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When high school student Derrick Booker, the only black student at a posh Orange County high school, is accused of killing his white girlfriend, ex-college football hero and detective Jim Knighthorse is hired to dig a little deeper into the murder. It doesn't take long for Knighthorse to... read more

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Summary edit see section history

When high school student Derrick Booker, the only black student at a posh Orange County high school, is accused of killing his white girlfriend, ex-college football hero and detective Jim Knighthorse is hired to dig a little deeper into the murder. It doesn't take long for Knighthorse to... read more (warning: may contain spoilers)

When high school student Derrick Booker, the only black student at a posh Orange County high school, is accused of killing his white girlfriend, ex-college football hero and detective Jim Knighthorse is hired to dig a little deeper into the murder. It doesn't take long for Knighthorse to realize that not all is as it seems at tranquil Huntington High, from a band director who preys on the innocent to a vice-principal with a secret agenda of her own. Not to mention someone's hired a professional killer to keep Knighthorse permanently off the case. As the investigation continues, Knighthorse's personal life is shattered by the discovery of new evidence relating to his mother's unsolved murder, a murder dating back twenty years. Reeling from the discovery, a determined Jim Knighthorse sets out to bring two killers to justice.

Characters edit see section history

  • Jim Knighthorse: Former college football hero, now a PI (private investigator). He's a big man who could be mistaken for Jimmy Buffet. He really wants to play professional football. Its been eight years since his knee accident and he feels robbed.
  • Derrick Booker: Accused of killing his girlfriend Amanda Peterson. As part of the plot its important to know that he is African American and she is white.
  • Charles Brown: Defense attorney for Derrick Booker. Hires Knighthorse to prove Derrick is innocent.
  • Detective Hanson: Detective assigned to the case.
  • Cindy Darwin: She is Knighthorse's lady friend. They have been together for about eight years. She is an Anthropology Professor.
  • Rob Darwin: Cindy's brother and the fourth wide receiver for the San Diego Chargers (football team). He introduced Knighthorse to his sister in college.
  • Mary Cho: Charles Brown's assistant. Mary is Chinese, petite and pretty.
  • Jackson Stein: A homeless man who meets Knighthorse at McDonalds. Drinks coffee while holding the cup with both hands and messes with Knighthorse's head. He gives him advice. Knighthorse likes the banter they have, but truly gets frustrated. Jack is usually right.
  • Amanda Peterson: Loses her life one night in front of her home while returning from a party.
  • Mrs. Dartmouth: Person who found Amanda's body. She lives across the street from the Peterson's and is hard of hearing.
  • Detective Sanchez: Knighthorse's detective buddy. Helps him with the case.
  • Rebecca Garner: One of Amanda's friends. They went to the party together that night.
  • Chris Randall: The student who had the party. Likes Amanda, wishes she was his girlfriend. He has a bad temper.
  • Alyssa Peterson: Amanda's younger sister. She has a cat named Tinker Bell.
  • Cathy Peterson: Cat for short and she is Amanda's mother.
  • Richard Peterson: Amanda's father. He is "Orange County Assemblyman, Richard Peterson".
  • Cooper Knighthorse: Knighthorse's father. He owns a well establish PI firm that doesn't hurt for work. Knighthorse has strong feelings about his relationship with his father.
  • Mario: The janitor at the high school where Amanda attended.
  • Annette Peterson: Amanda's older sister. She is attending college.
  • Francine Darwin: Cindy's sister-in-law. Married to her brother.
  • Poorjafar: This is Knighthorse's neighbor who lives right across from his place. He inadvertently becomes involved in the case for a brief period.
  • Coach Samson: Works with Knighthorse to help him prepare for the tryouts for the Chargers. Knighthorse has a deep respect and admiration for this man and see him more of a father figure than his own father.
  • Candy: The lady that Cooper Knighthorse now lives with. They have a child together who Knighthorse has never met.
  • Dana Williams: She is the high school vice principle who is over discipline. She clearly likes Knighthorse.
  • Bryan Dawson: He is the high school's band director. He like young girls and.....
  • Donna Trigger: Someone from the past who has vital information regarding the character of one of the key players in the story.
  • Johnny Bright: He is hired to stop Knighthorse from continuing his investigation into Amanda's death. He gets the nickname *@!?# Nut. He calls Knighthorse this the first time they meet and Knighthorse finds it catchy.
  • Daniell Sanchez: Detective Sanchez's wife.
  • Aaron Larkin: Head coach for the Chargers.
Show all 29 characters
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First Sentence edit see section history

Charles Brown, the defense attorney, was a small man with a round head.

Series & Lists edit see section history

This is book 1 of 3 in Jim Knighthorse. (standard series)

Followed by The Mummy Case.

Authors & Contributors edit see section history

  1. J. R. Rain (Author)

First Edition edit see section history

Original Language: English
Publisher: J. R. Rain
Country: United States
Publication Date: March 29, 2010
ISBN: N/A
Page Count: 170

Notes for Parents edit see section history

Reading Level: Adults

Although a football hero turned private detective would appeal to male teens, especially if they are reluctant readers, this book definitely has adult language. The "F" word is sprinkled throughout. Sexual innuendo is also present.

Links to Supplemental Material edit see section history


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