The Hyperion Legacy by Ben Osborne

Racing journalist and tipster Ben Osborne makes his novel-writing debut with this tale of an ex-jockey–turned–betting guru Danny Rawlings.

The plot launches from the starting stalls with a gruesome murder, and from there takes up a rattling pace into a web of intrigue and lies.

As Danny dodges accusations about the killing, the race to discover the meaning of an antique box he is bequeathed by the victim develops into a headlong flight for his own life, which is variously boxed in and manipulated by a powerful betting syndicate, a cynical police inspector, a corrupt prison governor and a dastardly drug company boss cum racehorse owner. Add to the field a couple more murders, a sprinkling of jockeys and various colourful connections, and the plot is whipped into a whirlwind.

As Danny bumps (often quite literally) between the sets of sinister characters and situations, he manages to unravel a scam centred around the legendary racehorse Hyperion, that would give Jurassic Park a run for its money. To win back his freedom and save the Sport of Kings from this outrageous subterfuge, he must break all the rules and return to the saddle for a thrilling Epsom Derby climax.

Fast-paced and entertaining, this is a book for anyone who likes a thriller and though it offers an exciting insight into the world of racing and betting, it remains free from lashings of lingo – so even newcomers to the sport can enjoy the ride without having to resort to a glossary!

The Hyperion Legacy by Ben Osborne is published by Troubador Publishing Ltd and costs £6.99. 248pp. ISBN 978-1906510-862

Visit Ben's website and read an extract from the book at www.benosborne.co.uk

Ben Osborne is giving Eclipse readers the opportunity to win signed copies of his book – we have FIVE to give away: click here to enter the competition.