Sasscer Hill’s novels have won a Carrie McCray award and nominations for Agatha, Macavity, Claymore, and The Dr. Tony Ryan Best in Racing Literature awards. RACING FROM EVIL What happens to orphaned Nikki Latrelle after she flees from her pedophile stepfather through the streets of Baltimore and climbs the razor-wire fence into Pimlico Racetrack? Nikki’s drawn to horses, knows how to ride, and dreams of being a jockey. But how can a runaway with no ID, no family, and no income survive? “Could Sasscer Hill be the Dick Francis of her generation? Count me among those who would vote yes.” Margaret Maron, New York Times Best Selling Author and Winner of Edgar Best Novel, Edgar Grand Master, Agatha, Anthony & Macavity Awards
I've never wanted to write the “Great American novel.” I believe my job is to entertain with stories about chasing a dream, fighting the odds, and helping the helpless. I want to create a world that’s a bit scary, sometimes funny, always informative, and a reliable destination for escape.
Sasscer Hill's books have won the $10,000 Dr. Tony Ryan Award for Best Book in Racing Literature (FLAMINGO ROAD.) They have also garnered a Carrie McCray Award and been nominated for Agatha, Macavity, and Claymore awards. Her second book in her two-book "Fia McKee" series, THE DARK SIDE OF TOWN, received a Booklist Starred Review and was an Editor's Pick in the Toronto Star.
Her newest title, TRAVEL'S OF QUINN" (out March 2010) is a mystery-thriller based on the con artists known as the Irish American Travellers. A novel of deceit, murder, greed and hope,
Currently, Sasscer is writing SHOOTING STAR, her fifth novel in the "Nikki Latrelle" mystery series.
Sasscer was a breeder, owner, and rider of race horses for over 30 years. She lives in Aiken, SC, with her husband, a dog named Rosco and a cat named Lola.
Totally enjoyable quick read of the back story of Nikki Latrelle. Nikki discovered her love of horses and riding at a private school where her mother worked as a cook. When her mother died suddenly, her stepfather made it impossible for her to stay there. How she copes is the crux of the story.
I enjoyed this book. Mainly a simple story about a teen age girl whose mother is suddenly deceased and because of circumstances is left homeless. Skillfully written details about Nikki's involvement with horses , their care and racetrack knowledge raise a simple story from mundane to caring about Nikki and reading more of the series
Interesting novella with a very smart and capable heroine for thirteen years old. Rather a creepy plot in the end, with sme evil people. However, a short, easy read between novels.
Horses, horses, and more horses with their velvety muzzles and warm bodies. I can never get enough horses!! This is a terrific mystery about a gutsy runaway fleeing her pedophile father after her mother's death. It is much more than a UA book as it has a big heart and a solid mystery. There are many details about working with equines and the exhausting labor of love it requires. I learned a lot about feeding and and caring for the four legged beauties and the hero, Nikki, is a real charmer. Loving race horses as I do, I have found books I could compare this to by Dick Francis, classics I really enjoyed. This one by Sasscer Hill is bound to be a classic. I loved the unexpected plot and it left me scremaing MORE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
When young thirteen year old Nikki Latrelle's mother dies, her stepfather decides she will take her mom's place. She manages to escape without being harmed.
She eventually winds up at a racecourse that she's able to leave with one of the trainer's helpers.
When she learns that she can get an ID she goes to it and finds a person who she instinctively doesn't like or trust.
When they kidnap her, she wakes up to find she is being held with others who are probably illegals, and their captives plan on making lots of money off of them and making sure they are never seen or heard from again.
Nikki is the only hope that they have to remain alive.
It was pretty good. Quick read. Interesting characters. Nikki does remarkably well for someone her age. Don’t understand why she didn’t reach out to her friends in the time of crisis. I have a major problem with comparing the author to Dick Francis. He was the Queen’s Own Jockey before he started writing newspaper columns and then books. He was in a league of his own.
Thank you for this free book. Great intro to the series and the author’s style. It was very well done but unexpectedly intense and unnerving related to her family. Now that I know what to expect, I’ll be able to better handle the next in series, particularly knowing that there are some kind people willing to help Nikki.
Nothing like reading the prequel at the end of the series. LOL Wish I would have realized this existed and read it first. It provides a better explanation as to how Nikki came to work in Jim Ravinsky's barn. She's one tough cookie!
A prequel to the Nikki Latrelle horse racing mysteries. Thirteen-year-old Nikki flees her home after her mother's death and takes refuge in the local horse racing stables. A quick read featuring a likeable young protagonist.
Great plot and characters. Love horses so thought the plot and setting awesome!!!! Was sorry when it abruptly ended and will look for next book in seties .
I have a deep love of horses as they’ve been a big part of my life. Nikki seems to have the connection with the horses. Can’t wait to continue following her path to hopefully, becoming a jockey.
I only heard of this author today, and bought this book. The writing style makes it a quick read. I will be buying all the books by Ms. Hill eventually. If the other books are merely half as entertaining as this prequel, it will be money well spent.