Heliacal Star
While at the racetrack to catch a glimpse of his favorite horse, Matt Galiano could never imagine what would happen next.
Horseplayer Matt Galiano’s fascination with a classy racehorse leads him to the barn of attractive and fledgling trainer Kristine Connelly. Suddenly, the communal fates of Matt and Kristine become deeply intertwined when Matt unexpectedly must confront his illicit past inside the treacherous world of organized crime. As they bond over their love of horses and racing, Matt’s sins from yesteryear torment the trio with terrifying danger. To survive, they must learn to lean on each other, or they’ll lose more than just a wager.
Disclaimer:
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, business, events, and incidents are the products of the author’s imagination. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.
Reviews
“A thrilling tale [filled with] a sense of perpetual immediacy and danger lurking just around the corner, keeping readers on their toes with brutal fights, double-crossing, and high-octane chases. [Its] humanistic perspective about the horses themselves, highlighting the exploitative practices and animal cruelty that can pursue the industry without sermonizing….transform[s] this story into an intense crime thriller that will resonate with those who favor chilling page-turners.”
"Filled with unexpected moments and thrilling revelations,....Heliacal Star is an exhilarating and emotional novel centered on the rich history and thrilling atmosphere of thoroughbred racing. It offers gripping moments of suspense that build at a great pace as the plot thickens, keeping readers on edge. A compelling blend of sporting action, thrilling danger, and heartfelt moments."
“The fast-paced world of horse racing serves as the background to this entertaining novel. The plot of the narrative is straightforward, the dialogue is well-written and authentic. Author Victor Bahna tells a compelling story from start to finish.”
"The characters [in Heliacal Star] were a labor of love for the author. Readers can identify with them because there were both heroes and villains.... The author writes with a wealth of knowledge about horses; [m]y understanding has grown dramatically. For those who enjoy a blend of romance, horse racing, suspense and crime fiction, Victor Bahna's Heliacal Star is highly recommended."
“Drawing on his own experience and love of the sport, Bahna captures the essence of the racetrack, smartly contrasting the quieter side of the landscape—the morning dew, the smell of liniment and the sound of hoofbeats—with the excitement of race day. With a well-crafted, action-filled plot, and solid characters, Bahna's work should appeal to both equine and non-equine enthusiasts alike.”
