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March, 2025 – In his debut work, The Front Man: A Narrative Based on True Events Concerning the Rise and Fall of the Riata, author Bruce Fertel reveals a gripping and untold chapter in the history of Las Vegas, one that intertwines his own family’s legacy with the notorious world of the Mafia.
Fertel’s memoir is more than just the recounting of a crime—it is a quest for answers to a fifty-year-old mystery that has haunted him throughout his life. The book centers around his father, Don Fertel, who opened The Riata casino on the Las Vegas Strip in 1973, hoping for a sure-fire success. However, what started as a promising venture soon descended into a nightmare. In just over a year, The Riata was forced out of business, and Don Fertel found himself embroiled in a battle for his life, confronting some of the most dangerous figures of the criminal underworld.
Through this powerful narrative, Fertel takes readers inside a world few have seen up close. The book offers an exclusive look at late-night meetings with legendary Mafia figures like Moe Dalitz, Benny Binion, Lefty Rosenthal, and Tony Spilotro. Fertel’s personal account paints a vivid picture of the tense atmosphere that surrounded his father’s casino, as well as the unscrupulous tactics used by the Mafia to take down his family’s business.
The Front Man is not just a retelling of a business venture gone wrong, but a deep exploration into the Mafia’s grip on Las Vegas during its most volatile years. Fertel digs into the events that led to the downfall of the Riata and, ultimately, his father's fight for survival, uncovering hidden truths about the power struggles within the criminal world.
"My motivation for writing this book is simple," says Fertel. "I wanted to seek the answers to a crime that has been overlooked in the history of Las Vegas. The story of my father’s casino has never been fully told, and I’m determined to etch his name into the historical record of the city, alongside the more famous Mob figures that shaped its past."
With this memoir, he seeks not only to unravel the mystery of his father’s tragic business failure but also to preserve an important piece of Las Vegas history for future generations. The Front Man is a must-read for anyone interested in true crime, Mafia history, Las Vegas lore, or compelling memoirs.
About the Author: Bruce Fertel is a first-time author whose debut book, The Front Man, delves into the untold story of his family’s casino and the Mafia figures who ultimately brought it down. Originally from El Paso, Texas, Bruce now lives in South Florida with his wife and son. This book is his personal attempt to solve a long-standing mystery and bring attention to his father’s role in Las Vegas history.
