Step into the neon-lit, high-stakes world of Tony Valentine, where a retired cop with a knack for sniffing out casino cheats takes you on a thrilling ride through America’s gambling underbelly! James Swain’s Tony Valentine series is a crime fiction gem, blending gritty investigations with clever cons in the glitzy settings of Las Vegas and Atlantic City. With his ‘grift sense’—an almost supernatural ability to spot scams—Tony tackles cunning criminals while wrestling with personal demons, making every book a pulse-pounding adventure.
Perfect for fans of fast-paced mysteries and casino capers, this series hooks you with its insider look at gambling scams and a protagonist who’s as sharp as a blackjack dealer’s cut. Ready to dive into Tony’s world of hustlers, hitmen, and high rollers? Let’s deal you in!
How Tony Valentine Began
James Swain, a gambling expert and professional magician, launched the Tony Valentine series in 2001 with Grift Sense. Drawing on his deep knowledge of casino scams, Swain crafted a protagonist who could outsmart the slickest con artists. Tony, a retired Atlantic City cop, was born from Swain’s fascination with the cat-and-mouse game between casinos and cheaters, inspired by real-life hustles he studied. After moving to Florida and running an advertising firm, Swain turned his expertise into fiction, creating a series that’s both authentic and electrifying.
The series, optioned for film by Langley Films in 2009, grew from Swain’s desire to showcase the gritty reality behind the glamour of gambling. Tony’s character—a widower in his sixties with a troubled son and a no-nonsense attitude—added depth, making him a relatable hero in a world of flashy facades.
The Heart of Tony Valentine
The series kicks off with Grift Sense (2001), where Tony is called to the fading Acropolis Casino in Las Vegas to investigate a gambler, Frank Fontaine, who’s raking in thousands at blackjack. The catch? Fontaine might be a dead man walking, pulling off a scam no one can crack. In Funny Money (2002), Tony returns to Atlantic City, unraveling a six-million-dollar casino heist tied to his late partner’s murder. Sucker Bet (2003) sees him at a South Florida Indian casino, chasing a dealer who rigged 84 straight wins. By Deadman’s Poker (2006), Tony’s tackling a televised poker tournament scam that spans two books.
Themes of loyalty, redemption, and outsmarting the odds weave through the series. Tony’s investigations expose the seedy side of gambling, from mob ties to corrupt cops, all set against vibrant backdrops like Vegas’s neon strip or Atlantic City’s boardwalk. Swain’s writing is lean and lively, packed with plot twists and insider gambling lingo that make you feel like you’re at the table. Tony’s personal struggles—grieving his wife, clashing with his wayward son, Gerry—add heart, balancing the high-stakes action with human stakes.
Why Tony Valentine Resonates
The Tony Valentine series stands out in crime fiction for its authentic dive into casino culture, earning praise from Publishers Weekly and a Prix Calibre .38 for Best American Crime Fiction. Fans love Tony’s gruff charm and Swain’s knack for crafting scams so clever you’ll want to applaud the crooks—before Tony takes them down. The series’ blend of humor, suspense, and technical detail appeals to mystery buffs and gambling enthusiasts alike, offering a fresh spin on the private investigator trope.
Though less mainstream than some crime series, its niche appeal has built a loyal following, with readers hooked on its vivid settings and Tony’s relentless pursuit of justice. Its influence lies in showing that even in a world of chance, skill and grit can tip the scales.
- First Book: Grift Sense (2001)
- Total Books: 9
- Awards: Prix Calibre .38, three Barry Award nominations
- Setting: Las Vegas, Atlantic City, Florida
Grab Grift Sense and dive into Tony Valentine’s world of cons, casinos, and crime-busting bravado! Whether you’re a mystery fan or just love a good hustle, this series is a sure bet.