Gary M. Pomerantz
Nonfiction Author, Journalist, Lecturer
The Devil's Tickets
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Reviews: The Devil's Tickets
"A deliciously detailed and splendidly written account of the emergence of bridge as America's No. 1 pastime . . . Illuminating a crime and card game of passion, and the gentle gender-bending of the Roaring Twenties and Great Depression, Pomerantz weaves a compelling read even for people who don't know the difference between a trick and a trump."National Public Radio "Pomerantz has turned the Bennett murder case into the central focus of his fascinating, deeply researched new book . . . This is history with a whole lineup of compelling characters . . . Pomerantz handles it all with a stirring sense of story and human behavior."
The Kansas City Star
"Combine the favorite card game of proper intellectuals including Warren Buffett with a scandalous real-life murder and a cheating husband, and you've got an irresistible summer read."
USA TODAY
"Stylish. . . fascinating, even haunting."
The San Francisco Chronicle
"Pomerantz spins a mesmerizing tale . . . [He] argues that the Bennett murder was a uniquely American tragedy. Occurring at the dawn of contract bridge and just weeks before the great stock market collapse, the murder was not just the last act in the story of an affluent young couple whose 10-year marriage was suffering from the strains of jealousy and competitiveness, but an indictment against the American dream itself, where happiness is measured by material success . . . A fascinating and thoroughly delightful read. Rating: A-Plus."
The Bridge Bulletin
"Gary M. Pomerantz’s fascinating The Devil’s Tickets [is] a true-crime story, sure, but it's much more . . . Pomerantz paints detailed portraits of his subjects as well as a nuanced picture of America as the Roaring Twenties crashed into the Great Depression. The Devil’s Tickets is bound to appeal to bridge players and true-crime fans and should also win admirers from anyone interested in American social history."
The Richmond Times-Dispatch
"Gary M. Pomerantz brings both the (Bennett) case and its aftermath into sharp focus. Set against the backdrop of the early years of the Great Depression, it is a story filled with colorful characters and surprising twists . . . This book, which reads more like a novel than the documentation of an actual event, has everything - bloody retribution, sexual innuendo and shameless hucksterism. It is perfect summer reading."
King Features Syndicate
"That the book had received such vibrant praise from Erik Larson, the author of The Devil in the White City, and Orchid Thief author Susan Orlean indicated that this book, like theirs, threaded its narrative through places we've never been through before. The "devil's tickets" in the title are the queens and aces of card decks, but in author Gary Pomerantz's hands, they are also instruments in an early twentieth century Battle of the Sexes and the calling-cards of self-promoting showmen and politicians. There's an anger spurred bridge spouse killing in this book, but that's only the first card of its well-dealt hand."
B & N Recommends, Barnes & Noble Book Clubs "Featured Selection."
" Gary Pomerantz wrote what is widely considered one of the best and most important books ever authored about this city: Where Peachtree Meets Sweet Auburn. With the same narrative skills that gave that work, and subsequent others, such vividness, Pomerantz has published The Devil's Tickets . . . Pomerantz's tale is truly a panorama of the era, full of wonderfully colorful characters, significant historic detail and astute social commentary."
Georgia Public Broadcasting
“A great story, a real drama, a perfect window on American culture -- and best of all, beautifully written with the lightest touch.”
Susan Orlean, author of the New York Times bestseller THE ORCHID THIEF
"Why is poker considered a sport while bridge is classified as merely a game? Well, that designation will surely change, just as soon as people get a load of Gary Pomerantz's "The Devil's Tickets," an irresistible true account of murder, sex, bridge and the Roaring '20s. Pomerantz lays his cards on the table: 1929. Kansas City. Prohibition. The Great Depression looms. A murder at the bridge table involving glamorous Myrtle Bennett, who fired the fatal shots . . . The author also reveals the story of the Barnum of the bridge craze, Ely Culbertson, who agreed with his wife to never discuss a hand while sitting at the table. If only the Bennetts had agreed to similar terms. 1929, the year that contract bridge became a contact sport."
The Fredricksburg (Va.) Free Lance-Star
“Bridge and murder, two of mankind's most engrossing pursuits—in The Devil's Tickets Gary Pomerantz intermingles both to create a crackling portrait of a vibrant past age and a singular moment when a bullet trumped all.”
Erik Larson, author of the New York Times bestseller, THE DEVIL IN THE WHITE CITY
"Gary Pomerantz has written a fascinating and carefully researched book. Pomerantz layers the Bennett murder trial, Kansas City politics and the Pendergast machine with the bridge scene in New York City and the promotional antics of Ely Culbertson, a veritable P.T. Barnum of bridge. . . . Whether you play bridge or not, the book is a great read thanks to Pomerantz's light, yet detailed touch."
The El Paso Times
"In THE DEVIL’S TICKETS, Gary Pomerantz gives us a thrilling story that illuminates a forgotten yet essential slice of American history. Masterfully reported, beautifully written, and all but impossible to put down, the book is a marvelous work of narrative non-fiction. An unforgettable read."
Jonathan Eig, author of New York Times bestseller LUCKIEST MAN: The Life and Death of Lou Gehrig.
"Consistently absorbing and entertaining... Pomerantz artfully explores a number of surprisingly inter-connected themes - bridge, murder, sex, and the roaring 1920's. Even with such a winning hand a lesser writer might have stumbled. It’s a testament to Pomerantz's narrative gifts that THE DEVIL'S TICKETS is a triumph."
Howard Blum, author of the New York Times bestseller AMERICAN LIGHTNING
“I was completely absorbed by THE DEVIL’S TICKETS . .. This remarkably entertaining tale reveals important truths about bridge, such as that the best players must check their egos at the door, and that mental endurance and intimidation can be pivotal. But it also reveals truths about life, such as that women need a venue where they can compete with men, and that a rare confluence of social factors can create men like Ely Culberston, who was only too happy to be Johnny-on-the-spot when there was money to be made or fame to be won. Anyone who’s played bridge, or ever been the least bit curious about the game’s appeal, will love this book.”
Bob Hamman, 11-time Bridge World Champion
"Marriage and, well, anything don't mix, but especially cards, as Gary Pomerantz shows in this rip-snorting tale of spades, diamonds and gunfire. Who would have dreamed that such a supposedly placid game could have fueled so much marital uproar during the great bridge craze of the 1920’s and ‘30’s? A murder, a trial and plenty of outsize oddballs--excellent stuff!”
Pope Brock, author of the New York Times bestseller CHARLATAN
“Riveting…A wonderful story of a bygone era that will stay etched in your mind. Pomerantz writes with a fabulous style. This is a must read not only for all bridge players but for anyone who cares about life in the fast lane in days gone by.”
Barbara Seagram, Owner of the Barbara Seagram School of Bridge
“Pomerantz's lively narrative skillfully recreates the Roaring Twenties, when an exotic couple named Ely and Jo Culbertson fueled a national craze for the game of bridge. The Devil’s Tickets is an incredible example of how the games of our lives can fuel passions, bring fame and fortune, capture the imagination - or, in the case of Jack and Myrtle Bennett, lead to murder and infamy.”
Michael Craig, author of The Professor, The Banker, and the Suicide King: Inside the Richest Poker Game of All Time
"I'm one of those who is still caught up in the bridge craze of the 1920's and ‘30’s. When I'm not writing, I can usually be found sitting at a bridge table, either at the local club, or at a tournament. Nowadays people tend to think of the game of bridge as old and somewhat fuddy-duddy, but once upon a time it was young and sexy. What a delight to read Gary M. Pomerantz’s engaging account of how all this got started.”
Louis Sachar, author of the National Book Award-winning HOLES