EVEN MONEY

Martin Jarvis does his usual sterling work with the latest Dick and Felix Francis racing mystery. Bookies may be universally despised in the racing world, but Ned Talbot is a good guy. His life centers on running a small book-making business and helping his wife recover from mental illness. His life is turned upside down when a man approaches him at Royal Ascot to tell him he is his father, but the stranger is stabbed to death before Ned can ask any questions. Jarvis is exceptional at creating multiple distinctive characters—the "delinquent" techie Dougie is a particular joy. Jarvis renders humor and love authentically. Australians aren't quite his strength, but, really, who cares, when he’s so good at emotion, tension, timing, and character? A.B. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine [Published: SEPTEMBER 2009]