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Casino Queen
Caroline Popov, alone, heartbroken, and deeply in debt ends up in glamorous Palm Springs, California where Native casinos have just opened, offering employment to thousands. She lands a job at the Palm Oasis Casino where she is mentored by the charismatic tribal chairman, John Tovar.
Embraced by casino culture, Caroline works her way up to casino manager of the Night Hawk, in the High Desert town of Joshua Tree. There, she is responsible for managing multicultural team members, satisfying the demands of often unique guests, and growing revenue while rooting out corruption.
In the process of rediscovering her inner strength, she learns, you have to gamble like your life depends on it. Because it often does.
Embraced by casino culture, Caroline works her way up to casino manager of the Night Hawk, in the High Desert town of Joshua Tree. There, she is responsible for managing multicultural team members, satisfying the demands of often unique guests, and growing revenue while rooting out corruption.
In the process of rediscovering her inner strength, she learns, you have to gamble like your life depends on it. Because it often does.
258 pages, ebook
First published March 16, 2022
About the author
Cara Bertoia
3 books47 followersGrowing up in a straight laced Southern family, I was always fascinated with casinos. In my twenties on a summer hiatus from teaching in North Carolina, I drove to California and became a dealer at Caesars in Lake Tahoe. My mother highly disapproved of my working in a casino, "a place so bad it has 'sin' in the middle."
Thankfully the paper from Palm Springs disagreed with my mother. The Desert Sun raved, "As if often the case, the author pulls from real-life experiences to create a worthy piece of fiction. And her own life is a vivid kaleidoscope of adventure. Casino Queen arrives at the perfect time when crime-solving tales that revolve around strong female protagonists aren’t just a luck of a draw. They’re downright successful. (See TV’s "Equalizer" and "Poker Face" for samplers.) To that end, Casino Queen has the makings of a streaming series."
Eventually, I succumbed to pressure from the family and returned east to take a high-tech job in Boston. I also began working on my MFA in writing at Emerson.
While in Boston I was offered the opportunity to join Princess Cruises as a croupier. Jumping at the chance, I spent the next five years circling the globe. Sometimes life exceeds your dreams. I was awed by the wonders of Venice, the fjords of Norway, and the Northern Lights in Leningrad but on the downside I also watched glaciers melt at an alarming rate in Alaska, snorkeled to coral reefs killed by pollution in the Caribbean, and witnessed the devastation as the Amazon burned. It was the best education I could ever have had. Taking advantage of every opportunity to be a tour guide, I soaked in as much history as I could.
I returned from ships with a very special souvenir, my husband Ray. Besides being a handsome Glaswegian, he is my co-author. We also produced a movie on walking the 500-mile "Camino De Santiago," in Spain.
Thankfully the paper from Palm Springs disagreed with my mother. The Desert Sun raved, "As if often the case, the author pulls from real-life experiences to create a worthy piece of fiction. And her own life is a vivid kaleidoscope of adventure. Casino Queen arrives at the perfect time when crime-solving tales that revolve around strong female protagonists aren’t just a luck of a draw. They’re downright successful. (See TV’s "Equalizer" and "Poker Face" for samplers.) To that end, Casino Queen has the makings of a streaming series."
Eventually, I succumbed to pressure from the family and returned east to take a high-tech job in Boston. I also began working on my MFA in writing at Emerson.
While in Boston I was offered the opportunity to join Princess Cruises as a croupier. Jumping at the chance, I spent the next five years circling the globe. Sometimes life exceeds your dreams. I was awed by the wonders of Venice, the fjords of Norway, and the Northern Lights in Leningrad but on the downside I also watched glaciers melt at an alarming rate in Alaska, snorkeled to coral reefs killed by pollution in the Caribbean, and witnessed the devastation as the Amazon burned. It was the best education I could ever have had. Taking advantage of every opportunity to be a tour guide, I soaked in as much history as I could.
I returned from ships with a very special souvenir, my husband Ray. Besides being a handsome Glaswegian, he is my co-author. We also produced a movie on walking the 500-mile "Camino De Santiago," in Spain.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
February 26, 2022
Caroline Popov is determined to succeed against heavy challenges after achieving a coveted position as the Night Hawk’s general manager. Pushing aside personal risk, she targets employee corruption despite carrying her own deep debt and a broken heart.
Casino Queen immerses readers in a fascinating backstage glimpse behind the smoke, glitter, noise, and slots. With her years working in the industry, Cara Bertoia is an expert tour guide. She introduces touches of mystery and suspense to propel even nongamblers through her debut novel – first in a series. With Casino Queen’s unexpected ending, it’s a good bet you’ll go along for the ride.
Casino Queen immerses readers in a fascinating backstage glimpse behind the smoke, glitter, noise, and slots. With her years working in the industry, Cara Bertoia is an expert tour guide. She introduces touches of mystery and suspense to propel even nongamblers through her debut novel – first in a series. With Casino Queen’s unexpected ending, it’s a good bet you’ll go along for the ride.
March 20, 2022
When you start reading some books, you know that the author knows what they're doing, and that they are an authority in the world they have set out to create.
In Casino Queen, Bertoia takes us into the Palm Oasis Casino, and the machinations of what to me is an absolutely strange and mysterious world of gambling and casinos. The closest I've been to a casino is when I was stranded at The Venetian for a few days during a typhoon in Hong kong.
While that is a story for another time, Casino Queen feels like nothing short of a storm itself, capable of blowing you off your feet with mystery, intrigue, and even a bit of romance. It provides a behind-the-scenes look at a hidden world, but that is not its only strength. The characters jump off the page--I rooted for Caroline Popov, and stayed with her through the various twists, and the surprising yet inevitable ending.
Can't wait for Bertoia's next! Thank you, Netgalley, for my copy.
In Casino Queen, Bertoia takes us into the Palm Oasis Casino, and the machinations of what to me is an absolutely strange and mysterious world of gambling and casinos. The closest I've been to a casino is when I was stranded at The Venetian for a few days during a typhoon in Hong kong.
While that is a story for another time, Casino Queen feels like nothing short of a storm itself, capable of blowing you off your feet with mystery, intrigue, and even a bit of romance. It provides a behind-the-scenes look at a hidden world, but that is not its only strength. The characters jump off the page--I rooted for Caroline Popov, and stayed with her through the various twists, and the surprising yet inevitable ending.
Can't wait for Bertoia's next! Thank you, Netgalley, for my copy.
February 8, 2022
There are two things I really look for in a good read, first I want to go inside a world that’s unknown to me. Next. I want to be surprised when I finally get to the part where the “who done it” is revealed. Casino Queen hit it for me on both points and one more. I love Palm Springs California the setting for the story. For over a decade I attended the Palm Beach film festival and saw a lot of films and even more celebrities, writers, directors and artists of all types. While I was there I frequented a casinos run by the Aqua Caliente tribe, who I assume is the basis for the Shotowa tribe in the book. This brought the reading experience close to home for me. But make no mistake if you haven't been to Palm Springs the authors descriptions of the area will make you feel like you have already been.
As I’ve walked through casinos I have always felt like an outsider, I feel it’s not really my territory, no matter how hospitable the casino staff try to be and how exuberant the greeters are I know that there is more than meets the eye. Clearly there is something I don’t know or I’m not supposed to know behind that velvet rope or dark curtain. But Cara Bartoia brought me in, showed me the back rooms, the rooms which no one is supposed to be in or see. The many layers of security and scrutiny that are set up to protect the casinos’ profits from not only the players but from the staff as well. The reader sees It’s a world that’s built on trust where no one is actually trusted. As the story unfolds it becomes clear that this lack of trust does not end at the walls of the Night Hawk Casino.
Simultaneously as the reader starts to grasp the inner workings of the gaming industry the door to another world opens. The relationship of the Native American community to almost all forms of gambling. We all know that Native Americans own and run casinos but have you ever seen the tribe as a literal, related by blood family where it’s head must possess the managerial skills of a Fortune 500 CEO combined with the emotional intelligence to successfully navigate the needs, wants, and expectations of hundreds of unique personalities? After meeting John Tovar, the chief of the Shotowa Tribe we see how those often conflicting tasks are expertly accomplished.
Besides the chief all the other main characters are fleshed out. The amiable Irishman, who everyone trusts and are comfortable in his presence, maybe a bit too comfortable. the Tovar twins, cousins to the chief, who are in a position of trust, but can they really be trusted? An absentee husband, who could be a trusted life partner, or maybe not. Not everyone is who they seem and every time you think you know where the story is going you will be lead some where you never expected, you will be surprised.
Last but certainly not least is Caroline Popov, the Casio Queen. Caroline introduces us to the characters who frequent the casino and she does it by humanizing them. She shows us how these people consider the Night Hawk a second home, she gives us their back stories, some touching, some tragic but always engaging. The industry is seen through her eyes and we may learn more that we should about how an enjoyable diversion for most, an obsession for many can turn deadly for her. That’s the starting off point for the “who done it”. Murder, mayhem, treachery, betrayal, it’s all at the Night Hawk. I rate it five stars, straight flush, four bars, Twenty- One, cash in your chips and buy the book.
As I’ve walked through casinos I have always felt like an outsider, I feel it’s not really my territory, no matter how hospitable the casino staff try to be and how exuberant the greeters are I know that there is more than meets the eye. Clearly there is something I don’t know or I’m not supposed to know behind that velvet rope or dark curtain. But Cara Bartoia brought me in, showed me the back rooms, the rooms which no one is supposed to be in or see. The many layers of security and scrutiny that are set up to protect the casinos’ profits from not only the players but from the staff as well. The reader sees It’s a world that’s built on trust where no one is actually trusted. As the story unfolds it becomes clear that this lack of trust does not end at the walls of the Night Hawk Casino.
Simultaneously as the reader starts to grasp the inner workings of the gaming industry the door to another world opens. The relationship of the Native American community to almost all forms of gambling. We all know that Native Americans own and run casinos but have you ever seen the tribe as a literal, related by blood family where it’s head must possess the managerial skills of a Fortune 500 CEO combined with the emotional intelligence to successfully navigate the needs, wants, and expectations of hundreds of unique personalities? After meeting John Tovar, the chief of the Shotowa Tribe we see how those often conflicting tasks are expertly accomplished.
Besides the chief all the other main characters are fleshed out. The amiable Irishman, who everyone trusts and are comfortable in his presence, maybe a bit too comfortable. the Tovar twins, cousins to the chief, who are in a position of trust, but can they really be trusted? An absentee husband, who could be a trusted life partner, or maybe not. Not everyone is who they seem and every time you think you know where the story is going you will be lead some where you never expected, you will be surprised.
Last but certainly not least is Caroline Popov, the Casio Queen. Caroline introduces us to the characters who frequent the casino and she does it by humanizing them. She shows us how these people consider the Night Hawk a second home, she gives us their back stories, some touching, some tragic but always engaging. The industry is seen through her eyes and we may learn more that we should about how an enjoyable diversion for most, an obsession for many can turn deadly for her. That’s the starting off point for the “who done it”. Murder, mayhem, treachery, betrayal, it’s all at the Night Hawk. I rate it five stars, straight flush, four bars, Twenty- One, cash in your chips and buy the book.
February 20, 2022
A mystery with thrills to spare PLUS a fascinating window into the high-stakes world of casino gambling told by someone who worked in the industry. A real page-turner that's hard to put down... highly recommended! It's a book you can bet on for a rollicking good time.
May 13, 2023
A Peek Inside Casino Life
If you have never been to a casino—and I don’t mean those racinos popping up everywhere, I mean a real casino with slot machines and roulette wheels, card rooms and wire cages—do not fear, the pages of Cara Bertoia’s Casino Queen will transport you there. And if you’re a regular visitor of these gambling establishments, Bertoia’s descriptions of flashing lights, ringing bells, smoke-filled rooms of red-eyed gamblers huddling around a Black Jack table for one more round will make you feel right at home. Bertoia’s setting is not the mob-controlled, neon-lighted strip of Vegas, but a lone casino in the California desert run by a Native American tribe as a vital source of jobs and income for its members. The novel features a plunky protagonist, Caroline Popov, whose journey from failed real estate agent to casino manager is told through vignettes of life in the world of casinos, both on the floor and behind the scenes, in the security and cash rooms. The reader can’t help but root for Caroline as she struggles to reclaim her life and navigate the world of the business of gambling, not to mention a relationship.
If the roll of the dice, the flip of the cards, and the pull of the slot makes your heart race, Casino Queen is the perfect bet for your next read.
If you have never been to a casino—and I don’t mean those racinos popping up everywhere, I mean a real casino with slot machines and roulette wheels, card rooms and wire cages—do not fear, the pages of Cara Bertoia’s Casino Queen will transport you there. And if you’re a regular visitor of these gambling establishments, Bertoia’s descriptions of flashing lights, ringing bells, smoke-filled rooms of red-eyed gamblers huddling around a Black Jack table for one more round will make you feel right at home. Bertoia’s setting is not the mob-controlled, neon-lighted strip of Vegas, but a lone casino in the California desert run by a Native American tribe as a vital source of jobs and income for its members. The novel features a plunky protagonist, Caroline Popov, whose journey from failed real estate agent to casino manager is told through vignettes of life in the world of casinos, both on the floor and behind the scenes, in the security and cash rooms. The reader can’t help but root for Caroline as she struggles to reclaim her life and navigate the world of the business of gambling, not to mention a relationship.
If the roll of the dice, the flip of the cards, and the pull of the slot makes your heart race, Casino Queen is the perfect bet for your next read.
February 4, 2022
The behind-the-scenes details about casino life filling every page of this novel feel completely authentic, and that’s because Cara Bertoia knows casinos and casino culture like the back of her hand, from her years working in them. But that’s just the backdrop to a suspense-filled plot, in which casino manager Caroline Popov uncovers criminal activity among her employees and faces growing personal peril when her investigations threaten to unmask the perpetrators. Add in a longtime thwarted romance and some serious plot twists, this debut novel delivers on many levels and winds up with a throat-tightening ending.
June 2, 2023
This was the first book I've read by this author, and I look forward to reading more. I knew this was a casino book, but was glad to learn that it was a Native American casino instead of a Las Vegas casino. The behind-the-scenes details immersed me in the story. Much of the book is what I suspect is backstory and world-building for future books - and the world is richly drawn. I can't wait to read the next!
January 27, 2022
Bertoia brings us deep into the colorful, character-filled world of gambling and high-stakes shenanigans and doesn’t let us go until the twist-filled ending! (I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.)
May 21, 2023
Filled with unexpected plot twists and authentic, behind the scene glimpses into the thrill and danger of gambling, this debut novel by Cara Bertoia offers an inside view of the intricacies of running a Native American casino in a California desert town.
An excellent, thrilling read!
An excellent, thrilling read!
March 5, 2022
Cozy mysteries have a familiar structure. A woman runs her own business with support of her family and friends. She has a habit of finding dead bodies early in the plot and then feeling compelled to find the murderer herself.
Casino Queen has few of those elements. Instead, the setting, a casino in the Californian High Desert, serves as the main focus. Caroline, the casino’s general manager, is the heroine as her backstory is told in flashbacks.
I’ve always been curious about the way casinos are run. This is a deep dive into that culture. If you like casinos and want backstage access, Casino Queen is the perfect book for you. Just don’t expect the usual cozy mystery structure. 3 stars.
Thanks to the author and Great Escapes Book Tours for a copy in exchange for my honest review.
Casino Queen has few of those elements. Instead, the setting, a casino in the Californian High Desert, serves as the main focus. Caroline, the casino’s general manager, is the heroine as her backstory is told in flashbacks.
I’ve always been curious about the way casinos are run. This is a deep dive into that culture. If you like casinos and want backstage access, Casino Queen is the perfect book for you. Just don’t expect the usual cozy mystery structure. 3 stars.
Thanks to the author and Great Escapes Book Tours for a copy in exchange for my honest review.
March 6, 2022
A unique look at casino operations, with so much suspense!
Such great character development and depiction – I could see and hear every character as I read. The Coachella Valley and High Desert were also told from an insider’s point of view, rather than just as a backdrop for the story. As were the casino operations and roles, both on the floor and behind the scenes. Very well done. This was a super fast read because the suspense just kept layering. There were red herrings and real hints, but as the reader I wasn’t sure which was which. I could not solve the mystery until it was laid out for me, which to me is the sign of a well written book.
Such great character development and depiction – I could see and hear every character as I read. The Coachella Valley and High Desert were also told from an insider’s point of view, rather than just as a backdrop for the story. As were the casino operations and roles, both on the floor and behind the scenes. Very well done. This was a super fast read because the suspense just kept layering. There were red herrings and real hints, but as the reader I wasn’t sure which was which. I could not solve the mystery until it was laid out for me, which to me is the sign of a well written book.
March 16, 2022
Cara Bertoia’s debut novel, The Casino Queen is more than a mystery. It is also a fascinating look at the inside workings of a casino. Cara’s characters are fully developed individuals. But I must admit, my favorite character was the setting itself. The Night Hawk became a living, breathing organism.
Cards shuffling, laughter swirling through her air, ice-cubes clinking, air-conditioner’s whirring, gambler’s footsteps crossing her floor. All these sounds, smells and sights infused life into the Night Hawk’s veins.
I love losing myself in a world different than my own. Cara Bertoia has managed to do just that with this debut. I’m looking forward to her next book.
Cards shuffling, laughter swirling through her air, ice-cubes clinking, air-conditioner’s whirring, gambler’s footsteps crossing her floor. All these sounds, smells and sights infused life into the Night Hawk’s veins.
I love losing myself in a world different than my own. Cara Bertoia has managed to do just that with this debut. I’m looking forward to her next book.
February 19, 2022
Casino queen is a must read. If you like mysteries you will love this book. Cara Bertoia really captures life in a casino and all the characters involved from employees to customers! The story is set in the desert near Palm Springs and she captures the essence of the gorgeous desert. Its a fun and exciting book and I also could relate to some of her characters!!
March 19, 2022
Dollycas’s Thoughts
After traveling to Russia with her husband Andrei, Caroline’s life implodes when he tells her their real estate business in Palm Springs is underwater in debt. He begs her to stay with him in Russia but she returns to California to face the creditors and deal with the fallout. To handle to immense tax debt her friend, John Tovar hires her to work at his tribe’s casinos. She soon finds herself promoted to casino manager at the Night Hawk Casino with the direction to update the place and grow it to be all it can be. But she also has to watch over the staff. Being around the amounts of money her employees see can quickly lead to corruption.
I started reading Casino Queen and could not put the book down. I stayed up late because the story had a slow build that grabbed a hold of me and wouldn’t let go. Soon the story became so surprising and suspenseful the pages were flying so fast there should have been steam coming out of my Kindle.
Caroline Popov is a character with depth. She uses her keen observations skills to keep the guests of the casino happy and her employees honest. Sadly she does make a few enemies when she needs to ban some guests and fire a few employees. She has a huge heart so those actions weren’t easy but she can’t turn her back on out of control behavior or illegal acts. She also loves her husband dearly but couldn’t abide his actions. She fights hard to always do the right thing and at times that takes a lot of courage. The more I read the more I loved this character and became invested in everything about her and what she faced.
The author draws on her vast knowledge of casinos to give her readers a real beyond-the-scenes look at a place full of bells and whistles. From the slot machines, blackjack tables, money counters, and dealers, to the restaurants and security offices and personnel she goes into depth on it all. We also get to travel the desert to Caroline’s cozy home. The desert setting was great for this story. The desolate area was eerie at the right times and beautiful in others. I really enjoyed Ms. Bertoia’s descriptions. I felt like I was following right in Caroline’s footsteps.
Casino Queen was not what I expected from reading the synopsis, it was so much more. The casino culture was both interesting and intriguing. Add to that some mystery, suspense, and romance and you have an absolutely Perfect Escape. In the end, everything in this story appears to be wrapped up nicely. I am really excited to see where the author takes Caroline next.
After traveling to Russia with her husband Andrei, Caroline’s life implodes when he tells her their real estate business in Palm Springs is underwater in debt. He begs her to stay with him in Russia but she returns to California to face the creditors and deal with the fallout. To handle to immense tax debt her friend, John Tovar hires her to work at his tribe’s casinos. She soon finds herself promoted to casino manager at the Night Hawk Casino with the direction to update the place and grow it to be all it can be. But she also has to watch over the staff. Being around the amounts of money her employees see can quickly lead to corruption.
I started reading Casino Queen and could not put the book down. I stayed up late because the story had a slow build that grabbed a hold of me and wouldn’t let go. Soon the story became so surprising and suspenseful the pages were flying so fast there should have been steam coming out of my Kindle.
Caroline Popov is a character with depth. She uses her keen observations skills to keep the guests of the casino happy and her employees honest. Sadly she does make a few enemies when she needs to ban some guests and fire a few employees. She has a huge heart so those actions weren’t easy but she can’t turn her back on out of control behavior or illegal acts. She also loves her husband dearly but couldn’t abide his actions. She fights hard to always do the right thing and at times that takes a lot of courage. The more I read the more I loved this character and became invested in everything about her and what she faced.
The author draws on her vast knowledge of casinos to give her readers a real beyond-the-scenes look at a place full of bells and whistles. From the slot machines, blackjack tables, money counters, and dealers, to the restaurants and security offices and personnel she goes into depth on it all. We also get to travel the desert to Caroline’s cozy home. The desert setting was great for this story. The desolate area was eerie at the right times and beautiful in others. I really enjoyed Ms. Bertoia’s descriptions. I felt like I was following right in Caroline’s footsteps.
Casino Queen was not what I expected from reading the synopsis, it was so much more. The casino culture was both interesting and intriguing. Add to that some mystery, suspense, and romance and you have an absolutely Perfect Escape. In the end, everything in this story appears to be wrapped up nicely. I am really excited to see where the author takes Caroline next.
April 6, 2024
I have visited several casinos in Las Vegas and other gambling hotspots and found the fascinating, even though I only usually played the slot machines. I don’t think that most visitors to these establishments think too much about the logistics of managing the massive movement of customers, money and the staff. The author’s own experience in working on cruise ships and casinos is very evident and it was amazing to discover all that goes on behind the scenes.
Caroline Popov is very likeable and the reader soon comes to appreciate how far she has come following heartbreak to a highly competent casino manager, who combines an eagle eye on every move made on the tables and at the slots, with an empathetic approach to staff and customers alike. Backed up by the charming John Tovar she begins the task of rooting out those who manage to evade all the surveillance equipment to line their pockets on both sides of the tables, and to build a well trained and winning team on the casino floor and behind the scenes.
This makes enemies and one in particular is prepared to use violence to exact revenge. It becomes a challenge to identify who is friend and who is intent on harming her, and trusting the wrong person might be fatal.
This is a high octane thriller with a back story filtered in to the plot as the story progresses about Caroline’s past which reinforces her strength of character and determination to work hard towards a better future.
After several surprise discoveries, there is a final twist that I certainly didn’t see coming which brought the book to a very satisfactory ending. I can highly recommend.
Caroline Popov is very likeable and the reader soon comes to appreciate how far she has come following heartbreak to a highly competent casino manager, who combines an eagle eye on every move made on the tables and at the slots, with an empathetic approach to staff and customers alike. Backed up by the charming John Tovar she begins the task of rooting out those who manage to evade all the surveillance equipment to line their pockets on both sides of the tables, and to build a well trained and winning team on the casino floor and behind the scenes.
This makes enemies and one in particular is prepared to use violence to exact revenge. It becomes a challenge to identify who is friend and who is intent on harming her, and trusting the wrong person might be fatal.
This is a high octane thriller with a back story filtered in to the plot as the story progresses about Caroline’s past which reinforces her strength of character and determination to work hard towards a better future.
After several surprise discoveries, there is a final twist that I certainly didn’t see coming which brought the book to a very satisfactory ending. I can highly recommend.
March 21, 2022
Intriguing Read
What a great, twisty mystery which gives you a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the workings of a casino. From the well-fleshed out characters to the desert setting, this book pulls you into the life of a casino manager and her struggle to keep customers happy, employees honest, and maintain a personal life. The author’s knowledge of this world enhances the authenticity of the story, while not overwhelming the reader with too much technical jargon. As the mystery builds and the danger becomes real for the main character, the author throws in twists that you don’t see coming.
What a great, twisty mystery which gives you a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the workings of a casino. From the well-fleshed out characters to the desert setting, this book pulls you into the life of a casino manager and her struggle to keep customers happy, employees honest, and maintain a personal life. The author’s knowledge of this world enhances the authenticity of the story, while not overwhelming the reader with too much technical jargon. As the mystery builds and the danger becomes real for the main character, the author throws in twists that you don’t see coming.
March 11, 2022
I am so glad I stumbled upon this book. Casino Queen is one of those books that you can’t put down. It’s a pleasure to read because the plot is very well laid out and the author gives you subtle clues, yet it still surprises you. Casino Queen entertains you as well as educates you on the ins and outs of casino life. As an occasional gambler I had no idea what goes on behind the scenes. On my next trip out west I am going to make a point to visit the Coachella Valley and other places mentioned in Casino Queen. I can’t wait for the next book published by Cara Bertoia!
February 9, 2022
Loved reading about casino life in Palm Springs,Ca!
April 14, 2022
Casino Queen
Night Hawk Casino Series
by Cara Bertoia
Pub Date 16 Mar 2022
The Wild Rose
General Fiction (Adult) | Multicultural Interest | Mystery & Thrillers
I am reviewing a copy of Casino Queen through The Wild Rose and Netgalley:
Caroline Poppov is alone , heartbroken, and deeply in debt ends up in glamorous Palm Springs, California where Native casinos have just opened, offering employment to thousands. Caroline manages to land a job at the Palm Oasis Casino where she is mentored by the charismatic tribal chairman, John Tovar.
Caroline is embraced by Casino Culture and works her way up to casino manager of the Night Hawk, in the High Desert town of Joshua Tree, where she finds herself responsible for managing multicultural team members, satisfying the demands of often unique guests, and growing revenue while rooting out corruption.
While rediscovering her inner strength , she learns you have to gamble like your life depends on it, because sometimes it does.
I give Casino Queen five out of five stars!
Happy Reading!
Night Hawk Casino Series
by Cara Bertoia
Pub Date 16 Mar 2022
The Wild Rose
General Fiction (Adult) | Multicultural Interest | Mystery & Thrillers
I am reviewing a copy of Casino Queen through The Wild Rose and Netgalley:
Caroline Poppov is alone , heartbroken, and deeply in debt ends up in glamorous Palm Springs, California where Native casinos have just opened, offering employment to thousands. Caroline manages to land a job at the Palm Oasis Casino where she is mentored by the charismatic tribal chairman, John Tovar.
Caroline is embraced by Casino Culture and works her way up to casino manager of the Night Hawk, in the High Desert town of Joshua Tree, where she finds herself responsible for managing multicultural team members, satisfying the demands of often unique guests, and growing revenue while rooting out corruption.
While rediscovering her inner strength , she learns you have to gamble like your life depends on it, because sometimes it does.
I give Casino Queen five out of five stars!
Happy Reading!
April 22, 2022
Easy to read. Would have liked more details in the scenery at the casino. Being a casual blackjack player, I always enjoy the large amount of stimulation present and the ambience. The author actually did point out players like me in the beginning and it is very true! About halfway through, I wasn’t sure which direction the book was going. Was this a thriller, drama, or something else? It describes casino life and the happenings within, which is good for those who have never stepped foot in a casino or don’t know much about it. In fact, it may have been well more appealing to those other than occasional/frequent players. I will say that I do appreciate that the events are palpable and could have happened in real life. There is a pleasant surprise at the end which is cute. After reading the authors note, I have a greater appreciation towards the story. If I would have read that first, I think I would have valued the read more.
March 8, 2022
Wow. What a fun and intriguing read. Started and could not put it down. I have some friends in the casino business. Never knew how much work, government control, and unscrupulous people work in this industry. Love Caroline. Want her for my best friend. Love reading about strong and capable women. However!!!! I really fell in love with the tribal leader John Tovar. That is a man I would love to meet. Good men do exist according to Ms. Bertoia. Way to go. A great read . Hoping for more to come!
March 11, 2022
I loved the book! It had everything that a good read should have; an interesting story, crime, mystery, love and so much more. I learned a ton about the casino culture that I didn't have a clue about.
The book made me feel like I was transported to Palm Springs, I could see the beautiful scenery and enter the world of the Night Hawk Casino.
The characters were so well constructed that I turned every page waiting to find out what was going on.
I really enjoyed every second of reading the Casino Queen and definitely recommend it!
The book made me feel like I was transported to Palm Springs, I could see the beautiful scenery and enter the world of the Night Hawk Casino.
The characters were so well constructed that I turned every page waiting to find out what was going on.
I really enjoyed every second of reading the Casino Queen and definitely recommend it!
March 15, 2022
I can tell the author spent most of her career with the casino industry. The detail and nuance in CASINO QUEEN are amazing!
Inside the casino, perpetual night reigns, but Caroline Popov gets to the bottom of her problems. The tension between John and Andrei feels realistic.
John's "tribe had only been in the casino business for ten years, but his emotions were conflicted. He loved that for the first time the tribe was self-sufficient, but he didn’t like seeing people throw their life savings away on silly games."
Once you start reading CASINO QUEEN, the games are anything but silly.
Inside the casino, perpetual night reigns, but Caroline Popov gets to the bottom of her problems. The tension between John and Andrei feels realistic.
John's "tribe had only been in the casino business for ten years, but his emotions were conflicted. He loved that for the first time the tribe was self-sufficient, but he didn’t like seeing people throw their life savings away on silly games."
Once you start reading CASINO QUEEN, the games are anything but silly.
May 17, 2023
What a unique and suspenseful tale! With all the suspense/mystery books flooding the market on a regular basis, it's so fun to find one that teaches you something and offers a new experience to the reader. I loved being immersed in the behind-the-scenes world of casinos alongside Caroline Popov. It was so easy to identify with Caroline's struggles and to admire her tenacity in walking into a new management role and trying her best to run it well while navigating such an interesting cast of characters working alongside her.
March 16, 2022
Author Bertoia brings a familiarity with casino life, showing a unique talent for creating diverse, fascinating characters who will not soon leave the reader’s mind. Casino Queen is a non-stop adventure, telling the tale of a woman who, like the mythical phoenix, rises out of the ashes of despair and loss to recreate a life stronger and better than before.
Based on a scale of 1-5, Casino Queen deserves a 6
Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews
Based on a scale of 1-5, Casino Queen deserves a 6
Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews
May 28, 2022
Behind-the-Scenes
Ms. Bertoia takes the reader on an intimate tour of a modern casino.
When the real estate bubble burst, Caroline Popov ends up alone and in debt. Accepting a job at a tribal casino, she works her way up the ladder. When assigned as manager to Night Hawk, she ruffles more than a few feathers. Who is behind the vandalism and threats? The high desert was never so interesting -- or dangerous.
Ms. Bertoia takes the reader on an intimate tour of a modern casino.
When the real estate bubble burst, Caroline Popov ends up alone and in debt. Accepting a job at a tribal casino, she works her way up the ladder. When assigned as manager to Night Hawk, she ruffles more than a few feathers. Who is behind the vandalism and threats? The high desert was never so interesting -- or dangerous.
November 27, 2022
*I received a free copy of this book which I voluntarily chose to write an honest review for.
I must say this was quite the fun read. We meet Caroline who finds herself deep in debt and lonely. This forces her to seek employment which lands her a casino. It was quite interesting to learn some of things that go on behind the scenes of all that gambling. Add in some suspense, a little mystery, and some slight romance to get an entertaining read. I really liked it so I give it 4/5 stars.
I must say this was quite the fun read. We meet Caroline who finds herself deep in debt and lonely. This forces her to seek employment which lands her a casino. It was quite interesting to learn some of things that go on behind the scenes of all that gambling. Add in some suspense, a little mystery, and some slight romance to get an entertaining read. I really liked it so I give it 4/5 stars.
April 26, 2022
This story was both entertaining and interesting! I loved the main character, a strong female, and the other characters were colorful and came to life also. Plus I learned a lot about the behind-the-scenes operations of a casino.
June 1, 2023
This book surprised me. I wasn’t sure what to expect when I first started reading it, and as I kept reading, I kept trying to pigeonhole it, but it refused to be classified as anything other than a really good fiction book. There’s a little romance, a little mystery, a little intrigue, kidnapping, theft, and more. The characters are believable—you feel like you can actually know someone like this or that one. The world building is amazing – I’ve never been in a casino, but I feel like I know what one is like now. It’s obvious the author knows what she’s talking about. And the desert surrounding the casino – what a beautiful place that must be. I want to go there! The story is all about Caroline Popov, the manager of a casino on tribal lands outside of Palm Springs, CA. Her job runs the gamut of catching thieves (both patrons and workers), calming nerves, making nice even when she doesn’t feel like it. When she fires one crooked worker, he retaliates in ways that cause her to need a body guard. But Caroline is no wimp. She has been through the worst that life can throw at her and has come out stronger.
What I liked: The characters, the setting, the story. I didn’t think I was going to like it. This isn’t a genre I read that often, but the author’s skill in telling the story wouldn’t let me put the book down. She kept pulling me back to find out what happens.
Recommendation: Highly recommended as a different kind of story.
Disclaimer: Disclosure of Material: I received a final and/or advanced reader copy of this book with the hope that I will leave my unbiased opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that… My Opinions. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
What I liked: The characters, the setting, the story. I didn’t think I was going to like it. This isn’t a genre I read that often, but the author’s skill in telling the story wouldn’t let me put the book down. She kept pulling me back to find out what happens.
Recommendation: Highly recommended as a different kind of story.
Disclaimer: Disclosure of Material: I received a final and/or advanced reader copy of this book with the hope that I will leave my unbiased opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that… My Opinions. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
May 18, 2023
Caroline Popov is promoted to the coveted position of general manager and sets out to bring the lonely, rundown Night Hawk casino into the 21st century. She has her work cut out for her, though, in keeping the casino’s profits up, the gamblers happy, and the employees honest—but not everyone is happy with the changes she’s made.
There are lots of secondary characters from various backgrounds and cultures, which added depth and realism. I appreciate that Ms. Bertoia was so inclusive. The dynamic between how the Native American-owned casino was operated and the way of life for the tribesmen working there was also interesting.
Since Ms. Bertoia used to work in a casino, this story has an authentic feel to it from how to count chips, how games are played and cheated at, the equipment used, how both gamblers’ and employees’ lives are ruined and improved, and all the other highs and lows that come from this high-stakes culture. Everything is perfectly detailed, so if you were ever interested in how a casino works, this book should cover it without sounding like a manual.
I don’t read mysteries often, but this was a fun, suspenseful story that kept me turning the pages.
4 Stars
There are lots of secondary characters from various backgrounds and cultures, which added depth and realism. I appreciate that Ms. Bertoia was so inclusive. The dynamic between how the Native American-owned casino was operated and the way of life for the tribesmen working there was also interesting.
Since Ms. Bertoia used to work in a casino, this story has an authentic feel to it from how to count chips, how games are played and cheated at, the equipment used, how both gamblers’ and employees’ lives are ruined and improved, and all the other highs and lows that come from this high-stakes culture. Everything is perfectly detailed, so if you were ever interested in how a casino works, this book should cover it without sounding like a manual.
I don’t read mysteries often, but this was a fun, suspenseful story that kept me turning the pages.
4 Stars
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