In one way it is a mistake reading Dick Francis back to back - the structure all too visible, but I still can't work out to what I should ascribe the compulsion to; what gives Dick Francis novels a quality akin to drugs.

The insight into other worlds, particularly of pain stoically sustained and horse racing and of skills put to good use is, of course another major factor.

Late Dick Francis. Excessive cruelty to horses. Don't understand why Francis thought this is a good idea. and Sid Halley, while a good character, is stoic beyond stoic. Close to unbelievable. As much as I have enjoyed these books, I cannot recommend this one.

Twists and turns abound, as in every Dick Francis novel I’ve read, which is over 20 at last count.

Excellent book! Love these horse books. Great plot and storyline. Characters are well developed and interesting. So well written. Based on what we're experiencing today as far as author writing, it is such a great joy to read an author who can actually write well. Highly recommend.

I have always enjoyed all the books by Dick Francis. This one is #3 in a new series that follows Sid Halley’s new career as an amateur detective after a terrible fall while horse racing left him unable to ride again. Very good book.

Thought I'd read all of Dick Francis's books, but this one must have passed me by as I had no recollection of any of it.
I always enjoy his books, have read most of them more than once, including those written with his son. I know nothing about horses or horse racing, but I do like a good thriller and these books are all good thrillers.

This story is different in that the story is being retold until about 3/4 if the way and then it is in real time. Sid Halley is trying to find out who has been torturing colts. When he discovers who it is, he is saddened, and ridiculed because it is a well known, and loved, person. It's a story of an obsessive need for danger.

For some reason, I have never read this before, although I think the Sid Halley books are among Francis's best. His books are great 'comfort reading.' An interesting plot that resolves. A protagonist you can empathise with. I enjoyed it thoroughly.

You can always count on Dick Francis for a good read -- connections across community - a surprising bad guy and a main character getting the job done.

Synopsis: Sid becomes convinced that one of his closest friends is behind a series of violent acts; it's a troubling case.

I don't know how to rate this book. I'd give it five stars for
character, plot, story structure and general excellent writing by
Dick Francis. But the crime is GRUESOME and it happens over
and over again. Ugh.

TW: the book centres on gory animal abuse.
Longer than a traditional Dick Francis, and I didn't remember the plot from past reading. I liked the framing of giving out the guilty party at the beginning, then joining the narrator in the unraveling of it. However the plot centered on severe animal abuse, which means I won't read this again, and am downgrading my star rating.