PINTEREST
BLOGLOVIN
GOODREADS
RACING IS AN ART WORTH KILLING FOR . . .
The brand new 2026 novel from the master of the racing thriller – now available in hardback and ebook.
Fabian Tulley is only trying to run his own art gallery in London’s Mayfair in peace – but someone is determined to ruin his life.
Accused of selling a fake Sir Alfred Munnings painting, he is unable to prove his innocence because the police are holding the piece as evidence.
While running a retail stand at Cheltenham Racecourse, some of his other paintings are vandalised. Then, two men try to run him down in the racecourse car park.
To make matters even worse, his regular clients are threatening to keep away from his gallery and his landlords are trying to terminate his lease. Everything is against him, but with someone trying to destroy his life’s work, Fabian resolves not to cave under the pressure.
Saving his business will prove to be the fight of his life – or his death . . .
Publisher: Zaffre
Format: Ebook, Audiobook, Hardback (24 September 2026)
Source: Digital copy for review
MY THOUGHTS
My thanks to Poppy of Sophie Ransom PR for the tour invite and Netgalley copy to review. I’ve long been a fan of horse racing and the TV programme, Fake or Fortune is a firm favourite so the opportunity to review The Chase was eagerly accepted. I have to admit that although I used to read racing novels by former jockeys, I haven’t read any by the late Dick Francis however I’m sure that Felix is well able to step into his father’s shoes when it comes to writing.
Mayfair art gallery owner Fabian Tulley is in a spot of bother. One of his customers has made a complaint of fraud to the police, alleging that Tulley had sold him a fake Munnings picture (Alfred Munnings was a well known painter of horses). When word of this spreads, mainly via the troublesome customer bad mouthing him at every opportunity, his business is facing destruction. The police have confiscated the picture so he has no way of forensically proving its authenticity. However his problems don’t just end with money problems from a collapsing business but he finds himself in danger too,
There is a lot to like here for fans of racing and art, as Tulley takes his art to sell at the major races in the hope of persuading wealthy punters to part with their money – he needs to take every opportunity to keep his business solvent whilst also hoping to find out more about the allegations about him. There is also mystery and suspense as Tulley decides that he won’t go down without a fight, certainly not without clearing his name and decides to take action head on with small acts of revenge and sabotage. A touch of romance and betrayal add to the mix to form an engaging and suspenseful story.
Francis writes in a very easy to read and descriptive way. He frequently throws in pieces of factual information, which have some relevance to the story.
The Chase is an enjoyable read that not only touches on the complexities of family relationships but also those who use power and wealth as a weapon.
A New York Times, Sunday Times and international bestseller, acclaimed author Felix Francis was born in Oxford, England, son of the famous mystery author, Dick Francis and his wife, Mary. Felix graduated from London University with a Bachelor of Science degree. His initial career led him into physics, where he was a successful teacher of A Level Physics for 17 years, becoming head of the science department at Bloxham School. Felix next went into business, spending 13 years as a company director and deputy chairman of World Challenge Expeditions Ltd. But he could not deny that his family’s gift of writing had been passed along to him, so in 2005, he started his third career – as an author. His many other accomplishments include being an expert outdoorsman, marksman and pilot. He lives in rural Northamptonshire with his wife, Debbie, and their dogs, who are the ones really in charge!
Author Links: X | Facebook | AmazonUK
