Dead Man's Switch: A Kate Reilly Mystery

Kaehler's winning debut introduces Kate Reilly, a driver hoping to latch on to an American Le Mans Series (ALMS) team who finally gets that opportunity after Corvette driver Wade Becker is found murdered at Lime Rock Park in Lakeville, Conn. Unfortunately, Kate discovers the body, and initially Detective Jolley treats Kate as a suspect, but that's not as bad as the nasty rumors that begin to circulate about Kate personally. Becker, a declining star on the circuit, had no shortage of enemies among the drivers, sponsors, cuckolded husbands, team owners, and pit crew, but Kate, with the most at stake, wants to clear her own name. Even those unfamiliar with this world will appreciate Kaehler's vivid descriptions of the intricate teamwork involved in racing, the amazing equipment, the split-second decision making required of the driver, and the pulse-pounding race itself. (Aug.)