Murder at the Races

Matthew and Martha Mysteries, Book 4

In September 1900, an automobile race was held in Newport, RI, attended by thousands, including all of the 'Summer Colony's' wealthy social elite, dressed in their finest. Young Willie K. Vanderbilt took the honors in his French built Daimler, averaging an incredible 37.5 mph. After the awards are presented and the crowds begin to disperse, a scream is heard near the sideline fence where Captain Matthew Reynolds is standing with his friends. Shoving through the crowd, they find a body lying on its face with a large knife stuck in its back. Matthew is shocked to discover the dead man is a young high society wannabe, and a man he has recently done business with.

Meanwhile, Matthew and Martha are having business issues of their own; George and Barbara Evans buy an automobile; Connie Worcester is in a dither over complications to her romantic life; and Murphy meets up with a very old and special friend. The increasingly complex investigation leads through all levels of Newport society, only to end with a loud bang.