That’s when I got the idea for High Stakes, my upcoming blackjack/casino thriller. I know, it’s a big leap from sci-fi. But let me explain.

For years, I’ve been reading books, watching documentaries, and listening to the stories of legendary card counters and casino teams. It’s one of those things you hear about and think, “Man, I’d love to do that.” The thrill of outsmarting the house, the strategy, the drama of a high-stakes game—it’s electric. But, as most of us know, life, reality, and a certain lack of blackjack skills tend to get in the way of these grand dreams.

So, what’s a guy to do? Write about it, of course!

High Stakes is my take on the world of card counting, following a team of blackjack pros as they navigate the high highs and dangerous lows of the casino underworld. It’s a mix of adrenaline-pumping strategy, the thrill of outwitting the system, and the inevitable mess that comes when humans get too greedy (spoiler: it doesn’t end well). And let me tell you, writing about it has been the closest I’ll ever get to being on a team like that. Maybe someday, in another life, I could have been counting cards, trying to beat the system. But in this life, I’ll settle for writing a damn good story about it.

This one’s for all of you who, like me, have always dreamed of being part of a high-stakes team, playing the odds and trying to walk away with the prize. Get ready to join my crew, feel the tension, and experience the rush of a casino thriller that’s as calculated as it is unpredictable.

So, buckle up—High Stakes is coming soon. And trust me, it’s going to be one wild ride.

Leif J. Erickson is a science fiction and fantasy author from a small farming community in west central Minnesota. Using his time wisely when he was a farmer, Leif developed many ideas, characters, and storylines to create over fifty unique first drafts and outlines for stories. From his start in a small town school, to college at North Dakota State University, back to his family farm, then to the bright lights of Minneapolis, Minnesota, and back to his small farming town, Leif has always had a love of writing.

When Leif isn’t writing he can be found with his wife hiking in state parks, canoeing local lakes and rivers, exploring local and regional ghost towns, experiencing museums, or simply reading or hanging out with friends and family. Leif draws on the local nature and ecology to find inspiration for his writing while he also asks what’s possible for technology and the human race, weaving them together for amazing stories that will stay with the reader for years to come. Leif looks forward to having many novel and story releases in the years to come.

You can see all of Leif’s Books here: Leif’s Amazon Author Page