Dead Heat by Dick Francis

What the cover says:
The night before the 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket sees the horse-racing community gathered for a prestigious black-tie gala dinner. It is a fitting testament to the glamour of the occasion that top chef Max Moreton is cooking the evening meal. However, when Max's food is suspected of putting twenty-four of the dinner guests in hospital, his pride and professionalism tell him that all is not as it seems.
Within hours, Max's restaurant is forcibly closed, his reputation teeters on the brink of ruin and a court case looms. But the day is far from over, and soon Max Moreton finds himself desperately fighting for more than just his livelihood...

This book is actually written by Dick Francis and his son Felix, but you wouldn't know as it is vintage stuff. Everything you would expect from a Dick Francis novel, and with some great twists at the end. As always, the hero is eminently likeable, there is just the right level of romance with a suitable heroine, and the use of the restaurant is a great plot device. It was one of those books where I couldn't stop reading, yet was reluctant to read too fast I as wanted to prolong the enjoyment.


9/10