Even though I've never followed horse racing or lived in England, I was totally wrapped up in Outside Chance by Lyndon Stacey. A book set in current day England, detailing the ins and outs of the horseracing world there, this book is well-written and absorbing. The main character is Ben Copperfield, a freelance journalist who writes about horses and the people who work with them. As he investigates the kidnapping of a famous horse just weeks before a big race, he becomes more and more involved in the lives of the people who live and work at Castle Ridge Racing Stables. But how much can he trust the owner, Eddie Truman? And what can Ben do about Eddie's daughter, Fliss, who's a little more interested in Ben than Ben would like, considering how serious he's feeling about his girlfriend Lisa.
Lyndon Stacey has a knack for creating believable, well-rounded characters, and Ben Copperfield is an engaging protagonist. Outside Chance also has subplots involving a Hungarian Gypsy horse stunt--riding troupe and a group of animal rights activists, and it all adds up to a compelling book. Take a chance on Outside Chance and you won't be disappointed.