Book Title: Finding Fionn - A Mystery Inspired by the Kidnapping of the Irish Racehorse Shergar by M. J. Evans
Category: Young Adult Fiction (Ages 13-17)
Genre: Mystery/Crime
Publisher: Dancing Horse Press, 310 pages
Release date: October 17 2023
Content Rating: Rated G - Completely clean
Category: Young Adult Fiction (Ages 13-17)
Genre: Mystery/Crime
Publisher: Dancing Horse Press, 310 pages
Release date: October 17 2023
Content Rating: Rated G - Completely clean
A fast-paced story that will have mystery fans and horse lovers thoroughly captivated. - Emily-Jane Hills Orford for Reader’s favorite
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About the Book
The excitement felt in the Winner’s Circle vanishes when the jockey’s beloved horse disappears from his stall in the dark of night. Patrick McCallin is a young Irish lad growing up in the 1980’s when all of Ireland is groaning under the weight of The Troubles. Born to ride, he pays little mind to the political unrest going on around him. He dreams only of becoming a jockey. Patrick’s dream comes true when he is selected to ride an up-and-coming Thoroughbred, named Fionn MacCool, in the biggest races in England and Ireland. Race after race ends with Fionn and Patrick in the Winner’s Circle. The pair captures the heart of all Ireland. But the dream becomes a nightmare when Patrick’s beloved horse is kidnapped and held for ransom. When the horse’s owner refuses to pay and the Irish Garda closes the case, Patrick and his best friends, Ronan and Maddie, have no choice but to find Fionn themselves.
My Review
Perfect for Horse Lovers and Mystery Lovers Alike. I
have read a few other books from M.J. Evans and I love her storytelling
style and the way she weaves her vast knowledge of horses and riding
into the character relationships, settings and plots of her novels.
This book is another wonderful story of the bond between the horse and
his human. While that segment of the novel is key, the mystery
storyline is just as well done with enough realistic twists and turns to
keep readers engaged and guessing from beginning to end. While I am
not happy that a book set in the '80's is "historical" fiction--the
reality is just that it is to teen and young adult readers. Setting
this novel in 80's Ireland gives readers a view of Irish culture and
politics that may not be well known to readers.
Wonderful Characters create a Well-Crafted, Young Adult Story.
Evans creates animal and human characters to love. It's impossible to
not root for a happy ending for Patrick and Fionn. As the mystery
finds resolution, readers find a lot to learn about horses, horse
racing, mystery solving and Irish history and culture. While the book
is a clean read for teen and young adult readers, parents and older
horse lovers and mystery fans will enjoy this novel too.
Would I Recommend Finding Fionn by M.J. Evans? I
grew up reading books about animals or mysteries. It was always a
wonderful find when I could combine those two loves into one story.
This book is a wonderful blend of mystery and horse-story. I have
enjoyed many of the author's novels--but, I think the setting and
characters in this one pushes it to the top of my favorites from her.
If you (or a teen / young adult in your life) enjoy horses and
mysteries--and the Irish culture--this book should be on your reading
list. Buy the Book
Meet the Author
M.J. Evans is the author of more than twenty award-winning books for middle-graders, young adults, adults, and even a few picture books. Most of her titles are about horses or horse fantasy creatures. Ms. Evans is a graduate of Oregon State University and a former teacher of middle school and high school students. She is the mother of five and the grandmother of twelve. She and her husband live in Colorado.
M.J. Evans is the author of more than twenty award-winning books for middle-graders, young adults, adults, and even a few picture books. Most of her titles are about horses or horse fantasy creatures. Ms. Evans is a graduate of Oregon State University and a former teacher of middle school and high school students. She is the mother of five and the grandmother of twelve. She and her husband live in Colorado.
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