Straddle

Straddle is the story of a gambler. But not just any gambler. Tommy Straddle is arguably the best card player in the world. In a day where the most minuscule poker tournament is broadcast on some local cable outlet and the worst card players are hailed as heroes because of a lucky play, Tommy Straddle is a throwback. He is a cold, calculating graduate of the old school who refuses to play tournaments, but his expertise in high stakes poker is legend. A Las Vegas casino caters to Straddle's every need and acts as host for the gamblers that come from across the country and the world to try and beat him. None do, until a mysterious woman sits down at the table and Straddle's world is suddenly turned upside down. Straddle, who holds command over his emotions and calculates every move in advance is unexpectedly out of control with no time or room to maneuver. A startling turn of events pushes Straddle into an uncomfortable alliance with members of the mob who try to force him to play in the richest card tournament in history-with the game rigged so Straddle can't lose. But in winning, will Straddle lose everything, including his life? In the biggest hand in the biggest tournament in history, an incredible twist to the story will astonish the reader. This book might not be about gambling and card playing after all. The reveal will catch you completely by surprise. The characters are intriguing, the dialogue is riveting, the plot seems like a straight line until it twists like a coiled rattlesnake just before the bite. There is only one way to find the answer to the puzzle that is Straddle. Deal!