Dick Francis is my favorite mystery writer.

Whether it's his racing books or those set in other scenarios, Francis conducts in-depth research for his work. As a result, his books are highly realistic, and I have a great interest in learning about the various subjects he presents within his settings.

This is his second book featuring Sid Halley, a retired jockey who has become an investigator. Francis portrays the character masterfully, making you admire Sid while also empathizing with the anguish he must endure to stay true to himself. In essence, Sid is a genuine and yet realistic hero. It should be noted that you don't necessarily have to read the first book, "Odds Against," to enjoy this one, although I would also recommend that book.

Francis' strengths lie in his well-developed characters, his minimalist and concise writing style, and his understated and gentle humor. His books are relatively quick to read but highly satisfying. I wholeheartedly recommend all of Francis' works, including those he co-wrote with his son.

Jan 5, 9:30 pm

Since I concluded 2022 by reading several books about horse racing, I made up my mind to commence 2023 with the same subject matter, albeit in a different genre. The first print book of the year for me was "Odds Against" by Dick Francis, which is the first of three novels featuring ex-jockey turned private detective Sid Halley.

"Whip Hand", published in 1979, is the second installment. Initially, it seemed less intense as, unlike in "Odds Against", Sid didn't begin the book in the midst of a chaotic situation. We required a few chapters to get the story properly underway, but once it started, it didn't cease until the very last sentence. Phew!

In this book, Sid is involved in investigations into the suspected fixing of races. However, he also has to attempt to assist his ex-wife in confronting the truth about the mess she has gotten herself into. Besides this, Sid will need to come to terms with the reality of his life as a man with only one naturally functioning hand and his fears.

You might wonder what Sid Halley could be afraid of. He had relished the excitement of riding steeplechase horses, and we learned in the previous book that he remained calm and in control during challenging and terrifying detective work.

But there is a profound fear that he has to either stand up to or flee from. Which will it be?!

I believe I preferred "Odds Against" more than "Whip Hand" (and I also think I have a slight crush on Sid's partner Chico), but this book was still filled with the classic Dick Francis intensity. I don't recall a thing about the next book, 1995's "Come To Grief", even though I know I have read it. I think it will be fascinating to observe any alterations in DF's work after nearly 20 years since Sid had last made an appearance. I know that as time passed, I went from being thrilled with every new DF title to being much less charmed, so I wonder if I will still like Sid in "Come To Grief"?

There is only one way to find out, so let's get going!

In the past, I had the pleasure of reading every single one of Dick Francis's books that centered around horse racing.

I was always truly enamored by the double meaning that each title held. It added an extra layer of intrigue and depth to the stories.

This particular series is different, as it features an injured jockey who can no longer ride and instead becomes a sort of private investigator.

The plot was engaging and extremely exciting, keeping me on the edge of my seat from start to finish.

One aspect that I have always highly appreciated about Francis's books is the absence of bad language.

It makes for a more enjoyable and family-friendly read, allowing readers of all ages to immerse themselves in the thrilling world of horse racing and mystery without any concerns about inappropriate content.

Overall, this series was a great addition to Francis's body of work and I would highly recommend it to any fans of mystery or horse racing.

Reread February 2023

Sid Halley #2

This novel delves into a plethora of themes - from crooked races and con games to corruption in high places. However, I firmly believe that it is predominantly centered around the concept of fear. It explores fear and the diverse reactions to it, such as succumbing to it, defiantly resisting it, and ultimately overcoming it. The main characters, unfortunately, did not formulate comprehensive plans to counter the attacks they endured. In the end, the principal threat simply capitulated and vanished, rendering the ending somewhat lackluster.

I truly disliked Sid Halley's reaction to physical assaults and the very real threats of severe bodily harm and death. Perhaps it stems from the disparity between British culture and attitudes and those of the Southern United States. If one is certain, without a shadow of a doubt, that others are out to harm them, then the more rational response would be to strike first.

This approach might seem more proactive and self-preserving compared to Sid Halley's more passive stance. It makes one wonder how the story might have unfolded differently if he had adopted a more assertive strategy from the outset.

Good entertainment awaits as Sid Halley makes his triumphant return! This time, he finds himself embroiled in a web of mysteries and intrigues. He is tasked with investigating possible horse doping, the shadowy world of illegal horse racing syndicates, and the complex issue of fraud involving his ex-wife. The head of Security at the Jockey Club approaches Sid, imploring him to look into the vetting of syndicate members. Meanwhile, his father-in-law also seeks his help in uncovering fraud that implicates his daughter. To add to the chaos, the wife of a prominent trainer begs Sid to safeguard their precious prize runner from any form of tampering. Sid must brave through violence and endure painful injuries as he battles to solve these numerous and challenging problems. It's a thrilling adventure that will keep readers on the edge of their seats.

Dick Francis was a remarkable author who dedicated his life to writing entertaining and suspenseful novels.

With each new publication, he always managed to set the bar extremely high, captivating readers with his thrilling plots and masterful storytelling.

Among all his works, this particular book stands out as his absolute best.

It combines all the elements that make Francis' novels so beloved - the intense action, the complex characters, and the edge-of-your-seat suspense.

From the very first page, readers are drawn into a world of mystery and danger, unable to put the book down until they reach the final, satisfying conclusion.

This book is a true testament to Dick Francis' talent and creativity, and it will无疑 be cherished by fans of the genre for years to come.

I have always been a great enthusiast of Dick Francis' books. His works possess a unique charm that captivates readers from start to finish. The interaction between the characters and the powerful thoroughbreds is both thrilling and engaging. It adds an element of excitement and danger to the story. The crime elements present in his novels are also a major draw. They keep the reader on the edge of their seat, guessing and speculating about what will happen next.

Moreover, Francis' writing style in the first person is highly effective. It allows the reader to get inside the mind of the protagonist and experience the story from their perspective. This personal touch makes the reading experience even more immersive and enjoyable. Whip Hand is yet another excellent addition to his collection. I was particularly glad to see Sid, the main character, survive numerous beatings and threats from the criminals. His determination and courage in the face of adversity are truly inspiring. Overall, I would highly recommend Whip Hand to anyone who enjoys a good mystery or crime novel.

Yawn, here comes another book.

To be fair, the writing itself isn't bad. However, it is extremely boring.

Unless you have an intense interest in horse racing, this book might not hold your attention.

It seems to lack the excitement and engaging elements that would draw in a wider audience.

The story might revolve around the world of horse racing, but perhaps it fails to bring that world to life in a vivid and captivating way.

Even for those with a passing curiosity about horse racing, the book may not offer enough to keep them turning the pages.

It's a shame really, as with a few tweaks and added pizzazz, it could have been a much more enjoyable read.

But as it stands, it's just another book that falls flat for most readers.

The second Sid Halley book, which I read many years after the first, brilliant book, is truly captivating.

Sid Halley, a retired jockey who now has an artificial electronic hand, has become a private investigator. In this installment, he finds himself simultaneously dealing with three extremely tough plots.

Two of these plots involve not only physical violence but also intimidation. The author masterfully weaves these storylines together, creating a thrilling and suspenseful narrative that keeps the reader on the edge of their seat.

As Sid navigates through these dangerous situations, we see his resourcefulness and determination shine through. The descriptions of the action and the characters are vivid, making it easy to picture the scenes in one's mind.

This book is a must-read for fans of mystery and thriller genres, as it offers a unique and engaging story that will leave you wanting more.

British critic H. R. F. Keating made an interesting statement on the NBC while reviewing Whip Hand.

He said that if he were actually forced to choose one book of the year, which he thought was a difficult task as you really can't just pick one. However, if he had to, he would opt for a straightforward thriller, specifically Dick Francis' Whip Hand. He believed that this book was Francis at his most typical and best. Francis writes extremely well, and this time, according to Keating, he has firmly placed himself within his own world. It's a marvelous book that delves into a person, exploring human qualities such as courage, integrity, and more, while also admitting the possibility that the hero might not follow through. It's real human stuff and magnificent.

If you're tired of seeing certain words in print and worried that they might eventually surface in your speech if you encounter them again in print, then cleanse yourself by reading really good writing like anything by Dick Francis. Not only will you be treated to excellent prose, but you'll also learn a great deal about horse racing.

On the page, it's described that he looked as if Sid wasn't precisely the kind of name his friends would have, yet he faced this fact bravely.

The protagonists in Dick Francis novels seldom make repeat appearances. However, one exception is Sid Halley, who we encounter for the second time in Whip Hand.

Halley was a former jockey, but his career was abruptly ended when a horse rolled over on him, crushing his left hand. Eventually, the hand had to be amputated, and he now uses a prosthesis. Clearly, it's impossible for him to continue riding in this situation.

Halley has since become a private investigator, and not surprisingly, many of his cases are related to the racing world. In this particular instance, the wife of a trainer approaches him. She asks him to ensure the safety of one of her husband's prize race horses. In the past couple of years, two of her husband's horses that were almost certain to win major races failed miserably and ultimately developed health problems, forcing them to retire from racing.

The woman fears that the same thing will happen again with a horse that is set to compete in a big race in a couple of weeks. She wants Halley to make sure that no one interferes with the horse, but she also wants him to do it without her husband knowing that she has hired him. Naturally, this task might be somewhat challenging, but Halley accepts the assignment.

Inevitably, there is something amiss, if not in Denmark, then at least in the racing world. Vicious and malevolent forces will try to prevent Halley from fulfilling his mission. As always, Francis weaves an entertaining story, and this book will appeal to his loyal readers and those who find a mystery set in the English racing world fascinating.

I've now read twenty-eight of the Edgar Best Novel Award winners.

One thing that has really caught my attention is that the selection committee appears to have a preference for stand-alone novels over series entries. Out of the 28, there have been 17 stand-alones as opposed to 11 series novels. (It's worth noting that one of the series novels, Ed Lacy's ROOM TO SWING, probably shouldn't count as it didn't become part of a two-book series until several years after the award.)

After what felt like an endless stream of international thrillers all in a row, it was a real pleasure to read Dick Francis's series book, WHIP HAND. And I'm excited to know that there are three more books in the Sid Halley series for me to look forward to.

WHIP HAND is the second book in the series and continues the story of Sid Halley, an ex-jockey who has now become a private investigator with an artificial left hand. With the help of his friend Chico Barnes, a judo instructor, Halley mainly investigates racing-related matters, at least in this book. However, he also takes on a conman who has involved Halley's ex-wife in a scheme that could land her in prison if the true culprit isn't found. By the end of the book, Halley has not only solved all the mysteries but has also gained a deeper understanding of himself.

The book is told in the first person by Halley. Many people don't like this point of view and even claim they won't read a book that uses it. But I can't imagine this book being as effective if it were told in any other way. We learn so much about Halley's psyche, which helps to shed light on the character changes he undergoes during the course of the story. For example, having the story told in third-person omniscient would simply not have the same impact. I did find it a bit difficult to read the parts where violence is directed at the narrator, but they were necessary to show the character's emotions.

Since this is only the second Dick Francis book I've read, I'm still learning about the ins and outs of British horseracing. I'm glad that Francis is so skilled at inserting bits of information into the story without disrupting the flow of the plot. I'm sure I'll know a lot more by the time I finish reading all of Francis's books.