A bit different, but not much really - same type of hero. Dick Francis books are always good when I need an easy read.

I have read all of the Dick Francis books at least once and enjoy rereading them from time to time. He still remains one of my favorites.

Dick Francis always entertains.

This one felt a bit aimless, and I was slightly disappointed by it. It seemed to me as if Francis while writing it had been more concerned about writing a book about stuff taking place in Moscow (during the Cold War) than he'd been about developing a good plot. As a loose characterization of at least some aspects of life in Russia during that time it's probably not that bad (queues/shortages, low-quality food/housing stock, pervasive lack of trust, etc.), but the actual story/plot I did not find particularly interesting.

Moscow and it’s citizens were the most outstanding characters in this book. I found it fascinating and frightening.

Has to be read these days as a period piece, set as it is in Russia before the break-up of the Soviet Union. Nevertheless, anyone who visitedMoscow at that time will recognise the authenticity of the portrait.

The background is equine - but eventing, not racing - and will appeal to those who like a good espionage yarn. Dick Francis enthusiasts will find the author's ability to keep the pages turning is well up to standard.

In common with several other authors recently encountered, Francis sadly fails to understand the meaning of the word Crescendo. It is not a climax, and it is simply wrong to suggest as much. It makes themany references here to Ravels Bolero uncomfortably jarring.

First book I’ve ever read from this author and I wasn’t impressed. However, after reading a lot of reviews, it seems that this isn’t his natural form so I’ll read more by him and hopefully I like those more. I refuse to ever rate anything a 1 star because all authors are putting time and effort into their works. I just don’t think it’s right to rate 1 star but man, this was a touuuuugh read.

Outstandingly fucking excellent amazing

This is the first dick Francis book that I didn't love. It seemed to be missing some of the tightness in the plot and meandered all over the place. I was hoping it would speed up as it got more involved into the plot but it just plodded along like a broken down plow horse. This will not prevent me from continuing to read other works, this prolific author usually doesn't disappoint.

This was one of my least favorite of Dick Francis’s books. It involves a dress rehearsal for the Moscow Olympics, which were actually boycotted by most of the free world. Of course, he had no way of knowing that when he wrote the book. This book just doesn’t seem to have the easy flow and authenticity of most of his books. Still, an ordinary Dick Francis book is a better read than a good book by a lesser author.

I loved the setting - Moscow at peak Cold War - which I found pretty accurate. The only challenge with this one was a general lack of explanation as to where the protagonist's skillset came from.

Great story from the Cold War. Set in Moscow c. 1978 or so. The plot is almost irrelevant to the 'stranger in a strange land' observations.