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Mike Faricy
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The Big Gamble (Dev Haskell - Private Investigator Book 28) Kindle Edition

by Mike Faricy (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.4 out of 5 stars 1,505 ratings
Mike Faricy is the winner of the

2019 Crime Masters of America Poison Cup Award.

He is the winner of the 2020

Crime Master's of America Poison Cup Award

for the Best Selling series.

He has been nominated for the 2018, 2019, & 2020 Silver Falchion Award.

THE BIG GAMBLE

Dev Haskell receives a phone call from an old friend. It’s feared Dev’s old high school flame, Maddie McGuire, has fallen through the ice along the Mississippi River and can’t be found. Dev hasn’t seen her since she married ne’er do well, Colton Ferral. After attending the memorial service and reconnecting with her sisters, he comes away with more questions than answers.

Local crime lord, Tubby Gustafson, has some questions for Dev, too. Amazingly, Colton Ferral’s name comes up. Of course, what better time to offer a spare bedroom on Airbnb, not to mention a surprise guest who arrives on the scene.

Sit back and enjoy another delightful Dev Haskell tale.
A wonderful read to remind you that, actually, your life is pretty good!

As always, Morton, Dev’s Golden Retriever, provides a dose of sanity.

”Faricy is America’s hottest new mystery writer… and Dev Haskell is one of the looniest and most enjoyable characters inhabiting the world of fictional private investigators out there today”
The Dirty Lowdown

If you like Carl Hiaasen, Tim Dorsey, Elmore Leonard, Janet DeLeon, Laurence Shames, and Janet Evanovich- make room for one more!
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  1. Book 19 of 26
    Dev Haskell - Private Investigator
  2. Print length
    278 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Accessibility
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  5. Publication date
    April 21, 2021
  6. File size
    965 KB
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  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 out of 5 stars 1,505 ratings

About the author

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Mike Faricy

Mike Faricy

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The Dirty Lowdown called Mike Faricy; "America's hottest new mystery writer."

Robert Carraher referred to him as; "Minnesota's Master of the Bizarre."

Crime Scene referred to him as; "The next Carl Hiaasen."

Crime Capers said; "Open at your own risk, you won't put him down."

UnderCover wrote; "This guy is nuts and one hell of a lot of fun.”

The Irish Gazette referred to; "The laugh a minute storylines of Faricy's deliciously engaging worlds."

Mike’s Dev Haskell series books are stand-alone, they can be read in any order. His Corridor Man series was initially written under the pseudonym Nick James and should be read in order. His Jack Dillon Dublin Tales series was originally written under the pseudonym, Patrick Emmett. His Hotshot series are standalone tales that can be read in any order. Faricy's novels are filled with the sort of oddballs we're all curious about, but wisely prefer to keep at a distance. His characters serve not so much as an example as they do a warning. None of them will be saving the world from terrorism, international banking conspiracies or coups to take over the government. Rather, Faricy's characters inhabit a world just below the surface of polite society. The circumstances they find themselves in are usually due to their own bad decisions, but then bad decisions make for interesting stories. Reminiscent of the late Robert B. Parker, Faricy's tightly woven Dev Haskell series is penned with a delightful sense of humor and even some romance. Entertainment is the name of the game as back-slapping, corner-cutting, babe magnet Dev Haskell interacts with such quirky characters as ice cream mogul Mr. Swirlee, The D'Angelo brothers, local crime lord Tubby Gustafson, 'Fat Freddie' Zimmerman, former NFL tight end Luscious Dixon, exotic dancer Swindle Lawless, and gorgeous Heidi Bauer. The Dev Haskell novels can be read in any order.

Faricy's Corridor Man series was originally released under the pen name Nick James. The series is a bit more gritty than the Dev Haskell series and a lot more violent. Disbarred attorney Bobby Custer makes his way back into the legal game. He's neurotic, psychotic, psychopathic, narcissistic, greedy, unprincipled, and . . . always charming.

Faricy's Jack Dillon Dublin Tales series was originally released under the pen name Patrick Emmett. US Marshal Jack Dillon is sent to Dublin to escort a prisoner back to the US. Things don't go exactly as planned and trouble ensues. Dillon becomes permanently stationed in Dublin, just to get him out of his boss's hair. Things take an entertaining turn from there, think of a cross between Dev Haskell and James Bond.

Faricy's Hotshot series are zany, delightfully entertaining standalone crime tales.

Enjoy the reads!

Originally from Saint Paul, Minnesota, Faricy spends six months of the year in the saintly city as well as six months in Dublin, Ireland. Contact information for Mike is listed just after this shameless list of titles. Thanks for taking the time and be sure to tell 2-300 of your closest friends.

The Hotshot series (Read in any order)

Reduced Ransom!

Finders Keepers

Bankers Hours

Chow Down

Moonlight Dance Academy

Dev Haskell - Private Investigator series: (Read in any order)

Russian Roulette: Case 1

Mr. Swirlee: Case 2

Bite Me: Case 3

Bombshell: Case 4

Tutti Frutti: Case 5

Last Shot: Case 6

Ting-A-Ling: Case 7

Crickett: Case 8

Bulldog: Case 9

Double Trouble: Case 10

Yellow Ribbon: Case 11

Dog Gone: Case 12

Scam Man: Case 13

Foiled: Case 14

What Happens in Vegas: Case 15

Art Hound: Case 16

The Office: Case 17

Star Struck: Case 18

International Incident: Case 19

Guest From Hell: Case 20

Art Attack: Case 21

Mystery Man: Case 22

Bow-Wow Rescue: Case 23

Cold Case: Case 24

Cash Up Front: Case 25

Dream House: Case 26

Alley Katz: Case 27

The Big Gamble: Case 28

Bad To The Bone: Case 29

Silencio!: Case 30

Surprise Surprise: Case 31

Hit & Run: Case 32

Suspect Santa: Case 33

P.I. Apprentice: Case 34

Rebel Without A Clue: Case 35

Puppy Love: Case 36

Online Affair: Case 37

House Guests: Case 38

Twinkle Toes (a Dev Haskell short story)

Doll House (A Dev Haskell novella)

The Dance (A Dev Haskell novella)

Pixie (A Dev Haskell novella)

FORE! (A Dev Haskell novella)

Corridor Man series: (Read in order)

Corridor Man 1

Corridor Man 2: Opportunity Knocks

Corridor Man 3: The Dungeon

Corridor Man 4: Dead End

Corridor Man 5: Finger

Corridor Man 6: Exit Strategy

Corridor Man 7: Trunk Music

Corridor Man 8: Birthday Boy

Corridor Man 9: Boss Man

Corridor Man 10: Bye Bye Bobby

Corridor Man: Valentine (novella)

Corridor Man: Auditor (novella)

Corridor Man: Howling (novella)

Corridor Man: Spa Day (novella)

Jack Dillon Dublin Tales series. (Read the first book and then in any order)

Welcome: Jack Dillon Dublin Tale 1

Sweet Dreams: Jack Dillon Dublin Tale 2

Mirror Mirror: Jack Dillon Dublin Tale 3

Silver Bullet: Jack Dillon Dublin Tale 4

Fair City Blues: Jack Dillon Dublin Tale 5

Spade Work: Jack Dillon Dublin Tale 6

Madeline Missing: Jack Dillon Dublin Tale 7

Mistaken Identity: Jack Dillon Dublin Tale 8

Picture Perfect: Jack Dillon Dublin Tale 9

Dublin Moon: Jack Dillon Dublin Tale 10

Mystery Woman: Jack Dillon Dublin Tale 11

Second Chance: Jack Dillon Dublin Tale 12

Payback Brother: Jack Dillon Dublin Tale 13

The Heist: Jack Dillon Dublin Tale 14

Jewels To Kill For: Jack Dillon Dublin Tale 15

Retirement Scheme: Jack Dillon Dublin Tale16

The Collector: Jack Dillon Dublin Tale 17

Missing In The Emerald City: Jack Dillon Dublin Tale 18

The Good Neighbor: Jack Dillon Dublin Tale 19

Private Matters: Jack Dillon Dublin Tale 20

You're Mine Valentine! Jack Dillon novella

Novella: Irish Dukes (Published in the Fight Card series under the pseudonym Jack Tunney)

Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
1,505 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book entertaining throughout, with fast-paced action and suspenseful moments. The story features a charming, likeable protagonist, and one customer notes it has several different plots woven together. Customers appreciate the book's wit and humor.

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ReadabilityStory qualityCharacter developmentHumorPacingAuthor quality
48 customers mention "Readability"48 positive0 negative

Customers find the book enjoyable and entertaining, with the story keeping their interest throughout.

"...Pretty darn good, assuming I'm missing many of the inside jokes between characters...." Read more

"...The story was fun. This took place in winter. I was actually so engrossed that when I went outside I was expecting snow, but there was none...." Read more

"All of the Dev Haskell books are very well written with interesting characters...." Read more

"This book was a pretty good read. I enjoyed iT. It would be good vacation reading. If you like something lite." Read more

26 customers mention "Story quality"26 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the story's fast-moving plot and suspenseful moments, with one customer noting it has several different storylines woven together.

"The plot wasn't too hard to figure out, but the humor made it worth reading all the way to the last page. Where does Faricy come up with all stuff?..." Read more

"...but Faricy writes in a light-hearted, fast-paced, more or less "cozy mystery" style that keeps the story moving...." Read more

"...The plot moved along well with enough twists and turns to keep you interested. Lot's of fun." Read more

"Interesting story with some twists. Several different plots in one story. It comes to a nice conclusion and Dev still looking for the girl." Read more

18 customers mention "Character development"18 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book, particularly the charming and likeable protagonist Dev Haskell, with one customer noting how the author provides enough detail to develop both scenes and characters.

"...Dev is a charming likeable protagonist who seems to not do to well with romances but is a good friend, master to Morton his dog, and private..." Read more

"...Mr. Faricy has developed Dev into a true beleavable character. Thanks Mike. I don't know how you keep coming up with story plots." Read more

"All of the Dev Haskell books are very well written with interesting characters...." Read more

"...It was a quick read full of interesting characters. I look forward to reading more Faricy books." Read more

13 customers mention "Humor"13 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the humor in the book, describing it as witty as always.

"The plot wasn't too hard to figure out, but the humor made it worth reading all the way to the last page. Where does Faricy come up with all stuff?..." Read more

"...What a wonderful sense of humor the Dev Haskell series has." Read more

"I liked this book. It was funny at times ,serious at times and mysterious at times. Glad I read it." Read more

"The plot was fast moving and twisty, and the writing was terse and humorful in the way I enjoy: Enough detail to develop a scene or character, but..." Read more

9 customers mention "Pacing"9 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the pacing of the book, noting its fast-paced action and ease of reading.

"...were a bit one-dimensional, but Faricy writes in a light-hearted, fast-paced, more or less "cozy mystery" style that keeps the story moving...." Read more

"The characters and landmarks are continuous. Easy and enjoyable sleuthing! Look forward to another adventure...." Read more

"...However it is a fast paced story with Dev and Morton capturing the bad guys. And as usual Dev loses the girl." Read more

"The characters are well defined. The plot moves quickly and with enough twists and turns to stay interesting. An enjoyable book to read." Read more

4 customers mention "Author quality"4 positive0 negative

Customers praise the author's work, with one noting it's part of a great crime series.

"...It was well written and the author did a great job. It's a must read" Read more

"Great author great crime series..." Read more

"Author ID sheets Good read, it continues..." Read more

"Excellent book..." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • quilting swede
    5.0 out of 5 stars Definitely an entertaining read!
    Reviewed in the United States on August 17, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    The plot wasn't too hard to figure out, but the humor made it worth reading all the way to the last page. Where does Faricy come up with all stuff? It will keep me smiling for a while 🤣🤣.
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  • C. Norbury
    4.0 out of 5 stars Lighthearted entertainment
    Reviewed in the United States on September 2, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    My first Mike Faricy book. I jumped in late because this was the most recent Dev Haskell book I could find. Pretty darn good, assuming I'm missing many of the inside jokes between characters. Dev is a charming likeable protagonist who seems to not do to well with romances but is a good friend, master to Morton his dog, and private investigator.

    I liked the plot --the apparent drowning of an old girlfriend who was unhappily married to a wannabe big time Twin Cities mobster. The characters were a bit one-dimensional, but Faricy writes in a light-hearted, fast-paced, more or less "cozy mystery" style that keeps the story moving.

    There's a bit of sameness to the chapters--many start with Dev waking up and end with him going to sleep. And as others have mentioned, repeated coffee drinking, dog feeding, and going to and from the office and the local bar. But I can see why this series is popular with readers who want an easy, breezy read.
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  • sticherkrj4664
    5.0 out of 5 stars Always a good read
    Reviewed in the United States on October 25, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    Any book in his series is a good read. As usual, when I start reading I just keep reading until I'm done. The story was fun. This took place in winter. I was actually so engrossed that when I went outside I was expecting snow, but there was none. I had to consciously figure out why there was no snow. Mr. Faricy has developed Dev into a true beleavable character. Thanks Mike. I don't know how you keep coming up with story plots.
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  • Kindle Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great story as usual.
    Reviewed in the United States on October 27, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    All of the Dev Haskell books are very well written with interesting characters. The plot moved along well with enough twists and turns to keep you interested. Lot's of fun.
    Helpful
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  • Elizabeth T. Owens
    4.0 out of 5 stars The Big Gamble
    Reviewed in the United States on October 22, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    This book was a pretty good read. I enjoyed iT. It would be good vacation reading. If you like something lite.
    Helpful
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  • JanSueKK@aol.com
    3.0 out of 5 stars Good.
    Reviewed in the United States on February 11, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    This was a lot of fun. I thoroughly enjoyed it and knew what kind of book I would be reading… not great literature but just a totally easy, quick and delightful escape book to read
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  • Amazon Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Enjoyable Read
    Reviewed in the United States on June 20, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    This was the first book I read in the series. It was a quick read full of interesting characters. I look forward to reading more Faricy books.
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  • Bwana Tom
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great read as always
    Reviewed in the United States on April 24, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    This book like all of the Dev Haskell series was excellent! Dev is a very likeable fellow even though a bit on the wild side. In this later series book Dev has mellowed out considerably over the character he portray in the earlier books, but he is always someone I admire a bit and even envy a little.
    👍 job Mike and I'm already looking forward to your book. Hopefully it will coming soon.

    A
    7 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Stan
    5.0 out of 5 stars Welcome return to Dev
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 7, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    I’ve read quite a few of this series, but not for quite some time so picking this up was a welcome reintroduction. I like Dev as a character, a womaniser who respects women, someone who gets into unforeseen messes but comes out on top eventually, and always looks after his dog - so what’s not to like.
    This was a straightforward story, or interwoven stories, of a missing woman possibly murdered by her gangster husband, mysterious strangers in town, a clash of mobsters and the day to day doings of Devs dog. Just fun to read.
    Also with the Kindle version are the first part of two more books - be warned, there’s enough that if you read them you get hooked and want to know what happens next (exactly as intended of course).
    Report
  • Deidre
    4.0 out of 5 stars Fun
    Reviewed in Canada on November 23, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    The Big Gamble was a fun, quirky, highly entertaining novel. The characters are all very well written. Mike Faricy manages to make you laugh while keeping you guessing. Looking forward to reading more from the Dev Haskell series.
    Report
  • Amazon Customer
    4.0 out of 5 stars A good novel
    Reviewed in Canada on December 22, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    I enjoyed the mystery and the characters. Have read most in the series and I think I enjoyed this the best.
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  • Keith D.
    4.0 out of 5 stars Great read
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 28, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    Great read and story with several threads. Sometimes the dialogue is slightly difficult to follow.
    All in all an excellent book and a great addition to the series.
    Report
  • Sue James
    5.0 out of 5 stars Most enjoyable
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 20, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    I do enjoy crime stories with humour. The Big Gamble had great characters and a good storyline. Some nice twists and turns and definitely worth reading.
    Report

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