The dysfunctional Stratton family are owners of the Stratton Park racecourse. The racecourse is old and in need of repair but the family is divided on what to do: modernize, leave as-is, or sell. Lee Morris, related through the elder Lord Stratton, owns seven shares and decides to attend one of the shareholder meetings. That was where he became aware of the family secrets so dear that they’d do anything to cover them up. Lee takes an interest in the proceedings. As an architect, he understands the drawings being considered. But knowledge can be a very dangerous thing, especially when your life and the lives of your children are at risk.
One of the better ones, in my opinion. How Dick Francis comes up with fresh ideas is a wonder. But it is all believable and fast paced. In typical fashion, Lee gets himself in some situations that you’d wonder if he’d get out, and yet you know deep down he will because it wouldn’t be a Dick Francis mystery if it didn’t follow this pattern.

Great read

Keeps you wondering about the Stratton family dynamics. The relationship between the main character and his boys is so wonderfully described you feel you know all of them. The danger is real and the Stattons have so many secrets that keep one guessing what is going to happen next.

This was a solid, enjoyable page turner. I didn't like it as much as "To The Hilt" but it did the job of keeping me engaged and wondering what was going to happen next. Weird emotional turn in the last quarter of the book, but not enough to derail things.

Loved this book. As always well written words forming in a lyrical way urging you on to the next page. Wanting to get to the end to see how the story runs out but not wanting it to end because it was so good. Story set in the racing world and down to earth everyday people challenged by conniving money driven status people.
Ending a little bit red for some palettes of today but actually realistic and well done.

Very quick and enjoyable read. Somewhat atypical for a Dick Francis novel in terms of storyline and content, but very typical stylistically. All the signature tricks of this author are in evidence, including a very abrupt but satisfying ending. The climax of this novel is quite exciting. Not one of the great Dick Francis novels, but this one sits near the top of the middle of the pack.

A re-read. Like visiting an old friend. Lots to like about the main character (an architect) and his five sons and the plot. Fifth star not available because some of the women characters were uncharitably drawn.

v good

A re-read from the eighties, but this time in hardback ! Very traditional in the sense of a distant relative being launched into the viper's nest of a warring upper class family. The difference between the architectural slant and the actual accounts of racing was very clear . Francis has clearly done his research but it did feel a little bit stuck on.

From its familiarity I guess this is a third read, and proves comprehensively that unless you read more than two back to back, the formula stands firm as a provider of thoroughly satisfying reading enjoyment. This, based on characters more than horses, good behaviour versus bad is a very good example.

And what must therefore be a fourth read nevertheless delivers as solid an entertainment as could be wished for

This is my favorite Dick Francis book. I have read all of his books but this one I've read three times. The story was so rich with characters that I want to visit them all again. I hope that Felix Francis will write another book with Lee Morris, the Stattons, the boys, construction and horse racing.

My first Dick Francis, but certainly not my last.
A fun read, that had subtle humor sprinkled throughout.
I was about a third of the way in before anything dastardly happened, so lots of time to get familiar with the cast of characters, who were well-rounded and not cliched.

This was very much not a typical crime-caper, read more like literary fiction than a genre crime. All of the action seemed natural and not forced for plot movement purposes. The ending wrapped things up well and was mostly satisfying.

I'm looking forward to reading more Dick Francis. Can't believe it's taken me this long to pick one of his novels up!

Another great story by DF.