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Black’s character driven stories rarely turn out the way the reader would expect. Writing in a variety of genres, the author combines imagination and experience to weave dramatic plots with believable characters in descriptive contemporary settings. In most of her publications, a four-legged character is included, even if it’s just a cameo appearance.
Black drew on her experience as a a former racehorse owner to create a realistic backdrop for an intricately woven mystery in "Race into Murder," which was recognized in the 2024 Readers’ Favorite International Book Awards.
The author of four novels, three novelettes, and several short stories, Black began writing in 2010. Her short stories have won several awards, including the 2022 Grand Prize for the RRBC 90-Day Alpha/Omega Short Story Writing Contest and Top Finalist in the KCT International Literary Awards. Since 2021, she has been the editor of the RRBC Pipeline Magazine, a bi-monthly publication of the Rave Reviews Book Club.
Black lives in the United States with her husband, and two alien creatures disguised as cats. One of them, her muse, is rumored to be ET’s second cousin. The rumor, however, has not been confirmed.
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
Race Into Murder is penned by author Karen Black in the sports, murder mystery, and intrigue subgenres. It is best suited to the general adult reading audience. The plot follows Jeff Frazier, a promising racehorse trainer whose dreams are shattered when his colt becomes entangled in a murder case. When a well-known jockey is killed and an innocent man is arrested, Jeff's aspirations turn into a nightmare. With the trial looming, the true culprit remains elusive, leading some in the close-knit racing community to take matters into their own hands. Amidst the chaos, the investigation uncovers dark secrets and ruthless individuals willing to do whatever it takes to come out on top, all while the races continue despite the turmoil.
Author Karen Black has crafted a truly exhilarating reading experience that weaves together the worlds of horse racing and crime thriller with really effective results. Jeff Frazier's journey from hopeful trainer to embattled protagonist captivated me, with strong characterization and a close narrative feel that keeps you invested in his personal journey. The intricate plot, filled with twists and turns, kept me guessing until the very end and had some great surprises, but everything was logical to the overall arc. Black expertly navigates the dynamics of a close-knit community, where alliances and rivalries run deep, adding layers of personality, reality, and complexity to the investigation. The suspenseful atmosphere heightened with each revelation, as the stakes escalated with the looming trial date. I loved how the descriptive language matched the setting to the mood. Overall, 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, and I would certainly recommend it to mystery fans everywhere.
