I loved it!  Lots of action on the grid, but not so much that a person struggles to stay involved in the story. Only negative is that you don’t talk enough about your family. Would have been nice to have understood more about your relationship with your sons — I wonder if your wife’s book will cover that?  Can’t wait!

I enjoyed Dark Horse just as much as Chequered Justice. To follow CJ with the story of Will’s earlier life, was the right move John. Reading Chequered Justice left me eager to know about your past: your parents, how this crazy guy, started life, the beginning of his great love story: how he wooed Beth, how he battled with dyslexia – which, on reflection, seemed more of an asset than an encumbrance! I was interested to learn that dyslexia affects short term memory.

Perhaps this is how you were able to put set backs so quickly behind you. Nothing fazed you!
Dark Horse gave me huge pleasure. I still smile when I recall some of the scenes: the alien spacecraft scaring most of Arundel, the ‘explosives’ manufacturing business, pregnant Beth laying into the paving-slab-wielding lout, the hair-raising journey, against time, across the Andalucian mountains to collect the gearbox input shaft for the Spanish race trials.

Then came your great sadness at the death of your best friend Des, not just his dying but the way he died. What a helluva time you had.

I have recommended both books highly.

“Chequered Justice was recommended to me by an old school pal of John’s, so I felt compelled to read it. I was blown away by just how good it was: well written, edge of the seat stuff

I was involved in motor racing myself, for a year or so, experiencing life behind the scenes for drivers, sponsors and those who make it tick. I escaped prison by the skin of my teeth for ‘aiding and abetting’ in a subtle multi million pound scam involving those very people.

John has written a remarkable book, I was living his story. It gets right to the heart of what a driver goes through: emotionally, practically, financially and spiritually. There is no escaping the fact that Will was genetically ‘hot wired’ to race: you can change a man’s life, but not his passion. Yet this is more than a book about motor racing, it is about the tenacious human spirit of Will Middleton (I could only picture John), the misuse of power and the collusion of those who will do anything to save their own skin – regardless. Sadly they are the gatekeepers of our laws, the men and women we trust to ensure justice is done.

Chequered Justice is also a powerful love story. Beth, Will’s greatest ally, sticking by her man, all the way through the tortuous years, enabling him to carry on. When it seemed he’d lost everything, he still had the most precious thing of all: the love of his wife and family.
This really would make a brilliant movie but it may be that ‘the powerful’ would put many obstacles in the way of its making.

I will now read Dark Horse”

By: Geoff Green

“….met you at Costco, Edinburgh and bought both books. I have just finished this minute reading the second book, Chequered Justice, after reading Dark Horse, which I really enjoyed.

The more into CJ I read the more appalled I was at the treatment towards you from our Criminal Justice System. My husband is going to read both books too and I am going to find Mary’s book and I’m looking forward to reading that too.”

John and Margaret Moffat

Audiobook voiced by Leslie Phillips CBE

I say, Ding Dong!

The seductive tones of veteran actor Leslie Phillips provide the narration to the new audiobook edition of Chequered Justice, a novel by Maidstone author John Bartlett.

Mr Phillips, who appeared in three Carry On films and literally dozens of other movies since his first film appearance as a child actor in 1936, has just celebrated his 90th birthday.

He is a personal friend of the author, a former motor racing driver, who lives at Mote Park.

Author John Bartlett with actor Leslie PhillipsThe audiobook has a cinematic-style backing track, so listeners hear not just Mr Phillips’ narration but also the sound effects of the action. It runs for 17 hours. The audiobook was recorded in Chatham over a period of a year.
Chequered Justice is based on Mr Bartlett’s own experiences as a WSCC racing driver, and tells the tale of team boss Will Middleton who suddenly finds himself in trouble with the law over an insurance claim which despite its apparent insignificance turns his life upside down.

Mr Bartlett said: “Leslie is great on the book. He does all the voices. It’s fantastic.”

Mr Bartlett has now written a follow-up novel, entitled Dark Horse.

*Chequered Justice: ISBN-13: 978-0956910493

By: KM Kent online

I read Chequered Justice when it first came out and thoroughly enjoyed it. Dark Horse completes the story by telling the background and upbringing of “Will Middleton”, (who’s clearly the author). It’s an interesting and entertaining read, giving further insight into the author’s life and (if you’ll excuse the pun) what drives him.

I’d be interested to find out what happens to “Will Middleton” and his family in later life – perhaps a sequel to Chequered Justice? I could also imagine a film being made of the entire story – crowd-funding anyone?