© September 8, 2008
By Daniel Cox
Editor, Poker Insider Magazine

Los Angeles - Poker strategist and author of the popular "Killer Poker" series, John Vorhaus’ new novel is fast paced, well written and thoroughly enjoyable. Thinking of Under the Gun as amystery/suspense thriller first and a poker strategy book second, does a great disservice to the witty and knowledgeable writing bound in its fast paced pages. While a poker neophyte will not become lost in the poker terminology, even the seasoned professional should find some helpful insight in the poker strategy so artfully woven throughout the story. The hardest part of any book review, especially if the book is as well put together as this one, is to keep from giving away too much of the story, yet providing enough of a glimpse at the story as to arouse the interest of the reader.

<><>"Under the Gun" is a high intensity murder mystery set in the cutthroat world of high stakes No-Limit Texas Hold’em tournament poker. It is the compelling story of Hal Harris, a straight-laced accountant from< W:ST="on">< W:ST="on">Pittsburgh<><>who, on the surface, is the antithesis of his hard living, professional poker-playing brother Guy. After a cryptic phone call from Guy gives Hal a bad feeling, he books the first plane to< W:ST="on">< W:ST="on">Las Vegas<><>. The bright lights of sin city are not the only shock to Hal’s stoic sensibilities. Soon after learning that Guy has won a seat at the world’s largest poker tournament, the $100,000 buy-in Poker Apocalypse, Hal sees his brother murdered. With the help of Guy’s friends, Hal has a month to learn the game he has always eschewed. Not only are the stakes a seat at the final table in the biggest of all poker tournaments, they are also his only hope to avenge his brother’s murder and possibly, save his own life and those of his newfound friends.

If you would like to buy a copy of John Vorhaus' "Under the Gun" visit the Bookstore at The PIM Mall.