What’s more dangerous than gambling with dirty money? Mick Trubble is just the man to find out.

Dealing with a bout of post-case depression leads Mick to the casinos, where he quickly accumulates a pile of debt to dangerous people. It’s only when he meets a beautiful, mysterious woman named Faye that his luck begins to change.Faye teaches him the skills of winning at the tables, and together they start a mutually beneficial partnership to con the dealers. But when Mick digs into Faye’s mysterious life, he discovers more than just a troubled past.Beating the odds at the casinos might not be Mick’s biggest challenge. When you play the game of hearts, all bets are on the table, and the game becomes more dangerous than ever before.

Hard Luck Grift is a direct prequel to New Haven Blues, exploring events that directly tie into the debut novel of the Troubleshooter.