Kirkus
Copyright © Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

A Mayfair gallery owner’s troubles only begin when he’s accused of selling a forgery. Fabian Tulley is certain that rough-hewn Yorkshire billionaire Jack Lofthouse is wrong in claiming that “Dedham Church and the River Stour” wasn’t painted by Sir Alfred Munnings at all. Well, almost certain: Before the sale, Fabian went through all the usual steps of establishing a reassuringly straightforward provenance, and even though it doesn’t feature horses, unlike most of Munnings’ paintings and Francis’ thrillers, the canvas certainly looks like an original. But Lofthouse, who clearly won’t take yes for an answer, is suing Fabian for the 150,000 pounds he paid plus an additional half a million quid for alleged damage to his reputation. Speaking of reputation, the Fabian Gallery’s is rapidly plummeting. Vandals paint “FAKE” all over its exteriors; rumors that Fabian isn’t trustworthy begin to swirl; and just in case a client has missed the rumors, someone emails everyone on his contact list, “If you know what’s good for your health, stay away from the Fabian Gallery.” To top it off, Fabian is served notice that his lease on the gallery has been canceled and that he has only 90 days to accept a paltry settlement and get out. It’s small comfort that Vanessa Mitchell, the neighboring florist who caught Fabian’s eye years ago, has returned with the welcome news that her marriage is on the rocks, and somewhat larger comfort that she joins him in a daring scheme of vengeance involving Pennine Wind, the horse Lofthouse has entered in the Grand National. Even if they’re successful, though, how much longer can Fabian survive the escalating threats on his life? Another vigorous demonstration that this franchise still gleams even when horses are shunted into a supporting role. Copyright © Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.