The Significant Seven (Jack Doyle Mysteries)

John McEvoy
Poisoned Pen Press (2010)
ISBN 9781590587058
Reviewed by Carol Hoyer, PhD,  for Reader Views (01/10)

 

I have to say I don’t know much about horse racing, but the author does a great job of indoctrinating readers to terms and events in this field.

Seven friends from college have kept in touch by going to horse races- sometimes winning and sometimes losing, but one day their ship comes in. Together they decide to buy a race horse but unbeknownst to them someone is sabotaging winning horses by a technique called “sponging.” Sponging is where one puts a small sponge in the nostrils of a horse that hampers their breathing. During the course of their horse ownership several of the seven have “accidents” which lead to their death.  Each man was healthy, had a good job and gave no indication of any problems.

One of the main characters, Doyle, falls in love with Cindy, a part-time horse trainer who has a disabled son. She works several jobs to make ends meet for her mother and her son. She is lively, cute and wants to make a good living for her family. Little does Doyle know - Cindy is part of harming the animals - money begets greed. Much to his surprise she is caught red-handed.

The author’s research and down-to-earth voice makes it appear as if he were having a conversation with you on the positives and negatives of horse racing.  You will be swept up into this world- the fever, the corruption and the truths. It is a book that once you start you can’t put it down.  He vividly describes each character, which we all can relate to and gives you great insight into what goes on with horse racing. I haven’t had the opportunity to read his other books, but based on this one I want more. “The Significant Seven” by John McEvoy will make you question what you know about corruption and those who are so greedy they will kill to get what they want - it will make you love or hate the characters.

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