Thursday, April 25, 2013

Review - Racing From Death

Title - Racing From Death
Author - Sasscer Hill 
Series - Nikki Latrelle Racing Mystery #2
Genre - Horse Mysteries 
Published - February 2nd 2012

Synopsis
Racing at Virginia’s beautiful Colonial Downs twists into a nightmare for jockey Nikki Latrelle. A sociopath sells diet cocktails – killing jockeys who struggle to make racing weight. 
Alarming events greet Nikki and exercise rider Lorna upon their arrival at Colonial – strange noises echo in the nighttime woods, a man with haunted eyes drags a dirt-smeared shovel from the forest, and the body of a burn victim lies on the road outside the track. 
Nikki’s unease turns to dismay when bad-boy Bobby Duvayne mesmerizes young Lorna with his raw sexuality and a dangerous supply of drugs. 
A hidden meth lab, an old family secret, a body buried years ago in the woods, and Lorna’s disappearance pull Nikki into a race against death.

Early praise for Racing From Death:

“When Nikki Latrelle swings into the saddle and takes the reins, all we can do is sit back and enjoy the ride. Hill takes us into the stables; she lets us smell the sweet clover and timothy and yes, the sweat and manure, too; and she sets our hearts pounding as Nikki races to find a killer. This is a major new talent and the comparisons to Dick Francis are not hyperbole.” --Margaret Maron, New York Times Best selling author and winner of the Edgar, Agatha, Anthony, and Macavity awards.

“RACING FROM DEATH is only the second in the Nikki Latrelle series, and already I consider intrepid jockey Nikki, her redheaded sidekick Lorna, and her loco horse Hellish old, favorite friends. Great characters, great action, and as for the setting, Hill could be the next Dick Francis. It's that authentic.” – Julie Smith, winner of Edgar Best Novel Award and best selling author.

Review

I received Racing from Death in return for an honest review from the publisher. Racing for Death is the second book in the Nikki Latrelle series my new favorite sleuth. This time Nikki is being sent by her boss Jim to Virginia for some upcoming races. She’s taking Hellish her filly in hopes of putting her in a race and seeing what she can do. With the help of Lorna her friend to help exercise the horse things should be easy for them. However the first night at the track they encounter a tall stranger coming out of the forest with a shovel. 

The girls meet Bobby the son of a rich barn owner who Loran is instantly smitten with but there is something about him Nikki doesn’t trust. When the pair learns that the cottage they are renting used to be the home of two teenage boys that had been murdered a year before and Bobby might have been involved. As if Nikki doesn't have enough to worry about with Lorna’s new boyfriend as well as the six horses already two more show up belonging to a rich woman who does things her own way. Will Nikki find out what happened to the boys? Will she find out why jockeys are dying?

Another fantastic book in the Nikki Latrelle series. Nikki isn't your typical sleuth she’s not a detective or cop she’s just a jockey trying to make it in a man’s world. She’s joined by several charming characters each one bringing a little something to the story from Lorna to Mello the old stable hand. The story caught my attention right from the start, only letting go at the end. The books are well written creating a unique mystery while giving an interesting insight into the horserace world. Racing for Death is a captivating story that anyone with a love of horses will enjoy. The characters are engaging and the twist and turns will keep you guessing till the very end. Can’t wait for the next one.

5 out of 5 stars

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