Reviews for     HIGH STAKES     by Chad Strong


This is a well thought-out, layered historical, with evocative and vivid descriptions of life in the thriving, yet still lawless, nineteenth century Canadian town. 'High Stakes' is a historical that can be enjoyed by both male and female readers.
... a thoroughly enjoyable story and an incredibly accomplished first novel.

4.5 Stars

Jill MacKenzie, InD'Tale Magazine


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 "... a great writing style and an excellent plot."

A Review by Norman K. Archer, Historian 

5 Stars

July 5, 2012


At the outset of this intriguing tale, "High Stakes" whisks you back into the
authentic rough and tumble of a Canadian Gold Rush City. You are quickly drawn
into the enigmatic character of the cool, fearless and determined Curt Prescott.
Throughout the book, you are trying to make up your mind if this professional
gambler is hero or villain. He boldly takes up the challenge of the lawless
members of society, vying for dominance. At the same time, he pulls every trick
in the book to destroy the efforts of moral crusaders from changing the City
that he regards as his own. 

But be prepared for twists and turns as Curt wrestles with the affairs of the
heart and is tugged one way by his street-wise mistress and the other way by the
demure daughter of the most militant of the reformers. Blood is shed. Tears are
shed. Battles are won – and lost - as Curt finds himself caught in the middle.
He is tossed to and fro like a ping-pong ball in the power struggles of the
street and of the heart. 

But there is a neat and satisfying conclusion that resolves the conflicts in
a delightfully creative way and where the true Curt Prescott finally emerges. 
 
For readers captivated by this turbulent period and allured by a story that
tugs at the heart strings, "High Stakes" is a must-read.


Norman K. Archer – Credentials


Historical Tour Guide for over 15,000 people in Victoria, BC, Canada.


Receiver of the coveted "Tour Guide of the Year" Award from Princess Cruise
Lines for five years in succession.


Lecturer on "Old Victoria" at both College level and at a wide variety of
Clubs, Organizations, Churches and Service Clubs.


Author of two books on nineteenth century pioneers, and over 100 articles for
several periodicals.



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Barb Klein's review

4 out of 5 Stars

 Aug 08, 2012

 Read in
August, 2012 

 
“High Stakes” by Chad Strong was a really great book. I had my doubts when I started it because I thought it would have a plot like so many other books I’ve read, but I was very pleasantly surprised. Curt Prescott is a professional gambler who makes a circuit every few months moving from place to place to ply his gambling expertise. He always comes home to Victoria, British Columbia. He comes home to his girl, Del. She is a former dance hall girl, doing what all dance hall girls do, but is now the saloon’s entertainer and special girl of Curt’s. He may stray while he is on his circuit, but he always comes home to Del.  When he comes back to Victoria this time, however, there is a change in the town. The virtuous ladies have vowed to get rid of the dens of iniquity, namely the bawdy houses and saloons. They have a leader in the wife of the church’s parson, Sarah Andrews.  She and her friends have formed the Moral Action Committee to aid their cause.
Curt is the son of a prostitute and has spent his life on the streets and honing his gambling skills. He cannot sit back and watch the source of his livelihood destroyed. So he forms a plot wherein he will become friends to the pastor, Bud Andrews, his wife and lovely daughter Mary. He intends to woo Mary and then ruin her and her reputation so that the Andrews will have to leave town in disgrace. The plans he makes and the problems with the saloon owners, town council, and sheriff become the main story. After wooing Mary and causing her to fall in love with him, he just cannot bring himself to seduce her. There are so many twists and turns in this book that you will definitely keep turning pages as quickly as you can to find out what happens.

I received a free Kindle copy of this book for my honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

You can find this review on my blog:
http://imhookedonbooks.wordpress.com/...


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4.0 out of 5 stars
Good Read
August 9, 2012 

By 
 
Marie 
 
This review is from: High Stakes (Kindle Edition) 
 
 
I found this book to be very detailed. The characters were well developed &
left you with a true feeling for the difficult situations that occurred. Curt's
life was developed in enough detail so you feel his pain & indecision
without being overdone. The settings are interlaced throughout the novel giving
details of this very interesting place back in time. A good easy read for a 
rainy day.