A Betting Woman
Book Review - A Betting Woman by Jenni L. Walsh
I first featured Jenni L. Walsh when I read and reviewed Becoming Bonnie, a book about how Bonnie Parker met Clyde Barrow, in 2017. It was one of my first book reviews after starting this blog, and I LOVED it. Later, Jenni came out with a sequel, Side by Side, which tells the story of the Barrow Gang and the infamous duo during their crime spree. I loved that book even more than the first. Now, Jenni is out with a brand new novel about Simone Jules, or Madame Moustache, America's first professional croupier of modern-day blackjack (and a woman, no less!) Spoiler alert: this is my favorite Jenni L. Walsh book to date.
Book Review - A Betting Woman by Jenni L. Walsh
When it comes to what I’m looking for in historical fiction, this book hits all the boxes: 1) Based on a true story; 2) About a strong woman, paving her own way; 3) I learned something new; 4) Beautifully written, I couldn’t put the book down. I’d never heard of Simone Jules or Madame Moustache, but we’ve all heard of her game, vingt-et-un - modern-day blackjack. She helped make the game popular in America by becoming the first professional croupier, by setting up a gaming table in saloons during the gold rush.
Book Review - A Betting Woman by Jenni L. Walsh
I can’t praise this book enough. It was a breath of fresh air, something new and different in the world of historical fiction. At least for me, since I rarely gravitate toward books set during the gold rush. It was fast paced, exciting, and heart-wrenching. Jenni did an amazing job bringing this character to life, I really hope it gets optioned for a movie or short series, it is that captivating of a story.
Book Review - A Betting Woman by Jenni L. Walsh
