The Key

By: Michael Vlasek

Narrated by: Mike Steele

Bud Collins can't win at anything. His daughter calls him a loser, his ex is taking him to the cleaners, and he can't beat his bookie. Getting lucky with women is also a lost cause until a strange package arrives in the mail and offers him the opportunity of a lifetime. His eccentric uncle wants him to come to take care of his house while he takes a long vacation with his future in-laws in Australia. The incentives are lots of money and a mystery hinting his cash-poor uncle, who is always trying to figure out a gambling angle to break the bank, is onto something big.

Bud finagles a phony medical leave from his job and heads to Reno, Nevada, where he is stunned to discover his uncle, who has already left on his trip, wants him to take care of an incredible mansion instead of the decrepit home he remembers from his youth.

Bud learns more about his uncle's money-making scheme when he starts substitute teaching at a job his uncle has arranged for him through a friend. He also meets a woman who might be the girl of his dreams. But he accidentally blows his chance with her and thinks he will never see her again until learning she works at his school. However, Mary Jane isn't interested in a jerk, and Bud, with his students' hilarious help, has to start winning her heart all over again.

Eventually, Bud realizes how his uncle has been making tons of money, and he can't resist taking advantage of that knowledge. However, when he starts making some cash, he sets in motion a wild course of events destined to change his life—for as his fortunes turn, it causes repercussions which get his bookie, Vinny the Shark, and his devious hit man, Slinky, on his tail, along with a few other shady characters determined to stop him from succeeding in becoming rich and possibly winning the love of his life. They all want their cuts, and they all have their scams to dump Bud right back where he started.

Bud soon has to decide what he wants the most: money, love, or his simple, safe life back. It seems he can't have everything—or can he? Will his preposterous idea to outwit everyone work? Maybe or maybe not...because his eccentric uncle still has a loaded ace up his sleeve which no one, including Bud, sees coming, and that card just might trump everything!

©2012 Michael Louis Vlasek (P)2022 Michael Louis Vlasek

Entertaining story!

I enjoyed the story, which had many twists and turns. There was intrigue, humor, suspense, and romance. The author’s descriptions enable the reader to picture the scenes, as if watching a movie. Mysteries are my favorite genre, and I was able to figure out some of the plot, but not all of it! The narrator has a voice that is easy to listen to, he brings the unique characters to life, and he has impeccable timing for the humorous lines – great job!

A very entertaining and enjoyable book

This story was full of twist and turns which keeps you guessing. It is well written and the narration brings all the interesting characters to life. It was enjoyable, suspenseful and humorous read.

Very enjoyable book

I thoroughly enjoyed this fantasy tale combined with sharp character analysis.
The main proponent enters a progressive journey of unexpected success leading to the development of
his life in positive ways.
Writing was unexpectedly well developed and the performance brought the story to life.
I enjoyed the stories of the minor characters and look forward to the next work by this team.

Very fun and very well done well worth the time

"This book is an absolutely delightful listen! It is best described as a romantic comedy, and it is full of twists and turns that will keep you guessing. The writing is excellent, and the voiceover brings all the crazy characters to life. And the occasional sound effects used by the narrator put it on a level above anything else I've listened to. So, if you're looking for a feel-good, creative, well written, unpredictable, heart-warming, laugh out loud funny way to spend some time, this is the book for you. It is rated R for language and adult content, so listener discretion is advised. I can't wait for Michael (Vlaseks') and Mike (Steeles') next project. They make a GREAT team!"

Fun change of pace

This book is way out of what I normally listen to. I know the author and could hear some of him while listening. The story turned out to ne really good and was actually kind of funny. Since I live in Reno, it meant a little more. i found myself looking forward to turning it on whenever I could. Nice work Mike!