Henry Holt 2004

 

Canada:  Penguin

 

Awards

Hamilton Literary Award Winner, 2006

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Other Books by Brad Smith

Busted Flush

Author: Brad Smith

Civil War buffs and con men collide in this wickedly funny, Hiaasen-esque story of old-time relics and modern greed

Dock Bass is a carpenter-turned-realtor in upstate New York. He has a social-climbing wife he doesn't love (or even like), a job he hates, and a rapidly crumbling sense of self-respect and self-worth. Like a lot of people, he yearns for a change. Like very few, he decides to leave his life behind, hit the road, and go looking for it.

He finds it in Pennsylvania, of all places. Summoned to Gettysburg by a law firm, he learns that he's inherited an ancient house from a deceased relative whom he never knew existed. Renovating the place, Dock stumbles upon a treasure trove of Civil War memorabilia squirreled away in an old root cellar, including pictures and possibly even a recording of Abraham Lincoln at Gettysburg. And in a world where John Kennedy's golf clubs are worth $750,000, what dollar figure does one place on items connected to the greatest American president at the venue of his most inspiring and memorable speech?

Plenty, Dock soon finds out, as he's forced to defend his new find from the onslaught of collectors, history buffs, and media hounds descending on his doorstep. Fortunately, like Honest Abe himself, he's the right man for the fight-independent, funny, loyal, and stubborn as a Missouri mule. When the scallywags and opportunists-including an easy-on-the-eyes television reporter with one hell of an attitude-start crawling out of the woodwork, he'll need all of that.

Busted Flush

Publishers Weekly:

Fleeing a soured marriage and the general turpitude of modern life, Dock Bass retreats to a newly inherited Gettysburg farm where he discovers a trove of priceless Civil War artifacts, including a possible recording of Lincoln delivering the Gettysburg address. Smith (ONE-EYED JACKS) concocts a frothily entertaining satire of the corrupt Civil War memorabilia industry.

 

Kirkus Reviews:

History is littered with examples of people doing bad things in order to land rare and exquisite prizes. And so is this funny, quirky tale that plays pleasing what-if games with the past.

Nicely done, and just the thing for the History Channel addict of the house.

 

Boston Globe:

It's the irresistible Dock Bass who keeps it all together. The epitome of laconic wit, he replies when his wife asks what people find so fascinating about history: "It doesn't change." You've got to love this guy who keeps plugging along, rebuilding that house, nail by nail and board by board, oblivious to greedy charlatans storming its walls. This is one to kick back and read with a cold beer and Johnny Cash wailing away in the background.

 

Toronto Sun:

With the kind of wisecracking dialogue that would have done Damon Runyon proud, Smith has fashioned an absolutely delightful page-turner filled with colourful con men, ne'er-do-wells and even potential heroes and heroines. There's plenty here to satisfy the Civil War buff, the mystery buff and those readers interested in getting acquainted with a smart-ass lead character who ties it all together.

 

BookLoons:

What a delight of a book ... Don't miss Busted Flush. It's a fun book that proves there are still some people who are willing to take the time to smell the roses, and wise enough to outwit the bad guys at their own game.

 

DorothyL.com:

Busted Flush lives up to its title, leaving the reader to guess who is wearing the poker face in the end. This book could be a fast read as the writing is snappy and fast-paced, but if the reader zips through it too quickly, some really interesting historical details might be missed.

 

Bookbitch.com:

Brad Smith created a hero for his novel, Busted Flush, that I wish I knew. Dock Bass is a decent, down-to-earth, honest man with a sarcastic, dry humor. Unfortunately, when we first meet Dock he's stuck in a real estate job he hates, working for a dishonest boss, and living with a money-grubbing wife.

Brad Smith's enjoyable novel is a study in character and opportunity. Given the opportunity for fame and fortune, would a man give up his decency and character? Many of the characters in residence in Gettysburg in Busted Flush would eagerly sell anything for fame and fortune. Does Dock Bass have a price?

 

Tony Horwitz, author of Confederates in the Attic:

In BUSTED FLUSH, battle flares anew in Gettysburg, Pa. -- this time, between Civil War collectors, professors, re-enactors, swindlers, barflies, and other irregulars. The action swings north and south, from the 19th to the 21st century, with dialogue that crackles like musket fire. Brad Smith's novel is true to Gettysburg's heroic past and madcap present, and a deliciously entertaining tale of uncivil war over the legacy of America's greatest conflict.