First-class entertainment - Rated 
Five years ago four young jockeys out on the lash caused a hit-and-run in which a woman died. So far the lads have kept their secret but now a personal tragedy is prompting one of them to come clean. The others are horrified - these days they have too much to lose. Somehow, they've got to shut him up...This is just the beginning of a pacey and exciting racing mystery that's well up to Francome's high standard, in my opinion. I had no idea which way the plot was going to turn next. Recommended if you like a keep-you-guessing mystery with a racing background.
Flogging a dead horse. - Rated 
I have read several of Francome's books and generally have found them to be enjoyable light reading. This one disappoints.
The characters are many and not well enough drawn to be either memorable or to engage the reader. They are without exception rather unlikeable people and I certainly couldn't care what happened to any of them. The plot is thin and the "who-done-it" obvious from early chapters.
The police procedural aspect of the novel is inept and there is insufficient made of the racing background. It is a good example of an author deserting what he knows about, horse racing, to write a crime novel which dozens of others can do better. He should stick to what he knows best.
He has done better in the past and hopefully will do better in future. This one's an also-ran.
GOOD, BUT THERE IS BETTER - Rated 
I am going to say that this book did not come top of my pick of john francome books, the best one is inside track, hence the 4stars.
Again we have a book with a lot of characters that up until page 26, i had to flick back to remind myself who they were and how they fitted to the story, quite a few characters get introduced in the middle of the book, but they fit perfect.
We have four jockeys that were in different ways involved in a hit and run, they all agree to keep the secret, until one of their wifes die in the same way, and decides to tell the first hit and run's husband, it does remind me of inside track this book, however it turns out the first hit and run is not as clear cut as it first appears.
What i really like about this book is the twists and there is quite a few ie the murderer you assume his motive and understand it to begin with but at the end, it all falls into place. about half way through this book i thought i had the book's plot but i was very wrong, then about a couple of chapters from the end, i change my mind and in the last chapter i realise i was wrong again.
what i did not like was Alice, i thought her motive was rather unclear at the end.
I have tried to write this review without giving too much away, as i think that would take the enjoyment out of this book, i also think this is much better than last years effort.
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