Review of Heat in the Vegas Night

[Tejas Koli]

[Following is a volunteer review of "Heat in the Vegas Night" by Jerry Reedy.]

---

5 out of 5 stars

---

Share This Review

---

"Heat in the Vegas Night" takes readers on a nostalgic trip back to 1980s Las Vegas and offers a fascinating inside look at card-counting teams that successfully beat the casinos at their own game. Author Jerry Reedy shares escapades from his days as a member of Steve "The Boss" Kammeyer's elite crew of professional blackjack players with novelistic flair.

Reedy's memoir transports us straight into the heart of the action as the crew risks it all navigating the dangerous worlds of high-stakes casino gambling and mob-controlled casinos. Tense chase scenes vividly capture the adrenaline and split-second decision-making required as heat comes down from casino security. Between high-energy escapades, Reedy also shares insightful lessons learned from "The Boss" about team dynamics, surveillance countermeasures, and perfecting playing disciplines over years of practice. For blackjack aficionados and gambling history buffs, "Heat in the Vegas Night" is a thrilling ride. But it also works well as a character-driven memoir. Their mentorship relationship and Kammeyer's leadership of the crew come through clearly. Flashbacks to Reedy's initial recruitment and training effectively set the stage for later gambits.

The editing of the book is well done; there are no grammatical errors, which gives a seamless read. Reedy's skillful storytelling makes readers feel like flies on the wall, bringing to life faded details of casinos long since remodeled. Descriptions of games like roulette and craps introduce readers to classic casino offerings. Casual references to real-life figures who helped shape Las Vegas' gambling industry add historical context without interrupting the flow. There are no negative points to mention.

While the legality of card counting is debatable, "Heat in the Vegas Night" pits the protagonist and readers against casino security with equal shares of tension and thrill. It offers armchair travelers a heart-pounding visit to the neon-lit streets and backrooms of 1980s Sin City without risking a dime. Both entertainment and history buffs will find this memoir a page-turning treat. I would rate it 5 out of 5.

******
Heat in the Vegas Night
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon