Gamble is Felix Francis's first venture into solo novel writing territory. Prior to Gamble he co-wrote four books with his father Dick Francis - a Champion Jockey who turned his hand to writing hugely successful horseracing crime novels.

Somerset, in south west England,encompasses hills, floodplains, moors and ancient sites. Somerset is largely rural – centres of population include Bath, Bridgwater, Taunton, Wells and Yeovil.

Shropshire, for many an undiscovered gem, is a county with a rich history, good walking, great scenery and numerous castles.

Some fast facts about England including location, flag, national anthem, patron saint and monarchy.

Heston Blumenthal and Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall are two celebrity English chefs passionate about food. Heston has a particular interest in the science of food; Hugh is committed to home grown, home reared and local produce.

Ainsley Harriott and Antony Worrall-Thompson are two chefs who enjoy communicating their expertise and love of food. Ainsley specialises in fast, fresh food; Antony draws on years of experience managing successful restaurants. Both are prolific authors and engaging television peronalities.

Children's author Enid Blyton produced books that appeal to preschool children to those in their teens. Three of her classic series, illustrative of her range, were Malory Towers, Noddy and The Famous Five.

It is believed that the British have an obsession with weather – no surprise in England where sunshine and floods can coexist in a day.

Tea is a British tradition, even though tea was first discovered far, far from England. Tea first became popular in England in the seventeenth under the influence of Charles II’s Portuguese wife, Catherine of Braganza.

Ask someone to name an English sonnet writer and most people will answer “Shakespeare”. Yet England has produced a wealth of poets who have tried their hand at the sonnet form.