Field of 13 is 13 various short stories that DF has been comissioned write for various magazines. Some are better than others - generally the longer ones where there is a bit more plot. Song for Mona is probably the most moving writing that DF has ever written, and the collectionis worth reading for that one alone.

The rest are the usual DF fare, condensed into short packages. Various people around the periphery of the racing scene in England and the US sometimes Jockies themselves, or else those earnign money through the horses. Lots of crimes get committed and sometimes caught. There is much less violence than in the longer stories, probably because the lack of space doesn't fully allow the build up in tension, neither of course is there much character development - but then this is normally lacking in the novels too. Lots of good twists at the end - though nowhere near Frederick Forsyth levels. Generally enjoyable.

Shattered:
A glassblower is drawn into the secrets of the racing world when a tape is passed to him by a jockey who subsiquently dies. Surprisingly there is no sign of foul play about the jockey's demise, but the contents of the tape prove to be variously attractive to several different groups all of whom believe it contains different information.

Fast moving and fun, otehrwise a fairly typical DF novel. Amusingly set in 2000, it is quite clear that DF is still far from complacent with modern technology. He manages to avoid complete ignorance by introducing 13yr old boys to handle all the emails. There's the usual share of violence and intimidation and even though you know the hero will survive, win the girl and the treasure it is always entertaining to find out precisely how the enemies will be thwarted.

If you like his others this is no better, and no worse. ( )