LE MANS is thrilling both on and off the track
by Good Book Alert (J. A. Beard)
5.0 out of 5 stars
(extracts only)
Summary: American race car driver and engineer Mallory thinks her career is over after a bad crash. When an elite European racing organization offers her a job, she eagerly accepts. But in the high-stakes world of international racing, ethics and even the law mean little to those seeking an edge. Soon Mallory is thrust into a dangerous investigation that may cost her a lot more than her career.
Review: Before I started this book, I knew nothing about elite racing.
I mention this because I want to make it clear that driving, in general, just doesn’t interest me much.
That’s why it was so surprising to me that a book centered on auto racing so thoroughly seduced me. Heck, I hadn’t even heard of the Le Mans race before, despite it being the oldest active auto endurance racing event.
Characterization forms the core strength of the novel. We’re granted a clear and engaging POV via Mallory as she deals with her transition from being a broken down racing pariah to a valued member of an elite organization. She’s a likable and proactive lead with just enough vulnerability to add appropriate weight to the more emotional parts of the narrative.
In addition Mallory is surrounded by a well-rounded and well-developed group of distinct and realistic personalities.
Although there are some departures to deal with Mallory’s romantic interests, the primary plot focuses on a well-constructed and tension-filled mystery concerning a traitor among the racing organization staff. This plot, in turn, threads into an actual Le Mans endurance race.
I was able to experience the tension, excitement, and chess-like calculation involved in endurance racing. The book finally made me begin to understand what people see in auto racing, a triumph of both writing and accessibility. Even if you’re all but completely ignorant about racing and/or cars (like myself), the narrative relates what you need to know without being intrusive.
No matter how you feel about racing, if you’re looking for a fresh thriller, you should definitely check out this book.
Read the complete review.
J. A. Beard is a novelist, constant critic, and epidemiologist
