“Odds Against” by Dick Francis

Odds Against Dick Francis In “Odds Against,” Francis’s fourth fictional outing, he takes a decidedly darker turn. Although not lacking in evil villains, both “Dead Cert” and “For Kicks” had a strong aspect of glamorous wish fulfillment, and so, in its own way, did “Nerve.” Alan, Rob, and Daniel all had tough times, sure, but […]

“For Kicks” by Dick Francis

For Kicks Dick Francis In “For Kicks” Francis continues to demonstrate the mastery of the horse-thriller genre he established in “Nerve.” Even more so than “Nerve,” “For Kicks” is slightly bizarre, unrealistic wish fulfillment, but that in no way diminishes its charm–in fact, it is one of the key factors in its charm. Who doesn’t […]

“Can You Keep a Secret?” by Sophie Kinsella

Can You Keep a Secret? Sophie Kinsella The Shopaholic series was a guilty pleasure of mine last year, and was just the thing to read while, e.g., sitting in the vet’s office when my dog was terribly ill (he’s okay now, thanks for asking), so I approached “Can You Keep a Secret” with both interest […]

“The Bedlam Stacks” by Natasha Pulley

“The Bedlam Stacks” is an enchanting mixture of historical fiction and fantasy. It’s 1860, and Merrick Tremayne, former employee–read: smuggler-of the East India Company, now an invalid, is sitting around in his family estate, which is falling down around his ears. When his old boss invites him to go on an expedition to Peru to […]

“Rebellion’s Forge” by K.M. Ashman

“Rebellion’s Forge” is a rip-snorting tale of battle and adventure. There’s also some other stuff, but it takes backstage to the action. Loosely based on historical events, the story takes place in the early 12th century, when the Normans were trying to extend their conquest from England to Wales. King Gruffydd is walking a fine […]