Deadman's Bluff

Tony Valentine #7

by James Swain

“In this series about gambling, the main character is a big winner.”
–Janet Maslin, The New York Times

“Bask in Swain’s Las Vegas without having to set foot in the place and risk being skinned alive.”
–The Washington Post Book World

A blind poker player named Skip DeMarco is scamming the world’s largest poker tournament in Las Vegas, and cheating-expert Tony Valentine and his son, Gerry, have been hired to find out how. DeMarco is tied to some dangerously desperate characters who will go to extremes–even cold-blooded murder–to ensure that the obnoxious DeMarco wins big.

While Gerry flies to Atlantic City to suss out DeMarco’s secret, Valentine stays in Vegas and teams up with an aging grifter named Rufus Steele, who has his own score to settle with DeMarco. On opposite sides of a deadly game, father and son work their way through a colorful landscape of conmen and hitmen. Together, they will have to prove there’s more to any game of chance than meets the eye.

Featuring insider tips for catching poker cheats, as well as a glossary of card hustler terms!

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Crime, Suspense, Detective

384 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 30, 2006

About the author

James 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.

Reviews

[James Thane · Rating 3 out of 5]

This concludes the story that Swain started in Deadman's Poker. As I mentioned in my review of the first book (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/4...), Swain abruptly ended the book without concluding the story and simply leaving the reader hanging.

In Deadman's Poker consultant Tony Valentine was hired to figure out how a virtually blind poker player named Skip DeMarco was cheating his way to victory in the World Poker Showdown in Vegas. Complications abound and when the book ended, Tony was no closer to figuring out the scam than he had been at the beginning. The story continues here and (finally) concludes.

I really have nothing to add to my review of the earlier book. Again, as much as I have enjoyed this series, I thought that the author cheated his readers by spreading the story out over two books, and having now read the second, I don't think he needed to do so. It's a good story, but the truth is that it would have been much better had the material been condensed into one book. Stretching it out into two volumes means that it drags a bit and loses at least some of the tension that the story would have had were it shorter.

In particular, one of the subplots in the book involves an old-time con man who runs several cons on gamblers who, inexplicably, keep coming back to bet against him time after time. This was amusing in the first volume, but it frankly got tiresome early in the second. I don't know whose idea it was to stretch this story out like this, but Swain's publisher did not do either him or his readers any favors by allowing him to do so.

[Kellie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was really ticked off after finishing the last book because I was left hanging from a cliff. But I read this one anyway because I had it and of course I wanted to see what happened.
This is kind of like the final 5 minutes of a fireworks display. I feel like Swain put everything he had in these to books. This one especially. He used the 2 biggest gambling venues Atlanta and Las Vegas to tell the story and he revealed a bunch of Scams, Cheats and Poker strategies and of course, the Mob had to be part of this. I don’t know how he will beat this.

I like the main characters, Gerry and Tony. Rufus was definitely an interesting character and I caught myself routing for him at every scam, game, cheat...whatever he was involved in.

This author has made good use of his expertise in gambling knowledge. It’s unique and he has managed to tell some great stories.
I’m looking forward to see what he comes up with next to follow this masterpiece.

[Jenna · Rating 2 out of 5]

d. pkr & bluff-

2.5 stars

listened to it on audio.
While the Tony Valentine series isn’t amazing or anything, I needed something to listen to at work & this one kept me occupied & interested.
Tony Valentine is likeable. And I liked that he’s an older guy whose actions reflect that realisticly in the narrative.
I also think the relationship b/w tony & his son Gerry is fairly realistic.
I liked learning about casinos & the various cheating that occurs.
I chuckled out loud a few times at the dark/sarcastic humor.

I agree w/some of the other reviews :
didn’t like that Poker doesn’t end conclusively & is concluded in Bluff.
No reason to split the story into 2 books. It made the stories way too long.
I liked the rufus steel character but after a while, it did get a bit old.

While I was glad that Tony was moving on after mourning his wife I really, really, really didn’t like the reporter Gloria character.
She just pissed me off everytime she opened her mouth. Seriously! She was so snotty & annoying!!!!!!! L
One mistake, he & the sone aged 3yrs in b/w the 2 books. I noted tony said he was 60 in the first book, then said he was 63 in the 2nd book. (son 33, 36)
shame on the editor!

Overall, it wasn’t bad. It was too long but very interesting learning about the various cheating scams.

I will listen to several other audiobooks in the series as I find the gambling/casino/cheat angle of the ususal mystery series an appealing aspect.

[K · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the continuation of the story that began in book #6 of this series, and I still don't understand why Swain elected to break it into two novels. One would have been entirely sufficient and, I dare say, probably better.

As it is, the story is sort of fluffed up with various scams and explanations as the main plot gradually unfolds. Essentially, Tony and his son, Gerry, with the assistance of Tony's new love interest and his assorted law-enforcement friends manage to foil a major league scam of the world’s largest poker tournament in Las Vegas. An almost blind Skip DeMarco is scamming the tournament, but is doing so at the insistence of his mafia boss uncle who will stop at nothing in order to win the tournament.

Along for the ride is Rufus Steele, an aging grifter who has forgotten more scams than most people will ever know. His presence in both books brings lots of levity and ultimately provides a sort of moral ending to the saga.

Unfortunately, these two books combine to tell one story and, while fairly entertaining, just never managed to step up over an average rating of 3 stars. Too many ridiculous events, a few dealings with cops that just would never fly, and the sense that Swain was seeking to fill pages by throwing in all sorts of irrelevant scams served to bring down this otherwise promising premise. I'm a fan of the series and will hope for better with the next one I read.

[Dave · Rating 5 out of 5]

Swain's Tony Valentine series, no matter which one you pick up, is a
fun-to-read but hard-to-down thriller. The central character of all these
books is Tony Valentine, a retired Atlantic City officer who has "grift sense," meaning he has trained eyes that can instantly spot a scam, a
cheat, a swindle.

Deadman's Bluff continues the story begun in Deadman's Poker, which
brings Valentine to Las Vegas to catch cheaters at the World Poker
Tournament. Swain intersperses the tale of the cheating at the
tournament with tales of incredible cons by older veteran poker player
Rufus Steele from a foot race with a racehorse to a ping pong game
with a world champion to a golf game with the odds stacked against
him. Steele always has a trick up his sleeve and even Valentine can't
always figure out what he's up to.

In a parallel story, Tony's son Gerry finally matures into a full partner
with his father and has a separate string of adventures on the East
Coast.

Swain also throws in a legally blind poker player, a variety of hitmen,
mobbed-up guys, and a romantic interest for Valentine.
Overall, it was a blast to read and a thriller I would certainly
recommend to anyone although you'd be advised to read Deadman's
Poker first.

[Debra · Rating 4 out of 5]

A father and son investigative team isn’t something I often see in crime novels. Tony Valentine and his son Gerry specialize in catching poker cheaters. It’s another unique aspect in this clever story about a mafia thug who’s blind nephew, Skip DeMarco, is cheating at a major poker tournament in Las Vegas. Tony’s job isn’t easy, given that the thug is trying to have him killed and the Governor of Nevada doesn’t want any player busted while the tournament is on. He’d rather the cheaters get away with it than allow the bad press.

The story is told from both Tony’s and Gerry’s point of view. While Tony is trying to figure out how Skip DeMarco is cheating, Gerry’s in Atlantic City, looking into the thug’s scams targeting numerous casinos there.

There’s some violence, but it’s not over the top. The suspense is built on what could happen as much as the inevitable climax. This book focuses on legwork and observation in understanding how hi-tech devices allow cheaters to succeed.

Deadman’s Bluff is #7 in the Tony Valentine series, but can be read without reading the others first. Tony’s an interesting guy, and his sidekick Rufus Steele is hilarious. I learned a lot about poker scams, and there’s even a section at the back of the book offering protection tips for players.

[Alabama Anthony · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tony Valentine series Book #7
Reading time 6.5

This book picks up where book six of the series left off.
Gerry goes back to find out who killed his friend while Tony stays in Vegas.

Things start heating up, the mob puts out contracts, unlikely people partner up to find needed clues, tempers flair and Rufus keeps on hustling.

Very enjoyable read and I am glad that this second part to the story line was able to tie up a lot of loose ends.

[Dan Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tony Valentine is not a gambler, but he knows the games and how people heat . His profession is to act as a consultant to casinos and government agencies to beat the crooks.

The World Championship of Poker is taking place in Vegas and he is there to make sure it is on the up and up. Of course, it is discovered that a mobster from Atlantic City is there and his blind nephew is playing and winning big. Is is up to Tony to find out How!

[LuAnn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I, like many other reviewers, feel like this book could have been combined with the previous one. It picks up after Deadman's Poker, but probably could have been done in one book instead of dragging it out over two. That said, I always enjoy the Tony Valentine stories because I learn so much about the lengths people will go to cheat the system when they're gambling. Of course, many of the main plots are pretty out there and elaborate but I really wouldn't put it past the career grifter.

[Ranjanks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved the book. Could not put it down. The only rant I have is against the Atlantic city scam. Gerry said it was not worth while to pull one scam because they were not making enough money but how come it was worth while to run multiple of same scam. All cost went up and clearance rate was still the same.

That gripe aside good book.

[Kat Walter · Rating 2 out of 5]

The series had been enjoyable and interesting to read , but no more. The protagonist is a know-it-all bore, the writing is flat and simple, and the scams seemed repetitive from earlier books in the series.

[Gregory Stevens · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entertaining book. Demarco has an earpiece the sends him clicks of who has what cards. The cards are radioactive and the lighter at the table reads the cards value and sends the clicks. Valentine tells DeMarco during the final table to turn over the earpiece. Demarco wins anyway.

[Hugh Heinsohn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Swain in great style. Fascinating details about gambling scams, super characters, satisfying plot. A breeze.

[Barbara Davis · Rating 2 out of 5]

Enjoyable...

[Benjamin · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75. Always an fun read seeing what Tony is up to with catching gambling cheats.

[Douglas Cavanaugh · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is another nice effort by Mr. Swain. It is one in a series of Tony Valentine casino cheating cases. The pluses: the writing is tight. The plot is unique from the other book in the series I’ve read. The story is well told, interesting, and shares a lot of insight into the war between the casinos and professional cheaters without being overdone or becoming tedious. The author integrates fact and fiction well. The only negative of the book I could find is that the ending was docile. It seems that the story grew ready-steady to a climax and then ended with a thud rather than a bang. You won’t find a dramatic thrill at the end of this book. I can say the same about the other book I’ve read written by this author so I hope it isn’t a pattern. If so, I suggest the author put a little more time into spicing up the endings to catapult his otherwise good stories into the great story category. This book is worth a read to anyone who enjoys casino/gambling/detective fiction.

[Gayle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed it as an insight into the world of poker and all its scams! Fast paced thriller

[John Marsh · Rating 4 out of 5]

A blind poker player, Skip DeMarco is scamming the world's largest poker tournament in Las Vegas, and cheating. Nephew of Atlantic City Mafia boss Scalzo who had murdered Jack Donovan a professional scammer and friend of expert Tony Valentine and his son, Gerry. Jack Donovan, who was dying of cancer, had devised a system of marking cards by radio active iodine. Tony Valentine had been hired to find out how DeMarco was cheating. Scalzo murdered and exposed his nephew DeMarco to possible excessive radiation to ensure that the obnoxious DeMarco wins big.
Many were in on the scam including the hotel manager Jasper card dealers and so on. FBI in the end allowed Jasper to murder Scalzo who was trying to escape by plane as Gerry Valentine's son with the aid of cop Davies had busted Scalzo main scamming gang of key income in Atlantic City and were turning as evidence.

While Gerry flies to Atlantic City to suss out DeMarco's secret, Valentine stays in Vegas and teams up with an aging grifter named Rufus Steele, who has his own score to settle with DeMarco. On opposite sides of a deadly game, father and son work their way through a colorful landscape of conmen and hitmen. Together, they will have to prove there's more to any game of chance than meets the eye. Rufus Steele is damn lucky scammer with above the board tricks that nets him is million and half stake money back after DeMarco pushed him out early in the poker series. He scams the Greek. And in the end beats DeMarco fair and square. DeMarco is free of his uncle knows where his real father is and has plenty of money after winning the series. He, with Valentine help, gets rid of the hearing aid and changes the dearler and cards and wins in the end by his own shill 10 million so losing 1.5 milliomn to Steele no big deal.

[David · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is really part of Deadman's Poker, and really, sadly, was like coming in halfway through a televised mini-series. I strongly recommend that you read Deadman's Poker BEFORE this one, because this book does a poor job of summing up what happened in the other book.

The highlight of the book was indeed, Old Rufus Steele, a hustler of grand proportion, who always has a trick or two up his sleeve.

Otherwise, the characters in the book don't matter much. The book is much more about cheaters and the myriad of cheating schemes people use. There is no real mystery offered her.

That doesn't mean that this is not a rich and satisfying read-- just that it isn't quite as compelling as other books in this series.

[Zach · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun. Satisfying end to two book series with Deadman's Poker.

FYI you really have to read Deadman's Poker first. The two books probably could have been edited into a single novel, but it still works pretty well.

Once again Rufus steals the show with another series of bizarre proposition bets.

[Derk · Rating 2 out of 5]

I've read most of the books in this series and recall enjoying them. This one was different. It appeared to be a continuation of the previous book, which I have not read. Hence I was missing a lot of story background. The many examples of gambling scams were interesting, but too many for story continuity. The plot ending seemed implausible.

[Kim · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was an entertaining audiobook, and I learned a LOT about gambling/muckers. However, because I'm not as familiar with the games and there were a lot of characters; it was a little hard to follow at times.

[Skip · Rating 3 out of 5]

Second half of Deadman's Poker. Tony completes his work to uncover the scam at the World Poker Showdown. Highlight of this book (and last) is Rufus Steele's hustling.

[Chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

Didn't like this one as much as the first in the 2-part series, but it was good. I highly recommend this series.

[Mary P. · Rating 5 out of 5]

These books just keep getting better and better.

[February Four · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heh. Abrupt ending, but interesting as heck.

[Kai Palchikoff]

Casino detetive

[Cheryl Sitmer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating. Lots of ways to cheat at cards and security has to learn them all.

[Cathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read the book. Did not listen to the tape, but the book itself is not listed on Goodreads.

[Pam]

11/26 rec via bookmooch