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  • Finding Fionn: A Mystery Inspired by the Kidnapping of the Irish Racehorse Shergar (Horses in History)

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Finding Fionn: A Mystery Inspired by the Kidnapping of the Irish Racehorse Shergar (Horses in History) Kindle Edition

by M.J. Evans (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.4 out of 5 stars (194)

"A fast-paced story that will have mystery fans and horse lovers thoroughly captivated." (Reader's Favorite)
When Patrick McCallin's beloved horse vanishes from his stall in the dark of night, the jockey is thrust into a mystery that is inspired by the real-life kidnapping of the Irish Racehorse Shergar. Patrick is a young lad growing up in 1980s Ireland, where the political unrest of The Troubles hangs heavily in the air. Despite the chaos that surrounds him, all Patrick can think of is becoming a jockey. When he is selected to ride an up-and-coming Thoroughbred, named Fionn MacCool, in the biggest races in England and Ireland, Patrick's dreams come true. But when Fionn is kidnapped and held for ransom, Patrick must team up with his best friends, Ronan and Maddie, to find the horse themselves. With danger around every corner, Patrick and his friends will have to summon all their courage and grit to bring Fionn home safely.

If you enjoyed the mystery and suspense of The Westing Game, you'll love this thrilling adventure inspired by the kidnapping of the Irish racehorse Shergar. Click the Buy Now Button!

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  1. Reading age
    12 - 18 years
  2. Part of series
    Horses in History
  3. Print length
    210 pages
  4. Language
    English
  5. Accessibility
    Learn more
  6. Publication date
    October 17, 2023
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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From the Publisher

racehorse; shergar

The Tragedy that was Shergar

On February 8, 1983, the beautiful racehorse and hero of Ireland, Shergar, was kidnapped. The next day, a 2 million pound ransom was demanded.

"Finding Fionn" is a fictional account inspired by this tragic mystery.

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Customer Reviews
4.7 out of 5 stars 236
—
4.4 out of 5 stars 194
4.6 out of 5 stars 165
4.7 out of 5 stars 171
Price EUR 11.08 — no data EUR 11.08 EUR 2.56 EUR 2.56
Reading Level Young Adult Young Adult Young Adult Young Adult Young Adult
Genre Historical Fiction Historical Fiction Historical Mystery Coming of Age Historical Fiction
Time Period WWII to 1965 WWII 1980's Current Time 1912-1915
Location Czechoslovakia-US Oregon Coast Ireland and France Arizona United States

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Evans creates a fine appreciation not just of horses, but Irish culture and young adult perceptions of opportunities, mysteries, and the horse-racing world. Think the intrigue of Dick Frances but tailored to a much younger audience. The fine juxtaposition of Irish history and culture, horse-racing community interactions, and bigger-picture world affairs combines well with an aspiring jockey's coming of age and the mystery that embraces all these elements, making Finding Fionn a top recommendation for collections catering to young adults who like horses and mysteries." - TOP RECOMMENDATION from Diane Donovan, Editor Midwest Book Reviews.


"M.J. Evans's novel, Finding Fionn, is a mystery inspired by the true story of the kidnapping of the Irish racehorse star, Shergar. There are a lot of twists and turns in this mystery, set in the difficult era of Irish history known as The Troubles. The author has woven a fascinating tale of intrigue and mayhem. Her love and knowledge of horses and racing are obvious in the well-detailed narrative that sets the stage and outlines Patrick's training as a jockey. The true story of Shergar was never solved, so readers will be on edge to the end as they cheer Patrick on in the hopes that he finds Fionn and brings him home to Ireland where he belongs. A fast-paced story that will have mystery fans and horse lovers thoroughly captivated." - 5 Star Review by Emily-Jane Hills Orford for Readers' Favorite


"There's a lot to love about M.J. Evans' riveting mystery novel. Finding Fionn is just the book for anyone looking for a fast-paced sleuth story with some relatable characters you can root for. The fact that the events described in the book are inspired by the real-life story of the racehorse Shergar makes it all the more immersive and impactful. Evans paints a moving portrait of the bond between a horse and its jockey. All in all, an absorbing tale for all sleuth story aficionados." - 5 Star Review by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite


"Finding Fionn by M.J. Evans, based on the true-to-life circumstances of the champion Irish racehorse Shergar, is an organized and well-researched novel that leaves no stone unturned. Character development for main and supporting players is multidimensional, relatable, and memorable. The unexpected plot twist truly gives the reader the extent of the complexity of the scenario. M.J. Evans is a talented author who offers more than just a tale about a famous racehorse. She offers the reader a thorough and realistic impression of what Irish culture is. Recommended for young adult readers and mystery buffs." - 5 Star Review by Carmen Tenorio for Readers' Favorite

From the Author

     Late at night on February 8, 1983, a famous Irish Thoroughbred racehorse named Shergar was kidnapped from the Ballymany stud in County Kildare, Ireland. A gang of armed men drove onto the stud, located next to The Curragh Racecourse, and took The Epsom Derby winner from his stall. They loaded him in a horse trailer and disappeared into the foggy night. A ransom demand of two million pounds was never paid and neither the horse nor his remains were ever found.
     To this day, the kidnapping of Shergar has not been solved. Who took him or why remains a mystery, though many theories abound.
     "Finding Fionn" is a crime story inspired by this horrific and tragic cold case, but with an ending that I, as a horse-lover, wish had happened.
M.J. Evans

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0CJCNW7CF
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Dancing Horse Press
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ October 17, 2023
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 1.3 MB
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 210 pages
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Part of series ‏ : ‎ Horses in History
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 12 - 18 years
  • Best Sellers Rank: #314,122 in Kindle Store (See Top 100 in Kindle Store)
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 out of 5 stars (194)

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
M. J. Evans

M. J. Evans

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I am a graduate of Oregon State University and a lifelong equestrian. I am also a former teacher at the secondary school level. My husband, Tom, and I have 5 wonderful children and live in Colorado with our three horses and two standard poodles. I have always loved writing and using my imagination to create stories and characters. Many of my books are about horses...from the non-fiction equestrian trail guide books titled "Riding Colorado", "Riding Colorado II" and "Riding Colorado III" to my fantasy stories. The Mist Trilogy which is about the noble and great horses that become unicorns in the after-life is comprised of "Behind the Mist", "Mists of Darkness" and "The Rising Mist". I am also the proud recipient of the first place award in the Purple Dragonfly Book Awards for my allegory of the revolutionary war titled "North Mystic".

I have known and loved many noble and great horses in my life so I also decided to start a blog about them. You can learn about famous and loved horses at www.themisttrilogy.blogspot.com. I love riding on trails in the beautiful Colorado mountains and competing in Dressage. So, if I am not sitting at my computer writing a new story, you can find me sitting in a saddle!

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Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
194 global ratings

Customers say

Customers find the book's story exciting with a happy ending, and one review describes it as a thrilling mystery set in 1980s Ireland. Moreover, the content receives positive feedback, with many noting it's a must-read for horse lovers. Additionally, customers appreciate the historical information, with one review highlighting the perfect blend of fact and fiction.
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11 customers mention story, 11 positive, 0 negative
Customers enjoy the story of the book, describing it as a wonderful and exciting tale with a happy ending, and one customer notes how the author masterfully weaves a suspenseful narrative.
...The fun twist is that this is based on a true story that was never solved. Yet the author crafted a magnificent story solving the mystery....Read more
What an enjoyable yarn. A wonderful tale that exposes the reader to Irish horseracing, a good bit of Irish culture and also the sad situation...Read more
“Finding Fionn” is a captivating and uplifting tale of the heroic efforts of three courageous young adults to find and rescue a prized thoroughbred....Read more
A good horse story is always going to reel me in, and “Finding Fionn” by M.J. Evans certainly did....Read more
10 customers mention content, 10 positive, 0 negative
Customers find the book captivating and worth reading, particularly for those who love horses. One customer describes it as a thrilling mystery set in 1980s Ireland.
Very good book. Exciting and thrilling! Extremely well-written. The author is a horsewoman so all the facts about horses and their care is true....Read more
“Finding Fionn” is a captivating and uplifting tale of the heroic efforts of three courageous young adults to find and rescue a prized thoroughbred....Read more
...I found this well-researched historical novel to be fascinating and hard to put down....Read more
...Evans horses in history series is wonderful and a must read for anyone who loves horses.🐴...Read more
6 customers mention historical information, 6 positive, 0 negative
Customers find the historical information in the book fascinating, with one customer noting it provides a perfect blend of fact and fiction.
...I found this well-researched historical novel to be fascinating and hard to put down....Read more
...The writing is fluid and lovely, and the history is fascinating. I appreciated the authentic feel of conversations between the Irish characters....Read more
A page turner for sure! It was fun to learn more about an actual historical event. I can’t wait for MJ Evan’s next book. Keep them coming!!!!!Read more
...Extremely well-written. The author is a horsewoman so all the facts about horses and their care is true. A very good page- turner!Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Reads Alot
    5.0 out of 5 stars Historical Horse Story with Crime, Mystery, and Suspense
    Reviewed in the United States on November 10, 2023
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    A good horse story is always going to reel me in, and “Finding Fionn” by M.J. Evans certainly did. This involving story is Inspired by an actual 1983 kidnapping of a famous Irish racehorse named Shergar. “Finding Fionn” follows the lives of Patrick McCallin and his friends Ronan and Maddie, who meet as teens in the horse academy. As young adults, they go their separate ways to pursue careers with horses. Ronan and Patrick stay in Ireland, and Maddie returns to her native France. Patrick works with racing thoroughbreds and becomes particularly attached to a stallion named Fionn. With Patrick as the jockey, Fionn breaks records in the races, and becomes a very valuable horse. Patrick’s world is shattered when Fionn is mysteriously kidnapped one night and held for ransom. Patrick teams with his former classmates Ronan and Maddie to discover what happened to Fionn. They face dangers, and both their lives, and the life of Fionn, are in peril. I found this well-researched historical novel to be fascinating and hard to put down. I particularly enjoyed the trio’s journey through the French countryside. “Finding Fionn” is Ms. Evans' second in her “Horses in History” series. I also enjoyed the first book “The Stallion and his Peculiar Boy,” a suspenseful book set in the WWII era. Though not part of this series, I also recommend Ms. Evans’ “Sand Pounder” another historical horse story set in WWII.
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  • Tfirehouse
    4.0 out of 5 stars Magnificent Story
    Reviewed in the United States on November 15, 2023
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    This is a thrilling mystery set in the 1980s Ireland. The fun twist is that this is based on a true story that was never solved. Yet the author crafted a magnificent story solving the mystery. I tremendously enjoyed this book.
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  • Vampire Hunter
    5.0 out of 5 stars Based on a true story
    Reviewed in the United States on June 23, 2024
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    “Finding Fionn - A Mystery Inspired by the Kidnapping of the Irish Racehorse Shergar,” by M.J. Evans is described by the author as “a crime story inspired by this horrific and tragic cold case, but with an ending that I, as a horse-lover, wish had happened.”
    Patrick is a lad growing up in Ireland. He dreams of becoming a jockey, though his mother discourages him; she believes it is too dangerous. Patrick’s grandfather steps in and reveals what had been kept hidden from him: Patrick’s father had been a successful jockey, until he died in a tragic riding accident. (We are not told what Patrick had been led to believe about his father.) With his grandfather’s support, Patrick’s mother relents, and Patrick attends a school for jockeys where he learns to ride and take care of for horses. Upon finishing his training, Patrick gets a job at a prestigious stables and is made groom to Fionn, an impressive 2-year-old. When Patrick gets the opportunity to ride Fionn in a race, they win, securing his place as Fionn’s primary jockey. But Fionn is kidnapped, and Patrick is determined to find get the horse he loves back. As a horse-lover, I enjoyed this story and appreciated the satisfying ending, even if it was a bit far-fetched!
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  • Joel A.
    5.0 out of 5 stars Compelling Read
    Reviewed in the United States on January 13, 2024
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    What an enjoyable yarn. A wonderful tale that exposes the reader to Irish horseracing, a good bit of Irish culture and also the sad situation surrounding the factions for and opposing the unification of Northern Ireland with the Irish Republic and much more. An on top of that one has the wonderful relationship, perhaps love would be a better word, between a young Irish jockey and one of the stories heroes, the racehorse Fionn.

    And of course there has to be a bunch of bad guys to act as foils and there is no shortage of them. Everything from a crooked Arab from Dubai, to a traitor who takes money to place Fionn in the hands of the IRA. I won’t spoil it any further for potential readers but will just say the book kept me engrossed up until the last page.
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  • AzUWish
    5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful story with a happy ending
    Reviewed in the United States on January 9, 2025
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    A great boy& his horse story including resourceful friends. As the author noted her ending is what she - and any horse lover- wished for. Shegar's story didn't end this way.
    Evans horses in history series is wonderful and a must read for anyone who loves horses.🐴
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  • SMW
    5.0 out of 5 stars Heartwarming and full of history
    Reviewed in the United States on July 15, 2024
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    The author’s passion for history and horses really comes through in this story. The writing is fluid and lovely, and the history is fascinating. I appreciated the authentic feel of conversations between the Irish characters. I also liked how a team of young friends came together to foil Fionn’s captors— Scooby Doo vibes.
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  • Dawn B
    4.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic!
    Reviewed in the United States on August 22, 2024
    Format: Kindle
    I picked this book up just because it was about a horse, so I may be slightly biased. I didn't even know if it was a true story or not until I finished it. No matter, I absolutely loved this book.

    The story is about a young Irish lad who wants more than anything to be a jockey. He eventually gets to go to a school that teaches kids everything they need to know about horses (more than most of us avid riders know). He falls in love with a horse that is in his care and they both become superstars.

    The novel takes place in the 80's when the IRA was quite active. I found this part intriguing as well since as an American, I don't know a whole lot about the "troubles." The horse is abducted and his kid (and his two best-friends) head off on an adventure to rescue him.

    Finding Fionn was well researched and well written. It has everything from mystery, excitement to a rewarding ending. I loved it so much, that I wished it was longer. Highly recommend!
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  • Jerry Fabyanic
    5.0 out of 5 stars A Tale for All Adults from Young to Old
    Reviewed in the United States on November 18, 2023
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    “Finding Fionn” is a captivating and uplifting tale of the heroic efforts of three courageous young adults to find and rescue a prized thoroughbred. Through her skillful descriptive narration, author M.J. Evans transports the reader to Ireland and the fields of action there and beyond. As the reader burns through the pages of “Finding Fionn,” they feel M.J.’s passion and love for horses—“hearses” in Irish speak—that she masterfully conveys through her characters. “Finding Fionn” is a story for adults, young and old, that is so needed in these challenging times.
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Top reviews from other countries

  • TradingPlaces
    5.0 out of 5 stars Ireland, Horse, and Mystery
    Reviewed in Canada on February 19, 2024
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    It’s hard to go wrong with a well-written blend of an animal story, and true crime set in Ireland. The mystery and suspense kept me reading with new twists and turns along the way. The rich descriptions of Ireland and its culture were a bonus for me, planning to visit one day.
    Report
  • mjgman63
    5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect ... if this is your thing
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 8, 2024
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    A confession: I bought this on an impulse, based on its advertised storyline, not realising until I read the copyright page that it is intended for ages 13 upwards. I then checked on Amazon, and to be fair it does say there quite clearly that the intended reading age is 13-18 (although the book is also a best seller in one of the young adult categories). I’m primarily a fan of adult mysteries, as well of true crime, and I’d grabbed this book because it is a mystery inspired by the notorious real-life horse-napping case of Shergar.

    So my first reaction on finding out that I was apparently too old to read the book was to wonder if I could return it for a refund. But then I thought I ought at least to give it a go. And I’m very glad I did. It’s a bit shorter than what I am used to, and so I rattled through it in a day, stopping only for a break over lunch. And it was a most enjoyable day. I won’t summarise the plot – Amazon can do that for you. But I will say what I liked about the book, and that was two things primarily.

    The first is that it is a real page-turner. A lot of things happen, and I was always eager to see what was next in store for the three amateur detectives as they try to save the kidnapped horse. To keep things moving, the author doesn’t waste time showing off her undoubted writing ability with long descriptions, unless they are necessary for the plot or to set the scene. The second thing I really liked about the book was the portrayal of the Irish equestrian world, including a demonstration of the love that Irish people traditionally have for their horses. And yet, admirably, the author isn’t afraid to shy away from the uncomfortable fact that some people – even some people in Ireland – are prepared to harm a horse if there is a prospect of financial or other gain.

    Is there anything I have reservations about? Well, yes, to some extent, but only I suspect because I’m not the age and type of reader that the book is primarily aimed at. There are more plot coincidences than I am used to in an adult mystery, and it is necessary to suspend one’s disbelief at times. English readers of a certain vintage will know what I mean if I say that the book has a bit of a ‘Famous Five’ feel about it. However, the only thing that really grated on me was what I felt was an excess of cod-Irish dialect. I would have preferred more of the dialogue to be ‘normal’, once the author had established the background of the characters. But that’s a personal preference, and I know that others will feel differently, so I wouldn’t adjust my rating on that basis.

    So would I recommend the book? Well, in the case of someone who normally reads adult mysteries, I would first certainly give them a heads-up about the age of the intended readership. Some people simply won’t enjoy a book written primarily for teenagers. But for younger readers, particularly those who like horses (or Irish settings, or stories based on real-life mysteries), then yes I would definitely recommend the book: I am sure that lots of them will love it.
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  • RM
    4.0 out of 5 stars Highly entertaining YA mystery.
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 17, 2024
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Like the majority of horse-loving people, I was gripped by the shocking disappearance of the Irish racehorse Shergar in 1983. M.J. Evans has penned a mystery inspired by the kidnapping. In this version, the celebrated racehorse, Fionn, goes missing, and his jockey, Patrick McCallin, sets out to find him.

    Patrick is a great protagonist, his devotion to his beloved Fionn, his devastation when he is abducted, and his determined quest to find him evokes the reader’s sympathy and admiration. The pace picks up in the second half, with amateur sleuths Patrick, Ronan, and Maddie making a great trio.

    Well-written, and use of the vernacular was expertly executed and enhanced the Irish setting. One glitch for me was a major coincidence, which is central to the plot, that seems unrealistic to an older reader like myself, but this story is targeted at young adults, and maybe wouldn’t be an issue for them.

    Overall, this was good crime story, with the spin off from the famous real-life equestrian kidnap greatly enhancing its appeal. I would have loved this book when I was a pony-mad teenager. A recommended YA read, particularly if you are a horse-lover!
    Report
  • Kim Aaron
    3.0 out of 5 stars For horse-lovers and mystery-thrill seekers alike
    Reviewed in Canada on March 19, 2024
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Inspired by real events, M.J. Evans’ Finding Fionn is the story of an Irish thoroughbred racehorse who gets stolen by some nasty characters, and which comes with a twist-turn ending. Our protagonist in this pleasant Irish ditty is Patrick McCallin, who starts out the novel as a young boy with dreams of becoming a jockey, like this father. Patrick succeeds at his life’s goal and, along with the legend-making thoroughbred Fionn MacCool, becomes known all across Ireland.

    But this is the age of The Troubles in Ireland, a dangerous time when the IRA has taken to kidnapping people for ransom in order to fund their campaign against England, and its Loyalist supporters. And it is in this context that Fionn is kidnapped.

    While the political intrigue and violence of the times does cast a shadow over the novel, there is no explicit violence in Evan’s work. This makes Finding Fionn suitable for all ages, even old horse-lovers like me.

    And, yes, I must admit my bias. My family, especially my sister, has been involved with horses for over 10,000 years, back when I was a wee tyke. My sister runs a small horse ranch, which means I get to ride, brush, feed, and scritch horse manes at will, but with none of the hard work involved. I also get to wander in the barns and smell the tack and hay, so I could really appreciate Evan’s description of a life around horses. Your results may vary. But if you do get a chance to be around horses, I highly recommend. So does Evans.

    Finding Fionn is a mystery thriller that runs along at a suitable pace. The characters are believable, and even make mistakes that had me talking to the book: you can’t go there now, they know the location! As people, Evan’s characters could be fleshed out a bit more, but since Finding Fionn is not a drama, this doesn’t really detract from the book.

    Evan’s writing is clear and simple, and suitable for all ages, as mentioned above.

    If you’re looking for a mystery thriller stuffed full of Irish charm, landscapes, and characters, and especially if you love horses, you should give Evan’s book a try. I think you’ll enjoy it.
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  • Brian Oliver
    5.0 out of 5 stars Entertaining Read
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 9, 2024
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Although very loosely based on the kidnapping of the great horse Shergar was still an enthralling read
    Report
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