A Two Million Pound Ransom for a Kidnapped Horse Fionn MacCool is the one bright spot in the 1980s when Ireland is groaning under the weight of The Troubles. The beautiful thoroughbred is the winner of all the biggest races in the British Isles. But the entire country is shocked and angered when their hero is kidnapped and held for ransom. Patrick McCallin is a young teen who dreams of becoming a jockey. That dream comes true when he is selected to ride Fionn. Race after race ends with Fionn and Patrick in the Winner's Circle. Together, they capture the hearts of all the Irish. But the dream becomes a nightmare when Patrick's beloved horse is stolen. When the horse's owner refuses to pay and the Irish Garda closes the case, Patrick and his best friends, Ronan and Maddie, have no choice but to find Fionn themselves. Follow the adventure. Click the BUY NOW button! "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 ​ ​ ​      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      M.J. Evans is the author of more than twenty award-winning books for middle-graders, young adults, adults, and even a few picture books. Most of her titles are about horses or horse fantasy creatures. Ms. Evans is a graduate of Oregon State University and a former teacher of middle school and high school students. She is the mother of five and the grandmother of twelve (soon to be thirteen!) She and her husband live in Colorado.