An insightful exploration of friendship, resilience, and tenacity.
Simpson kick starts his Texas Sharks series with this riveting account of one man’s quest for identity, who immerses himself in the risky underworld of gambling and hustling. Slade was raised in a strict, suffocating home where the punishment for breaking rules was severe. But when he comes of age, he escapes to a world with its own set of rules and language. In this gritty new underworld of gambling and hustling, Slade quickly becomes fluent in terms like “9-ball” and “Texas Hold ‘em”. He joins forces with a band of con artists and finds a mentor in Phil the bookie. However, as he delves deeper into this dangerous game where money is king and losers are discarded, he starts to question his place in it all. Is he just another pawn being played by those who hold the power? Simpson takes us on an exhilarating journey as we witness Slade’s transformation from a timid, sheltered young man into a confident and cunning adult, consumed by the world of gambling and hustling. With a gritty yet sparkling backdrop of 1970’s Central Texas, Slade’s tale captivates as it delves into the complexities of dysfunctional family dynamics, friendships, and the intricate web of human relationships. But this is not just a simple coming-of-age tale; it is a gripping exploration of power, control, desire, and self-discovery. As the narrative jumps back and forth in time—unraveling Slade’s transformation from a strict upbringing to an improbable bond with Arnorld, his battle with an incomplete engineering degree, and his plunge into the treacherous realm of gambling and hustling—the reader gets a realistic view of just how childhood circumstances can shape the course of a person’s life. The relentless third-person omniscient narrative voice pulls readers deep into the heart of the action, while the well-developed and relatable characters add layers to the intense and fast-paced plot. Certain characters fall into recognizable archetypes for readers, such as the savvy, slick con artists who value loyalty just as much as success, or the subtly manipulative wife and mother. Yet, they are portrayed with such skill that they come across as genuine individuals. Arnold, Jimmy, Phil serve as the book’s third rails, imbuing every scene with electrifying tension. And with an exciting conclusion that leaves readers gasping for air, Simpson sets the stage for what promises to be an unputdownable sequel to Slade’s story. A winner.
YOU’VE GOT TO LOSE TO WIN
Will Simpson
Pub date June 20, 2023
ISBN 979-8988092827
Price $24.99 (USD), $18.99 Paperback, $6.99 Kindle edition
