A Stone’s Throw

Ellie Stone Mysteries #6

by James W. Ziskin

2019 ANTHONY AWARD FINALIST for Best Paperback Original
2019 LEFTY AWARD FINALIST for Best Mystery

Ellie Stone, a young newspaper reporter in 1960s’ upstate New York, investigates a double murder at an abandoned stud farm near glamorous Saratoga Springs.

August 1962. A suspicious fire claims a tumbledown foaling barn on the grounds of the once-proud Tempesta Stud Farm, halfway between New Holland and Saratoga Springs, NY. The blaze, one of several in recent years at the abandoned farm, barely prompts a shrug from the local sheriff. That is until “girl reporter” Ellie Stone, first on the scene, uncovers a singed length of racing silk in the rubble of the barn. And it’s wrapped around the neck of one of two charred bodies buried in the ashes. A bullet between the eyes of one of the victims confirms it’s murder, and the police suspect gamblers. Ellie digs deeper.

The double murder, committed on a ghostly stud farm in the dead of night, leads Ellie down a haunted path, just a stone’s throw from the glamour of Saratoga Springs, to a place where dangerous men don’t like to lose. Unraveling secrets from the past–crushing failure and heartless betrayal–she’s learning that arson can be cold revenge.

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Crime, Thriller, Mystery Thriller, Historical Mystery, Historical Fiction

299 pages, Paperback

First published June 5, 2018

About the author

2021 Barry Award WINNER TURN TO STONE for Best Paperback Original

2021 Macavity Award WINNER for Best Historical Mystery TURN TO STONE

2017 Anthony Award WINNER of Best Paperback Original HEART OF STONE

2017 Macavity Award WINNER of Sue Feder Memorial Best Historical Novel HEART OF STONE

2021 Edgar Award finalist for Best Short Story, “The Twenty-Five-Year Engagement”

2021 Anthony Award finalist for Best Short Story, “The Twenty-Five-Year Engagement”

2021 Agatha Award finalist for Best Short Story, “The Twenty-Five-Year Engagement”

2021 Macavity Award finalist for Best Short Story, “The Twenty-Five-Year Engagement”

2021 Sue Grafton Memorial Award finalist TURN TO STONE

2021 Lefty Award finalist for Best Historical Mystery TURN TO STONE

2019 Anthony Award finalist for Best Paperback Original A STONE’S THROW

2019 Lefty Award finalist for Best Mystery A STONE’S THROW

2018 Macavity Award finalist for Sue Feder Memorial Best Historical Novel CAST THE FIRST STONE

2018 Anthony Award finalist for Best Paperback Original CAST THE FIRST STONE

2018 Lefty Award finalist for Best Mystery CAST THE FIRST STONE

2017 Anthony Award winner of Best Paperback Original HEART OF STONE

2017 Macavity Award winner of Sue Feder Memorial Best Historical Novel HEART OF STONE

2017 Edgar Award finalist for Best Paperback Original HEART OF STONE

2017 Lefty Award finalist for Best Mystery HEART OF STONE

2016 Anthony Award finalist for Best Paperback Original STONE COLD DEAD

2016 Barry Award finalist for Best Paperback Original STONE COLD DEAD

2016 Lefty Award finalist for Best World Mystery Novel STONE COLD DEAD

2015 Anthony Award finalist for Best Paperback Original NO STONE UNTURNED

Reviews

[Chelsea Humphrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ellie Stone is a modern woman in a historical era; she's driven, intelligent, and injects her own personal brand of dry humor into even the most dire of circumstances. In short, she's an independent gal who I'd be proud to call my friend, but unfortunately not everyone sees her through eyes like mine during her era of the 1960's. Every opportunity I get to jump back into Ziskin's historical mysteries allows me a glimpse of how different my life would look as a female almost sixty years ago, and it reminds me to be grateful for the liberties I've received that ladies like Ellie didn't have the luxury of experiencing. Once again, Ellie proves her worth in a time that didn't appreciate her talents, but this time she also learns a bit along the way.

Prior to picking up this novel, I knew almost nothing about horse racing. The process of how folks would bet on their favorite steeds astounded me, but I feel as if I have a better grip on the sport now since the author did a fine job of explaining the ins and outs at the beginning of the story. Yay for learning new things while reading! I really enjoyed the growth of Ellie and Fadge's relationship; while wholly platonic, I feel with each book their intimacy in friendship becomes deeper and more beautiful, something that causes me to continue the series for more than the varying cases that Ellie solves. Once again, I didn't see the ending coming and was entirely wrong in my predictions. If you're looking for procedural-esque novels that are both unique and humorous, give these a try! While I'll always recommend you start at the beginning and work your way through the series, these books are written in a way where you could pick this up as a standalone novel as well.

*I was provided a free review copy via the publisher. 

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

We’re off to the races in the sixth installment of the Ellie Stone series, and the excitement of the horse racing world mixed with the element of murder is thrilling. As a life-long resident of Kentucky, home of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs, this book takes me down a familiar track that has me longing for a mint julep or a shot of bourbon. Through his exceptional writing and captivating storytelling, James Ziskin brings the spine-tingling rush of the starting gate to life as Ellie navigates her way through an unfamiliar race to reach the finish line alive and in possession of a murderer most ruthless.

Due to a sleepless August night and listening to the police scanner, Ellie shows up at the early morning hours fire that destroys an abandoned foaling barn at Tempesta Farm, a former horse stud operation. Located between Ellie’s home beat of New Holland, New York and Saratoga Springs, the authorities consider it just another accidental fire of the dilapidated old buildings left to rot at the farm. But, ever the investigative reporter, Ellie convinces one of the deputies at the scene to walk with her through the ruins of the barn, and when Ellie pulls on what looks like a silk scarf in the ashes, it leads to two dead bodies. And, it is Ellie who, when the charred remains are first thought to be a woman and a boy, points out that the silk scarf resembling a racing silk jockeys wear might indicate that the boy victim is instead a jockey. With the proximity of Saratoga Racetrack and it being racing season at the track, it’s more than a good guess. With part of the property being in the county of Ellie’s good friend Sheriff Frank Olney and part being in the jurisdiction of another sheriff, Sheriff Henry Pryor, who doesn’t hold her in the same fond regards, it will be more challenging for Ellie to investigate, but being underestimated hasn’t stopped her from finding answers before. The main challenge is understanding the racing world and navigating it. Ellie turns to her best friend, Fadge, who is a dedicated follower of the Saratoga circuit and who has been working on perfecting his betting system for years.

Accompanying Fadge to the racetrack helps Ellie learn the lingo and rhythm of this new world where it takes a village to get a horse ready to run one mile. Betting successfully on the outcome of that one mile race requires a knowledge about the horses and jockeys and track conditions and how it all interacts. Gaining much insight by watching and listening to Fadge, it is still up to Ellie to infiltrate the inner workings of the horse racing business by interviewing and researching the people involved, and as with most businesses where money is at the heart of it, there are some dangerous people in its orbit. Of course, Elly has never shied away from the perils that relentless pursuit of a story and justice bring. Her immersion into this foreign world will take Elly into contact with both the beauty and the ugliness of the horse scene, both on and off the track. Although searching for a killer, Ellie uncovers the chilling existence of bigotry and prejudice among the elite of the scene. There are meetings and on-scene snooping that put Ellie in the cross-hairs of a desperate killer. And, the twist I didn’t see coming is a gobsmacking delight.

As I've stated in my reviews before, but which bears repeating each time, James Ziskin gives a dead-on depiction of the 60s, smoothly integrating that world into the story of murder. Since I grew up in the sixties, it is especially important to me that Ziskin gets it right, and he does, every time. From the mandatory white gloves worn at the appropriate times to the historical events, such as the Russian cosmonauts and the death of Marilyn Monroe, the author makes it real. The challenges that Elly faces as a single woman in a journalistic career are ever present in the existence of the publisher’s no-talent, lazy son-in-law who is a constant threat to Elly’s job and some of the assignments she receives. In this book, the prejudices against Elly belonging to the Jewish faith are also brought to light. In fact, none of the social ills or prejudices extant in the 60s are sugar coated in this series. They serve as a cautionary tale of sorts, as to what we could return to if we aren’t vigilant.

James Ziskin has created in Ellie Stone a woman of the emerging 60s, who is independent thinking and acting, breaking down barriers in the job market, determined, and still compassionate and with a great sense of humor. Of course, she isn’t perfect, and she’s the first to admit it. She still drinks too much and doesn’t always make the best choices in her romantic connections, but she is showing growth here, a learning from past mistakes. I was happy to see more of Ellie’s best friend Fadge in this book, and the proven assertion that men and women can be friends during a time period where female/male friendships weren’t as ordinary as today. In short, Ellie Stone is the perfect female character to guide us through the 60s (and beyond). I can’t wait to see this changing world through Ellie’s eyes again in the next installment of this series.

One last note about A Stone’s Throw. It is published by Seventh Street Books, which happens to publish other favorite authors of mine. James Ziskin has a bit of fun with the last names of some of his fellow Seventh St. authors, and as in finding a murderer, it’s all in the details. Enjoy the hunt.


To see how James Ziskin keeps his Ellie Stone series fresh, visit my Reading Room blog at http://www.readingroom-readmore.com/2...

[LJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

First Sentence: The flames leapt into the last of the night's darkness, casting their dancing orange light against the weathered planks of the nearby outbuildings.

Newspaper reporter Ellie Stone is at the derelict Shaw Stables stud farm as the horse barn burns to the ground. Walking the site later, Elly uncovers two bodies burnt nearly beyond recognition except for a bit of racing colors on the male, and a trace of red hair, an earring, and a bit of fur on the female. It wasn't the fire which killed them. On the hunt for the story, it's up to Ellie to find out who the victims were, and who killed them.

Fire always captures one's attention. A fire without an obvious cause in an abandoned structure raises the level of curiosity. A fire with two bodies not killed by the fire means a mystery.
The story being set in 1963 provides wonderful opportunities for time-relevant references—"May I call you later for the results?" I asked. "He turned and squinted up at me, still on his hands and knees in the muck. "No later than seven. I watch Perry Mason at seven thirty."

There something rather fun about a book set in an age before the internet, and before cell phones, when research meant digging through physical files, going place-to-place to talk with people, and making a lot of phone calls. It's nice that Ziskin doesn't ignore the details, even to the reference that—"As Saratoga hadn't yet entered the world of direct distance dialing, I had to call the operator to connect me to my parties."

One thing that was very true then, and is still sadly true now, was the amount of bigotry and, in particular, anti-Semitism which prevailed. While Ziskin doesn't hammer the point, there are certainly enough references to make one aware of how prevalent it was and to make one uncomfortable, as it should.

What one eats can say a lot about a person. For fine cuisine, one might not want to look to Ellie—"For an hors d'oeuvre, I scrounged some gin-soaked olives that I kept in the icebox, washed them down with a glass of whiskey—not a combination made in heaven—then dined on deviled ham straight from the can. I peeled and quartered an apple for dessert." However, if one likes characters who are smart, determined, and capable, Ellie fits the bill.

Ziskin has provided Ellie with a strong supporting cast from her friend Fadge, Zeke and Bill who sometimes work for Fadge, sheriff Frank Olney, the indefatigable Norma Geary who does considerable research, Ellie's boss, Charlie, and others. They provide an excellent sense of realism as no one works, or lives, in a vacuum.

Those who enjoy horses and horseracing will particularly enjoy this book. The description of the Traver's Stakes race was very well done, conveying the excitement of that actual event and the winning jockey Bill ("Willie," although he didn't care for the nickname) Shoemaker. One may as well appreciate the reference to Shylock.

"A Stone's Throw" is a well-done book with an excellent twist, a startling reveal, and an ending horse-lovers will appreciate.

A STONE'S THROW (Journ-Ellie Stone-Upstate NY- 1963) – G+
Ziskin, James W. – 4th in series
Seventh Street Books – May 2018

[Lori Rader-Day · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always look forward to a new Ellie Stone mystery—great character!

[3 no 7 · Rating 4 out of 5]

“A Stone’s Throw” by James Ziskin is book six in the Ellie Stone Mystery series, but quick background comments in the context of the storyline provides a new reader with any needed information.

On an August 1962 evening, Eleonora Stone, a reporter from the New Holland Republic, is covering a fire in an abandoned barn and horse ranch, near Saratoga racetrack New York. She documents the scene with water, burned timbers, ash, and suddenly so much more. “It’s a body, Sheriff…Two, actually.”

Ellie takes readers through her search of the scene as she seeks to gather info and photos for her story. What was this she finds? A scrap of fabric, diamonds orange and black, riding silks? Was a jockey one of the victims? What story will she uncover?

As Ellie searches for details for her articles, details about the nearby horse racing industry pull readers into the story. She knows about the serious horsemen, the ones who project competence and knowledge, the well-dressed cosmopolitan types, the professional gamblers, the hobbyists, and the ladies in fancy hats. Could a jockey mixed up with gamblers? In the end, secrets, traumas, and a past crime all come racing into 1962 with tragic results.

The action is dialogue driven and Ellie’s first person narrative replicates casual conversations and eliminates offensive language as comments to the reader “but he used a different word.”
Her descriptions are interesting “he was displaying all the pique of a rhinoceros that’s just been darted in the rump by a tranquilizer gun.” She also explains motivations and situations to the reader. “I was going to be sick if I continued trying to read in a moving car… No, I didn’t want to get ahead of myself. She also reflects on her own actions “That had been foolish of me.”

Time and place are appropriately reflected in the investigative process. “I settled into the phone booth and dialed the number…I had to be home before six to write up my story for Monday’s edition and drop it off with the typesetter downtown at the office.”

I received a copy of “A Stone’s Throw” from James Ziskin, and Seventh Street Books. It is an enjoyable book to with mystery and murder but not too much blood and gore. After all, a reporter can only get so much printed, and horses cost a lot of money to buy and to feed.

[Jill Meyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sometimes it's difficult to review a book in a series, like James Ziskin's latest mystery, "A Stone's Throw: An Ellie Stone Mystery". The book is the fifth in the series, which is set in up-state New York in 1962. I think I've read all but one of the five books and have enjoyed them all. Ziskin has created both a memorable lead character - Elenora Stone, who is a "girl-reporter" in New Holland, New York, near Schenectady. He's also established a time - the early 1960's - that simple time before John Kennedy's assassination and the furies of the balance of the decade. As with all series' books, Ziskin puts his characters in different plots. This book highlights the horse breeding and racing in the Saratoga area.

Ellie Stone has developed as a character in Ziskin's series. She is making a name and reputation as a reporter in basically a mostly-male world. She has a "past", which slowly unrolls in each book. In "Stone's Throw", Ellie becomes involved in two (or is it three) murders and several lesser crimes in the horse world. As a reporter, rather than as a police officer or private detective, she is attempting to get the story, which may involve her solving the murders. And there's a difference in looking at crimes from either a police or a reporter's view. I think Ziskin's job is more difficult because Stone's ability to solve a crime is hampered by her inability to use the standard police procedures.

I think this book is the thinnest in the series. The crimes and perpetrators are not particularly interesting, though if - like me - you're a fan of Ziskin's series, you'll enjoy the book because, ultimately, it moves Ellie Stone's "story" forward. IF you're new to the series, I'd start with the first book or his fourth book, "Cast the First Stone".

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

"A Stone's Throw" is a mystery set in August 1962 in New York, and they spent a lot of time at the track in Saratoga Springs, NY. This book is the sixth in a series, but you do not need to read the previous books to understand this one. This book did not spoil any of the previous mysteries.

Ellie is a newspaper reporter who investigates crimes. She asked questions in her interviews and used her resources as a reporter to track down information about the crime and who was involved. She passed this information on to the cops. However, the story still ended with a surprise. The characters were interesting and likable, but not necessarily admirable. The historical elements seemed mostly the technology and some racist remarks made against Jews (and Ellie is Jewish).

There were no graphic sex scenes. There was a fair amount of bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this interesting mystery.

I received an ARC review copy of this book from the publisher through Amazon Vine.

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

As always, Ziskin's writing is superb - sophisticated, but genuine and poignant with beautiful descriptions and vibrant images. I really feel like I’m right there in the early 60’s with Ellie Stone, and I love her as a character! This series is great for mystery lovers who enjoy a lovable, smart-ass female reporter who behaves realistically for the late 1950's and early '60's. And in this story, there's also a magnificent horse named Purgatorio with quite the personality that I fell for as well. Ziskin's award-winning writing is never over the top, involves a bit of humor, and always provides a compelling mystery with believable, effective twists at the end. This one, set in 1962, evokes the spirit of the artistocratic horse-racing milieu of the times with all its glory, magnificence, arrogance, bigotry and crooked dealings that go with it. As always, the author so adeptly addresses the racism and sexism of the times. I highly recommend the entire series!

[Robert Rotstein · Rating 5 out of 5]

To write an effective historical mystery, the author must convey suspense, authenticity, and modern-day relevance -- not an easy task. Like the prior novels in James Ziskin's Ellie Stone series, A STONE'S THROW succeeds admirably on all counts. In this latest installment, reporter Stone investigates a double murder at an abandoned stud farm. In her quest to uncover the truth, Stone must confront both racing's aristocratic yet often bigoted and arrogant elite; and the sport's marginal characters who lurk in the dark underbelly and will stop at nothing to gain fame or fortune. Set in 1962, A STONE'S THROW conjures the spirit of the era, while at the same time addressing issues that remain highly relevant today -- racism, sexism, and religious bias. As always, Ziskin writes in a literate, facile, evocative style that nevertheless keeps the pages turning. Highly recommended!

[Rusty Dalferes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yet another good entry in this series. A solid recommendation for mystery fans and readers who like strong female characters.

The sixth entry in the Ellie Stone series finds the title heroine investigating a fire in an old horse barn on an abandoned thoroughbred training facility owned by the Shaw family, whose path Ellie crossed in an earlier book when the patriarch's daughter was found murdered. After the fire at the barn is doused, Ellie talks her way into examining the wreckage, and finds two bodies buried in the rubble. One of them is a short man wearing what appears to be a jockey's colors and bearing a bullet hole in his head. The other is a woman who, Ellie discovers, was a "working girl" with a shady past. Ellie's investigation leads to the world of horse racing, so she takes along her best friend, Fadge, an inveterate gambler and handicapper of the races. Ellie encounters kindly-but-eccentric Jewish horse owners, sometimes-intimidating panderers, racing junkies, prostitutes, high-society bigots and their dashing offspring, and other suspicious characters in her quest to solve the murders and the matter of a missing jockey who may or may not have been the body found in the barn.

As with the previous entries, the characters are all well made, and the title heroine is witty and smart and brave, with the persistent flaws of a penchant for strong drink and bad choices with men. The plot presents lots of potential suspects with valid reasons for having committed the crimes, and even presents a surprise twist at the end. This is just a solid series all around, and it's a fun and intelligent set of mysteries whose investigations I always enjoy reading.

The series is consistently well-written and -edited, so I can't even get all Grammar Nazi on it. Great job all around.

Thanks to Seventh Street Books (and my Queen of the Book Fairies) for providing me a copy of this book.

[Colin Mitchell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another very good story in the Ellie Stone series. The intrepid newshound is still fighting the male of the species at the office in the form of the publisher and his son in law Georgie Porgie but as usual, manages to overcome the odds. That leads nicely to the plot which has a background in horse racing and betting. Her old pal Fadge has become overly embroiled but some of his research is used to help Ellie follow the form to the dead bodies and ultimately the killer. Great characters and a believable plot that runs at a good place and carries the reader along with it. Good stuff.

4 stars. Recommended to all crime fans out there.

[Ed · Rating 4 out of 5]

#6 in the Ellie (Eleonora) Stone mystery series. In this 2018 episode from author Ziskin, reporter Ellie Stone looks at the underbelly of horse racing in 1962 Saratoga, NY. An engrossing read with plot twists aplenty. Ellie proves adept at digging out information the hard way in the pre-internet age. She also seems to encounter anti-Semitism more than in prior entries, but perhaps that due to the WASP society that descends on Saratoga in August.

Set in 1962, Ellie stumbles across two bodies, burned beyond recognition, while investigating a fire at an abandoned stud farm in upstate New York. Ellie's best friend, the bearish Ron "Fadge" Fiorello, becomes her expert guide to the sometimes seamy world of horse racing, and, armed with her newfound knowledge, Ellie digs up information that convinces her the victims are jockey Johnny Dornan and his "date of the evening," Micheline Charbonneau. She subsequently learns that Johnny, who threw a horse race nine years earlier, ended up on the wrong side of the mob. The carefully constructed plot unfolds in unexpected ways as tough, ambitious, and dogged Ellie follows clues in the horse-racing mecca of nearby Saratoga Springs.

[Monica Ravreby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ellie Stone appears in her sixth riveting, page turning novel. Saratoga Springs is the perfect city to bestow her keen and always charismatic investigative skills. Ziskin has a beautiful way with words ... loved everyone of them.

[Keenan Powell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ellie Stone, girl reporter, is becoming a friend of mine. In this episode of her adventures, she's off the to the races after happening upon an abandoned foaling barn burning in the middle of the night. After the fire was extinguished and she was permitted to photograph the scene, she discovered two bodies. Her quest to identify the victims, find their killers, and keep her job during a period in our history when women were not encouraged to pursue careers and many doors were closed to Jews.

One of the things I enjoy about this book is how the author evokes the time period, early 60's, with references to things like Candid Camera, cherry cola, and how poor Ellie has to tramp through murder scenes in a skirt. I want to send a message through fictional time to her: we don't have to do that anymore!

[Marie · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5
Entertaining.
Creative.
Humorous at times.
It’s just hard to get beyond the extreme unlikeliness of Ellie Stone, young small city newspaper reporter, being in the thick of all these intense investigations. The credibility factor interferes too much for me.
Ah well, will probably read another in the series, if there are any more.

[Victoria E Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!

It reminds me of a more grown up version of Nancy Drew from when I was a child. This was the first book I read in the series and I’m excited to read the rest. It keeps your attention, and is filled with suspense. I definitely recommend it.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Actual rating 3.5 stars. The main character is smart, and most of the other characters were interesting. This is the sixth book in a series, but there were only one or two minor references to events in other books.

[Elsie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had a really hard time getting into this book and just didn't seem to be able to connect with the characters.

[Jan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series has grown on me. The plot is engaging & the characters are surprisingly complex. A good read!

[Vinnie Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked this series set in the Sixties and featuring investigative reporter Ellie Stone from the start, but the books just keep getting better.

[Kiana Siefkas · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite mystery series. Delightful reporter Ellie stone and lovely characters make for a delicious read with twists and turns and figuring out who dunnit.

[Colette Hogue · Rating 4 out of 5]

Plot twists, and tasty phrases!

[Susan Courtright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of Susan Courtright
A Stone’s Throw
James W. Ziskin

What do Nora Charles, Miss Jane Marple and Ellie Stone have in common? None of these three distaff detectives knew much, if anything, about racetracks, jockeys and horseflesh prior to the plots; they are perfectly adept at murder and racketeering, however, and didn’t have to go far to find those challenges.
Nora Charles was accompanying her husband, Nick, and some of his rather ‘Interesting’ friends to the local track when murder greeted them before they even parked their car. {Shadow of the Thin Man, 1941). Jane Marple was collecting for a charity auction at her own local racetrack when, up pops a body. (Murder at the Gallop, 1963). And Ellie Stone?

Fresh from the sting of her first encounter in Los Angeles – “You’re pretty – just not Hollywood pretty”, Ellie is trolling the police band in August of 1962, and hears about a fire in an abandoned foaling barn at Tempesta Farm, roughly midway between her hometown newspaper in New Holland, New York, and Saratoga Springs. Miss Stone is also unfamiliar with racetracks, paramutuel betting and the underworld of horse racing; she is, one knows, an investigative reporter, and so she sets out in the night. Amidst the acrid and blackened skeleton of what was once a large barn, she is first on scene to identify remains in the rubble of two people – one with a wisp of racing silk clinging to the neck.
These are the days when shoe leather finds the answers: Who are the victims? What were they doing in the barn? Why is there an apparent bullet hole in the skull of one? And for the extra points and indictments – who killed them and why?
This sixth outing in the Ellie Stone mystery series by James W. Ziskin, is, as always, plot-perfect; additionally, we are treated to more in the life of the ‘girl reporter’, who never minds getting her hands dirty and her throat lubricated with Dewar’s. Ellie’s best friend Fadge, who has seemingly ‘perfected a system’ for horse betting provides a crash course in the world of racing and introductions to the seedy and seemingly seedy who populate Saratoga Springs. Since the local sheriff is less than interested Ellie’s good friend, Frank Olney, takes over the investigation. From then on, it’s hard work – tracking down and dismissing leads with the aid of the researcher at the paper and the town librarian. Ellie is dogged in her pursuit of the doers. Ziskin never sacrifices plot points for boozy and ill-advised romance that comes her way, nor is the pursuit of justice for the dead and the solution of the murders compromised by Fadge’s habits, which do really worry Ellie. She is a tough woman with a marshmallow heart – and that heart is given freely to a beautiful thoroughbred who just doesn’t like to race!
What a timing treat! In the middle of the 2018 race for the Triple Crown, James W. Ziskin and Seventh Street Books give the reader a penetrating dive into the romance and rackets of the racing game. Dick Francis would be proud.
Publish date: June 5, 2018

[Viviane Crystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ellie Stone is a spunky, curious journalist who’s unafraid to explore any idea she gets in her head about a case. Before one can flip a few pages, she notices smoke in the distance of the beautiful Saratoga Springs area of upstate New York in the 1960s. It’s the Tempesta Stud Farm, that had once seen better days and is now burning to the ground. For those who love the world of horse racing, this is a huge loss, even if it is no longer a flourishing business. However, the whole situation turns grim when two bodies burned beyond recognition are found. It’s Ellie, after the fire has smoldered and gone out, who discovers a singed length of gold and black diamond patterned silk wrapped around the neck of one of the victims.
A bullet through the head of one victim clearly indicates that this is murder and perhaps arson. Ellie refuses to let it rest there and begins exploring who the silk belonged to, believing it belonged to a jockey named Johnny Dornan. It also turns out he hasn’t been seen in days. No one is overly concerned since Dornan didn’t have the nicest reputation and wasn’t trusted or friendly with the ordinary crew working the racetrack scene.
Ellie’s friend, Fadge, fills Ellie in on missing information about the races. He’s a funny guy who spends hours and days reading racing sheets but loses as often as he wins bets at the track. He’s rather fond of Ellie but their relationship never gets beyond fondness. And he adds some information for readers not familiar with the betting on races process.
No spoilers here but suffice to say that several woman and gamers are involved in Johnny Dornan’s life. There are several characters who don’t like to lose and resent anyone out of their circle asking too many questions. But that doesn’t stop Ellie; if anything, it spurs her on, always with Fadge by her side or not far behind her. Unfortunately, others will die before all the gaps have been filled in the mystery.
The sixth mystery of James Ziskin is as good, if not better, than his previous novels. One knows the troubles and crimes will all sort themselves out, but one still can’t predict how that will happen, and that is the enjoyable process for the reader. Nicely done, James Ziskin!!!

[Lindsay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Prometheus books for sending me a free copy of A Stone’s Throw in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

A Stone’s Throw is another highly enjoyable installment in the Ellie stone mystery series! Ellie is becoming one of my favorite literary characters and this is becoming one of my favorite mystery series. Ellie continues to instill quips of sarcasm into all of her conversations and is able to do her job better than her male counterparts.

I love the 1960’s setting of these novels, they give off strong Mad Men vibes. A Stone’s Throw adds the horse track and racing as an added bonus. On top of all the humor, sarcasm, and well-developed setting, each novel in this series has a very well done, detailed, clever, and intricate mystery. In my own opinion, these novels have it all. If you haven’t read one yet, pleae do you won’t be disappointed. I gave this one ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 stars.

[Sasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

First I would like to state that I received this book through the Goodreads giveaway in exchange for an honest review. I would like to thank the author for giving me this opportunity and honor in being able to read this book. When I received this book I began reading it at once. I really enjoy the authors writing style, the author pulls you into the book from the very beginning and makes it so you don't want to put the book down. It kept me on the edge of my seat reading from cover to cover. This book was a very interesting read. It quickly hooked me making it so I was wanting to read and find out more from this writer. I would recommend this to anyone. A must read!

[Mere · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a bad book at all! I was a tiny bit surprised at the reveal at the end, but as a character I really like Ellie.

I haven't read the other books in this series, but I might have to go see if my library has them.

I enjoyed the writing of this book immensely. Sometimes writers who write historical fiction make it feel so fake, but Ziskin did not. In fact, I could really believe these characters were from that era.

And the mystery too, was a good one.

I won't say this is the best mystery book in the world, but it isn't the worst either. It was fabulous for a quick read and a way to zone out for an afternoon.

[Mary Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ziskin finishes to win

Another great episode of the life of Ellie Stone. Keeps your interest from start to finish. Left me wanting more. I loved the expressions used as they were in the 60's in upstate New York. The language added to the intrigue and helped paint a picture.
I kept thinking I had the mystery solved until the end when I was surprised by the real murderer came forth.
Nothing is better than Saratoga in Summer. Except this installment of Ellie Stone.

[Leslie Karst · Rating 5 out of 5]

A barn fire, a charred body in racing silks, and a second one with a bullet through the skull, set “girl reporter” Ellie Stone off on another murder case. It’s 1962 in upstate New York, home to the Saratoga racetrack, where horse betting is serious business. But serious enough to drive someone to kill? Once again, Ziskin gives us a zinger of a story—fast paced, with engaging characters and plenty of clues, red herrings, and suspects to keep you guessing till the end.

[wethegeorgea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this series.

Nothing to say really besides the fact that I love this series. I may have to read this one again because I stopped half way through when it was due back and the library.