The Dark Side of Town: A Mystery

Fia McKee #2

by Sasscer Hill

Undercover agent Fia McKee returns in another thrilling mystery set in the seamy underbelly of horse racing.

Fia McKee, now officially employed by the Thoroughbred Racing Protective Bureau (TPRB), is sent undercover to Saratoga Racetrack to investigate Mars Pizutti, a racehorse trainer whose horses’ wins are suspiciously lucky—and lucrative. Fia’s bosses believe Pizutti’s success is based on illegal drugs and deceitful methods, and they want Fia to work inside his barn to ferret out the truth.

But after witnessing the tragic and inexplicable suicide of a jockey, Fia discovers the rider’s death is only the tip on an iceberg involving the mob, a crooked racing hedge fund, and threats to the lives of another jockey and his young sister. Fia must find out who’s connected to who, and what shadowy forces are at play before someone else dies.

Genres: Mystery, Mystery Thriller

311 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 17, 2018

About the author

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.

Reviews

[Joyce · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fast paced story about horse racing at Saratoga. The main
character was undercover agent Fia McKee who’s investigating a trainer
Whose horses seem to be lucky and winners. There is murder, drama, action,
And suspense as well as a good plot and FBI help against the mob. I enjoyed
This book and recommend this author.

[Sue Em · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grew up devouring Dick Francis novels, and Sasscer Hill's horseracing mysteries are now some of my favorites. In them, she not only follows his lead, but created stories totally get own and of our time where you can smell the tang of horse sweat and almost touch their flanks.

Fia McKee, an ex-Baltimore cop, is now working undercover at the Sarasota race track to investigate irregularities. She's smart, fearless and a bit of a chameleon. Highly recommended!

[Deborah Worth · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Dark Side of Town is a clever mystery that will keep you riveted to the very last page. I have read several other books written by this author. They were all very interesting and enjoyable reads. All of her books have realistic facts and situations pertaining to the sport of professional horse racing. Nevertheless, this particular book is special. The plot unwinds in the magical town of Saratoga New York during the summer racing season. If you love horses and horse racing this scenario is an added bonus, although the book holds it own as a darn good mystery. The prime character, Fia McKee, has a law enforcement background, a love of horses and the excitement of racing, and a bold detective instinct. Of course there is murder, romance, and deceit, all blended to create a "whodunit" story line. This story captures the intrigue and drama of the historic Saratoga racing scene and takes it to the limit. As always the author peppers her dialogue with witty comments,that add some twisted humor to even the most tense situations that the main character (Fia) encounters. For myself, this particular book was my favorite of all of Sasscer Hills recently published stories, which is a huge compliment because I have thoroughly enjoyed all of her other books.

[Cathy Cole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although I grew up loving horse racing and books, I've never read one of Dick Francis's mysteries; however, I'm positive that Sasscer Hill is creating a series that is a worthy successor to his renowned mysteries taking place in the glamorous and seedy world of racetracks. Hill has an insider's knowledge that you can feel as you turn the pages, and she's equally adept at painting the beauty of horse racing as well as its seamy side.

The Dark Side of Town is fast-paced and has scenes in which you'll find yourself holding your breath-- sometimes literally-- but I'm not going to give you any more information about those so the surprises won't be ruined. Even though the overriding theme of the book is horse racing, there's an excellent cast of characters for those readers who enjoy more of a human element in their mysteries. Fia finds herself dealing with the mother who deserted the family when Fia was a child, and there's a young jockey anyone would want to befriend.

Then there's her burgeoning relationship with fellow TRPB employee Calixto. Every time Fia is around this sexy agent, she's so charged up that the Saratoga city fathers should hook her up to the power grid. (Wow...) Now I'm one of those females who doesn't like much romance in her mysteries, but most of the interactions between Fia and Calixto make me smile. I don't know if it's because I'm picturing that Saratoga power grid or what.

A fantastic setting, a complex mystery, chills, thrills, and a solid cast of characters-- let The Dark Side of Town take you across the finish line in style.

[K-BRC · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fia McKee has a history with horses, as does this author, that uniquely qualifies her for this undercover assignment. The descriptions of the settings are so realistic that you can hear the horse’s snort and feel his hot breath on your hands if you dare pet or get near him. Fia does that and more as she unravels the mystery of who’s fixing the races and who’s masterminding the scam with the hedge fund. Definitely a 5 Star book you must read. This is THE horse racing book you need to read if you were ever a Dick Francis fan.

[Ed · Rating 4 out of 5]

#2 in the Fia McKee series. This 2018 series entry by author Hill is presented with a more sure hand than the series debut. The prior entry had Fia transitioning from being a Baltimore cop to working undercover at a Florida racetrack. Now she if an employee of the TRPB and has been assigned as an undercover operative at Saratoga racetrack. The racetrack ambience was interesting as was the criminal activity. I look forward to the next entry to see where agent McKee will be working and what she will be doing. The romance started as part of the Saratoga assignment shows signs of continuing and it will be interesting to see how it can be enduring.

Ex-cop Fia McKee, now working for the Thoroughbred Racing Protective Bureau, is sent to New York's legendary Saratoga Race Course, where she goes undercover as a hot walker to check out trainer Marzio "Mars" Pizzuti. One foggy morning near a training track, Fia hears a gunshot. An apprentice jockey who had just arrived from South America apparently shot himself dead. This inexplicable tragedy adds further urgency to her investigation of Pizzuti. Rumored to have a penchant for doping horses and blackmailing jockeys, Pizzuti is also alleged to have ties to organized crime. When aspiring jockey Stevie Davis is given his big break, but runs afoul of Pizzuti and his business partners, Fia learns that Stevie and his younger sister have been threatened. It's game on for Fia and Calixto Coyune, another operative, who's posing as her new paramour.

[Kathleen Gray · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I loved the first book in this series, this time around Fia is spending less time at the track and more trying to work out what's going on with a hedge fund. Now working at Saratoga racetrack looking into shady dealings vis a vis racing, she finds herself tangled up in the dealings of the husband of her long estranged mother. That's where things went wonky for me. I like the parts about Stevie and his sister Lila, the horses, the barn, but the second half of the book, which focused on the mafia and Jamaican mobsters was less interesting to me. The hot Calixto is back and he has one of the best lines in the book when he gets them a room at the local inn. I did not understand, however, why he simply did not spirit Julissa out of town at night rather than wait till the morning. No mind. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. This is a good read but not what I had hoped for given the characters.

[M.J. Payne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This dark tinged thriller is a page turner that gave me hours of fun escape reading. I love the protagonist and her energy and drive and the fact that she is all woman despite being very strong and capable. THE DARK SIDE OF TOWN is well written and has fascinating bits of description of life at the race track as well as a compelling plot that is excellently supported by a cast of interesting and frightening characters. Sasscer Hill's long experience with horses lends exceptional depth to the plot and these details make the book special in small ways that add up in a big way. There is a very spicy love story in here that is hot and steamy as well as classy. It is a satisfying book and I recommend it highly. Five stars.

[Kaye · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sasscer Hill knows racing. Even though I've never been to Saratoga Racetrack, the people are the same that work on the backsides of almost any track in the nation. Fia McKee, working for the Thoroughbred Racing Protective Bureau, goes undercover to investigate Mars Pizutti, a trainer whose wins are suspicious. A jockey inexplicably commits suicide and another jockey, and his sister, are threatened. The mob seems to be involved, and it's up to Fia, and her very hot coworker Calixto Coyune, to solve the case before anyone else dies.

This series has horses, a gritty, down to earth protagonist, and some extremely fascinating charters. Some of Fia's family makes their appearance too. I would like to read more in this series.

[Sue · Rating 1 out of 5]

I picked this book b/c I'm an equestrian and thought I'd enjoy a mystery with racing as the back drop.
Hoo boy, what a mistake....

I raced (pun intended) though the final 1/3 of the book, just to be done with it, it was so painful. Two dimensional characters; lack of nuance; painfully trite dialogue; and just the WORST "romance" freaking ever. In places it was almost gag worthy.

The only reason it got one star, was the occasional interesting information and insight into racing. This was pretty appalling.

[Kimberly · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would have to say I think the second book in the series was better even than the first. I was disappointed to see that there is not a third as far as I can see listed on Goodreads. It seemed like the author’s writing style improved with the second book, although the ending gets a little over done trying to wrap up too many things in overly dramatic fashion. I may try to read some of her other books if my local library has them available.

[Jeanne Cosmos · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick & effective start; the protagonist, setting & a death. Very good. I liked the pace & could appreciate the detail on the world of horse racing. Very cool I read this as a stand alone & not disappointed. The language choices & vibe quite good.

[Joy Zabel · Rating 4 out of 5]

What's not to love about this book? Mystery, romance, and of course fancy horses-everything a girl could hope for and more! I look forward to reading more from this author in the near future.

*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review*

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm enjoying this horse racing mystery series. Fia is a firecracker, and Calixto is quite impressive.

[Julie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Meh, but I struggle to like mystery books so maybe my rating should be taken with a grain of salt.

[Rebecca Lloyd · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good book by Sasscer Hill! I'm enjoying this suspenseful series and hope there will be more books to come. (no pressure...LOL)

[Rich · Rating 2 out of 5]

I just could not really get into this story, some people might enjoy it, just was not my cup of tea.

[Janice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very exciting! Loved it Lots of horsey info.And the ending was especially exciting!

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

another author to follow! I enjoyed this undercover-cops-a-Saratoga tale. Fia McKee works to find the links to the mob

[Joanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was another fast paced page turner! It had almost too much action! I did enjoy Fia and Calisto, the storyline, Saratoga and the horses!

[Anne Albee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sasscer Hill has a winner with The Dark Side of Town. I used to be good at guessing endings, but not this one. Great characters, fully fleshed out. And if you know horses and/or racing you will enjoy it more. If you don't, explanations are worked into the story in a non-condescending way so you'll understand the inner workings of this world.