The Prop- A Novel by Pete Hautman

Hautman is an award winning writer; this new fiction novel impressive sharply written new crime thriller is definitely for adults-especially those who would rather play poker than do anything else. Peeky Kane an attractive woman in her 40s is a prop-hired to keep shorthanded poker games going at a casino owned by a Native American tribe near Tucson Arizona. She gets paid 110 per eight-hour-shift plus health insurance keeps any money she wins at the tables (and must make up any losses out of her own pocket). Because she's shrewd and talented Peeky has managed to put together a small nest egg some of which goes to her troubled 21-year-old daughter Jaymie. Peeky's lover Buddy Balcomb is also a poker addict whose own winning streak may be over. Peeky's life takes a few sharp turns after some crooked dealers find a new way to steal money and make her an unwilling accomplice. As this short