Kit Ehrman, Triple Cross

Triple Cross

Kit Ehrman

Poisoned Pen Press, January 2007, $24.95

ISBN: 1590583029

Twenty-three year old Maryland barn manager Steve Cline is working with his dad as they prepare their horse Gallant Storm for the Kentucky Derby. His father, trainer Chris Kessler feels he has a solid shot of winning the most prestigious racing event, and many pundits agree. Steve joins him in Louisville.

However, Steve has plenty of idle time on his hands as the race is two weeks away, and his time serving on the racing team is minor. To his credit he avoids race groupies, as he remains faithful to his girlfriend Rachel. However, he fills his time studying from the mail order private investigator course he is enrolled in as he tries to make practical applications while hiding what he is doing from Rachel, who detests Steve's aspirations to become a sleuth. He soon finds himself in the middle of a real homicide of a woman whose relationships leave behind plenty of people with motive, means and opportunity.

Steve is a roguish charmer who readers will like in his fourth appearance (see COLD BURN and DEAD MAN'S TOUCH), and the horse racing sequences, especially the preparation for a race insightful and clearly a winner. However, the murder mystery track is muddy, as some conclusions seem questionable. Still, Dick Francis would enjoy racing with Steve as he tries to complete his correspondence class project without getting killed.