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RACE TO JUSTICE
Cynthia Albrecht, the executive chef of the Penske-Marlboro racing team and darling of the IndyCar circuit, went missing on October 25, 1992-the night before her divorce from Michael Albrecht became final.
Drivers and racing crews from across the country converged on "The Brickyard," site of the Indianapolis 500, to help search for her.
As the head mechanic for the Dick Simon racing team, known as "Crabby" across the race circuit, Michael had a reputation for bullying and abuse. He'd immediately become a suspect in Cynthia's disappearance. But with a strong alibi, there was nothing authorities could do when he decided to take a vacation to Florida and skip a scheduled polygraph test and the search for his estranged wife.
Nor could law enforcement charge him when Cynthia's body was found a few weeks later in northern Indiana - minus her head.
The case went cold for six years until a newly elected prosecutor allowed his deputies to charge Michael Albrecht with murder. But would they be able to prove his guilt?
This true crime legal thriller written by one of the prosecutors, Larry Sells, and journalist Margie Porter, runs at full throttle and will leave you on the edge of your seat right up to the checkered flag at the final verdict.
Drivers and racing crews from across the country converged on "The Brickyard," site of the Indianapolis 500, to help search for her.
As the head mechanic for the Dick Simon racing team, known as "Crabby" across the race circuit, Michael had a reputation for bullying and abuse. He'd immediately become a suspect in Cynthia's disappearance. But with a strong alibi, there was nothing authorities could do when he decided to take a vacation to Florida and skip a scheduled polygraph test and the search for his estranged wife.
Nor could law enforcement charge him when Cynthia's body was found a few weeks later in northern Indiana - minus her head.
The case went cold for six years until a newly elected prosecutor allowed his deputies to charge Michael Albrecht with murder. But would they be able to prove his guilt?
This true crime legal thriller written by one of the prosecutors, Larry Sells, and journalist Margie Porter, runs at full throttle and will leave you on the edge of your seat right up to the checkered flag at the final verdict.
384 pages, Paperback
First published May 19, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
May 26, 2019
October, 1992. When Cindy Albrecht flew back to Indiana so she could be home in time for the finalization of her divorce, she’d begun feeling anxious every time she thought about it. Her husband, Michael, also known as “Crabby” has still been trying to talk to her in an effort to get her to cave in and get back with him. But there’s no way she’s going back to that life. Nothing but being controlled and monitored all of the time and never having any fun, all while worrying about his explosive temper. No thanks. She’s got a great job as executive chef for the Penske – Marlboro Racing Team hospitality and things are going in a great direction finally for her with her work and her friends. She’s even started fallen for a great new guy and it looks like she’ll be moving to Florida soon to be with him.
A couple of days later, no one can reach Cindy at her place and she’s missed a meeting and more importantly, she missed showing up to sign her final divorce papers. After her friends compare notes two of her best friends and coworkers drive over to Cindy’s apartment to check on her. Her truck is there, but they get no answer at the door. They finally get in by climbing up to the balcony and going in thru the patio door and find her two cats wandering about and crying hungrily for food. The two women grabbed hands and went through each room, not finding their friend anywhere. After consulting with her new boyfriend by phone, they hang up and quickly called police and reported her missing.
I enjoyed this true crime book written by the prosecutor Larry Sells that covers the investigation, her body being found, and then the trial. The case seems fairly obvious, but there are lots of quirks to it, and it’s far from a slam dunk in court. You really want to see the killer get his due. For true crime fans and for racing fans as well. The victim was well liked by those in racing, and had just enjoyed an end of season Halloween party thrown by one of the well known racers and his wife that was just filled with famous racing names of the day. Advance electronic review copy was provided by NetGalley, authors Larry Sells & Margie Porter, and the publisher.
My BookZone blog:
https://wordpress.com/post/bookblog20...
A couple of days later, no one can reach Cindy at her place and she’s missed a meeting and more importantly, she missed showing up to sign her final divorce papers. After her friends compare notes two of her best friends and coworkers drive over to Cindy’s apartment to check on her. Her truck is there, but they get no answer at the door. They finally get in by climbing up to the balcony and going in thru the patio door and find her two cats wandering about and crying hungrily for food. The two women grabbed hands and went through each room, not finding their friend anywhere. After consulting with her new boyfriend by phone, they hang up and quickly called police and reported her missing.
I enjoyed this true crime book written by the prosecutor Larry Sells that covers the investigation, her body being found, and then the trial. The case seems fairly obvious, but there are lots of quirks to it, and it’s far from a slam dunk in court. You really want to see the killer get his due. For true crime fans and for racing fans as well. The victim was well liked by those in racing, and had just enjoyed an end of season Halloween party thrown by one of the well known racers and his wife that was just filled with famous racing names of the day. Advance electronic review copy was provided by NetGalley, authors Larry Sells & Margie Porter, and the publisher.
My BookZone blog:
https://wordpress.com/post/bookblog20...
July 13, 2019
This was a good, informative story told by the Prosecutor, Larry Sells.
I don't want to give too much away, but I will say Roger Penske did more for this woman from the time she went missing until after her death including paying for her cremation and funeral. The husband, well, I won't giveaway what he did, but he's just scum.
Such a sad story.
I don't want to give too much away, but I will say Roger Penske did more for this woman from the time she went missing until after her death including paying for her cremation and funeral. The husband, well, I won't giveaway what he did, but he's just scum.
Such a sad story.
July 19, 2019
On October 25,1992, Cindy Albrecht went missing. She was a popular member of the hospitality crew for the Penske Racing team, serving as the executive chef. Two of her friends on the hospitality crew were concerned and called the authorities. Weeks later, Albrecht’s body was found in a remote area with her head removed. The date of her disappearance was the date her divorce from her husband Michael was finalized and she had started dating a new boyfriend. Michael had just been fired from his job as a mechanic for the Dick Simon racing team and was not handling the divorce well. His arrest for the murder of his wife and subsequent trial is the story behind this true crime book written by the prosecutor of the case, Larry Sells and journalist Maggie Porter.
Before the book focuses on the criminal investigation and trial, the description of Cindy’s life of working with the Penske team is described well. The reader will lean not only about the inner workings behind that food that is served in the tents to race team members, visitors and other VIP’s, but also about the races, mechanical teams and drivers. There are photos of drivers and some excerpts from exciting races, such as the close finish to the 1992 Indianapolis 500.
While auto racing is an important part of the book since it was the industry in which the Albrechts and others worked, the book is mostly about the investigation into the death of Cindy Albrecht, the subsequent arrest of her husband and his trial for murder. With one of the authors being the lead prosecutor during the trial, it would be expected that there would be much focus on the courtroom proceedings. That was the case and it was done so in very specific detail, down to the description of each of the witnesses. As one who enjoys reading about court trials, I found this part of the book riveting and could not put it down.
If a reader enjoys legal or true crime stories, then this book is highly recommended and is one to pick up. If the reader would prefer to not read such details but learn more about the people, then the beginning of the book will satisfy that person.
I wish to thank Wild Blue Press for providing a copy of the book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
https://sportsbookguy.blogspot.com/20...
Before the book focuses on the criminal investigation and trial, the description of Cindy’s life of working with the Penske team is described well. The reader will lean not only about the inner workings behind that food that is served in the tents to race team members, visitors and other VIP’s, but also about the races, mechanical teams and drivers. There are photos of drivers and some excerpts from exciting races, such as the close finish to the 1992 Indianapolis 500.
While auto racing is an important part of the book since it was the industry in which the Albrechts and others worked, the book is mostly about the investigation into the death of Cindy Albrecht, the subsequent arrest of her husband and his trial for murder. With one of the authors being the lead prosecutor during the trial, it would be expected that there would be much focus on the courtroom proceedings. That was the case and it was done so in very specific detail, down to the description of each of the witnesses. As one who enjoys reading about court trials, I found this part of the book riveting and could not put it down.
If a reader enjoys legal or true crime stories, then this book is highly recommended and is one to pick up. If the reader would prefer to not read such details but learn more about the people, then the beginning of the book will satisfy that person.
I wish to thank Wild Blue Press for providing a copy of the book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
https://sportsbookguy.blogspot.com/20...
July 5, 2022
A slow narrative and dull pacing sinks what should be an interesting, occasionally intriguing account of an under-publicized murder within the IndyCar community. Weirdly, I never heard of this prior to having an online friend having mentioned this book, and I've been a fan of the sport for years. More, Dick Simon has long been a favorite of mine. He's an interesting character and should himself be the subject of a book, but based on his depiction in this story and testimony regarding the convicted killer, I'm not so sure I'd want to write it now. Some of the typos in the ebook are downright jarring (Leguna Seca?) but they're easily overlooked. The clumsy storytelling...not so much. Sells may be a superb lawyer and may have a terrific book in him, but this isn't it.
May 2, 2020
This book was recommended to me by amazon. To be honest I enjoyed the writing at first but ot already a bit annoyed about how the author could not find fault in the victim. She was apparently an angel. Some writers seem not to understand how annoying it is if you are constantly telling your reader how good and what an agel the vitim is and how bad the criminal. The reader if you write it how it was can very well make up their own minds. They are not babies and most are intelligent and know the world of crime.
So that was something I did not like but could get over it but what I very much disliked was
1: that I was quite early told that the criminal would be jailed meaning we knew what the outcome of the trial would be. So as I always say even though it is true crime you can still try and build your story up and add some suspense.
I think that was why a lot of readers got sick of the very detailed trial part. I do normally not mind but in this case because I already knew what was going to be the outcome it became tedious.
2: What was weird that sometimes new facts were added in the book but not explained at all. So You start to think did I miss this? what happened to search the kindle and discover this was the first time it was mentioned but minus the explanation.
One example I can think of was Cindy dating a neighbour for a month which came to be told at the trial but this happened quite often.
3: then all of a sudden the author became very mean towards the daughter of the accused:
"Daddy's little paragon of virtue left the stand looking slightly derailed." This came out of nowhere. And there were more remarks about this young woman. Felt a bit hateful and I can understand things get heated when you think people are all lying but come on.
This book is not bad at all but these things lessened it and that was not necessary because I did find the story and book interesting.
So that was something I did not like but could get over it but what I very much disliked was
1: that I was quite early told that the criminal would be jailed meaning we knew what the outcome of the trial would be. So as I always say even though it is true crime you can still try and build your story up and add some suspense.
I think that was why a lot of readers got sick of the very detailed trial part. I do normally not mind but in this case because I already knew what was going to be the outcome it became tedious.
2: What was weird that sometimes new facts were added in the book but not explained at all. So You start to think did I miss this? what happened to search the kindle and discover this was the first time it was mentioned but minus the explanation.
One example I can think of was Cindy dating a neighbour for a month which came to be told at the trial but this happened quite often.
3: then all of a sudden the author became very mean towards the daughter of the accused:
"Daddy's little paragon of virtue left the stand looking slightly derailed." This came out of nowhere. And there were more remarks about this young woman. Felt a bit hateful and I can understand things get heated when you think people are all lying but come on.
This book is not bad at all but these things lessened it and that was not necessary because I did find the story and book interesting.
April 27, 2020
Very biased but an important and engaging book
October 26, 2019
LAguna Seca Raceway! Being involved with a race team that frequented that track it drove me nuts how these authors, yes 2 of them let this misspelling get published this way, could make or ignore such an dishonorable mistake over and over again. Only twice did they get it right and that when they were quoting from someone's statement. Why would these authors ignore the continual misspelling of the famous Laguna Seca Raceway in Salinas, continually? Kept referring to it as LEguna Seca. Madness. Lost all confidence in their ethics to be true to story. Such a famous raceway and the center of this story. It's like saying Mickey Mouse lives at Desney Land. Sham!
The story starts out very interesting and kept me hooked until the trial. Or should I say trail, in keeping with the sloppy work. The trail goes and goes and goes. Honestly after fast forwarding thru many pages, I gave up. Couldn't finish it. No plot twister anyway. We all know the out come. it just got to bogged down with trail detail, leaving out the victim and focusing more mundane trail details.
The story starts out very interesting and kept me hooked until the trial. Or should I say trail, in keeping with the sloppy work. The trail goes and goes and goes. Honestly after fast forwarding thru many pages, I gave up. Couldn't finish it. No plot twister anyway. We all know the out come. it just got to bogged down with trail detail, leaving out the victim and focusing more mundane trail details.
November 26, 2023
Interesting case and the connection to Indy racing was the best part of it. it was pretty clear who committed the murder of this woman who was living her best life but the writing after the murder takes place was just awful. The author is the prosecutor and he tries to word for word repeat the trial testimony and half the time it’s incomprehensible. Just didn’t need that AT ALL! No editing went into this book that’s clear! It feels like the author he worked with wrote the first third and then let the lawyer just copy the trial transcripts for the rest of it. Really a shame.
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September 27, 2023Much too much lawyer arguments !
Otto
Otto
August 11, 2019
Will be spoilers ...so beware...
Very good true crime book...Well covered by the author and definitely brings you into the book and know them as people...Feel so bad for families that have to go through this sort of tragedy ...The only problem I have with the book is that this book is entirely one sided as to the way it is written...the best true crime will be objective and let the facts lead the story...every book can lead you how they want but the comments throughout the book make it very evident that the author is absolutely behind the guilt of Michael Albrecht ....not saying I think he is innocent...I think he is guilty...but would have been good to have done some individual investigation into the other proposed suspects...might not have led far...but the police didn't seem to do any investigation that way...Albrecht's alibi witness switched...and there is just no reason to flip knowing you could be prosecuted as an accessory ...unfortunately ....Michael is not spending his entire life in prison...since her head was never recovered they chose not to go for the death penalty ...the case hinged on the evidence they had... This ...unfortunately ...is just not uncommon...praying for both families ...and hoping Michael has this out of his system...he is able to be out in 2023...not too far away....
I want to thank Netgally.com for an advance copy in return for an honest review.
Very good true crime book...Well covered by the author and definitely brings you into the book and know them as people...Feel so bad for families that have to go through this sort of tragedy ...The only problem I have with the book is that this book is entirely one sided as to the way it is written...the best true crime will be objective and let the facts lead the story...every book can lead you how they want but the comments throughout the book make it very evident that the author is absolutely behind the guilt of Michael Albrecht ....not saying I think he is innocent...I think he is guilty...but would have been good to have done some individual investigation into the other proposed suspects...might not have led far...but the police didn't seem to do any investigation that way...Albrecht's alibi witness switched...and there is just no reason to flip knowing you could be prosecuted as an accessory ...unfortunately ....Michael is not spending his entire life in prison...since her head was never recovered they chose not to go for the death penalty ...the case hinged on the evidence they had... This ...unfortunately ...is just not uncommon...praying for both families ...and hoping Michael has this out of his system...he is able to be out in 2023...not too far away....
I want to thank Netgally.com for an advance copy in return for an honest review.
February 9, 2020
October 25th 1992 (my 12th birthday so that doesn't make me feel old AT ALL!) Cynthia Albrecht, executive head chef for the Penske-Marlboro racing team, went missing.
All of her friends knew something wasn't right, she wouldn't just leave and not tell them where she was and they all pointed the finger at her, soon to be, ex-husband Michael Albrecht, a mechanic in the Indy 500, a man who has a history of being a bully and abusive who also tried to control her and keep her in his shadow.
He had an airtight alibi and therefore couldn't be arrested for her murder not even when her body was found, minus her head, and despite troubling and strange behaviour.
The case went cold for 6 years until a new prosecutor took on the case and arrested him. Could they find the evidence and break down his alibi or would he be released and the murder of Cynthia be shelved again and remain unsolved?
True crime is my jam and when I saw this I knew I had to read it, for some reason, I hadn't heard of this story before so I ended up flying through it and absolutely loved it!
The strength and resilience of the prosecutor, the journalist, her best friends and her colleagues to continue fighting to bring justice is amazing and heart breaking. So well written and a book I will keep in my true crime collection to re-read again and again.
*Huge thanks to Larry Sells, Margie Porter, WildBlue Press and NetGalley for this copy which I chose to read and all opinions are my own*
All of her friends knew something wasn't right, she wouldn't just leave and not tell them where she was and they all pointed the finger at her, soon to be, ex-husband Michael Albrecht, a mechanic in the Indy 500, a man who has a history of being a bully and abusive who also tried to control her and keep her in his shadow.
He had an airtight alibi and therefore couldn't be arrested for her murder not even when her body was found, minus her head, and despite troubling and strange behaviour.
The case went cold for 6 years until a new prosecutor took on the case and arrested him. Could they find the evidence and break down his alibi or would he be released and the murder of Cynthia be shelved again and remain unsolved?
True crime is my jam and when I saw this I knew I had to read it, for some reason, I hadn't heard of this story before so I ended up flying through it and absolutely loved it!
The strength and resilience of the prosecutor, the journalist, her best friends and her colleagues to continue fighting to bring justice is amazing and heart breaking. So well written and a book I will keep in my true crime collection to re-read again and again.
*Huge thanks to Larry Sells, Margie Porter, WildBlue Press and NetGalley for this copy which I chose to read and all opinions are my own*
August 26, 2019
A Story I Remember Back in the Day
I feel I no longer have to wonder what really happened to the Indy racing teams chef. Even living in Illinois I remember need story's on TV and in newspapers about this beautiful young woman being missing and her body being taken apart by her killer. When the news broke with the murderers name I was overwhelmed with sadness that someone who should have love her enough to let her go took off her head instead. I couldn't follow the story in the media any longer but now I know the sad story as truthfully as it could be told. The only thing I came away with this horrible, tragic tale is there were no children to carry psychological scares or if they had been and they were living with Cindy it could have been an even sadder funeral. Well worth reading for in depth information and very understanding of this case.
I feel I no longer have to wonder what really happened to the Indy racing teams chef. Even living in Illinois I remember need story's on TV and in newspapers about this beautiful young woman being missing and her body being taken apart by her killer. When the news broke with the murderers name I was overwhelmed with sadness that someone who should have love her enough to let her go took off her head instead. I couldn't follow the story in the media any longer but now I know the sad story as truthfully as it could be told. The only thing I came away with this horrible, tragic tale is there were no children to carry psychological scares or if they had been and they were living with Cindy it could have been an even sadder funeral. Well worth reading for in depth information and very understanding of this case.
August 21, 2019
Its hard to believe bad things can happen to someone so happy and full of life. But thats exactly what happened to Cynthia Albrecht. One day away from her divorce she was murdered and disposed of without a head.
Interesting fact from the audiobook, she took a picture with a few co-workers and was being silly and took the photo with her head inside her shirt. Making it look lile she didnt have a head.
I enjoyed this audiobook so much and it had multiple viewpoints of thencase which makes it very interesting. A must have for any true crime fan that has the tiniest intrigue in Indy Car Racing. I recieved this review audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
Interesting fact from the audiobook, she took a picture with a few co-workers and was being silly and took the photo with her head inside her shirt. Making it look lile she didnt have a head.
I enjoyed this audiobook so much and it had multiple viewpoints of thencase which makes it very interesting. A must have for any true crime fan that has the tiniest intrigue in Indy Car Racing. I recieved this review audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
July 16, 2019
I wanted to read this book as I have always enjoyed racing. It really brought to light how big a family the racing community is when times of trouble appear. Roger Penske is a good man and wonderful employer from what was told. The disappearance of Cynthia Albrecht was told in detail. The legal section was very specific, but did was a little too much detail. I found myself zoning out on that portion. Overall, a good book about a horrible crime!
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my open and honest review.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my open and honest review.
March 25, 2025
A true crime story from the racing world and how a woman, Cynthia Albrecht, executive head chief for Penske-Malboro Racing, went missing. When her body was found later missing her head, her soon-to-be ex-husband, Michael Albrecht, was the main focus of the investigation, but he had an alibi. He was also a head mechanic for the racing team. The case would go cold for six years, but then it would be reopened, and new information would lead to a trial. This was a very good read if you are into true crime.
June 16, 2019
If you’re an Indy 500 fan and if you like murder mysteries, then Race to Justice is a perfect combination. The descriptions of Race weekend, the track, and Speedway provide the background for the gruesome discovery of Cindy Albrecht's body in 1992. The middle section describing the testimony gets a bit tedious, and I do wish we knew how the burning question of the book was answered (no spoilers here!), but overall it was a great read!
June 29, 2019
Racing World Murder
I just could not get past the court / legal section. In my opinion it was too drawn out, repetitive and lost my interest with the testimony. What was done to this woman is beyond comprehension. The tenacity of those who cared about her and refused to stop until justice was reached are the heroes. The first section of the book gives a nice inside look at the racing world.
I just could not get past the court / legal section. In my opinion it was too drawn out, repetitive and lost my interest with the testimony. What was done to this woman is beyond comprehension. The tenacity of those who cared about her and refused to stop until justice was reached are the heroes. The first section of the book gives a nice inside look at the racing world.
December 9, 2019
Interesting case
The book though well written and a definite page turning was eclipsed by the god awful closing argument of the defense attorney. It took only two days to read the book but it took a week to read through the defenses ridiculous closing argument. I don't know how anyone could have lasted through listening to that man rambling on about nothing to do with the case. Had I been on the jury I would have found Micheal guilty because of his obnoxious attorney.
The book though well written and a definite page turning was eclipsed by the god awful closing argument of the defense attorney. It took only two days to read the book but it took a week to read through the defenses ridiculous closing argument. I don't know how anyone could have lasted through listening to that man rambling on about nothing to do with the case. Had I been on the jury I would have found Micheal guilty because of his obnoxious attorney.
June 21, 2019
Good read
The authors explored the personalities of the people involved. I felt I had a good insight into how they interacted and how the murder developed. The many details about the racing circuit were interesting. This book is an excellent true crime read.
The authors explored the personalities of the people involved. I felt I had a good insight into how they interacted and how the murder developed. The many details about the racing circuit were interesting. This book is an excellent true crime read.
January 15, 2020
Awful
I do not like racing but thought with such good reviews, it was worth a try. When your 3 chapters in and they are still describing redundant stuff it gets boring! Just my opinion of course.
I do not like racing but thought with such good reviews, it was worth a try. When your 3 chapters in and they are still describing redundant stuff it gets boring! Just my opinion of course.
January 21, 2022
It was an interesting story but hearing the author describe Hialeah, a city I grew up in, I found I could no longer trust what I was reading. I don't question any facts, such as statements made or dates, but I don't believe any of the descriptions.
July 9, 2025
Unbelievable what a husband will do to collect insurance money - kill the wife the day before the divorce is final. This book has the time lines, the witness statements to the police, and the testimony in court. Some is a little dry, but still a 'goodread'.
November 8, 2019
Very well-written,yet terribly tragic story
Worth the read!! I was hanging on every word. I couldn't wait to turn the page to see what was next!
Worth the read!! I was hanging on every word. I couldn't wait to turn the page to see what was next!
October 30, 2023
Very interesting book to the local area. I read this book about a year and half before writing this review and it is still a very vivid memory.
January 5, 2023
Wow, what a book. I couldn't put this one down. All Indy fans will especially want to read this, but even if you're not an Indy fan, it's still a fantastic read. Yes, I recommend it, because once you start it you won't want to put it down.
June 20, 2024
A true crime that follows the difficulty in convicting the murderer of a car racing circuit chef. She seemed to be a friend to all except her husband and he seemed to have the alibi and people to back him up.
August 27, 2019
Excellent true crime book, especially if you are a NASCAR fan. Well written, delves into personalities of characters, and does not finish with a transcript of the trial (for a change).
June 9, 2024
True Crime Justice
The best part is that the author's have made it possible for a book to exist to tell Cindy's story.
Unfortunately, there is no mystery so the book is full of repeated facts from beginning to end. It was clear even to her girlfriends who were first to the scene that she'd been taken. They knew immediately who did it.
The brands of Penske, Indy 500, Marlboro didn't want to be connected to a murder. A murderer with connections to the police dept not willing to connect the dots. A domestic violence incident with a missing person with connections to national brands, yet the story remained mostly local.
The best part is that the author's have made it possible for a book to exist to tell Cindy's story.
Unfortunately, there is no mystery so the book is full of repeated facts from beginning to end. It was clear even to her girlfriends who were first to the scene that she'd been taken. They knew immediately who did it.
The brands of Penske, Indy 500, Marlboro didn't want to be connected to a murder. A murderer with connections to the police dept not willing to connect the dots. A domestic violence incident with a missing person with connections to national brands, yet the story remained mostly local.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews