KLAS-TV Channel 8 News Las VegasLas Vegas Treasure Hunt Underway for Missing Dagger
The search is on for a missing clue that could be the key to a big jackpot. An author has turned the Las Vegas valley into a real life treasure hunt, and readers are doing just that -- hunting for a hidden dagger. The treasure at the end of that hunt? A silver dagger that's worth $25,000.
The treasure hunt could take you to the Strip, the airport or anywhere in town. The clues are all in the book Vegas Die.
this is las vegas...
Our 24-hour, fast-paced town attracts mobsters, card counters, strippers and it's all in the plot of a new mystery novel by local author Stephen Grogan.
"A retired mobster is found dead in the mayor's car, and it takes off from that," he said.
Grogan didn't want to write a mystery with the normal ending. Buried within the pages are clues that point readers silver dagger hidden somewhere in the valley.
Grogan is the only one who knows the dagger's location. Even his wife is in the dark.
Chapter one starts at the intersection of Charleston and Eastern. Armed robbers hold up a jewelry store, just one location of many you may recognize throughout the book.
"Maybe there's a possible code within these playing card symbols," said reader Michael Cowling. He spends his weekends looking for the dagger. "I've read the book three times and I've taken about four pages of notes so far."
He's trying to break the code.
"I would like to find it. I mean, everybody would like $25,000," he said. "There is a picture of the Sands, which is where the Venetian is now, which is how I think the Venetian ties in."
Only Grogan knows the truth and he's not saying much.
"It's not in anyone's private residence, private front yard or backyard. You're going to have to read the book," he said.
But Cowling's done that.
Grogan says finding the silver dagger may or may not require some light digging.
Locals currently have the advantage now. The book goes national next month.
If the dagger isn't found after two years, the author may post some additional clues. The hunt will go on for three years and a sequel is already being written.
