Deadman's Throttle: A Jason Street Mystery

 "Your brother's death was not an accident," said the voice on the phone. "He was murdered." 

Based on this anonymous tip, motojournalist Jason Street sets off on a quest to find his brother's killer, uncovering a web of lies, professional rivalries, and the dark side of his sibling's life that makes Jason question whether he ever knew him at all, until he finds himself up against a ruthless foe who will stop at nothing--not even murder-- to silence him.

". . . quite a ride for those readers who like their fiction short, fast and easily digested." —Motorcycle Product News



"Before I knew it, I'd finished the book - all in one sitting. Deadman's Throttle ain't literature, but it is a page-turner. And it's got something that you rarely find in novels that make the 'Greatest Books' lists: characters who ride motorcycles, crash motorcycles, talk about motorcycles, and read motorcycle magazines. Just like in real life."  —Twistgrip, Winter 1998

"Deadman's Throttle might be a mystery novel about motorcycles more so than a mystery that includes motorcycles, but is quite a good read, well-crafted, believable, and entertaining."  —BMW Owners News, July 1999



"I read the book in one sitting and found it riveting as it is a page turner...... Without a doubt the author has talent and will develop as a novelist as he continues to write fiction.."

"I thought the book was quite well written. I enjoyed it and it kept my interest. It was very good because it gave me some understanding of the motorcycle publishing business. The various technical terms, deadlines, etc. . . were believable and informative. All in all a very good effort - I'd look forward to a sequel."

"Suspense that truly keeps even the most seasoned rider. . . riveted to the edge of their seat! A wonderfully mysterious but deadly rider's adventure by Jerry Smith. Best read on black stormy moonless nights. . . by candlelight."

"I heartily recommend that you read Jerry Smith's fictional mystery thriller, Deadman's Throttle. The insight into the moto-mag business that Jerry presents is realistic and surprisingly on target, and he created a rollicking good tale. . . . The plot twists, and there's some who-done-it suspense, a surprise ending and even a little romance to keep things amusing."  —American Rider, December 1998

"If you enjoy mystery stories, here's a good yarn about a moto-journalist who tracks down the killer of his brother. Author Jerry Smith spins an intriguing tale of Jason Street, the feature editor for fictitious Motorcycle Monthly magazine, who happens upon a motorcycle accident, discovers the victim is his brother, and quickly uncovers clues that it was murder, not an accident. In between brief forays to the office and track, he alternates between dallying with his sexy sweetheart and crashing various test bikes. The reader gets lots of clues to enable solving the mystery early. Smith weaves so many details of the motorcycle publishing business into this fantasy mystery, that you might think the real life of a moto-journalist is as exciting, rewarding, fast-paced and sexy as Jason Street's fictitious lifestyle.

"While Motorcycle Monthly is supposed to be at the bottom of the motorcycle-mag feeding chain, it's got a plush conference room, a garage full of test motorcycles, a full-time mechanic, credit cards for expenses, a full-time receptionist who even lines up photo shoots, and just one or two feature articles per month expected of each of the five full-time highly-paid staffers. I was about to call Motorcycle Monthly for a job before I remembered this was just a fantasy. Deadman's Throttle isn't the typical 'biker' pulp, but a well crafted yarn, woven onto a motorcycling warp with lots of fast action and believable dialogue. If you enjoy fiction, why not lay in a copy for one of those cold winter evenings when you can use at least a vicarious motorcycling fix?" —Motorcycle Consumer News, March 1999 



"The insight into the moto-mag business that Jerry presents is realistic and surprisingly on-target, and he created a rollicking good tale." —American Rider



"The tale is as satisfying to a reader as one of those mountain roads is to rider. A person who is both rider and reader can't go wrong with Jerry Smith. . ." –Motorcycle Times, May/June 1999

"The writing hold the reader's attention from cover to cover. And aside from the title, Smith avoids using cliches. If you're interested in the moto-mag business, one of the best parts of the book may be the glimpse into the inner workings it provides. . . . Deadman's Throttle is a worthwhile book." –Motorcyclist

Jerry Smith has been a professional freelance writer for more than 40 years. You'd think he'd have found a real job in that much time, but no. Instead, he's written for magazines, websites,  corporations, and—when he can carve out the time—for his own enjoyment.