Literary Las Vegas: Brian Hamm

"The Art Broker," a crime thriller grounded in Brian Hamm's early career experiences as a Las Vegas hotel executive, follows Las Vegas art dealer Jonah Devine as he is torn between the glitzy art world he longs to dominate and a dangerous underworld where he discovers he is more pawn than whale. Visit brianhamm.com.

Excerpt:

"And legend has it," Devine said to the group, "his large physique was shaped by hugging every female patron who had visited the place — more likely, though, by hurling blackjack tables at card counters."

The crowd laughed along with Colton, who introduced Devine, but quickly interrupted him before he could work the crowd.

"If you would excuse us, I need to speak to Mr. Devine alone about a new project here at Orient Beach. Something unique, breathtaking." His notoriously charismatic smile beamed from his bronze face as he pulled Devine back a few steps toward the lap pool. "The VIP casino. I want it filled with masterpieces, ancient artifacts," Colton said just loud enough for the onlookers to hear. "Nothing on the Strip will rival our high roller room. They'll feel like royals …"