Felix Francis has delivered another thoroughbred novel with all the hallmarks of another winner
Like an early birthday present it came through my letterbox and landed with a satisfying thump on the hall carpet. The brand new novel by Felix Francis had arrived, promising all the mystery, intrigue and shady goings-on in all aspects of the world of horseracing that this exceptionally long standing series of books both promises and delivers.
This time. Theo Jennings, a young auctioneer in Newmarket, is pleased when one of his lots sells for far more than was expected but then he overhears a conversation that all was not as it seems, especially after the horse is found dead the following morning. Alone in his beliefs and unsure of who to trust, Theo starts to investigate while juggling a new found romance with one of the office girls. His suspension from work quickly follows an attempt to kill him and things progress speedily from there, never solving the final piece of the puzzle until the very last page.
“No Reserve” is written like a runaway train, getting faster and faster with no way to get off, except that you don't want to as the ride is so exhilarating. The sheer depth of research which went into this thriller brings it even more alive and the characters are so well founded that even after that last page has been turned you still want to know what happens to them next.
In a long stable of classy thoroughbreds, this one is yet another classic winner. Felix has already confided that he has no plans to retire, the irrepressible Sid Halley will make another appearance and his next book will involve the owning of racehorses through a syndicate where someone tries to take control through threats and force.
If you want to meet the writer himself, Felix will be speaking at Hatchards Booksellers in Piccadilly on Wednesday October 11 at 6.30pm. Tickets at £10 can be purchased via: https://www.eventbrite. co.uk/e/an-evening-with-felixfrancis-at-hatchards-piccadillytickets-685017364377 RA
