Review: Sparks fly when a UN diplomat lands Down Under

Tor Amundsen is a United Nations Diplomat investigating what seems to be illegal activities within the horse racing industry in Australia.

Golden Saunders, 27,  is the daughter and granddaughter of two of the men seemingly involved. The story takes place years after the event in question and both James Saunders, Golden’s father, and Grandpa Saunders are now deceased.

Tor is young and tall. He is well educated and fluent in several languages. His dark brooding good looks have made him a hit with the ladies and Golden finds, much to her own disgust, that she is not immune to his charms.

Golden Saunders is the stepdaughter of Eric Latimer, a politician on the verge of retirement. Golden has a sister Angelina, who was born to the same mother. James Saunders and Golden’s mother had an affair before she married Eric and it resulted in the pregnancy of the eldest of the girls. They adore each other, but Golden has long since realised that their mother is not quite as loving to her as she is to Angelina.

James Saunders was a jockey and his father a trainer. His affair with Emily, Golden’s mother, was short-lived but a pregnancy resulted. Eric Latimer still married Emily and treated Golden as his own. Emily was in love with her husband but tried to pretend that Golden’s father never existed. This resulted in the less than perfect relationship she shared with her eldest daughter, whom she handed over to James days after her birth.

James was a successful jockey and lived for some time in Hong Kong. He spent little time with his daughter and made her grandfather guardian. She was happiest at their home in Lilydale and her grandfather was smitten with her from the first time he laid eyes on her. Her life was good until the fall.

Golden wanted to be a jockey. It was all she ever wanted. Friends, owners and trainers of her grandfather knew she could ride, even at a young age. Often they allowed her to ride their horses, until one day, she fell. She was badly hurt and would never ride professionally again.

The investigation into the activities of her father and grandfather send Golden on a mission to prove their innocence. She convinces Tor to allow her to assist him, but they butt heads. She finds him far too attractive and far less likeable. Could she be falling in love with the spy who is trying to cast a shadow on the already damaged reputation of her family? As old wounds are opened, new questions are asked and Golden is caught up in intrigue and innuendo.

Penelope Janu has created a pleasant romance, set mainly in rural Australia. It is an easy read but a little disappointing and perplexing. Why is this second investigation taking place after all these years? Tor Amundsen portrayed as a James Bond type figure was interesting but perhaps a little too perfect.

On the Right Track, by Penelope Janu published by HQ Fiction in digital and printed editions, is a good romance and a pleasant read.