Undercover agent Fia McKee returns in The Dark Side of Town, another thrilling mystery by Sasscer Hill and set in the seamy underbelly of horse racing.
Fia McKee, now officially employed by the Thoroughbred Racing Protective Bureau (TPRB), is sent undercover to Saratoga Racetrack to investigate Mars Pizutti, a racehorse trainer whose horses' wins are suspiciously lucky-and lucrative. Fia's bosses believe Pizutti's success is based on illegal drugs and deceitful methods, and they want Fia to work inside his barn to ferret out the truth.
But after witnessing the tragic and inexplicable suicide of a jockey, Fia discovers the rider's death is only the tip on an iceberg involving the mob, a crooked racing hedge fund, and threats to the lives of another jockey and his young sister. Fia must find out who's connected to who, and what shadowy forces are at play before someone else dies.
"Hill brings an insider's knowledge to the world of high-stakes racing and accompanying crime. Filled with sense-laden descriptions and ever-tightening suspense, this is gripping mystery fare and a terrific successor to the racecourse mystery world first carved out by Dick Francis."
Booklist (starred)
"Fans of horse racing and everyone else will find this tale of love, lust, greed, and family ties an enjoyable ride."
