Dark Horse

DARK HORSE
a novel of suspense

“A terrific tale of murder and mayhem set on the Quarter Horse racing circuit in the American Southwest. Watch out, Dick Francis!”
—New York Times Bestselling Author J.A. JANCE

Despite the accidents plaguing his racing business, horse breeder Coke McCallister was sure that Shameless, his prized filly, would put him back on top. But now Coke is dead, and his daughter Dakota returns to Arizona determined to sell Black Oak. Dakota is not prepared for the bittersweet memories that greet her, and she really isn’t prepared to see her ex-husband, Clay Pearce. Although she has every reason to distrust him, who else can she turn to in an atmosphere fraught with danger? Who else can she confide in when her life is threatened by an unseen stalker?

When Dakota enters the filly Shameless in the All American Futurity, a desperate killer lays a trap. And on the eve of the race, Dakota learns the shattering truth. If she runs the filly to restore her father’s good name, her actions could bring down Black Oak and everything with it.
And she could lose her life.

>As featured in THE QUARTER RACING JOURNAL and THE QUARTER HORSE JOURNAL

“DARK HORSE brings readers smack dab to the center of the complex and fascinating world of horse breeding and racing, and will take readers on an intense and nerve-shattering ride that is bound to please.”
—ROMANTIC TIMES

“DARK HORSE should put Falk in the Winner’s Circle.”
—New York Times Bestselling Author TONY HILLERMAN

“…joins the ranks of Nora Roberts and Janet Dailey with her wonderfully fresh tale of mystery and romance. A book rich in character and place, where the reader experiences firsthand the fascinating world of Quarter Horse racing and the mélange of people drawn to it. DARK HORSE marks the arrival of a most welcome new talent in romantic suspense. Gripping. Satisfying. A keeper!”
—CAROL DAVIS LUCE, author of NIGHT STALKER, NIGHT PREY, and NIGHT PASSAGE.

“Suspense and romance combined with the excitement of Quarter Horse racing and thrill of competing in a million-dollar race make DARK HORSE a winner.”
—AMY OWENS, THE QUARTER HORSE JOURNAL


What readers say about DARK HORSE:

“I finished reading DARK HORSE last night (at 3 AM). I loved it and couldn’t put it down. … I had to tell you how much I enjoyed it and thank you for writing it. There isn’t a boring page in it. You have it Just Right. Thanks again – I’m glad I found you.”
—Alva B.

“I wanted to tell you of my recent excitement in reading your novel DARK HORSE. I purchased it because of the attractive cover and the praise of Judy Jance… a great lady and a wonderful writer. I am also a fan of Dick Francis. Your work is as good, if not better than his. … Thank you for the good read.”
—Dan M.

“I received a copy from you at the All American Futurity. I am the Navajo Indian racehorse owner from Colorado. … It was interesting to talk to you and see how you did your own track research. This research showed, as it really brings out realism in this book and makes it very enjoyable from my perspective as a horse owner.”
—Ross A.

“I have just finished reading your book DARK HORSE. To say that it was great is putting it mildly. I have been involved with horse racing, both at recognized tracks, as well as match racing all my adult life. … I won the 1985 All American Futurity with Mr. Trucka Jet. … I read all of Dick Francis’s books, as well as Shoemaker’s two, and I must say that I enjoyed reading your book every bit as much as anything they have written. If not more. Keep up the good work.”
—Wade N.

This edition of DARK HORSE includes the Special Bonus Short Story, PONY RIDES, the Tucson Weekly Words and Images Award-winning short story by J. Carson Black