Racing the Devil: A Jared McKean Mystery

Terrell’s promising debut introduces Nashville PI Jared McKean, who finds himself caught in an almost perfect frame for murder. A day or two after the theft of Jared’s pickup truck, his old partner in Metro Homicide, Frank Campanella, informs him that all the evidence suggests that he killed Amy Hartwell, a woman he’s never met, in a motel room. Jared’s fingerprints are at the crime scene; the victim was shot with his gun—and kiddie-porn photos of her daughter are stashed under the seat of his pickup truck. While Jared strives to prove his innocence, he also fulfills his responsibilities to a maimed horse; his gay, AIDS-positive best friend in need of reassurance; his rebellious goth nephew; and his emotionally conflicted ex-wife and her new family. Jared comes across convincingly as a savvy and sympathetic good ol’ urban detective who, despite his own difficulties, is ever ready and able to defend people or animals in trouble. Agent: Jill Marr. (Jan.)