Saratoga Fleshpot — Stephen Dobyns

Featuring Charlie Bradshaw, the local cop turned private eye, and his politically incorrect pal Victor Plotz, the action centers on the drama of the horse auctions, replete with julep-drinking gentry, high-money buyers, and fast-talking auctioneers. Victor Plotz (call-me-Vic) once again holds the reins of narration. This time around -- money-making schemes having gone awry -- Vic takes on a security job at the Horse Pavilion. A nothing job, you might say, but pretty soon things begin to happen. Someone is tracking Vic in a lime green Volkswagen. Who and why? What about Fleshpot, the high-priced horseflesh with a penchant for nipping backsides? Was there a horse swap when a black colt spooked and created havoc? And how does Vic himself get to be a murder suspect? Before a number of murders and much mayhem are accounted for by the Bradshaw/Plotz duo, there's a heart-in-your-throat car chase and a hilarious denouement when chaos descends on a small-town parade complete with horses, majorettes, boy scouts, and a squad of performing Irish setters. On hand also are "The Queen of Softness," Vic's cushiony girlfriend, and the ever-patient Janey Burris, who seems about to persuade Charlie to move in. One question remains: will he?