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Double Down
Spotted Pony Casino Mystery, book 3
A donkey, a three-legged dog, and a war-scarred veteran outwit the killer.
Dela Alvaro is the main suspect in the stabbing death of a man she stopped from beating his wife to death. The detective she abhors is ready to toss her in jail and not look for any other suspects. When FBI Special Agent Quinn Pierce is called in and Tribal Officer Heath Seaver is forbidden to work the case, Dela decides to find the killer.
Was it the wife, the drug dealer, or the man wanting to take over the victim’s business? Dela and Heath ask questions and work to prove her innocence. If she is found guilty, not only will she lose her new life, but she’ll never be able to solve the secret of her father.
A donkey, a three-legged dog, and a war-scarred veteran outwit the killer.
Dela Alvaro is the main suspect in the stabbing death of a man she stopped from beating his wife to death. The detective she abhors is ready to toss her in jail and not look for any other suspects. When FBI Special Agent Quinn Pierce is called in and Tribal Officer Heath Seaver is forbidden to work the case, Dela decides to find the killer.
Was it the wife, the drug dealer, or the man wanting to take over the victim’s business? Dela and Heath ask questions and work to prove her innocence. If she is found guilty, not only will she lose her new life, but she’ll never be able to solve the secret of her father.
251 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 10, 2022
23 people are currently reading
11 people want to read
About the author
Paty Jager
114 books396 followersPaty 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
December 29, 2022
Dela Alvaro goes from helping solve murders to being a prime suspect in a murder. After rescuing a donkey, Dela gets into an altercation with a man who is later found dead. Dela may lose her job as head of security and arrayed for a crime she murder she didn’t commit unless she can prove she is innocent.
This is my favorite book in the series so far. You can enjoy the book as a stand-alone but you will understand Dela’s backstory better if you read the other books first. Dela is a great protagonist, she is strong-willed, smart, and a survivor. The mystery and secondary storyline are both interwoven seamlessly together. The mystery is well paced and plotted with plenty of twists and turns.
I listened to the audio version of this book. The narrator did a great job voicing each character. This was an enjoyable experience, the narrator was pleasant to listen to and brought the story to life. I recommend this book to fans of the series, Author PatyJager, and mystery lovers.
All thoughts and opinions are my own, and I have not been by anyone.
This is my favorite book in the series so far. You can enjoy the book as a stand-alone but you will understand Dela’s backstory better if you read the other books first. Dela is a great protagonist, she is strong-willed, smart, and a survivor. The mystery and secondary storyline are both interwoven seamlessly together. The mystery is well paced and plotted with plenty of twists and turns.
I listened to the audio version of this book. The narrator did a great job voicing each character. This was an enjoyable experience, the narrator was pleasant to listen to and brought the story to life. I recommend this book to fans of the series, Author PatyJager, and mystery lovers.
All thoughts and opinions are my own, and I have not been by anyone.
October 11, 2022
Terrific!
This is the latest in the Dela Alvaro series. She was discharged from the army after and IED took away her foot, but it hasn't stopped her from becoming head of security at the local tribal casino nor from having her own rural house and a big loving dog. Because of who she is, she rescues a donkey from neglect, but winds up framed for the murder of a drug producer. Good thing she has fine friends in law enforcement and a positive reputation in the community to help with the investigation while she is on admin leave! Great and complicated story with some real surprises.
Now I just have to wait for the audio!
This is the latest in the Dela Alvaro series. She was discharged from the army after and IED took away her foot, but it hasn't stopped her from becoming head of security at the local tribal casino nor from having her own rural house and a big loving dog. Because of who she is, she rescues a donkey from neglect, but winds up framed for the murder of a drug producer. Good thing she has fine friends in law enforcement and a positive reputation in the community to help with the investigation while she is on admin leave! Great and complicated story with some real surprises.
Now I just have to wait for the audio!
January 2, 2025
Having read and enjoyed a fair number of books written by Paty Jager, I am always eager to read a new one. Double Down, third in the Spotted Pony Casino Mystery series, did not disappoint. There are lots of twists to the story and the author keeps the culprit well-cloaked, which always makes for a good whodunnit story. And there's just enough romance to whet my "love is in the air" appetite. I can’t wait to read more in the series. I listened to a complimentary copy of the audiobook and was not required to write a positive review. The opinions are my own. Ann M. Thompson did a great job narrating the story which made for an enjoyable listening experience.
March 10, 2025
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The term good can be interpreted broadly and in different ways depending on personal taste. Anyone who wants to try their luck at an online casino or simply spend a few pleasant hours playing slots usually also attaches importance to certain quality characteristics. These include security and smooth gaming fun, as well as friendly and competent customer service in case of technical or content-related difficulties.
Below we will look at the eight most important points that can be used to separate the wheat from the chaff when it comes to online casinos and that even inexperienced players can use to determine when it is worth registering and when it is better to stay away from a provider.
1. Legality and security
The basis must be right. After all, part of the gaming experience is the security of a reputable provider that guarantees payouts, ensures player and data protection and complies with legal requirements. And the basis of security are, of course, an official casino license, data protection and fair gaming conditions.
Certification by GGL
Every recommended online casino must be certified by the German gambling authority. Therefore, the online casino displays the seal of the United States Gambling Authority (GGL) on its homepage. All legal online casinos are also included in the GGL whitelist.
The existence of this license guarantees, among other things, the separation of player and company accounts, technical quality and measures to limit possible gambling addiction. According to Section 285 of the Criminal Code, participation in illegal gambling in Germany can lead to fines or prison sentences. A consequence that online game lovers would certainly like to avoid.
High level of data protection
A good online casino should also provide modern and high-quality data encryption and transparently display the relevant certificates from external testing companies on its website. After all, playing in an online casino exposes important data that can also be misused to cause damage.
These are the most well-known companies that provide modern data encryption:
Cloudflare Inc
Sectigo Limited
R3
GlobalSign
DigiCert Inc
Independent experts ensure unbreakable encryption of all data and trouble-free connections through regular technical checks. If a gambling service provider does not have data encryption, you should not register there.
2. Games for every taste
The focus of a good casino should of course be on the games offered. Because that is everything for anyone who wants to spend their free time in an online casino. That is why we tested online casinos for all aspects related to gambling.
Possible types of games in the casino
What can be played? Most good online casinos offer a large selection of slots from traditional brands such as Merkur and Novoline. There is a great variety in both the themes and the variants of the slot machines. The most popular types of slots include the following:
Classic fruit slots
Movie and series slots
Megaways
Bonus purchase slots
3D slots
Egypt slots
Avalanche slots
Variety is in order in the portfolio of the best online casinos. The developers also offer many ideas in terms of game design and features in order to constantly refresh the familiar game principle. A good online casino can be recognized by the fact that there is something for every player and that the operator has thought of offering a wide variety in every respect.
There is certainly room for debate about taste. But no matter how different preferences there are when it comes to gambling on the Internet, there are also objective aspects by which provider sites can be judged. We have researched and compiled, based on selected aspects, which online casino is really good, regardless of individual preferences. With our NJ online casino list you will be able to learn which are the top casinos for New Jersey and how to claim your bonuses and offers.
Which online casino is good?
The term good can be interpreted broadly and in different ways depending on personal taste. Anyone who wants to try their luck at an online casino or simply spend a few pleasant hours playing slots usually also attaches importance to certain quality characteristics. These include security and smooth gaming fun, as well as friendly and competent customer service in case of technical or content-related difficulties.
Below we will look at the eight most important points that can be used to separate the wheat from the chaff when it comes to online casinos and that even inexperienced players can use to determine when it is worth registering and when it is better to stay away from a provider.
1. Legality and security
The basis must be right. After all, part of the gaming experience is the security of a reputable provider that guarantees payouts, ensures player and data protection and complies with legal requirements. And the basis of security are, of course, an official casino license, data protection and fair gaming conditions.
Certification by GGL
Every recommended online casino must be certified by the German gambling authority. Therefore, the online casino displays the seal of the United States Gambling Authority (GGL) on its homepage. All legal online casinos are also included in the GGL whitelist.
The existence of this license guarantees, among other things, the separation of player and company accounts, technical quality and measures to limit possible gambling addiction. According to Section 285 of the Criminal Code, participation in illegal gambling in Germany can lead to fines or prison sentences. A consequence that online game lovers would certainly like to avoid.
High level of data protection
A good online casino should also provide modern and high-quality data encryption and transparently display the relevant certificates from external testing companies on its website. After all, playing in an online casino exposes important data that can also be misused to cause damage.
These are the most well-known companies that provide modern data encryption:
Cloudflare Inc
Sectigo Limited
R3
GlobalSign
DigiCert Inc
Independent experts ensure unbreakable encryption of all data and trouble-free connections through regular technical checks. If a gambling service provider does not have data encryption, you should not register there.
2. Games for every taste
The focus of a good casino should of course be on the games offered. Because that is everything for anyone who wants to spend their free time in an online casino. That is why we tested online casinos for all aspects related to gambling.
Possible types of games in the casino
What can be played? Most good online casinos offer a large selection of slots from traditional brands such as Merkur and Novoline. There is a great variety in both the themes and the variants of the slot machines. The most popular types of slots include the following:
Classic fruit slots
Movie and series slots
Megaways
Bonus purchase slots
3D slots
Egypt slots
Avalanche slots
Variety is in order in the portfolio of the best online casinos. The developers also offer many ideas in terms of game design and features in order to constantly refresh the familiar game principle. A good online casino can be recognized by the fact that there is something for every player and that the operator has thought of offering a wide variety in every respect.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 19, 2022
This is an absolutely fabulous book by Paty Jager, I could not put it down, everytime I thought 'I must go to sleep' it drew me in until I'd finished it! A wonderful read. I've read all of the Shandra Higheagle and Hawke books, also by this author and they're all as good as each other, I must go back and re-read both series. These 3 series all have a Native American Indian influence in them, wether set on or near a reservation, with indigenous people at the heart of the books.
This series is based around the Spotted Pony Casino; its main character is Dela, the Head of Security. She was raised by her Mother on the reservation, so she's aware of the tight knit community she lives and works in. An ex-military MP, injured in Iraq losing half a leg to an IED, she was invalided out and now works at the Casino. She lives with her 3 legged dog Mugshot.
Some other major characters are Heath, a Tribal Policeman, who went to school with Dela and was her first boyfriend. Quinn who is ex-military who works for the Feds, he met Dela in Iraq and has worked with her on other cases involving the Casino. Grandfather Thunder, the Patriarch of the reservation who knows everyone, Dela grew up next door to him.
The storyline in this book is centred around Dela when she's accused of murdering a local man, who she restrained in the last book after he beat up his wife very badly. Asked to take time away from work, she works with Heath and Marty (a Casino employee), to try and clear her name. As they dig deeper into the case, Dela's life is threatened and they realise not everyone is as they seem. A relationship is beginning to develop between Dela and one of the other characters.
This was such a good read I couldn't put it down and I highly recommend it, and all the other books in this series. The books are all standalone mysteries, but they are best read in order of publication to preserve continuity of the characters and series. I eagerly anticipate the next book in this series, and look forward to hearing when that is.
This series is based around the Spotted Pony Casino; its main character is Dela, the Head of Security. She was raised by her Mother on the reservation, so she's aware of the tight knit community she lives and works in. An ex-military MP, injured in Iraq losing half a leg to an IED, she was invalided out and now works at the Casino. She lives with her 3 legged dog Mugshot.
Some other major characters are Heath, a Tribal Policeman, who went to school with Dela and was her first boyfriend. Quinn who is ex-military who works for the Feds, he met Dela in Iraq and has worked with her on other cases involving the Casino. Grandfather Thunder, the Patriarch of the reservation who knows everyone, Dela grew up next door to him.
The storyline in this book is centred around Dela when she's accused of murdering a local man, who she restrained in the last book after he beat up his wife very badly. Asked to take time away from work, she works with Heath and Marty (a Casino employee), to try and clear her name. As they dig deeper into the case, Dela's life is threatened and they realise not everyone is as they seem. A relationship is beginning to develop between Dela and one of the other characters.
This was such a good read I couldn't put it down and I highly recommend it, and all the other books in this series. The books are all standalone mysteries, but they are best read in order of publication to preserve continuity of the characters and series. I eagerly anticipate the next book in this series, and look forward to hearing when that is.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 23, 2022
This book kept me balanced on the edge of my seat the whole way through. Will Detective Jones finally succeed in discrediting Dela? Would she clear her name in time? Who really was the villain? All those and so many more questions swirled through my brain as I read. I’m in awe of Dela’s strength, resilience, and fighting spirit. Not only because they’re the virtues she needs most in order to solve, and survive, this particular mystery, but because of the way she leans into them and grows with each new book. I loved the way this one turned out, but I’m a little frantic now to learn what’s going to happen next.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author.
September 14, 2022
I thought Dela, head of security at the Spotted Pony Casino, was strong, intelligent and well trained for her job but at the beginning of this book I couldn't understand her poor choices. She took drug money and returned it to the drug dealer???? What is going on?
First of all she has been arrested for committing murder then it seems people who she thought were her friends believed she was guilty. She was suspended from her job and wasn't kept in jail so she started to search for the killer.
A great story that will hold your interest all the way through.
First of all she has been arrested for committing murder then it seems people who she thought were her friends believed she was guilty. She was suspended from her job and wasn't kept in jail so she started to search for the killer.
A great story that will hold your interest all the way through.
September 14, 2022
She was always helping others and rescuing animals, this time it was a donkey. The ex didn’t want and the donkey was out of hay, would she take.
In trying to find a rope and she was attacked by him slinging a knife.
Luckily she got away and stuck the knife in a crack on the wall.
Few hours later being brought In for questions, the ex was dead.
Trying to help and now this, and wanting to search her house.
That might be even worse then being accused, of the secrets within.
A delightful plot readers will enjoy.
Given ARC for my voluntary review and my honest opinion
In trying to find a rope and she was attacked by him slinging a knife.
Luckily she got away and stuck the knife in a crack on the wall.
Few hours later being brought In for questions, the ex was dead.
Trying to help and now this, and wanting to search her house.
That might be even worse then being accused, of the secrets within.
A delightful plot readers will enjoy.
Given ARC for my voluntary review and my honest opinion
January 3, 2023
Double Down is an interesting murder mystery in which Dela, the amputee head security agent at an Indian Casino, becomes the prime suspect in a murder investigation. This is an entertaining read. I don’t always like Dela as she can he a bit abrasive, but I am interested in her and the secondary characters in her book, and I look forward to the next story in the series.
The narrator of the audiobook does a decent job with the book though her voice is not always the easiest to listen to.
The narrator of the audiobook does a decent job with the book though her voice is not always the easiest to listen to.
September 17, 2022
A greataddition to the series
Really enjoying this series including the continued character development. Dela is a strong female character with strengths and weaknesses who is fighting her way back from a devastating injury that to her mind makes her less. Love that she rescued Mugshot and Jethro. Looking forward to wherever this series takes us next.
Really enjoying this series including the continued character development. Dela is a strong female character with strengths and weaknesses who is fighting her way back from a devastating injury that to her mind makes her less. Love that she rescued Mugshot and Jethro. Looking forward to wherever this series takes us next.
September 28, 2022
This was an entertaining, well-written book. It was action-packed and held my interest. I wanted to find out what would happen. It can be read as a standalone story, though it is book 3 in the Spotted Pony Casino Mystery series. I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more books in this series as well as others by this author.
September 29, 2022
Great
I really enjoyed this book. It was a great mystery, kept me on the edge of my chair till the end. Character building was great, more information was given on the characters. I definitely want more of this series. Great job Patty.
I really enjoyed this book. It was a great mystery, kept me on the edge of my chair till the end. Character building was great, more information was given on the characters. I definitely want more of this series. Great job Patty.
November 21, 2022
Brave veteran
I dial ked the over detailed sections. I began to read only the words between tuition marks. I would recommend this as a romance novel more than a mystery novel. But a good story line.
I dial ked the over detailed sections. I began to read only the words between tuition marks. I would recommend this as a romance novel more than a mystery novel. But a good story line.
September 17, 2022
Paty Jager does it again!
I have read everything Paty has written and enjoyed them all. This is another winner. I can hardly wait to read the next one in this series.
I have read everything Paty has written and enjoyed them all. This is another winner. I can hardly wait to read the next one in this series.
September 20, 2022
Double Down
Great book about Delta and how she solves a murder mystery where she is accused of the murder.
Love she now has a mule along with her dog.
Great book about Delta and how she solves a murder mystery where she is accused of the murder.
Love she now has a mule along with her dog.
October 7, 2022
Awesome
Very good book! Love Della and all the "good" folks that are in the books. Hope a new one is in the works. Thank you for a great read!
Very good book! Love Della and all the "good" folks that are in the books. Hope a new one is in the works. Thank you for a great read!
October 12, 2022
Couldn't put it down
Double Down was the best Spotted pony Casino book yet. Can't wait for number 4. Thank you Party for writing such good books.
Double Down was the best Spotted pony Casino book yet. Can't wait for number 4. Thank you Party for writing such good books.
October 25, 2024
My least favorite plot… when the main character is suspected of a crime. But I like the author and the series so will try the next book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 15, 2024
Great book!
I absolutely love this series of the Spotted Pony Mysteries. Grabs your attention right away. Paty Jager is a great writer!
I absolutely love this series of the Spotted Pony Mysteries. Grabs your attention right away. Paty Jager is a great writer!
September 21, 2022
This was such a good read I couldn't put it down,
I highly recommend it and the other books in this series.
The books are all standalone mysteries, but they are best read in order of publication to preserve continuity of the characters and series.
I eagerly anticipate the next book in this series.
I have read everything Paty has written and enjoyed them all. This is another winner.
I received an author’s copy and have left an honest review
Merged review:
This was such a good read I couldn't put it down,
I highly recommend it and the other books in this series.
The books are all standalone mysteries, but they are best read in order of publication to preserve continuity of the characters and series.
I eagerly anticipate the next book in this series.
I have read everything Paty has written and enjoyed them all. This is another winner.
I received an author’s copy and have left an honest review
I highly recommend it and the other books in this series.
The books are all standalone mysteries, but they are best read in order of publication to preserve continuity of the characters and series.
I eagerly anticipate the next book in this series.
I have read everything Paty has written and enjoyed them all. This is another winner.
I received an author’s copy and have left an honest review
Merged review:
This was such a good read I couldn't put it down,
I highly recommend it and the other books in this series.
The books are all standalone mysteries, but they are best read in order of publication to preserve continuity of the characters and series.
I eagerly anticipate the next book in this series.
I have read everything Paty has written and enjoyed them all. This is another winner.
I received an author’s copy and have left an honest review
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews