Many years ago my Gaming Law professor recommended [a:James Swain|61011|James Swain|https://d.gr-assets.com/authors/1331273894p2/61011.jpg]'s books as accurate portrayals of the gaming industry and casinos, and the people who try to cheat them. I read several of his Tony Valentine series and really enjoyed them. For some reason I didn't keep up with his books and this is the first book of his that I've read in a number of years. I thoroughly enjoyed every page of this book. The characters and their scam are excellent, and the suspense built up throughout the book is perfect. [b:Bad Action|27852636|Bad Action|James Swain|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1453935006s/27852636.jpg|47840393] follows Billy Cunningham and his crew as they conspire to take down a large Las Vegas casino. Naturally, the plot doesn't go exactly to plan, and the action, while not over-the-top, is non-stop. This is a great, fun, light read.

(Note: The publisher provided me with a copy of this book via a Goodreads giveaway.) ( )

Like others, I preferred the first Billy Cunningham book, Takedown. James Swain continues to demonstrate his in-depth knowledge of Las Vegas, casinos, and the gaming industry. Billy and his crew are out for the big score, with Billy posing as a whale (wealthy gambler) to garner the attention of a profit-driven corporate owner of casinos. Meanwhile, his nemesis in gaming enforcement hires two assassins to kill Billy, and who kill the wrong Billy Cunningham in an early scene. Fun stuff, and a solid beach read, but Billy's character seems to me to be less stable than previously. Like the surprise score at the end. ( )

Ladies and Gentlemen: Billy Cunningham returns from "Take Down", along with his crew for a major con in Las Vegas worth a total of TEN MILLION DOLLARS.. This is a totally kick a$$ story if ever there was one.. Billy and his crew have been practicing for a year to take down one of the largest casinos in the city. Billy is playing a high rolling whale who gets comped for nearly everything. And, he has troubles like pennies raining down on him from all directions, threatening to cancel his well laid plans.

You can't expect anything but the best from the national best selling author of eighteen mystery novels. Mr. James Swain puts his all into each word that he writes. This is the creme de la creme of Las Vegas lore. He even is able to use his own dictionary of important words in such a way that readers are unaware that they are getting educated. Are you a mark? And, where or how did that term get coined? He even writes about the similarities of cons and cheats to the big corporate casinos, themselves. Do the real casinos take chronic cheaters out to the desert and eighty-six them? If it were true, would Mr. Swain be able to write about it? Where else is a better place to hide a secret but in plain sight? This is my favorite book "period" right now. It is so suspenseful and full of great intrigue. Everyone will find something or five to love about this book. I know I have! Did I mention this makes a great stand alone book?

A very special thank you goes out to Mr. James Swain, Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for giving me a free e-ARC of this book to read and give my honest review ( )