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Two figures from the world of British racing have contributed to a thumping good mystery. Richard Pitman, a top jump jockey and now a TV pundit, and Joe McNally, the commercial director of Tote Bookmakers, provide a couple of unusual heroes and some high-octane action in BET YOUR LIFE. Like the later Dick Francis books, it moves away from the thunder and excitement of the race track to the dirty dealings alongside. The two intriguing central characters -- Eddie Malloy and Frankie Houlihan -- are lonely and isolated men for different reasons. But they strike up a firm friendship. Eddie Malloy's had a few career changes along the way -- champion jockey, mountaineer and now businessman trying to take over some British racecourses. He's working for American tycoon Keelor whom he met through rock climbing. Someone, though, is out to stop this takeover. Frankie is a former Catholic priest who left the priesthood for the love of a woman. But now his wife is dead his life is focussed on his job as a racing security adviser. It becomes his job to keep Eddie alive -- and it soon becomes apparent that he's a risky bloke to be around. However, his attention is also diverted by the reappearance of his family, who disowned him when he left the priesthood. You might have some problems with the lever they attempt to use on him, but generally the Irish scenes are convincing and provide an acceptable subplot to the machinations in England and elsewhere. And I found the mountaineering angle compelling, if a touch forced in places. I was caught a bit off-guard by the abrupt change of viewpoint in the middle of the book, but it's a temporary stumble. I did have my suspicions as to who was behind it all, thanks to a pretty large clue announced with something akin to a tannoy! But, again, it didn't matter as my nose was glued to the book for the duration. BET YOUR LIFE is a winner and Frankie Houlihan a character strong enough to support a series.
Reviewed by Sharon Wheeler, October 2004
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Contact: Yvonne Klein (ymk@reviewingtheevidence.com)
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