Card Sharks: How Upper Deck Turned a Child's Hobby into a High-Stakes, Billion-Dollar Business

Customer Reviews:

A lot of mud slinging........1999-11-10

I found the book to provide an interesting history on collecting from early times to present. After the history lesson is over, William's seems to spend an inordinate amount of time dwelling on the various misdeeds of Upper Deck President Richie McWilliam. McWilliam has a very strong (and negative) reputation that is well understood within the industry. Why spend half a book telling everyone that he is dishonest, a liar and a cheat when it is already well understood?

Fascinating look at the sports collectables industry.......1999-01-14

The "Barbarians at the Gate" of the baseball card industry. Fascinating, yet creepy, to see from the inside how a child's hobby has been exploited by sleazy characters. Will definitely turn you off collecting new cards as an investment.

Well written book that is a must reading for card collectors.......1998-11-18

I enjoyed this book very much. It has two themes: first, it shows how one company with the right idea and the right people behind it can revolutionize an entire industry, against all odds. Second, it tells us that to succeed in today's competitive markets you have to elbow your way in. While the allegations of wrongdoings by trading card companies seem like unsubstantiated hearsay, the book does make you feel that you are on the inside, witnessing how the real entrepreneurs do it. Very entertaining read.

Well written book for the money.......1996-05-31

I feel any person who is in the hobby of collecting cards or thinking about getting in the hobby should read this book I found it interesting some of the aligations of conterfiting ones own cards interesting. Some people would be shocked to know why there cards have no value.

Jonny Magic and the Card Shark Kids: How a Gang of Geeks Beat the Odds and Stormed Las Vegas

Average customer rating:

Great book
Brains, games, making money and overcoming the odds.
I loved this freaks and geeks story!
A magic story
Not That Interesting

Jonny Magic and the Card Shark Kids: How a Gang of Geeks Beat the Odds and Stormed Las Vegas
David Kushner
Manufacturer: Random House
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Puzzles & Games | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

Book Description

If you think a gang of real-life geeks can’t take on the world and win big . . . think again. And whatever you do, don’t sit down across a gaming table from Jon Finkel, better known as Jonny Magic. Jonny Magic and the Card Shark Kids is his amazing true story: the jaw-dropping, zero-to-hero chronicle of a fat, friendless boy from New Jersey who found his edge in a game of cards–and turned it into a fortune.

The ultimate bully-magnet, Finkel grew up heckled and hazed until destiny came in the form of a trading-card game called Magic: The Gathering. Magic exploded from nerdy obsession to mainstream mania and made the teenage Finkel an ultracool world champion.

Once transformed, this young shark stormed poker rooms from the underground clubs of New York City to the high-stakes tables online, until he landed on the largest card-counting blackjack team in the country. Taking Vegas for millions, Finkel’s squad of brainy gamers became the biggest players in town. Then they took on the town’s biggest game, the World Series of Poker, and walked away with more than $3.5 million.

Thrilling, edgy, and ferociously feel-good, the odyssey of these underdogs-turned-overlords is the stuff of pop-culture legend. And David Kushner, acclaimed author of Masters of Doom, masterfully deals out the outrageous details while bringing to life a cast of characters rife with aces, kings, knaves . . . and more than a few jokers. If you secretly believe every player has his day, you’re right. Here’s the proof.

Customer Reviews:

Great book.......2006-06-01

I didn't know anything about the game of Magic, but basically read this book for the Blackjack card counting story and the poker story. Very easy to read and interesting. I read it in 2 sittings and wanted to read more. Interesting to find out about other poker players that were into the game magic, thunder keller and david williams. Great book, highly recommended by this card shark...

Brains, games, making money and overcoming the odds........2006-03-24

Jon Finkel was an overweight, middle school nerd who was bullied, laughed at, and ostracized until he found his calling in a fantasy game called Magic. Magic combines the otherworldliness of Dungeons and Dragons with complex elements of card play and has become a cult game with tournaments of its own. In Jonny Magic and the Card Shark Kids, David Kushner follows the transformation of Finkel from teenage geek in the throes of Magic mania into a thin, sophisticated and extremely wealthy professional gambler who joins the highly successful blackjack counting team known as The Lawyers. The true-life story traces Finkel's evolution from bully magnet to World Champion Magic master, to card counter and shuffle tracker, to sports bettor, and onto the World Series of Poker. Throughout his adventures, Finkel is accompanied by the so-called "Card Shark Kids," a strange mix of misfits and brainiacs who find a sense of belonging through the addictive escape of Magic and carry that into the gambling world.

Kushner does an impressive job of providing condensed explanations of such wide-ranging gaming concepts as the underlying premise of Magic, the mathematical foundation of card counting, and sports betting theory, while keeping the reader engaged in Finkel's ongoing tribulations and triumphs. Interwoven within the biography is also an intriguing account of Dr. Richard Garfield, the inventor of Magic, who would be a worthy subject for his own story.

Ironically, the story's pinnacle comes via the success not of Finkel but of David Williams, another Card Shark Kid and Magic enthusiast, who claimed the 3.5 million dollar second prize of the 2004 World Series of Poker. Although Finkel is having success at poker tournaments, he doesn't yet have the crowning achievement to capture a literary climax to his own journey, so Kushner sneakily manipulated Williams' victory as if it was connected to Finkel.

What is particularly revealing about Jonny Magic from a game player's point of view, is that it provides an unexpected answer to the question, "Where are all the young guns of poker gaining the championship qualities to end up as final table tournaments players?" Apparently, a surprising number have been Magic players from a young age -- honing the essential qualities of discipline and emotional control long before tackling the intricacies of poker. And if Magic is far harder to master than poker, as Finkel suggests, Magic players would have a distinct edge.

Yet, while Finkel's tale has the makings of a fascinating read, Kushner's book isn't as emotionally gripping as one might expect from a biography about a man's metamorphosis. Even when Kushner describes a young Finkel as afraid to go to school because of such humiliating experiences as being urinated upon, the reader might wish he had a deeper and less cliched reason to root for the game-playing underdog, who we really don't get to know at any more than a surface level.

Certainly, if the inside life of a professional gambler intrigues you, Jonny Magic will satisfy some of your voyeuristic curiosity -- but be forewarned that at least half of the book is focused on Finkel's life playing Magic, and not on how he later accumulated his ample wealth as a professional gambler. If you're a Magic player, this might light your fire, but if you're not, you might be tempted to skip ahead to the casino action. Whatever else the book accomplishes, it does confirm one thing most professional gamblers already know: that brains are always a frontrunner over beauty when it comes to making money and overcoming the odds.

I loved this freaks and geeks story!.......2006-03-03

I'm not really one for books about Poker and games, but i read the last book by this author, Masters of Doom, and I saw a review of Jonny Magic in the New York Times book review that seemed interesting so I picked it up. I really loved it! Great characters--Finkel is a classic, and the story reads like the most gripping fiction. David Kushner's writing style is humorous and riveting.I think this should be a movie or television show.

A magic story.......2006-03-03

I loved this book! I picked it up on a whim at the airport, and couldn't put it down for the entire flight. Now I'm telling all my friends to get it. Not only does it have tips about playing cards, but it's just a flatout pageturning thriller. You keep wondering where this guy's life is going to lead him next. Very suspenseful and funny too. Highly recommended.

Not That Interesting.......2006-02-23

Jon Finkel was obviously a very bright boy who grew up heckled and hazed until taking up a trading-card game called Magic: The Gathering. He initially flunked out of Rutgers, then re-entered and did much better. After his success transformed Jon into a cool world champion he moved into poker rooms, than a card-counting blackjack team, and finally to the World Series of Poker. In the process, he cast off his nerdy looks by investing in contacts and nice clothes, and losing about 65 pounds (from 250 to 185). When we leave Jon at the end of the book he is en route to a $2-3 million winning year.

Little/no drama, and not that interesting.

Jonny Magic & the Card Shark Kids: How a Gang of Geeks Beat the Odds and Stormed Las Vegas

Average customer rating:

Wisdom. What's that - a new game? Who invented it? Did they get rich? Can I write a book about them?

Jonny Magic & the Card Shark Kids: How a Gang of Geeks Beat the Odds and Stormed Las Vegas
David Kushner
Manufacturer: Random House Trade Paperbacks
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Puzzles & Games | Entertainment | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0812974387
Release Date: 2006-08-29

Book Description

Customer Reviews:

Wisdom. What's that - a new game? Who invented it? Did they get rich? Can I write a book about them? .......2007-03-16

I admire David Kushner's writing skills - he can tell a good story and seems to do the needed research. I loved his "Masters of Doom".

"Jonny Magic" is the story of Jon Finkel, who transformed himself from being an overweight, bullied teenage nerd who could play a great game of Magic into a 20-something millionaire who mastered the casinos and could play a great game of Poker. He lost weight, rode the crest of the (still) current Poker phenomenon, and belongs right up there in the "Useless People Hall of Fame" along with various winners of reality, survival, and celebrity programs. Finkel became successful at something of no real use to society. And Kushner misses that aspect of the story. It's not that Finkel didn't have great talent, and he did accomplish something admired by many. Kushner tells that story, although - as others have observed - the book lacks drama, and is actually a little boring. But just ponder the difference between the "two Johns" in "Masters of Doom" and the "one Jon" in "Jonny Magic", and you have the makings of a really interesting story. Still untold.

A lot changed in the few years between the era of "Masters of Doom" and that of "Jonny Magic". Finkel's life says much about the world we live in today. It's really unfortunate that Kushner is not taking the lead in writing about this, since he has been commenting on parts of it for the past dozen years, and should have some perspective by now. There is room for good journalism in these topics, and I think Kushner has the skills to produce it. Instead, he settled for a quick write about a hot topic, once again repeating the pattern of "Wow - look at this - a genius nerd becomes a success and has the last laugh."

CARD SHARKS (WILDCARDS 1) (Wild Cards : Book I of a New Cycle)

Average customer rating:

A very nice continuation of the series
The best anthology ever!
New addition to Wild Cards series takes a darker turn.

CARD SHARKS (WILDCARDS 1) (Wild Cards : Book I of a New Cycle)
George R.R. Martin (editor)
Manufacturer: Baen
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Science Fiction | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books

Short Stories | Science Fiction | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 0671721593

Customer Reviews:

A very nice continuation of the series.......1998-06-26

This is actually the first book at a new publisher; there was another 12 novels released by another publisher. This is a pretty good Wild Cards novel. Just in case you've never read a Wild Cards novel, they are science fiction based on the earth where a virus was released back in the '50s. This virus killed 90% of the people infected, 9% of the people got a Joker (deformity with or without some sort of super-power) and 1% got an Ace (a super-power of some sort). This novel focuses on a search for a conspiracy against Jokers, a group that wants to eliminate all Jokers. Rather than several stories that are loosely or not related, this novel follows the recent pattern of a single plot tied together by several inter-related short stories. The novel includes several of my favorite characters: Croyd "Sleeper" Crenson and Jay "Poppinjay" Ackroyd. Several new characters are also introduced and add to the universe nicely. Of course, the story makes more sense by knowing some of the background from the previous novels, but they are not necessary. Especially with the ending which left me saying "Oh no" to myself.

The best anthology ever!.......1998-05-20

The characters almost come to life as you read, and the storylines are great. A must-read for anyone interested in science fantasy or comic books.

New addition to Wild Cards series takes a darker turn........1996-06-26

As an avid reader of Science Fiction, I must confess that there was a certain amount of reluctance to review this particular book. Because, you see, I am a fan of the Wild Cards series, and have been for many years. For those of you unfamiliar with the series, let me sum up. The series from number 1 to number 12 is based on the idea of what would happen if we had people with superheroic powers on Earth now. Then it goes further and says, well what if these people were given these powers by an alien virus, which could kill you or cause some kind of disfigurement? When you get the virus, one of three things happens. You die, which is what is called drawing the Black Queen, you can become disfigured in some strange way, like grow tentacles, or feathers or something wierd, then you draw the Joker. If you are really lucky, you can gain superhuman powers, which is called drawing the Ace. Now put all of this in our world as we know it and it gets a little strange. There has been a change in publishers and artists with the series. Baen Books has picked it up, and the new cover artist does a wonderful job. (Wish this one had been around when Tachyon was still around) There has been a fire at a church in what was the Bowery but is now called Jokertown, and a new fire inspector has been called in to investigate. What she uncovers is a web of lies, deception, and murder so entangling, that she is caught in the web. Now she must use all of her skills, and a few friends, to find answers.. But the truth is always more dangerous, especially when there are some who would rather not let it be known. If you like comic books, you will like this book, although I would reccomend that you run, don't walk, to get the series 1 thru 12 by Bantam Spectra, and then read this one. There are also graphic novels of the Wild Cards Universe, and other stuff.

Average customer rating:

Insightful and surprising
The Worst Sports Has To Offer
Wow! He's Some Kinda Symptom . . . Er, Guy!
GREAT BOOK
This guy loves himself and only himself...

A Shark Never Sleeps
Drew Rosenhaus , and Don Yaeger
Manufacturer: Atria
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

General | Football (American) | Sports | Subjects | Books

General | Sports | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0671015257

Customer Reviews:

Insightful and surprising.......2006-01-21

Now, I'd never heard of Rosenhaus until this summer because of the T.O. situation. I picked up this book expecting it to be a typical self-absorbed, egotistical piece of junk. However, I had no idea about the depth of Drew. He came to terms with his sexuality early in his life and he didn't let small minds stop him from becoming successful -- including his own. Did you know he auditioned for Cirque de Soleil? His talent was throwing enormous styrofoam triangles into the air and then catching them behind his back. He didn't make the cut, but he vowed that he would drink a gallon of Dr Pepper everyday from that day forward. That may sound incongrous, but I think it shows the level of commitment he's willing to make. So, Mr. Rosenhaus please take a bow, this is a book that may seem overpriced at 10 cents, but feels really right to me.

The Worst Sports Has To Offer.......2005-04-12

The name of this book should be re-titled 'A Shark Never Sleeps: Wheeling and Dealing with the NFL's Most CLASSLESS Agent.' This guy is so disgusting I won't bother to give my litany of negative aspects of this book. The only interesting part of this book is that it exposes the ugly side of professional sports.

Wow! He's Some Kinda Symptom . . . Er, Guy!.......2002-10-07

October 6, 2002

Hoping for a peek into the arena of sports agency, I
picked this up one lazy afternoon. Wow! I suppose if
you're the right sort of person with the right sense of
humor, you could have a lot of fun wallowing inside this
fellow Drew Rosenhaus's own fascinated vision of himself
and his life--replete with numerous descriptions of how
crafty and tough he is, as well as an insert bikini photo
of his model girlfriend (with whom he's formed a deep,
lasting pair-bond, I'm sure).

However, it's more likely you might be left gaping at a
printed ego that approaches the sociopathic, pondering
about what publisher and editor were possibly thinking,
and wondering how many Drew Rosenhauses are out
there, tolerated, even rewarded, in this, the tackiest,
but best dressed, of all possible worlds.

Tolerated and rewarded not just in professional sports,
which would be bad enough, but in civil law, corporate
finance, government . . .

GREAT BOOK.......2001-02-10

This was a great book...i dont care what anyone says..yeah Drew's a show off but hey hes the BEST in the buisness and he tells u how he got there in this Book. And for that idiot that said he put a modeling Pic of his girl in the picture part of the book didnt even read it!...the pic isnt there....GO DREW GO!!!!!!!

This guy loves himself and only himself..........2000-01-29

I could not belive how someone could be this self involved... I am a negotiator and was hoping for good negotiating advice but got something much different. I am sure that half of this book was untrue, however I have to give credit were credit is due, he did make it to the top. I just hope that after the realease of this book he is able to stay there, "now that would be impressive"...

The Klutz Book of Card Games: For Sharks and Others (Klutz)

Average customer rating:

Never Played Cards? You Can Now!

The Klutz Book of Card Games: For Sharks and Others (Klutz)
Inc. Klutz
Manufacturer: Klutz Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Spiral-bound

General | Ages 9-12 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Sports | Subjects | Books

The Best Card Games In the Galaxy

ASIN: 0932592694

Product Description

Definitive rules for the best card games in the universe, along with the fifty-two tools of the trade. Plus complete plans for an architecturally sound house of cards. 126 pages. Black/white. Age: 8,9,10,11,12,Adult Manufacturer: Klutz

Customer Reviews:

Never Played Cards? You Can Now!.......1997-06-09

I had always wanted to learn some card games but often when I ask someone else to teach me, they aren't very good at explaining the directions. Or, I might sit down with a friend to play a game we both know, only to find out we've learned different and conflicting rules for it.

This book will end the confusion. The instructions are pretty easy to follow (you may have to read through them more than once -- that's why I rate the book with a 9 -- that and the fact that at the end their plans to build a house of cards will WRECK your cards permanently), and the pack of cards included might end up convincing you to make up your OWN card game!

In fact, I made up one of my own after reading about these card games (sorry if others have made up similar games). Here is how to play:

You will need two or more people and a normal pack of cards. Pass out 5 (or more as you get better and want to be more challenged) cards to each person. Put the rest of the cards in a pile face-down on the table.

The purpose of the game is to get all five (or more as you get better) cards of one suit...any suit, your choice...don't tell anyone what suit you are going for. Now, going around in a circle you can do one of two things...
1) Ask someone else (anyone) if they have the card you are looking for (suit) (and if they don't, you go fish). If they DO have it -- you give them one of YOUR cards, they give you that card.
2) Go fishing without asking, and discard one card after you go fishing...face up next to the face down pile.
3) Take the TOP card in the face-up pile that is formed from discarding.

The first person with all cards in one suit wins.

You can only have 5 cards at a time (or however many you began with.)

Well, read through the instructions again and I hope you get how to play. And after trying this book, maybe you will be motivated to make up a game of your own, too!

Average customer rating:
Great White! (Card Game)
Elaine de Man
Manufacturer: Card Shark
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Cards

All 4-for-3 Deals | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
Similar Items:

Go Fish! Hawai'i (Card Game)

ASIN: 1884827195
Release Date: 2006-10-01

Product Description

What nasty shark lurks in your opponent's hand? Could it be the Great White? Here's a card game that plays like "Old Maid" but, all the cards are sharks (some nice, some not so nice) and the one you don't want to end up with is, you guessed it, the Great White! Fourteen species of sharks are represented in all (with life-like illustrations by noted Hawaiian illustrator Les Hata): from the frivolous little cookie cutter shark to the majestic whale shark; from the common blacktip reef shark to the extremely rare megamouth. For those who have forgotten how to play Old Maid, there are instructions, and, by taking out the Great White card, you can play Go Fish! with the same deck. 54 poker-size playing cards in all.

The Rainbow Fish Look Out For the Shark!

Average customer rating:

The Rainbow Fish Books
Rainbow fisf look out for that shark

The Rainbow Fish Look Out For the Shark!
M. Pfister , and Marcus Pfister
Manufacturer: North-South
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Cards

General | Baby-3 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 073581466X

Book Description

Based on the popular game Old Maid, this variation consists of thirteen pairs of images-many with glittering holographic foil stamping-taken from the internationally best-selling Rainbow Fish books, as well as the dreaded single card-the dangerous shark.

Customer Reviews:

The Rainbow Fish Books.......2002-10-24

Everyone should have these books my son always tells me to read them to him, and now he reads them all by himself. He loves to feel the shiny scales on each book. I totally think that every child should own these books. I have two but I am going to get them all.

Rainbow fisf look out for that shark.......2001-07-22

I love these books by marcus pifster i am a toddler teacher and these books are great. the kids love me reading them and they sit through the whole book. i recommend all the rainbow fish books

Average customer rating:

Great read
intriguing chick lit tale

Card Sharks
Liz Maverick
Manufacturer: NAL Trade
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Friendship | Women's Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

General | Contemporary | Romance | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 045121675X

Book Description

Where are all the good men? Marianne and her best friend, Bijoux, are dying to know. Turns out they've been holed up around card tables, playing Texas Hold 'em. So Marianne and Bijoux decide it's time to up the ante and get in on the action. But they never imagined that Marianne would have a seriously talented poker player lurking inside her. And everyone knows what they say about lucky in cards...

Download Description

Customer Reviews:

Great read.......2006-10-31

Marianne and her heiriess turned golddigger best friend Bijoux, are looking for love. Marianne wants something more stable than her off and on relationship she is having with Donny, and Bijoux is looking for someone that will keep her in the manner that she's been accoustomed to since Mommy and Daddy are cutting her off soon, too soon.

Enter Peter, a friend of a freind of Bijoux's. He's a journalist, and tells Bijoux jokenly that the reason she and her friend can't find a man is because they are all playing poker. Marianne also knows that Donny plays poker with 'the guys'.

The two girls devise a plan, to join the men and beat them at their own game in cards, and find love. Only something happens. People, including herself, realize how GOOD Marianne is. So good that she, Peter, Bijoux, and Donny wind up in Vegas so that Marianne can be in high stakes big scale poker tourney on ESPN. And the four of them find out about each other, and themselves along the way.

intriguing chick lit tale .......2005-12-07

In California, Marianne has a good job and a nice fellow sort of; at least she has an "F"- buddy, but Donny has no thoughts about the future and lives only for today. However, though she knows all this she feels something is missing as there is no excitement in her life. Her best friend Bijoux echoes her sentiment of where the good men are while stuck escorting the nephew of the neighbors around town.

When Donny comes by for a quickie before running off to play poker), Marianne realizes where the males hide. She and Bijoux invade the Texas Hold'em poker bastion. Marianne proves to be one of the best players with men suddenly salivating for her. This includes Donny who sees a different side to his former girlfriend and ex "F"-buddy as he now wants to raise their relationship while she apparently will fold unless he hopes she is bluffing.

CARD SHARKS is an intriguing chick lit tale that focuses on the hold that poker has on many people with TV events and players like actress Tilly wining tournaments, but is much more than just the card games. Marianne is a terrific individual and though doing well feels somewhat disenchanted as she wonders who will enable her to want to get up early in the future. Bijoux supplements her as her best friend sharing some of the same concerns. The poker environment provides an environs for Marianne to capture some of the "va-voom" she feels missing in her life. Though the ending is chick lit 101, fans will appreciate the Marianne's lesson that life requires a balance between responsibility and pleasure that no bluff can attain.

Harriet Klausner

Average customer rating:

Are you kidding me?
Submitted on Behalf of BFMoss
Trusting the Tarot
A Tapestry

Card Shark
Gigi Miner
Manufacturer: Lulu.com
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Mystery | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books

General | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 1411642805

Book Description

A young widow tries to regain her life. Soon, she finds that everyone around her is being murdered. As she uses tarot cards to try to make sense of things, the killer is using them to pick out his victims. Who will be next?

Customer Reviews:

Are you kidding me?.......2007-02-23

So much for trusting the Amazon star rating system (4 1/2 stars?)! Serves me right for basing my buying decision on only 3 reviews. This is an amateurish attempt at a mystery novel and the ending is pathetic! Don't waste your time and money!

Submitted on Behalf of BFMoss.......2005-12-18

Gigi Miner weaves a tapestry of emotions, intrigue, and suspense in this mystery novel. Her characters come alive, as real as people that cross our path in this life. I can't help but nod my head in agreement with some of the characters as they play out their roles. In my head, the characters sounds familiar. I`ve met some of them.

The office interaction is realistic, she demonstrates the variety of psyches that make up the workplace, where everyone has a role, individual with their quirks and talents, yet part of the whole system.

The main character, in the person of Mahin seems like an enigma to me- frail and fragile with her medical problems and emotional state. Yet, an inner strength comes forth as she deals with uncertainties and especially when she is face to face with danger. Quite a heroine.

Adding an element of paranormal/ metaphysical aspect will pique the minds of believers and skeptics alike. This part of the novel is informative, actually very interesting. The use of descriptive language is not boring. I like the way the novel flows from one scene to the next.

There is something for everyone. Pet lovers will feel how the novel evokes and re-enforces their affection for their chosen pets. It confirms the belief that pets are good communicators. Card Shark is a great read!

BFMoss

Trusting the Tarot.......2005-10-31

In a captivating and action packed story, Gigi Miner describes the life of Mahin, a young woman whose husband died one year ago. Mourning the loss of her soul mate, Mahin takes up tarot card reading to make ends meet. She encounters a number of interesting clients but one day, her cards begin to give her ominous messages.

Card Shark is a taut, romantic mystery, which teaches us much about life and the philosophy of the tarot. It poses the question of whether events are determined by fate or free will. Miner, who is an Adult Education Instructor, uses excellent character development with crisp and realistic dialogue. She has a fine eye for detail and we can easily envision the historical town of Herkimer, New York.

This book is a must-read for animal lovers, since both cats and dogs play a major role in the novel and are portrayed in a unique manner.

Suspenseful and unpredictable, Card Shark moved along quickly with many twists and turns. It was a real page turner and I would highly recommend it.

Sigrid Macdonald
Author of D'Amour Road

A Tapestry.......2005-09-10

Gigi Miner, in her tale of a young window trying to live through life after sorrow, wove a thousand intricacies in her tapestry of mystery that left my head spinning. With her interesting tone of narrative and a disturbingly capturing look into the world of a murder mystery, she used tarot as an inclusive factor, and added an entirely new dimension to this book. I would read it a thousand times and still be left in awe.

Books:

Books Index

Books Home

Recommended Books