Spain needs cash. Not only because he’s been in jail for ten years, but also because he plans to enter the World Poker Tournament. Lanrigan wants Spain to mentor his estranged daughter Kat, an amateur poker player. Lanrigan will provide all start-up costs - condo, food, ten thousand dollars monthly, and money for tournament buy-ins. Kat can never know the setup. Spain’s all in.

The brash, gum-smacking Kat turns out to have raw talent and lots of ambition. Their goal: playing in the grand World Poker Tournament at the Bellagio Hotel. With poker celebrities like Mike Sexton, Doyle Brunson, and James Woods, the World Poker Tournament attracts fans and money around the globe. Spain keeps his mind on his cards, the one thing he’s depended on his whole life. Tournament players are in shock when a young, hot poker player is murdered. More players are murdered, and the evidence makes the tournament’s players suspects. A Picasso Flop, picture cards, is found on each of the bodies. Police suspect Kat, and Spain wonders about her innocence when she uses him for a fake alibi. Can Spain keep them both alive and find the real killer, while keeping himself in the game?

I'm a fan of Vince Van Patten and loved the book. I'm hoping for a sequel.