Jackpot Bay: A Novel

Jackpot Bay: A Novel by Hegwood, Martin. hardcover edition. ISBN: 9780312280963.

Johnnie the Dime Koscko: dont be fooled, hes not really a gangster. But hed like to be one, and that might just make him even more dangerous. He left the Mississippi coast thirty years ago in search of the big leagues in Las Vegas. But the closest he ever got was as a sometime flunky for the Mafia wannabes in the Rat Pack. Now hes back in Mississippi, and hes got a vision for his old hometown. With gambling legal, hes going to turn his Jackpot Bay casino into the classiest, swankiest attraction this side of the Rockies-If only he can expand his business beyond blue-haired locals and low rollers in polyester suits. Hes off to a good start. Rulon Hornbeck, the suave manager he reluctantly took on to give his place "class," has booked the spectacularly popular Snow Mountain Band to play a gig in the showroom. Thats drawing some big-ticket gamblers from Europe. If they come and like the place, that puts Johnnie the Dime one step closer to realizing his dream. Problem is, Snow Mountain hasnt made itself too popular with some religious folks, and its not patching things up that the concerts on a Sunday. Enter the Narrow Path Independent Bible Church of Charismatic Believers. They have a bullhorn and theyre not afraid to use it. Then theres the other problem: Tara Conrad, a no-nonsense, hyper-liberated security auditor has been sent by the insurance auditor to figure out why Jackpot Bays been losing so much money. Shes not afraid to assert herself, and that doesnt sit right with Johnnie. And, of course, theres the small matter of a bloody shoot-out that erupts on the gaming floor when Johnnies oafish, violent nephew, Clyde, decides he can treat the staff however he wants. Maybe the Jackpot Bays future isnt such a sure thing after all. In fact, things might start getting pretty bloody pretty soon. And thats why Jack Delmas is there. Delmas, the hero of Martin Hegwoods critically acclaimed southern mystery novels had just accepted another routine assignment from his employer: introduce Johnnie and Tara and make sure they play nice. But when the stakes are this high, playing nice is for losers.