows and cheap meals and stay the heck away from the gaming tables and slots when visiting Sin City.
Really, I don't know how much of what is in the Billy Cunningham series is factual and how much is pure gambling fiction, but I do know that all of it is downright fun to read. The author has a knack for telling a story and educating the reader at the same time, making us feel a part of Billy's crew as he prepares to take down yet another mega casino on a big score.
Billy Cunningham is a likable protagonist despite some critical flaws that stretch credulity, such as the lengths he'll go to retrieve his "one love" Maggie (Mags) Flynn after having dumped her in order to protect her future and his crew. This story centers on a scam that's taken Billy a year to put together, and one that promises his crew their biggest payday ever. Everything is carefully planned out but for, of course, that one variable that Billy didn't see coming. Someone has a "hit" out on him, and two very bad and rather crazy killers are insistent on finishing what they begin.
While Billy and his crew pose as a "whale" (a high roller that casinos love to spoil so that they can lose lots of money during their "comped" stay), living the life in one of Vegas’s newest and most exclusive hotels/casinos, they are working their plan, which should succeed but for a few crazy killers and some twists and turns along the way.
The nits to pick are few, but one for me was the feeling that Swain was padding the pages a bit-- describing scams and cons that were really incidental and added nothing to the plot or story's momentum. The other major complaint was Billy's uncharacteristic behavior (he's usually very calm, cool, and in control of himself) whenever he lays eyes on Maggs. C'mon-- this guy is out of high school a long time-- most adults, especially those whose livings depend on them keeping their heads, just don't lose it whenever their "one true love" happens to pop up.
Those issues aside, this is yet another fun ride from this author, who really seems to have the whole gambling, con-artist, scam thing down pat. I'll suspend disbelief in exchange for several enjoyable nights learning as I read about taking money from the casino, rather than leaving it there.
Really, I don't know how much of what is in the Billy Cunningham series is factual and how much is pure gambling fiction, but I do know that all of it is downright fun to read. The author has a knack for telling a story and educating the reader at the same time, making us feel a part of Billy's crew as he prepares to take down yet another mega casino on a big score.
Billy Cunningham is a likable protagonist despite some critical flaws that stretch credulity, such as the lengths he'll go to retrieve his "one love" Maggie (Mags) Flynn after having dumped her in order to protect her future and his crew. This story centers on a scam that's taken Billy a year to put together, and one that promises his crew their biggest payday ever. Everything is carefully planned out but for, of course, that one variable that Billy didn't see coming. Someone has a "hit" out on him, and two very bad and rather crazy killers are insistent on finishing what they begin.
While Billy and his crew pose as a "whale" (a high roller that casinos love to spoil so that they can lose lots of money during their "comped" stay), living the life in one of Vegas’s newest and most exclusive hotels/casinos, they are working their plan, which should succeed but for a few crazy killers and some twists and turns along the way.
The nits to pick are few, but one for me was the feeling that Swain was padding the pages a bit-- describing scams and cons that were really incidental and added nothing to the plot or story's momentum. The other major complaint was Billy's uncharacteristic behavior (he's usually very calm, cool, and in control of himself) whenever he lays eyes on Maggs. C'mon-- this guy is out of high school a long time-- most adults, especially those whose livings depend on them keeping their heads, just don't lose it whenever their "one true love" happens to pop up.
Those issues aside, this is yet another fun ride from this author, who really seems to have the whole gambling, con-artist, scam thing down pat. I'll suspend disbelief in exchange for several enjoyable nights learning as I read about taking money from the casino, rather than leaving it there.
November 23, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed Bad Action, the second Billy Cunningham novel by James Swain. Cunningham is a thief out to steal from Vegas casinos. He's good at it and very clever and quite knowledgeable about all the tricks used to swindle the house. It's interesting reading about all the myriad ways thieves have to cheat, steal, and swindle from casinos. Some of these schemes seem quite far fetched, but the lure of "easy money" is great to some.
In this story Cunningham is working a long con, investing a lot to appear to be a whale (Rich Gambler). It's sickening how the casinos fawn all over these guys, but they do because it works. The more they play the more the house wins. Of course not all goes well and Billy runs into some very nasty folks from his past.
Bad action had me up late at night anxious to see what happened next.
And Swain has another series, at least as good maybe better, from the other side. Tony Valentine is deeply knowledgeable about the ins and oouts of casino crime and he's a consultaant to casinos on their toughest, most interesting cases.
In this story Cunningham is working a long con, investing a lot to appear to be a whale (Rich Gambler). It's sickening how the casinos fawn all over these guys, but they do because it works. The more they play the more the house wins. Of course not all goes well and Billy runs into some very nasty folks from his past.
Bad action had me up late at night anxious to see what happened next.
And Swain has another series, at least as good maybe better, from the other side. Tony Valentine is deeply knowledgeable about the ins and oouts of casino crime and he's a consultaant to casinos on their toughest, most interesting cases.
May 11, 2016
Many years ago my Gaming Law professor recommended James Swain's books as accurate portrayals of the gaming industry and casinos, and the people who try to cheat them. I read several of his Tony Valentine series and really enjoyed them. For some reason I didn't keep up with his books and this is the first book of his that I've read in a number of years. I thoroughly enjoyed every page of this book. The characters and their scam are excellent, and the suspense built up throughout the book is perfect. Bad Action follows Billy Cunningham and his crew as they conspire to take down a large Las Vegas casino. Naturally, the plot doesn't go exactly to plan, and the action, while not over-the-top, is non-stop. This is a great, fun, light read.
(Note: The publisher provided me with a copy of this book via a Goodreads giveaway.)
(Note: The publisher provided me with a copy of this book via a Goodreads giveaway.)
May 8, 2016
This book centers on the Las Vegas life style and the many characters embedded in it. There is no shortage of action and suspense, and the reader is held captive to the progress of the narrative for page after page. None of the characters could be classified as likeable, but the variety of darkness in their personalities definitely helps the reader to take sides, even if they get a little misled as the action commences. The big question as the story continues is: How can Billy score millions of dollars from one casino in a single trick? Heartbreak and romance appear, and family values provide some motivation. However, the story is about how a clever group of grifters can overcome perverse fate to make a giant payoff. It is different, fun, and believable which makes for a great book.
May 13, 2016
Billy Cunningham and his crew is back, with his most ingenious and dangerous con to date. Once again Vegas is the backdrop and its rich tapestry sets the tone for Billy and his crew to take down a newer casino. Intertwined with this caper is a murder mystery and a cat and mouse game where nothing is as it seems. Great characters, great story, and a fast pace; Bad Action will keep you hooked until the grift is over. One of the hallmarks of James Swain's books is his knowledge of grifts and cons and his step by step explanation of them. It is a wonder if anyone who reads them would ever walk into a casino and look at it in the same light. Excellent book, and thank you to Net Galley for the ARC.
March 10, 2022
This plots in this series are over the top but they're entertaining. I find it fascinating all the ways people try (& sometimes succeed) to cheat the casinos. I like this author's Tony Valentine series more (he's a grifting expert brought in by the casinos to stop the bad guys). This series is about the bad guys and the scams they pull off. A fun, easy read with some interesting facts thrown in.
October 14, 2019
Another fun read from James Swain. Plenty of casino cheat action. Stories of famous casino cons keep the pages turning. And of course there are the bad actors trying to kill Cunningham.
May 3, 2016
Ladies and Gentlemen: Billy Cunningham returns from "Take Down", along with his crew for a major con in Las Vegas worth a total of TEN MILLION DOLLARS.. This is a totally kick a$$ story if ever there was one.. Billy and his crew have been practicing for a year to take down one of the largest casinos in the city. Billy is playing a high rolling whale who gets comped for nearly everything. And, he has troubles like pennies raining down on him from all directions, threatening to cancel his well laid plans.
You can't expect anything but the best from the national best selling author of eighteen mystery novels. Mr. James Swain puts his all into each word that he writes. This is the creme de la creme of Las Vegas lore. He even is able to use his own dictionary of important words in such a way that readers are unaware that they are getting educated. Are you a mark? And, where or how did that term get coined? He even writes about the similarities of cons and cheats to the big corporate casinos, themselves. Do the real casinos take chronic cheaters out to the desert and eighty-six them? If it were true, would Mr. Swain be able to write about it? Where else is a better place to hide a secret but in plain sight? This is my favorite book "period" right now. It is so suspenseful and full of great intrigue. Everyone will find something or five to love about this book. I know I have! Did I mention this makes a great stand alone book?
A very special thank you goes out to Mr. James Swain, Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for giving me a free e-ARC of this book to read and give my honest review
You can't expect anything but the best from the national best selling author of eighteen mystery novels. Mr. James Swain puts his all into each word that he writes. This is the creme de la creme of Las Vegas lore. He even is able to use his own dictionary of important words in such a way that readers are unaware that they are getting educated. Are you a mark? And, where or how did that term get coined? He even writes about the similarities of cons and cheats to the big corporate casinos, themselves. Do the real casinos take chronic cheaters out to the desert and eighty-six them? If it were true, would Mr. Swain be able to write about it? Where else is a better place to hide a secret but in plain sight? This is my favorite book "period" right now. It is so suspenseful and full of great intrigue. Everyone will find something or five to love about this book. I know I have! Did I mention this makes a great stand alone book?
A very special thank you goes out to Mr. James Swain, Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for giving me a free e-ARC of this book to read and give my honest review
September 19, 2016
This series is a lot of fun. The machinations of cheating Vegas are a kick to read about, and the way it's presented is very crisp. I started this because I'd left the book I was reading behind by mistake, and before I knew it, I'd ripped right through this one. It looks like #3 in the series is in store, featuring the gypsy grifter clan the Boswells, who were a great dash of color in #1 and #2. Count me in.
June 5, 2016
Disappointing
Not up to par for Swain. Plot overly long and confusing. Too many loose ends. Characters not interesting and not believable. Swain is capable of much better
Not up to par for Swain. Plot overly long and confusing. Too many loose ends. Characters not interesting and not believable. Swain is capable of much better
October 31, 2017
Swain's books are eminently readable, with a breezy style that makes you want to see what happens next, even if the scenarios are a bit unrealistic. This series is theoretically based on the exploits of a real crew of cheats that scammed casinos in Vegas, and there are details throughout on different ways that professional cheats try to gain an edge. The main plotline, where Billy and his crew pose as a high roller and his entourage in order to pull an elaborate scam, is a joy to read. The side plot, featuring Billy's old flame Maggie, bogs down a bit, and much of the part of the story involving Maggie seems flimsy and poorly-explained. At the end, . Still, this series has been as enjoyable as Swain's Tony Valentine series, if not moreso. Perhaps in a future installment Billy and Tony can match wits.
August 30, 2019
I haven't kept up with James Swain for several years, so decided to change that. Swain, as well as an expert on gambling scams, is also an expert card magician, though he has dropped that from his bio at the end of the book.
As with his Tony Valentine series, this Billy Cunningham series is all about scamming Vegas. I've only been in Vegas very briefly, and I don't have a lot of interest in going there (except to see all the magic shows); I don't drink; I don't gamble; I rarely fuck glamorous show girls who are dying to get in my pants; I don't smoke; I don't swallow the god scam... or I'd probably be a squeaky clean preacher (though we know those don't exist). Despite that, I enjoy reading about the casino scams and completely root for the criminals in these stories. If you gamble in Vegas, I have no sympathy for you.
As with his Tony Valentine series, this Billy Cunningham series is all about scamming Vegas. I've only been in Vegas very briefly, and I don't have a lot of interest in going there (except to see all the magic shows); I don't drink; I don't gamble; I rarely fuck glamorous show girls who are dying to get in my pants; I don't smoke; I don't swallow the god scam... or I'd probably be a squeaky clean preacher (though we know those don't exist). Despite that, I enjoy reading about the casino scams and completely root for the criminals in these stories. If you gamble in Vegas, I have no sympathy for you.
June 13, 2018
Enjoyable, and certainly an exciting read, but honestly I did enjoy Takedown more. Bad Action was more complex, but also less joyful. And Billy certainly seemed more serious and angry in this one than in the first. Things were less "tight": almost every crew member, even Billy, was acting inappropriately or out of control at times. Obviously the extensive planning Billy did paid off, but the heist overall seemed less fun and more haphazard. I suppose that's life, though, right?
It seemed as though the door was left open for a third book, and I do look forward to reading it. I just hope the "action" gets a little more, well, joyful next time.
It seemed as though the door was left open for a third book, and I do look forward to reading it. I just hope the "action" gets a little more, well, joyful next time.
February 22, 2019
As good as the first book
Often when a first book in a series is really good, there is a let down with the second one. Not in the case of Bad Action. Once again, Swain takes the reader deep behind the curtain of the gambling in Vegas from the eyes of a cheat-really many cheats. The details on how the games are played and how they are played (yes, two meanings of played) makes for fascinating reading even without the plot twists and enjoyable characters. I bought the third book in the series last night and I hope that I will be writing about how he, once again, didn’t disappoint when I finish it.
Often when a first book in a series is really good, there is a let down with the second one. Not in the case of Bad Action. Once again, Swain takes the reader deep behind the curtain of the gambling in Vegas from the eyes of a cheat-really many cheats. The details on how the games are played and how they are played (yes, two meanings of played) makes for fascinating reading even without the plot twists and enjoyable characters. I bought the third book in the series last night and I hope that I will be writing about how he, once again, didn’t disappoint when I finish it.
March 26, 2019
It Just Keeps Getting Better!
I’m one was one of those people who gambled the first time in Vegas and walked away with several hundred dollars. Beginners Luck is real, people! Of course all subsequent visits were a different story but I still love Vegas; it’s simultaneously tacky gorgeous, like no other city or earth and the perfect setting for a blend of adventure, stacks of chips and well-planned schemes.
Once again, all of the characters have specific personalities and traits without being mere cardboard cut outs propping up the protagonist. I can’t wait to read the next adventure.
I’m one was one of those people who gambled the first time in Vegas and walked away with several hundred dollars. Beginners Luck is real, people! Of course all subsequent visits were a different story but I still love Vegas; it’s simultaneously tacky gorgeous, like no other city or earth and the perfect setting for a blend of adventure, stacks of chips and well-planned schemes.
Once again, all of the characters have specific personalities and traits without being mere cardboard cut outs propping up the protagonist. I can’t wait to read the next adventure.
July 13, 2023
Read July 2023 🎰
•
Gut Instinct Rating: 4.5
Characters: 4.38
Believability: 5
Uniqueness: 5
Writing Style: 5
Excitement Factor: 5
Story Line: 5
Title Relevance: 5
Artwork Relevance: 5
Audiobook Narration: 4.25
Overall: 4.81🏳️🌈
•
CW: n/a
•
Review: I read the first in this series a long time back and have been impatiently waiting for the sequel to end up in my hands. If you’re a fan of White Collar, this is definitely the book to read. It’s packed full of action, swindling, and of course, a con.
•
Gut Instinct Rating: 4.5
Characters: 4.38
Believability: 5
Uniqueness: 5
Writing Style: 5
Excitement Factor: 5
Story Line: 5
Title Relevance: 5
Artwork Relevance: 5
Audiobook Narration: 4.25
Overall: 4.81🏳️🌈
•
CW: n/a
•
Review: I read the first in this series a long time back and have been impatiently waiting for the sequel to end up in my hands. If you’re a fan of White Collar, this is definitely the book to read. It’s packed full of action, swindling, and of course, a con.
June 12, 2026
I enjoyed the first book in the series more than I thought I would, so I read this one. In truth, it’s just a lot more of the exact same thing. It’s interesting at times from a procedural standpoint. The characters are not admirable nor likable. The characters are all criminals and unstable. There is a LOT of repetitive discussion about the porn stars and sex in general. Drugs and addiction abound. Swain is a good writer, but writes these stories producing some amoral adolescent fantasy. The book is also fairly drawn out. The narration on the audiobook is solid.
February 12, 2017
James Swain has done it again. Another winner!
Bad Action is filled with suspense, murder mysteries, actions that keeps you turning the pages with anticipation. Like all his previous books, this one is a winner! Great read and great pleasure reading. I highly recommend all his books and I intend to read all of them when I get a chance to.
Bad Action is filled with suspense, murder mysteries, actions that keeps you turning the pages with anticipation. Like all his previous books, this one is a winner! Great read and great pleasure reading. I highly recommend all his books and I intend to read all of them when I get a chance to.
July 6, 2017
Good book. Fast read. Remarkable what actually happens in casinos and what kind of people troll around in them.
Cunningham is a smooth, intelligent hustler thief but you end up rooting for him and his crew.
I especially liked the ending and how he completely sways the reader away from how he was rewarded for his work.
Cunningham is a smooth, intelligent hustler thief but you end up rooting for him and his crew.
I especially liked the ending and how he completely sways the reader away from how he was rewarded for his work.
June 21, 2017
Page turner!
Non-stop action in this book about a group of Vegas cheats. There's a little piece of all of us that roots for the "little guy" who goes up against the giant. Watching Billy take on a casino, you hold your breath and wait to see what happens....
Non-stop action in this book about a group of Vegas cheats. There's a little piece of all of us that roots for the "little guy" who goes up against the giant. Watching Billy take on a casino, you hold your breath and wait to see what happens....
March 6, 2018
Excellent
Another great thriller in the Billy Cunningham series. Mr Swain immerses us in the world of the con artist taking down a Las Vegas casino. The pace is fast, the characters are credible and the tension keeps building. A deft blend of mystery and suspense.
Another great thriller in the Billy Cunningham series. Mr Swain immerses us in the world of the con artist taking down a Las Vegas casino. The pace is fast, the characters are credible and the tension keeps building. A deft blend of mystery and suspense.
April 5, 2018
Great Bookk
Have read book 1 & 2 of the Billy Cunningham series. Now time to buy #3. The next time I go to a casino I will probably think that every player at a table game is a potential cheater.
Have read book 1 & 2 of the Billy Cunningham series. Now time to buy #3. The next time I go to a casino I will probably think that every player at a table game is a potential cheater.
September 7, 2018
WoW!!!
Could not put this book down! As always James Swain has put together yet another thriller....lots of action....very well developed characters......in-depth looks at the casino culture of Las Vegas......combine to be a wonderful story!
Could not put this book down! As always James Swain has put together yet another thriller....lots of action....very well developed characters......in-depth looks at the casino culture of Las Vegas......combine to be a wonderful story!
October 24, 2018
Spellbinding!!
The stories of Billy and his crew will keep you riveted to you seat while you are reading it. His antics are spellbinding and keep you reading to find out what will happen next.
The stories of Billy and his crew will keep you riveted to you seat while you are reading it. His antics are spellbinding and keep you reading to find out what will happen next.
May 27, 2019
Exciting
Okay, the second book really performed. It was exciting and fast paced. I will day that you almost need a scorecard as there are many subplots. But Billy handles it all...until the end.
Okay, the second book really performed. It was exciting and fast paced. I will day that you almost need a scorecard as there are many subplots. But Billy handles it all...until the end.
August 18, 2019
Dam good but !!!!
Once again could not put this book down this author hooked me good and I had to leave the key West novels and have been left for dad about Mags but keep it up she will return ciao my amigos....
Once again could not put this book down this author hooked me good and I had to leave the key West novels and have been left for dad about Mags but keep it up she will return ciao my amigos....
June 24, 2020
Good story
Pretty fast paced story with decent character development. The seemingly good guys won & the really bad guys were done in by other bad guys, who were supposed to be good guys (cops).
Pretty fast paced story with decent character development. The seemingly good guys won & the really bad guys were done in by other bad guys, who were supposed to be good guys (cops).
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews