Review: Dead Money – Steve O’Brien

Paperback: 315 pages
Publisher: A&N Publishing (January 10, 2013)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0988184303
ISBN-13: 978-0988184305
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Characters:

Dan Morgan – Lawyer
Lennie Davis – Handicapper and Horse Racing Expert
Beth DeCarlo – Aspiring Horse Trainer

Synopsis:

You Can’t Stop It.

The stranger’s menacing, dismissive laughter echoed in attorney Dan Morgan’s head.

In the heart of thoroughbred country—Churchill Downs—a major con was about to be pulled. Despite Dan’s efforts, his filly, Aly Dancer, was somehow part of the scheme.

You Can’t Stop It.

Dan’s dream as a thoroughbred owner was to run in a Grade I race—a televised stakes race. That opportunity had finally appeared.

So far it had only resulted in threats, violence and death.

You Can’t Stop It.

What was the scam? Who was involved? Who could he turn to?
Post time was nearing.
The man’s sinister voice would not leave him.

You Can’t Stop It.

Review

A followup to Bullet Work, this finds Dan considering selling Aly’s Dancer. Unknown to him though, the buyer is willing to stop at nothing to obtain the horse. It seems some Russian mobsters have a plan on how to get rich in horse racing. What is that plan? You’ll have to read Dead Money to find out.

Like the previous novel, I found it interesting to get an inside look at the sport of horse racing. I learned some about the sport from the first, and learned a little more from this one. The information is well researched, and it’s obvious that Mr. O’Brien did his job in learning about the subject.

The characters are very interesting, and true to life. The trainer you manage to really feel her connection to the horse and her concerns on race day. You also get an inside look at one of the big races.

I can’t say there was anything I disliked about this book. It was a good thriller, and I’d recommend it. I’d say read Bullet Work first so you you don’t spoil it. There is some strong situations and for that I’d give it a PG-13. Overall a very enjoyable thriller that I think you’ll like. Give it a shot, and be sure to drop by and let us know what you thought.

About the Author

Steve O’Brien is the author of Elijah’s Coin, Bullet Work and Redemption Day.

Elijah’s Coin has been added to the reading curriculum in multiple secondary schools throughout the US and has been incorporated in a university ethics course.

The e-book version of Redemption Day was an Amazon.com Bestseller.

Steve is a graduate of the University of Nebraska and George Washington University Law School. He lives in Washington, DC.

*Disclaimer* A special thanks goes out to Rebecca at Cadence Marketing for a review copy of this book. It in no way influenced my review. You can discuss it here or join my facebook page and discuss it there.

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