Community Reviews

Rating(3.9 / 5.0, 100 votes)
5 stars
27(27%)
4 stars
40(40%)
3 stars
33(33%)
2 stars
0(0%)
1 stars
0(0%)
100 reviews
April 26,2025
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#2 in the Kit Fielding mystery series

I am a total Francis fan! His heroes are what makes his stories so good. They are always intelligent and talented, with a strong core. When they become involved in some sort of mystery, they deal with it in an unobtrusive and effective way, showing themselves to be resourceful and thoughtful. In this case, we've already met Kit, a prominent jockey, and have seen him become involved with and engaged to Danielle. Although now things are a little rocky in their relationship as she realizes the day-to-day dangers of his profession. I loved the Princess, owner of several horses that Kit rides, and a knowledgeable and compassionate lady. When she is threatened, she asks Kit to help. He does and, ironically, also enlists the help of her nephew, Prince Litsi, who is looking like he's making a play for Danielle too. All the characters are warm and approachable, and the mystery is interesting without being too complicated. The story moved very quickly, and I couldn't stop turning the pages to see what would happen. As always, an excellent read.
April 26,2025
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Dick Francis has made a great, heroic character in Kit Fielding, and this is the 2nd book he stars in. Francis keeps you hooked from the start, and there are several twists and turns that make it a challenge for the reader to solve the mystery. So well done!
April 26,2025
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Although I do enjoy Dick Francis, this was one of his better books. Fast paced and a great “hero” in Kit Fielding, this was a good, quick read.
April 26,2025
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much the same as the first. i didn't really enjoy the romance in this one since it was strained then seemed to just "stop being strained" without any clear resolve, it wasn't like a won battle, it was just like the battle gave up and just they were suddenly together. i also didn't like how he once again just let shit happen without solving it. i'm glad maynard got killed but why the fuck did he just LET him push him down the stairs etc??
April 26,2025
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The sequel to Break In,, I do like this pair of thrillers. Francis has a winning formula, and this one is a good beach read in the trademark vein.
April 26,2025
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Dick Francis' skill elevates his novels above their pulp genre. The characters are humane and interesting, and the horse-racing world that he understood so well is vividly described. A light but satisfying read.
April 26,2025
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There is absolutely nothing like a Dick Francis novel! It was great fun to get my hands (or eyes) on one I hadn't read. No disappointment here, just reconnecting with an old friend.
April 26,2025
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Rereading Dick Francis books I have read years ago is a pleasure. This was a quick read for me and most enjoyable. Francis’ characters always find themselves in tight spots & use quite ingenious ways to extricate themselves. A fun read with some chewed fingernails along the way.
April 26,2025
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One of Dick Francis’ best

Break In and Bolt along with Nerve are my top three favorite Dick Francis novels and among my top favorite re-reads overall. The writing is excellent, the plots engaging from the first line, the insight into racing and racing life fascinating without being “lecturely” and the characters and character development fantastic. In particular the character of Kit Fielding is outstanding. It is a pleasure to see into his head and heart and to experience the events of the books through his eyes. Since first reading these books over 30 years ago (discovered in the mystery section of a small used bookstore in West Philadelphia - purchased to read while waiting in line to pay for my groceries....and yes I ended up choosing the longest line) I’ve reread them at least once a year and have listened to the audible performance of both multiple times. Thank goodness Simon Prebble is doing the readings. He does an outstanding job. Get them. You won’t regret it. I’m waiting for Simon to read Nerve next.
April 26,2025
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not quite as good as the first kit fielding novel but still a solid story love this book
April 26,2025
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A good page turning read with minor illogic. Very readable. Well worth the 4 I gave it (it aint literature, after all).
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