What is there to say about Dick Francis? As I think about all of his books (yes, this review covers all of his books, and yes I've read them all) I think about a moral ethical hero, steeped in intelligence and goodness embroiled in evil machinations within British horse racing society - either directly or indirectly. The heroes aren't always horse jockies, they can be film producers, or involve heroes engaged in peripheral professions that somehow always touch the horse racing world.

But more than that, Francis's heroes are rational human beings. The choices made are rational choices directed by a firm objective philosophy that belies all of Francis's novels. The dialogue is clear and touched with humor no matter the intensity of evil that the hero faces. The hero's thoughts reveal a vulnerability that is touching, while his actions are always based on doing the right thing to achieve justice.

Causing the reader to deeply care about the characters in a novel is a difficult thing to do. No such worries in a Francis novel. The point of view is first person, you are the main character as you read the story (usually the character of Mr. Douglas). The hero is personable, like able, non-violent but delivering swift justice with his mind rather than through physical means. This is not to say that violence is a stranger to our hero. Some of it staggering and often delivered by what we would think of normal persons living in British society.

You will come to love the world of Steeple Chase racing, you will grow a fondness for horses, stables, trainers and the people who live in that world. You will read the books, devouring one after the other and trust me Dick Francis has a lot of novels (over 40 by my last count).

There are several series woven into the fabric of Francis's work: notably the Sid Halley and Kit Fielding series.

Assessment: Dick Francis is one of my favorite writers. I read his books with a fierce hunger that remains insatiable and I mourn his death.

Another Dick Francis book, another topic I have learned about 'on the side' through the story - this time sports writing for a tabloid. Also enjoyed the exploration of a couple's relationship when one has a long-term physical disability.

Also this Dick Francis was exciting, even if more ran next to the racecourse than on the racecourse. This time investigates a journalist unrealities in the horse betting. On a large scale, bets on horses are placed in advance, but shortly before the start these horses are deducted from the race. The bets always go to the same person, since the regulations do not provide for a return of the wagers made. Who is behind these mafia bets and how can this person be caught? With what means of pressure are the horse owners blackmailed so that they do not let their horses start? The journalist puts himself and his loved one in the greatest danger.
Exciting from the beginning to the end.

A hard-to-like hero, working for a racing tabloid. There are mitigating circumstances that give him more of a moral character, but they don't appear immediately. Still, a tough look into blackmail, race tampering, and the racehorse betting industry. Plus a wild climax.

Dick Francis has some great reads. Sid Halley stories always ring true, this is not a Halley tale, one of his best. The highs and lows, the particular British humor at the end of the story that puts things in perspective, and the hero that always takes a beating makes it 5 stars.

One of his best

Lots of action. Lots of bruises. Lots of emotion . Learned a lot about polio. Not nice. Will read again at some point.

One of my favorite Francis novels which says a lot. One superb scene when the hero is forced to drink a bottle of scotch.

I'm a long-time fan of Dick Francis and have read most of his novels. Recently I discovered this one from 1969 and listened to it via audiobook. It is an excellent example of Dick Francis at his best.

Francis at his classic best. As unbelievable as it is, the story and the main character's motives are completely believable. A textbook-literature format detective story - with all the advantages of non-textbook literature (it's great to read, etc.) and none of the disadvantages of textbook literature (you don't have to take dictation from it, but the pithy language will hopefully enrich it).

Ok book,

Read it in one standing; no time to sit down. Dick Francis always delivers excitement and suspense even though the basic plot rarely varies: honorable, stoic hero vs. cleverly disguised psychopathic villain. This book IMO tops them all for sheer suspense.

This book was too high stakes all the way through for enjoyment. The main character, Ty, is a sportswriter at a muckraking paper. He figures out an evil plot in progress in the world of horseracing and the action begins.