It was... okay. It just didn't have the same spark as the others in the series. Still not bad, but probably the weakest in the series thus far. ( )

It was... okay. It just didn't have the same spark as the others in the series. Still not bad, but probably the weakest in the series thus far. ( )

Number 9 in the series.
As always, I look forward to the publication of a new “Rat Pack” mystery. They are fun and easy-going.
In this episode, Edward G. Robinson needs to learn more about playing poker and try out his character for an upcoming movie, The Cincinnati Kid, with Steve McQueen. The Sands Casino owner, Jack Entratter, turns EGR over to Eddie Gianelli, pit boss, friend to the Rat Pack, and fixer of whatever needs to be fixed. And here, Eddie needs to get EGR into some high stakes poker games, a feat not as easy as it might seem. And of course, this is also a personal favor to Rat Pack Chairman Frank Sinatra.
In the meantime, billionaire Howard Hughes is in Vegas and wants to see Eddie. This makes Eddie a little nervous. What could Hughes want from him?
As Eddie starts to juggle those two balls, Entratter’s secretary has disappeared, only to be found strung up in the Ladies Room down the hall. Eddie calls in his pals, private dick Danny and bruise Jerry from Brooklyn. And with the gang all there, bullets and fists start to fly, plus the guys’ investigations takes them to the seedier side of Vegas.
Another easy read mystery from Randisi. I read The Way You Die Tonight on a 7-hour road trip and loved every minute of it. I give it five out of five stars. ( )