I have an intense love for Dick Francis' characters.

They possess a remarkable quality of being both deeply philosophical and extremely good-natured.

It is truly astonishing how they can endure the most nightmarish calamities while still maintaining a sense of humor.

The hero of this particular book finds himself trapped in a rather depressing marriage.

However, as is the case with most of Francis' protagonists, he is an extremely likable guy.

The story unfolds at a fast pace, filled with tension and excitement, just like the majority of his other books.

It keeps the reader on the edge of their seat, eager to discover what will happen next.

Dick Francis has a unique talent for creating characters and stories that resonate with readers on a profound level.

His works are not only entertaining but also thought-provoking, leaving a lasting impression.

I highly recommend his books to anyone who enjoys a thrilling and engaging read.

I’m currently engaged in the task of reading all the Dick Francis books in sequential order. The majority of these books were penned 25 - 30 years ago. Some of them I have perused previously.

In my personal assessment, "Decider" fails to rank among his more outstanding works. I have a penchant for these books due to their allusions to horses and racing stables. Regrettably, this particular book scarcely made mention of either, which left me feeling rather disappointed.

Nonetheless, I still derived a measure of enjoyment from the book. Despite having been written such a long time ago, it managed to retain a certain relevance to the contemporary world. It is truly remarkable how Francis's writing can still resonate with readers today, even after all these years.

Perhaps it is the universality of the themes he explores or the skill with which he crafts his stories that enables his works to transcend the boundaries of time. In any case, I look forward to continuing my journey through his literary oeuvre and uncovering more of the hidden gems that lie within.

This is not a typical Dick Francis story, despite the fact that it is centered around a family-owned racecourse.

Lee Morris, a builder with six sons, has inherited a small share in the racecourse. However, he soon finds himself embroiled in a conspiracy and facing no little danger.

The story takes an unexpected turn as Lee becomes entangled in a web of mystery and deceit. With his newfound connection to the racecourse, he discovers that there are forces at play that he never could have imagined.

As the plot thickens, Lee must use his wits and skills as a builder to navigate through the dangerous situation. He is determined to protect his family and the racecourse, but he doesn't know who he can trust.

Will Lee be able to uncover the truth behind the conspiracy and emerge victorious? Or will he fall victim to the forces that seek to destroy him and everything he holds dear? Only time will tell in this thrilling and unpredictable story.

What is there to say about Dick Francis?

As I reflect on all of his books (yes, this review encompasses all of his works, and indeed I've read every single one), I envision a moral and ethical hero. This hero, deeply intelligent and good-natured, becomes embroiled in the evil machinations within British horse racing society, either directly or indirectly.

The heroes aren't always horse jockeys. They can be film producers or individuals engaged in peripheral professions that somehow always intersect with the horse racing world.

But more importantly, Francis's heroes are rational human beings. The choices they make are rational, guided by a firm objective philosophy that underlies all of Francis's novels. The dialogue is clear and laced with humor, regardless of the intensity of the evil that the hero faces. The hero's thoughts reveal a touching vulnerability, while his actions are always based on doing the right thing to achieve justice.

Causing the reader to deeply care about the characters in a novel is no easy feat. However, in a Francis novel, there are no such concerns. The point of view is first person, and as you read the story, you become the main character (usually the character of Mr. Douglas). The hero is personable, likable, non-violent, yet delivers swift justice with his mind rather than through physical means. This isn't to say that violence is foreign to our hero. Some of it is staggering and often inflicted by what we would consider normal individuals living in British society.

You will come to love the world of Steeple Chase racing. You will develop a fondness for horses, stables, trainers, and the people who inhabit that world. You will read the books, devouring one after another, and trust me, Dick Francis has a plethora of novels (over 40 by my last count).

There are several series interwoven into the fabric of Francis's work: notably the Sid Halley and Kit Fielding series.

Assessment: Dick Francis is one of my favorite writers. I read his books with an insatiable hunger, and I mourn his passing.

I don't recall having read this one before.

Lee is sort of a different protagonist than Francis's usual. He is married and has many children, which makes him stand out. However, I'm knocking half a star off for his (unhappily) lusting after an eighteen-year-old. It was really off-putting and made me feel a bit uncomfortable.

Despite this flaw, otherwise the story was good. The plot was engaging and kept my attention throughout. The characters were well-developed, and I was able to connect with them on some level.

Overall, I would still recommend this story, but with the caveat that the protagonist's actions may not be to everyone's taste. It's an interesting read that explores some complex themes, and I'm glad I gave it a chance.

I firmly believe that this is by far the best Dick Francis book that I have had the pleasure of reading.

The entire action unfolds over a relatively short span of just a few days, all within the London area. The story is set within the context of a wealthy family who own a highly successful horse racing track.

This track is at a crossroads, as it either requires some significant modernization efforts to keep up with the times or perhaps needs to be sold off altogether.

Each of the various family members has their own unique reasons for what they desire to see happen. And, as is often the case, some of them may have hidden agendas lurking beneath the surface.

The main character, quite unwittingly, gets pulled into the midst of all these proceedings. This is due to the fact that he has a small inherited share of the racecourse.

As the story progresses, we are drawn into a web of intrigue, family drama, and the high-stakes world of horse racing.

Dick Francis masterfully weaves together all these elements to create a truly captivating and engaging read.

Lee Morris is the sort of person one would desire as a friend. He is confident in numerous aspects, physically robust and mentally sharp. He earns his livelihood by traversing Britain, seeking out old dilapidated buildings and businesses that he can renovate, restore, and breathe new life into.

Lee shares his home with his wife, Amanda, and six sons. Despite the marriage being cold and distant, on the verge of crumbling and dying not so much from verbal abuse but rather from a dearth of love and compassion, he is still a good father.

As the book commences, Lee has just completed the restoration of an old barn, transforming it into the home where he, Amanda, and the boys now reside. It is an extraordinary structure that catches the eye of any visitor. And indeed, Lee has some visitors at the start of this book. Two officials from a nearby racetrack come to implore his assistance. It appears that the track's owner has passed away, leaving behind a family torn apart over what should be done with the aging track and grandstands. But why would they come to Lee Morris? Because many years ago, before Lee was born, his mother was briefly married to one of the extremely abusive sons of the wealthy racetrack owner. He regularly beat Lee's mother and once impregnated her against her will. She was so traumatized by this event that she couldn't raise the resulting child - a girl. She left the home, but the family quickly closed ranks around the son, and she agreed to never mention the abuse and marital rape as long as she could be left alone. The racetrack owner, a kind enough man, recognized that his son was inherently evil and gave Lee's mom several shares in the track, assuming she could sell them to obtain enough money to start anew. Instead, she kept the shares, and they eventually passed to her son, Lee, upon her death. He has paid little attention to them over the years, simply going about his business of remodeling old buildings and selling them. But on a particular spring day just before Easter, two gentlemen from the track arrive at Lee's home to plead with him to help preserve the track and its grandstands. His eight votes, they believe, could make a difference in terms of the track's preservation.

Lee initially declines their offer, but a series of events cause him to change his mind and actually show up at a board of directors meeting where all of the family factions, with their naked hatred for one another, are on full display.

Amanda wants Lee and the boys out of the house for a week, so she insists they go with him to the track during the boys' spring break. While there, they witness a terrible racing accident that claims the life of a rider and a horse. And on Good Friday, one of Lee's sons notices what appear to be wires connecting plastic explosive charges together running throughout the grandstands. He quickly alerts his father, and the boy and his father must now rescue the other boys who are playing in the grandstands. All but one boy leave the area, and while Lee searches for his 9-year-old son, the stands explode in a horrific manner. Lee and the boy are reunited just seconds before the grandstands blow, and while the boy is unharmed, Lee sustains injuries to his back and legs as some of the structure collapses on him.

The remainder of this book centers on Lee's attempts to uncover some of the destructive family secrets that prevent its members from working together. Lee is constantly in danger from family members who want him dead, including his half sister, the girl born as a result of the forced sexual assault and the man once briefly married to his mother.

You may be able to anticipate how this story concludes, but it is still a thrilling, action-packed mystery. Dick Francis does an outstanding job, as usual, with this plot. You'll learn fascinating things about British architecture, but not to the extent that you'll become bored and lose interest.

What particularly strikes me about this book is Francis's method of developing his characters. Even Lee's sons are beautifully developed and highly realistic. Their differences, strengths, and weaknesses are utilized by the author to advance the plot smoothly. The description of Lee and Amanda's deteriorating marriage is so vivid that your heart aches for both of them.

The Stratton family, who are so hateful towards one another and so divided regarding the future of the racetrack, are also masterfully developed. This book ends quite satisfactorily in one respect and somewhat sadly in another, but I won't disclose that here for fear of spoiling it for you.

If you're seeking the perfect action mystery thriller to accompany your spring cleaning endeavors or even to hold onto for that first trip to the beach or the mountains, this one truly fills that gap. There aren't so many characters that you'll become confused trying to figure out who's who. The plot is consistently fast-paced and constantly engaging. You'll be amazed at Francis's economy of words - saying so much with so little. This is a relatively short book, but rich in character development and excitement. You'll see the fundamental decency in both Lee and Amanda and long for them both to find the best solution that works for them. You'll also cheer for those boys. Their descriptions are so detailed that you feel as if you know each one of them personally.

Oh, how I love a Dick Francis novel! It's truly a delight to immerse myself in his captivating worlds. I'd not read this particular one before, so it was an absolute treat.

Lee Morris, an architect by education, has a unique passion. He is a builder who prefers to work alone. In England, he scours for ruined buildings and painstakingly rebuilds them, breathing new life into these forgotten structures. Additionally, he owns 8 out of 100 shares in a racecourse, a possession he inherited from his mother.

Lee is a married man and a father of 6 sons. During the Easter break, he takes 5 of them along and embarks on a journey to find a ruin for his next project. Along the way, he plans to stop by the stockholders meeting of the racecourse. However, as is often the case in a Dick Francis novel, nothing is ever so simple. And thus, the story begins to unfold, filled with mystery, suspense, and unexpected twists.

I devoured this lovely read in a single day. It was truly a captivating book that kept me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more of Dick Francis's works.

I have an absolute adoration for the strong male characters that grace the pages of Dick Francis mysteries.

In this particular one, the protagonist is truly remarkable. He has the ability to endure a beating without uttering a single complaint. He can outwit and out-manipulate the bad guys who are filled with uncontrollable rage. Not only that, but he also showcases his talents as both a builder and an architect by designing beautiful homes from ruined historical buildings.

Moreover, he exhibits excellent parenting skills when it comes to his five sons. And to top it all off, he manages to restore a family-owned racetrack to great renown.

Honestly, I find myself longing to marry a Francis-protagonist. He is truly a renaissance man, possessing a diverse range of skills and qualities that are simply awe-inspiring.

His strength, intelligence, creativity, and parental prowess all combine to make him the ultimate hero in my eyes. I can't help but be captivated by his character and the exciting adventures he undertakes.

Dick Francis has truly created some unforgettable male characters, and I can't wait to discover more of them in his mysteries.

An architect who has numerous sons becomes embroiled in a family-owned racecourse. There are intense disagreements among the family members regarding the future of the racecourse. These disputes lead to a great deal of meanness, and unfortunately, the kids also get involved in some acts of sabotage. I have always had a fondness for Dick Francis, and this particular story was a great one. I chose to listen to it on Audible. It was an engaging experience as I followed the complex web of relationships and conflicts within the family. The description of the racecourse and the various characters added depth to the narrative. The actions of the family members, especially the acts of sabotage involving the kids, added an element of mystery and excitement. Overall, it was a captivating listen that kept me hooked from start to finish.

What an ending! It's truly a delight that Lee didn't manage to obtain the young woman he was lusting after. This is such a refreshing change. Finally, we have a story that feels realistic.

However, it was a bit strange that there was no mention of the racetrack or the boys in the last few sentences. But at least we were given the knowledge that yet another boy would be joining their ranks, I guess.

Margerie was my absolute favorite. What a remarkable woman she was! I adored the description that she was a hell of a woman with a touch of tycoon in her. It was just brilliant.

This story had its ups and downs, with some unexpected twists and turns. The characters were well-developed, and each one added something unique to the narrative. I especially liked the contrast between Lee's lust and Margerie's strength and determination.

Overall, it was an enjoyable read that kept me engaged from start to finish. I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a realistic and entertaining story.

This was truly an enjoyable read.

The family dynamics of the Stratton family were nothing short of intriguing.

It was heartening to see Lee's trust in his children, a quality that seems to be lacking in many families today.

However, one cannot overlook the fact that Lee's behavior towards his wife and other women is, at best, highly problematic.

The process of working through the family dynamics to reach the best possible resolution serves as a powerful reminder that having an abundance of money and power does not necessarily equate to having a happy or healthy family.

It makes one realize that the true essence of a fulfilling family lies in mutual respect, understanding, and love, rather than in material possessions or social status.

Overall, this story offers valuable insights into the complex and often tumultuous world of family relationships.