Great Read

This story is truly a captivating one that keeps you on the edge of your seat, constantly wondering about the complex Stratton family dynamics. The author has done an excellent job in describing the relationship between the main character and his boys. It is so vivid and detailed that you feel as if you truly know each and every one of them. The danger that lurks within the story is palpable and real, adding an extra layer of excitement and tension. What makes this story even more enticing is the fact that the Stattons have an abundance of secrets. These secrets are revealed bit by bit, keeping the reader guessing and speculating about what is going to happen next. You find yourself unable to put the book down, eager to uncover the truth and see how the story unfolds. Overall, it is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a thrilling and engaging story with well-developed characters and a mysterious plot.

I was truly torn between awarding this story 3 or 4 stars. Eventually, I decided to round up to 4 stars as it managed to keep me fully engaged throughout and was a relatively quick read.

The story revolves around a British architect and builder who inherits a few shares of a racetrack. He then has to deal with a dysfunctional rich family that owns the majority of the shares. The family is in a state of disagreement regarding what to do with the racetrack, and the protagonist finds himself drawn into both the future of the racetrack and the family drama.

Surprisingly, the protagonist's children play a key role in the story. I found the inclusion of the boys quite interesting, especially the way they traveled and lived. In today's society, the father's actions might be considered unfit, but in the story, no one seems to question him bringing his kids into odd situations and leaving them on their own. However, it was a bit hard to believe that the boys would be as well-behaved and perceptive as described.

The architect's wife, although not a central part of the story, was rather odd, annoying, and unbelievable. All she seemed to want was to have more babies, regardless of their financial situation or the lack of a permanent place to house them. She came across as cold, not only towards her husband but also towards the kids. Her nagging and lack of concern for her husband when she learned about several life-threatening situations were irritating.

I also felt that the story would have been improved if the writer had omitted some of the sexual innuendos and relationships. The protagonist's fixation with Penelope was strange and served no real purpose other than to detract from the mystery. His obsession with her bordered on being socially inappropriate and outside the bounds of societal norms. Moreover, the last scene with his wife was overly descriptive and completely unnecessary. I really wish it had been edited out of the entire story.

Despite the lack of major surprises or twists, overall, I still enjoyed the book and might even consider reading another one of Francis' works in the future.

Dick Francis is a remarkable author whose works are not only gripping but also sometimes terrifying. His stories feature a hero with whom readers can truly identify, as if they can climb right into his head. I have been a devoted fan of his books for many years, and this latest addition to the collection does not disappoint.

The narrative is filled with suspense and excitement, keeping the reader on the edge of their seat from beginning to end. Francis has a unique ability to create vivid and believable characters, and the hero in this book is no exception. His struggles and triumphs are engaging and make for a truly enjoyable read.

Whether you are a long-time fan of Dick Francis or new to his work, this book is definitely worth adding to your collection. It is a testament to his talent as an author and is sure to provide hours of entertainment.

Close to four stars, this mystery was very enjoyable.

It had all the elements that make a mystery engaging. The plot was full of twists and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat from beginning to end. The characters were well-developed and had their own unique personalities, which added depth to the story. The setting was also very atmospheric, creating a sense of mystery and intrigue. I found myself constantly trying to figure out who the culprit was and what their motives were. The author did a great job of leading me down the wrong path several times, which made the final reveal even more satisfying. Overall, this was a great mystery that I would highly recommend to anyone who enjoys this genre.