Marquis De Fraud

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Summary: The American Dick Francis?
Review: "The Marquis de Fraud" may entitle Phillip Reed to be called the American Dick Francis. Like the best of Francis' work, this book grabs the reader in the first few pages: an intriguing prologue, a horrific crime. Soon we meet the well-drawn characters who will come to matter to us as the plot twists and turns and pulls us along. Reed also does a fine job of creating a sense of place, the world of horse racing, especially the "backside" of the track. The characters are multi-dimensional; even the good guys have their dark recesses; and one of the finest characters of all is a horse named Epic Honor, who broke my heart. One word of caution for the reader on a strict schedule: I started reading this book at 3 pm. and couldn't put it down until I'd read it through. My sleepless night was well rewarded, though, as I came to feel I'd spent the time with good friends. I'll be looking forward to Phillip Reed's next work.

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Summary: The Marquis de Fraud
Review: A great read! Non-stop action that makes you want to keep on reading (in one sitting, if you have the time). You'll learn a little about the horse racing world and at the same time meet some well-developed characters, some you'll like, some you'll love to hate. The plot moves along nicely, not too slowly, with a few surprises scattered about. All in all, a very good book, one I could see becoming a very good movie.

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Summary: closed great at the finish1
Review: having some knowledge about the story generally, i was concerned about holding my attention through the introduction of players, plot and inside jargon,etc. how wonderful to read along at a nice afternoon clip all the while being pulled in by some very imaginative and creative twists and turns.

main character developement was exceptional (far craftier than other phil reed characters, low rider) and the pace of the closing chase though exhausting was worth every minute of it.

the marquisde fraud is a really satisfying read.

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Summary: Terrific Read from Reed
Review: I have not read a book that is THIS GOOD in a VERY LONG time. Not only is this a GREAT fiction-suspense read, it is also based on a true story. The story is tight, fast paced and it definitely kept my interest--so much that I put aside the other books I was reading (which includes James Ellroys' Cold 6000!). This book has something for everyone--if you like mystery/suspense, or if you like horses at the race track or even if you've ever been ripped off (and who hasn't?), then this is the book for you--and even if you don't like those things, then this is STILL the book for you. It is not formatted in the traditional style of chapters that can leave you bored, instead it is told in such a way that you WILL NOT WANT TO PUT IT DOWN! Without giving too much away it has to do with the horse racing world and the greed and treachery that lies beneath the surface. The main character, Cliff Dante, is a horse trainer who decides to buy a horse with two other guys. Reed takes the reader on a fast paced journey through the complicated mess that threatens to unravel Cliff Dantes' life. Reed gives us an interesting glimpse into the highly competitve small world of horse racing where more than a few dollars are at stake! Dick Francis---MOVE OVER!! More than once I felt I was in on the action! Not only is it the best book I have read in a long time, it is also a very handsomely made book by Epic Press. For you book collectors out there--you are going to like the way this one is made. Not only are the boards handsome blue faux leather / leatherette, but the paper is nice, smooth and very white--good quality. The jacket art by Eric Peterson is beautiful as if it is illuminated and is by the same artist as Reeds' other two books, Bird Dog and Low Rider. This is a lovely book for a very affordable cover price, and as a collector I had to buy two. Both author and artist are based in Long Beach California. Trust me on this one--get it--get one for you and get one for someone you REALLY LOVE-you won't be sorry!

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Summary: Philip Reed does it again !
Review: I really enjoyed the Marquis de Fraud. I've read Reed's other novels "Bird Dog" and "Low Rider", and all his novels have a common link: Casts of interesting characters, and fast paced story's that keep me turning the pages late into the night. Unlike his earlier books which revolved around Car Dealers, this book is centered around Horse Racing. Which I knew little about but found quite interesting.

Central to the story is a slime ball Con Man named Malcom, who rips people off using his Scottish charm, of their life's saving and investments. There's more, this guy has the audacity to steal a valuable race horse and take it where ? Of course there's good guys, somebody has to find this guy and deal with him. But It's a dangerous and bloody path. Well, read the book for yourself. You won't be disappointed !

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Summary: Philip Reed does it again !
Review: Lowrider was my introduction to the author and I enjoyed its "shirtsleeve english" style immensely- writing the way we talk and think, instead of burdensome prose. But, with The Marquis de Fraud Philip Reed has taken his craft to another level. More like a chess game, with multiple strategies at play, he draws you one way, and then sneaks up from behind. As a David Baldacci fan I was excited to find Marquis de Fraud to have the strong visuals I love("He was a young guy, lanky, greasy hair leaking out from under his baseball cap.") but also succeed in the complex weaving of each characters' shrouded future- keeping me tuned in AND turned on. As a horse lover I was easily drawn to the story line but not until I shared in the horse trainers(Cliff Dante) thoughts towards his beloved proteges did I realize the authors' sensitivity to the subject matter, and the ability to share it. Yup, just like the "...graffitti-splattered, soot-blasted walls that sucked the light out of the air..." I was drawn straight in to the eye of the story, except for that one "nag"ging question- When is your next book coming out, Mr. Reed? So, I've got to ask everyone- if you like a good mystery, then shouldn't you be just as adventurous with the authors you pick? Try Philip Reed, he won't let you down.

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Summary: Marquis de Fraud
Review: Phil Reed just keeps getting better. This is simply a fun book to read.

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Summary: What a ride!!!
Review: The Marquis de Fraud takes you on a wild journey where finance meets thoroughbred racing meets conman meets murder. Two regular guys are plunged into this thriller when a con man steals their horse and everything seems to get worse from there. At their lowest point they make a pact to get even and the fun begins. Mr. Reed captures the colorful world of horse racing and mixes it with the seedy world of conmen and greedy bad guys. The characters are exceptional and the bad guy is really bad. The book is a page turner with a great ending twist.