Books by John
In the gritty high-stakes 1980s Atlantic City casino scene, baccarat dealer John Christopher finds himself unwittingly drawn into a deadly plan to scam the casinos out of millions – a plan meticulously orchestrated by a Chinese cartel.
Dying to Win breaks open a world where deception, betrayal, and survival collide with lives hanging in the balance. As his adversaries close in and the authorities struggle to play catch-up, John finds himself navigating a treacherous underworld where loyalties are fleeting and morality is a luxury few can afford.
Brace for a gripping read that clutches tight and refuses to let go until the final hand is played.
COMING SOON
Praise for Dying to Win
“It’s said that Truman Capote created a new literary genre, the non-fiction novel, with his authoring of In Cold Blood. He took an item in the news and wrote a true story, in the form of a novel. John Tomasko has taken this one step further. He also tells a true story, in novel form, but in his story John is the author, and also the lead character. In this exciting tale, which has never been told before now, John relates a gripping tale of theft, murder and mayhem in the casinos of Atlantic City, NJ. Once this book grabs you, you will have trouble putting it down.”
Daniel N. Spatucci
author, Ether Flows
“Working as a casino dealer is stressful in the most ordinary of days. The events described in Dying to Win elevated that stress to record levels. I worked at the casino during the unbelievable actions of both the criminals and the authorities. John Tomasko recreates those days in frightening detail.”
Mary Jean Arreola
baccarat dealer
“The drama in this tale is not exaggerated and the characters are not invented. Anyone who reads Dying to Win will be assured that this adventure is one of the most powerful casino narratives around.”
Roger Gros
publisher, Global Gaming Business Magazine
In the heart of Guatemala in the legendary city of Tikal, tourists Derick and Matt stumble upon an ancient portal that thrusts them and their tour guide Kaya back to 900 AD – the height of power for the Maya civilization.
The trio is soon confronted by the ruthless Maya leader Yax Ehb Xook and his loyal warriors, who threaten the group’s ability to survive and escape back to the present day.
Using their wits and knowledge of Maya culture and history, the trio must return to the portal before they become forever entwined in the tapestry of time.
The Maya Portal is a gripping tale of time travel, history, and the pursuit of a way back home.
Praise for The Maya Portal
“John Tomasko does what every great novelist does – he tells a good story and he tells it well. His imaginative tale grabs the reader and holds on ‘til the climactic last scene, taking us on a journey to the heights of the Maya culture. In the telling of his story, John gives us characters whom we come to care about, and we follow them through a wild adventure of time travel and human sacrifice. He brings to life the incredible nights in ancient Tikal when the jungle was lit with huge bonfires, and the blood of innocents flowed down the pyramid steps to satisfy the many gods of the Maya. The story swirls around and around, and the reader, like me, may have trouble putting the book down until the story is complete. Enjoy!”
Daniel N. Spatucci
author, Ether Flows
“The Maya Portal is a gut-churning time-warping novel that plunges you into the heart of Mesoamerica at the height of an ancient and mighty civilization. Author John Tomasko constructs a convincing, suspenseful, and satisfying saga that will keep you turning pages far into the ominous night.”
Deke Castleman
editor, Huntington Press
“Ancient Maya civilization and the modern world smash into each other in this wildly original story.”
Charles Nolan
author, The Holy Bluff / songwriter
