The Ballad of a Small Player

Addiction. There was so much to dislike about the behavior of protagonist “Lord” Doyle in Lawrence Osborne’s novel, The Ballad of a Small Player, that I don’t know what the author did to keep me reading and interested in what happens to this unlikeable character. A former London lawyer, Doyle stole funds from a client, moved to Hong Kong, and has become obsessed with baccarat. His level of risk taking is off the charts, and his addiction is severe. All that matters is the next bet. A run of good luck comes with consequences more significant than what happens with losses. Osborne injects an element of the supernatural that will appeal to some readers, and repel others. Any reader who has an interest in addiction or risk-taking will find some kindred elements in this unusual and atmospheric novel. Rating: Four-star (I like it) Click here to purchase The Ballad of a Small Player from amazon.com.