COLORADO WRITERS

Colorado is renowned for providing both its citizens and visitors with an overflowing amount of inspiration. Whether it is a result of being humbled by the majestic landscape of the Rocky Mountains, savoring the endless prairies and canyons, or enjoying the friendly magic of the locals, one is hard-pressed to feel no inspiration while taking it all in. Even with a growing population (because people are catching on to just how amazing Colorado is), there are so many places one can go to seek solitude and let their creativity abound.

It comes as no surprise, then, that Colorado has an impressive list of great writers. Colorado writers are gifted with the opportunity to sit and write while taking in some of the world’s most astounding sights. Whether it is a sports betting mystery novel or poetry inspired by nature, Colorado writers are out there putting their work into the world bravely and boldly.

Tom Farrell is among the brilliant Colorado writers who continue to gift us with their work. Author Tom Farrell has worked as a golf course starter, a chemist, and even clerked at the City Hall in Chicago while attending law school. He has served as the vice president of the nonprofit organization, Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers, a group dedicated to supporting and encouraging support for Colorado writers. Farrell was a past finalist in the Pikes Peak writer’s contest in the “mystery, suspense, and thriller category.”

He is now retired from practicing law, and thoroughly enjoys participating in sports betting and handicapping. When he is not handicapping, Farrell can likely be found either on the golf course or at a local jazz club.

What sets this author apart from his impressive counterparts, particularly other Colorado writers, is just how fascinating his story line is. WagerEasy is the first book in The Wager Series. Set in Chicago, WagerEasy is a compelling sports betting mystery-thriller story that will leave you unable to put the book down.

This page-turner features the protagonist, Eddie O’Connell, who is shocked when he discovers that his old friend has been horrifically murdered. Eddie’s friend had been working for a British sports betting firm known as WagerEasy that had established itself in Chicago and was subsequently engaging in some questionable behaviors while trying to find certain shortcuts.

A determined Eddie, along with his uncle who is a retired police detective with the right connections, set up a meeting with the Chicago gambling boss suspected of ordering his friend’s murder. The Chicago gambling boss claims he is actually being framed by WagerEasy, the British sports betting corporation. He says they are the ones posing the real threat and the target to go after.

Eddie decides to risk everything and go undercover on a mission to truly bring the truth to light and get justice. In the process, he gets exposed to the ruthless underworld of the sports gambling black market. He realizes that the illegal black-market bookies (slang term for ‘bookmaker,’ or the person who collects bets) are backed by the mob and plotting against the British conglomerate.

Wager Easy will keep you on your toes…

Farrell, a bettor himself, drew some inspiration from Colorado sports betting, as well as other elements in the sports betting world. Whether you are an avid bettor in Las Vegas, are experienced in Colorado sports betting, or have no knowledge on anything related to sports betting, this book is a great option. You can dabble in the world of sports betting without actually having to risk losing money in real life by living through the vibrant plot line in WagerEasy.

Who knows, perhaps after finishing this book, you will actually want to educate yourself a bit and begin placing some wagers here and there. Or perhaps you will feel compelled to write your own story after being captivated by this one. Either way, you will surely be ready to get your hands on Farrell’s next book upon its release, and may even be so inclined to check out the brilliant work of other Colorado writers.

“.. Farrell also beautifully realizes the setting of Chicago in winter, which helps to enhance the procedural elements of the story. He skillfully unfolds the complicated tale as Eddie delves deeper into the underworld and finds out how it intersects with the impending legalization of sports betting in Illinois. The novel presents a bleak landscape of rival gangs always looking to double-cross one another as well as a memorably startling characterization of the Chicago police and court system. Eddie is the just the right kind of noble but flawed hero to travel between the two realms, and Farrell crafts an array of familiar and unfamiliar genre elements into a genuinely gripping read. A smart and fast-paced crime drama that will leave readers wanting more from this author.“

–Kirkus Reviews (starred review)