By Heather Collins
The “Kate Reilly” mystery series has taken author Tammy Kaehler from her home in Los Angeles to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway to explore the world of racing as the backdrop to her books.
Kaehler will present her newest book, “Kiss the Bricks,” at 11 a.m. May 25 at the Carmel Clay Public Library. The mystery is set at the Indianapolis 500 and features the character Kate Reilly, a young race car driver and sleuth.
Kaehler’s interest in writing about racing sprang from a contract marketing writer position at a mortgage company. The company decided to sponsor a racing series and team, and Kaehler was presented with an insider’s look into the sport.
“I went from knowing nothing about racing to being at the very center of the action, and I was fascinated by the world,” Kaehler said.
Kaehler said she obsesses over the technical details of being behind the wheel of a racecar. She gathers information from commentators, experts and Indy 500 drivers to depict the high-octane racing logistics in her books.
“I’ve been very fortunate to know drivers who are willing to provide information to me while I’m writing and check my racing scenes later to ensure that the details are as accurate as possible, so when I write about Kate adjusting the anti-roll bar in a turn, you can be assured an Indy 500 driver has told me that’s what would happen,” Kaehler said.
Kaehler’s primary source of information is from Indy 500 driver Pippa Mann. Kaehler said Mann might the CCPL presentation to discuss reading and racing.
“Kiss the Bricks” is available at Barnes & Nobles and amazon.com. For information about author Tammy Kaehler, visit tammykaehler.com. Book sales and signing will follow the presentation. For more, visit carmel.lib.in.us.
