As a long-time Dick Francis fan, I was pleasantly surprised to discover that there was a book in the series that I had not yet read.

Listening to "Decider" in audiobook format, narrated by the marvelous Simon Prebble, was an absolute joy.

Francis typically selects a male main character in his early thirties for his books, as he does with "Decider". However, in this particular novel, he gives his main character five boys, whose presence adds a unique perspective to the story.

Francis is also highly skilled at making the old women in his books seem believable and a positive addition to the plot, and he accomplishes this masterfully in "Decider" as well.

The vivid descriptions in the book add a wonderful sense of place, which is essential for crime novels.

"Decider" is truly one of the best novels in the entire body of work by Dick Francis, and I would highly recommend it to any fan of his or to anyone who enjoys a well-written crime story.

My first encounter with Dick Francis was truly a delight, and I'm certain it won't be my last.

It was a thoroughly enjoyable read, with a touch of subtle humor interspersed throughout the narrative.

I had reached approximately a third of the way into the story before any truly dastardly events unfolded, which gave me ample time to become acquainted with the diverse cast of characters. Each one was well-developed and refreshingly free from clichés.

This book was far from being a typical crime-caper. In fact, it read more like literary fiction than a genre crime novel. All of the action felt organic and seamless, not contrived for the sole purpose of推动 the plot forward. The ending neatly tied up all the loose ends and was, for the most part, highly satisfying.

I'm now eagerly anticipating reading more of Dick Francis's works. I can't believe it's taken me this long to discover the joys of his novels!

3.5 stars.

Lee Morris, a 35-year-old architect and builder, holds 8 shares in Stratton Park racecourse. Different from any of Dick Francis's protagonists until now, Lee is married and has 6 children, all of them sons.

Lord Stratton used to own 75 shares in the racecourse and had run the place as a benevolent despot for years. However, he recently passed away, and his heirs are now feuding over what to do with the property. The options are to keep running it as usual, refurbish the racecourse, or sell it and split the proceeds.

Lee's mother, Madeline, was briefly married to Keith, one of Lord Stratton's sons. Madeline divorced Keith, married a man named Morris, and gave birth to Lee. Lord Stratton had a liking for Madeline and provided her with a financial settlement along with the racecourse shares upon her divorce from Keith. When Madeline died, her shares were passed on to Lee.

Lee attends a shareholders meeting to determine the fate of the racecourse and soon gets embroiled in the Stratton family's dysfunctions. Lee ponders several times - How do people make decisions? Is it by instinct? By reason? A combination of each? Or is it free will? He thinks, \\"...logic never interferes with instinct....half the world’s like that.\\"

This story seems to be filled with family drama and complex decisions that will surely keep the readers on the edge of their seats.

This is a typical Dick Francis book.

I haven't read one of his works in decades, and it has been a truly pleasant experience to revisit his literary world.

Dick Francis is renowned for his unique style and engaging plots that often revolve around the world of horse racing.

The characters in his books are vividly drawn, and the storylines are filled with excitement, mystery, and suspense.

As I delved into this particular book, I was immediately captivated by the author's ability to bring the setting and the characters to life.

The descriptions of the horse races and the jockeys' experiences were so detailed that I could almost feel the thrill of the races myself.

It was like taking a step back in time and reliving the excitement of my younger days when I first discovered Dick Francis's books.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good mystery or has an interest in horse racing.

It's a great read that will keep you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end.

Dick Francis once again pens an engaging mystery tale that delves into the horse-racing industry in England.

Here, we are introduced to Lee Morris, an architect with a difference. He resides in a renovated barn along with his wife and six boisterous boys.

When the owner of a racetrack passes away, Lee inherits 8 shares in it. However, the relatives are in a state of disarray regarding the settlement of the inheritance.

Interestingly, five out of the six children prove to be extremely intelligent and creative. They play a significant role in helping to untangle the mystery that surrounds the inheritance and the racetrack.

As the story unfolds, we are taken on a thrilling ride filled with twists and turns, all set against the backdrop of the exciting world of horse racing.

Dick Francis masterfully weaves a narrative that keeps the readers on the edge of their seats, eager to discover the truth behind the mystery.

His vivid descriptions of the characters and the settings bring the story to life, making it a truly enjoyable read for mystery enthusiasts and lovers of horse racing alike.

Galloping to a great finish once more.

I am truly a die-hard fan of Dick Francis and his enthralling horse racing related chaos.

This is yet another re-read for me, as I have decided to pull out all of my Dick Francis books for some light and enjoyable reading.

The stories he weaves are simply captivating, filled with drama that keeps you on the edge of your seat and of course, the thrilling world of horse racing.

You are bound to fall in love with these tales, as they transport you into a realm of excitement and adventure.

Whether you are a fan of horse racing or not, Dick Francis' books have something for everyone.

So, grab a copy and get ready to be swept away by the magic of his words.

I've read Dick Francis before, and this particular book has truly captured my heart. I was so engrossed that I found myself disappointed whenever I remembered that I had finished it and there was no more to listen to when I hit "play" during my spare moments.

Years ago, I had only read a few of his books, and as this one does, it seems that they all have some connection to horse racing. I'm not sure if any of his other works are part of a "series," but this one is a stand-alone. It features an architect who specializes in refurbishing old relics and transforming them into new and exciting dwellings, whether it's an old pub or a barn. What made this story even more interesting for me was that he has six boys. So, right from the start, there were two aspects that piqued my interest: architecture and multiple children.

This mystery is not gruesome at all. Although there are some truly despicable characters, it's nothing that I would have to mute if a child walked in. It was a very enjoyable read, and I will definitely be picking up more of his books in the near future.

A dark and sordid tale unfolds, filled with blackmail, domestic violence, adultery, incest, and even arson. You can name any heinous crime, and it seems to be present in this story. The combination of such excessive crime and a rather decent knight creates an improbable romance that borders on the absurd. Ah! This could so easily have been a gritty and intense thriller, capable of keeping readers on the edge of their seats. However, Dick Francis' apparent desire to avoid ruffling aristocratic feathers or upsetting the delicate equilibrium has led to a strange mish-mash of noir elements and escapist fantasies. While there are aspects of the story that are engaging and值得推荐, it comes with certain reservations.

The narrative seems to struggle between presenting a realistic and hard-hitting exploration of crime and offering a more sanitized and romanticized version for a wider audience. As a result, it may not fully satisfy either those seeking a true noir experience or those looking for a straightforward and heartwarming romance. Nevertheless, it still has its moments and may appeal to some readers who are willing to overlook its flaws and enjoy the unique blend of elements that Francis has created.

This might very well be my absolute favorite Dick Francis novel.

The hero in this story is rather atypical. His quiet architectural brilliance and his unusually creative parenting of five boys truly stick in my mind.

This is my second time reading "Decider", and I found myself liking it even more this go-round. I couldn't help but admire the elegant turns of phrase that Francis employs, the realism that pervades the story, and the depth of character that he so masterfully creates.

The way in which he integrates the plot, the characters, and the setting is simply OH so satisfying. It's as if he weaves a tapestry where each element complements and enhances the others, resulting in a truly captivating and unforgettable reading experience.

Every time I pick up this novel, I am drawn into a world of mystery, adventure, and human drama that keeps me on the edge of my seat from beginning to end.

This is one of my absolute favorite Dick Francis books. I have a deep affection for the hero and his sons. The way their characters are presented is so vivid and clearly written that it truly brings them to life on the pages.

However, I recently took the time to reread it, and unfortunately, I noticed that some aspects of the story are quite dated. There is one particular thing that really bothered me. I wish that the book could be rewritten to eliminate the hero's inappropriate lusting after an 18-year-old. By today's standards, such behavior is extremely inappropriate and gives me a big ick factor. It really detracts from what could otherwise be an even more enjoyable read.

Despite this flaw, I still appreciate the overall quality of the book and the engaging plot that Dick Francis is known for. But it does make me wonder how different the story might be if it were updated to reflect more modern values and sensibilities.

Family Relationships

This is an excellent story that delves deep into the complex web of human relationships within close families. It vividly portrays the various dynamics at play, from the love and support that bind family members together to the hidden pressures that can build up over time.

The story takes us on a thrilling journey, filled with unexpected twists and turns that keep us on the edge of our seats. It explores how these pressures can sometimes lead to disastrous consequences, shattering the seemingly perfect façade of family life.

However, one cannot help but feel that the story is a bit too short. It leaves us craving for more details, more insights into the characters' lives and emotions. Despite its brevity, it manages to pack a powerful punch and leaves a lasting impression on the reader.

Overall, it is a captivating read that offers a thought-provoking exploration of family relationships and the potential pitfalls that lie within.

A touch of Agatha Christie at the horseraces, with a twist of Cleudo thrown in for good measure.

This crime fiction novel has a certain charm that harks back to the golden age of mystery writing. The setting of the horseraces adds an element of excitement and glamour, while the inclusion of the Cleudo-style mystery keeps the reader engaged.

However, the story does feel a little dated at times. The language and some of the plot devices are perhaps a bit old-fashioned compared to modern crime novels.

Overall, though, it is a sedate and easy-to-read book. It doesn't require a great deal of mental effort to follow the story, and it provides a pleasant diversion for a few hours.

If you're a fan of classic crime fiction or looking for a light read, this novel might be worth checking out.