Cover from www.harpercollins.com

Synopsis
Playing the cards life has dealt her has left Audrey Unger anxious, obsessive and without a sense of direction. Audrey's professional poker-playing father left her and her mother behind when she was eleven, his only explanation a note that advised that "one day you'll understand this was probably for the best." Now, about to turn thirty-three and poised on the edge of her own midlife crisis -- one that has her sorting her peas into prime number groups -- Audrey makes the decision to try to find him. She's prepared to risk everything in her attempt to understand him, and to finally ask what made him choose poker over his only daughter.

Big Louie is the key to her father's gambling world -- as well as an agoraphobic, ill-tempered card genius who hasn�t left his apartment in more than two years! Fighting his own phobias, he takes Audrey on a journey of self-discovery, guiding her through the subtleties of professional poker and igniting her passion for the thrill of high-stakes gambling that her father found so alluring. Shuffling a hand that includes an overprotective boyfriend, twin magician stepbrothers and a Las Vegas con man, Audrey is propelled to a play a final game of poker that will change her life forever.

Two of a kind make 'The Perfect Play'
Posted 6/16/2004 8:19 PM
By Jackie Pray, Special for USA TODAY

(excerpt)

What makes a responsible British school teacher leave his wife and 11-year-old daughter to hang with a slimy card shark named Jimmy Silk Socks? Poker. The adrenalin-pumping, mind-lasering thrill of poker.

Afraid she'll repeat her dad's mistakes, Audrey is a reluctant gambler with uncanny ability. But in the end, like her dad, she can't resist the allure of the game.

The Perfect Play is the highly entertaining story of Audrey's search for her deserting dad, her torrid affair with gambling and her friendship with Big Louie, an agoraphobic card master. Abandonment issues have never been so funny. (Related excerpt: Read the first chapter of The Perfect Play)

[ Read more Two of a kind make 'The Perfect Play' ]

Louise Wener - AuthorTracker News from HarperCollins
Tuesday, April 6, 2004 3:01 AM

Your selected author, Louise Wener, has the following new book(s) on sale today!

The Perfect Play (Hardcover). For more information about this book go to: www.harpercollins.com/../0060585471

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Louise Wener - AuthorTracker News from HarperCollins
Tuesday, March 23, 2004 3:53 AM

Your selected author, Louise Wener, has the following new book(s) going on sale in two weeks!

The Perfect Play (Hardcover). For more information about this book go to: harpercollins.com/../0060585471

HarperCollins.com has some new information in regards to Louise Wener's book, "The Perfect Play" (which was previously published in the UK under the title, "The Big Blind".)

What's interesting about this version of the book is that it is meant for the U.S. readers. There will be a national marketing campaign, including:

• National print advertising
• National broadcast and print media campaign
• Author appearances in Los Angeles and New York City
• Postcard campaign
• On-line promotion

Here is the information as written on their website:

The Perfect Play
by Louise Wener

A funny and heartfelt novel of high-stakes poker, lost love and gambling on oneself, Louise Wener's The Perfect Play is the story of a woman who can find happiness only by discovering the answer to the question that has haunted her since she was eleven years old.

Playing the cards life has dealt her has left Audrey Unger anxious, obsessive and without a sense of direction. Audrey's professional poker-playing father left her and her mother behind when she was eleven, his only explanation a note that advised that "one day you'll understand this was probably for the best." Now, about to turn thirty-three and poised on the edge of her own midlife crisis -- one that has her sorting her peas into prime number groups -- Audrey makes the decision to try to find him. She's prepared to risk everything in her attempt to understand him, and to finally ask what made him choose poker over his only daughter.

Big Louie is the key to her father's gambling world -- as well as an agoraphobic, ill-tempered card genius who hasn�t left his apartment in more than two years! Fighting his own phobias, he takes Audrey on a journey of self-discovery, guiding her through the subtleties of professional poker and igniting her passion for the thrill of high-stakes gambling that her father found so alluring. Shuffling a hand that includes an overprotective boyfriend, twin magician stepbrothers and a Las Vegas con man, Audrey is propelled to a play a final game of poker that will change her life forever.

With extraordinary perception and emotional insight, Louise Wener captures the comedy, pathos and drama that mark each of our lives in this compelling page-turner that exposes the dark underworld of real Las Vegas poker. Smart, absorbing and addictive, The Perfect Play introduces a writer with an edgy and entertaining style all her own.

Imprint: William Morrow; ISBN: 0060585471; On Sale: 04/06/2004; Format: Hardcover; Subformat: ; Length: ; Trimsize: 6 1/8 x 9 Rough; Pages: 352; $24.95; $0.00(CAN)

In addition to the book information, you can keep track of the latest HarperCollins news for Lousie Wener via their Author Tracker.

The Perfect Play
by Louise Wener

US List Price: $24.95
UK Equivalent: �14.31

Free UK delivery on orders over �25 with Super Saver Delivery. See details & conditions

Not yet published: you may still order this title. We will dispatch it to you when we receive it from the publisher.

Hardcover 352 pages (1 May, 2004)
Publisher: William Morrow & Company; ISBN: 0060585471