Historical Perspective

BUY The King of Casinos at Amazon!

The research & collecting of photos and memorabilia from the El Rey Club never stops! Please contact me at 702-465-5604 or email me at andy@andymartello.com if you have stories or memorabilia to share.

Amazon Review of The King of Casinos: I LOVE THIS BOOK!

"I had the great good luck to meet Andy Martello just before he released the book - I happily bought a copy and it kept me company on road trips, camping trips, and general shenanigan related adventures. Reading the book is like having Andy right there with you - you get to live the story together!"

http://www.amazon.com/review/R1SR79GMQQN1YF/ref=cm_cr_rdp_perm

BUY AND REVIEW YOUR

OWN COPY TODAY!

The research & collecting of photos and memorabilia from the El Rey Club never stops! Please contact me at 702-465-5604 or email me at andy@andymartello.com if you have stories or memorabilia to share.

Amazon Review of The King of Casinos: I could not put the book down!

"This is a great history of the hey day of Casinos. Mr. Martello has shown us the characters of the El Rey club is a very detailed and well researched adventure. I was so captivated that I could not put the book down. This is a great read. I know you will enjoy this story."

http://www.amazon.com/review/R2Z59EAHY526W9/ref=cm_cr_rdp_perm

BUY AND REVIEW YOUR

OWN COPY TODAY!

The research & collecting of photos and memorabilia from the El Rey Club never stops! Please contact me at 702-465-5604 or email me at andy@andymartello.com if you have stories or memorabilia to share.

Amazon Review of The King of Casinos: Superb! A great book!

"Take a journey with Andy Martello into the history of the El Rey Club and Nevada. I love all the old pictures, they enhance the story! A great book. Good job Andy!"

http://www.amazon.com/gp/cdp/member-reviews/A1WRT4TWC2G85C/ref=pdp_new_read_full_review_link?ie=UTF8&page=1&sort_by=MostRecentReview#RARF9ORWE2WW8

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OWN COPY TODAY!

The research & collecting of photos and memorabilia from the El Rey Club never stops! Please contact me at 702-465-5604 or email me at andy@andymartello.com if you have stories or memorabilia to share.

Amazon Review of The King of Casinos: I highly recommend this book to anyone.

"This book spins a great story about a sadly overlooked part of Nevada gaming history. The author tells the story like you are sitting at home with him, having a drink and a cigar with him on the back deck. Very entertaining. And the pictures...remarkable all the things that the author has been able to dig up during his eight years of research. I highly recommend this book to anyone, not just history buffs."

http://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-reviews/R3JWOR3J3OC386/ref=cm_cr_pr_rvw_ttl?ie=UTF8&ASIN=0615894593

BUY AND REVIEW YOUR

OWN COPY TODAY!

The research & collecting of photos and memorabilia from the El Rey Club never stops! Please contact me at 702-465-5604 or email me at andy@andymartello.com if you have stories or memorabilia to share.

Amazon Review for The King of Casinos: You feel like you're a part of that history.

"This book is well written and takes you back to the hay day of gambling in the desert and the allure of sex and money. This is a great story about the American dream, how an ordinary man lives an extra-ordinary life. Told in a way that makes you feel like you are apart of that history."
http://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-reviews/R1TCE44LWNVH6D/ref=cm_cr_pr_rvw_ttl?ie=UTF8&ASIN=0615894593

BUY AND REVIEW YOUR

OWN COPY TODAY!

The research & collecting of photos and memorabilia from the El Rey Club never stops! Please contact me at 702-465-5604 or email me at andy@andymartello.com if you have stories or memorabilia to share.

Meet the Author, Andy Martello, at Carrie Ann Lahain's Blog

Many thanks to author Carrie Ann Lahain for showcasing me at her lovely blog!

Carrie reviewed my first book at her blog some time back and I am now the first in her "Meet the Author" series.

http://www.carrieannlahain.com/meet-author-andy-martello/

I highly recommend not only her blog and books, but I encourage other authors to contact her since she is so generously offering her time and bandwith to showcase other authors. It is a fun, simple, and free way to get your work out there as well as meet another excellent author.

Buy Carrie Ann Lahain's books HERE!

The research & collecting of photos and memorabilia from the El Rey Club never stops! Please contact me at 702-465-5604 or email me at andy@andymartello.com if you have stories or memorabilia to share.

The King of Casinos - Williner of 13 awards, including BOOK OF THE YEAR!

  

WINNER OF 13 AWARDS 

including BOOK OF THE YEAR!

 

The unreal but TRUE story of the unknown casino that changed Las Vegas forever!
After a horrific blaze destroyed Willie Martello’s El Rey Club in 1962, fifty years would pass before anyone knew of how that casino and one-time brothel influenced LAS VEGAS casinos, upset the mob, and inadvertently launched the career of Francis Ford Coppola.

Were it not for the chance discovery of a single photo in a Las Vegas museum, the El Rey Club would only be known as the seedy brothel where Senator Harry Reid learned to swim. Martello's accomplishments should place him among magnates like Howard Hughes or Steve Wynn, yet very few know his name.
Featuring over 140 rare or unseen photos, these vibrant stories are now brought to light!

BUY YOUR COPY TODAY!

The research & collecting of photos and memorabilia from the El Rey Club never stops! Please contact me at 702-465-5604 or email me at andy@andymartello.com if you have stories or memorabilia to share.

Amazon Review of The King of Casinos: A must read for all historians!

"Mr Martello brings to life the beginnings of the El Rey club and Willie Martello's colorful history.
Set in a town called Searchlight on the outskirts of Las Vegas.
A great insight to Nevada history and the telling of a lost story with significant contributions to history.
A must read for all historians.
I would recommend this book in a heart beat. Very entertaining!!"

http://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-reviews/R1L01APR2MN4FA/ref=cm_cr_pr_rvw_ttl?ie=UTF8&ASIN=0615894593

BUY AND REVIEW YOUR

OWN COPY TODAY!

The research & collecting of photos and memorabilia from the El Rey Club never stops! Please contact me at 702-465-5604 or email me at andy@andymartello.com if you have stories or memorabilia to share.

Amazon Review of The King of Casinos: Extremely well-written!

"Follow a man as he takes on his dream of creating his own empire! An extremely well written piece of history that will make you feel as though you are right there, with the wild, big-hearted Willie Martello in every step of his grand adventure to make his dreams come true. You simply can not put this story down without wondering what Willie will do next. And you can not help but feeling every word of the story. You are simply there. Andy Martello writes a wonderful novel so full of description and detail you will be sad that, like all great stories this adventure will end. Searchlight, Nevada, will never be the same."

http://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-reviews/R3VA2L7E37TGFB/ref=cm_cr_pr_rvw_ttl?ie=UTF8&ASIN=0615894593

BUY AND REVIEW YOUR

OWN COPY TODAY!

The research & collecting of photos and memorabilia from the El Rey Club never stops! Please contact me at 702-465-5604 or email me at andy@andymartello.com if you have stories or memorabilia to share.

Amazon Review of The King of Casinos: What a fun read!

"What a fun read! I got stuck in an airport due to a blizzard. Luckily, I had my copy of King of Casinos with me. Time flew by, so much so, I almost missed my flight! Unlike many biographies, this one feels like you are reminiscing about a dear old friend, rather than reading about someone you never met. Willie Martello is such a colorful character and so delightfully written, you'll find yourself missing his company when you reach the end."

http://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-reviews/R1X3Q6N8K0GQZP/ref=cm_cr_pr_rvw_ttl?ie=UTF8&ASIN=0615894593

BUY AND REVIEW YOUR

OWN COPY TODAY!

The research & collecting of photos and memorabilia from the El Rey Club never stops! Please contact me at 702-465-5604 or email me at andy@andymartello.com if you have stories or memorabilia to share.

Amazon Review of The King of Casinos: You'll love it!

"5 stars, should be a 10 (or would you say 21)! Find out what connection Andy Martello (the author) has to Willie Martello the main character in this book. And what Characters they both are! The way this story is approached, how the predominate public impression is proven shortsighted, and the full history brought to light... You'll love it. When this story is made into a movie it should include the authors journey of discovery as equal billing to the story of the El Rey Club, the town of Searchlight, with all it's lovable, despicable, cuckoo crazy players. Great read, or just buy it for the pictures. Whatever you do get ready to be a part of history, because when this movie gets made, you can say you read the book first. Now who do we get to play Andy & Willie Martello?"

http://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-reviews/R28WJJU8ERBBOO/ref=cm_cr_pr_rvw_ttl?ie=UTF8&ASIN=0615894593

BUY AND REVIEW YOUR

OWN COPY TODAY!

The research & collecting of photos and memorabilia from the El Rey Club never stops! Please contact me at 702-465-5604 or email me at andy@andymartello.com if you have stories or memorabilia to share.

Amazon Review of the King of Casinos: Masterful storytelling!

"Andy Martello's writing style is pleasantly conversational. He tells the story as though you were sitting in his living room, with a beer in hand, hearing stories and anecdotes told by a master story teller. Of course the book has all the requisite names, dates, and background history in it, but it's “sneaky” history. You don't realize just how much information is packed into it because of the flawlessly entertaining way it's written. Whether or not you have any interest in casinos, or southern Nevada history, or Willy Martello, or the mob, or brothels, or Las Vegas, you will still enjoy the book. I had never heard of Willy Martello before picking up this book and now I'm completely fascinated by his life and the wide range of characters Andy brought to life in the pages of his book. My only disappointment was when I reached the end of the book and there was nothing more to read. Let's get going on the sequel, Mr. Martello."

http://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-reviews/RS4QYXEI69IXS/ref=cm_cr_pr_rvw_ttl?ie=UTF8&ASIN=0615894593

BUY AND REVIEW YOUR

OWN COPY TODAY!

The research & collecting of photos and memorabilia from the El Rey Club never stops! Please contact me at 702-465-5604 or email me at andy@andymartello.com if you have stories or memorabilia to share.

The King of Casinos - Winner of 13 Awards, including BOOK OF THE YEAR!

  

WINNER OF 13 AWARDS 

including BOOK OF THE YEAR!

 

The unreal but TRUE story of the unknown casino that changed Las Vegas forever!
After a horrific blaze destroyed Willie Martello’s El Rey Club in 1962, fifty years would pass before anyone knew of how that casino and one-time brothel influenced LAS VEGAS casinos, upset the mob, and inadvertently launched the career of Francis Ford Coppola.

Were it not for the chance discovery of a single photo in a Las Vegas museum, the El Rey Club would only be known as the seedy brothel where Senator Harry Reid learned to swim. Martello's accomplishments should place him among magnates like Howard Hughes or Steve Wynn, yet very few know his name.
Featuring over 140 rare or unseen photos, these vibrant stories are now brought to light!

BUY YOUR COPY TODAY!

The research & collecting of photos and memorabilia from the El Rey Club never stops! Please contact me at 702-465-5604 or email me at andy@andymartello.com if you have stories or memorabilia to share.

Amazon Review of The King of Casinos: RECOMMEND TO ALL!

"Well written. Met my expectations. The author has obviously done extensive research. Text supported with original photos. Recommend to all."

http://www.amazon.com/review/R37Y7NLATFTW4Z/ref=cm_cr_rdp_perm?ie=UTF8&ASIN=0615894593

BUY AND REVIEW YOUR

OWN COPY TODAY!

The research & collecting of photos and memorabilia from the El Rey Club never stops! Please contact me at 702-465-5604 or email me at andy@andymartello.com if you have stories or memorabilia to share.

Amazon Review of The King of Casinos: An important piece of American history!

"Mr Martello has done a great job of presenting an important piece of American history with fun and sly humor without losing sight of the facts, very well written.
Would give this book many more stars then available if I could!"
http://www.amazon.com/review/R1VKW0G42CIKUE/ref=cm_cr_rdp_perm?ie=UTF8&ASIN=0615894593

BUY AND REVIEW YOUR

OWN COPY TODAY!

The research & collecting of photos and memorabilia from the El Rey Club never stops! Please contact me at 702-465-5604 or email me at andy@andymartello.com if you have stories or memorabilia to share.

Amazon Review of The King of Casinos: A real PAGE-TURNER!

"Ok, so I'm a bit biased. This is a book about my cousin Willie Martello. But Andy has done an amazing job for his first book. It reads like you are there following Willie around as he creates jobs and builds a city in the desert. The book also dispels a lot of baloney spread by Senator Harry Reid who grew up in Searchlight, NV. By the way, do you know Harry's nickname? You have to buy the book to find out.
You will not be disappointed."

http://www.amazon.com/review/R3CUE8N6T16URF/ref=cm_cr_rdp_perm?ie=UTF8&ASIN=0615894593

BUY AND REVIEW YOUR

OWN COPY TODAY!

The research & collecting of photos and memorabilia from the El Rey Club never stops! Please contact me at 702-465-5604 or email me at andy@andymartello.com if you have stories or memorabilia to share.

Amazon Review of The King of Casinos: Fantastic writing style about an amazing story!

 "Martello does a fantastic job "prepping" the reader early for the mass of information that flows freely throughout the book. Amazing pictures and a fun read about a very cool story and time in Nevada history."

http://www.amazon.com/review/R3JLVL3PKJ78UW/ref=cm_cr_rdp_perm?ie=UTF8&ASIN=0615894593

BUY AND REVIEW YOUR

OWN COPY TODAY!
 

The research & collecting of photos and memorabilia from the El Rey Club never stops! Please contact me at 702-465-5604 or email me at andy@andymartello.com if you have stories or memorabilia to share.

Amazon Review of The King of Casinos: A story that keeps you RIVETED!

 "What an amazing story! I am still reading the book and am captivated by the artistry of the author and the interesting characters. I recommend this book to everyone! Fun, interesting and historical."

http://www.amazon.com/review/R399ZPTDKNG03F/ref=cm_cr_rdp_perm?ie=UTF8&ASIN=0615894593

BUY AND REVIEW YOUR

OWN COPY TODAY!

The research & collecting of photos and memorabilia from the El Rey Club never stops! Please contact me at 702-465-5604 or email me at andy@andymartello.com if you have stories or memorabilia to share.

Amazon Review of The King of Casinos: Well-written and thought-provoking!

"Well-written and thought-provoking, Andy Martello has effortlessly combined humor and history to shed light on one of the most fascinating yet obscure eras of our nation."

http://www.amazon.com/review/R2RSX87CS38N2/ref=cm_cr_rdp_perm?ie=UTF8&ASIN=0615894593

GET YOUR COPY TODAY!



The research & collecting of photos and memorabilia from the El Rey Club never stops! Please contact me at 702-465-5604 or email me at andy@andymartello.com if you have stories or memorabilia to share.

Amazon Review of The king of Casinos: A FASCINATING Story!

 "This is an easy read because of Andy Martello's style of writing. It reads like he's beside you telling the story to you personally. I have been interested in Nevada history since my first visit many years ago. I had the pleasure to meet Andy and get him to sign his book at a program at the Nevada State Museum. Little did I know when I bought the book that I would have been so caught up in the history of this small Nevada town known more for its famous senator than anything else.

After finishing the book, I need to go back and see the Clampers monument and find the area where WIllie's El Rey Club stood. Perhaps we can get a group together, rent a backhoe, and look for buried treasure (Sorry, you'll have to buy the book and read it to join in my quest).

It is a fascinating story how a chance museum tour would lead to a book like this. Andy Martello's book keeps you involved. You can't help but cheer for Willie and hope for the best!

Yes indeed, who knew that Searchlight had so much at one time?"

http://www.amazon.com/review/R3QVFSITQJZE30/ref=cm_cr_rdp_perm?ie=UTF8&ASIN=0615894593

GET YOUR COPY TODAY!


The research & collecting of photos and memorabilia from the El Rey Club never stops! Please contact me at 702-465-5604 or email me at andy@andymartello.com if you have stories or memorabilia to share.

Amazon Review of The King of Casinos: I Enjoyed this book IMMENSELY!

"I really enjoyed this book immensely. I've only lived here for 8 years so it was great learning about some of the history surrounding Searchlight and looking at all the pictures. This was a very humorous and enjoyable read."

http://www.amazon.com/review/R3HV66WKW9INVA/ref=cm_cr_rdp_perm?ie=UTF8&ASIN=0615894593

GET YOUR COPY TODAY!


The research & collecting of photos and memorabilia from the El Rey Club never stops! Please contact me at 702-465-5604 or email me at andy@andymartello.com if you have stories or memorabilia to share.

Amazon Review: Reads like a Novel! Andy's Captivating Writing will Pull You In!

"It reads like a novel, but don't skim. You don't want to miss a detail. Even if you never thought you would be interested in a story about a guy who owned a casino, the story, and Andy's captivating writing will pull you in."

http://www.amazon.com/review/R1ELZRHYNR9WZM/ref=cm_cr_rdp_perm?ie=UTF8&ASIN=0615894593

GET YOUR COPY HERE!


The research & collecting of photos and memorabilia from the El Rey Club never stops! Please contact me at 702-465-5604 or email me at andy@andymartello.com if you have stories or memorabilia to share.

Amazon Review of The King of Casinos: I Loved Andy's Writing Style!

"Its difficult for me to be objective because.Willie Martello was my stepfather...and Andy is my friend. On the other hand I can be judgemental because I have the right. I know how long this has been in the works and I appreciate Andy's determination. It.was so fun to read this..and I loved.Andy's writing style. He is a great storyteller and this is a great story. Three cheers Andy Martello..and thank you for recognizing the man and his mission and bringing him to life ..warts and all."

http://www.amazon.com/review/R2JW6JYOJOM1FU/ref=cm_cr_rdp_perm?ie=UTF8&ASIN=0615894593

GET YOUR COPY HERE!


The research & collecting of photos and memorabilia from the El Rey Club never stops! Please contact me at 702-465-5604 or email me at andy@andymartello.com if you have stories or memorabilia to share.

Amazon Review: The King of Casinos is a Rollicking Ride Through the Desert!

"The author has crafted a fascinating and incisive biography of the outrageous and over-the-top Nevada gambler and casino owner, Willie Martello. The book details, with great precision, heart, and humor, the sometimes hardscrabble, and always exciting and glamorous life of Martello, who almost singlehandedly put the dusty desert town of Searchlight, NV. on the map. Filled to overflowing with tasty anecdotes of the wild and wooly times of the impeccably groomed gambling man, the book is further enhanced by DOZENS of super-rare archival and family photos that show Martello comfortably ensconsed in his kingdom of lovers, winners and losers. Andy Martello has succeeded (in spades!) in bringing this important historical figure his just due, and the story literally begs for a future cinematic treatment. Major kudos for a brilliant and entertaining work that I will revisit soon."

 http://www.amazon.com/review/R30MWHZ9K12FPY/ref=cm_cr_rdp_perm?ie=UTF8&ASIN=0615894593

BUY YOUR COPY HERE!




The research & collecting of photos and memorabilia from the El Rey Club never stops! Please contact me at 702-465-5604 or email me at andy@andymartello.com if you have stories or memorabilia to share.

Amazon Review: The King of Casinos is a humorous, smart, and fun read about a colorful Southern Nevada character.

"Andy Martello's approach to writing "The King of Casinos: Willie Martello and The El Rey Club" is surprisingly refreshing. Many historic pieces focus so much on dates and linear timelines that they fail to actually tell an interesting story. The author does an excellent job of including the pertinent dates, but only as is necessary to share a fun story. I appreciate that he uses his humorous approach to the storytelling. But more than that, I appreciate that this story became very personal to him and he wasn't afraid to share that. Throughout the book he talks of all of the wonderful people he has encountered as a result of his research, and his love for them shows through. Of course, I would be remiss if I didn't mention that this is an excellent biography of Willie Martello and the El Rey Club, a story you will find nowhere else. Andy Martello is truly the expert. As a great bonus, the book is filled with so many pictures and excerpts that your experience is continually enhanced. I truly enjoyed the read." The research & collecting of photos and memorabilia from the El Rey Club never stops! Please contact me at 702-465-5604 or email me at andy@andymartello.com if you have stories or memorabilia to share.

 http://www.amazon.com/review/R2L8E6VL917WU8/ref=cm_cr_rdp_perm?ie=UTF8&ASIN=0615894593

GET YOUR COPY HERE!

Amazon Review: King of Casinos Gets FIVE STARS!

"A fantastic trip through a little known, but very influential part of the development of Las Vegas.
Such a great insight into what would become a major piece of American history!"

 http://www.amazon.com/review/RURY9MTC4Y8CN/ref=cm_cr_rdp_perm?ie=UTF8&ASIN=0615894593

BUY YOUR COPY HERE!


The research & collecting of photos and memorabilia from the El Rey Club never stops! Please contact me at 702-465-5604 or email me at andy@andymartello.com if you have stories or memorabilia to share.

Amazon and the Customer Reviews

Amazon has rather wrongly decided to start removing book reviews if their algorithm determines the reviewer knows the author.  I understand the good in
tentions behind it since some people will just shill for their friends and all.  However, it has no way of determining the relationship with the author, no way to prove or disprove the review is sincere, and no way to ensure all reviews are "real" other than, perhaps, insisting only verified Amazon purchasers are allowed to review a book.


My friends who have reviewed the book all know better than to blow smoke up my ass.  If you don't like it, tell people, especially ME, why.  However, Amazon's algorithm doesn't know that either.  So...

In an attempt to keep all of the reviews I have received, I plan on reprinting them all in daily blog posts until mine are taken away forever...assuming they are actually taken down by Amazon.

Check out the reviews from Amazon, leave your own, or buy your own copy to review today!

http://www.amazon.com/The-King-Casinos-Willie-Martello/dp/0615894593

The research & collecting of photos and memorabilia from the El Rey Club never stops! Please contact me at 702-465-5604 or email me at andy@andymartello.com if you have stories or memorabilia to share.

The King of Casinos: BOOK OF THE YEAR!

The King of Casinos has been named the BOOK OF THE YEAR by the Casino Chip & Gaming Token Collectors Club, Inc.

This is truly an amazing honor—the THIRTEENTH award and accolade for this little book.
Many thanks to everyone for the support.


To get your copy of the BOOK OF THE YEAR, head to Amazon today!



The research & collecting of photos and memorabilia from the El Rey Club never stops! Please contact me at 702-465-5604 or email me at andy@andymartello.com if you have stories or memorabilia to share.