Review: JOSEPHINE - Race Horse Holiday

Race Horse Holiday is this week's book. It was first published in 1971.

As you can see there are two blurbs, and the first one reads:-

"We waited. The night was full of a thick velvety quite that was not silence. There was just the occasional stamp and scrape from the stable as horses got up or lay down. Time passed very slowly and I began to imagine hunched figures creeping down the shadow by the loose boxes....I had begun to believe in the horse doper again. I watched and my brain grew numb, groaning for sleep. Suddenly the noise began! We grabbed our mallets and ran across the yard..."

The other edition (one with the photographic cover) uses the same blurb, although it has this additional paragraph:-

An exciting mystery develops when Vivien and Jon spend their holidays at a local racing stables.

The story starts with Vivien and Jon being packed off on holiday to a friend of their parents who owns a racing stables. The mother is going to Russia; in older pony books this would be India. Mr Alex Grant, plus his daughters Angela and Katie racing yard is the setting for this book. They arrive at the yard and are given some horses to ride, though they arent racehorses. They are told of a dispute between 2 apprentices. When several horses dont go well there is allegations of a doping plot. 

The dispute continues until there is a kidnapping and a mystery. Without giving too much away, it is solved. 

Although it lacks the schooling techniques of Josephine's earlier books,  there is some racing information woven into the story and you are given a lesson. If you like adventure stories you cant go much wrong with this. I enjoyed it. 

Review: JOSEPHINE - I Had Two Ponies

I Had Two Ponies is this week's book. It was first published in 1947, making this the second book that she had published. It is also the first book she wrote which is not part of a series. In 2020 it was made available both as an ebook and paperback versions by Jane Badger Books. 

The blurb reads:-

The author of Six Ponies has written a new story about country children. It is told by Christabel who disliked her ponies that she did not mind at all when they were sold. She is sent to spend the Easter holiday with a wild family on a farm, and, at first despised by them for being snobbish, gradually becomes a much nicer person. Secretly she teaches herself to ride, and when she has won the confidence of the Westlake family, is helped by them to rescue back her two ponies from their cruel owners.

The author is part owner of a riding school, and as well as telling an amusing story, is able to give much good advice about riding and looking after ponies.

Like it said Christobel appears in the beginning to have it all. She goes to a private school and is to lazy to look after her ponies (not that she cares much for them) so are sold by her businessman of a father. She goes to stay with the Westlakes, as her parents are off to India, who are mostly horsey and rough by her standards. This causes friction especially when it is found that no great care was taken to find good homes for Christobel's ponies by the Westlakes. 

She turns out to be a most disagreeable person,  constantly arguing with the Westlakes. At one point she buys a riding book and in the stills of the night she secretly rides their ponies. She does mostly well considering she is rusty. But it's while she is in town that she comes across her former pony. The new owner is a disagreeable wood merchant. She is told that she can buy him for forty pounds but she doesnt have the money straight away as she has to write to her daddy, which due to the fact he is in India,  will take 3 weeks. But her former pony is sent to the sales before she can buy him. His fate is complete.

At one point the book shows it's age; there is a visit to a circus where there are references to animals (in the United Kingdom animal circuses are rare, if not banned) and quarantine due to measles (again rare in the United Kingdom due to strong vaccination uptake). 

But without giving too much away, it's a quest of their endeavours of trying to find the ponies and that takes up most of the book. In the end I like to think that Christobel's character has improved. The ending i feel was a bit abrupt and whether she buys both ponies is never truly resolved.  

It is interesting that Christobel writes: in the end she says that her story has been accepted in The Rider's Review. Prior to writing this Josephine (and her sisters) had 2 articles accepted in Riding Magazine (see my review of It Began with Picotee: the new edition) so the chances are it was based on the author herself.  

All in all a good moralistic tale but told wonderfully. 

 

Review: JOSEPHINE - A Job With Horses

A Job With Horses is Josephine's final book that she wrote. It was first published in 1994 and was republished in 2022 by Jane Badger. It is currently available as an ebook and paperback.  

The blurb reads:-

After her mother remarries, Kate feels uncomfortable in her stepfather's house, and then her baby brother arrives, working away from home seems more and more attractive. Having passed her BHSAI exam, a quiet summer with a family in a West Country stately home, improving the children's riding and assisting the Castle's jousting team, seems the perfect solution. But Kate does not bargain for mystery prowlers and a kidnapping....

As it is a J A Allen edition, the blurb is short as the back also contains information about Josephine. It is also available from Jane Badger Books, of which the edition has had a slightly different cover, but other than that it has not been edited. The Jane Badger Books edition came out in 2024 and is available in both ebook and paperback format. 

It starts with Kate, having previously lived a life with her mum, having her life turned upside down as her mum starts a new relationship. It is to be noted that A Job with Horses is written for a slightly more mature and modern audience than most of her books. Her mum was previously single; something up until the 1970s was frowned upon on in British society. Until the publication of the Woodbury Pony Club series in the 1980s I cannot recall a single mother in any of Josephine's books. A sign of changing times.

Having arrived at the castle she meets Lisa; the person she shares the cottage with where she is staying. She warns her to keep her window shut due to prowlers. Kate then meets the riders/children she's supposed to teach and they are unconventional riders. She's told about the Knights including Mr Melville. He is supposed to be after the family's treasure buried in the English Civil War, a topic first visited in the previously published book Black Swift (by Josephine). I have previously reviewed Black Swift. 

As per typical Josephine style there is the usual tips about schooling and the complexities of jousting. Jousting has never been something that has been tackled before or since in any pony book, let alone one with the PTs.  In fact schooling appears fairly heavily in this book. 

There is a touch of romance and the prowlers prove to be real. There is more to this story which I wont divulge as not to spoil it. There is a touch of mystery as there is a robbery in the castle.  But it works out satisfactorily and believable. 

Overall a good and fairly modern effort. If you like mystery combined with an historical place I urge you to give it a go. 

Review: JOSEPHINE - Murder Strikes Pink

Murder Strikes Pink is the third and final book in the (Chief) Inspector Flecker mystery series. Unlike Gin and Murder and They Died In The Spring, the horse element is the most strongest out of the 3. It was first published in 1963, though the image shown is an 1990 reprint. It was republished in 2016 by Greyladies and was available as an ebook in 2017 by Endeavour Press. Sadly that ebook is unavailable but the entire series was made available in a boxset entitled Home Counties Mysteries in 2025 by Lume Press. 

The blurb reads:-

Rich and embittered Theodora Thistleton, constantly brow-beat her secretaries. Where she found fault she not only judged, but tried to punish. Perhaps she deserved to die? At least one other person thought so strongly enough to kill her, and it was the task of Detective Chief-Inspector Flecker to find the murderer. Miss Thistleton had inspired hate in all who came into contact with her, and the more Flecker's investigations progressed, the more he was inclined to sympathise with the murderer.

The first chapter sets the scene by taking place at a horse show. Theodora Thistleton or T.T. has a string of people riding her horses. She is taken ill at the horse show and subsequently dies. 

The next chapter starts with a Detective-Superintendent called Jackson who starts the case. The cause of death is revealed. A Marion Keswick is investigated; she was T.T.'s driver to the show. It is also revealed that she has recently spilt up with her husband, an Lawrence Keswick who coincidentally is a beneficiary of T.T's will as they were cousins.  Lawrence Keswick is interviewed, too. Then a  piece of evidence is found in the horsebox used in the show; it is found to belong to a Marion Keswick. It seems to be all sewn up that the killer is indeed Marion Keswick. 

The next chapter introduces Chief Inspector Flecker's involvement in the case. He sets about interviewing the suspects. This takes up a fair amount of the book, during which another potential murder weapon is revealed.  Eventually the killer is revealed, without giving too much away, it is not Marion Keswick.  There is more to the story however.

To me it was less controversial in some waya than the previous offering. It touches on subjects such as adoption and single motherhood, which were frowned upon at the time of writing. Generally everything is sewn up albeit the ending is a bit abrupt.  Not a bad effort overall. 

Review: JOSEPHINE - They Died In The Spring

They Died In The Spring is Josephine's second book that is intended for adults. It is also the second in the Chief Inspector Flecker series. It was first published in 1960. The picture to the right is of the first edition. It was made available as an ebook by Endeavour Press in 2017. That has been out of availability now. However the entire series is available as a entire ebook boxset  entitled Home County Mysteries by Lume Press in 2025. 

The blurb reads:-

Though he knew Colonel Barclay had antagonised the inhabitants of Winmore End by his threat to plough the village cricket field, Paul Barclay insisted afterwards that no thought of murder had occurred to him when he found his father's body sprawled on the track though the woods, with a shotgun beside it.

It was Dr. Hedley, the pathologist at Crossley Hospital, who gave the alarm, but by the time the body was in the mortuary and the larch plantation, much trampled by the search party, was devoid of clues. Then Hilda Schmidt, the Sinclairs' foreign home help, failed to return from a jaunt to London, and the Bretfordshire police, making no headway, asked for help from Scotland Yard.

Detective Chief Inspector James Flecker soon learned that the bombastic Colonel had fallen foul of a good many people, including his own family, and that Hilda Schimdt was not beloved by all. As Flecker's inquiry gathered speed, several solutions presented themselves and the most likely was one which, for reasons of his own, he contemplated with aversion...

Although it does come in the same series as Gin and Murder, it does not feature the same characters (bar Chief Inspector Flecker) as it, so if this is the only one that you can get hold of, it doesnt matter. Although I think that in general murder mystery books, bar the police, do not feature the same people (though I am no expert). It is also not set in the same villages or areas as Gin and Murder either.

Unlike Gin and Murder, there is no horsey element to it (bar a bit when a suspect says what she did with her horse that day - she went to a hunter trial). If you are reading this because you like murder mystery novels and came across Josephine's Pullein-Thompson's work, don't worry. However, if you only want to read this because of the horsey element, then it may not be for you. If like me, you want to read every single one of the Pullein-Thompson's books, bar their non-fictional work/anthologies, then go ahead. It is written to the same high standard as Gin and Murder.

(Oh and the slightly horsey element does return in the final book of the series: Murder Strikes Pink.)

To me, the plot is still decent enough, but this book was not as enjoyable as the previous ones. To me, the plot wasnt so strong and bar the horsey element, not enough to keep you hooked. Whereas Gin and Murder was quite a clever and intriguing plot, this one wasnt. Also, the pace of the book is faster than Gin and Murder, and therefore a little confusing at times. Again, like Gin and Murder, the majority of the book is taken up with the investigation.

Also, like Gin and Murder, there is a little swearing, though again pretty much minimal. Two things that I dont like about this book is that one character said that all people with mental health problems should be locked away (and the key thrown away). Also, someone in the book was referred to as having a "schizoid personality". Just because you have a mental health problem does not make you a murderer and it is this kind of talk that promotes stigmatism these days. Though, upon reflection, Josephine was writing a book set in the late 1950s/1960s, and at that time, people with mental health problems were generally locked away, forgotten about in hospitals. Neither was the treatment around that there is today. In fact statistics show that people with mental health problems are more likely to be a victim of crime rather than the perpetrator.

Review: JOSEPHINE - Pony Club Camp

Pony Club Camp is the fifth and final book in the Noel and Henry series (also known as the West Barsetshire Pony Club). Despite it's title, it is not related to the books Pony Club Cup, Pony Club Challenge and Pony Club Trek. It was first published in 1957. It was republished in 2021 as an ebook and in 2022 as an paperback by Jane Badger Books. It was illustrated by Sheila Rose although the illustrations do not appear in the ebook. 

The blurb reads:-

For the Pony Club member it is the high spot of the summer. Out come the tents and sleeping bags and torches. Into boxes go grooming kits, headcollars, mugs and plates, haynets, pyjamas, and buckets. Children and ponies arrives in one glorious great confusion as camp begins at last.

The first night is full of surprised! A week of mounted games, jumping, schooling, picnic rides and midnight feasts is crowned by the Pony Club Gymkhana - and some very surprising results.

The blurb reads:-

This is the latest if Josephine Pullein-Thompson's well known pony stories. Many of the characters who appear in her earlier books such as One Day Event and Pony Club Team appear again here. The story revolves round a fortnight camp which is run by Major Holbrooke and in which a variety of all ages and sizes come to learn more about their difficult and enthralling hobby.

Although the first blurb refers to the later paperback edition I am using the full text in order to conduct my review: so as a consequence there may be references to things that are missing from paperback editions (bar Jane Badger's edition who uses the original text). I no longer own a edited edition to check. 

The beginning of the book sets the scene. Noel and Henry who have left school (there is talk of Henry and the army) are promoted to camp instructors by the Major. There is a mad dash by the rest of the members to find the money for the camp; naturally they are all excited. A Mrs Quayle (interestingly enough there is a Alison Quayle in the Woodbury Pony Club series. Though it has to be pointed out they are 2 completely different  characters. A fact of note is that both Quayle's appear in the last book in the series) is introduced as head of the Pony Club Camp. 

The second chapter is taken up by the setting up of the camp. Henry organises them by way of a whistle which proves effective. There is some new junior members appear such as Merry, the Barkhams and Judith Quayle. 

The next chapter is taken by practical tasks of the camp. Personally speaking i found it ok, nothing offensive. It certainly sets the scene. 

Chapter 4 is mainly taken up by the riding part. As per typical fashion as seen in the previous books, both rides (Noel is in charge of one and Henry the other) are completely useless.  They do some schooling and mounted games. 

The fifth chapter is taken up with practical horse care with some schooling from Noel. As per typical Josephine style there is some schooling technique but it's so brilliantly woven in you dont notice you're being taught.  There's also a scavenger hunt taking place with interesting results.  

Chapter 6 is taken up with a Sound Hunt. It's full of adventure. Interestingly Gay Milwood says it would be super if Noel and Henry married,  the first hint of romance in the book. 

The next chapter is taken up with the preparation for the forthcoming inspection by 3 friends of the Major (something announced towards the last of the previous chapter). It is remarked by Gay how Noel and Henry would make a good couple; there are plans by her to get them together.  There is jumping of which there is mixed results.  There is also practice for an activity ride.  The inspection commences and there is also Pony Club C and B tests taking place.  That is done with mainly excellent results.

The eighth chapter is taken up by practising for the ride that is going to take place that afternoon. It is referred to as Parents Afternoon and Gymkhana.  The Mounted Games takes place during the chapter, with rosettes won. There is also a jumping competition and a relay race. All of which are witnessed by parents. 

The ninth chapter is taken up by a ride on the Downs. Noel and Henry reminisce over events that took place in previous books. Gay talks about marriage, particularly by young people. This is rebutted by the Major. There is a party in this chapter too, which is enjoyed by all members. 

The 10th and final chapter is about the end of the camp. All members want to do it again as they are sad to leave. There are prizes given and that is the end of the book. 

It is generally a good book and gives a hint of an experience of Pony Camp. There is alluded to whether a kiss appeared in this book between Noel and Henry. Personally speaking I like to think it happened even if it was just a peck on the cheek. It's because of the romance that Josephine did not write any more books in this series as it was generally frowned upon at the time it was published. Still worth reading as it's not too explicit if you dont enjoy romance.  

Review: JOSEPHINE - One Day Event

One Day Event is this week's book. It is the fourth book in the ever popular Noel and Henry series (also known as the West Barsetshire Pony Club). It was first published in 1954. It has been republished several times, including in 2019 by Jane Badger Books. It is currently available as an ebook and paperback. 

The blurb reads (taken from the first image):-

WE HAVE already met Henry Thornton and his friends in Pony Club Team and The Radney Riding club. In One Day Event Josephine Pullein-Thompson describes what happens when Henry's uncle, who runs the local Pony Club, is hurt in a train accident. Henry and his friends, who riding has hitherto been more slapdash than the Major considers right, all fall to help look after his large stable. Henry organises the proceedings, helped by Noel Kettering, and in the course of exercising the Major's horses they all find themselves training fast. When the Major returns he is surprised to find how greatly their riding has improved and organises a cross-country course, the aim of which is to produce a well-schooled hunter or one day event horse. The Pony Club finds it difficult to keep up the exacting standard Major Holbrooke demands, but in the end the value of hard and constant training is proved. A great many hints of practical use will be found in this new story by Josephine Pullein-Thompson.

The action starts several months after the events of The Radney Riding Club. Henry, having done dreadfully at a dressage test, decides, along with Noel, to set up an enterprise schooling horses. This does not come to fruition as it says from the blurb that the Major and his wife are hurt in an accident. So both Henry and Noel return to the Major's residence to help exercise the horses. Susan and the Radcliffes from the previous book reappears in this book too. 

Most of the book is taken up with the children taking charge of the stables and running them. It has to be noted that there is a bit of hitting of horses on a ride: something that was acceptable when the book was first published. I am not sure if that has been taken out of later editions  as all consequent edition were edited (bar Jane Badger's). I am using the first edition and do not have a later edition to check.  Barring that, it's enjoyable to read. There is a far bit of lungeing and some schooling. 

In chapter 5 the Major seems to be in good spirits and suggests that Henry and the rest of the Pony Club do an One Day Event. This is met with mixed response; with some people reluctant and Noel convinced that she is hopeless.  But they are mostly happy with it as chapters 6, 7 and 8 are mostly taken up by schooling. It is not until chapter 9 that they actually tackle the cross country course and even then that's mainly schooling.

Chapter 10 is taken up with practising of the One Day Event.  This mainly focuses on the jumping side of things rather than the dressage. But it's a relatively short chapter.  

Chapter 11 is about the actual competition itself. The dressage isn't described in great detail but overall mixed. It must be noted that only the Pony Club members are involved in this competition; in previous books outside members are introduced/involved.  Then the showjumping commences. This is described in more detail with mixed results; none of the Pony Club members achieve a clear round. Finally the main event is upon us: the cross country. It is initially met with sheer horror as all the jumps seem formidable (at least from the members point of view). It mainly focuses on Noel's round and also John's. But the members have mostly good rounds and it is judged to be noted as bad as initially seemed. The results are announced though it has to be said that an archaic form of scoring is used unlike today. The ending is a bit abrupt: taking place after the results.

If you dont mind the lot of schooling (it is the most heavily weighed towards that of the series so far) then you might enjoy this book. It is an good read especially if you enjoy competition and children running a yard. Personally speaking it is my least favourite out of the series but it's still a well written book. 

Review: ALL THREE - It Began with Picotee: the new edition

This week's book is the new edition of It Began with Picotee. I say new, as not only does it contain their first full novel, It Began With Picotee,  it also contains bonus content.

It is published by Jane Badger Books and is currently available as an ebook and paperback edition.  I shall not review It Began with Picotee again, as apart from an unacceptable term (see previous review) being removed, it has not been edited. It contains the original illustrations by Rosemary Robertson. For the purposes of my review, I shall focus on the bonus content. 

The blurb reads:- 

The Pullein-Thompson sisters are the amongst the best known of the classic pony story authors. Most of their books have been printed and reprinted, but the stories they wrote when they started off are much harder to find. The sisters wrote their first works together, and they are gathered here in this volume. 

It Began with Picotee was their first full-length novel, written by all three during WWII. It has been out of print for nearly 80 years. 

Their earliest works, Cocktail Capitulates and The Road to Ruin, two short pieces that appeared in Riding Magazine, have been out of print for even longer.

This new edition brings these stories together for the first time, showing the sparky observation and solid equine knowledge that flowed through the Pullein-Thompsons' novels for decades to come. 

Hunting was legal when these stories were written, and they reflect that. 

The first bit of bonus content is Cocktail Capitulates: a bit that I touched briefly on in my previous review of It Began with Picotee.  Basically it is a story of how they school a pony. There is more to that, and is their first published work, and it is certainly interesting. 

The second bit of bonus content is The Road to Ruin. It is a story of a pony turned bad, and you can see where the early days of their writing talent shone. It reads like a fictional story rather than Cocktail Capitulates where it is obviously non fiction. To me, personally speaking, I preferred this one. But both Cocktail Capitulates and The Road to Ruin are equally good in terms of quality. 

The next bit is an history of their early works. Most of it has been taken from Jane Badger's Heroines on Horseback (previously reviewed). It is only really interesting if you haven't read Heroines on Horseback or have forgotten it. Either way it's an fascinating insight into the background of their early works. 

There is an historical articles: one about how life has changed, at least monetary wise since it was first written (if like me you were born after decimalisation in the 1970s it's an alien world of shillings) and the two real life showjumpers that are mentioned. It certainly explains a lot to a modern audience. The second is how showjumping used to be scored in the past which adds interest and the third and final one is about publishing history. Jane makes it clear that an unfortunate word has been removed.

So I recommend this edition if you haven't read It Began with Picotee before and if you have then for the sheer bonus content if you dont own them already. It's clear that the PTs knew their stuff from the off. This edition provides an interesting and informative insight into the early years.

Review: JOSEPHINE - The Radney Riding Club

The Radney Riding Club is this week's book. It is the 3rd book in the ever popular Noel and Henry series (also known as the West Barsetshire Pony Club). It was first published in 1951.

The blurb reads:-

RADNEY RIDING CLUB.
Are you interested in forming a riding club to encourage better horsemanship in this district? If so, perhaps you would care to come to Radney Manor on August 5th at 2.30 P.M. to discuss the matter.
Please bring your horse.

This notice, sent out by Henry Thornton, marks the beginning of all the events in this book, which include a gymkhana organised by the club, and their entry in a horse trial.

It has been republished by Jane Badger Books, and at time of writing, is available in both ebook and paperback versions.  Both use the full original text. For this review I have used the paperback edition from Jane Badger Books, despite the picture and blurb being from a earlier (edited) reprint. 

The first chapter sets the scene, and we are introduced to David Rice-Greene, Christo Carstairs, Alex Turner,  Julie Naughton, Paula Swindon, Helen and Jannice Barbersley, plus the Marlowe Children (Fanny, Deborah and Graham).

The second chapter is the link to the Radney Riding Club.  Henry (who we met in a previous book) is so appalled by the riding standard he encounters at a local show, decides to form a riding club. There is the usual aftermath of a show, both fortunes and misfortunes included.

In the 3rd chapter we meet Noel again, who has appeared in previous books. There is a brief description of the previous book in the series goings on in case you are reading this out of order as there is a spoiler. Henry makes a reference to his meat ration, making this book set prior to 4th July 1954, as meat rationing stopped on that date. I like to think this book was set in what was, contemporary times.  Further on we have an inaugural meeting of the titular Riding Club, and without giving too much away, the reason for it's name.  They all try jumping, with mixed results. There is slight discriminatory modern day language: the term "looney-bin" is used once; which of course at the time it was published was acceptable. Thankfully we now live in enlightened times.

The next chapter is taken up mainly by schooling and the various antics of the Riding Club members. It is a good read to know that, without giving too much of the plot away, things don't always go right. 

The next chapter is taken by a rally. Once again things don't go right. It is given by a Colonel Sanderson, who doesn't give the greatest of impressions. 

The next few chapters are mixed. Henry has an idea to organise a show for members of the Riding Club. Henry organises a instructional rally for the older ones given by a General de Veriac. This chapter is full of tips on riding and is the sort of thing that Josephine excels at. You feel as though you're learning something without turning into a lecture. Yet it does not jar the story at all. 

There is a gymkhana in the story which is a mixed affair but overall a success.  

The final chapter is the fortunes of the Riding Club in an Event (dressage, cross country and show jumping) organised by a rival Riding Club. Some old faces appear. It is interesting to note that an historical form of scoring is used rather than a modern day one which may confuse the reader.

It is overall a good book. There's enough to keep the average reader interested without being swept away. However it's not so fast paced that you get confused. I really enjoyed this book. Bravo Josephine. 

Review: ALL THREE: It Began With Picotee

It Began With Picotee is this week's book. It is their first book, and like their mother, all 3 sisters collabrated to do it. It was first published in 1946, the same year as both Diana and Josephine published their first solo books.

It is illustrated by Rosemary Robertson, who was not only a friend of Josephine's, but also did their mother's They Bought Her A Pony.

The blurb reads:-

It began with Picotee, then came Tony, and Pengo and a whole host of other ponies. Some were amenable to discipline, others were decidedly not. But good, or bad, for the three girls who looked after them, the more ponies they had the more they liked it.

It Began With Picotee is rather an apt title, since this began which is was obviously a rather fruitful career for all 3 sisters.

It is, as the blurb suggests, the story of 3 sisters. How much is based on themselves I do not know, but I suspect rather a lot. The first chapter they acquire a second pony - Tony - and they take him hunting. At the time of writing, unlike today, hunting was a key feature of the countryside horsey scene. Thankfully it is not too graphic in it's description so if you accept that hunting went on, it's not liable to offend.

The second chapter is taken up by the girls acquiring yet another pony - Pengo - and without giving too much away, the fun and games they have with him. 

Then in the third chapter they acquire a pony called Imp who they rename Angus. Again like the previous chapter they have - albeit different - fun and games with him.

The fourth chapter is taken up with 3 more ponies that the sisters acquire. One is called Bronx, which the groom says "Mind you sit tight, Miss, 'e didn't 'alf cut some capers in the yard this morning". This is most likely based on the sisters experience themselves as the exact words were used in a 1941 article by the sisters in Riding Magazine.  Again like the first chapter there is a hunting scene but, nothing liable to offend. 

The next few chapters is taken up with schooling which I suspect Josephine may have a hand in. Certainly they acquire no more ponies although there is a horse show the results I will no divulge as to not spoil the story. 

The final chapter is entitled Plenty of Ponies unfortunately contains the n word but it's not used as an insult but a reference to a shade of brown. Thankfully it's the only occurrence of that unfortunate word. It may be noted that none of the PTs used racial slander in their pony books since. Though it you have to remember that this book was originally published and written in the 1940s where attitudes were completely different to a modern audience. 

I quite enjoyed this book. It's a bit rambling in places but overall a decent plot. It's not their finest work but then again you have to remember it's their first work. First works by authors rarely are. Overall a decent effort. 

Review: JOSEPHINE - Pony Club Team

Pony Club Team is the second book in the ever popular West Barsetshire aka the Noel and Henry series. It was first published in 1950, making it Josephine's fourth book.

The blurb reads:-

Christopher got his foot in the stirrups and jumped, but before he could swing his leg over, Fireworks was off at a gallop! Christopher tried to pull him up to get on, but he couldn't manage so he just hung on for grim death. They galloped past Glory. "Whoa, whoa," shouted June. The rest of the team turned at her shout. "Perhaps he'll stop when he gets here," said Roger.

But Fireworks didn't stop; he swerved and galloped towards the hedge. The Pony Club members stood helpless. Then Fireworks swerved again and Christopher lost hold of the saddle and fell. For a horrid moment he was mixed up with Fireworks' flying hoofs and then the pony galloped on as Christopher lay on the ground...

In 2019 Jane Badger Books published it as both an ebook and in paperback. It is this edition I am using, which as always, contains the full text. The blurb reads:-

Henry has good points, but he's keeping them well hidden.

The West Barsetshire Pony Club are trying to improve. The only way of making sure that they do is for the Major to take them back to basics and run a course for them: it's dressage all the way. Nothing runs smoothly, of course, and when the Major's nephew, Henry, arrives, sparks fly. 

Can the Major overcome the Pony Club's penchant for fighting, letting out his wife's prized birds, and destroying his farm walls, and turn them into a team who can win?

Continuing on from Six Ponies this book introduces some new characters and some old ones return. Most notable is the introduction of Henry, of which the series is sometimes partially named after. The characters June, the Radcliffes, Noel and Christopher all reappear.

It begins with a rally and like Six Ponies they are useless. Later on there is a test which is mixed fortunes, prompting the Major to organise a dressage rally for 2 weeks. This is generally met with disdain,  being called "dreary dressage". But at the time dressage did not have the popularity it commands today.  Indeed the first Olympic dressage medal won by Great Britain was only in recent times (2012), certainly a long time after Pony Club Team was first published. 

Like Six Ponies the Pony Club members quarrel though it's less catty than the previous book. It's wonderfully full of instruction/tips on riding without turning it into a lecture. 

There is some humour in this book too, as there is a humorous incident when the Major's wife's cockatoo breaks out of the home. Without giving too much away chaos and hilarity ensues. 

There are some hunting references in this book as it was written when attitudes towards hunting were different than today. But it's not graphic.

There is a moment of suspense as there's an incident involving one of the characters and their pony. It certainly makes thrilling reading.

Overall it's a wonderful book with enough interest and energy without boring the average reader. A book I personally recommend you read, especially if you have enjoyed Six Ponies.  

Review: JOSEPHINE - Six Ponies

Six Ponies is this week's book. It has a special place in many people's hearts: firstly it is Josephine's first book (published in 1946) and secondly it is the first in the ever popular West Barsetshire series, or more commonly known as the "Noel and Henry" series. For this reason I have labelled as both.

Six Ponies is a rather long book, and when Collins republished it under their Pony Library series, and also Armada and Swift, they cut it quite significantly. Consequently, until recently, a first edition with full text and original illustration had been quite hard and expensive. Fortunately, Fidra Books in 2007 in their wisdom have republished it in it's entirety. In 2019 Jane Badger also released it in it's entirety meaning that now everyone can have a full story at a reasonable price.

The edition I have used in this review is the Fidra one (the one with the blue border). If anyone is unfamiliar with Fidra's style, they always have some sort of introduction, where possible, it is written by the author. Sadly due to Josephine's ill health she could not complete one, although she has written one for Fidra's other works: We Met Our Cousins and London Pride (by their mother: Joanna Cannan). So before the main story there is a short biography by Vanessa Robertson (owner of Fidra) and an article about the "Noel and Henry" series by Jane Badger (of Jane Badger books).

I will deal with the article first, then the story.

The article begins with a bit of social history about riding in the 1920's and the 1930's, useful as most people reading any P-T books (and even some of Joanna Cannan's books) will be unfamiliar with "backwards" seat, as they have never seen it. This is often referred to in the P-T's early works, particularly Josephine's. It also details many influential books, particularly Equitation, a book by Henry Wynmalen (ironically enough they appeared an 1941 edition of Riding Magazine describing a pony called Cocktail which Henry Wynmalen also wrote an article comparing the car and the horse). This book greatly influenced the P-T sisters.

The article goes on to describe the book's characters, not only their riding but also their temperament. Not just in Six Ponies, but throughout the whole series.

It also compares other well known books, and also the schooling side of things: Josephine's books are (with a couple of exceptions) famous for being instructional. Jane comments:

"However, although pony books can easily turn into didactic tomes (J M Berrisford's A Pony In The Family bieng an example of the didactic unrelieved by either humour or plot) there is more than enough wit and character in the Noel and Henry books to make them eminently readable: we can appreciate Noel's improvement without understanding precisely how she does it."

The entire article can be found on Jane's website (link on the right if viewing this on a PC or tablet). 

The blurb reads (of the Fidra Books edition):-

When six members of the West Barsetshire Pony Club each take on the challenge of breaking in a New Forest Pony they have little idea of what they will encounter. They have to teach them to wear a saddle and bridle, to carry a rider, to jump fences and behave quietly in traffic. Then, they have to ride them in a competition to see who has done the best. Who will do the best? June Cresswell who has an expensive pony and rides in every competition: John who has no-one to help him; the Radcliffes who shout and quarrel and live in the whirl of their huge family; Susan who has a groom and hardly looks after her pony herself; or shy, dreamy Noel? The first book in Josephine Pullein-Thompson's series about the West Barsetshire Pony Club, Six Ponies introduces some of her most memorable characters and brilliantly captures the highs and lows of schooling a young pony.

and the Armada (second image) edition's blurb reads:-

Six New Forest ponies to break in and school with a year to do it in! The members of the Pony Club can hardly believe their luck when Major Holbrooke chooses them for the job.

Besides the excitement of gymkhanas, rallies and paperchases, this is an added challenge. Will they have enough spirit and determination to tackle it? Their enthusiasm sometimes wears think with bolting ponies, refusals and even broken bones.

Yet by the year's end, the children have gained the upper hand, and their six perfectly-schooled ponies are the envy of all!

The other books in the Noel and Henry/West Barsetshire Pony Club series are: The Radney Riding Club, Pony Club Team, One Day Event and Pony Club Camp. The books Pony Club Cup,
Pony Club Challenge and Pony Club Trek do not belong to this series: instead they belong to a different Pony Club (see Woodbury Pony Club tag).


This book was Josephine's first solo book and is widely regarded to be one of her best.
It's good that the publishers have decided to republish it again, this one is in it's entirety, as unfortunately all paperback editions prior to this were drastically cut. Who can argue when the only other way to get the full story, was to purchase a first edition, which is considerably more expensive than this one.
It's the story of 6 children who are given 6 young ponies to train, with a competition at the end to see who has trained them the best. The author is well known for combining training instructions, with stories about ponies, and this one does not disappoint. The trials and tribulations of training youngsters is a key part to the story, but there are some incidents there to give some humour (such as when the pony steals the apples off the greengrocer's cart).

That's not to say that the characters do not have their faults. The first Pony Club Rally (which sets the scene) the children are useless. When they are told that six ponies are to broken in by members of the Pony Club there is much criticism of each other (both by members and their mothers) over who is going to ruin their pony. This turns quite catty at times. It makes not the easiest of reading for some people. 

Although originally written over 50 years ago, it's appeal has not been lost, and should be on every pony mad girl's shelf, and every collector should have one on their shelf. Even if you aren't a pony mad girl (or a parent of one), it is written so wonderfully well that an adult who likes to train ponies should read this, although it is meant as a story the quality is so excellent it could be used as a training aid!
This book also has an introduction which covers the rest of the series, and details about the characters and the background to the book. An excellent read, and should be considered a great classic.

The ending is somewhat bittersweet but generally satisfying. I recommend getting an copy of this book, preferably the full text. 

Review: JOSEPHINE - Black Swift

Black Swift is this week's book. It was first published in 1991, and was the penultimate book she wrote.

The title causes some confusion, despite it's name it has nothing to do with the Black Beauty's relatives books which were published in the 1970s and 1980s. It has yet to be republished, so can only be found in this edition. However, like the Black Beauty's relatives books, it is told in the same style, which may or may not be a problem, depending if you like it or not.

The blurb reads:-

Born at Radstock Castle during the Civil War, Black Swift is the fastest filly in Sir Thomas Wakefield's stable. Taller and stronger then any horse in England, she is the first new breed with which her owner hopes to repair his battered fortunes. But before she can be put to the test, Black Swift is stolen by Bernard, Sir Thomas's younger son, and taken to the heart of the battlefield.

Written by the famous pony novelist, Josephine Pullein-Thompson this book brilliantly evokes the wild and lawless time that followed the war as well as the great spirit of hope that it brought forth.

Now I am not a big lover of pony point of view books as they seem to follow the Black Beauty stereotype. But I needn't have worried here. It follows the fortunes of Black Swift a mare during the English Civil War. Now living in Wales my school years history teaching were full of Welsh history and more modern history such as the Second World War and the Cold War. I am, it has said to be said a little bit lacking in the knowledge of the English Civil War. So I cannot comment on how accurate the portrayal of the War is in this book. 

It touches on the horrors of the war without being too bloody/violent. Certainly nothing to frighten you. But that doesn't glorify or gloss over the harsh reality: in the book both people and horses die. 

There is plenty of action in this book as barely a page goes by without some let alone a chapter. Though the main focus is on Black Swift it doesnt mean that the human characters are left out. Indeed, without giving too much of the story away they are indeed central.

All in all a satisfying book and the length is just right. I didnt get bored. The ending is somewhat bittersweet but satisfactory. If you're like me and don't generally like pony point of view books then I would highly recommend it. You  might be surprised. If you like history too then it's  a bonus. I think that to make what could be a borefest into an engaging and exciting book is down to Josephine herself as any of the lesser authors couldn't rise up to the challenge. The plot is generally quite good too.

REVIEW: Heroines on Horseback - Jane Badger

Heroines on Horseback is a book by Jane Badger. It was first published in 2013 by Girls Gone By.

The blurb reads:-

The pony book galloped onto the children's book scene with a flick of its rosetted bridle, and has remained a fixture ever since. Brave girls and nervous ones, scruffy ponies and ornaments of the show ring cantered through pony tale after pony tale, all fallen upon by an audience desperate to read anything that reflected their own passion for the pony.

Heroines on Horseback looks at the pony book from its beginning in the 1920s and 1930s to the glory days of the 1940s and 50s and beyond. The pony book expert Jane Badger writes about the lives and contribution of noted exponents, including Primrose Cumming, Monica Edwards, Patricia Leitch, Ruby Ferguson and the Pullein-Thompson sisters, as well as providing a wide-ranging view of the genre as a whole, its themes and developments, illustrators and short stories.

This book has a chapter devoted to the Pullein-Thompson sisters hence why it is on this blog. However I am not going to focus solely on the PT chapter, but a review of the book in general.

This book is ideal for anyone who is interested in the history of the pony book as it covers everything from the early days to the hey days of the pony book of the 1960s and the 1970s. It also covers major illustrators of the pony books. The book is also aimed at adults who want to relive their pony book days. It also covers British authors, which is not surprising as the author is based in the UK. However that's not to mean that the non UK authors are excluded, Elyne Mitchell (an Australian author) does get a mention.

I found it interesting and it gave a quick summary of some of the books without giving the plot away. The author has a knack of keeping the author interested without making the subject into a boring tome - something which could be easily done. The only downside is that it skimmed through the more modern stuff (1990s onwards), briefly giving them a mention. I felt as though they werent given the same time to the book. Perhaps the author simply ran out of room - after all you cant fit everything into a book. Though admittedly there are new pony authors coming out all the time. The major authors (Pullein-Thompsons, K M Peyton) are covered along with lesser authors such as Patience McElwee (though like modern books they arent all covered). Judith M Berrisford (who wrote the longest running pony book series) is another author who is barely covered. However the author has a superb website which is full of biographical information of many authors - I suspect that she didnt want to reiterate what is available essentially for free thus making the book redundant.







The Pullein-Thompson chapter is very informative and full of a wealth of information about the sister, including little known gems. It focuses on their works up until 1970, which means that later books such as the later Phantom Horse series, A Job With Horses (Josephine) are largely forgotten about. It also contains a review of the Black Beauty Family's series by Susanna Forest (author of If Wishes Were Horses).

It makes you want to buy many authors that you missed out as the author of the book has a knack of describing hidden gems.

There was a couple of things that I didnt like. Personally I didnt like the yellow on the front cover, I felt cream or something more neutral would have been more appropriate. Also I didnt like the fact that covers of pony book depicted internally where in black and white - I would prefer them in colour. I suspect that both decisions were taken by the publisher rather than the author however. The black and white does fit in however with the illustrations, of which they are plenty and sympathetically chosen to display what the author is trying to convey. Similarly the quotes of the various pony books are well chosen and fit with what the author is trying to convey well.

It is a well written book and definitely worth the money paid for it. Despite my criticisms, I highly recommend it. Heroines on Horseback is available through Amazon, abebooks, Girls Gone By, Waterstones (at least online, I dont know about their physical stores) as well as through the author's own website (link below). If you order through Jane herself she will sign it for you at no extra cost. (Mine is!)

http://www.ponybooksales.com/?page=shop/flypage&product_id=5145&keyword=badger,+jane&searchby=author&offset=0&fs=1

An interesting personal note is that I am mentioned in the acknowledgement section by name. Obviously I am not going to put my real name on a public blog, but my initials are DH. If you own such a copy you will work it out yourself.

Review: ALL THREE - Fair Girls and Grey Horses

Fair Girls and Grey Horses: Memories of a country childhood is really their second collective work, as the first was It Began with Picotee. However, unlike It Began With Picotee, this is an non fictional work. It is actually an autobiography, with all 3 sisters contributing to every chapter. This is actually a different style to It Began With Picotee, which works much better I think. However, it does lead to some duplication.

It was first published in 1996, 50 years after the publication of It Began with Picotee. The scan is of an paperback edition, which has the same cover as the hardback edition. There is also a large type edition and an audio book version (sadly, not read out by the sisters).

This book is not aimed at children, more like adult collectors or people have who have read their books as a child and are now grown up. It is not illustrated.

The blurb reads:-

'Are your twins normal?' Mrs Pullein-Thompson was asked. 'Good God, I hope not,' she retorted.

The twins were Diana and Christine who, with their elder sister Josephine, have written 150 books, which have sold in millions around the world. Now, over 50 years after the publication of their first book, It Began with Picotee, the sisters have jointly written about their extraordinary childhood with lovable but often unreliable animals and unforgettable humans.

It also mentions quite frequently their brother Denis Cannan, and their father, Cappy, of which little is known about, at least in comparison to the sisters (and their mother). It begins with some family history.

Although not meant to be funny, there are some. One particular incident is when Josephine writes "He also had an embarrassing habit of knocking the hats off men who failed to remove them for the National Anthem" when talking about how Cappy was fiercely patriotic. Also they (the sisters) had euphemisms brought by their Victorian Nana, and the confusions/chaos it sometimes caused led to some amusing incidents.

There are a few adult references, but not as much as the non pony work, A Place With Two Faces (Josephine), but the general tone would make it boring for children. There are some incidents about animals (not necessarily about horses) which provide some amusement. Some events which happened in their life did actually appear in their (or their mother's) books, though the names had been changed.

Three are also some sample of poems which have yet to appear in any other book, which gives a fascinating insight into their fruitful literary career, especially as most of them were written before the publication of It Began With Picotee. There are also some photos of their childhood.

In some ways, it shows (despite their lack of formal education) the forward-thinking of their Mamma (Joanna Cannan). Although she did send them to school at some point, she insisted that they only attended half a day, because she "believed children should enjoy their childhood", a fact that is sadly lacking these days.

All in all, a humorous book, and completely utterly enjoyable. However for me, the greatest disappointment was the fact that there was not a complete bibliography of their works included. Admittedly, Christine did write several books after this was first published. You notice to the right there is the link to the Wikipedia article which has all the books listed, but that was done by me, following many hours of research. If that was included, it would have made my life much easier. Completely and utterly fascinating, though sadly there is not much about the riding school that they owned.

Review: JOSEPHINE - How Horses Are Trained

How Horses are Trained is this week's book. It was first published in 1961 and is a non fictional work.

The blurb reads:-

Josephine Pullein-Thompson, famous for her books on riding, explains the basic training of all riding horses and then deals with the specialists - from show jumper to pit pony. There is a chapter on how horses were trained in the past and one of advice to would-be-trainers.

Written in comprehensive language it will be of interest to all who wish to know what lies behind the accomplished performances of race horse, circus pony or show jumper.

This book is part of the "How" series and this series includes such titles as "How We Weigh and Measure" and "How A Book Is Made".

Curiously, this book has a list of acknowledgements, of which one is a Mr. Dennis Far, who is her sister Diana's late husband.

The first chapter is entitled "The Trainer", which deals with the history of training horses from early Stone Age to the (at the time) present.

The second chapter is called "The Kindergarten", which deals with the training and handling of youngsters from a foal to early riding years (generally 4-5 years). It also deals with, albeit briefly, abandoned methods, such as the use of dumb jockeys.

The third chapter is called "The General Certificate of Education" which details with basic schooling (regardless of the discipline or job the horse is used). This includes some basic dressage such as a turn on the forehand, the rein back, and the half pass. It also deals with some basic faults.

The fourth chapter is entitled "Jumping Lessons". It deals with jumping, right from the extreme basics of teaching a horse to jump, to basic jumping.

The fifth chapter is called "The Stars". This deals with the various roles of the horse. The first part is called The Showjumper, and this deals with what sort of horse is best for jumping (competitively), and also how at the time, show jumping has changed.
The second part details The Competitive and High School Horse (basically the Dressage Horse). This details the various competitions that are (or were; there are more out now) available and what sort of horse is both conformationally and temperamentally suited to dressage. It also says about various movements requited (which have not been previously been discussed) at each level.
The third part details The Event Horse, and the sort of things you need for such a horse. This is slightly out of date as it says that a horse needs to do the road and tracks and steeplechase sections of a three day event. Very few events (and certainly not the major ones) have this section these days, as in the past few years it has been phased out. It also details with a minimum weight a horse must carry (11 stone 11 pounds for men, and 11 stone for women). which was phased out in the 1990s.

The sixth chapter is entitled "More Stars", which is basically a follow on to the previous chapter.
The first part is called Race Horse, which details with early training methods (1600-1700) and the type of horses that were around then. It then details with more up to date training methods too, from early training to a two year old. I'm not too sure how accurate it is, as like Eventing, the training of racehorses has changed over the years.
The next part deals with Polo Ponies, from a short basic history, to the training and the sort of pony that is useful.
The next part deals with Show Horses-Hacks, from the brief history of them (mainly to do with Rotten Row) to what is needed for a Show Hack as opposed to a "working" Hack.
The next part details with the Show Hunters, and what details it, and what is required of it (basically a well behaved type that the judge finds easy to ride).
The next part details Show Ponies. Basically set out as above, but the pony must be suitable for a child to ride. Instead of the judge riding it, they give shows, so must be well behaved.
The next part deals with Gymkhana Ponies. Basically it details what sort of pony temperamentally and in terms of speed is needed, rather than actual games.
The next part details the Circus Horse. This is out of date as there are few circuses that use animals (and consequently very few Circus Horses) but it is interesting from a historical point of view.

The seventh chapter is entitled "The Workers". The first part is called Riding School Horses. This details (albeit briefly) about what sort of pony that is needs, and basically what a good riding school should do.
The next part deals with Pit Ponies. Basically, like Circus Horses, this is out of date, as there are no Pit Ponies in the UK. Again, this is interesting from an historical point of view.
The next part deals with the Police Horse. I suspect that has hardly changed, as the ideal police horse has to be unphased by smoke, cars backfiring etc. It details with the extra things that are generally not taught to horses, and what sort of horse is suitable.

The eighth (and penultimate) chapter is called "How Horses Were Trained". This details with the history from the early Greeks (aroundd 400-350 years B.C.) to (at the time) present day. It also details (albeit briefly) on how the Romans, Saxonse etc had an influence on the (British) way horses/ponies were handled and ridden. It is interestign to deals. It also details, again, briefly, about the former roles of the hores as (save for show purposes) horse are not used for pulling mail coaches and for ploughing.

The nineth (and final) chapter is called "Advice to Would-Be Trainers". This details with what people should have (in terms of experience) before breaking a horse or pony. It also details do's and dont's.

There are also a couple of photos/drawings included in this book, one of Josephine riding a horse called Rosebay.

This book on the whole is still basically sound, though a little bit dated in places. A lot of it is due to changing attitudes and methods over the years, for example join up. For me, it was disappointing that it did not cover Western Riding. It is perhaps best used as an informal guide, with more up-to-date information out there. Of course this is terribly subjective, even horse care books written in the 1980s are how out of date. This fortunately on the whole has not dated as much when compared to other books that were around in the 1960s. The easy readability of this, though meant to be an instructional book, is not dull or boring, but is largely down to Josephine herself. This is because generally (her fictional) book are full of knowledge and are a wealth of information, but you get so absorbed in her story, that you hardly notice that you are getting a lesson too. Though the language in some places is a little old fashioned the book is still readable. Had it been written by a less able writer, then this book would have been better off on the history shelves.

Review: JOSEPHINE - Proud Riders

Proud Riders is this week's book. It was first published in 1973, and really is an anthology, the extracts are chosen by Josephine, rather than written by.

The blurb reads:-

A superb book for everyone interested in horses, a collection of stories and verses, fact and fiction, about horses and ponies and their riders at work; in the wild and at play, all over the world. Josephine Pullein-Thompson, famous for her own stories about horse, has brought together writing from all sorts of authors, who include Shakespeare and Tolstoy, Mark Twain and John Betjeman, Siegfried Sassoon and W H Hudson, Gordon Richards and Conan Doyle.

The book is illustrated by two sections of photographs which add another dimension to the whole theme of horses and their riders and their place in life.

The first extract is from More Ponies for Jean by Joanna Cannan, the second is from Roughing It by Mark Twain, the third is from Bengal Lancer by F. Yeats-Brown, the fourth is Memoirs of a fox-hunting man by Siegfried Sassoon, the fifth is a poem by John Betjeman, the sixth is from Sir Nigel by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, the seventh is from The Travels of Marco Polo by Marco Polo, the eighth is from Animal Stories by Ruth Manning-Sanders, the ninth is from True Stories About Horses by Lilian Gask, the tenth is a poem called Equestrian Courtship by Thomas Hood, the eleventh is from A Galloway Childhood by Ian Niall, the twelfth is from The Horse by Seigfried Stander, the next one is a song called A Cowboy's Life by Anon., the fourteenth is from Far Away and Long Ago by W.H. Hudson, the fifteenth is a rather long poem from The Collected Verse of A.B.Paterson, the sixteenth is from Sporting Print by G. March-Phillips, the seventeenth is from My Story by Gordon Richards, the eighteenth is a rather long poem called The Worn-Out Pony by Anon., the nineteenth is from The Unvarnished West by J.M. Pollock, the twentieth is from Strider by Leo Tolstoy and the final bit is a poem from Venus and Adonis by Shakespeare.

It also begins with an introduction by Josephine Pullein-Thompson.

The quality varies. Some are quite enjoyable, others are not. I really enjoyed the extract from More Ponies For Jean by Joanna Cannan and also Memoirs of a fox-hunting man by Siegfried Sassoon. Some of the extracts include different styles of riding (such as Western) which some people. Also, An African Foal (from The Horse by Siegfried Stander) deals with another country (and continent) entirely, which again is not for everyone.

Of course this is all subjective, of course people will enjoy bits that others won't. But at least this (apart from the cover) does not date, the trouble is that with some anthologies (particularly by Christine) is that they include references to famous horse riders of the day, or horse care which is now out of date. But anthologies are a subject of love or hate themselves, some people hate them, some people love them. Personally I am in the hate category. But on the other hand, if you hate a book at least you are stuck with only one chapter rather than wasting a whole chapter.

Still, at least the quality of the extracts Josephine has chosen are of high quality and this is one of the better anthologies out there. Some anthologies do contain poor quality extracts, and this one does not. The best thing is if you find a cheap copy is to try it yourself.

Review: JOSEPHINE - A Place With Two Faces

OK I am cheating here. First of all I have misplaced They Died In the Spring, hence the lack of updates because I cant continue with the (Chief) Inspector Flecker series until I find it. Because of the rarity of the series I cant borrow/buy another one easily. If I don't find it soon, I will find another Josephine book.

Secondly, recently I have decided to purchase all of Christine's and Diana's non (fictional) pony works, and therefore I will be reviewing them at a later date. I want to get review the pony books first. Also, because of the rarity (in comparison) of their non-pony works, I need the complete series.

Because I touched on A Place With Two Faces before in a previous post, I have now decided to give it a proper review. All 3 sisters decided to publish under a different name (Diana published 3 books under her married name - Farr and Christine published 2 books under the (possible) pseudonym of Christine Keir). This book fades into some relative obscurity, mainly because it is hard to find, and not many people are aware that she wrote it. I was pointed out last year to a book called Who's Who, which lists many notable people, and in it, it has a complete bibliography of her works. (Diana is not listed, however her brother Denis Cannan is.) If you are interested in reading it, it is to be found in your reference section of your local library, however many libraries subscribe to Know UK. In Know UK, you can search Who's Who. Go to your local council's website and they will tell if you if you can access KnowUK. You do need to be a member of your local library, as Know UK does require you to enter your library card number.

A Place With Two Faces is quite a departure from her usual style. I am not sure why she wrote it under a pseudonym, maybe because she was so well known for her pony books during the 1970s (this one was published in 1972) that she did not decide to confuse parents as this is definitely not for children. Or alternatively, if she did not want to write any more of this style or it flopped (perhaps it wasnt a best seller due to it's rarity) then nobody would know who Josephine Mann was (or rather is). Or maybe, because it is such a wild departure that she wanted to distant herself, and her way was writing it under a pseudonym. You decide.

I say it is not for children, as it is described as gothic terror novel; certainly it is not "cosy" reading and it is definitely not instructive. It has drug and sex references for a start: though it does not go into great detail, they arent subjects for horsey loving kids. The religion Wicca is quite a predominent feature in the book, although it is not shoved down your neck. The blurb (of the first image) reads:-

'Darksome Night and shining Moon,
East then, South then West then North,
Hearken to the witches' run,
Hear I come to call thee forth -
Earth and Water Air and Fire...'

Fleeing from a broken romance, Jenny Maxwell came to Kilruthan in search of work and an escape from here past.

The large double-house set on the edge of the moors offered her a fresh start, and Mrs. Shaw, an eccentric author, seemed a hospitable employer. But from the moment she entered the house she was struck by the ominous echoes of fear that haunted every room. Strange accidents began to occur and she realised, with horror, that someone or something was out to kill her.

Caught in Kilruthan's web of evil, Jenny found herself witness to a witches' ritual and a black dance of death - a devil's dance which was to end in a sacred offering. And well she knew, with terror in her heart, that she was to be the sacrifice.

and the other blurb (second image) reads:-

Darksome Night and shining Moon,
East then, South then West then North,
Hearken to the witches' run,
Hear I come to call thee forth -
Earth and Water Air and Fire...'

A broken romance had brought Jenny Maxwell to Kilruthan on the edge of the moor. Here she would forget the hurt she suffered.

But from the moment she entered the house she was struck with fear. Strange accidents began to occur and she realized, with mounting horror, the something or someone wanted her dead.

Caught in an ominous web of evil, Jenny found herself witness to a witches ritual and a black dance of death - a devil's dance that could only end with Jenny herself as the sacred offering!

Both editions are not illustrated.

Firstly, I know nothing about the religion Wicca, so I dont know how true or not true it portrays the religion. But looking from the Wikipedia article, it appears some aspects are true.

In addition to the sex and drug references there is a death at the end of the book of one of the characters, which is highly unusual, as Diana was the one that used to do death in her books, Josephine as far as I am aware of (bear in mind I havent read all her books) doesnt do "death". There is also a romance in it too.

I found this book strangely enjoyable. I certainly forgot it was Josephine who wrote it about a quarter of the way through: however you could tell it was written by a decent author. Maybe if you are used to books by other gothic authors such as Anne Rice (this book also pre-dates any of Anne's works) then you may find not quite up to her standard, but if you want a cosy and loving read, then this is not for you. I found it quite chilling in places.

Still it is worth noting that there is more to the P-Ts than pony books. I have yet to experience either Diana's or Christine's non pony books, but they do come from good writing stock: Joanna (their mother) wrote more novels (including detective) than pony books. I have yet to read them either: but from what I know, they dont feature horses/ponies at all.

Review: JOSEPHINE - Gin and Murder

Gin and Murder is the first one of a series of books. They are less well known than many of her works: though they are horse related, the horses are less of an key element to the books. They are aimed at adults: in fact they are murder mystery books. Josephine is following in the steps of her mother, who was alive when this was published. This book is dedicated to her.

It was first published in 1959, though the image shown is a 1990 reprint. All 3 books are quite hard to find, though not as hard as Mystery On the Moor. The "Linford Mystery Library" editions are easier to find than the first, however they are in large print, making them quite bulky. However they are complete and unabridged, so you do not miss out on any story.

I have added it into 2 series: the series should really be called "(Chief) Inspector Flecker", as he is the character that appears throughout the whole series, and quite a key. However, because of the relative obscurity of the books, it may not be obvious to people, and therefore I am also adding a "Adult Murder Mystery" tag, which makes more sense.

The blurb reads:-

When Guy Vickers died after Commander Chadwick's cocktail party, murder was the last thing suspected by East Wintshire. Murder was something one read about in the Sunday newspapers; it just didn't happen to people like them.

But murder it was. And when Inspector Hollis of the County Police began his rather ham-handed investigations, he found plenty of motives concealed behind those conventional façades.

It took a second murder to stampede the Chief Constable into sending for help from Scotland Yard, and when help came in the person of Chief Inspector James Flecker, he began to wonder whether it had been a wise move...

The horse element is somewhat lesser than her horse books. It is mainly confined to the fact that the book is set against a hunting background. Part of the book dwells on the party of the hunting franiterny, and the politics of the hunt. Apart from a couple of visits to the kennels by James Flecker, and a somewhat minimally detailed hunting day, there isn't much horse related. The majority of the story is taken up by Inspector Hollis' and later Chief Inspector James Flecker's investigations.

Although it is meant for adults, it could be read by older teenagers too. There is a small amount of swearing here and there, so it would definitely not be suitable for children. Also, one of the characters in the book drinks a lot, and therefore it makes it also unsuitable for young teenagers.
If you do not like hunting or want more horses, then perhaps this is not the book for you: then you are better off with Josephine's other (fictional) works.

The books is not too graphic: to be honest, Josephine's other adult book: A Place With Two Faces (written under the pseudonym of Josephine Mann) is more so. But then again, that is a different genre: that is a gothic terror novel. If you dont like hearing (in graphic detail) about how the person died, worry not, apart from the cause of death, there is very little detail about the two people die.

I do not know if this is a good or bad murder mystery book: to be honest, I have yet to read any other murder mystery book. Although her mother (Joanna Cannan) was famous for writing detective novels (Rue Morgue Press compare to her to other famous authors at the time, including a friend, Georgette Heyer), it is probably a decent one. Joanna Cannan herself wrote one book which is along the lines of this (having a horsey background I mean) which is Murder Included, which I will review at a later date.

The characters are well thought out, and the situation is believable. It is neither a heavy read or a light one, it falls in the middle. The action flows along nicely, though the plot is not over complicated. For me personally, I was put off in detective/murder novels because I was worried about the plot and the book being very complicated, and therefore hard to follow, worry not. This is not the case.

Still it has a decent enough ending, and everything is nicely sown up, though the ending has a slight twist in it. Enough to keep most people amused, and perhaps not for everyone, but if you can get past the lack of horses. It is enough to keep people who are perhaps interested in murder mysteries but not horses happy. Quite a good book in all, and a decent enough departure from Josephine's usual style.

Review: JOSEPHINE - Plenty Of Ponies

This week's book is Plenty Of Ponies. It was first published in 1949, making it one of Josephine's earlier books (in fact it was her third book that she published).

The blurb reads (first picture):-

'Quite frankly, I don't think much of you Esmonds' said the colonel. 'You've got some of the nicest ponies in this Pony Club, but you don't seem to take any trouble.'

The Christmas holidays promise wonderful adventures for the five Esmonds - but somehow they always end up in disgrace. They let The Turk gallop through hounds, October has run riot in Mr. Simpson's garden - and now they've brought chaos to the Pony Club rally.

However, there's still the Children's Meet, and the Esmonds are determined to redeem themselves - and give the colonel the shock of his life....

The second scan is of a Collins Pony Library edition, which does not contain a blurb. However both editions contains illustrations. The Collins Pony Library edition are credited to Anne Bullen, which are presumably the same ones as the first edition. The other one (a White Lion edition) does not credit the illustrator, but they are the same ones as in the Collins Pony Library edition (and presumably, by Anne Bullen). The cover has been done by someone else, however.

The book starts out with Professor Esmond pointing out their bad points, of which they decide to "improve their characters". However things do not go to plan, even when hunting on Boxing Day the Master gets cross and a Colonel Howard tells them off.

This book is somewhat slightly stuffy, these days people do not think of "improving their characters". However there is a great deal of (mis)adventures to be read in this book, and this makes up for it. Granted, there aren't so many horse filled incidents until near the end, but the relationship of the children is enough to keep you occupied. Perhaps this is not the ideal book to start off with if you have not read Josephine's books before, as this is not her best work. However, it must be remembered that it is an early work of hers, and that is the reason why.

In some ways that old fashionedness sticks out, there is talk of brandy when someone is ill/has an accident, which is not used today in quite the same way (and certainly not given to children) and also of liver pills (which are not used these days either). Also there are frequent mentions of servants and gardeners, which (unless you are very rich) people don't have these days. Also when there is talk of hanging, it also dates it, as we don't have hanging anymore.

It is a book I am not particularly fond of, but if you can get past the old fashionedness of it, it is not too bad. Like All Change/The Hidden Horse, the ponies are a secondary element to this book.