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When an international gambling corporation resorts to increasingly violent tactics to control profit and loss, the sporting industry in Australia takes center stage as the government responds to the crisis through advocacy and intervention. With a combination of sports action and criminal intrigue, this multi-faceted story reaches far and wide across continents into locker rooms, boardrooms, and courtrooms. A cast of devious villains works behind the scenes to influence the outcomes of sporting matches by conspiring to have athletes lose games intentionally, thus ensuring maximum gambling profits for invested parties. The shocking criminal minds of the board members protecting their massive gambling business’s profits generate episodes of murderous violence. Juxtaposed with this are startling scenes of inspiring athletes and teams working together to overcome obstacles and secure victories for their communities and for Australia.
Palmer is a skilled storyteller who is able to leave a curiosity trail for readers to follow as they look for answers and for what is shockingly around the next corner as characters hatch their criminal plans. The author explores the impact of gambling on athletes and fans and on the fabric of a country itself, its sporting culture, and its morality code. While he focuses on the impact and response to this gambling scourge in Australia, the themes and exploration of ideas are universal. The cultural details, historical insights, and descriptions of cricket matches also add a layer of multicultural appeal. At its core, this book is a celebration of sport despite the tentacle-like reach of gambling which, if left unchecked, will wreak greater havoc across all nations. Palmer sounds the alarm with this cautionary tale full of heroes as well as criminals. The heroes seem to have the last word with a rousing locker room speech that will leave readers feeling hopeful.
RECOMMENDED by the US Review