Rating: 
Summary: Exciting Pace!
Review: Funny Money is even more entertaining and suspenseful than Grift Sense. This book is a page turner - great summer fun reading - can't put it down until you figure out who-done-it. There is a warmth to Tony Valenine, the main character, that makes you laugh in some parts and makes you cry in others. Thoroughly enjoyable read!
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Summary: Grifters, Con Artists and Others: The Second Installment
Review: Greed and revenge are two common literary themes, especially in the mystery genre. However, just because they have been done before is no reason to miss the second installment of the Tony Valentine series. If you haven't read the first book, "Grift Sense" then please skip this review for now and then come back after you have read that book which was also reviewed here. The reads are well worth it.It has been more than a couple of months since the last book. Business is going well and then one evening, Valentine gets a call from his old friend and former partner, Doyle Flanagan. Doyle has retired and is working as a Private Investigator in Atlantic City. Doyle is currently working a case for The Bombay Casino trying to catch a player who managed to steal $6 million while playing Blackjack. Minutes later, just as he began telling Valentine about the case, he is killed by a car bomb. Valentine goes to Atlantic City for the funeral and then the hunt. Soon, he find that he can't keep up with the numerous scams and cons going on, many of which involve at least some of the employees if not the Casino owner himself. As he gets further and further behind, chasing the killers, he manages to antagonize everyone around him and becomes a thorn for all concerned leaving bodies in his wake. As in the first book, this is another tightly plotted, complex mystery where no one and nothing is at it seems. Most of the individuals from the first book are back and adding a plausible love interest further expands the Valentine character. At the same time, this is a step up from the first book and shows the author evolving at his craft. The book moves forward at a better pace and with considerably more action while at the same time, he allows the supporting cast of characters to flesh out more as well. Simply put, this series that does not get a lot of attention, is well worth the read.
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Summary: Funny Money
Review: I am a busy wife with three kids so I probably read 5 books a year. Luckily this was one of them. The plot twists and constant action would not let me put the book down. I actually read it in two days and was quite tired both mentalily and physically from staying up so late to finish. The characters are great. The main character Tony is so believeable that sometimes you cheer him and other times you cringe. His next door neighbor Ms. Mabel is the neighbor you never had but wished you did.
Rating:
Summary: Funny Money
Review: I am a busy wife with three kids so I probably read 5 books a year. Luckily this was one of them. The plot twists and constant action would not let me put the book down. I actually read it in two days and was quite tired both mentalily and physically from staying up so late to finish. The characters are great. The main character Tony is so believeable that sometimes you cheer him and other times you cringe. His next door neighbor Ms. Mabel is the neighbor you never had but wished you did.
Rating: 
Summary: Great Read
Review: I am a fan of gambling and mysteries. However, I am not much of a reader. A friend recomended the book and it was wonderful. Lots of twists and turns yet easy for a "non-reader" to follow. I have read Grift Sense and Funny Money. I would recomend them to anyone. Mr. Swain's casual style and attention to detail are true joy.
Rating:
Summary: Funny Money Jackpot!!!
Review: I burned through Grift Sense, Swain's first Tony Valentine tale and couldn't wait for his next piece de resistance on the gambling world's cons, scams, et al. Funny Money exceeded my hopes!!! It's a great tale of sophisticated deception and demonstrates Swain's ability of developing this unique genre within mystery. I'm a BIG FAN and hope I don't have to wait another year for the next book!
Rating:
Summary: Great Page Turner, perfect summer reading!
Review: I read Grift Sense and Funny Money back-to-back in a two day span; they were both GREAT! I found Funny Money a bit better 'read', but I think that's from knowing Tony Valentine and crew so well, as I had just read their exploits in Grift Sense. I read in a blurb on the bookjacket, that Swain has invented a new genre, Casino Noir, and that is a nice way to describe the books. Swain has an insider's viewpoint of cheating, gambling and cons that worked for this reader! If you like detective/mystery novels this will definitely turn you on. I can't wait for Book #3! Tony Valentine is an ex-cop, a street-wise "Con Catcher" with a heart of gold under his cynical facade...I wonder who will play him in the movies? Enjoy these books!
Rating:
Summary: Tony Valentine is a hit!
Review: I really liked this book. I find the information on gambling very interesting. Tony is truly a notable character. This book takes place in New Jersey. Tony's former partner is murdered and Tony is there to figure out who did it. The story is full of twists and turns but I especially like the character development. Tony's relationship with his son is like a rollercoaster, he has a lot of interesting friends in NJ from his previous stint as a cop. He falls in love with a pro-wrestler and his neighbor in Florida is a trip.
This is the second book of the Valentine series and I am looking forward to reading the next adventure.
Rating:
Summary: Fun Fun Fun
Review: I truly enjoyed this book. You run through the story because you want to see what situation the characters will wind up in during the next scene. It is one funny surprise after another. A great escapist read.
Rating:
Summary: A good book for a long flight
Review: If you want a good book for a long flight, Funny Money is a "good bet!" Tony Valentine's character is developing nicely and the relationship with his son adds an interesting twist. Add in some "professional" wrestling and some inept thugs and you have a fun read. Swain's knowledge of the gambling industry gives you something to talk about around the office water cooler. You may start to feel sorry for Casinos who are scammed (not!). You will at least root for Tony Valentine!
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