On the racetrack, two horses in a quest for the greatest hurdle race in the jumping calendar - the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham - and, off it, two riders looking to defeat their demons as well each other. The book starts with a callous killing whose significance snowballs throughout the story as the diverse cast of characters fight for success. Apart from the racecourse scenes, which are fantastic as always in JF's books, there's a brilliant plotline which hinges on two doomed love affairs. I particularly liked Cherry, the gangster's mistress, who is forced to turn informer and whose desperate double-dealing brings havoc to all connected with her. A terrific read - I didn't have a clue what would happen next, always a good sign. Highly recommended if you like horse-racing thrillers.