The Hyperion Legacy, by Ben Osborne, is a fast paced thriller set in the world of racing. It follows Danny Rawlings, ex-jockey and betting guru, as he is framed for murder and his world spirals out of control.
A real page-turner, this book does not give you a moment’s respite from the action and I found myself at the end far too soon. Delving into a world of jockeys, trainers, dodgy betting syndicates, modern technology and murderers, the plot is perhaps a little far-fetched at times but always entertaining.
While it is never going to be acclaimed as a literary masterpiece, and a little more care could have been taken over the editing, it manages to rise above this by sweeping you along in trying to work out the conspiracy, which (without giving anything away) is a frightening situation hugely relevant to all forms of equestrianism today.
A great read for anyone, not just racing fans, but one word of warning — you may want to avoid it if you are squeamish, as the murders are described rather vividly.
All in all, a good debut novel from author Ben Osborne — I look forward to his next.
Published by Troubador (ISBN 978-1906510-862)
