Charlie Howard is a mystery writer who also happens to be a part-time -- but very good -- thief. He's hoping to make some money in a more honest way when he visits Las Vegas with his agent and friend, Victoria Newbury, but when he sees Victoria succumb to the sleazy charms of professional magician Josh Masters, Charlie's larcenous impulses take over. He steals Masters' wallet and breaks into his luxurious hotel room, mostly just for spite. When he discovers the body of a woman in the posh bathroom, Charlie knows that despite his caution, he's probably going to be on the hotel's security footage and will be a prime suspect. He returns to Victoria, planning to make a quick getaway, only to find that he is already under suspicion -- not of murder, but of cheating the casino with Josh Masters. When Josh performs a disappearing act, Charlie and Victoria find themselves in some very hot water with some very dangerous people.

The plot may sound serious, but this is actually often a very funny story, mostly due to Charlie's narration. Readers will be laughing one minute and holding their breath the next as Charlie gets in and out of some tight spots -- literally and figuratively. Victoria provides a terrific straight woman and reluctant accomplice, and the colorful cast of characters fits in perfectly with the over- the-top background of Las Vegas. If you like your mysteries with a healthy dose of humor, you'll enjoy this quirky "travel guide."