High Hand

. In High Hand, Gary Phillips gives us an action-packed portrayal of a Las Vegas casino money courier, Martha Chainey is a beautiful vixen, skilled in martial arts,and is very capable of defending herself. For the most part, she could handle the most formidable foe and is always ready for action. Unfortunately, Martha skills were not enough when she was robbed of money that Frankie and Veronica Degaults entrusted her to deliver. The robbery left her with a debt that could eventually lead to her demise. As a result, the Degaults gave Martha a redemption pass of seventy-two hours to recover the stolen money or else, it is curtains for her. In her pursuit to recover the stolen funds, Martha discovers that blood thirsty Molly Zevonian is involved in the plot and is pulling out all stops to destroy her. As the story unfolds, Martha learns that she must find the mastermind that sent Molly to kill her to recover the stolen money. To find the mastermind, she joins forces with Six-Pack who is investigating the murder of two Indians that were found dead in the desert. His investigation might be the key in finding out who set her up. This book is packed with non-stop action and the reader will be shocked by who masterminded the robbery. Lovers of mysteries and action will love this book. In a sense, Martha Chainey's character is parallel to that of Cleopatra Jones, a glamorous woman with the moxie and ability to protect herself against all odds. I became so involved with this story that it felt as if I was Martha, stopping bad guys. In the future, I will be looking forward to reading more of Martha's next escapades. Reviewed by Margaret Ball APOOO BookClub

How have I lived this long w/o knowing about Gary Phillips?!? These books rock. It's an exploding video happening before your eyes. Only gave this one 4 stars because the second one in this series is even better.

I really enjoyed Martha Chainey in her role as mob courier and ex-Vegas showgirl. This is a great new character and series.

Readers who, like myself, have heard good things about Gary Phillips but don't want to commit themselves to reading the four Ivan Monk books should find this a good starting place to sample his work. Former Vegas showgirl Martha Chainey makes an interesting protagonist. She's not a cop, a private eye, or any of the typical mystery heroine professions. Although a courier for the Vegas mob (such as it is in the 21st century), she's also not a crook. She's just a woman doing her job, until events force her to track down thieves and murderers, if only to clear her own name.Mr. Phillips does a great job creating distinctive characters. While some characters are more likeable than others, almost everybody makes an impression. He also evokes a real sense of place in his descriptions. Best of all, he keeps the story moving and the tension high, rarely slowing down, never letting the reader forget that Chainey is working against the clock to save her own life.The book isn't perfect; there are one or two too many coincidences, and sometimes characters' sexual quirks were played so broadly they almost felt gratuitious. And while the main plot is resolved by the end of the book, Phillips does tease his readers with a cliffhanger about future threats to Chainey's life. On the other hand, the main story ends with a stark simplicity that I found refreshing, and I didn't mind the dangling plot threads. Real life never ends neatly, and now I have an excuse to pick up the next book in the series.

Siblings Frankie and Victoria DeGault, owners of the Riverhead Casino on the Vegas Strip, gives Martha Chainey several million dollars to deliver to a Mill Valley, California address. However, upon arrival, nothing goes right as masked hombres interrupt the exchange killing everyone, but a diving to safety Martha.An irate Frankie accuses Martha of stealing the cash. He gives her three days to recover his money or else. To keep her on the hunt, he sends a lunatic of a thug Baker to watch over Martha. Following the money, Martha traces the robbers to an Indian reservation with a casino located on it. Even with help from a close friend and a mobster, the truth may be out there, but seems one dangerous step away from Martha attaining it and the lost loot.Gary Phillips, author of the superb Ivan Monk novels, successfully switches to a female African-American protagonist. The story line is exciting as readers obtain an in depth look at the black side of Las Vegas. Although some scenes starring Baker seem a bit depraved and profanity is used, for the most part readers will love this tale starring a Cleopatra Jones-like heroine.Harriet Klausner