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Karen Black
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Race into Murder Kindle Edition

by Karen Black (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.2 out of 5 stars 255 ratings
Jeff Frazier is a racehorse trainer whose dream is about to come true. He has a thoroughbred with the talent and the ability to compete in some of the most prestigious races in the country. When the colt becomes the catalyst for murder, however, Jeff's dream becomes a nightmare.
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A well-known jockey is killed and an innocent man is arrested. The fate of three families depends on finding the truth but with the trial date closing in, the killer's identity remains a mystery. In the close-knit community, however, some believe they have the answer and decide to dispense their own form of justice. Although the horsemen's interference complicates the investigation, it uncovers those who will stop at nothing to win. Through all the chaos, the races continue.
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  1. Print length
    355 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Accessibility
    Learn more
  4. Publication date
    April 2, 2018
  5. File size
    3.1 MB
  6. Page Flip
    Enabled
  7. Word Wise
    Enabled
  8. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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Editorial Reviews

Review

"Race into Murder is a gripping tale of ambition, betrayal, and justice, showcasing Black's talent for crafting thrilling mysteries set against the backdrop of the racetrack." Readers' Favorite

"A crime tale with an engaging setting and some intriguing characters. . . In Black's mystery novel, a captivating horse sparks rivalries in the horse-racing world that have deadly consequences. . . " Kirkus Reviews

"... the pacing of the story is a clever sleight of hand which pays off when the novel reaches its turning point, and all cards are laid on the table... Race Into Murder is an atmospheric, thrilling, and well-plotted murder mystery that perfectly captures the essence of its subject matter... a worthy addition to any mystery reader's bookshelf and will surely be accepted with open arms by fans of the genre." Book Review Directory


"With the twists and turns that almost give you answers along the way. . . Black artfully shifts the blame as the investigation continues, in ways that keep you reading and guessing. . .This excellent book, on par with Dick Francis, is well-written and accurate to the racing world.. . Don't miss your chance to learn who done it." Roxanne Burkey, Award winning Author of "The Enigma Series."

From the Author

In writing "Race into Murder" I've combined my experience as a former racehorse owner and my knowledge of the criminal justice system to create an intricately woven crime novel. If you have any involvement in the thoroughbred industry, you may identify with a few of the characters and will certainly identify with some of the situations. If you know little about horses or horse racing, you might be surprised at what you learn. I hope you enjoy reading the story as much as I enjoyed writing it.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B07BGWGYLT
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ April 2, 2018
  • Edition ‏ : ‎ 1st
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 3.1 MB
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 355 pages
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.2 out of 5 stars 255 ratings

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Karen Black

Karen Black

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Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

Writing in a variety of genres, Black's character driven stories rarely turn out quite the way the reader would expect. The author combines imagination and experience to weave dramatic plots with believable characters in descriptive settings, whether contemporary or supernatural.

Those familiar with her prose can attest to her fascination with the paranormal. Even when it isn’t the basis of the plot, it is not unusual to find a touch of the supernatural in her books. Occasionally, the reference is so subtle, the reader could miss it.

With a passion for animals, the author includes a four-legged character in most storylines, even if just a cameo appearance. Two of Black’s novels, “Race into Murder” and “Ride into Romance,” draw on her background as a racehorse owner. Her experience at the racetrack supplies realism to the setting, the races and the characters.

Black lives in the United States with her husband, and two alien creatures disguised as cats. While each of the furry critters is unique, one of them is rumored to be ET’s second cousin. The rumor, however, has not been confirmed.

http://www.Storiesbykaren.org

Twitter @KarensStories https://twitter.com/KarensStories

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Karen-Black-Author-Karens-Stories/446827615394900

Customer reviews

4.2 out of 5 stars
255 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this mystery book engaging with an interesting plot full of twists and turns. Moreover, the characters are well-developed, and customers appreciate the author's wealth of knowledge about horse racing, with one review noting their extensive expertise in breeding. Additionally, the book receives positive feedback for its readability, writing quality, and realistic portrayal of the racing world.

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18 customers mention "Story quality"18 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the story of this murder mystery, praising its interesting plot with twists and turns and authenticity. One customer mentions it kept them glued to the pages, while another describes it as a page-turner.

"...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..." Read more

"...’s expertise with the subject is apparent, and the story has a number of twists and turns...." Read more

"...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..." Read more

"...of keeping the pace steady, the tension high, and the killer not obvious until the very end. This is my first read by Black, but it won't be my last." Read more

12 customers mention "Character development"12 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the well-developed characters in the book, with one review noting how the tensions between them grow throughout the story.

"...Black combines crime, thoroughbred racing, and exciting character dynamics in this thriller...." Read more

"...We meet an interesting cast of characters, including the faithful and dedicated groom, Santos, the fearless jockey, Carl, and Natalie’s close ally..." Read more

"...and spins a tale of racetrack intrigue, developing believable, solid characters whose strengths and flaws keep the reader interested in how everyone..." Read more

"...The story is well-written and characters are realistic and fallible. The tension is felt on many levels...." Read more

9 customers mention "Readability"9 positive0 negative

Customers find the book to be a fantastic and entertaining read, with one customer specifically praising it as an excellent whodunit.

"...Author Black does a terrific job with the twists and turns that almost give you answers along the way...." Read more

"...is undergoing severe withdrawal symptoms, this book could be a great find for you...." Read more

"...Excellent reading." Read more

"...It’s an excellent whodunit that’ll keep you guessing right up to the end...." Read more

8 customers mention "Knowledge of horse racing"8 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's wealth of knowledge about horse racing, with one customer noting the author's extensive experience in the industry and another highlighting their expertise in thoroughbred racing.

"Author Karen Black combines crime, thoroughbred racing, and exciting character dynamics in this thriller...." Read more

"...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..." Read more

"...Karen’s characterization is remarkable, as she succeeds in crafting a perfect horse lover and an equally dedicated jockey...." Read more

"It was evident that the author possessed an extensive knowledge about horse breeding and the racing industry...." Read more

5 customers mention "Writing quality"5 positive0 negative

Customers find the book well-written, with one mentioning its wonderful edginess and another noting it's an easy read.

"...This excellent book, on par with Dick Francis, is well-written and accurate to the racing world...." Read more

"...The story is well-written and characters are realistic and fallible. The tension is felt on many levels...." Read more

"...For having written a well-orchestrated, almost true to life story regarding the behind the scenes activities of thoroughbred horse racing I’ve given..." Read more

"...I recommend this book. Karen also writes excellent short stories. I believe this is her first novel." Read more

3 customers mention "Realistic"3 positive0 negative

Customers find the book realistic, with one review noting the beautifully described scenes and another highlighting its intriguing look into the racing world.

"...Other characters are portrayed as believable and realistic...." Read more

"...The scenes were beautifully described down to the details, and the story flowed very naturally. The mystery kept me guessing as well! :):)" Read more

"An intriguing look inside the racing world..." Read more

Horse racing can be a deadly sport!
5 out of 5 stars
Horse racing can be a deadly sport!
Horse racing can be a deadly sport! I was able to read this in one sitting. I did not guess who the murderer was. The ending--well------guess the real culprit actually got what she wanted!!
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Top reviews from the United States

  • RoxB
    5.0 out of 5 stars Place Your Bets to Read!
    Reviewed in the United States on December 10, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    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!
    One person found this helpful
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  • Maura Beth Brennan
    4.0 out of 5 stars An intriguing look inside the racing world
    Reviewed in the United States on June 14, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    If you are a Dick Francis fan who is undergoing severe withdrawal symptoms, this book could be a great find for you. It is the story of a horse-raising and racing couple, Jeff and Natalie Frazier, and their promising racing horse, Fury. We meet an interesting cast of characters, including the faithful and dedicated groom, Santos, the fearless jockey, Carl, and Natalie’s close ally and friend, Sarah. Complications arise when a rival stable wants to purchase Fury and Jeff and Natalie do not agree on what to do. Natalie loves Fury and wants to keep him, and her refusal to sell seems to unleash a series of frightening events, including a kidnapping and a suicide – or was it murder? Ms. Black kept me on the edge of my seat as the tale unfolded, and I flipped back and forth with my suspicions of “who done it.” The author’s expertise with the subject is apparent, and the story has a number of twists and turns. The story is a fun look at the racing world with a surprising and unusual ending.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Zander1948
    5.0 out of 5 stars Place Your Bets Here!
    Reviewed in the United States on June 12, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    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.
    One person found this helpful
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  • c-lu
    4.0 out of 5 stars Well-written and characters are realistic and fallible
    Reviewed in the United States on February 13, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    Horse racing is its own world and Black portrays it well, while adding in the human side - the love Natalie has for her horse balanced again the costs involved and the potential monetary gain of selling versus racing. The tension between Jeff and Natalie is palpable. At the same time, someone is trying to get the prize horse at any cost. Murder, larceny, and betrayal make for an engaging mystery.

    The story is well-written and characters are realistic and fallible. The tension is felt on many levels. Black does a commendable job of keeping the pace steady, the tension high, and the killer not obvious until the very end. This is my first read by Black, but it won't be my last.
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Top reviews from other countries

  • S Wilshire
    5.0 out of 5 stars Page turner
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 27, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    Page turner is an overused phrase but it applies perfectly to Race into Murder by Karen Black. I read it in a single weekend. There was always a Dick Francis novel on the go when I was growing up and this is a book in that tradition. Small time owner/ trainer partnership has a precocious colt on their hands and the big offers come in. The age old dilemma rears up; take the money or take the chance that you might have a Million Dollar Derby horse. Cue jealousy, fall-outs, skulduggery and ultimately murder. The narrative style is brisk and spare, with good use made of dialogue to advance the plot and fill in the back story. Just enough false trails to keep the tension to the end and a satisfying twist in the tail. The author knows her horses and the detail is impressive. Most enjoyable.
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  • MJ51
    4.0 out of 5 stars Retained interest from start to end
    Reviewed in Australia on February 22, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    A very good read from an author that has solid knowledge of the subject
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  • Bill
    4.0 out of 5 stars Very enjoyable!
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 11, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    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!
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  • Jules5691
    4.0 out of 5 stars A wonderful taste of the racing world!
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 17, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    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.
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  • DC172
    4.0 out of 5 stars Good American racing read.
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 10, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    A good racing read, a few plots going on, I can recomend
    Report

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