Dead Man's Switch

May 16, 2011
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.

August 1, 2011

A driver earns her place on an American Le Mans team the hard way: by finding the body of a rival under the wheel of her Jeep Cherokee.

Left motherless at an early age, Kate Reilly started racing go-karts at age 12 under the watchful eye of her Gramps, an expert mechanic. Now 26, she's already been third driver in extra-long Petit Le Mans races at Sebring, and she's looking for a full-time ride. When Sandham Swift driver Wade Becker turns up dead at Lime Rock Park two days before the finale of the New England Grand Prix, Jack Sandham asks Kate to take Wade's place in Sandham Swift's number 28 car, alternating with experienced racer Mike Munroe. Kate already knows how to play nice with tool guys like brake specialist Alex Hanley and talented amateurs like Lars Pierson and Seth Donohue, who pay for the privilege of driving Sandham's number 29 car. But handling media types like SPEED Channel's Zeke Andrews and Sandham publicist Tom Albright strains Kate's people skills. So does charming sponsors like Charles and Susanah Purley of Racegear.com, True Color's Paul Trimble and his drop-dead-gorgeous son Marcus, who'd rather handle racecars than paint chips. Kate's greatest challenge, though, is dealing with rumors that she bashed Becker for his ride—rumors that lead her to question everyone about everything that might help her find the real killer.

Kaehler's debut wraps the reader in layers of racing detail and, like Kate's fire-retardant Nomex long johns, smothers any spark the mystery plot might have ignited.

(COPYRIGHT (2011) KIRKUS REVIEWS/NIELSEN BUSINESS MEDIA, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.)

June 1, 2011

Driver Kate Reilly is following the car racing circuit as a freelancer, which means she's available to drive if a team needs a replacement. When driver Wade Becker turns up dead--and she's the one who finds his body--all suspicions focus on her, because she now has a job. If you still think women are the biggest gossips, just take a look at a man's world. Kate wades in as "Miss Marple in a helmet" and learns more secrets than she wants, including a troubling blackmailing ring. But when Kate's buckled into her Corvette, we're on the track, too, thanks to Kaehler's breathless prose and vivid descriptions. Trouble is, we can't figure out if Kate is in more danger on the track or off. VERDICT Kaehler's clear explanations of technical jargon make the racing world come alive. An engaging debut; I can't wait to see where Kate and the crew go next.

Copyright 2011 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.