Damage by Felix Francis

Penguin, 2016. ISBN 9780718178833
(Age: 15+) Recommended. Mystery. Horse racing. Felix Francis follows in his father's footsteps with an engrossing mystery set in the horse racing industry and fans of the original Dick Francis novels will be sure to enjoy this one as well. Jeff Hinkley is an undercover investigator for the British Horse-racing Authority and when asked to look into the activities of a trainer, finds himself embroiled in a murder, illegal drug use and blackmail demands.
The action speeds along with Jeff using all his skills to find the perpetrator. In the meantime he is facing the thought of his sister fighting cancer and wondering where his long term romance is going. He is also investigating the drug charge against the son of his sister's husband and manages to solve this as a small subplot that demonstrates his expertise as an investigator.
Damage has the same feel that brought the Dick Francis books such a popular following. An intimate knowledge of horses and the racing industry, an interesting investigator who is intelligent and a dire blackmailer who could bring the horse-racing industry to its knees ensures that once again Felix Francis has produced a very readable and satisfying mystery.
Pat Pledger