Two of my more favourite Francis novels, both with little actual horseracing in them.

Longshot - an intrepid adventurer gives up his day job to try and write a novel, which as all aspiring writers know means a life of hardship. An offer comes in from a famous trainer to write his biography, little fees, but free accomodation and food. Who could resist? He becomes quickly embroiled in the family's past when the bones of a missing stable girl are found. Fortunetly his survival skills are up to the task of rescuing various people during the course of the plot, but when ambushed by his own designs are they up to saving his own life? Who has been reading his survival guides?

Risk - the dull world of accountancy truned upside down, partime jockey and accountant to all of Newbury, Roland has his finger on the pulse of all of Newbury's small financial dealings. After winning the Gold cup, Roland's abduction is the start of his troubles, but he manages to plough through the paperwork to make the figures come out right in the end.

Like all of Francis' novels, characters are at best 2D the villans seldom more than simple figures, even if they plot devious lines. Risk features the very extrodinary Hilary, a bizzare deux et machina, to allow Roland to escape form the sea. Quick simple and enjoyable reads, ignore the plot holes and feel the love for the horses. ( )