Dick Francis is truly an outstanding writer.

From time to time, I find myself compelled to reread one of his works. I attempt to wait for a considerable period between readings because his stories are so vivid and memorable.

Take "Dead Cert" for example. It is more than half a century old, and in some ways, it does show its age.

Can you believe that a fleet of taxis directed by radio from a central location is described as a brilliant innovation in the book?

However, despite this minor quirk, the novel still manages to captivate readers with its terrific characters, nail-biting suspense, and the wonderful portrayal of the world of steeplechase horse racing in England.

Together, these elements combine to create a novel that is not only eagerly read the first time around but also holds up well on subsequent rereadings.

Dick Francis's writing truly stands the test of time.

Another interesting mystery involving horses is the phenomenon of horse whispering. Horse whisperers claim to have a special ability to communicate with horses on a deeper level, understanding their emotions and thoughts.

Some people believe that horse whispering is a form of telepathy, while others think it is based on the horse whisperer's敏锐的观察力 and understanding of horse behavior.

Despite the lack of scientific evidence to prove the existence of horse whispering, many horse owners swear by its effectiveness. They claim that after working with a horse whisperer, their horses become more calm, obedient, and trusting.

So, is horse whispering a real phenomenon or just a placebo effect? The answer remains a mystery, but one thing is for sure: horses continue to fascinate us with their beauty, strength, and mysterious ways.

I've only read one other book by Dick Francis. The story was enjoyable, yet I wasn't certain if I would be truly eager to read another one. I'm not sure whether it was the violence, the horse racing and gambling, or something else that didn't draw me in as other series have.

However, then I came across this book, which is the first one by Dick Francis. I thought I'd give it another shot. All of my previous complaints still stand, but I have to admit that he is skilled at writing an exciting and suspenseful story. I liked it and might read more by this author, but he's still not my favorite.

Despite my initial reservations, this book managed to capture my attention to some extent. The way Francis builds tension and keeps the reader on the edge of their seat is quite remarkable. Even though the elements that didn't appeal to me before are still present, the overall excitement of the story made it a worthwhile read.

I'm curious to see if his other books will have a similar effect on me. Maybe with each new book, I'll discover more aspects of his writing that I enjoy. For now, I'll keep an open mind and see where this literary journey takes me.

A reliable Dick Francis.

This is his first novel out of approximately 40. In it, he establishes what will become the outline of his recurring protagonist.

The protagonist is depicted as clever, always able to think on his feet and come up with solutions to difficult problems. He is also calm in the face of danger, never panicking or losing his composure.

Talented in his chosen field, he has the skills and expertise to handle any situation that comes his way.

However, he has a distant family, perhaps due to his busy lifestyle or personal issues.

Despite this, he finds himself with an insta-love interest, someone who catches his eye and captures his heart almost immediately.

Of course, there are also the bad bad guys, who pose a significant threat to the protagonist and those he cares about.

Physical danger abounds, as the protagonist must face off against these villains in order to protect himself and his loved ones.

But in the end, there is a satisfying resolution, with the protagonist emerging victorious and justice being served.

Overall, it's a delicious read that fans of Dick Francis are sure to enjoy.

First, a critique of Dick Francis the author. Then a review of his first book.

Dick Francis is truly a remarkable author. His intelligent writing and superb storytelling skills make his books a joy to read. He has a unique ability to set up a captivating mystery and maintain suspense throughout the entire story. The horse jump-racing culture that he explores in his books adds an extra layer of excitement and intrigue. Even when the main activity veers into other fields, it always remains tangentially involved with horse racing, creating a seamless and engaging narrative.

Each of his books features a different main character, which keeps the stories fresh and diverse. Out of the 30 books I've read, only 4 have had the same main character (2 each). The range of characters he creates is impressive, from a horse painter involved in a forgery case (In the Frame) to an insurance man (Risk), and even a story centered around the use of the old-fashioned humane killer (Bolt). The way he delves into various aspects of horse racing, such as jockeys' injuries (Bonecrack), breeding (Blood Sport), and cheating by jockeys, trainers, or owners (Enquiry), is both fascinating and educational.

Nearly every book contains detailed descriptions of English jump racing, including the courses from Cheltenham to Plumpton, jockeys' weighing rooms, and stable life. It's astonishing to learn about the vast number of people involved in the racing industry, from reporters and judges to pilots, stable hands, and veterinarians. The New York Times Book Review's comment that his work feels like a field trip with the perfect guide is spot-on. His descriptions are so vivid that they can inspire readers to visit the places he writes about, as was the case with me and his description of horses parading through the streets of Newmarket on a foggy morning.

Dead Cert, published in 1962, was his first book. I read it around 2007. As the story begins, jockey Alan York rides through the thick English fog, looking at the familiar sight of champion rider Bill Davidson on the great racehorse Admiral. But this race is different; before Admiral jumps the last fence, Bill Davidson will be dead. Alan knows that racing is a dangerous sport, but he's certain this wasn't an accident. Like his other books, Dead Cert rates 5 stars from me for its suspense and character development. It hooks you from the very beginning and keeps you on the edge of your seat until the very end.

I have a profound affection for each and every one of Dick Francis' books.

His works are masterpieces of literature, meticulously crafted with excellent writing skills.

The stories he weaves are always captivating and full of intrigue, keeping the readers on the edge of their seats from beginning to end.

Whether it's the thrilling plots, the well-developed characters, or the vivid descriptions of the settings, everything in his books combines to create an unforgettable reading experience.

I cannot recommend his books highly enough.

If you are a lover of good literature and enjoy a good mystery or adventure, then you simply must give Dick Francis' books a try.

You will not be disappointed.

My first encounter with a Dick Francis novel was an absolute delight, and I'm certain it won't be the last!

This particular book was an incredibly enjoyable and easily readable one. It had me completely engaged from start to finish, making it the perfect choice right before bedtime when I didn't have the mental focus for a more profound and weighty piece of literature.

I'll admit that I know almost nothing about horse racing, and quite frankly, I don't feel any pressing need to learn more. However, that didn't matter one bit. The main character was as sweet as a cinnamon roll, and the mystery at the heart of the story was sufficiently mysterious to keep me on the edge of my seat.

I had a pretty good hunch about who was behind it all, and as it turns out, I was right. But strangely enough, that didn't take away from my enjoyment of the book. After all, it's not as if the protagonist himself knew what genre he was operating in. It was a thoroughly entertaining read that I would highly recommend to anyone looking for a light and engaging mystery.

Dick Francis has an extraordinary talent for creating new characters with each new book he writes. This is no easy feat, as it requires a great deal of creativity and imagination.

One of the most marvelous secrets of his story telling lies in the way he reveals to the reader that his main character has figured out some crucial part of the puzzle, yet he doesn't disclose the answer to us. This leaves us feeling rather dumb in comparison, as we are unable to make the same deductions.

Anyway, "Dead Cert" was a highly enjoyable read. However, it did bring back memories of the days when typewriters were the norm, long before the advent of personal computers. This, in turn, made me feel quite old.

Despite this, the engaging plot and well-developed characters more than compensated for any feelings of nostalgia or age. Francis has a unique ability to draw the reader into his world and keep them hooked until the very end.

"Dead Cert" is a testament to his skill as a writer and is well worth reading for anyone who enjoys a good mystery.

This was Francis' first mystery novel. In 1962, it must've been like a bolt from the blue. At that time, before JFK's assassination, the Beatles, or security cameras at British racetracks, things were quite wild. Indeed, you could get assaulted during a race on a British steeplechase track without any witnesses. Just look at the 1947 Grand National. Well... you kind of can't, because a huge hunk of fog hit Aintree during the race. The most important horse race in the UK, and no one knows if the winner actually completed the course. It is known that 57 horses started, and only 19 finished.

I read my first Francis mystery around 1987. I've read quite a few, so this one seemed old hat. Still, it's a jolly good read. I was surprised that the hero of Francis' first mystery novel wasn't English, but Rhodesian. You may know the country better as Zimbabwe. It did not change its name until 1980.

I was three quarters of the way through this book when I realized I had seen the 1974 movie on Amazon Prime ages ago. However, the only two things I remembered from the film were: a young Dame Judi Dench going bra-less and the stellar performance of the steeplechaser Admiral played by Cornishman V, an eventing Olympic champion. The movie does not follow the book.

UNPUTDOWNABLE !!


It is an absolute certainty! I have a deep affection for these old Dick Francis books. The moment I read the first paragraph, I know without a doubt that I am completely hooked. The content within these pages is truly brilliant. It offers a thrilling experience that is remarkably similar to actually riding a horse oneself. It's as if you are right there in the midst of the action, feeling the excitement and anticipation.

The story unfolds in a way that keeps you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. Every twist and turn adds to the overall excitement. And when it finally reaches its conclusion, it does so with a great clean result. Nearly all the loose ends are neatly tied up, leaving you with a satisfying sigh. It's a reading experience that is both engaging and fulfilling, one that you won't soon forget.

These books have a charm and a magic all their own, and once you pick one up, you simply can't put it down. They are a testament to the talent and skill of Dick Francis as a writer, and they continue to captivate readers to this day.

One of the finest debut mystery novels of the 1960s, this work truly stands out.

I've noticed some relatively lower ratings, but to be honest, I believe it's because this might not be everyone's "cup of tea."

This novel has a unique charm that could easily translate into a modern film. It transcends the traditional boundaries of the mystery genre.

The best way to envision this book is to picture Agatha Christie and Elmore Leonard going to watch the movie "Lock, Stock & Two Smoking Barrels." The combination of Christie's classic mystery-solving and Leonard's gritty, fast-paced style creates a truly captivating reading experience.

Despite its initial release in the 1960s, the story remains relevant and engaging today, appealing to both new and seasoned mystery enthusiasts.

It's a must-read for those who appreciate a well-crafted mystery with a touch of something different.

I thought the book was an excellent read.

This book delved into the life of Alan York, the protagonist who was determined to find out the reasons behind the tragic murder of his close friend, Major Davidson, during a steeple chase. It vividly depicted his arduous journey, filled with numerous twists and turns as he gradually got closer to solving the mystery of why Davidson was killed.

I thoroughly enjoyed following Alan York's adventures, even though he often found himself in trouble with the wrong people, despite not having that intention. Kate, the owner of the horse that Alan rode, was the second most significant character in the book. She was highly unpredictable in the story, and so were her Aunt and Uncle. Their actions added unexpected elements to the plot, making the book both enjoyable and entertaining to read.

The book ended as I had predicted, although I had hoped for a different outcome. Nevertheless, it still made for a great murder mystery that I truly relished reading. I gave it a 3-star rating because it was a good book that I thoroughly enjoyed. It explored various locations and a different kind of culture that I was unfamiliar with, which added an extra layer of interest. I would highly recommend reading this book if you have a penchant for murder mysteries. It is indeed a great read.