Does anything scare you? That's the start of a great blog post too.

Sid Halley's second foray into the criminal world around horse racing is truly captivating. It doesn't disappoint at all. One of the most interesting aspects is that one of the bad guys actually turns away at the end. He realizes that Sid will never give up, no matter what.

The writing in this story is excellent, thanks to Dick Francis and his wife. I firmly believe that her Literature degree and typing skills have paid off handsomely for both of them. Their combined efforts result in a thrilling and engaging narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats from start to finish.

This book is a must-read for anyone who loves mystery, adventure, and horse racing. It offers a unique perspective on the seedy underbelly of the horse racing world and the lengths that some people will go to in order to achieve their goals.

Overall, I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a great read. It's a classic in the mystery genre and a testament to the talent of Dick Francis and his wife.

In "Whip Hand," Sid Halley makes a comeback. This time, his damaged hand has been replaced with a myoelectric one. He has emerged from the depression of the first book and is ready to face a new challenge. However, when his nemesis threatens him with his worst fears, he has to confront his own weakness.

Francis's decision to use Halley as a recurring character is quite interesting. The Sid Halley books were not written consecutively like the Kit Fielding books. Instead, they were spread out over different decades. "Odds Against" was published in the 1960s, "Whip Hand" in the 1970s, "Come to Grief" in the 1990s, and "Under Orders" in the 2000s. This gives Sid a kind of time-traveling quality. In "Under Orders," he is less than 10 years older than in "Odds Against," but the action is set 40 years later. This is a common issue for writers of long-running series, and they handle it in different ways. Sue Grafton's Kinsey Millhone lives in a time warp, always in the 1980s. Robert B. Parker's Spenser seems to age at a slower rate.

Overall, "Whip Hand" is a more lighthearted book than "Odds Against," typical of Francis's works from the 1970s. It features a cheery romance and an exciting action sequence in a balloon race. Nevertheless, Francis's fascination with the limits of human endurance and our vulnerability shines through clearly, as it always does in the Sid Halley books. The ending is both satisfying and gut-wrenching, highlighting why Sid is Francis's favorite character. If you haven't yet discovered the charm of Dick Francis's books, the Sid Halley series is a great place to start, and "Whip Hand" is an excellent addition to the franchise.

Call me goofy if you will, but there's just something about this guy's name that never fails to make me burst out laughing. It's one of those names that has an instant comical effect, and every time I hear it, I can't help but crack a smile. I have no idea why it's so funny to me, but it just is. Maybe it's the way the letters are arranged, or the sound it makes when pronounced. Whatever the reason, it always manages to bring a bit of joy and lightheartedness to my day. And I must admit, I'm really looking forward to reading whatever it is that this person has written or said. I'm sure it's going to be just as entertaining as his name.

This is a crime thriller that has been executed extremely well. The plot is engaging, filled with twists and turns that keep the reader on the edge of their seat. The author has done an excellent job of creating a sense of mystery and suspense throughout the story.

However, I must admit that I side with those who find the protagonist rather annoying. There is something about his character that rubs me the wrong way. Perhaps it is his actions or his attitude, but for some reason, I just can't seem to warm up to him.

Despite this, I still found the book to be an enjoyable read. The story was so captivating that I was able to overlook my issues with the protagonist. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good crime thriller, as long as they can tolerate a less than likable main character.

Overall, it is a well-written and entertaining novel that is sure to please fans of the genre.