cdbellomy's review
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.25
katecqld2021's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Dick Francis was a champion jockey who used his knowledge of horses and racing to inform his well written books.
pennifer's review against another edition
5.0
Above average book by the author! Interesting plot twists. Someday I will take the time to actually understand betting odds.
pinkfluffygoat's review against another edition
3.0
My fisrt venture into a Dick Francis novel, and although I read throught it rather quickly it just didnt grip me. I found it easy too easy to put down, not my favourite crime / thriller writer by a long shot.
lande4981's review
adventurous
fast-paced
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
alarra's review
3.0
Alan, a steeplechase rider, has the horror of watching his friend Bill die right in front of him when his 'dead cert' winner of a horse falls at the last hurdle and lands on Bill. He then discovers that it wasn't the poor weather or an accident that kills Bill - but a deliberate act of sabotage. When he starts asking questions to find out who might've wanted to hurt Bill, he becomes entangled in a mess of crooked jockeys, a gang terrorising small businesses, and a taxi company - as well as in a competition to win the attention of a woman who might be involved, whether she wants to be or not.
In Francis' first novel it's completely possible to see all the elements that we love and recognise being woven into the DNA of his stories - the stoic, clever, inquisitive jockey; the fraternity of the horse racing community with its positives and negatives; the corruption of greed; the lovely lady tangentially involved in the world whose heart has to be won.
In Francis' first novel it's completely possible to see all the elements that we love and recognise being woven into the DNA of his stories - the stoic, clever, inquisitive jockey; the fraternity of the horse racing community with its positives and negatives; the corruption of greed; the lovely lady tangentially involved in the world whose heart has to be won.
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