Dice Angel
by Brian Rouff

Category: Fiction / Mystery
242 pages; ISBN: 0971714819

Rating: 9/10  (Ratings explained)
Reviewer: Kathryn Lively

Review

Seems in Vegas, everything is a gamble, including whom you trust. Restauranteur Jimmy Delaney learns this rather quickly when he discovers his ex-brother-in-law/accountant has not only disappeared, but run off with all of Jimmy D's money. Turns out it's a fairly healthy sum, seeing as how Owen also neglected to pay the restaurant's taxes, leaving Jimmy holding an empty bag as people approach, palms outward.

The ex-wife is unbending in her determination to receive child support on time; no doubt Jimmy's freewheeling parental skills did nothing to temper her views. The revenue agent assigned to Jimmy's case is less sympathetic, if that's possible. Perhaps Jimmy shouldn't have criticized the guy's tuneless Jimmy Buffett tribute band, which specializes in songs even the most rabid of Parrotheads doesn't know by heart.

Bottom line, Jimmy needs fifty grand pronto, and in Vegas there seems to be only one way to get it. Jimmy is desparate enough at this point to consider the tip from a regular seat warmer at the restaurant: hiring a "Dice Angel" who brings luck to craps players in her own cosmic, Miss Cleo kind of way. It doesn't get anymore desparate than this, and Jimmy is not without his skepticism, wondering if this mysterious, aging bombshell is genuine or if her aura is as black as his future.

DICE ANGEL is a hybrid of Dave Barry and Carl Hiaasen zaniness, toned down a touch and relocated to Vegas. Author Rouff styles Jimmy D as a loveable yet caustic narrator; to all outward appearances he is the typical life-worn barkeep yet inside there is more to appreciate. Supporting players come and go yet leave lasting imprints like people you'd meet at a party and want to know better. The scenes where Jimmy actually applies his angel's techniques are especially uproarious.

DICE ANGEL is for readers who enjoy their mysteries, as their lives, with a twist of humor. No risks in checking out this read.

Buy Dice Angel at amazon.co.uk
Buy Dice Angel at amazon.com