The El Rey Club, Searchlight, NV

The El Rey Club, Searchlight, NV
The El Rey Resort & Casino, Circa 1957-1962

Tuesday, October 28, 2014

FINALIST! Red City Review Book Award Contest and a FIVE STAR REVIEW!



Check back in December to find out if I won my category for the Red City Review book Award Contest.  I was recently named a finalist and they graciously gave my book a FIVE STAR REVIEW!

"Every so often, readers come across stories and characters that are so unlikely as to be unbelievable.  This is one of those stories – but, remarkably, it’s all true.  Andy Martello was visiting Las Vegas with his wife when they decided to stop in at a dusty museum off the main drag.  Martello’s wife pointed out a faded black-and-white photograph that bore the couple’s same last name: it was the author’s first acquaintance with the El Rey Club, a notorious Nevadan gambling and entertainment destination that got its start in the 1940s.  Run by Willie Martello, this was a place where celebrities came to get away.  In fact, the El Rey Club was so successful in diverting money away from the Las Vegas joints that it began to attract untoward attention.  The club’s association with the Mafia led to Martello’s muddy reputation, dragging his story down into the depths of American history until one author had the happenstance to drudge it back up. 

Let’s face it: gambling is a gray area.  There are those who are strictly in favor of it, and those who wouldn’t step foot in front of a slot machine.  Mostly it’s because of a morality we paint over the act of gambling – it’s wasteful, sinful, illegitimate.  Or, it’s entertaining, fun, and relaxing.  Similarly, Martello’s story is part heroic and part dubious.  Through sheer willpower, this man erected a business from the ground up and forever changed the face of the gambling industry; there’s no denying how much thought and sweat went into the El Rey Club.  Yet at the same time, the Club had somewhat shadowy underpinnings: rigged slot machines, multiple run-ins with the law, and a hotspot for Mafia activity.  What Andy Martello has managed to piece together – in as seemingly a miraculous way as the King of Casinos himself – is a thoughtful, well-researched biography of a remarkable businessman out of the American past."



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.

A FIVE STAR REVIEW and a SILVER MEDAL from Readers' Favorite!

Read the Review!


Reviewed by for Readers' Favorite

The King of Casinos – Willie Martello and the El Rey Club is the story of how one small casino became the blueprint for thousands of others. Andy Martello came across one photograph that prompted him to look into the history of the El Rey Club, of how it was built up and then destroyed in 1962 by a terrific fire. That one photo brought to life a story that is colourful. That one photo uncovered buried facts and gave the El Rey Club its place in history. For fifty years after the fire that destroyed it the Club was known as a small time brothel, nothing more. Andy Martello brings us the truth about how Willie Martello built up the Club, of how he stepped on the toes of the Las Vegas Mob and of how his little club kick started Francis Ford Coppola’s career. The El Rey Club was so much more than it was thought to be and the only place you will find the truth is between the covers of this book.

The King of Casinos had me laughing out loud in places. Andy Martello has a real storyteller’s gift, a way with words that makes a reader want to be there in the thick of his story. The photographs were a fantastic addition to the book, priceless, and helping to tell the real story of the club. I couldn’t put the book down and I guarantee that anybody who picks up this book will feel the same. Once you start, you won’t want to stop until the very end. Great book, a fantastic piece of history brought to life.






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.

Thursday, August 14, 2014

Video Vault Clip

Great coverage on Channel 3 in Las Vegas.  Thanks to Wake Up with the Wagners and Tom Hawley.

http://www.mynews3.com/content/news/story/video-vault-hawley-searchlight-martello-gaming/QeiGDkZoi0CQWl4cnZ-rpw.cspx



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.

Monday, August 11, 2014

Andy Martello's King of Casinos at the MOB MUSEUM!

Not only is my book on the shelves at the ultra-cool MOB MUSEUM in Las Vegas, but I'll be there this week giving a discussion to the museum members as part of their Wiseguys Speaker Series.

You DO need to be a member of the museum to attend the event, but the memberships are very much worth it.  Info is available at their website

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.

Saturday, August 9, 2014

The King of Casinos is Now Available at the Pahrump Valley Museum!



Please make certain to visit the Pahrump Valley Museum, along with the wineries and other incredible attractions when in Pahrump, Nevada.  I fell in love with their museum when I saw it today and the vast amount of well-displayed artifacts and buildings makes it so very worth the trip.  This town has a LOT going for it and their preservation of the town's history says a lot about how much the community cares about its residents.

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.

Wednesday, August 6, 2014

The King of Casinos in the Video vault on Wake Up with the Wagners

In Vegas and online, watch me discuss The King of Casinos with Tom Hawley on Wake Up with the Wagners on Wednesday, August 13, at 5:15 am and 6:15 am as well as on the Channel 3 website.
I'll be featured in Tom's popular Video Vault segment.

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.

Thursday, July 17, 2014

A FIVE-STAR Review for The King of Casinos from Readers' Favorite!

The King of Casinos
"I couldn't put the book down."
https://readersfavorite.com/book-review/31405
"The King of Casinos had me laughing out loud in places. Andy Martello has a real storyteller’s gift, a way with words that makes a reader want to be there in the thick of his story. The photographs were a fantastic addition to the book, priceless, and helping to tell the real story of the club. I couldn’t put the book down and I guarantee that anybody who picks up this book will feel the same. Once you start, you won’t want to stop until the very end. Great book, a fantastic piece of history brought to life."

- Reviewed by Anne-Marie Reynolds for Readers' Favorite



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.

Tuesday, July 15, 2014

Readers' Favorite Finalist and the Mob Museum!

 I have two big pieces of happy news to report!  The King of Casinos has just been listed as a FINALIST for a coveted Readers' Favorite Book Award.  This is a HUGE honor.  Established authors, big name publishing houses, and world renowned books compete in this contest and to be named a finalist is simply unheard of for a first-time author.


Aside from a piece of their $10,000 in cash prizes, if I win my category, I COULD be selected to be presented before the folks at Wind Dancer Films, giving the book a legitimate shot at becoming a movie.  Send lots of good mojo and well-wishes.  They announce the winners on September 1.

I am also very happy to announce that you can now find The King of Casinos on the shelves of the world famous MOB MUSEUM in Las Vegas.  I'll be speaking to their members in August and having the book there in advance of the appearance is very important.  If the book sells as well there as it does at the Neon Museum, I should have some good movement for my little book.

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.

Friday, July 11, 2014

Collectable King of Casinos Goodies - WHILE SUPPLIES LAST!

While supplies last...
First edition of The King of Casinos: $10 (plus shipping)

First edition King of Casinos Book

Limited edition King of Casinos Poker Chips: $5 (plus shipping)

King of Casinos Limited Edition Poker Chip

Books come signed with a free bookmark.

King of Casinos Bookmark - FREE with purchase or Amazon review

Available through me only.
Drop me a line at andy@andymartello.com 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.

Wednesday, July 9, 2014

The King of Casinos Places at Hollywood Book Festival!

The honors for this little book continue!  I am very proud to announce The King of Casinos was the RUNNER-UP in the biography category at the prestigious Hollywood Book Festival.



The King of Casinos
RUNNER-UP!  Hollywood Book Festival!


This is the third award for my first book and I couldn't be more proud.  I am humbled that is is receiving such recognition from so many reputable places.  It may not be on the bestsellers list, but it is making waves everywhere it goes.  One day, it will be a major motion picture or perhaps a TV show.  Placing in the Hollywood Book Festival is a good start towards that goal.


The first revised edition of the AWARD-WINNING BOOK
is out NOW.  Get your copy at 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.

Wednesday, July 2, 2014

Revised First Edition, Beach Book Festival, and Store Updates for The King of Casinos

There has been a lot of excitement going on here in Andy Land.

First off, in case I forgot to mention this, The King of Casinos was the runner-up (2nd place) in the 2014 Beach Book Festival, held in Manhattan.  This is another prestigious honor for this first-time author and I couldn't be more proud of my little book.

I am very proud to announce that the first revised edition of The King of Casinos will be available for purchase July 4, 2014, six months after the initial release of the book.  This new edition will have a few minor revisions, a few new facts, and a few new photos for you.  Mostly, it will be as rid of those pesky typos as I can get it.  One big addition to this book will be the new cover, which proudly features the international Book Awards emblem.  I don't like to brag...oh, wait!  In this case I do.  lol!


WINNER!  International Book Awards
RUNNER-UP!  Beach Book Festival
The King of Casinos

This will be the version that ends up being submitted to reviewers, used for the e-book and audio book, and will likely be the last version you'll see unless I do a special collector's edition on it's anniversary.

Lastly, I'd like to update the list of places where you can find the book.  There are presently a handful of stores carrying the book with more to come!

Signed Copies are available at...
Not so signed copies are available at...
Stay tuned for more locations virtual or otherwise!






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.

Wednesday, June 18, 2014

Buy The King of Casinos at the Neon Museum!

I'm very happy to announce that the prestigious Neon Museum of las vegas is now selling the award-winning book, King of Casinos!

When in Vegas, please check out one of the coolest museums around.

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.

King of Casinos on the Gambler's Book Club Podcast!

Please listen to me on the Gambler's Book Club Podcast!

You can hear it HERE...
http://gamblersbookclub.libsyn.com/-episode-133-the-king-of-casinos-willie-martello-and-the-el-rey-club-by-andy-martello

The Gambler's Book Club is located at the Gambler's General Store on Main St. in Las Vegas. Coincidentally, they also carry my award-winning book.

http://gamblersbookclub.com/


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.

Thursday, May 22, 2014

The King of Casinos: International Book Awards WINNER!

King of Casinos WINNER International Book Awards
The King of Casinos
WINNER, 2014 International Book Awards
"Biography"

THIS JUST IN!
The King of Casinos has just been award the top prize in the "Biography" category of the International Book Awards!

This is quite an honor and something I am still trying to comprehend.  All I can say is THANK YOU to the judges and to everyone who has supported this project.

If you don't have your copy of the AWARD-WINNING BOOK,
The King of Casinos, head to my website or Amazon.com today!


King of Casino WINNER International Book Awards


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.

Tuesday, May 20, 2014

King of Casinos is in the News AGAIN!

 Thanks to the Carol Stream Press!




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.

Thursday, May 15, 2014

Thanks to the Boulder City Review



Read the Full Story HERE
 http://bouldercityreview.com/sections/entertainment/photo-leads-man-quest.html





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.

King of Casinos on Fox 5 Vegas' MORE Access


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.

Monday, May 12, 2014

Buy The King of Casinos at the Route 66 Mother Road Museum and Elsewhere!



Signed Copies are available at...
At the Route 66 Mother Road Museum in Barstow, CA


With Rick and Kelly Dale from Americah Restoration

Not so signed copies are available at...
With Tim Shaw, host of National Geographic's
international hit TV show,
"None of the Above"






    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.

Wednesday, April 30, 2014

Andy Martello on Touhyville Monday May 5


Listen to me Monday, May 5, 2014

Listen to me with my long-time Chicago-area & comedian friend Steve Touhy on his excellent internet podcast, Touhyville.

Check http://www.touhyville.com/ to listen to the show Monday!

LIKE https://www.facebook.com/Touhyville
FOLLOW https://twitter.com/stevetouhy

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.

Andy Martello BOOK SIGNING at Lost Vegas Antiques MAY 17, 2014

King of Casinos Book Signing May 17, 2014 from 11 am to 3 pm
If you've read The King of Casinos: Willie Martello & the El Rey Club, you know that Lost Vegas is where I first saw THE photo that started me on this crazy journey. They may be at a new location, but the store is going strong and is better than ever. Not only have they been kind enough to carry my book, but they are hosting a signing event Saturday, May 17, from 11am to 3pm.

Lost Vegas Antiques is located at 625 Las Vegas Blvd. S. Las Vegas, NV 89103
Directions: Las Vegas Blvd. (Strip) & Bonneville Ave. "Downtown" between the Graceland Wedding Chapel and the Gold & Silver (Pawn Stars) Pawn Shop.

http://lostvegas.vpweb.com/ 
702-382-1882

The Photo that started it all!


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.

Friday, April 25, 2014

The King of Casinos on Talk About Las Vegas with Ira



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.

Wednesday, March 26, 2014

Las Vegas & Clark County Book Clubs! Andy Martello & The King of Casinos at YOUR Book Discussion!


CLICK IMAGE FOR LARGER VIEW
Author Andy Martello Joins Your Book Club's Discussion
of The King of Casinos!
 I've no idea if any other authors have tried this sort of thing, but I have so much fun at my discussions and lectures it seems like a no-brainer for me to offer a great price on the book and actually speak at Vegas area book clubs.  Here's hoping you'll agree and take advantage of this unprecedented offer.

SPECIAL PRICE FOR VEGAS BOOK CLUBS!
Get The King of Casinos for 50% off the list price
AND
Have the author at your book club discussion!

That's $10/per book and a special chance to enjoy Q&A with the author.
Let's see Doris Kearns Goodwin do this.  lol!

Contact Andy Martello at 702-465-5604 for details!

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.

Thursday, March 13, 2014

Buy Andy Martello's The King of Casinos: Willie Martello and the El Rey Club

 
Signed Copies are available at...

With Rick and Kelly Dale from Americah Restoration

Not so signed copies are available at...
Stay tuned for more locations virtual or otherwise!






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.

Tuesday, February 11, 2014

Where to Buy The king of Casinos: Willie Martello and the El Rey Club

Signed Copies are available at...
Not so signed copies are available at...
Stay tuned for more locations virtual or otherwise!





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.

Friday, January 24, 2014

Where to Buy The King of Casinos: Willie Martello and the El Rey Club

The King of Casinos Willie Martello and the El Rey Club


Click the links to purchase from
the retailer of your choice





Signed collector's editions available at





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.

Friday, January 10, 2014

Rising From the Ashes: The King of Casinos Book Release Party #1

Click images for larger view.

The King of Casinos Book release Party


Come out to En Fuego Cigars & Lounge on January 21 between 6 and 9 pm to watch Willie Martello and his El Rey Club rise from the ashes on the 52nd anniversary of the night the El Rey Club burned to the ground.

 The King of Casinos Book Release Party

There will be other parties, but this is the one that has the most impact and historical significance.

Here is the official press release.  Feel free to share any of these fliers with your friends so we can have a real party!

The King of Casinos Press Release

What am I missing?  Oh yeah...

BUY THE BOOK!

NOW AVAILABLE ON AMAZON.COM
and


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.

Saturday, January 4, 2014

Wanna Buy a Book?

 Here are a few options.


For collectable versions:  http://www.gofundme.com/el-rey-club-book

Thanks for stopping by!


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.