Review Death, jealousy, and hot money pepper this exciting and suspenseful novel, in which shifty humans may have as short a life expectancy as the racehorses they back! (Book Reviewer Midwest Book Review 2013-11-12) Read more From the Inside Flap The sudden death of a client leads private investigator Milan Jacovich (MY-lan YOCK-ovitich) and new associate Kevin "K.O." O'Bannion behind the scenes at a harness racing track, where they find no shortage of odd characters, suspicious activities . . . and danger. Did wealthy horse owner/driver Glenn Gallagher make one too many enemies in the competitive racing world at North Coast Downs? (Certainly the track's owner, chilly Chloe Markham, isn't mourning his loss.) Or did someone involved with Gallagher's investment firm want him dead? Things get more complicated when Milan spots local mob boss Victor Gaimari at the funeral. Victor does have a legitimate investment business . . . but his henchman was seen lingering trackside at Northcoast Downs. Is there a connection? Though eager to learn the P.I. business, K.O. still has trouble staying out of trouble. Assigned to dig up some dirt in the horse barns, he tangles with hot-tempered trainer Del Fiddler, who's jealous of his flirtatious and curvaceous wife and handy with a horse whip. Another body turns up at the track, but the local sheriff's office won't share leads with a private investigator. Milan's new flame, Cleveland police detective Tobe Blaine, can't help; she's out of her jurisdiction in Summit County. Milan finally confronts the killer alone and once again finds himself in deep trouble! Read more About the Author Les Roberts is the author of 16 mystery novels featuring Cleveland detective Milan Jacovich, as well as 11 other books of fiction. The past president of both the Private Eye Writers of America and the American Crime Writer’s League, he came to mystery writing after a 24-year career in Hollywood. He was the first producer and head writer of the Hollywood Squares and wrote for The Andy Griffith Show, The Jackie Gleason Show, and The Man from U.N.C.L.E., among others. He has been a professional actor, a singer, a jazz musician, a teacher, and a film critic. In 2003 he received the Sherwood Anderson Literary Award. A native of Chicago, he now lives in Northeast Ohio. Read more
J**Y
Almost boring, sorry to say
I have read almost all of the Milan Jacovich books and enjoyed them all. But, this one was really slow, bordering on boring. Very predictable, lot of talking and unnecessary characters. Not sure if Roberts is just burned out or if the subject matter affected the story and characters. Milan's new partner is OK. This book was split into alternating chapters between O'Bannion and Milan, lot of repetition. They didn't go out to investigate together, but split up the work. Sorry to say I would not recommend unless you have nothing better to read.
G**M
One book too many
I really like Les Roberts. I have read all the Milan Jakovich series books and thoroughly enjoyed them. This book was a real disappointment. It started slow and seemed to be always off the mark. Throughout this disjointed book I was waiting for Milan to retire. I guess that will be the "surprise" in the next book. I highly recommend reading the Milan Jakovich series but stop after Whiskey Island.
D**.
Tedious
I got so bogged down with endless one sided conversations between Milan Jacovich's sidekick and racetrack personnel who claimed to know nothing about anything that I could not bear to finish the book. When I was 80% through the book, I just gave up and found something else to read. I had been a big fan of Les Roberts's private detective for many years, but not any more!
M**7
Four Stars
Being from Cleveland I enjoy all Les Robert's ( Milan Jacovich) books!
M**S
Five Stars
Recommended. Mr. Roberts' characters continue to grow and change with each story. He's my favorite mystery writer.
R**N
Three Stars
Overall a good read but not very suspenseful and the ending was kind of dumb.
A**R
Another thumbs up for Les Roberts!
Good plot, new characters working well, couldn't see the killer coming until the end
K**P
Jacovitch Still Has It!
Roberts has breathed second life into his blue-collar gumshoe Milan Jacovich. If you've ever called Cleveland home, this entire series is required reading! In addition to a darn good mystery, the reader learns much about the rich heritage of this remarkable city, about the alluring sport if harness racing, and about the obvious love an author can show for his adopted hometown. It's been a while waiting for Milan to come out of hiatus - let's hope Roberts has the drive to serve us up more Cleveland tales, and soon!
Trustpilot
1 month ago
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