cover image The Way You Die Tonight: A "Rat Pack" Mystery

The Way You Die Tonight: A "Rat Pack" Mystery

Robert J. Randisi. Severn, $27.95 (192p) ISBN 978-0-7278-8334-6

Las Vegas casino veteran Eddie Gianelli continues to reminisce about his adventures with crooks and celebrities in Randisi's entertaining ninth Rat Pack mystery (after 2013's You Make Me Feel So Dead). In 1964, Eddie G., a pit boss and problem solver for Sands Casino operator Jack Entratter, is asked by none other than Frank Sinatra to see that Edward G. Robinson, in town to prep for his poker-player role in The Cincinnati Kid, gets everything he needs. Eddie is also contacted by eccentric tycoon Howard Hughes for advice on investing in Las Vegas casinos. Meanwhile, Entratter's secretary, Helen Simms, has been found hanging from a ceiling pipe in the office restroom. Eddie manages to meet these challenges head-on and still find time to carouse with Frank, Dino, and the gentlemanly Robinson, in this breezy period romp. Agent: Dominick Abel, Dominick Abel Literary. (Feb.)