WANNA GET LUCKY?

Losing big in Vegas.

Lyda Sue tumbles from a helicopter and splatters in a lagoon meant to attract high rollers, greedy tourists and lesser fry to one of Vegas’s premier casinos. Lucky O’Toole, head of customer relations (that is, troubleshooter) for the Babylon, has her hands full trying to find out whether Lyda Sue jumped or was pushed, who else was on board and where Willie the Weasel, the pilot, can be found—all while readying the glitzy hotel for a swingers convention and containing/promoting the raciness that accompanies the porno stars congregating for their annual awards show. The Babylon’s owner, affectionately referred to as The Big Boss, is a former mobster now pulled toward decency by corporate demands, although his relationship with Lyda Sue suggests that he may have continued to entertain errant thoughts. Lucky’s mom Mona, owner of Nevada’s best-known bordello, drops a clue or two, and Lucky’s best friend Teddie, a straight Harvard MBA now starring in the Babylon lounge as a female impersonator, offers the sort of help only he can offer by slipping into Lucky’s Manolo Blahniks and a little peach silk number. The Gaming Control Board sends in an undercover agent, who, alas, will become a major suspect before Lucky sorts through murder, blackmail, family secrets and the complications of falling for a guy who looks great in her clothes.

Deliciously raunchy, with humorous takes on sexual proclivities, Vegas glitz and love, though Agatha Christie is probably spinning in her grave.