DEAD FIX

by Michael Geller ‧ RELEASE DATE: Dec. 7, 1989

Switching from baseball (Heroes Also Die, Major League Murder) to Dick Francis' turf, Geller trots out a moderately lively tale of drugged horses, unscrupulous race-track personnel--owners/trainers/security staff--and the trouble that besets jockey Ken Eagle when he falls in love with Tricia Martin, who is hospitalized after spilling from Orlando Marcano's drugged-to-a-frenzy horse. After accusing the owner of fixing races and then threatening him, Eagle becomes the main suspect when Marcano is stabbed to death--though much of the evidence points to Tricia (the knife was found under her hospital bed; she was seen at the victim's house). But there are other possibilities, including Bobby Diamond, whom Marcano removed from his horses in favor of Tricia; and track security man Art Demaret, who may have been blackmailing Tricia (a.k.a. Courtney Reed, an accessory to another murder, with a record) and in cahoots with Marcano's fixing schemes. Several deaths later, Eagle finally figures out how Marcano's horses were drugged, and though he loves her no less, he understands Tricia/Courtney much better, alas. Doesn't quite make it lo the winner's circle, but the jockeys' eating habits are amusing (if not filling), and the double-cross crackles.

Pub Date: Dec. 7, 1989

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: St. Martin's

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 15, 1989

Categories: FICTION