The Only Game in Town

Gordon Donnell
iUniverse (2007)
ISBN 9780595438532
Reviewed by Richard R. Blake for Reader Views (12/07)

Born on the gypsy carnival circuit, gaming became a part of John Congo’s culture.  In an attempt to put his old life behind him, John invested his life savings in what he thought was a respectable real estate venture.
 
When Congo got word that small time gambling found a way into the prestigious Elysian Hotel in Los Angeles he was furious.  He had Elysian stock in his portfolio and relied heavily on these dividends to underwrite other floundering investments he acquired with his Crestline Properties purchase.
 
He called in his personal team to throw the gamblers out of the hotel.  Before Congo left the hotel, chaos was taking place as Raymond Stepanian, owner of the operation, dropped dead from a gunshot wound in the lobby of the hotel.
 
This is only the beginning of nonstop action as John Congo finds himself pulled into a billion-dollar corporate fleecing. The swindlers are successful entrepreneurs, pillars in the community.  John has been listed in the Nevada Black Book. This reputation follows him. 
 
The FBI becomes involved in investigating John’s purchase of Crestline Properties. Set up by the police as a target for being a member of the crime syndicate, and threatened by Royce Hillman. Hillman was creator of the Athen’s plan to swindle the stockholders of the Elysian Hotel.  More killings and mayhem follow. In response, John turns to living on the edge of the law as he fights back to save his life and salvage the reward of his life’s greatest risk, winning the only game in town.
 
Gordon Donnell’s writing is brilliant. He is able to convey human nature in its rawest forms. His characters manifest greed, a hunger for power, and cruelty. The supporting characters display loyalty, concern, and pride as they fight the hypocrisy found among the elite.  I found myself empathizing with John Congo, hoping he could right the wrongs in his world.  
 
Donnell uses mathematical principles to give the reader an in-depth glimpse into the parallel of the chance taken in gambling with the risks taken in investments and business.  Donnell shows an amazing insight into what goes on behind the scenes in gaming and in business
 
This is an amazing story of suspense, romance, and a true action thriller. Gordon Donnell has staked his claim for recognition as an award-winning author.  “The Only Game in Town” is destined to be on best seller reading lists, and I predict a guaranteed winner.

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