The Picasso Flop — Vince Van Patten; Robert J. Randisi

From Vince Van Patten, host of the World Poker Tour, and mystery writer Robert J. Randisi comes a novel of chilling murder and riveting poker suspense. Just out of prison after ten years, professional poker player Jimmy Spain visits his wealthy former cell mate and listens to an offer he can't refuse. The rich man wants the ex-con to mentor his only child in the game of poker. In return, he'll set Jimmy up and pay all of his buy-ins on the poker tour. This deal looks like easy money, especially after Jimmy meets the kid--a cocky and abrasive young girl named Kat who has some good, yet raw, poker skills. Soon Jimmy and Kat enter a World Poker Tour tournament at the Bellagio in Las Vegas. Things are coming up aces...until a player is found brutally slain with a Picasso flop--three picture cards--on his body. When suspicion points to Kat as the killer, it's up to Jimmy to find the real culprit--while fighting to remain in the tournament. As one ghastly murder after another knocks out other players, this hard-bitten veteran of the felt knows that in this cutthroat world of card sharks, someone could eliminate him--or Kat--for good. On the clock, with the blinds escalating, and down to his last hand, Jimmy fears he may be drawing dead. Featuring the appearances of such poker luminaries as Mike Sexton, Doyle Brunson, and James Woods, and cowritten by a true impresario of the game, THE PICASSO FLOP mixes money, mystery, and the adrenaline-pumping excitement of Texas hold'em poker action, Vegas-style. Shuffle up and read. Author Bio: Vince Van Patten is the current host and commentator for the nationally televised World Poker Tour, but his work as a poker ambassador is only one facet of a remarkably diverse career as an actor, screenwriter, producer, director, and world-ranked tennis pro. He lives in Malibu, California.