Bullet Work-Steve O'Brien

First of all, let me say that I know nothing of horse racing, or horses for that matter. I have never ridden a horse, or even touched a horse. That said, this book, set in the world of horse racing,grabbed me from the first page and I rode it all the way! Steve O'Brien explains the terminology in an easy going way, making it a breeze to read.

Someone is hurting, even killing racehorses. When letters are delivered to everyone on the backside of the track, demanding money in order to stop, some people pay immediately and some are outraged and refuse to be extorted. Poison, shooting, broken legs, on the beautiful animals, convince nearly everyone to pay. Security is tightened, but the chaos continues.

Dan Morgan is an attorney/owner who loves his horse. When he meets A.J. a strange young man, who is being bullied mercilessly by some of the other backside men, he discovers the boy has a secret. He can communicate with the horses. He is a whisperer. Together, they must find out who is extorting the horsemen, and put an end to the damage being done to the horses they love.

O'Brien brought to life the sounds, feelings, and beauty, as well as the ugly, dirty, gritty sides of horse racing. I found a great respect for the beautiful animals I have only seen on TV, whose love of running is a part of them.

I really, really liked this book! It brought to life something I have only imagined, in a thrilling and exciting way. Well done, Mr. O'Brien!

I received this book from The Cadence Group for review.