It didn't take Ricky Smith very long to realize he had made a mistake by talking a beautiful girl named Rita into coming up to his Las Vegas hotel room.  He had won big that night.  Ricky soon realized that Rita was about to slip him a "mickey" and take off with his winnings. 

Just as Ricky was telling Rita to leave, he smelled something and realized the hotel was on fire.  He told Rita not to open the door but she did.  The hallway burst into flames.  They both ran toward the balcony.  However, Ricky realized Rita had already jumped.  It was too late to save her.  Ricky could feel the hotel start to shake.  He knew he must jump also.  There was a pool below and he remembered where the deep end was located.  He had to take the chance of breaking every bone in his body.  He didn't care as long as there was a chance he might survive.    Now he really needed some luck.

Well Ricky, now better known as Mr. Lucky, did survive.  He continued on an amazing winning streak on the Las Vegas strip.  Not only did he win at the slots and table games but also at roulette, craps and even poker.  Even when Ricky returned home to Slippery Rock, North Carolina he kept on winning - from a horse race to $50,000 in the lottery.  Why was Ricky having so much luck?

Tony Valentine, who is known for being able to spot scams and cheats, was hired by a casino to find out why Ricky was having so much luck.  After all, no one person could be this lucky.  Along the way Tony's cover is blown and he is in danger. 

Is Tony able to figure this one out?

James Swain starts right at the beginning to build the suspense and it continues throughout the book.  It has an exciting plot that will keep you turning the pages.  This novel has so many attributes - it is suspenseful, funny, has great characters and entertaining.  What more could we ask for in a book?  Don't pass on this one.  Be sure to add it to your reading list.

REVIEWED BY NANCY EATON

DO NOT REPRINT WITHOUT PERMISSION OF THE REVIEWER, NANCY EATON