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Race into Murder
A thoroughbred trainer’s dream is about to become a reality, but could cost him his marriage, or even his life. When a well-known jockey is murdered, evidence leads to the arrest of an innocent man, and the fate of three families hangs in the balance. As the homicide investigation continues, it brings past relationships to light, and influences some of the horsemen to take matters into their own hands, exposing those who would stop at nothing to reach a goal. Through it all, the races continue.
320 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 1, 2020
25 people are currently reading
18 people want to read
About the author
Karen Black
17 books75 followersMystery, romance, or fantasy, Black’s character-driven stories combine imagination and experience to weave dramatic plots with believable characters in descriptive contemporary settings. Even her fantasies give the impression of possibility, remote though it may be. In all her publications, a four-legged character is included, though sometimes it’s a cameo appearance.
The author of multiple novels, anthologies, novelettes, and short stories, Black has received awards from Readers’ Favorite, Literary Titan, International Impact, KCT International Literary, and Rave Reviews Book Club, as well as accolades from Kirkus Reviews. Click on her website publications link, www.storiesbykaren.org, for a complete list of published works.
Black lives in the United States with her husband, and two alien creatures disguised as cats. One of them, her muse, is rumored to be ET’s second cousin. The rumor, however, has not been confirmed.
The author of multiple novels, anthologies, novelettes, and short stories, Black has received awards from Readers’ Favorite, Literary Titan, International Impact, KCT International Literary, and Rave Reviews Book Club, as well as accolades from Kirkus Reviews. Click on her website publications link, www.storiesbykaren.org, for a complete list of published works.
Black lives in the United States with her husband, and two alien creatures disguised as cats. One of them, her muse, is rumored to be ET’s second cousin. The rumor, however, has not been confirmed.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
March 11, 2019
I love horse racing and Dick Francis was one of my favourite authors so I keep my eyes open for thrillers/mysteries with a horse bias. Despite not knowing this author, I picked up the book and it turned out to be a good decision. This is a good mystery with the necessary twists to keep you guessing but for me the horse racing setting elevates the reading experience. The characters are an interesting mixture as you usually find in horse racing circles and the plot moves along at a good pace. Recommended!
August 23, 2018
What is it about a fast-running, brilliant colt that puts so much joy into the hearts of so many and avarice into more than just a few? FraziersFury is one of the brightest and best runners on the track—and someone wants his fame to end, one way or another.
Murder-mystery lovers, this is a book that does not disappoint. Like a well-made knife, it has a balance that feels right all the way through.
The author writes a terrific tale of horses and hate, of breeders and greed. She takes her time in revealing who gets killed, spending time instead writing a believable backstory and letting the reader become familiar with all of the characters. By the time the deed is done, there are so many possible culprits and red herrings that it becomes quite a fun game to try and figure out “whodunit.” The detective who gets involved definitely has his work cut out for him.
The author’s biography does not tell whether or not she spent much time around racetracks, but if she didn’t, she did an incredible amount of research into the sport. I came away knowing so much more about horse racing than I ever knew before.
Entertainment and enlightenment—a two-fer!
I highly recommend this book.
Murder-mystery lovers, this is a book that does not disappoint. Like a well-made knife, it has a balance that feels right all the way through.
The author writes a terrific tale of horses and hate, of breeders and greed. She takes her time in revealing who gets killed, spending time instead writing a believable backstory and letting the reader become familiar with all of the characters. By the time the deed is done, there are so many possible culprits and red herrings that it becomes quite a fun game to try and figure out “whodunit.” The detective who gets involved definitely has his work cut out for him.
The author’s biography does not tell whether or not she spent much time around racetracks, but if she didn’t, she did an incredible amount of research into the sport. I came away knowing so much more about horse racing than I ever knew before.
Entertainment and enlightenment—a two-fer!
I highly recommend this book.
April 6, 2018
RACE INTO MURDER is a page-turner, for sure. The title says it all!
If you like mysteries and suspense, this is the book for you. If you like horses and horse racing—or even if you don't—you will enjoy this story. I’m not into horses, but the story was authentic. I’ve been to a few horse races, and I felt as if I was right there, cheering on my favourite. Life is busy, but I read this book over a few hours during three evenings. It’s an easy read. Characters are well defined. Plot is excellent.
My only negative comment is a few misplaced commas, but that’s the editor in me; too picky. The average reader won’t notice, and the story was good enough that I was able to skim over those pesky commas.
I recommend this book. Karen also writes excellent short stories. I believe this is her first novel.
If you like mysteries and suspense, this is the book for you. If you like horses and horse racing—or even if you don't—you will enjoy this story. I’m not into horses, but the story was authentic. I’ve been to a few horse races, and I felt as if I was right there, cheering on my favourite. Life is busy, but I read this book over a few hours during three evenings. It’s an easy read. Characters are well defined. Plot is excellent.
My only negative comment is a few misplaced commas, but that’s the editor in me; too picky. The average reader won’t notice, and the story was good enough that I was able to skim over those pesky commas.
I recommend this book. Karen also writes excellent short stories. I believe this is her first novel.
December 11, 2020
Author Karen Black combines crime, thoroughbred racing, and exciting character dynamics in this thriller. The tight-knit group of horse lovers, owners, and jockeys is split between supporting and opportunists characters.
I liked the interactions between Jeff and Natalie. I especially enjoyed how Jeff dotes on Natalie at times. I was cheering when their relationship had new energy breathed into it. Other characters are portrayed as believable and realistic. Stables, racing venues, winner circles, and training are wrapped into the story in ways that put the reader at the center of the story.
Author Black does a terrific job with the twists and turns that almost give you answers along the way. The murder of a renowned author pits owners and families against one another to save themselves. Black artfully shifts the blame as the investigation continues, in ways that keep you reading and guessing.
Author Black has an unerring way of having readers excited, engaged, and cheering. The section below had me hollering along with the characters.
Sarah whooped and hollered, hugging Natalie and then Santos.
"Fury just won the Angelina Stakes," Natalie whispered, almost in disbelief, as Jeff picked her up with a bear hug and did a pirouette. "I'll see you all in the winner's circle."
Jeff dashed down to stairs to the track to meet Carl and Fury as they came back. Natalie, Sarah and Santos followed not far behind.
Jeff and Carl led Fury to the winner's circle for their third picture in a row. Still full of energy, Fury bobbed his head and pawed the dirt. Once again, he seemed to know he had done something good.
Jeff draped his arm around his wife's shoulders, and whispered, "We're on our way."
Natalie resisted the urge to say, and now we can easily afford it. She would save that conversation for a later date.
This excellent book, on par with Dick Francis, is well-written and accurate to the racing world. I recommend this to people who love horses and want insight into what happens before and after race day. The thrill of winning, the heartache of an injured horse, and fears that trust in people makes one too vulnerable, is inside the covers of this crime thriller. Don't miss your chance to learn who done it!
I liked the interactions between Jeff and Natalie. I especially enjoyed how Jeff dotes on Natalie at times. I was cheering when their relationship had new energy breathed into it. Other characters are portrayed as believable and realistic. Stables, racing venues, winner circles, and training are wrapped into the story in ways that put the reader at the center of the story.
Author Black does a terrific job with the twists and turns that almost give you answers along the way. The murder of a renowned author pits owners and families against one another to save themselves. Black artfully shifts the blame as the investigation continues, in ways that keep you reading and guessing.
Author Black has an unerring way of having readers excited, engaged, and cheering. The section below had me hollering along with the characters.
Sarah whooped and hollered, hugging Natalie and then Santos.
"Fury just won the Angelina Stakes," Natalie whispered, almost in disbelief, as Jeff picked her up with a bear hug and did a pirouette. "I'll see you all in the winner's circle."
Jeff dashed down to stairs to the track to meet Carl and Fury as they came back. Natalie, Sarah and Santos followed not far behind.
Jeff and Carl led Fury to the winner's circle for their third picture in a row. Still full of energy, Fury bobbed his head and pawed the dirt. Once again, he seemed to know he had done something good.
Jeff draped his arm around his wife's shoulders, and whispered, "We're on our way."
Natalie resisted the urge to say, and now we can easily afford it. She would save that conversation for a later date.
This excellent book, on par with Dick Francis, is well-written and accurate to the racing world. I recommend this to people who love horses and want insight into what happens before and after race day. The thrill of winning, the heartache of an injured horse, and fears that trust in people makes one too vulnerable, is inside the covers of this crime thriller. Don't miss your chance to learn who done it!
July 13, 2024
Valerie and Jeff Frazier have a marvelous racing colt, FraziersFury, but their marriage isn't going so well. Natalie seems to be preoccupied with Fury while Jeff's in second place in her mind. Or so Jeff thinks. Meanwhile. Angie McCoy, from a rival family, is deeply ensconced in deceit and overcome with jealousy because she wants Fury for her own. She devises a multi-level plot to interfere with Valerie and Jeff and their plans. In Angie's mind, the end justifies the means. She doesn't know that may well be one of the victims of he own conspiracy.
The author of this book weaves and spins a tale of racetrack intrigue, developing believable, solid characters whose strengths and flaws keep the reader interested in how everyone interacts. This novel has many surprises, not just with which horse wins a race, but which person is involved in Angie's multi-level plot, and how it all will work out. A clever detective plays a significant role toward the end. He won't be fooled by the intrigue.
This author had written a number of books, all of which are well researched, no matter what the background is. It's obvious that she did her homework about what happens behind the scenes at racetracks for this ones. She knows exactly the routine horses, grooms, and jockeys go through before and after a race, the difference between a claims race and other racing levels, why fillies and stallions/geldings don't always race against one another, and why a stallion's temperament might change once he's been bred to a mare.
This is an interesting foray into the horse racing world, following thoroughbred owners who really care about their horses. I would recommend this book for older teens and above due to some of the violence described, but beyond that, I will say that I had a difficult time putting this book down. Excellent reading.
The author of this book weaves and spins a tale of racetrack intrigue, developing believable, solid characters whose strengths and flaws keep the reader interested in how everyone interacts. This novel has many surprises, not just with which horse wins a race, but which person is involved in Angie's multi-level plot, and how it all will work out. A clever detective plays a significant role toward the end. He won't be fooled by the intrigue.
This author had written a number of books, all of which are well researched, no matter what the background is. It's obvious that she did her homework about what happens behind the scenes at racetracks for this ones. She knows exactly the routine horses, grooms, and jockeys go through before and after a race, the difference between a claims race and other racing levels, why fillies and stallions/geldings don't always race against one another, and why a stallion's temperament might change once he's been bred to a mare.
This is an interesting foray into the horse racing world, following thoroughbred owners who really care about their horses. I would recommend this book for older teens and above due to some of the violence described, but beyond that, I will say that I had a difficult time putting this book down. Excellent reading.
April 9, 2018
I was in the middle of reading another book and thought I'd just read a few pages of Karen Black's Race Into Murder but no, couldn't put it down! In under 50 pages I had bonded with the characters--excellently developed--and the horses. I really have no knowledge of horses except a traumatic ride on one at a rental (he only wanted to bite my foot, and being once at the race course and losing my bet) so to me, the horses in this book were characters, also finely developed. Black's style of writing is reminiscent of Dan Brown's in that everything is laid out like a logic problem, like a realistic photograph. But just when we think we have solved the mystery, well, we have not. Her deceptively straightforward writing is actually quite tricky! Since Mystery is my favorite genre, I tend to
solve them quickly. This one, however, had several possibilities and I am happy to say that I was surprised. And in the best Karen Black tradition, carried over from her short stories (see her Amazon author page) there is a bit of a twist. Sequel on the way, Ms. Black?
solve them quickly. This one, however, had several possibilities and I am happy to say that I was surprised. And in the best Karen Black tradition, carried over from her short stories (see her Amazon author page) there is a bit of a twist. Sequel on the way, Ms. Black?
May 24, 2019
Race into Murder by Karen Black is a tale of horse rearing and racing with jealousies and intrigues thrown in to keep you guessing who is actually the good guy amongst the horse trainers and owners. I thought it would be a thriller but the story slacks at places to whet your interest and introduces another angle to keep you guessing – a clever technique! The editing didn’t impress me, as such stories need incisive pruning.
Karen’s characterization is remarkable, as she succeeds in crafting a perfect horse lover and an equally dedicated jockey. Natalie wins your heart with her non-negotiable love for Fury even at the cost of getting alienated from her husband. Sarah is another charming character who knows how to stand by her friends in the event of crisis. A well-knit group of persons who are ready to help each other yet there is one who seems a black sheep. Who is that keeps you hooked!
Black keeps the real jolt for the last moment! An open-ended finish might lead her to a sequel, as Caleb has a lot to tell.
Karen’s characterization is remarkable, as she succeeds in crafting a perfect horse lover and an equally dedicated jockey. Natalie wins your heart with her non-negotiable love for Fury even at the cost of getting alienated from her husband. Sarah is another charming character who knows how to stand by her friends in the event of crisis. A well-knit group of persons who are ready to help each other yet there is one who seems a black sheep. Who is that keeps you hooked!
Black keeps the real jolt for the last moment! An open-ended finish might lead her to a sequel, as Caleb has a lot to tell.
June 17, 2019
I read this book because I love the world of horses and I was not disappointed. The author obviously knows the racing world well and I loved the descriptions of the racehorses involved and details of racetrack formalities.
With the human characters, I felt there was too much tell and not enough show. I would rather have learnt about them through their actions and interaction with others, than have them described to me.
However the plot was well thought out and fairly believable and I found it an entertaining read.
With the human characters, I felt there was too much tell and not enough show. I would rather have learnt about them through their actions and interaction with others, than have them described to me.
However the plot was well thought out and fairly believable and I found it an entertaining read.
December 16, 2022
Mystery & Mayhem!
Thoroughbred racing was a field that I knew little about until I read Karen Black’s book! The author brought the racing scene alive for me in her well-written murder mystery that kept me glued to plot and people page after page. If you enjoy a really good mystery, grab a copy today. You’ll be glad you did! ~ Bette A. Stevens, author of AMAZING MATILDA (Award-winning children’s book) and other books for children and adults of all ages.
Thoroughbred racing was a field that I knew little about until I read Karen Black’s book! The author brought the racing scene alive for me in her well-written murder mystery that kept me glued to plot and people page after page. If you enjoy a really good mystery, grab a copy today. You’ll be glad you did! ~ Bette A. Stevens, author of AMAZING MATILDA (Award-winning children’s book) and other books for children and adults of all ages.
October 29, 2018
Fascinating and Fast Paced
This book moves quickly through events and presents its many characters well as they react to the unexpected turns their lives must take. As a long time fan of Dick Francis' novels, I thoroughly enjoyed the setting of horse racing. I will look for more books by this author!
This book moves quickly through events and presents its many characters well as they react to the unexpected turns their lives must take. As a long time fan of Dick Francis' novels, I thoroughly enjoyed the setting of horse racing. I will look for more books by this author!
April 23, 2018
Great dispensaries plot
Amazing book from an amazing author. Literally read it "cover to cover" the whole way through. The factual knowledge combined with the thoroughly dispensaries plot make this book totally absorbing. Highly recommended
Amazing book from an amazing author. Literally read it "cover to cover" the whole way through. The factual knowledge combined with the thoroughly dispensaries plot make this book totally absorbing. Highly recommended
December 12, 2018
I love horses and I like horse racing plus I love to read mysteries. This book has it all. I could relate to Natalie and her passionate love for her horse Fury. I learned some things about the horse racing industry which made the book a good read.
October 7, 2019
Enjoyable
Good book, interesting characters, fast moving. Like a lot of books about horseracing, the author almost got the backside right. Would read another book by her
Good book, interesting characters, fast moving. Like a lot of books about horseracing, the author almost got the backside right. Would read another book by her
June 8, 2020
Five stars
Very good book and would recommend to anyone who likes racing and crime mysteries! Wish this was a series because I really want to know what happens next!
Very good book and would recommend to anyone who likes racing and crime mysteries! Wish this was a series because I really want to know what happens next!
April 4, 2018
I've read this book more times than I can count, and those of you who have written a novel can identify, I'm sure! Yes, I'm the author.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews