Books by John
In 1914, twin brothers Micah and Caleb Rozenburg arrive in America with nothing but determination and an eye for the future. Escaping the ravages of World War 1 in Europe, they find themselves in a new land that offers them the opportunity to pursue their dreams.
A uniquely clever business plan involving a donkey named Stupid allows them to pay for their education in finance and science. Caleb becomes a Wall Street broker while Micah chooses Biochemistry. Micah discovers in his cancer research that the medical world is driven more by profits than cures.
Inspired by a startling biological fact–that sharks don’t get cancer–he and his brother must make a difficult decision: fight the suppression of a cancer cure or be complicit in the system that buries it. The Horseshit Twins is a gripping tale of ambition versus the pursuit of truth against all odds.
Praise for The Horseshit Twins
“The biochemistry that sharks don’t get cancer is the basis for this creative novel by author John Tomasko. In an attempt to create a viable solution for man, it is uncovered that finances are more important than the truth with patient care taking a back seat to greed. A white knuckle read that I highly recommend.”
David M. Nolan, RT (R) (CR) ARRT
“Approaching the search for a cancer cure from an unconventional position, author John Tomasko, has his leading character follow a path uniquely different from his peers in the research community. His winning answer is met by an unconscionable response that will have you quickly turning pages to learn the truth. Phenomenal read with an unforgettable ending.”
Dorothy O’Hare, RN, CTC
“Author John Tomasko’s main character flips the script in this fictional novel when he learns that sharks don’t get cancer. This imaginative tale will take you on a wishful journey as he searches for answers only to find the unimaginable truth. A dynamic, riveting read.”
Vanessa I. Silebi, M.D., P.A.
Diplomat, Board of Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases
In the gritty high-stakes 1980s Atlantic City casino scene, baccarat dealer John Christopher finds himself unwittingly drawn into a deadly plan to scam the casinos out of millions – a plan meticulously orchestrated by a Chinese cartel.
Dying to Win breaks open a world where deception, betrayal, and survival collide with lives hanging in the balance. As his adversaries close in and the authorities struggle to play catch-up, John finds himself navigating a treacherous underworld where loyalties are fleeting and morality is a luxury few can afford.
Brace for a gripping read that clutches tight and refuses to let go until the final hand is played.
WOND Atlantic City Radio interview with Scott Cronick, June 2025
Casino Player interview, June 2025
Praise for Dying to Win
“It’s said that Truman Capote created a new literary genre, the non-fiction novel, with his authoring of In Cold Blood. He took an item in the news and wrote a true story, in the form of a novel. John Tomasko has taken this one step further. He also tells a true story, in novel form, but in his story John is the author, and also the lead character. In this exciting tale, which has never been told before now, John relates a gripping tale of theft, murder and mayhem in the casinos of Atlantic City, NJ. Once this book grabs you, you will have trouble putting it down.”
Daniel N. Spatucci
author, Ether Flows
“Working as a casino dealer is stressful in the most ordinary of days. The events described in Dying to Win elevated that stress to record levels. I worked at the casino during the unbelievable actions of both the criminals and the authorities. John Tomasko recreates those days in frightening detail.”
Mary Jean Arreola
baccarat dealer
“The drama in this tale is not exaggerated and the characters are not invented. Anyone who reads Dying to Win will be assured that this adventure is one of the most powerful casino narratives around.”
Roger Gros
publisher, Global Gaming Business Magazine
In the heart of Guatemala in the legendary city of Tikal, tourists Derick and Matt stumble upon an ancient portal that thrusts them and their tour guide Kaya back to 900 AD – the height of power for the Maya civilization.
The trio is soon confronted by the ruthless Maya leader Yax Ehb Xook and his loyal warriors, who threaten the group’s ability to survive and escape back to the present day.
Using their wits and knowledge of Maya culture and history, the trio must return to the portal before they become forever entwined in the tapestry of time.
The Maya Portal is a gripping tale of time travel, history, and the pursuit of a way back home.
Praise for The Maya Portal
“John Tomasko does what every great novelist does – he tells a good story and he tells it well. His imaginative tale grabs the reader and holds on ‘til the climactic last scene, taking us on a journey to the heights of the Maya culture. In the telling of his story, John gives us characters whom we come to care about, and we follow them through a wild adventure of time travel and human sacrifice. He brings to life the incredible nights in ancient Tikal when the jungle was lit with huge bonfires, and the blood of innocents flowed down the pyramid steps to satisfy the many gods of the Maya. The story swirls around and around, and the reader, like me, may have trouble putting the book down until the story is complete. Enjoy!”
Daniel N. Spatucci
author, Ether Flows
“The Maya Portal is a gut-churning time-warping novel that plunges you into the heart of Mesoamerica at the height of an ancient and mighty civilization. Author John Tomasko constructs a convincing, suspenseful, and satisfying saga that will keep you turning pages far into the ominous night.”
Deke Castleman
editor, Huntington Press
“Ancient Maya civilization and the modern world smash into each other in this wildly original story.”
Charles Nolan
author, The Holy Bluff / songwriter
