Book #66–Gift Sense

Another re-read for me, in Vegas. Grift Sense is the first Valentine novel, with him acting as a consultant for casinos in Vegas. His neighbor doesn’t work for him, but she’s interested in the business and helps watch the house. When his son says he’s coming to visit, Tony takes a job in Vegas.

This is a good start to the series. The Acropolis casino is Vegas is a throwback, and is being cheated by someone. No one knows who, but they suspect he’s a longtime crossroader that’s changed his face. Valentine figures out who it is quickly, but can’t determine what the scam is.

The book twists and turns, following Valentine, but also one of the dealers that is involved in the scam. As the police get involved, it’s a mystery that’s hard to figure out.

I will say that this is a medium detached, angry Valentine. Not as cold as the next book, not as loose as the third, but a good balance. The Bill Higgins doesn’t seem as close or savvy as later books, but otherwise, I enjoyed it.