Martin Oakes is a professional poker player—cool, mysterious, ever appraising the hand life deals him. Martin Oakes never loses. He lives with his adored wife, Jennifer, outside Boston, where he has begun to develop a sideline that will shortly become central: he teaches problem kids how to play poker. These distraught, surprising adolescents figure they can turn poker to their own advantage; their parents hope the kids will get some sense drummed into them; and for Martin Oakes the poker classes become both a necessary escape and a fount of strength.
As the story moves inexorably from one showdown to the next, as Martin Oakes delivers to his unlikely pupils his lessons in courage, guile and wit, as he himself learns more than he had thought possible about winning and losing, the reader is gently but completely taken over, royally entertained, and charmingly instructed.
About the Author
 CONALL RYAN’s career has included stints as a software entrepreneur, writer, violinist, and cook. He plays poker on the first Friday of every month.
His first novel, Black Gravity, was nominated for an Edgar Allan Poe Award.
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The Critics Praise:
“The novel’s wily story-telling reveals just enough to keep readers jumping to the next page. A work of surprising substance, despite
the quick pace.”
LIBRARY JOURNAL
“A taut, offbeat examination of compulsive behavior that succeeds on several levels.”
BOOKLIST
“Ryan writes the way Martin Oakes deals: with a sharp eye, a shrewd sense of character, and the skill and assurance to give the reader the pleasure - and unexpected turns - of a well-played hand.” JOE KANON
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