The Gambler's Game Audiobook By James C Darnborough cover art

The Gambler's Game

Based on the True Story of The Man Who Broke the Bank at Monte Carlo

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The Gambler's Game

By: James C Darnborough
Narrated by: Kevin Clay
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About this listen

Based on the True Story of the Only American to Break the Bank at Monte Carlo.

In the twilight of the 19th century, as the Old West collides with the opulence of the Gilded Age, one man embarks on a journey that will redefine his life. The Gambler's Game is a captivating historical fiction saga that follows the extraordinary life of a mid-western baseball player turned high-stakes gambler. His audacious spirit leads him from the dust chocked plains to the refined ambiance of English garden parties and the allure of Belle Epoque Monte Carlo.

This romantic and fast-paced tale will transport you to a time when anything was possible, where dreams were chased, and risks were taken.

This is a story of self-discovery in a rapidly changing world. The Gambler's Game lures listeners into a realm where the echoes of gunshots meet the clinking of champagne glasses, and the magnificent network of railways and steamships takes the listener on grand adventures.

Bill ultimately finds himself torn between his love of gambling and a woman who might make him give it all up.

Bill and Frances' characters are featured in the movie Downton Abbey: A New Era (Carnival Films, 2022).

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This delightful piece of historical fiction chronicles the life of Bill Darnborough, the author's grandfather through through a life beginning in Bloomington Illinois, and expanding in a growing adventure through AAA baseball, involvement operating a mobile roulette wheel throughout the expanding American frontier from St Louis and Kansas City to San Francisco and the Gold Rush. Eventually Bill returns to Chicago and New York before hopping the pond and fulfilling his goal of gambling in Monte Carlo where he breaks the bank, the only American ever to do so! Bill's main virtue seems to be amazing determination and persistence to make his dreams come true, be they athletic, financial, or romantic!! Along the way the author shows he's done this research well making the cultures of the American Midwest, West and major urban areas from the 1890s come alive. But then the author's own British heritage is revealed as he opens up the equally subtle and complex differences with the culture of Monte Carlo and London. The book shows deep research with regular actual quotations from newspapers about the main character bringing the story alive! The author also reveals remarkable knowledge of the locations visited with details about the businesses, restaurants, important high society, and art. He describes the beautiful automobiles his grandfather acquired, and perhaps most interestingly shows a subtle touch as he describes his grandfather's romantic heart. I love the book and listened to it completely in only two days! Great job James Darnborough!

Loads of fun!

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I don’t want to spoil anything so I’ll keep it broad! I think this story was wonderfully written. It really was fascinating to hear how people lived during that time period. I listened to the audible version of course and the voice acting was so much fun to listen to. The reader played the characters very well, so it kept me very engaged in the book. There weren’t any “boring” chapters in the book either. It seems like James did amazing, well planned research in preparing/writing this book. Makes it even a little more enjoyable knowing it’s based off his grandfathers life.

Amazing that this is a true story.

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I have been listening to audiobooks for decades and I'm very sensitive to the voice and the intonation. I think Kevin Clay has done a marvelous job of recounting this story - no mean feet with over 190 different characters and 7 different accents/languages. Since I am a little biased as I am the author's wife, but I know how much work both the narrator and author put into this book. It is a very interesting story, and is really brought to life with levity and respect by the narrator. I was worried at first - as one is when a friend embarks on their debut novel - but now, I am so in awe of the writing and the author's dedication to the heart and soul of the protagonist. Subtle, yet a fast-paced read - classic historical fiction.

Such a fun and informative read.. Lovely story

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Entertaining story full of adventure with a superb reading performance. This well researched historical fiction account of William Darnborough's life from AAA baseball to European high society is beautifully written. Highly recommend it.

A facinating life chronicled

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Listener received this title free

I wish Audible (and Goodreads) had a 10-star system of ratings; I would give this one 9/10, which is very high for my ratings. I thoroughly enjoyed this audiobook. It is a very entertaining story, well told. The main character is the author’s grandfather and the book is based on true events. It seems to be well-researched; I was motivated to look up people, places, and automobiles mentioned. The fascinating story weaves together baseball, travel, roulette, adventure, romance, and early automobile enthusiasts. The narrator was excellent and did an admirable job with many voices and accents. I highly recommend this audiobook. I will listen to more books by James Darnborough, and Kevin Clay.

Thoroughly enjoyable!

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