Plain Heathen Mischief
by Martin Clark
Buy book: $14.96

In a feat of bravura storytelling, Martin Clark ranges from the cross to the double cross, from Virginia to Las Vegas, from jail cells to trout streams, as he follows his Job-like hero through dubious choices and high-dollar insurance hustles to a redemption that no reader could possibly predict.

Feels like this final Sunday sermon with all his thoughts and observations is the appetizer and/or salad before the meal -and necessary to prepare my palate - but am ready for my entree now, please -

I've read this novel and loved it. It's one of those books you don't want to end. Living in southwestern Virginia, I felt I'd met at least a few of these people and now know that they're having much more interesting lives than I would have thought possible. Have a wonderful time reading it. I did.

Well, have the book and am now into the meat of it and am loving every off beat morsel - the story, the characters, the writing, all of it - hope some of you will come along for the ride -

I have bought the book and am really enjoying it. It is fun and profound at the same time.

Glad to have someone else reading the book along with me - am ahead of the daily reads, but when I read today's read, remembered how much I loved the following description of the "know-betters" from the book -

"Inasmuch as self-awareness appeared to be the bedrock of correct living, the know-betters' credo was simple: you could do whatever you wanted, no matter how decadent, bad or bitchy, so long as you recognized that the pissy deeds or tacky earrings were beneath accepted standards. Knowledge was the power to act as you pleased"

I do find that I'm having to read diligently to understand all the intricate con games, etc. - how about you? -

i think the cover is very goofy in this novel... Cmon on now

I have the paperback and the cover is the famous Vegas sign. I like it much better than the other.