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Duncan Claymore #1
Taking the Fall
Turning his hand to fiction for the first time, this is the fantastic new crime novel from champion jockey A.P. McCoy.
Duncan Claymore could have it all. He's one of the country's up and coming young jockeys and this season his sights are set on getting right to the top. He has the talent and the tenacity, but he also has his demons, and it's these that threaten to overthrow his burning ambition.
Duncan was taught everything he knows by his father, Charlie, a former trainer whose career and reputation were destroyed when a series of bitter rivalries got out of hand. It ruined him and Charlie hasn't been able to set foot on a racecourse since.
Now, with his father's health rapidly declining, Duncan is desperate to beat the best and at the same time take down the men responsible for Charlie's ruin. But can he do both or must he choose between his family and his future?
Dark, gripping and compulsive, TAKING THE FALL is the first thriller from champion jockey, A.P. McCoy.
Duncan Claymore could have it all. He's one of the country's up and coming young jockeys and this season his sights are set on getting right to the top. He has the talent and the tenacity, but he also has his demons, and it's these that threaten to overthrow his burning ambition.
Duncan was taught everything he knows by his father, Charlie, a former trainer whose career and reputation were destroyed when a series of bitter rivalries got out of hand. It ruined him and Charlie hasn't been able to set foot on a racecourse since.
Now, with his father's health rapidly declining, Duncan is desperate to beat the best and at the same time take down the men responsible for Charlie's ruin. But can he do both or must he choose between his family and his future?
Dark, gripping and compulsive, TAKING THE FALL is the first thriller from champion jockey, A.P. McCoy.
256 pages, Hardcover
First published October 24, 2013
18 people are currently reading
278 people want to read
About the author
A.P. McCoy
7 books7 followersA.P. McCoy is a record-breaking Northern Irish horse-racing jockey with a series of impressive wins to his name, including the Cheltenham Gold Cup, Champion Hurdle, Queen Mother Champion Chase, King George VI Chase and the 2010 Grand National.
McCoy was named BBC SPORTS PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR in 2010, becoming the first jockey to win the award.
McCoy was named BBC SPORTS PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR in 2010, becoming the first jockey to win the award.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
November 21, 2013
My review copy of Taking the Fall arrived on the day that AP McCoy won his 4000th race. What a day; what a man.
And what a load of junk his debut novel is. AP can ride better than almost anyone but cannot write himself out of a paper bag. The story follows unpleasant young jockey Duncan Claymore's desire for revenge on the men who wronged his father, and all the crude, cringeworthy, gratuitous sex he has in the run-up to the Cheltenham Festival. The Festival itself is the scene of Duncan's big revenge, or so he thinks … for me it wasn't revenge, it was a nasty man doing nasty things without a shred of remorse or any insight into the repercussions of his selfishness.
There is nothing wrong with unlikeable characters acting in a wholly self-serving manner - Patricia Highsmith's books are filled with them - but there is something very wrong with AP's attempt. The man just can't write, cliches are abundant and he has no style.
And what a load of junk his debut novel is. AP can ride better than almost anyone but cannot write himself out of a paper bag. The story follows unpleasant young jockey Duncan Claymore's desire for revenge on the men who wronged his father, and all the crude, cringeworthy, gratuitous sex he has in the run-up to the Cheltenham Festival. The Festival itself is the scene of Duncan's big revenge, or so he thinks … for me it wasn't revenge, it was a nasty man doing nasty things without a shred of remorse or any insight into the repercussions of his selfishness.
There is nothing wrong with unlikeable characters acting in a wholly self-serving manner - Patricia Highsmith's books are filled with them - but there is something very wrong with AP's attempt. The man just can't write, cliches are abundant and he has no style.
March 11, 2015
This is a good book. I won it in a Goodreads Giveaway which I entered because I always enjoyed Dick Francis's books and I wanted to see if McCoy was as good as Francis. Well, he isn't. He's better. You get the real inside feel here -- this is how it feels to ride like a champion in a steeplechase. The plot is cleverly worked out and it unravels satisfactorily. I was interested that a Champion Jockey should feel able to be so damning about many people in the Jockey Club -- the body that supervises British horse-racing -- and I can only assume that McCoy is as hard to scare as his protagonist, Duncan Claymore. There's quite a lot of sex but although the book would work as well without it I did not feel it was laid on in a gratuitous way, though I can see that it might offend people who thought they were simply buying another Dick Francis. A good book -- recommended.
January 24, 2014
A P MCCOY has let himself down by allowing his name to go on the cover of this book which I expect[or for his sake hope] was written by a ghost writer
FILTH
FILTH
June 2, 2024
Blended
I enjoyed this story, knowing that the whole plot could be partially true, based on the author's experience and what may have been heard in the weighing room, at the yards.
I also enjoyed the unspoken words of loyalty with friendly rivalry between the Irish and British in regards to racing. This is also interspersed with some background which I enjoyed as it gives consideration for the action within the book.
I enjoyed this story, knowing that the whole plot could be partially true, based on the author's experience and what may have been heard in the weighing room, at the yards.
I also enjoyed the unspoken words of loyalty with friendly rivalry between the Irish and British in regards to racing. This is also interspersed with some background which I enjoyed as it gives consideration for the action within the book.
February 12, 2019
Something is missing
There is hardly any description of the main character’s physical makeup. This makes him rather faceless and vague in the reader’s imagination. Other characters are a bit more developed and easier to picture. Otherwise it was a fast, easy read with a fun ending.
There is hardly any description of the main character’s physical makeup. This makes him rather faceless and vague in the reader’s imagination. Other characters are a bit more developed and easier to picture. Otherwise it was a fast, easy read with a fun ending.
January 12, 2024
Struggled to visualise the character, due to lack of descriptive narrative. Couldn't engage with the writing style. Was disappointed. A real struggle to finish, but due to not wanting to have unfinished books, dragged myself through to the end.
November 2, 2018
Quite entertaining
March 6, 2021
Just not my kind of book
December 30, 2013
This review first appeared on www.shazsbookboudoir.blogspot.co.uk
Duncan Claymore could have it all. He’s one of the country’s up-and-coming young jockeys and this year his sights are set on getting right to the top. He has the talent and the tenacity, but he also has his demons, and it’s these that threaten to overthrow his burning ambition.
Duncan was taught everything he knows by his father, Charlie, a former trainer whose career and reputation were destroyed when a series of bitter rivalries got out of hand. It ruined him and Charlie hasn’t been able to set foot on a racecourse since.
Now, with his father’s health rapidly declining, Duncan is desperate to beat the best and at the same time take down the men responsible for Charlie’s ruin. But can he do both or must he choose between his family and his future?
This is the first novel by champion jockey A.P. McCoy and he has naturally fallen back on his 18 year career in horse racing to set his first novel in the horse racing world.
The story is set in 1979 and focussed on Duncan Claymore a young, cocky jockey. He has two dreams, to become Champion Jockey, and to get revenge on the three men who ruined his father. His dad, Charlie, was a horse trainer, who was small time, but after a series of wins, becomes more successful. But his success upsets some powerful men who set out, and succeed in ruining him. Now Charlie is suffering from dementia and Duncan wants to get revenge on the men who put an end to his dad’s racing career and for Charlie to know they have been brought to their knees. As Duncan becomes more successful on the track he comes closer and closer to his enemies but when it comes to his plans for revenge will he fall at the first hurdle?
This story is a fascinating insight into the racing world and I enjoyed this aspect of the book. It was good to follow Duncan become more successful as a jockey, finding a second family with his racing friends. I grew to like Duncan the more I read about him, he didn’t seem a very sympathetic character at first but his love for his father, horses and his friends soon shone through and I found myself wanting him to get his revenge – but not if it should cost him all the progress he had made in his own racing career.
I don’t want to go into details here as to what Duncan’s plan is to get revenge on his father’s enemies, or who those enemies are, as that would spoil the story.
I admit I didn’t class this as a traditional thriller, I didn’t feel that the pace was such as I would expect in such a novel but I did become more intrigued as to how Duncan would get his revenge as the storyline developed. This book would appeal to anyone who has an interest in horse racing but don’t let it put you off if you don’t. I had little knowledge about this before reading this novel but enjoyed reading this fictionalised account of the racing world.
I’d like to thank Orion Publishing for providing me with a review copy and Sharon for allowing me to guest review on her blog.
Duncan Claymore could have it all. He’s one of the country’s up-and-coming young jockeys and this year his sights are set on getting right to the top. He has the talent and the tenacity, but he also has his demons, and it’s these that threaten to overthrow his burning ambition.
Duncan was taught everything he knows by his father, Charlie, a former trainer whose career and reputation were destroyed when a series of bitter rivalries got out of hand. It ruined him and Charlie hasn’t been able to set foot on a racecourse since.
Now, with his father’s health rapidly declining, Duncan is desperate to beat the best and at the same time take down the men responsible for Charlie’s ruin. But can he do both or must he choose between his family and his future?
This is the first novel by champion jockey A.P. McCoy and he has naturally fallen back on his 18 year career in horse racing to set his first novel in the horse racing world.
The story is set in 1979 and focussed on Duncan Claymore a young, cocky jockey. He has two dreams, to become Champion Jockey, and to get revenge on the three men who ruined his father. His dad, Charlie, was a horse trainer, who was small time, but after a series of wins, becomes more successful. But his success upsets some powerful men who set out, and succeed in ruining him. Now Charlie is suffering from dementia and Duncan wants to get revenge on the men who put an end to his dad’s racing career and for Charlie to know they have been brought to their knees. As Duncan becomes more successful on the track he comes closer and closer to his enemies but when it comes to his plans for revenge will he fall at the first hurdle?
This story is a fascinating insight into the racing world and I enjoyed this aspect of the book. It was good to follow Duncan become more successful as a jockey, finding a second family with his racing friends. I grew to like Duncan the more I read about him, he didn’t seem a very sympathetic character at first but his love for his father, horses and his friends soon shone through and I found myself wanting him to get his revenge – but not if it should cost him all the progress he had made in his own racing career.
I don’t want to go into details here as to what Duncan’s plan is to get revenge on his father’s enemies, or who those enemies are, as that would spoil the story.
I admit I didn’t class this as a traditional thriller, I didn’t feel that the pace was such as I would expect in such a novel but I did become more intrigued as to how Duncan would get his revenge as the storyline developed. This book would appeal to anyone who has an interest in horse racing but don’t let it put you off if you don’t. I had little knowledge about this before reading this novel but enjoyed reading this fictionalised account of the racing world.
I’d like to thank Orion Publishing for providing me with a review copy and Sharon for allowing me to guest review on her blog.
November 7, 2013
A furiously fast-paced, spine-chilling thriller that grabs you from the first page!
Champion Jump Jockey A.P McCoy is a living legend on a thoroughbred racehorse, and so when I discovered that he had written a debut racing thriller I couldn’t be more excited. Having grown-up reading books by the incredible (ex-jockey) John Francombe and the exceptional Dick Francis (who has co-written with Felix Francis), I couldn’t wait to delve back into a world of chance. I am so glad that I took a bet on this brand new book for I was certainly not disappointed, as it was equally as engaging and well-written as the two F’s (Francis & Francombe). Action packed and relentless I was taken on the ride of a lifetime, all the while being sucked into such a compelling storyline that was so tantalizingly temping. As the pace quickened right up to the final furlong, the tension and suspense built into the most astonishing climax and dramatic finish. The blend of nail-biting intensity and memorable characters amid an exquisitely drawn storyline was simply perfect and I highly commend A.P for this fantastic tale that’s so accomplished. Because of the author’s profound insight into the world of horse racing and his experience in the saddle, this fictional story seems so real and is utterly believable. I was drawn into the atmospheric setting like a moth to a flame; entirely immersed in the world that the author had created.
’Taking the fall’ is a remarkable read and a compulsive crime story, that’s deliciously dark and electrifying. A.P McCoy has taken the genre for his own and I predict many more sterling novels to come henceforth. Capturing one of the best racecourses in England, as well as flirting with Ireland too, you are transported to the very heart of the ’sport of kings’. This is a book that appeals to both male and female readers as it is packed with sex, violence, competitiveness and an adrenaline rush! Duncan’s story is one that I wont be forgetting any time soon, as I now am left wanting to read more…I predict not only this book as a bestseller but a glittering future as a writer for this talented author!
*I won a copy of A.P McCoy’s debut novel ‘Taking the fall’ through a Goodreads, first-read giveaway*
Champion Jump Jockey A.P McCoy is a living legend on a thoroughbred racehorse, and so when I discovered that he had written a debut racing thriller I couldn’t be more excited. Having grown-up reading books by the incredible (ex-jockey) John Francombe and the exceptional Dick Francis (who has co-written with Felix Francis), I couldn’t wait to delve back into a world of chance. I am so glad that I took a bet on this brand new book for I was certainly not disappointed, as it was equally as engaging and well-written as the two F’s (Francis & Francombe). Action packed and relentless I was taken on the ride of a lifetime, all the while being sucked into such a compelling storyline that was so tantalizingly temping. As the pace quickened right up to the final furlong, the tension and suspense built into the most astonishing climax and dramatic finish. The blend of nail-biting intensity and memorable characters amid an exquisitely drawn storyline was simply perfect and I highly commend A.P for this fantastic tale that’s so accomplished. Because of the author’s profound insight into the world of horse racing and his experience in the saddle, this fictional story seems so real and is utterly believable. I was drawn into the atmospheric setting like a moth to a flame; entirely immersed in the world that the author had created.
’Taking the fall’ is a remarkable read and a compulsive crime story, that’s deliciously dark and electrifying. A.P McCoy has taken the genre for his own and I predict many more sterling novels to come henceforth. Capturing one of the best racecourses in England, as well as flirting with Ireland too, you are transported to the very heart of the ’sport of kings’. This is a book that appeals to both male and female readers as it is packed with sex, violence, competitiveness and an adrenaline rush! Duncan’s story is one that I wont be forgetting any time soon, as I now am left wanting to read more…I predict not only this book as a bestseller but a glittering future as a writer for this talented author!
*I won a copy of A.P McCoy’s debut novel ‘Taking the fall’ through a Goodreads, first-read giveaway*
November 5, 2013
Taking Revenge
AP McCoy over time has won me quite a bit of cash on the horse and soon enough he will have ridden over 4000 winners in a career and with Taking The Fall is his first novel and he has written a winner. I thought with the passing of Dick Francis the horse racing thriller would be over, but McCoy looks like he is going to make this genre his own.
Duncan Claymore is an up and coming Jumps Jockey the son of a disgraced trainer who had been stitched up by the racing establishment with the help of the Jockey Club. Duncan is hell bent on gaining revenge for his father who now suffers from dementia and at the same time plunge a knife in to the stinking heart of the racing establishment.
Starting in 1979 and the early 1980s Duncan sets his course to be a winner but has a reputation for answering back to trainers and owners. He is always looking for rides until he is picked up as a regular jockey for an up and coming trainer/daughter combination from Ireland now based in England Petie Quinn.
As he gets more wins he comes to the attentions of the establishment and in particular who have been known to fix a race. He takes a few rides for them including at the Cheltenham Festival and has winners on all sides. At the same time with the help of Quinn he is able to make his stand against all those who have wronged his father Charlie.
While plotting his revenge the one thing he had not seen coming was falling in love with one of the despised establishment’s daughter. Throughout the book their bond gets stronger from simply using her to love and concluding they get marries.
It would be easy to mention how this thriller ends but I would not want to spoil the act of perfect revenge for any reader. It is easy to recommend this thriller as it is a wonderful read that takes in some of the best race courses in England and a flirtation with Ireland too. This is thoroughly a good ride for all and a welcome addition to the racing thriller genre.
AP McCoy over time has won me quite a bit of cash on the horse and soon enough he will have ridden over 4000 winners in a career and with Taking The Fall is his first novel and he has written a winner. I thought with the passing of Dick Francis the horse racing thriller would be over, but McCoy looks like he is going to make this genre his own.
Duncan Claymore is an up and coming Jumps Jockey the son of a disgraced trainer who had been stitched up by the racing establishment with the help of the Jockey Club. Duncan is hell bent on gaining revenge for his father who now suffers from dementia and at the same time plunge a knife in to the stinking heart of the racing establishment.
Starting in 1979 and the early 1980s Duncan sets his course to be a winner but has a reputation for answering back to trainers and owners. He is always looking for rides until he is picked up as a regular jockey for an up and coming trainer/daughter combination from Ireland now based in England Petie Quinn.
As he gets more wins he comes to the attentions of the establishment and in particular who have been known to fix a race. He takes a few rides for them including at the Cheltenham Festival and has winners on all sides. At the same time with the help of Quinn he is able to make his stand against all those who have wronged his father Charlie.
While plotting his revenge the one thing he had not seen coming was falling in love with one of the despised establishment’s daughter. Throughout the book their bond gets stronger from simply using her to love and concluding they get marries.
It would be easy to mention how this thriller ends but I would not want to spoil the act of perfect revenge for any reader. It is easy to recommend this thriller as it is a wonderful read that takes in some of the best race courses in England and a flirtation with Ireland too. This is thoroughly a good ride for all and a welcome addition to the racing thriller genre.
December 4, 2013
I received this book on the very day Tony McCoy clocked up his 4000th winner in the saddle and it is in keeping with the nature of the man that his first novel is not an also ran.
The story is cleverly constructed and never overdoes the racing terminology so will have a wide appeal.
After such a long and stellar racing career he has no doubt seen it all, all the scandals, politics, corruption, and emerged unscathed with as wholesome a reputation as is imaginable whilst many around him have fallen, and it is to the darker side of the sport which the book goes straight to heart of and I wonder how many will recognise themselves or those they know in the fictitious characterisations, from the downright nasty, the gold diggers, the narcissists, the mobsters, the saintly, and the comedians.
The book is laced with humour as the protagonist, a talented young jockey, makes his way using deft manipulation of the various self interests to gain a very smart revenge for the downfall of his beloved father at nefarious hands.
If there is one warning to give it is in the numerous sex scenes which are highly graphic in their depiction and one wonders if the long suffering Mrs McCoy may have been squirming at the proof readings or I suspect they may well have had a damn good laugh.
So, McCoy has produced a clever plot with plenty of intrigue, with good pace and witty dialogue, and at the weigh in, although satisfied with having produced a winner, there is still enough unfinished business to suggest McCoy's next literary outing is assured and will be hotly backed.
Thanks to GoodReads Giveaways and to Tony McCoy for the opportunity to read and enjoy this book in return for a review, my pleasure.
The story is cleverly constructed and never overdoes the racing terminology so will have a wide appeal.
After such a long and stellar racing career he has no doubt seen it all, all the scandals, politics, corruption, and emerged unscathed with as wholesome a reputation as is imaginable whilst many around him have fallen, and it is to the darker side of the sport which the book goes straight to heart of and I wonder how many will recognise themselves or those they know in the fictitious characterisations, from the downright nasty, the gold diggers, the narcissists, the mobsters, the saintly, and the comedians.
The book is laced with humour as the protagonist, a talented young jockey, makes his way using deft manipulation of the various self interests to gain a very smart revenge for the downfall of his beloved father at nefarious hands.
If there is one warning to give it is in the numerous sex scenes which are highly graphic in their depiction and one wonders if the long suffering Mrs McCoy may have been squirming at the proof readings or I suspect they may well have had a damn good laugh.
So, McCoy has produced a clever plot with plenty of intrigue, with good pace and witty dialogue, and at the weigh in, although satisfied with having produced a winner, there is still enough unfinished business to suggest McCoy's next literary outing is assured and will be hotly backed.
Thanks to GoodReads Giveaways and to Tony McCoy for the opportunity to read and enjoy this book in return for a review, my pleasure.
February 11, 2015
First of all I would like to thank the author for giving me the chance to read this book through the Goodreads First Reads Giveaway.
This is not a book that I would have ever picked up in the shops. In fact, if I had properly understood what it was about before entering the giveaway I would have likely not have bothered to enter.
That being said I am glad that I did, and that I did have the chance to read this as it proved to be a very enjoyable and satisfying read.
I am not particularly knowledgeable about horse racing but fortunately that was not required. Like the film Rush more emphasis is placed to the relationships and lifestyles of the entrants than on the event itself. The story was well paced and made a good attempt at building up the seedy world of horseracing in a way that would appeal to both enthusiasts and novices alike. Although the story was centered around it, the story could have been placed anywhere as the overall plot was not so much about becoming a major player or about horses, but rather about how far you are willing to go to seek revenge and what you are willing to give up on the way.
I found the story to be a satisfying and easy to read romp and the ending was satisfying too, if a little extreme in the outcome. Recommended for anyone who wants to read something that's a little bit seedy, a little bit fun and has a lot of backstabbinbg within its pages.
This is not a book that I would have ever picked up in the shops. In fact, if I had properly understood what it was about before entering the giveaway I would have likely not have bothered to enter.
That being said I am glad that I did, and that I did have the chance to read this as it proved to be a very enjoyable and satisfying read.
I am not particularly knowledgeable about horse racing but fortunately that was not required. Like the film Rush more emphasis is placed to the relationships and lifestyles of the entrants than on the event itself. The story was well paced and made a good attempt at building up the seedy world of horseracing in a way that would appeal to both enthusiasts and novices alike. Although the story was centered around it, the story could have been placed anywhere as the overall plot was not so much about becoming a major player or about horses, but rather about how far you are willing to go to seek revenge and what you are willing to give up on the way.
I found the story to be a satisfying and easy to read romp and the ending was satisfying too, if a little extreme in the outcome. Recommended for anyone who wants to read something that's a little bit seedy, a little bit fun and has a lot of backstabbinbg within its pages.
November 12, 2013
Taking the Fall is the debut novel from champion jockey A.P McCoy and I have to say when Graeme at Orion Books first contacted me to see if I was interested in reviewing, I was a little sceptical. I mean, horses and horse racing just aren't my thing (apart from maybe taking part in a Grand National sweepstake that's as far as my interest goes), but I thought, hey it's a thriller give it a go.
The book revolves around Duncan plotting revenge on his Dad's enemies and it's quite honourable that he's out to avenge his father's disgrace. For the most part it's quite believable, well calculated, devious and quite racy! At the start, Duncan comes across as a bit of a cad, playing Lorna for what he could get but you do see him develop through the book - I'm not quite sure I find their ending totally believable being so young but hey ho this is fiction and after a happy ending.
It is quite heavy on the racing scene with a lot of descriptive text on the races and procedures etc. Others may like this but it didn't really interest me unfortunately. Also, I didn't feel it lived up to it's dark thriller billing. There wasn't anything really dark or thrilling about it and even the climatic end I didn't feel had enough impact to really wow me.
Overall it's an entertaining read that is a definite must if you love horses and racing!
The book revolves around Duncan plotting revenge on his Dad's enemies and it's quite honourable that he's out to avenge his father's disgrace. For the most part it's quite believable, well calculated, devious and quite racy! At the start, Duncan comes across as a bit of a cad, playing Lorna for what he could get but you do see him develop through the book - I'm not quite sure I find their ending totally believable being so young but hey ho this is fiction and after a happy ending.
It is quite heavy on the racing scene with a lot of descriptive text on the races and procedures etc. Others may like this but it didn't really interest me unfortunately. Also, I didn't feel it lived up to it's dark thriller billing. There wasn't anything really dark or thrilling about it and even the climatic end I didn't feel had enough impact to really wow me.
Overall it's an entertaining read that is a definite must if you love horses and racing!
July 27, 2017
This was a First Reads giveaway so thanks to Goodreads and Orion for this book.
Duncan Claymore, an up and coming National Hunt jockey, is trying to build his career. At the same time, he is looking to take revenge on the figures in the racing world who sabotaged the career of his racehorse trainer father, Charlie.
This is a very readable thriller and a promising debut, I enjoyed it but felt it never really built up a high level of suspense. The plot was believable, as the author avoids any outrageous twists, and the difficult relationships between owners, trainers and jockeys are really well described, but the ending was slightly unsatisfying. Possibly that is leaving room for a sequel, but I wanted a bit more. The protagonist, Duncan, becomes quite engaging as the novel progresses, he certainly has his faults but his loyalty to his father is his redeeming quality. I would have liked to have read more on the racing world and the races themselves, and less of the sex scenes - fine in that the relationships are part of Duncan's plan, but skip the detail!
Enjoyable read, but more a canter than a gallop! Hopefully there will be another book that will resolve the unfinished business, and with a bit more danger.
Duncan Claymore, an up and coming National Hunt jockey, is trying to build his career. At the same time, he is looking to take revenge on the figures in the racing world who sabotaged the career of his racehorse trainer father, Charlie.
This is a very readable thriller and a promising debut, I enjoyed it but felt it never really built up a high level of suspense. The plot was believable, as the author avoids any outrageous twists, and the difficult relationships between owners, trainers and jockeys are really well described, but the ending was slightly unsatisfying. Possibly that is leaving room for a sequel, but I wanted a bit more. The protagonist, Duncan, becomes quite engaging as the novel progresses, he certainly has his faults but his loyalty to his father is his redeeming quality. I would have liked to have read more on the racing world and the races themselves, and less of the sex scenes - fine in that the relationships are part of Duncan's plan, but skip the detail!
Enjoyable read, but more a canter than a gallop! Hopefully there will be another book that will resolve the unfinished business, and with a bit more danger.
October 13, 2013
I was a little excited when I saw this book come up as a recommendation on LoveReading as I follow AP McCoy on twitter and I’ve been lucky enough to have won a couple of £’s on the horses when I have backed him (talking pocket-money not invest in future money!!) The interest in the horse world stems from reading Jilly Cooper novels as a 20 something!
I think this is AP McCoy’s first novel and it certainly is a very enjoyable read. It titles its self as a thriller, I’m not sure I totally agree with that description but it certainly is an engaging read. Strong characters which I am sure the Jockey/Breeding community have been reading and second guessing who is who!! … the story is very believable and keeps you interested until the last pages.
Packed full of sex, violence, competitiveness and manipulation which i think will certainly be enjoyed by both male and female readers.
I think this is AP McCoy’s first novel and it certainly is a very enjoyable read. It titles its self as a thriller, I’m not sure I totally agree with that description but it certainly is an engaging read. Strong characters which I am sure the Jockey/Breeding community have been reading and second guessing who is who!! … the story is very believable and keeps you interested until the last pages.
Packed full of sex, violence, competitiveness and manipulation which i think will certainly be enjoyed by both male and female readers.
January 7, 2014
As a big fan of Dick Francis, John Francome and racing novels in general, I was thrilled to have a new author to read in this genre. Sadly I was soon to become disillusioned. The main character, Duncan Claymore is a dislikeable, jack the lad type of character and I could not empathise with him. His attitudes to woman (and sex) are selfish and self-serving and I soon found myself hoping that something bad, hopefully fatal, would happen to him. I also thought that the ‘bedroom scenes’ were too frequent, too descriptive and too unfeeling. Dick Francis’ heroes never carry on this way! This is more ‘50 Shades of rogues’ This is a pity because the book was well written and would have appealed to me if Duncan could only have been a more likeable person. As it is, I gave up on reading it halfway through because I was getting so annoyed at Duncan’s antics.
March 7, 2015
I received this copy through Goodreads, I certainly wasn't disappointed. AP is just starting out on this new career and given his amazing first career this looks like a fun retirement hobby for him!
The story follows a young jockey seeking revenge, set in 1979/1980 it tells of a different time, when we were afraid of. The IRA when misogyny was normal, so some of the characters need to be considered in that era. Duncan is a reasonably likeable character but of this time not of the 21st century. There are times when it's more Jilly Coopers Riders than francombe or Francis racecourse thriller, quite a few sex scenes but some great racing descriptions.
It was an easy read and enjoyable, presuming this is the first in the series due to timing so I will recommend it and will look out for future books by AP.
The story follows a young jockey seeking revenge, set in 1979/1980 it tells of a different time, when we were afraid of. The IRA when misogyny was normal, so some of the characters need to be considered in that era. Duncan is a reasonably likeable character but of this time not of the 21st century. There are times when it's more Jilly Coopers Riders than francombe or Francis racecourse thriller, quite a few sex scenes but some great racing descriptions.
It was an easy read and enjoyable, presuming this is the first in the series due to timing so I will recommend it and will look out for future books by AP.
August 14, 2015
Taking the Fall by A.P. McCOY
Duncan reminds me of several jockeys I used to know, their fast drinking, race obsessive lifestyles, with fast easy sex thrown in. This story was, for me, a rekindling of more youthful times. The novel is an easy read - just over twenty-four hours - what I would call a distractor, it occupies time without you needing to think. That's meant in a good way, almost like the penny paperback westerns, that you used to pick up in a service station or airport or train station.
Still all in it was an engrossing read, a page turner. However I cringed a bit at the sex scenes which there are a few. Why do we struggle so much with reading, and writing such scenes I will never know, the subject, the act, should illicit a natural flow of words. Yet I find some writers are embarrassed by their own words. Thankfully McCoy, I feel, holds no barriers.
Duncan reminds me of several jockeys I used to know, their fast drinking, race obsessive lifestyles, with fast easy sex thrown in. This story was, for me, a rekindling of more youthful times. The novel is an easy read - just over twenty-four hours - what I would call a distractor, it occupies time without you needing to think. That's meant in a good way, almost like the penny paperback westerns, that you used to pick up in a service station or airport or train station.
Still all in it was an engrossing read, a page turner. However I cringed a bit at the sex scenes which there are a few. Why do we struggle so much with reading, and writing such scenes I will never know, the subject, the act, should illicit a natural flow of words. Yet I find some writers are embarrassed by their own words. Thankfully McCoy, I feel, holds no barriers.
November 15, 2013
I received this book as a Goodreads First Read.
Jockey Duncan Claymore is trying to avenge his father Charlie, an ex racehorse trainer wrongly accused of doping a horse. Three men are responcible and Duncan wants vengence.
This book is for lovers of the racing world. I grew up reading Dick Francis books and although not as good as Francis, McCoy keeps you reading. It is a debut novel that shows a lot of promise. For a thriller there aren't as many twists and turns as you would expect in fact the protagonist is clear on what he must do it's just a case of how. There isn't much tension built but particular scenes are quite masterful.
Jockey Duncan Claymore is trying to avenge his father Charlie, an ex racehorse trainer wrongly accused of doping a horse. Three men are responcible and Duncan wants vengence.
This book is for lovers of the racing world. I grew up reading Dick Francis books and although not as good as Francis, McCoy keeps you reading. It is a debut novel that shows a lot of promise. For a thriller there aren't as many twists and turns as you would expect in fact the protagonist is clear on what he must do it's just a case of how. There isn't much tension built but particular scenes are quite masterful.
March 27, 2015
I received this book via the GoodReads Giveaway page.
As a horse racing fan i was intrigued to read this and on the whole it was an enjoyable and easy read.... as other reviewers have put I am unsure what the detailed sex scenes added to the story as they were totally out of place and unneccessary, so that is why this only got a 3 star rating. I would rather have read more about the seedier characters involved in racing, or goings on in the weighing room and more interaction between jockeys.
As a horse racing fan i was intrigued to read this and on the whole it was an enjoyable and easy read.... as other reviewers have put I am unsure what the detailed sex scenes added to the story as they were totally out of place and unneccessary, so that is why this only got a 3 star rating. I would rather have read more about the seedier characters involved in racing, or goings on in the weighing room and more interaction between jockeys.
April 21, 2015
Not usually my style of book but I am always up for something new.
I think this novel couldn't really decide where it belongs. Theres lots of sex scenes that don't need to be as graphic as they are...Im sure Dick Francis fans will be a bit shocked at this. Yet at the same time it does give you an insight into the feel of the racing world...I did not like the guy and wether this has any resemblance to anyone is left to your own opinion.It is fiction after all. If im completely honest im not really bothered about it either way. Some will enjoy it,others wont,thats the nature of books!
I think this novel couldn't really decide where it belongs. Theres lots of sex scenes that don't need to be as graphic as they are...Im sure Dick Francis fans will be a bit shocked at this. Yet at the same time it does give you an insight into the feel of the racing world...I did not like the guy and wether this has any resemblance to anyone is left to your own opinion.It is fiction after all. If im completely honest im not really bothered about it either way. Some will enjoy it,others wont,thats the nature of books!
January 10, 2014
I was'nt really sure what to expect of this book as having read all of the Dick Francis books (which were good) I was wishing that this book would be along similar lines. I was'nt disappointed - a really good book with a good plot. The ending leaves it very nicely for a sequel so I hope it is not too long in coming out. A book written by a champion jockey about the corruption etc in his world of horse racing. Can highly recommend it.
March 17, 2014
I recieved this book from Goodreads free from first-reads and was very disappointed.
Page after page is full of sleazy sex scenes which add nothing and in fact detract from the story minimal as it is.
Duncan is an aspiring jockey who is also trying to right the wrongs done to his father whose health is failing.
There is a good story in there trying hard to get out but this isn't it and the ending is very unsatisfactory.
As the saying goes 'Don't give up the day-job'
Page after page is full of sleazy sex scenes which add nothing and in fact detract from the story minimal as it is.
Duncan is an aspiring jockey who is also trying to right the wrongs done to his father whose health is failing.
There is a good story in there trying hard to get out but this isn't it and the ending is very unsatisfactory.
As the saying goes 'Don't give up the day-job'
January 3, 2017
A bit of a slow build up but fairly engaging once I got into it.
I enjoyed the late 79's British TV references - right in my mid teens so could relate to lots! Thought Charlie was quietly humourous as well.
The book built up to Duncan's revenge on the three men who runed his father. So the mystery was how it would happen. Whilst the actual was kind of low key, I think his future with Lorna would be the best revenge!
Some great secondary characters based around racing.
I enjoyed the late 79's British TV references - right in my mid teens so could relate to lots! Thought Charlie was quietly humourous as well.
The book built up to Duncan's revenge on the three men who runed his father. So the mystery was how it would happen. Whilst the actual was kind of low key, I think his future with Lorna would be the best revenge!
Some great secondary characters based around racing.
September 3, 2016
I got this for xmas, being a McCoy and a racing fan, but sadly he's no Dick Francis. The story was ok, but a bit ridiculous to be honest, and the 'sexy' bits just made me cringe...it was like watching a sex scene on the telly while sitting next to your dad - I think that's' because when someones your sporting hero, to read intimate stuff is a bit uncomfortable, and there was no need for it!
Read
April 1, 2015Finished this on 31/3/15 and found it a very good read just one thing i didnt like that was way it ended so suddenly I was expecting more in storyline to finsih it off, but got an epilogue to say what the future was. Otherwise no complaints about the book was well written and with plenty of twists turns and unexpected happenings.
March 14, 2015
"I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads”
Following Duncan Claymore, an aspiring young jockey who is also trying to right the wrongs done to his father, by getting his revenge on the people who wronged and ended his fathers horse training career. Not exactly a tense and utterly gripping racing thriller as stated in the blurb, but still an enjoyable easy to read story.
Following Duncan Claymore, an aspiring young jockey who is also trying to right the wrongs done to his father, by getting his revenge on the people who wronged and ended his fathers horse training career. Not exactly a tense and utterly gripping racing thriller as stated in the blurb, but still an enjoyable easy to read story.
October 18, 2016
Goodreads Giveaways win - thank you!
I wouldn't have chosen to read this book if I hadn't won it. I wasn't expecting a literary masterpiece and it definitely isn't that, an easy read but not much in the way of surprises in plot or character development. Fine for reading on a train or plane if you want something that doesn't require much concentration.
I wouldn't have chosen to read this book if I hadn't won it. I wasn't expecting a literary masterpiece and it definitely isn't that, an easy read but not much in the way of surprises in plot or character development. Fine for reading on a train or plane if you want something that doesn't require much concentration.
Read
October 6, 2013Mmmm what can I say.. I started this book and felt I was enjoying it but then I seemed to loose interest! I carried on but started to wonder what the story was and where it was going. Some may love it but not sure it's for me
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