Bill Davidson seems to have it all.

He has a doting wife who adores him, three children who look up to him, the best hunter 'chaser in the country, and a reputation as the top amateur steeplechase jockey.

He also has more than enough money to support his lavish lifestyle.

But then, one fateful day, his prize horse Admiral takes a nasty fall during a race, and Bill Davidson winds up dead.

Everyone writes it off as an unfortunate accident, except for Alan York, Bill's best friend.

Alan is convinced that there's more to Bill's fall than meets the eye, and he's determined to get to the bottom of it.

However, Alan quickly discovers that asking questions can have serious consequences.

He finds himself in over his head, and his search for the truth could cost him everything he holds dear.

Once again, Dick Francis showcases his extensive racing knowledge in this outstanding mystery.

Although this is actually the first of his horse-racing mysteries, it's one of his best.

The story is engaging, the characters are well-developed, and the mystery keeps you guessing until the very end.

What sets this book apart is the believable motive of the villain.

Unlike some of Francis's other works that rely on crazy killers, this one has a more complex and relatable antagonist.

The story also intersects with the racing world in an interesting way, with both the victim and the hero being amateur jockeys.

We get a peek into the inner workings of the racing industry, as well as some of the seedy underbelly activities like protection rackets and bookmaking.

Overall, this is a great read for anyone who loves a good mystery or has an interest in horse racing.

If you're new to Dick Francis, this is a great place to start.

Many of us have that special experience when we re-read a favorite book, which is something akin to indulging in "comfort food." I had precisely that feeling as I embarked on reading Dead Cert, and it persisted with me throughout the entire process of turning the pages.

The protagonist of the story is Alan York, an amateur steeplechase rider. He hails from a well-off family in Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe). When he's not engaged in riding, he works in his father's shipping firm in London. My GR friend James Thane offers a great perspective on the author, Dick Francis, although he and I have a slight difference of opinion regarding how much we liked the book.

We are presented with the thrills of the steeplechase, a violent death, a love interest, and at least one deep mystery. York is a man who commands respect and should never be underestimated. The story is filled with intrigue and excitement as we follow York's journey.

Author Francis may improve in terms of plotting in his other novels, and those works may also offer more in-depth insights about horses. However, this novel serves as a great starting point to "ride along the course" with the jockeys, owners, trainers, and all the events that surround the world of horse racing.

The typical description in the book, such as "Admiral was as superb to ride as he looked. He put himself right before every fence, making his spring at exactly the right moment and needing no help from the saddle. He had the low, flowing galloping stride of the really fast mover, and from the first fence onward I found racing on his back an almost ecstatic pleasure," adds to the vividness and charm of the story.

What a truly enjoyable read this was! Even after a significant period of time, perhaps around 50 years, it still holds up remarkably well.

The author has masterfully crafted the story in such a way that there isn't an overabundance of time-dated details that might otherwise detract from the overall narrative.

The plot progresses with a seamless flow, keeping the reader engaged from start to finish. Additionally, the characters are developed with great depth and nuance.

I had the pleasure of listening to the audiobook, and the actor did an excellent job of bringing the story to life. Their performance added an extra layer of enjoyment to the already captivating tale.

It's truly a testament to the quality of the writing that this story can still charm and engage readers decades after its initial publication.

An author whom I began to read during my childhood, mainly due to the fact that he was one of my Dad's favorite authors and I simply took his books from the bookshelves. For several decades, I haven't picked up one of his books. However, I was certain that I would still relish his depiction of an England nearly sixty years ago.

I have no specific interest in horses or horse racing (and my Dad didn't either), but that has always been just the background canvas for good old, albeit slightly outdated, crime stories.

I made the decision to commence my rediscovery with his first book from 1962, and it is as excellent as any that I can recall. It's truly a pleasure to revisit his works and be transported back to that era through his vivid descriptions and engaging narratives.

An article in the Daily Telegraph stated that Philip Larkin and Kingsley Amis greatly admired Dick Francis’ work.

I remember that I read all of his books when I was much younger. So, I thought I would revisit his works.

I started with his first book. The formula soon came back to me. It was about an amateur jockey with a different background. This time, the jockey was from South Africa.

It was a really good yarn. The story was engaging and full of excitement. I found myself getting lost in the world of horse racing and the adventures of the amateur jockey.

As I read on, I was reminded of why I had loved Dick Francis’ books so much in the first place. His writing was vivid and descriptive, making it easy to picture the scenes and characters in my mind.

I would highly recommend his books to anyone who enjoys a good mystery or adventure story.

Alan, a dedicated steeplechase rider, experiences the most harrowing moment when he witnesses his friend Bill's tragic death right before his eyes. Bill's 'dead cert' winning horse trips at the last hurdle and fatally lands on him. To Alan's shock, he later discovers that it wasn't the adverse weather or a mere accident that claimed Bill's life, but a calculated act of sabotage.

Determined to uncover the truth, Alan begins asking questions, only to find himself embroiled in a complex web involving crooked jockeys, a menacing gang terrorizing small businesses, and a mysterious taxi company. Adding to the chaos, he also finds himself in a competition to win the attention of a woman who may or may not be connected to the whole sordid affair.

In Francis' debut novel, it's evident that all the elements that readers have come to love and recognize are intricately woven into the fabric of his story. There's the stoic, intelligent, and inquisitive jockey, the unique fraternity of the horse racing community with its virtues and vices, the corrosive influence of greed, and the charming lady peripherally involved in this world, whose heart must be won. It's a captivating tale that sets the stage for Francis' remarkable body of work.

Steeplechase jockey Alan York is all too aware that the fall his dearest friend, Bill Davidson, suffered during the race was no ordinary accident. There was something deeply amiss. When his friend succumbs to his injuries, leaving behind a heartbroken widow, Alan resolves to unearth the truth behind the plot that led to the fall.

He discovers a conspiracy far more intricate and malevolent than he had ever suspected, and a villain willing to kill rather than face exposure.

Alan York, one of Dick Francis's most estimable heroes, combined with a charming love story, makes this book an absolute favorite of mine. I wholeheartedly recommend it to all those who enjoy thrilling mysteries and engaging characters.

The story keeps you on the edge of your seat from start to finish, with its twists and turns and the constant threat of danger. It's a must-read for any fan of the genre.

I made up my mind to search for all of the Dick Francis books. As I delved into it, I came to the realization that I had never truly read the very first one.

To my great delight, I managed to find it. And I have to say, I relished every moment of reading it.

I have a particular fondness for the way he portrays the jockeys conversing with one another during the race. It's truly remarkable.

I simply cannot fathom how one could form a thought, let alone construct a sentence, while striving to stay on the horse.

It adds such a unique and exciting element to the story. The vivid descriptions and the fast-paced action make it a truly engaging read.

I'm looking forward to exploring more of his works and experiencing the same level of enjoyment.

Second time around

This is my second encounter with Dick Francis' "Dead Cert". The previous time I delved into this captivating novel was approximately 30 years ago. Now, I find myself eager to explore his entire body of work once more. "Dead Cert" did not fail to disappoint. In fact, there were significant portions of the book that had completely slipped my memory. It was as if I was reuniting with long-lost old friends. The experience was truly most enjoyable. Reading it again allowed me to rediscover the intricate plot, the well-developed characters, and the thrilling atmosphere that Francis so masterfully creates. It served as a reminder of why I fell in love with his writing in the first place. I look forward to continuing this journey through his works and uncovering more hidden gems along the way.

Dead Cert is a thrilling novel that follows the journey of Alan York, an amateur jockey and part-time commodities trader.

Alan is determined to uncover the conspiracy that led to the death of his friend, Major Bill Davidson. The story is engaging and immersive, transporting readers back to the 1960s. In many ways, it feels like historical fiction, offering a fascinating glimpse into that era.

The pacing of the story is almost breakneck, with the inciting incident occurring within the first five pages. From there, the plot takes off and doesn't let up. However, it's important to note that the ending is dark and may not be to everyone's taste. If you prefer your mysteries to have a more upbeat or resolved ending, you might want to steer clear.

Alan is a well-developed character who provides an interesting insight into the world of "gentleman" jockeys during that time. He comes across as more of a Poirot-like detective than a bumbling amateur. The side characters, on the other hand, are a bit one-dimensional, and the antagonist isn't the most memorable villain.

Despite these flaws, the climax of the story is truly awesome and had my heart racing as I was trying to wind down for bed. Overall, I recommend giving Dick Francis a try to see if his style suits you. While I may not be eagerly anticipating reading more of his books, I'm no longer dreading it either.

Horse racing is indeed a thrilling yet perilous sport. However, it takes on a whole new level of tragedy when a champion horse meets its untimely demise. The idea of a magnificent creature, which has achieved great feats on the track, being suddenly killed is truly heart-wrenching.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D1RWb...

It's important to note that the film fails to build the same kind of suspense as the book did. The book was an absolute corker, keeping readers on the edge of their seats with every turn of the page. In contrast, the film seems to lack that crucial element that made the book so captivating.

Perhaps the filmmakers could have done more to capture the essence of the story and create a more engaging viewing experience. After all, a great story deserves to be told in the most compelling way possible.

Wealthy Rhodesian Alan York, who is also the narrator, enjoys riding in England for pleasure. However, his peaceful life takes a tragic turn when his best friend, family man Bill Davidson, ignores a warning to lose and attempts to secure a "dead certain" win on Admiral. Tragically, Bill dies from a wire across the last jump. Adding to the chaos, cheating Joe Nantwich is knifed.

Another of Alan's pals, the poor but honest and handsome Dane, engages in a romantic competition for novice owner hot Kate. Meanwhile, an angry whisper masterminds racetrack fraud and a protection racket carried out by Marconicar radio taxis. Blue Duck's new innkeeper Thomkins, a former soldier, is now organizing local resistance, which includes guard dogs. But the question remains: who is leaking secrets?

The typical Francis hero, with his pluck, physical and moral strength, endures a beating that results in cracked ribs and a collarbone (p223). He walks into the lion's mouth, a move that seems unbelievable to the narrator, despite his motives to shield the typically innocent female. The story features a subtle romance and humor, as seen when he refuses a sisterly kiss (p192), which is a refreshing change from the crude. Perhaps tough-guys are as outdated as using pennies for the phone (p330).

Alan knows the criminal from the start. The teasers, which vary in importance, effectively keep the reader on the edge of their seat at the end of each chapter. For example, "a lot of things became clear to me. But not enough" (p208). Eight-year-old Henry Davidson, the son of Bill, does not hold the answer in either his habit of overhearing phone calls (p237) or his betting slip collection. So why the wide-eyes? Stopping for lunch at the Blue Duck (p172) provides an early clue, but the mass countryside chase would have eventually revealed the involvement of the cabs.

(Spoilers:
Especially when expecting an attack, the narrator did not need to recognize a stolen custom tie to know that the pickup police were fake (p287). When Alan remembers who kicked him unconscious and takes revenge, the step outside the law is concerning. However, the reunited friendship with his romantic competitor is hopefully permanent.)