[2] This "dark horse" victory surprised its publishing house, McPherson & Company, which did not have enough copies ready to meet demand immediately after the win.

In The Washington Post, reviewer Jane Smiley wrote that "Gordon has completely mastered the language of the racetrack, and formed it into an evocative and idiosyncratic style.

[4] However, with some reluctance The Washington Post writes that its "such a beautifully written novel that I wish I could say that every element works to perfection; I can't," noting that the multiple perspectives of the characters never allow intimacy with them.

[4] The LA Times emphasized the careful balance between beautiful description and philosophical reflection on the burdens and woes of both the humans and the horses.

"[3] The Independent was similarly praising starting the review with the novel is "big on character and narrative finesse" and concluding that "Lord of Misrule is by no means perfect.