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Close Call
A Jack Doyle novel #3

by John McEvoy



      When Jack Doyle returned from New Zealand, the failed account executive was happy to land a job as public relations director of Monse Park, a suburban Chicago thoroughbred race track. He had help from Moe Kellman, furrier to the mob and his "fairy godfather."

The track had been owned and operated by Kellman's longtime friend, Jim Joyce. Joyce had willed 51% ownership of the track to his niece, Celia McCarn, and the balance to his nephew, Niall Hanratty in Ireland. Celia is struggling to keep the track open in honor of her uncle. Her big hope is that the legislature will pass a bill legalizing the installation of video slot machines. In addition to this problem, she must care for her husband who is afflicted with Lou Gehrig's disease. Jack falls in love with the beautiful Celia, but respects her devotion to her husband.

But her cousin Niall wants to sell the track to a real estate developer. He wants the money to expand his bookmaking business. He hires goons to sabotage the track and bribes a legislator to influence the upcoming vote. All to force Celia to sell.

This is a suspenseful, well plotted story of greed and corruption as well as devotion. Celia's love for her afflicted husband and her respect for her uncle are heartwarming. The maneuvers of politicians and racetrack owners to negotiate the video slot machine legislation is enlightening. The atmosphere of the race track and the glimpses of the people inhabiting that world are very realistic. Perhaps the most exciting character is Rambling Rose, the star sprinter of the stables, who brings thrills to the end of the story.

A well researched account of life in the world of American horseracing.

The Book

Poisoned Pen Press
March 2008
Hardcover
978-1590584958
Mystery - Horseracing
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Excerpt
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The Reviewer

Barbara Buhrer
Reviewed 2008
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