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.