Synopsis
Barn manager Steve Cline has enrolled in a private investigation course and is working on the final project. When he launches a record search for his classs final project, a chance encounter plunges Steve into the world of the ultra rich where greed, revenge, and ambition drive some men to commit unspeakable acts amid the pageantry and glamour of thoroughbred racing.
Publishers Weekly
At the start of Ehrman's engaging fourth outing for barn manager Steve Cline (after 2005's Cold Burn), Steve visits Louisville for the Kentucky Derby, courtesy of his newly found biological father, trainer Chris Kessler, who yearns to have his talented son work full-time. But Steve, who lives in Maryland, is considering getting a PI license and uses the time in Louisville to complete a class assignment: find out all you can about someone. He chooses as his research subject Nicole Austin, a Churchill Downs employee he met only once. When Nicole's corpse turns up, Steve quickly becomes the primary suspect. While working to clear his name, Steve is invited into the rarefied world of wealthy racehorse owners by Rudi Sturgill, a cheerful playboy who may be the killer. Though Ehrman has yet to master the tightly focused plotting of jockey-turned-author Dick Francis, equine-minded readers will enjoy her capable, savvy young protagonist and authentic depiction of the gritty world of horse racing. (Jan.) Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.