Bloodline: Brian O’Connor

This Review posted by Sam Blake on 29 August 2011.

The world of Irish horse racing is a relatively fresh and original setting for novel-writing but as Brian O’Connor shows in Bloodline – his exciting fictional debut – it is the ideal setting for a thrilling murder mystery.

O’Connor is a well respected racing journalist and has some non-fiction offerings already on our bookshelves but as Bloodline shows us his transition to fiction has been almost natural. With a detailed and expert knowledge of the Irish racing industry O’Connor takes us through a world that is as intense as it is invigorating.

Bloodline tells a story of champion steeplechase jockey Liam Dee who stumbles upon the brutal murder of a bright, innocent young stable hand. The story tosses us in the saddle and brings us on a gripping ride along with Dee who is enlisted by the investigating officer to be his eyes and ears within the unscrupulous world of racing.

This page turner not only keeps the reader racing toward the climax but it is also clear that the author knows his stuff and gives those of us who have little knowledge of the racing industry beyond the big events and the odd flutter an entertaining insight into the sport of kings. The perfect blend of suspense, sport and romance, Bloodline has ensured that Brian O’Connor, the novelist, is off to a flying start. 

Review by Julie Murphy