Max Moreton, son of a jockey, is a one-star Michelin chef and owner of a country restaurant, The Hay Net,
located near Newmarket race track. The restaurant is a favorite with owners and trainers.
One Friday night he caters an affair for a couple hundred guests, after which many of the guests, including
Max, suffer from food poisoning. Authorities close the restaurant even though the restaurant is inspected and
proves to be spotless.
The following day, Max also caters a luncheon in a private box at the racetrack for Delafield Industries of
Wisconsin, the American sponsor of the prestigious 2000 Guineas stakes. During the luncheon a bomb goes off
killing many occupants of the box.
There are several attempts made on Max's life. Max finds his life and reputation are at stake. He determines
to find out for himself who is responsible.
As a result of the food poisoning, he is sued by Caroline Aston, viola player with the Royal Philharmonic
Orchestra. He meets Caroline personally to try to deter the suit. Instead he finds himself falling in love. With
Caroline's help he continues in his quest for the truth.
This is Francis' second novel since his absence of six years and is written in collaboration with his son,
Felix. It is a winning combination giving the readers a charming and delightful book. It is typical Francis,
with a plot full of twists and turns and suspense. There is a splendid hero in Max who is cool under pressure
and stoic about physical punishment ( a typical Francis hero). The love story is delightful. The carnage in the
bombing is rendered graphically in vivid color. There are no horse races or track business but instead we inspect
the many small businesses that operate behind and around the world of racing.
Let us hope that Francis will continue as he had before his retirement of six years with a book a year. We
will have much more to hope for and enjoy.