THE FRONT MAN - A Narrative Based on True Events Concerning The Rise and Fall of The Riata
by Bruce Charles Fertel
GENRE: Memoir, True Crime, Mafia
PUBLICATION DATE: 02/20/2025
DESCRIPTION:
When it came to making money, Don Fertel thought that opening a casino on the Las Vegas Strip had to be a sure thing. I mean, how many casinos do you know that go out of business? His did, in just over a year, and he didn't even see it coming. The year was 1973, and to say that he was in over his head would be an understatement. How was he to know that owning a gambling establishment would expose him to a who's who of the criminal underworld? This unbelievable true story looks back to a time when the Mafia controlled Las Vegas to try and understand exactly who it was, among the many shady characters, that took down the Riata, his casino, and how exactly they did it. It will detail late-night encounters with ruthless killers and meetings Fertel had with the likes of Moe Dalitz, Benny Binion, Lefty Rosenthal and Tony Spilotro, to name a few. He would soon realize that he had entered into a fight to try and save his casino but would ultimately end up trying to save his life.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Bruce Fertel is a first-time author whose debut book, "The Front Man," delves into the untold story of his family’s casino and the Mafia figures who ultimately brought it down. Originally from El Paso, Texas, Bruce now lives in South Florida with his wife and son. This book is his personal attempt to solve a long-standing mystery and bring attention to his father’s role in Las Vegas history.
COMPARATIVE FILM/BOOK:
Casino (1995)
CASTING:
Alec Baldwin, DeNiro, Pacino, anyone who can play a mobster
PRIMARY VENUES/LOCATIONS WITHIN THE BOOK:
The Las Vegas Strip