Mike Downs Mysteries
Van Taylor, LAPD detective on the verge of retirement, takes what he thinks is an easy case. He and his wife, Kathy, both enjoy vintage racing and this case involves Harry Artimus, an eccentric car builder in the 1930's. Buckle your seat belt and ride along with them through murder, greed, and betrayal.
Novac's Race
In 1934 Jack Novac is an Indy car driver with big ambitions. After his Indy 500 victory Jack plans to conquer Europe with speed record attempts. He enlists political and financial help from retired army general T. Armstrong Sterling.
With rumors of war brewing in Europe, General Sterling wants to see what the industrial capabilities are in Germany and Italy. His plan is to have Jack's speed exhibitions cover his tour of the big factories and report back to Washington.
Jack wants no part of spying - he's in Europe to race his cars and make some big money. Novac sets records, but murder follows in his tracks. A Nazi leader wants him dead; an Italian Mafia Don wants Jack's head, too. Everyone but Jack knows he's a spy. Novac thrills the crowds and tries to stay one step ahead of dying.
Novac's Run
1935 Nazi Germany: cocky American Indy car racer Jack Novac tests the new Mercedes Grand Prix Car. As fast as he is outspoken, Jack impresses the race team but runs afoul of Count Von Steuben, a Nazi fanatic. Visiting Stuttgart, Jack meets German sports journalist Maddy Rosen. She soon captivates his very soul.
Jack wins the prized drive with Mercedes but before the first Grand Prix, Von Steuben has Jack arrested as a spy and thrown into prison. Jack escapes, finds Maddy and they race across Europe trying to stay one step ahead of the Nazi maniac.
Copyright 2010 Mike Downs Mysteries. All rights reserved.
