‘A Racing Murder’ is the second book in ‘The Ham Hill Murder Mysteries’ series. I read and loved the first book in the series which is called ‘A Village Murder’. When I heard the next book in the series was due for release, I just knew that I had to grab hold of a copy as soon as I could and hibernate until I had finished reading. I couldn’t wait to start reading so without further ado, I grabbed my Kindle, grabbed a cup of tea and then settled down for what proved to be a cracking afternoon of reading. I loved reading ‘A Racing Murder’ but more about that in a bit. As soon as I started to read, I felt as though I had been reunited with old friends in the form of Adam Hennessy and Imogen Bishop. Adam is a former police officer who retired a while ago although he has found it hard to leave his former career behind. When a crime has been committed, Adam can’t help but become involved. Adam and Imogen make one fantastic detective duo. Imogen works at a local hotel and has become great friends with Adam. Both Adam and Imogen are really nice people, who are impossible to dislike. That’s what I think anyway. Within the first five minutes of this book, I just knew that I wasn’t going to be doing a lot for the rest of the day because I wouldn’t be able to put this book down. My Kindle wasn’t exactly glued to my hand but it might as well have been because it travelled everywhere with me. I just couldn’t bear to miss a single minute of the story. I would pick the book up and become so wrapped up in the story that I lost all track of time and just how quickly the pages were turning. All too quickly I reached the end of ‘A Racing Murder’ and I had to say farewell to Adam, Imogen and the rest of the cast. I found ‘A Racing Murder’ to be a gripping read, which certainly kept me guessing and on the edge of my seat throughout. ‘A Racing Murder’ is superbly written but that’s true of all of Frances’ books. She certainly knows how to grab the reader’s attention and draw them into what proves to be one hell of a story. I would say that this is a cozy mystery sort of read and certainly not a story full of blood, guts and gore. For me, this isn’t a particularly fast paced story but then it doesn’t need to be. I love the way that Frances makes the reader feel as though they are part of the story themselves and at the centre of the action. That’s how I feel at any rate. In short, I really enjoyed reading ‘A Racing Murder’ and I would recommend it to other readers. I will certainly be reading more from this author in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.

horses, racing, murder, murder-investigation, law-enforcement, family, friendship, small-town, ex-cop, England, pets, hotelier, rivalry***** It's been exactly a year since I read A Village Murder (which I didn't realize was book 1 of series). Nevertheless, no problem with the background and ongoing characters' stories. The publisher's blurb does a good job, the characters are all very well done, the sleuthing is a co-operative effort and moves at a good pace, and there are some really sneaky plot twists and red herrings in this foray into the racing world of the west country. I requested and received a temporary digital ARC of this book from Boldwood Books via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!

It was a great book I enjoyed it. Its not a dick Francis comparative. Its a good mystery surround a murder that happens to a female jockey and the villages ex policeman and 3 others solve the mystery. It reads well with a slight love story going through.

Another fine mystery from an author who knows how to create a puzzle! Belinda Sandford’s heart soars as she is first past the post on Butterfly Charm at her first big race; happiness turns to horror as a Steward’s Enquiry rules against her and the win goes to Alex Deacon, a rival. She thinks things can’t get any worse, until Alex’s body is found and she is under suspicion. Belinda’s mother, Diane, asks former detective turned publican Adam Hennessy for help in clearing her daughter’s name. Adam, in turn, ropes in Imogen Bishop, local hotelier and together they learn more about the racing world than they ever thought possible. But can they clear Belinda? It didn’t take very long for me to dredge up memories of the first in this series and I knew I was in for a great read! I know practically nothing about the racing world; it’s a long time since I read any Dick Francis books, but knowledge isn’t required to enjoy this fabulous mystery. Nothing is obvious; there are plenty of suspects and no end of people who ‘could’ have been involved in Alex’s demise. With personal relationships intertwined with the investigation, this is a gripping read with lots going on. Did I work out who did what to whom? Not a chance! It came as a complete surprise. Totally enthralling and enjoyable, this is a must read to lovers of good mysteries and one I’m happy to give 4.5*.