“Paul W. Papa has not only thoroughly researched his subject, but weaves Vegas history and culture into the kind of hard-boiled mystery that is supercharged with the protagonist’s personality, choices, and observations. The result is a compelling probe into an investigator who only wants a different kind of life…but can’t get one.”

“Papa’s ability to capture this sense of place, time and purpose drives the story, keeping it fast-paced, realistic, and thoroughly involving. Fans of Dashiell Hammett and classic hard-boiled detective noir fiction will readily recognize all the trappings of the genre in this story’s approach and descriptive choices, but Papa’s ability to add the feisty, determined, gruff personality of Rossi into the bigger crime picture is what sets his story apart from many who delve into the hard-boiled mystery genre.”

“The cat-and-mouse games, revelations, intrigue, and gritty determination of a protagonist who only wants to leave the dangerous playing field, but can’t, creates a compelling, thoroughly engrossing noir mystery that’s hard to put down. Good character development, a fine sense of place and mystery, and Vegas gambling backdrops craft a story that sizzles.”
D. Donovan, Senior Reviewer, Midwest Book Review