This is the first book of a series that introduces an engaging new hero in the shape of Steve Cline a 21 year old college drop out from a professional and wealthy family. He takes a job as a barn manager at Foxdale Farm in Maryland, which caters for the training and boarding of thoroughbred horses.
Being conscientious and caring about his charges he visits the stable to check on a sick horse only to stumble across a theft of horses in progress. He is hijacked himself and barely escapes with his life. He strikes up an uneasy relationship with the official detective, James Ralston of the Maryland State Police and it is he that discloses that a similar crime was committed with the owner in that case ending up murdered. He warns Steve to let the police deal with the investigation but Steve takes no heed and is determined to find the men who subjected him to such an ordeal before they get to him.
He continues to track them down and puts himself at great peril. It is clear that the gang have no scruples about killing anyone who stands in their way.
This book starts off at a breakneck speed then the plot thickens satisfyingly before coming to a successful conclusion. The characters and relationships are well drawn and believable. The author steps with a sure foot into Dick Francis territory and anyone who enjoys Francis will enjoy reading Kit Ehrman’s Steve Cline series.
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Elaine Warden
There are two other books in the series, Dead Man’s Touch and Cold Burn.