The latest Authors Live! will presents Doug Swanson talking about his book, Blood Aces: The Wild Ride of Benny Binion, the Texas Gangster Who Created Vegas Poker.

Learning from East Coast mobsters like Bugsy Siegel, Howard Hughes, and Whitey Bulger, Benny Benion was one of Las Vegas' most powerful casino owners.  Through a strange mixture of cold-bloodedness, street smarts, folksiness, and philanthropy, Binion became one of the most revered figures in the history of gambling.

The 7 pm event is free and open to the public. A 6 pm reception, by reservation only, is $30 per person and includes a copy of the book. For more information and reservations, call 214-523-2240 or go to www.hpumc.org. Books will be available for purchase and there will be a book signing following the program.