Pressing the Bet

by W.L. Ripley

Book Overview

Cole Springer's best friend is missing, and an LA grafter and a Denver mob soldier have teamed up to blackmail Springer. He's up against killers, mobsters, dirty cops and a female detective who'll... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0312274610
• ISBN13: 9780312274610
• Release Date: August 2006
• Publisher: Minotaur Books
• Length: 288 Pages
• Weight: 1.05 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 5.9" x 8.4"

Customer Reviews

Ripley - we need more books

I have read and re-read every book in both series. My only gripe is that we have to wait so long between books. Lets go, we need another Spinger. Soon!

The Sting Meets The Mob In Vegas

This was my first experience with Cole Springer and I was generally impressed, although less so than some of the gushing reviews. Springer is a clever wisecracking ex-Secret Service agent who excels at manipulating bad guys into doing the dirty work he needs done. He is a master strategist who is usually a couple steps ahead of his opposition and gives them enough rope to hang themselves. I like Cole's willingness to play outside the rules and equally, his willingness to resort to violence when called upon. In "Pressing The Bet", Cole's associate, Nate Robinson, prevails upon him to fly to Vegas and identify his son, Jesse Robinson, who has been reported killed. Nate's request, coupled with the fact that Cole and Jesse had been school buddies and had played baseball together, lead Cole into a twisted, convoluted storyline that quickly involves street thugs, crooked cops, an obsessed and beautiful police detective (Tara St. John), remnants of the old mob, duplicitous casino owners, a loony PI, and other strange characters--some well done and believable and some "over-the-top." Springer must delve deeply into the secrets of several Vegas power brokers without knowing just who is on whose side and wondering who he might trust. His investigation is distracted by a bevy of stereotypical street thugs, hired muscle, and dangerous sociopaths--some of whom are working for more than one master. There are double crosses and triple crosses to unravel, a diabolical conspiracy, a devious, stop-at-nothing temptress---all the elements of a fun read. Ultimately, Springer puts together a "sting" operation that brings all the disparate elements and characters together into a satisfying climax. Funny thing about wisecracking PI's and the like, a little goes a long way and too much can affect the flavor of the novel. Less is more. When well done (Spenser, Elvis Cole, Myron Bolitar), it is effective, believable, and sometimes, laugh-out-loud funny. When done poorly or overdone (Cole Springer, Cape Weathers), it can, at times, border on the sophomoric and often detracts from the character's credibility. Getting the right balance is the difference between and 4 star and a 5 star review.

No Cole Slaw

W.L.Ripley's hero, Cole Springer, is a combination of Travis McGee, Spenser, and James Bond. What a guy! But what I like most about Ripley's writing is the way he puts things. How he knows so much about the way different people really think and feel is incredible. The story moves along at just the right pace, and there's always an interesting twist just a few pages away. My only regret is that there are only 2 Cole Springer novels. Hopefully there are lots more to come .... and soon!

zany insider look at Las Vegas

In 1995 Vegas, Cole Springer stole gangster Red Cavanaugh's brand new Cadillac when the man reneged on paying off a ten thousand dollar sucker bet before "parking it in the fountains at Caesars". He did twenty hours community service and was warned by some thugs that Red did not want him back in town ever. In the present in a Denver hospital, Nate Robinson receives a call from Las Vegas police asking about his son and for him to come to identify a body they believe is Jesse. Unable to leave the hospital as he is in traction, Nate calls Cole in Aspen to go to Vegas to identify a corpse in the morgue who might be his thirty-seven years old son Jesse. Cole quickly determines the dead man looks like Jesse's twin, but is not Nate's son. After eluding thugs and LVPD Detective Tara St. John (well not so much her), he finds Jesse, who believes he was the intended target and that his "dibble" was an unfortunate victim in the wrong place at the wrong time. Cole keeps digging causing havoc for anyone in his path Trying to learn the truth before Red finds him. This is a zany insider look at Las Vegas with a loony support cast who bring out the worst in the lead protagonist, which in turns makes for a wild ride. The story line is all over the place, but no one will care as Cole keeps the plot somewhat anchored as the center of chaos in the Ripley universe. Not for everyone, fans of frenzied Elmore Leonard thrillers will want to read PRESSING THE BET as this Get Springer tale is entertaining insane fun. Harriet Klausner