Book Review: Busted Flush

Reviewed By: Woodstock - RAM

Busted Flush     Amazon US TPB Amazon US HC Amazon Canada TPB Amazon Canada HC
Brad Smith
Class/Genre:   Mystery
Picador March 2006

Brad Smith serves up a very enjoyable tale involving a treasure trove of Civil War artifacts which includes a forerunner of present day audio recording equipment. The item may be worth millions of dollars, and almost immediately widens the scope of the action to include an extensive list of persons hoping to score a jackpot beyond their wildest dreams.

In keeping with the title, BUSTED FLUSH is an extended game of chance, complete with stereotypical con men and their target - whose determination to have things his way turns the game into much more than the con men have bargained for.

Dock Bass, whose discoveries in a dilapidated house under renovation are the catalyst for the action, is not someone seeking to strike it rich. Instead he is intrigued by his discovery, enchanted by the traditional construction of the house he has inherited, fascinated by what he learns from a group of educators who are also interested in his stash, and bemused by the attempts to create a typical 21st century media circus in his newly adopted hometown.

The head of one of the media outlets seeking to join the potential circus sends an ambitious young reporter to the scene. Amy Morris is also seeking to score - hoping find the one big story which will catapult her career to the big time.

Smith skillfully weaves all plot elements together and provides a very entertaining read, with sly pokes at the business of commercial trade in historical artifacts and the relentless march of media frenzy. In doing so he celebrates the irresistible force of one honest man who plays by an honest set of rules.

Woodstock - RAM

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Woodstock - RAM