Review: What goes on behind the curtain revealed
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 01 21, 2013
4 1/2 starsEver wonder what goes on behind the scenes of a luxury casino? Wonder no more, welcome to the Native Sun Casino; we hope you enjoy your stay as Head Butler Antonio Cruz does his best to ensure your every desire is met.In this second book of the series, the first was Casino Shuffle, Antonio with his signature bow tie, impeccable manners and seemingly unflappable style once again takes us into the back of the house and shows us how the magic takes place. This time around Antonio, along with his friend Security Manager Mark Ford, have to solve the mystery as to why one of the casino's high rollers hung himself in his suite, deal with the arrival of an aging child star turned comedian, the opening of a high profile exhibit, the arrival of the new Executive Director of Gaming Operations and a possible category five hurricane heading their way. Just another weekend in the life of a head butler, strap in and enjoy the ride.Bad Beat is fast paced and, dare I say it, even a little dark in places, giving us more of a mystery and glimpses into Antonio's mysterious past while still maintaining the humorous elements we enjoyed in the first book. There is a lot going on in this book, more than one mystery to solve, some funny interaction between Antonio and Mark, mafia connections and more snappy repertoire than you can shake a stick at. There is something not quite right aboutMr. Halifax Downs (the new Executive Director of Gaming Operations) and his executive secretary Natalie Strafford and Antonio is determined to discover what it is, in between his trying to figure out why a high roller would commit suicide, keeping his guests and his boss Liz Fiore happy, possibly playing matchmaker to Mark and making sure the casino is ready for the hurricane. The man does it all without messing up his tie and always with a hanky square in his pocket.Old friends that we met before reoccur in this book, I love the two surveillance geeks Chewie and Chloe, and they are great for some comic relief. Liz Fiore, the Executive Assistant to the Casino President and regular she devil is back, as well as more of the back of the house staff. Mark Ford is more visible this time around and while he and Antonio make a very odd couple their friendship is genuine and a hoot to watch. There is a story within a story in this book, giving us little glimpses into Antonio's past. We get just enough to peak our interest and leave us wondering more about Antonio did we did before.I love this series, Antonio is just so prim and proper yet we get little glimpses that show us the man can let his hair down when he wants to. He is a mystery man who can serve a VIP guest one minute, make love and please a woman the next and kick some butt the next, all without messing up the creases in his pants.As I said, this book is a little darker than the previous, there are still loads of humor and fun moments but the mystery is more up front and there is some slightly graphic violence. Mr. Fields is very clever in the little bits and pieces of Antonio's past he feeds us, giving us just enough to show us there is more behind the man but not enough to really tell us all. What a great way to give the reader a cliffhanger without a cliffhanger, just a little mystery to think about when you're finished with the book. I recommend anyone who enjoys a good mystery wrapped up in a humorous package, sit down, put your feet up and prepare yourself for some fun.Member of the Paranormal Romance Guild Dual Review Team