John Francome

Very enjoyable - definitely gave a real feel of the racing world, from the immediacy of the race track to the international shenanigans of the owners

A good crime fiction novel. It's based on British horse-racing, like the Dick Francis ones. This is not as edgy as the Dick Francis ones -- not the same level of violence--but the story is as good. A comfortable read.

As you would expect given that Francome is an ex-professional jockey himself Francome knows about horses and racing but can he write a thriller?

As you would expect the horse-racing sections are very knowledgable and feel authentic but otherwise I found the remainder of the book rather tame. The story is told at a good pace and I felt that the characters of Phil and Julia were well drawn but also that some of the support characters were a bit thin. I also thought that the ending was somewhat show more predictable and perhaps a little rushed.

I found this book an easy read which required little inside knowledge of horse-racing but overall for me it was only so-so. I like to follow the horses and have read several of Dick Francis's books generally enjoying them but this was not quite up to that quality IMHO. However, that said I am willing to give him another go to see if this is his usual standard or just a little bit below par show less

A real nailbiter.

Jump jockey Josh Swallow has only a few weeks to clinch the season's Champion Jockey title. The pressure is intense - he's up against a younger rival, and Swallow himself intends to retire; it's his last chance to capture what he's never had.

What Swallow does have is a lovely girlfriend with a secret past, and an adulterous ex with a plan. And a stalker - but he doesn't know that.

The usual mayhem and murder ensue. Of course it all gets wrapped up in a suspiciously convenient show more bow at the end, but nevermind, it's a thrill getting there. show less