Murder at the Races: A Jack and Frances 1930s mystery

by Carmen Radtke

238 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 17, 2026

Reviews

[Veronique · Rating 4 out of 5]

Funny as usual, with a clever plot. It was great to read another adventure featuring Frances and Jack. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ready, set, murder

This is a wild one full of socks and surprises. If you’ve read book one a bit of time has passed between those events and these which I didn’t pick up on right away and then went back and reread the part where it said so I’ll save you that trouble lol. Frances’ brother has come home to take a job as a racecourse veterinarian. Which is a wonderful surprise as he live a ways from home with his family. Shockingly after he takes up his duties he’s arrested for murder and jailed. Phil who is a detective and tenant leaves because it’s a conflict of interest. Francis, her mum and uncle Sal are distraught and so Jack and his band of brothers get to work diffing up info. It’s a great story. We are told it from many perspectives which normally not a huge fan of but it works here because we go along as the network of friends from the war go out and about to help. I love that Marie (Bluey’s wife if you don’t recall) gets a bigger role here and she’s got her own network too. Never underestimate the power of women and their idle chatter! It’s all hands on deck and really just a great mystery. There are some great twists which I’m trying not to give away cause where’s the fun in that, and some very happy personal news developments too. Loving this series!

[Margery · Rating 5 out of 5]

In yet another delightful trip back to 1930's Australia and into the lives of Francis and retired military Captain Jack. Her brother Rob is in town and taking care of the horses, he is the vet for many racetracks. His friend, the blacksmith Brocky is found murdered and Rob is charged in the murder that he saays is a scam that he is framed.That sets Francis, Jack, his second in command Bluey and the other ex vets to set up a sting to catch the murderer. The trust between the men shows their military strength and their wives step in to help. I enjoyed this trip to Australia as I got to know the characters better and met new ones on the way.

[JoAn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn't be happier that I had a chance to read another one of Ms. Radtke's Jack and Frances mysteries. All of the characters are developing really well now. Uncle Sal is adorable and steals scenes each time he appears. The mystery had twists, red herrings and a surprising reveal at the resolution of the case. The sweet romance between Jack and Frances has progressed to the next step with Frances' family approval. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.

[Lee Brothers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very exciting in more ways than one!! I'm not so much a fan of the racing track, but the storyline was really good!! Franny and uncle Sal and their act and then of course Dolores. I can only imagine what she looks like and how she sounds. So now we're going into new waters. I can't wait to see what they get up to.

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second book in the series. Rob has returned to Adelaide only to wind up in jail. Frances and her friends join together to prove him innocent.
I do not usually read historicals, but after reading the first book in the series, I'm hooked. I have loved this series so far and look forward to each new book.