DEAD HEAT
Dick Francis and Felix Francis
Berkley
Thriller
Hardcover: 9780399154768
Paperback: 9780425223192

As a former equestrian, I always have been enamored with Dick Francis and his books. The plots always revolve around fast horses and criminals with some sort of get-rich-quick scheme or revenge. DEAD HEAT contains all of these elements but with a culinary twist. The inclusion of Felix Francis, Dick's son, as his writing partner adds freshness to the theme.

Max Moreton, head chef and owner of the Hay Net --- a fine dining establishment and caterer in Newcastle that caters to the racing set --- has his hands full. Actually, just when you think he has had enough bad luck, more misfortune seems to find him. Not only does a client die from food poisoning, which leads to the health department closing their kitchen, but the event they are catering at Newcastle Race Course is sidetracked when a bomb blows up a section of the boxes.

What is next for Max and his culinary reputation? "Did someone purposely poison the dinner due to some catering war? Surely not. It just didn't make sense. But I was increasingly steadfast in the knowledge that since I hadn't put the beans in that dinner, someone else must have." Kidney bean lectin, caused by undercooked kidney beans, is responsible for the poisoning that closes the Hay Net temporarily. Who would purposely poison Moreton's clientele, and why? Was there a tie-in to the explosion at Haymarket on the day of a big race?

Moreton was to undergo even more abuse at the hands of the culprits. There is an unfortunate incident involving his car, the smell of burnt toast in his apartment and other inopportune events. Also, there is romance and a good deal of humor. To me, one of the very pleasant surprises is the addition of Felix Francis's writing style and fresh point of view. Several times there are references to his father's riding history, which is very nostalgic. Also, having a different perspective adds another dimension to writing on the subject of horses and horse-related topics. For example, there is a section on polo, with information about the game, rules and some history. 

We also learn about violas and the meaning of music. "Playing a musical score is like telling a story, using notes and harmonies instead of letters and words. Music can evoke huge passion, and a symphony should carry the listener through the full range of emotions from anticipation and sadness and melancholy in the early movements to delight and joy at the climax."

Says Moreton: "Why had I thought that the key to everything would be the names of those invited but not present in the bombed box? What could polo possibly have to do with the bombing of the Newmarket racetrack? I don't know for sure that it did, but polo was undeniably a connection between some of the victims of the bomb and someone else who hadn't been, although they had been expected to be."

All in all, DEAD HEAT is one of the more refreshing Francis works of art. There are many twists and turns, some real and others imagined. This is a quick read that will hold your interest, inform and delight you.

    --- Reviewed by Marge Fletcher

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