I enjoyed this book. The author creates interesting, and sometimes questionable, characters, who are full of surprises. The plot has twists and turns, revealing a cunning underdog and a story that is truly a page-turner. There are good guys and bad guys. In this snippet of the racing world, it's comforting when the good guy wins and the bad guys get their just desserts!

I hope to find time to read more of Dick Francis' books. It was a quick read and thoroughly enjoyable.

This was a fun re-read. I'd forgotten everything about the story except who the criminal was ☺️ and I clearly and distinctly remembered the scene of circulation returning to Rob's hands. Not bad for at least 30 years later!

Nerve was British crime writer Dick Francis's second novel, and the one where he first started to perfect his formula: A likable, underestimated working-class hero unraveling a mystery in a world that involves horses. For some people, one Francis is enough, but over the years I read and enjoyed dozens of the author's books. There's something deeply satisfying about seeing the underdog triumph against powerful, arrogant adversaries, and Francis made an entire career out of this simple concept. Nerve is an excellent place to start, as are For Kicks, Odds Against, Flying Finish, Whip Hand, and many others.

Although I was able to piece together a lot of this mystery early on in the book, I was then surprised to find that I still enjoyed reading the finish. Not only does the main character "solve" the mystery, but I love how the character found a way to administer his own justice. A fun read and about horse racing, of all things! Something I never would've thought I'd enjoy reading about!