Kirkus Reviews, August 1, 2016, review of This Isn’t a Game.
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WORK TITLE: This Isn’t a Game
WORK NOTES:
PSEUDONYM(S):
BIRTHDATE:
WEBSITE: http://www.davidmosswriter.com/
CITY: Santa Monica
STATE: CA
COUNTRY:
NATIONALITY:
https://poisonedpenpress.com/authors/david-moss/ * http://www.imdb.com/title/tt5670364/
RESEARCHER NOTES:
PERSONAL
Male.
ADDRESS
CAREER
Advertising copywriter.
AWARDS:Clio Award; London International Award.
WRITINGS
Author of screenplay Saving Flora.
SIDELIGHTS
David Moss, an advertising copywriter who has worked for several national agencies, made his debut as a novelist with This Isn’t a Game: A Jackson Oliver Mystery. Jackson Oliver, based in Costa Rica, runs an online gambling site called Vegas Vegas. Rather than stick to the conventional business of taking bets on sporting events, Oliver decides to let users gamble on some other types of situations, such as the outcome of a sensational murder trial involving a film director, Andrew Marvel, who is accused of killing his wife, Audrey, while they were vacationing in Vermont. Oliver puts the odds that charges will be dismissed at 100 to 1, and he agrees to accept a thousand-dollar bet on dismissal from Cass Gallaway, who lives in a small Vermont town, Greensboro. Oliver does not expect that he will have to pay out, and in any case he cannot afford to do so, but prosecutors decide to drop the case after obtaining a surprise piece of evidence—a video that shows Marvel far away from the crime scene at the time of the murder. Believing that something is suspicious about the evidence, and trying to avoid being driven from the gaming business for not paying off on a legitimate win, Oliver travels to Vermont to investigate. There he encounters a variety of rural characters as he rushes to finish his sleuthing in three days.
“I read an article about online casinos posting odds on the Phil Spector murder trial, and I came up with what I thought was the ‘perfect murder,’” Moss told an online interviewer at Southern California Writers Showcase Web site. “It wasn’t, of course, or there’s no story. I tried it as a detective novel first. Then I tried a version from the POV of the murderer centering around his choreography and execution of the murder. Finally I doubled back and re-did it with an amateur detective.” Moss plans to write a series of novels centering on Oliver.
A Publishers Weekly critic found This Isn’t a Game a “thoroughly enjoyable first novel.” A Kirkus Reviews commentator was not impressed, however, saying: “Readers expecting juicy murder details or an inside peek into the glamorous world of offshore gambling are treated instead to a tepid slog through rural Vermont.” The Publishers Weekly reviewer, though, praised Moss’s use of the setting, noting that he deals with a wide variety of subjects, including “antiques, the raising of buffalo, the film industry, and small-town morality,” in his “winning debut.”
BIOCRIT
PERIODICALS
Publishers Weekly, August 8, 2016, review of This Isn’t a Game, p. 45.
ONLINE
David Moss Home Page, https://www.davidmosscreative.com (April 26. 2017).
Poisoned Pen Press Web site, https://poisonedpenpress.com/ (April 26. 2017), brief biography.
Southern California Writers Showcase, http://www.socalwritersshowcase.com/ (April 26. 2017), “Ad Copywriting Makes a Good Start: An Interview with David Moss.”*
FROM TRUDY: THIS IS A DIFFERENT DAVID MOSS
David Moss
Biography
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Overview (1)
Nickname Lasercorn
Mini Bio (1)
David Moss is an actor and writer, known for Smosh: The Movie (2015), Game Bang (2015) and Honest Game Trailers (2014).
Filmography
Jump to: Actor | Writer | Self
Hide HideActor (17 credits)
2016-2017 Board AF (TV Series)
- ROCK PAPER WIZARDS (2017)
- ZOMBIE WINTER GAMES FINALE (2017)
- WINTER CABIN HORROR CONTINUES (2017)
- ADULT TELESTRATIONS (2017)
- ZOMBIES ATTACK WINTER GAMES (2017)
Show all 17 episodes
2016-2017 Reality Shift (TV Series)
- OUTDOOR ROBOT BRAWL (2017)
- VIRTUAL COWBOY SHOOTOUT (2017)
- BLUE BALL SCIENCE (2017)
- TRAPPED in the DARK with BUGS (2017)
- SURVIVING a UFO ATTACK (2017)
Show all 21 episodes
2017 Winter Games 2017 (TV Series)
- NOAH's CELEBRITY CRUSH?! (2017)
- SEXY HOT TUB TRUTH or DARE AGAIN (2017)
- DISGUSTING FOD COMBOS with LASERCORN (2017)
- FINAL SHOWDOWN on ICE (2017)
- COMPETITIVE F*CK MARRY KILL (2017)
Show all 26 episodes
2016-2017 Cell Outs 2.0 (TV Series)
- LOGAN REAL LIFE TRAINING (2017)
- ARCHERY PAINTBALL TAG (2017)
- SPIDER-MAN ROCK CLIMBING DISASTER (2017)
- REAL LIFE CHESS BOXING (2017)
- SUPER MARIO RUN in REAL LIFE (2017)
Show all 20 episodes
2016-2017 Smosh (TV Series)
Stare Lord
- The F*Ckboy Song (2017)
- One Letter Off Superheroes (2016) ... Stare Lord
2016 What're Those!? (TV Series)
- SPY TOOLS YOU NEED (2016)
- EATING UNICORN FARTS (2016)
- SEXY HALLOWEEN TOYS (2016)
- DISAPPOINTING GAME of THRONES ITEMS (2016)
2015-2016 Cell Outs (TV Series)
- GOOGLE FAMILY FEUD (2016)
- HIGHER or LOWER WET HEADS (2016)
- UNICORN BODY PAINTING FAIL (2016)
- TRAMPOLINE DODGEBALL (2016)
- HUMAN SLITHER.IO (2016)
Show all 35 episodes
2015-2016 Game Bang (TV Series)
- IMPOSSIBLE PUSH-UP CHALLENGE (2016)
- SHOCK COLLAR TRIVIA (2016)
- ADULT TRIVIA in MIDNIGHT OUTBURST (2016)
- CLIFF JUMPING for POKEMON (2016)
- Episode #1.99 (2016)
Show all 37 episodes
2016 Smosh Summer Games 2016: Camp (TV Series)
- Crazy Smores w/ Ian (2016)
- CAMP RELAY RACE FINALE (2016)
- BELLY FLOP COMPETITION (2016)
- TRIVIA DEATH DROP (2016)
- GETTING WET IN A WATERPARK (2016)
Show all 18 episodes
2016 Winter Games 2016 (TV Series)
- DIRTY MIND CHALLENGE (2016)
- PAIN PONG (2016)
- INSANE SMOSH WINTER GAMES FINALE (2016)
- Hot Tub Truth or Dare (2016)
- SLOW-MO SNOW RUN (2016)
Show all 18 episodes
2016 Part Timers (TV Series)
Jeff
- Fan Fiction Fail (2016) ... Jeff
2015 Madden Rivals (TV Series)
- Madden Face-Off Finale (2015)
- Tournament Gets Turnt Up! (2015)
- MADDEN SEASON IS BACK! (2015)
2015 Game Shakers (TV Series)
David Moss
- Sky Whale, Part 1 (2015) ... David Moss
2015 Smosh: The Movie
Reunion Brawler 4
2013-2015 Smosh Babies (TV Series)
Baby Lazercorn
- Return of the Space Doctor (2015) ... Baby Lazercorn (voice)
- Laprawn James the Video Game (2015) ... Baby Lazercorn
- The Baby Sitter (2014) ... Baby Lazercorn
- The Great Big Wheel Race (2013) ... Baby Lazercorn (voice)
2014 16-Bit High School (TV Series)
Old Sober Snake
- Metal Gear Alcoholic (2014) ... Old Sober Snake (voice, as David Lasercorn Moss)
2012 Smosh Game Bang (Video short)
David Moss
Hide Hide Writer (1 credit)
2014-2015 Honest Game Trailers (TV Series) (written by - 23 episodes)
- Pokemon Red and Blue (2015) ... (written by)
- The Walking Dead (2015) ... (written by)
- The Witcher 3 (2015) ... (written by)
- Grand Theft Auto Online (2015) ... (written by - as Dave Moss)
- Kingdom Hearts (2015) ... (written by)
Show all 23 episodes
Hide Hide Self (5 credits)
2016 What're Those!? (TV Series)
Himself
- HARRY POTTER in REAL LIFE (2016) ... Himself
- GROSS FOOD FEAST (2016) ... Himself
- WEIRD ANIME PRODUCTS (2016) ... Himself
- BIZARRE SEX TOYS (2016) ... Himself
- CREEPY PARENTING PRODUCTS (2016) ... Himself
Show all 18 episodes
2016 Cell Outs (TV Series)
Himself
- Shocking Tetris Challenge (2016) ... Himself
2015 Battlefront Live Stream (Video short)
Himself
2013-2015 Smosh (TV Series)
Himself / Lasercorn
- Every Smosh Video Ever (2015) ... Himself
- Holy Crap! 2 Billion Views! (2013) ... Himself / Lasercorn
2013-2015 YouTubers React (TV Series)
Himself
- YouTubers React to Animals in Mirrors (2015) ... Himself
- YouTubers React to Final Fantasy VII Remake Trailer (2015) ... Himself (as Lasercorn)
- YouTubers React to Tight Pants/Body Rolls (2015) ... Himself (as Lasercorn)
- YouTubers React to Actual Cannibal Shia LaBeouf (2015) ... Himself (as Lasercorn)
- YouTubers React to Sesame Street: Old School (2014) ... Himself
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Personal Details
Alternate Names: Lasercorn | Dave Moss | David Lasercorn Moss
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Did You Know?
Nickname: Lasercorn
David Moss
DAVID MOSS'S WEBSITE
David Moss is an advertising copywriter who has worked for many national agencies. After writing in every conceivable medium from TV and radio to coffee cup sleeves and menu tray liners, he moved on to screenplays and novels. His script, Saving Flora, about a circus elephant, is in development to be filmed in Puebla, Mexico, in 2017. This Isn’t a Game is his first novel. David lives in Santa Monica, California.
ABOUT
David thinks up, writes, discards, writes more, casts, and produces audio and video-based marketing solutions. He’s worked at many national advertising agencies on branding, retail, and direct response clients. His work has won a Clio and London International Award and appeared on the Super Bowl and “America’s Funniest TV Commercials.”
Outside of advertising, Publishers Weekly called his 2016 novel This isn’t a Game “a winning debut” and “thoroughly entertaining.”
David lives in Santa Monica, CA.
Quoted in Sidelights: I read an article about online casinos posting odds on the Phil Spector murder trial, and I came up with what I thought was the “perfect murder.” It wasn’t, of course, or there’s no story. I tried it as a detective novel first. Then I tried a version from the POV of the murderer centering around his choreography and execution of the murder. Finally I doubled back and re-did it with an amateur detective.
Ad Copywriting Makes A Good Start: An Interview with David Moss
Santa Monica-based David Moss just made the leap from advertising writer to author with his debut novel This Isn’t a Game, published by Poisoned Pen Press. The book weaves the elements of traditional detective/mystery fiction with the new world of online gambling. He learned lessons along the way, and shares them here with socalwritesshowcase.
Showcase: Many incredibly successful authors, James Patterson for instance, transitioned from ad copywriting to bestselling fiction. What would you say accounts for this?
David: It’s true. Patterson, Elmore Leonard, Chris Grabenstein, Dorothy Sayers, who for many years was better known for her Guinness zoo commercials than her mysteries. Chris’s agent told him publishers like advertising people because they’re in the habit of getting right to the story. Also, in advertising you get used to borrowing the techniques of the arts. The product is the hero of the drama, the subject of the visual art, etc. After a while you want to see if you can create something that stands on its own aesthetically and wasn’t created to sell a Burrito Supreme.
Showcase: What led you to the mystery/detective genre?
David: I read an article about online casinos posting odds on the Phil Spector murder trial, and I came up with what I thought was the “perfect murder.” It wasn’t, of course, or there’s no story. I tried it as a detective novel first. Then I tried a version from the POV of the murderer centering around his choreography and execution of the murder. Finally I doubled back and re-did it with an amateur detective.
Showcase: Any tips for crafting mystery plots and characters?
David: In mysteries much of the plot unfolds through conversations. But you have to make sure characters aren’t props who exist just to advance the story. As for plot, there seem to be two factions of mystery writers: those who start with a general idea where the story is heading (“pantsers,” as in writing by the seat of your pants) and those who don’t write a word until they have a detailed outline. I’ve only written one book so I’m sure I’ll change my mind a few times, but I prefer letting the characters guide the direction of the story even though it’s probably more inefficient and you end up discarding more.
Showcase: Did This Isn’t a Game require special research?
David: Aside from losing a couple of NBA finals bets, I know nothing about gambling. My task was made easier by the fact that the novel isn’t really about gambling. It’s a murder investigation that takes place after the bet on the celebrity murder trial is placed. Still, I did a lot of research since my protagonist owns an online casino.
Showcase: What’s the most valuable thing you learned?
David: Something I’d heard a million times but which only rang true when I disregarded it – finish the book. Don’t stop and agonize over every paragraph. Don’t stop and try to assess if it’s any good or worth continuing. The time for the editorial mind to take over is after you complete a draft.
Quoted in Sidelights: thoroughly enjoyable first novel
antiques, the raising of buffalo, the film industry, and small-town morality
winning debut
This Isn't a Game
Publishers Weekly. 263.32 (Aug. 8, 2016): p45.
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2016 PWxyz, LLC
http://www.publishersweekly.com/
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Full Text:
This Isn't a Game
David Moss. Poisoned Pen, $26.95 (236p) ISBN 978-1-4642-0627-6; $15.95 trade paper ISBN 978-1-4642-0629-0
Jackson Oliver, the hero of Moss's thoroughly enjoyable first novel and series launch, owns a Costa Rica-based online betting site, Vegas Vegas. In addition to sporting events, Vegas Vegas is giving odds on the outcome of the trial of Hollywood film director Andrew Marvel, who's charged with murdering his wife: acquittal, guilty verdict, and--at 100 to one--dropped charges. When a punter logs on asking to place a $ 1,000 bet on dropped charges, Jackson obliges, convinced there's no chance that he'll have to pay out. A few days later, a video supplying an airtight alibi for Marvel turns up. Thinking that the timing is just too pat, Jackson sets off for Vermont, the scene of the murder and the place where the bet was made. He has only three days to discover if his bettor is a murderer, an accomplice, or just lucky. After that he must pay up or be blacklisted from the gambling industry. This winning debut offers insights into gambling odds, antiques, the raising of buffalo, the film industry, and small-town morality. (Oct.)
Quoted in Sidelights: Readers expecting juicy murder details or an inside peek into the glamorous world of offshore gambling are treated instead to a tepid slog through rural Vermont
THIS ISN'T A GAME
by David Moss
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KIRKUS REVIEW
An offshore online casino is caught between bankruptcy and blacklisting when a long shot pays off.
Kenny, linemaker for VegasVegas.com, would rather stick to handicapping predictable events like football games and horse races. But VegasVegas owner Jackson Oliver, insisting that BigFatJackpot.com made more profit from the Michael Jackson trial than from the World Series, puts up an entertainment page for sideshow bets, like the outcome of The Bachelorette. The Andrew Marvel trial is a current favorite, with odds running 2 to 5 for a guilty verdict for the movie director accused of killing his wife, Audrey, in their summer home in Vermont. Acquittal is 7 to 4, and 100 to 1 against the charges being dropped, odds so long that Jackson is willing to raise the limit to $1,000 for Cass Gallaway, a nobody from Greensboro, Vermont. Next day, of course, the DA announces the dismissal of the charges, based on a videotape his office received showing Marvel at a motel three hours away at the time Audrey was killed. Jackson can’t afford to pay off; Gallaway threatens to report him to the Offshore Gaming Commission if he doesn’t get his winnings within three days. So to avoid the commission’s blacklist, Jackson leaves sunny Costa Rica for Greensboro, where he bribes the owner of the Morning Loon Motel to give him a room that would normally be snapped up by one of the reporters covering the trial. Readers expecting juicy murder details or an inside peek into the glamorous world of offshore gambling are treated instead to a tepid slog through rural Vermont as Jackson grapples with questions like “Who was the last person to log into Cass Gallaway’s account on the computer at the public library?” and “Why did Gallaway go all the way to Brattleboro to stare at a farmer’s antique weathervane?”
It may not be a game, but Moss’ debut isn’t really an adventure either, since the owner of VegasVegas turns out to be BoringBoring.
Pub Date: Oct. 4th, 2016
ISBN: 978-1-464-20627-6
Page count: 236pp
Publisher: Poisoned Pen
Review Posted Online: July 20th, 2016
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 1st, 2016