Sasscer Hill

Although I grew up loving horse racing and books, I've never read one of Dick Francis's mysteries; however, I'm positive that Sasscer Hill is creating a series that is a worthy successor to his renowned mysteries taking place in the glamorous and seedy world of racetracks. Hill has an insider's knowledge that you can feel as you turn the pages, and she's equally adept at painting the beauty of horse racing as well as its seamy side.

The Dark Side of Town is fast-paced and has scenes in which you'll find yourself holding your breath-- sometimes literally-- but I'm not going to give you any more information about those so the surprises won't be ruined. Even though the overriding theme of the book is horse racing, there's an excellent cast of characters for those readers who enjoy more of a human element in their mysteries. Fia finds herself dealing with the mother who deserted the family when Fia was a child, and there's a young jockey anyone would want to befriend.

Then there's her burgeoning relationship with fellow TRPB employee Calixto. Every time Fia is around this sexy agent, she's so charged up that the Saratoga city fathers should hook her up to the power grid. (Wow...) Now I'm one of those females who doesn't like much romance in her mysteries, but most of the interactions between Fia and Calixto make me smile. I don't know if it's because I'm picturing that Saratoga power grid or what.

A fantastic setting, a complex mystery, chills, thrills, and a solid cast of characters-- let The Dark Side of Town take you across the finish line in style.… (más)

This is a very good racetrack-themed mystery that's only marred by the main character being attracted to two men at the same time. That's mere personal preference; however, so if you do prefer romantic triangles you'll have even more reason to enjoy Flamingo Road.

Sasscer Hill has created an excellent racetrack setting with doping schemes to improve the horses' performances on the track, gamblers whose greed leads them to form syndicates looking for the next big drug that will escape detection by organizations like the TRPB, and owners who want to turn over a fast buck and refuse to spend time or money on their horses if they don't win races. Racing can be a cutthroat business, and Hill portrays this very well indeed.

She has also created a top notch main character. The murder of her horse trainer father still haunts Fia McKee, but she is one sharp, gutsy person when it comes to working undercover. One of the things I like the most about her is that she doesn't run around taking one unnecessary risk after another-- she uses her head.

I enjoyed this fast-paced mystery that looks deep into the heart of horse racing, and I'm looking forward to Fia's next investigation.… (más)

I can't express how much I loved this book! I grabbed the reins of this read and had the ride of my life until the finish line. Instantly I fell in love with the characters, especially Nikki Latrelle, the girl who came from a life of hard knocks but is determined to rise above her past to do what she loves well, that being a horse jockey. Nikki has a personality that makes you love and respect her, even as a reader. She may be in a male dominant sport, but that doesn't keep her from doing it because she loves it and wants nothing more than to be a jockey and take care of horses. Her attitude is also one to find amusing and humorous. Nikki is a fun girl with friends, but being from a rough past she has an attitude and personality tough as nails. She may not make friends super easy, but those she holds dear she would do anything for. Lorna Doone is another fascinating character, that's for sure. She may have a name that instantly makes you think of a sweet cookie, but don't let that fool you, she is a wild one with a hard to tame attitude. There are many more characters, but those two just had to be my favorites. Not only was I grabbed by the characters and how well they were developed, but the plot was amazing to me. There were many things going on in the plot for mysteries, but at no time was I confused. I loved the diet cocktail that was killing jockeys mystery and the underlying mystery of the questionable bourbon that held more mystery than alcohol. Then there was the mystery of Bobby himself, who just seems to mysterious to possibly be a good guy. It started off with a bang and the twists and turns of it didn't end until the very end of the book. I was constantly on edge waiting to read on and turn the pages to see what would happen next and what Nikki would have to face next. Also, all the horses and the settings for the story were great to read. I have a love for horses and I just loved reading about them along with the mystery plot. I could just picture all the beautiful horses that were described in this book along with the wonderful settings. I could see the story happen in my head as I read it, it was like watching a movie in my head, it was so clear. This book was very well written and I just loved every word and page of it. I will definitely be reading on in this series. This was a true work of art by a wonderful and very talented author. Sasscer Hill really won first place with this book in my eyes. Keep up the great work Hill! For sure one of my new favorite authors!

5/5 Stars!!!

Received free for honest review… (más)