Description

In the high-stakes world of horse racing, a murder investigation unfolds at the backstretch. Jessie Rivera, a longtime assistant trainer and key figure in the racing community, has been found dead, and the spotlight falls on Sal Nicoletti, a prominent trainer. As the prime suspect, Sal's reputation and future hang in the balance.

Enter Eddie and his uncle, retired homicide detective Mike O'Connell, who team up to unravel the complex web of secrets and lies surrounding Jessie's murder. Eddie's girlfriend, Nicole Nicoletti, Sal's daughter, has made a name for herself in Chicago's sports betting scene, but now she needs Eddie's help to clear her father's name.

As they dig deeper, they discover a stolen lab book containing confidential blood test results for horses, which could hold the key to the case. Meanwhile, a powerful mob boss lies on his deathbed, and the kingpin of the mob's offshore gambling operation has returned to Chicago, stirring up trouble.

The track's top owner enlists Eddie's help to gamble on his horses, adding another layer of intrigue to the investigation. Eddie and Mike must navigate the treacherous world of the backstretch, where hidden agendas, rival trainers, migrants, gamblers, and mobsters converge. With time running out, they must find the killer before the trail goes cold.

This gripping mystery combines the thrill of horse racing with the intensity of a detective thriller, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as Eddie and Mike work to uncover the truth behind Jessie's murder.