Poker Face

Spotted Pony Casino #1

by Paty Jager

Spotted Pony Casino Mystery Book 1

Dela Alvaro is a disabled veteran who grew up on the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Reservation. When an IED in Iraq ended her military career, she came home to reassess her life and landed a job in security at the Indian run casino on the reservation.

Not even a year into being the assistant to the head of security, Dela is promoted on a trial basis. When one of the casino employees is found stabbed and stuffed in a laundry chute, she knows she can kiss head of security good-bye if she doesn’t find the killer before the media gets hold of the story.

While she is in over her head, she can’t decide if the FBI Special Agent called in to help is a blessing or a curse. It’s a man she ran across in Iraq who overrode her authority. When a second casino employee is killed, Dela has to decide if she can trust the special agent with not only keeping her job but keeping the rest of the casino employees safe.

Genres: Mystery

243 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 1, 2021

About the author

Paty Jager is an award-winning author of 55+ novels, novellas, and short stories of murder mystery, western romance, and action adventure.
All her work has Western or Native American elements in them along with hints of humor and engaging characters. Paty and her husband raise alfalfa hay in rural eastern Oregon. Riding horses and battling rattlesnakes, she not only writes the western lifestyle, she lives it.

Reviews

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dela Alvaro is a disabled veteran who grew up on the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Reservation. When an IED in Iraq ended her military career, she came home and landed a job in security at the Indian run casino on the reservation. Just a few months into her trial bases of head of security, a body of a fellow employee is found in a laundry shoot. If Dela with the help of FBI agent Quinn doesn’t solve the murder quickly she could loose her promotion.

We first met Dela and Agent Quinn in Stolen Butterfly: Book Seven in the Gabriel Hawke series. I found Dela to be a strong intelligence interesting character. Agent Quinn is likable and makes a great partner for Dela. The mystery is well crafted with plenty of misdirections to keep the reader in suspense until the big reveal.

I listened to the audio version of this book. The narrator, Ann M. Thompson does a fabulous job. She really captured Dela voice bringing her to life. She made the listening experience enjoyable.

All thoughts and opinions are my own, and in no way have I been influenced by anyone.

[Becky Claxon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Ms. Jager’s imagination and how she can come up these mysteries! Dela was a war veteran who had grown up on the reservation even though she was not Indian. When her boss who was the head of security at the Indian reservation casino was arrested, Dela was put in his place temporarily. I felt bad because Dela felt like she had to work extra had to prove herself to become the permanent security chief. I loved that all the employees liked her and were hoping she became the boss permanently. When there was a murder at the casino, FBI Special Agent Quinn Pierce was called in to help solve the murder. I felt bad for both Dela and Quinn as they had some bad blood between the two when they served oversees. I felt that Quinn had feelings for Dela, but never came out and said anything. I enjoyed the two finding clues to who could be the murderer. I loved the two together. I encourage you to read the book. I was given a copy of the book and voluntarily wrote a review.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent, excellent, excellent! Excellent start to a new series, excellent character development, excellent plotting!! Paty Jager quietly leads you through the clues of how and why a Spotted Pony Casino employee was murdered. Dela Alvara, a disabled veteran and the temporary head of security at the Spotted Pony, takes on this murder hoping that when she solves this crime her position will become permanent. Special Agent Peirce of the FBI and Detective "Dick" of the reservation police are also assigned to the case. The list of subjects keeps growing and contracting as Dela and the FBI agent work together to find the murderer.

Can not wait for the next book in this new and exciting series!

[Bingpower · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dive into the Digital Playground: A Comprehensive Guide to the Types of Online Casino Games


In the rapidly evolving landscape of online entertainment, the allure of virtual casinos is becoming increasingly irresistible. As technology advances, so does the variety and sophistication of online casino games. Whether you're an experienced player or a curious beginner, navigating the diverse world of digital gambling can be an exciting journey. Here we'll look at some guidelines for choosing an online casino. Let's explore the different types of online casino games that await you in this exciting digital gaming platform.

Slot machines: The digital reels

Slot machines, the darlings of both land-based and online casinos, have undergone a transformative evolution. From classic three-reel settings to captivating video slots with captivating graphics and storylines, the variety is staggering. Modern online slots often feature bonus rounds, free spins and progressive jackpots, adding layers of excitement to the traditional one-armed bandit experience.

Table Games: Virtual Classics

Online casinos faithfully reproduce the charm of traditional table games. Lovers of blackjack, roulette, poker and baccarat (James Bond's favorite game) can enjoy their favorite games with a virtual twist. Advanced graphics and realistic simulations create an authentic casino atmosphere, allowing players to experience the thrill of the cards or the spin of the wheel from the comfort of their homes.

Live Dealer Games: Bridging the Gap

For those looking for the human touch in their online gambling experience, live dealer games provide a seamless blend of technology and tradition. Live streams connect players with real dealers, offering an immersive and interactive gaming experience. Popular live dealer games include live blackjack, roulette and poker where players can interact with the dealer and other players in real time.

Video Poker: Skill Meets Luck

Combining elements of traditional poker and slot machines, video poker is a skill-based game that has found a comfortable home in online casinos. Players strive to build the best poker hand possible, with game variations such as Jacks or Better and Deuces Wild offering unique challenges. Video poker is not only fun, but it also rewards strategic thinking.

Specialty Games: Beyond the norm

Online casinos offer a diverse range of specialty games that break away from the conventional casino experience. From scratch cards and keno to virtual bingo, these games provide a refreshing change of pace. With simple rules and fast-paced gameplay, specialty games cater to players looking for instant gratification.

Progressive Jackpots: Chasing the Big Win

For those who dream of life-changing winnings, progressive jackpot games are the ultimate thrill. These games pool a portion of each bet into a huge jackpot that continues to grow until a lucky player takes home the prize. Mega Moolah, Mega Fortune and Hall of Gods are just a few examples of popular progressive jackpot slots that have created overnight millionaires.

Conclusion:

The world of online casino gaming is a dynamic and ever-expanding field, offering something for every type of player. Whether you're drawn to the simplicity of slot machines, the strategic depth of poker, or the excitement of live dealer games, online casinos provide a wide range of options to suit your preferences. As technology advances, we can only expect even more innovative and exciting experiences in the future of online gambling. So fasten your seat belts and embark on your digital casino adventure today!

[Kaszinoonlinenet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hogyan válasszunk online kaszinó befizetési módot – folytatás

Itt folytatjuk útmutatónkat, amely segít az online kaszinó befizetési módszereinek megismerésében. Tekintse meg útmutatónk első részét itt. Folytassuk most.

Elképesztő, nem?

A kaszinók ajánlott listája rangsorolási formátumban, hogy bármilyen módon válogathasson és dönthessen, akár amatőr, akár tapasztalt szerencsejátékos. Ha unja a régi kaszinómódokat, és új fogadási módot vagy egy másik jó online kaszinót keres, itt nem talál semmit.

Részletes információkat nyújtanak a különböző kaszinójáték-szolgáltatókról, a különféle valódi pénzes játékokról és az online nem kaszinójátékokról. A kínált játékok listája: IRON MAN, UKIYO-E, WIN SUM DIN SUM, HALL OF GODS, JOKERIZER, DAWN OF THE BREAD, MULTIHAND BLACKJACK, POLTAVA FLAMES OF War, WILD CIRCUS, WILD SUMO, SHE JACKZACK és még sok más.

A kaszinó számos ingyenes játékot is kínál, beleértve az online rulett, blackjack, baccarat és videopókert. Sőt, ez az egyetlen platform az interneten, amely több tárcsát, nyerővonalat, témát és bónuszokat kínál az online nyerőgépekhez. Ezen az oldalon az ügyfelek választhatnak a video slot, a HD slot, a klasszikus és a mobil slot között. Természetesen vannak más típusú kaszinójátékok is, az úgynevezett online asztali játékok, amelyeket nem lehet figyelmen kívül hagyni.

Kaszinó bónusz

A tapasztalt szerencsejátékosok megértik a bónuszok fontosságát, és megértik, hogyan fordítsák a játékot a maguk javára. Nagyon jó lenne, ha a rengeteg bónusznak köszönhetően ingyen játszhatnánk kaszinójátékokkal. Az online kaszinó bónuszok koncepciója az online kaszinó játékosainak megnyerése ingyenes pénz felajánlásával.

Sok online kaszinó különféle bónuszokat kínál, mint például új játékos bónusz, befizetés nélküli bónusz, befizetési bónusz, ingyenes pörgetési bónusz, magas szintű bónusz stb.

Mint látható, többféle bónuszt találtak ki a játékosok vonzására. Lehetőség van online kaszinó kiválasztására is az elérhető bónuszok típusa és mennyisége alapján.

Bár elképesztően hangzik, a kifizetési folyamat nehéz, ezért több játékot játszol, hogy több pénzt nyerj. Természetesen a legjobb online kaszinók bónuszok széles skáláját kínálják, de ezek nem jótékonysági szervezetek, így vásárlóként mindig biztonságban kell tartania pénzét. Vessen egy pillantást az ingyenes online kaszinó bónuszokra, kutasson motivációikat, majd hozzon megalapozott döntést, ez a legjobb módja ennek. Egyáltalán nem hangzik szórakoztatónak, igaz?

Nem számít, hogy asztali számítógépet vagy mobileszközt használsz Android (lásd itt) vagy iOS rendszerrel, a befizetési módok ugyanazok. Ez megkönnyíti a dolgokat. Használja az Ön számára legegyszerűbb és legolcsóbb módszert, és szerezze meg bónuszait és ajánlatait most a legjobb kaszinókban, ahová 2023-ban elkalauzolunk!

[JoAnne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read my review on NovelsAlive.com by clicking on the link below. It is also posted in full.

https://novelsalive.com/2021/07/28/4-...
I rated the book 4.5 stars but rounded to 5 stars here and on other sites.



Poker Face is the first book in the Spotted Casino Mystery series by Paty Jager, and it held my interest from the first page to the last. There are so many twists and turns to the story as I tried to figure out whodunnit.

With two murders, loads of suspects, casino security, and the FBI all piecing it together, various clues and conducting interviews. Several behind-the-scenes dramas took place at the casino with surveillance, security, IT, maintenance, and lots of employees. The local police take a backseat in this story since at least one of the murders occurs in the Indian-run casino located on their reservation.

Dela, ex-military and medically discharged, is the temporary head of security trying to secure the position. She grew up on the reservation with her mother, even though they’re not Native American. We learn about her injury and how she deals with it. Dela runs into her nemesis from her Army days, FBI Special Agent Quinn Pierce, who works the case with her. They do have some heated moments, and not all due to their investigation.

Several stories are being told, not all related to the crimes committed, and Ms. Jager weaves them seamlessly together. We get to know Dela a little at a time, along with her mom, several friends, her dog, and her dreams. The story flows nicely, given there are crimes to be solved. The story comes to a nice conclusion with the criminals being caught but ended very abruptly. I do look forward to reading more books in this series. The cover definitely drew me in.

Ms. Jager is an author whose books I’ve enjoyed in the historical romance realm, and I look forward to reading more of her books.

I rated the book 4.5 stars but rounded to 5 stars here and on other sites.

[Julie Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. After Stolen butterfly it is no wonder the main characters from The Spotted Pony Casino would end up with there own spin off series and this book is the result. Despite it being the first book in the new series I loved it and already felt like I knew the characters. Just now you get to know them a lot better and the workings of the casino. Dela is a great main character, with her own weaknesses but that doesn't stop her from doing her job and with heart. The author is very good at introducing to different people and cultures through her entertaining stories. The mystery was also very good, with lots of twists and turns as the story played out. Look forward to starting the next book.
Dela Alvaro is a disabled veteran who despite being loved by her staff and co workers still needs to prove to the tribal counsel that she is the right woman for head of security at The Spotted Pony Casino. So finding a dead man isn't ideal, nor is working with the FBI agent called in to assist. Can the pair put there past history behind them and work together to find the killer? With some of the security cameras mysterious turned off the pair can't narrow the suspect list down and when they discover what he was up to it seems everybody had a motive to hate him. Then another body is found and things get really complicated. The cards seem to be stacked against them.
I like the narrator. She does have quite a deep voice but uses it well to give a wide range of character voices and uses the pitch well.

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first dead body was found in the clothes chute for the Spotted Pony Casino. For temporary head of security, Dela Alvaro, who lived all of her civilian life on the reservation despite not being of the tribe this is a major problem. Add in an intrusive FBI agent she remains angry with over choices he made regarding a prisoner while they were both active duty US army, the threat this poses to her acceptance as Head of Security, her devotion to duty, her Helicopter Mother (Dela is 38!), and the trials inherent in wearing a weight-bearing prosthesis. The story moves along swiftly and with the ever-present twists and red herrings. The characters and their issues are very real, which will make this new series just as interesting as Ms Jager's others. I loved it! Is it a spoiler if I say that the veteran with a lower limb amputation winds up with a dog who has to have a back limb amputated?
I have the audio, but I am disappointed with the narrator's bland performance since she was so good with the Shandra Higheagle series.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dela Alvaro becomes the head of security at the Spotted Pony Casino, after she had lost the lower half of her leg in an IED attack in the military. She is working hard to secure a permanent position at the casino. But when two murders occur at the casino, Dela needs to solve the murders quickly so she doesn’t lose her head of security position. Dela teams up with FBI Special Agent Quinn Pierce to solve the murders. Dela and Quinn have a history from many years ago in the military and she is reluctant to let the past be the past. As they work to solve the murders it is obvious that there is an attraction between them that they both work hard to deny. I really liked the interaction between them and found myself smiling several times as they fought their attraction. This book was so interesting and I really liked it—one of my favorite Paty Jager mysteries. So looking forward to see what happens, not only with her head of security position, but what happens between Quinn and Dela.

[Ashley Hedden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Poker Face: Spotted Pony Casino Mystery Book One was a good read by Paty Jager. Deal Alvaro grew up on the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Reservation. She is a disabled veteran who's military career was ended by an IED in Iraq. She landed a job in security ash the Indian run casino on the reservation. She has been promoted in security on a trial basis. One of the casino employees is found stabbed and stuffed in a laundry chute. She knows that she must find the killer if she wants to become the head of security job. The FBI Special Agent is a man that she's run across while in Iraq and overrides her authority. While they are investigating a second casino employee is killed. I enjoyed reading this book and can't wait to read more by the author.

[Tina Lincoln · Rating 5 out of 5]

A never-stop working Veteran
Dela Alvaro is an amazing veteran, who was forced to leave the military after an IED went off and took part of a leg from her. She is then back to her moms house, working to secure the head of security at the Indian casino, The Spotted Pony. The only problem, is that one of the employees was found stabbed to death in the laundry chute.
Dela gets the help of a rather handsome FBI agent in figuring out who did this.
This is a great story, well-rounded and kind to local Indians, Veterans, and FBI agents. I loved the addition of 'Eats a lot': a dog that gets hit and loses a leg. He is a great asset to Dela's personal life.
Thank you, Paty Jager, for a great story!
I received a free book that I won.

[Elissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

About All Those Cameras...

Welcome to the Spotted Pony Casino on the Umatilla reservation in Oregon, and acting head of security Dela Alvaro. Dela was introduced in a crossover novel from Paty Jager's Hawke series (which I also highly recommend). When a corpse is discovered in the laundry chute at the casino, Della and her crew work with the FBI to solve the murder. Besides learning some of the intricacies of managing a casino, we are also involved in some excellent sleuthing as the multi-layered/multi-agency drama unfolds. I read this when it first came out five years ago, and I think I enjoyed it even more this time around. (I was listening to the well-narrated audiobook at the same time--immersive!)

[Kristen Lewendon · Rating 5 out of 5]

A complex twisty plot that kept me guessing from minute to minute, with characters that are equally complex. (And some of them are just as twisty.) I loved Dela as the lead character. She’s strong and independent with a good head on her shoulders, but she’s not perfect. She has her vulnerabilities and her blind spots, and it’s in those that I really fell in love with her. I may have only just finished reading this book, but I’m already looking forward to seeing what’s next for Dela and the denizens of the Spotted Pony Casino.
I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book from the author.

[Ellen White · Rating 4 out of 5]

We meet Dela head of the Security for the casino, working a split night shift. Call from housekeeping the bedding wouldn’t go down the shute.
Checking the departments, since the camera had been tampered with if anyone knew about it. A casino a hub of activity, good and bad. Greed and the lure of easy money came into play in this story which Dela found out about. I like the new series, and Dela, with the casino many things and people can make for some interesting stories
Given ARC for my voluntary review and my honest opinion

[Holly Lenz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Poker Face is an entertaining murder mystery centered around a casino on a reservation. The lead character, a one legged female veteran who works in casino security, is an interesting character. She’s a bit difficult at times, and the book tends to talk quite a lot about her missing appendage and how it affects her, but she is a character to admire for her perseverance.

The narrator of the audiobook isn’t my favorite, but she does a pretty good job with the book.

I received a complimentary copy of this audiobook. This is my honest and voluntary review.

[Nikki · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 1st book in a spin off from the Hawke series by the same great author, and I couldn't put it down. A really good read and a series which I know I'm going to enjoy immensely.

We met Dela, the acting Head of Security at the Spotted Pony Casino in the last book released in the Gabriel Hawke series. She's a disabled veteran who has proven herself in the field, but keen to not let her disability affect her work, she sometimes pushes things too far, especially when a certain FBI field agent is concerned.

In this book, a casino employee is found murdered and, keen to keep the story quiet as requested by the Casino Board, but also keen the prove herself in her 'Acting Head of Security' Role, Dela has her work cut out finding the killer. She's also trying to find a place to live, and may already have a long term house guest!

It's a really good read, and I can't wait for the next book to be released. Paty Jager's Gabriel Hawke series and Shandra Higheagle series are also really good reads too and well worth adding to your wish list of you haven't read them yet.

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an entertaining, well-written book. Dela works in security at a casino. She combines efforts with an FBI Special Agent to solve a murder. The story was fast-paced and held my attention. I didn't want to put it down. This book can be read as a standalone story, though it is book 1 in the Spotted Pony Casino Mystery. I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more books in this series as well as other books by this author.

[Vickie Witherrite · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great who done it

I find the setting in the casino and the interaction with the Umatlla tribe very informative. Since I have already read Stolen butterfly I have a connection with these characters. A very good who done it. made even better by having two murders to solve. Definitely worth a read. Can't wait for the next book!

[Diana Kay Graham Hostettler · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished reading Poker Face: Spotted Pony Casino Mystery. I must say that I found it very intriguing and exciting! It had lots of twists and turns while ruling out various casino employees and outsiders, before finally being able to finger the killer. I highly recommend this book for anyone who loves a good mystery.

[BKnees · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the story but-

I like many of this author's books but this one needed help and seemed rushed at the end.

The story itself was interesting but the book really needed an editor. There are redundancies, grammatical errors, and plot swamps which make following the solution muddled. I am still not sure which "she" was being referred to in some places.

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a pleasant surprise; it was paced well, had a lot of suspects in the murder of a casino employee, and didn't get resolved until the last few pages. It's the first in a series and I look forward to reading more about Dela Alvaro, the (so far) temporary Head of Security at the Spotted Pony Casino.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read! I loved Dela Alvaro’s first story. She is trying to get the job as the chief security officer at the Spotted Pony Casino. However a murder of one of the employees may lose her this job. This is a mystery and a whodunnit type story with lots of suspects. I like Special Agent Quinn Pierce and his interactions with Dela. I am going to enjoy reading more about her and her life. I would recommend this book to all.

[Tracey Tranter · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an entertaining, well-written book and great start to a new series.

The story line is full of suspense and intrigue and many twists and turns to keep you hooked..

Ms Jager is the best story-teller!

I received an author’s copy and have left an honest review

[Gail Tavis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed

So enjoyed the first book in the Spotted Pony Casino Mysteries series. I am having a wonderful time reading Paty books, they are well written, I learn something new every time, and have a hard time putting the book down.

[Jordan Blake · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book delivers a rich blend of tribal community, military backstory, and high-stakes crime. Dela’s journey from veteran to reluctant investigator is both powerful and inspiring. A must-read for fans of mysteries with substance and heart.

[Burt Finch · Rating 2 out of 5]

Tired

Tired of constant reference to the damaged leg. Seemed like it was on every page. It was also a stretch to believe head of security would be part of a murder investigation.

[Barbara Ann Richards · Rating 4 out of 5]

Twisty

I enjoyed the twist and turns of coming to the solution of the main crime, as well as all the by play solving of all the other crimes that are woven into the solution.

[Mguhin · Rating 2 out of 5]

Too silly to finish

Story might have been interesting but too many grammatical and factual errors made me give up. Better stuff out there to read. Disappointing.

[Nadine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read for prompt title matches lyrics from a song (Lady Gaga). Fun detective story set in casino on reservation. Also could be prompt for featuring indigenous culture

[Cmoore · Rating 2 out of 5]

I generally enjoy Paty Jager. She always writes about the high Eastern Plains of the Pacific NW... but seriously I really can't get behind Paty's Jager narrator Ann M Thompson.