TWO JACKS drops its protagonist Jack—a great stand-in for the book’s readers—into the high-world of professional poker where fates can change with every hand dealt, in this fish-out-of-water thriller. A post-vasectomy weekend in Las Vegas with his best friend takes a turn when accountant Jack Landower wins a unique raffle only the desert oasis can host. His prize is entry into the international poker tournament, which usually comes with a hefty price tag of $10,000. As a relatively normal guy among greats in professional play, Jack doesn’t expect much. But his new persona, Nick Raffle, soon gains success at the tables, attracting the attention of the veteran champs. And he learns that there’s a much darker world beyond the bright lights and cameras—one that might put his life in danger.
Tense and fast-paced, the interplay between Jack’s hum-drum real life and the persona he becomes as Nick in Las Vegas well-crafted. How his newfound boldness spills over into his marriage, how his alter-ego of sorts brings out an adventurous side to him is fascinating. The book switches between past and present, which helps in filling in interesting background character details and aiding in the book’s ever-growing tension. As the two disparate worlds begin to collide, it really ups the ante on the suspense with clever twists in the plot that bring unlikely characters together.
And it’s the characters who are the most memorable part of the book, from Jack’s skirt-chasing best friend and enthusiastic personal cheerleader Wally, to the Big Names in this world poker tournament like Tilly Sands, whose camera-ready personality and conventional attractiveness hide a more intelligent and kind soul. Alyssa, Jack’s wife, eventually takes on a surprising role that drags her out of her comfort zone just as her husband’s “Nick” alter-ego has done for him. The ensuing result not only takes the plot along into a fun direction, it helps build satisfying alliances with other characters in unexpected ways during the book’s final act. Even Jack’s mother and children—who are at home watching his success unfold on TV, half in disbelief—have some great interludes that mix in a bit of humor and levity.
Though the book has an antagonist or two, Barry Best is undoubtably the villain, and he’s the kind who’s so true-to-life that his presence creates a palpable unease whenever he’s on-page. Beloved by millions, he’s the seasoned poker champ who’ll do whatever it takes to win, even if it involves blackmailing his opponents. Underneath the charming, boisterous personality he cultivates especially for the limelight, there’s a smarmy creep protected by his immense wealth and fame. A David versus Goliath story; Jack, a regular guy, challenging Barry’s foothold in the world of international poker. Between the poker action that dashes at a quick pace, the behind-the-scenes drama fills the dazzling hotel rooms and endless neon light of Las Vegas’ infamous Strip.
Readers should tread with caution, as there’s a plot line that deals with the sexual assault of a character. Though it’s handled decently, it would have been satisfying to see the victim receive more justice of her own for what she went through. A downside is that TWO JACKS seems to rush a bit through its much-anticipated final act, especially the last confrontation between Jack and Barry, and the novel’s quick epilogue.
A thrilling, high-stakes debut, Rex Deerman’s TWO JACKS delivers on high drama, heartfelt emotion, and plenty of world-class poker action.
~Jessica Thomas for IndieReader